Dental Abutment
Dentists often recommend the use of dental implants for patients who are missing one or more teeth. A dental implant a special device which acts as an artificial root for the prosthetic tooth. The jawbone fuses to the implant and provides the prosthesis or artificial tooth with a strong and secure platform. An abutment is the connecting piece which attaches the prosthesis to the individual implant. Patients often require an abutment in addition to the prosthesis for their implant treatment.
Abutments
A healing abutment, which may also be called a healing cuffs or caps, aids the gum tissue in properly heal around the implant. Once the gum has fully healed, the final abutment is placed in order for the prosthesis to be connected with the implant. An abutment can be placed in the same appoint when the implant is placed, which is called 1-stage surgery. The abutment can also be placed during a second surgery which occurs after the implant is placed, which is called 2-stage surgery.
Abutment Placement
- Implant exposure: In cases where a second surgery is used to place the abutment, a small incision is made in the gum tissue at the implant site
- Healing abutment placement: For most patients, a temporary healing abutment is attached to the implant
- Final abutment placement: Once the gums have fully healed, the final abutment is placed. This occurs after an impression of the implant is taken for the prosthesis.
For most patients, it typically takes about four to six weeks for the gums to completely heal around the abutment. While the gums are healing, it is especially important to follow any restrictions or guidelines for the types of foods you can eat and pay attention to what should be avoided. Instructions will also be provided regarding how to properly clean around the abutment. Correct cleaning is critical as it helps to prevent infection and also aids in promoting healing.
Following the placement of the abutment, contact your dentist or surgeon if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Continuous bleeding
- Fever over 100.4ºF
- Pain in the jaws, mouth, or sinuses which does not improve with medication
- Loose or wiggly abutment
Prosthesis
Once the gums have completely healed around the abutments, the dentist will start to create the permanent prosthesis. In order to obtain a precise model of your mouth, several visits may be required. It can take a few weeks or months in order to create the customized prosthesis.
To ensure the prosthesis fits perfectly, the dentist will obtain precise molds or impressions of the jaws, teeth, and abutments. Bite registrations are also created to capture how the teeth should fit together. These molds are used to create a replica model of the mouth and ultimately create the new prosthesis.
Once the prosthesis is complete, several fittings will take place to ensure it fits properly and feels comfortable inside the mouth. This process may take a bit longer when a fixed prosthesis is used. Once the necessary adjustments are complete, the prosthesis is then attached to the abutment. Patients should avoid eating hard and crunchy foods for at least a few weeks following the attachment of the prosthesis.
Follow up with your dentist after the prosthesis is attached if you experience any of the following issues:
- Jaw pain
- Bite issues
- Loose or broken prosthesis, implant or abutment
- Implants or abutments which feel loose