After the implant screws or posts are inserted and fastened into the jaw, you are given time for osseointegration. It is a process that takes about 4 to 6 months, during which the bone grows over the titanium or zirconia implant posts to become one component. Osseointegration is crucial for the successful placement and function of dental implants.
When the bone grows around the metal posts, healing caps for implants may be placed to help shape and contour the gum tissue to prepare it for the final step of receiving the dental crown. The healing caps are also helpful in preventing plaque and debris from forming around the implant. Even so, not all patients may require healing caps or healing abutments.
How Healing Caps for Dental Implants Work
Dentists utilize healing caps whenever there is a need to have a framework for gum tissue to heal around as it gets prepared for receiving the final restoration or dental crown. There are numerous ways in which healing caps for implants work to get the dental implants placed successfully.
First, healing caps serve as a shield for the gums to help prevent infections and other issues. The caps protect dental implants from contamination at the time of healing.
Second, healing abutments secure the space for crowns that are yet to be placed after the healing of the implant surgery. Therefore, they can eliminate the possibility of having pressure created as other teeth try to exert constant forceful pressure on your implant screw. As such, these healing caps reduce pain and the danger of implant failure.
Third, healing abutments for implants also help provide a realistic tooth replacement because they keep the growth of gum tissue in check. They help guide the gumline to grow in the right place.
Healing abutments are crucial for preventing implant failure and ensuring natural-looking replacement teeth with properly contoured gum tissue and gumlines. Also, remember that gums growing over a healing abutment is normal.
Healing Abutment vs. Cover Screw
When a dentist inserts implant screws into the jaw, cover screws or healing abutments are used. A cover screw is flat-headed and penetrates deep inside the gums. A healing cap or abutment is a small connector piece affixed to an implant.
If a cover screw has been used, a patient will have it removed after the bone has bonded with the implant and healed. A dentist cuts open the gums, removes the cover screw, and places a healing cap or abutment. Sometimes, a healing cap may be placed immediately after the implant surgery.
FAQ About Healing Caps for Implants
- Is a Healing Cap the Same as a Healing Abutment?
“Healing caps” and “healing abutments” are used interchangeably to mean small pieces of metal fitted on top of dental implants. They help promote hard and soft tissue healing around the implant. They also protect the implants from debris and plaque accumulation. - How Long Can a Healing Cap Stay On An Implant?
If a dentist places the healing abutment immediately after the implant surgery, the cap will stay there until the bone completely fuses with the metal implant post, which may take around four to six months. - How do you Clean Dental Implant Healing Abutments?
Use a small interspace toothbrush dipped in antibacterial mouthwash to clean the dental implant healing abutment. Toothpaste can also work well. Make sure you are firm with the brush so that you push the bristle between the gum tissue and the metal cap. - Can you Eat with Healing Caps?
Chewing and biting create a force directly from the healing cap to your new implant. Eat soft foods that don’t require heavy chewing. Once you resume your normal diet, avoid chewing in the area of the healing abutment. - What happens if My Implant Healing Cap Comes Off?
See a dentist to have the healing abatement tightened. If it’s around the time for crown placement, a dentist may advise you to come in a day or so before your crown appointment. A little laser-cut procedure may be done to move the soft tissue and make space for your crown.
Visit Premium Dental to meet our implant placement dentist in Irvine, CA, who will evaluate for dental implant placement and walk you through the process.