A healing cap is placed over a dental implant to support the healing process of the surrounding tissues. This cap is also sometimes referred to as a “healing abutment.” It is a temporary structure that will remain in place during the osseointegration phase of dental implant placement.
Not all dental implant patients will receive a healing cap. Talk to your dental implants surgeon to find out if it could be an appropriate option for you, and learn about the advantages and drawbacks.
What Is a Healing Cap for a Dental Implant, Exactly?
To understand what a healing cap is and what its purpose is, it can be helpful to know a bit more about the overall anatomy of a dental implant. It has multiple components.
The implant itself is a post that your oral surgeon will place within the jawbone. No part of the implant post will be visible above the gum line. The implant post mimics the form and function of a natural tooth’s root.
The implant post is topped with an abutment, to which the crown can be affixed. The abutment serves as a bridge between the post and crown, and once the process is completed, the crown will be the only visible part above the gum line. The crown looks just like a natural tooth.
In some cases, dental implant surgeons will initially place a temporary abutment on the implant post. This temporary abutment is the healing cap. Like the implant post, the healing abutment is made of biocompatible materials, such as titanium.
Later, the healing abutment will be removed. The surgeon will place the prosthetic abutment, and top it off with the crown to complete the process.
Why Do Dental Implants Surgeons Use Healing Caps?
Compared to the implant post, the healing cap has a slightly larger width in order to preserve space in your gums for the eventual placement of the crown.
The healing cap functions by promoting the healing of soft tissue around the implant post. It also protects the implant post from accumulations of plaque and other debris
The healing cap does its work during the osseointegration phase of a dental implant procedure. After the initial surgery (when the surgeon places the implant post and the healing cap), the area will be left alone to allow the gum tissue to heal.
During this time, the underlying bone will also begin the process of regenerating and fusing to the implant post to form a sturdy anchor. This is known as osseointegration.
Once osseointegration is complete, you’ll return to the oral surgery office for the final stage of your treatment. The surgeon will remove the healing abutment, place a permanent abutment, and top it off with the crown.
Thinking About Dental Implants? Restore Your Smile in PA Today!
Achieving the health and self-confidence of our patients is our mission here at Innovative Oral Surgery & Dental Implants. If you’re considering dental implants and live near Bucks or Montgomery County, PA, you’ll appreciate the excellent care you’ll receive at our practice.
We pride ourselves on building trust with our patients through transparency, compassion, and clinical excellence. Your comfort, health, and safety are our top priorities.
Contact our office to request a consultation with one of our highly experienced oral surgeons and find out how dental implants can restore your beautiful smile.