What Is a Dental Abutment?

Multiple parts of the dental implant procedure will result in you getting a new tooth. Many people think of the implant as the crux of the procedure, and it often is. However, other parts of the procedure are also important. The abutment is a crucial part of the process, and it is necessary to connect the new tooth. Your surgeon will determine the best course of action to result in successful surgery and your new teeth.

When you get a dental implant, the surgeon is putting an artificial root for a tooth in your mouth. Then, they would attach an artificial tooth on top of the root. The surgeon must connect the root to the artificial tooth. They do that through the use of an abutment. At some point during or after the implant procedure, the surgeon must place the abutment in the patient’s mouth. The surgeon may do this during the initial implant procedure, or they may wait to install the abutment during a follow-up appointment.

The Surgeon May Attach the Abutment at Different Times

The surgeon could connect the permanent abutment during the initial procedure, or they may install a healing abutment if the root is not ready for the permanent artificial tooth. This temporary abutment would act as a cap while the bone heals to the point where it can fully support the implant and the tooth. At that point, the surgeon would connect the permanent abutment, and then they would implant the artificial tooth.

The Abutment Is a Crucial Part of the Implant Procedure

Attaching the abutment is not as complex as the implant itself. The surgeon would cut a small hole in the gum to expose the implant. Then, they would attach the abutment before attaching the artificial tooth. This procedure is slightly less complex than the implant, and the surgeon may opt to do all three of these at one time. Everything depends on the health of your bone and gum and whether you need additional healing time.

As for the abutment itself, it can be made of various materials. Some abutments are made of titanium, stainless steel, zirconia, gold, or polyether ether ketone. The surgeon would choose the material based on what they believe to be the most effective solution for your particular mouth.

It May Take Some Time for the Healing Process

If your surgeon implants the abutment in a separate procedure before they implant the tooth, it may take several weeks for the area to heal. You need to follow your surgeon’s directions and only eat the specified foods. The abutment is a crucial part of your artificial tooth, and the success of its implantation could determine whether you have a successful implant and artificial tooth procedure.

Contact Our South Jersey Oral Surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons for Questions About Dental Implants

Our South Jersey oral surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons can help determine the right process and procedure for you as you seek a new smile. Call us today at 856-582-4222 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We have offices in Washington Township, Haddonfield, and Woolwich Township, New Jersey and serve patients throughout South Jersey.

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