Dental implant surgeries are long and complicated procedures that require a great deal of healing afterwards. During the dental implant healing phase, you will notice that a small cap is placed on the top of the implant. This cap is called the abutment and it does assist you while the implant root bonds to the jaw bone. Keep reading to understand exactly what the abutment is and how it should be maintained after your surgery.

What Is An Abutment?

A dental implant abutment is a cap that is placed on the top of the implant root. This cap is small, round, and sits just above the gumline. The cap is a separate piece of the implant. It is made from titanium, just like the implant root itself, and it is screwed down into a tapered opening that sits on the top of the root. The abutment is removable, but it will remain secured on top of the root. 

The implant abutment has a few different functions. It keeps the top of the implant from being covered by the healing gum tissues. If this happens, then the artificial tooth cannot be secured on top of the root. The abutments also serves as the attachment point for your dental crown. In most cases, the crown is cemented to the abutment. The abutment is then strongly screwed down over the implant. This allows the crown to be removable as well if it needs to be replaced. 

How Can You Care For The Abutment?

Dental implant abutments must be thoroughly cleaned, especially during the initial healing process and before the dental crown is adhered. This helps to remove debris from the edge of the abutment where bacteria will gather and feed on food and plaque that are left behind. If you do not remove debris properly, then a gum infection can develop. The swelling of the gums can even loosen the abutment and cause it to fall out. A replacement will then be needed immediately before the gums grow over the root.

Cleaning the abutment can be accomplished with the tip of an angled toothbrush. The tip should be pressed against the edge of the abutment where it meets the gums. Use gentle but firm pressure with the brush and work it around the bottom of the cap.

Another good way to clean around the abutment is to use an interdental flosser tool or even a waterpik device. Both of these tools can reach debris stuck in the abutment lip that meets the top of the implant root. 

For more tips, contact a company like Marinak and Glossner, D.D.S., P.C.

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