Dental Abutment
A dental implant is a dental prosthesis that works to replace one or more missing teeth. Implants can be used to support a full denture, a dental bridge, or a single tooth. Dental dental implant is made of three parts including the implant itself, and abutment, and a dental implant crown. The abutment is the connecting element between the fake tooth and the implant.
How are abutments placed?
When your oral surgeon or periodontist places your implants, a healing abutment, also called a healing cap, is placed over the implant to protect the area while it heals and integrates with your jaw bone. Your doctor may need to remove overgrown gum tissue to reveal the implant before your dentist can place the permanent abutment and implant crown. While the healing cap is in place, your doctor will likely advise that you take care when eating and try to stick to softer foods. They will also show you how to clean around the apartment to avoid infection and promote healing.
If you experience any of the following, you need to see your doctor as soon as possible:
- A loose healing cap
- Pain in the jaw or sinuses
- Fever
- Bleeding that will not stop
How are implant crowns placed?
Healing time for your implant to fully integrate into your job bone can take up to six months. Once your oral surgeon determines that the implant is ready for restoration, your dentist will take over.
The first visit to your dentist will simply be for impressions to make a model for the dental lab so they can make a custom abutment and dental crown fabricated just for you!
After your abutment and implant crown are made, your dentist will have you back to try it in. If more than one tooth is being replaced, your fitting may take a couple of visits to make sure that it is perfect. If it fits perfectly on the first try, your dentist will go ahead and secure it permanently in place. They will then ensure that your bite is perfect and everything fits together as best it can.
Now that you have your permanent dental restoration, you can go on about your regular routine and dietary habits. It is important to maintain very good oral hygiene to ensure the health and longevity of your dental implant. If you experience any pain in your jaw, make sure you call your dentist as soon as possible to avoid infection or damage to the implant. You will also need to see your dentist if your implant becomes loose or chips or even fractures.