Dental Abutment
The primary purpose of a dental abutment is to attach a crown, or prosthetic tooth, to a dental implant. The dental implant is surgically attached into the jawbone and supports the dental crown, which is the replacement tooth that is visible above the gumline and that looks just like a natural tooth. Crowns are sometimes commonly referred to as caps. Dental abutments are most often made of titanium, which is the same material that is usually used for dental implants themselves. They may also be made of gold, or of zirconia. Zirconia is becoming a more common material, replacing porcelain or ceramic when trying to match the color and translucence of the natural teeth. These abutments connect the dental implant to the dental crown or other dental restoration. In addition to serving as a connection between the implant and the crown, a dental abutment can help maintain the healthy and attractive shape of the gums around a dental restoration. Different materials may be used for dental abutments, depending on the varying needs for strength and attractive appearance, and your dentist will work with you to determine the best possible materials to use for your dental restoration.
Abutments may also be used to encourage and support the regeneration of gum tissue. These specialized abutments are known as “healing cuffs” and may be fitted over dental implants to encourage gum tissue to regenerate in an appropriate shape and size for eventual crown placement. These healing cuffs can eliminate the need for a second surgery; without them, once the implant heals, the dentist must remove healed gum tissue to make room for a crown placement, while this step can be eliminated with the use of healing abutments. Healing abutments, which are larger in area than the implants, are attached to the end of the implant that protrudes above the jawbone, following the placement of the implant, and encourage the gums to heal in a size and shape that can accommodate the future crown. Once the implant has fully integrated into the jawbone and the site has sufficiently healed, the healing cuff is removed and a crown is placed onto the implant. Then, if necessary, the gums will be sculpted into place surrounding the crown. Some people don’t prefer healing abutments because they protrude above the gumline while the implant heals into the jawbone. Because they eliminate the need for multiple surgeries, however, healing abutments may be preferable in the long run. Healing abutments can be custom made to perfectly match the patient’s gum shape, helping the patient’s smile look natural and seamless. When healing cuffs are not used, the dentist must make an incision into healed gum tissue to place the crown, which will then necessitate a longer healing process.
Crowns may be attached to abutments with cement, or they may be screwed directly onto the abutment, depending on the type of abutment and crown that is used. Each type has its own pros and cons and should be discussed with your dental health professional. If you have had dental implants and abutments placed, be sure to contact your dentist if you have persistent bleeding at the site of the implant or implants; persistent pain in the jaws, mouth, or sinuses; a fever; or if an abutment feels like it may have come loose. Barring any complications, once the abutment has been successfully placed, your dentist will attach your prosthesis, ensuring a custom fit that is adjusted to your mouth, restoring the function and appearance of your smile.