Abutment and Placement

What Is a Dental Implant Abutment?

A dental implant abutment is the connector between the implant and the replacement tooth (crown). Abutments are typically made of biocompatible materials such as titanium, ceramics, gold, or zirconia. Dental abutments act as the foundation for the crown to sit on, allowing the entire dental implant to mimic the natural look of a tooth's function and appearance.

If you are getting a custom-made implant abutment, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth to have one that fits your mouth.

Placement of Abutments

Abutments can be placed at the same time as your implant posts, but they typically are attached after the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, also known as osseointegration. It's crucial to wait until osseointegration occurs because the abutment only works with a stable implant.

Your dentist follows a certain process to ensure the abutment gets placed correctly and safely. After your implant has been installed and healed, the abutment and placement procedure can happen.

To place the abutment, your dentist completes the following:

1. Exposes the Implant

Before your dentist can place the abutment, they must expose the implant that was previously placed. The abutment goes into the implant post, so accessing it is crucial. Your dentist or oral surgeon will numb your gums and make a small incision in the gum tissue to reveal the top of the implant.

2. Attaches the Abutment

With the top of the dental implant exposed, the dentist then attaches the abutment to the implant using a small screw or dental cement. Once the abutment is on, the implant will have a stable connection for the restoration.

3. Sutures the Gums

After adding the abutment, your dentist will suture the surrounding gum tissue. The sutures aid in the healing process as your gums adapt to the abutment's presence.

Once the gum tissue surrounding the abutment fully heals, your dentist can place the crown.

How to Heal an Abutment After Implants

Follow your dentist's instructions for maintaining appropriate oral hygiene and an adequate diet to ensure a smooth healing process. Allowing your gums to heal around your implant abutment is crucial for maintaining a strong, functional implant.

Continue practicing good hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. You should also avoid eating any hard or crunchy foods, so the implant and abutment remain intact. If you are experiencing any pain, over-the-counter pain medicine can help relieve it.

Implant Dentistry – Abutment and Placement at Copperhead Dental Care

Our team at Copperhead Dental Care will make sure you receive a high-quality abutment placement for your dental implants. When you visit us in Parker we ensure you receive friendly, compassionate care during each stage, from consultation to surgery and recovery. Learn more about our dental abutment and placement treatment in Parker when you call us at (720) 767-1331 and schedule a consultation with us today!