What Is a Healing Cap for a Dental Implant?

A healing cap, also known as a healing abutment, is placed over a dental implant to help the surrounding tissues heal. This temporary cap stays in place during the osseointegration phase, which is when the implant fuses with the jawbone. This process takes on average 3 months.

Not everyone who gets a dental implant will need a healing cap. It’s best to discuss this with your dental surgeon (Topeka Oral Surgery )to see if it’s right for you and to understand its benefits and any potential downsides versus closing the tissue over the implant.

Understanding the Healing Cap

To grasp what a healing cap does, it helps to know how a dental implant is structured. An implant consists of several parts:

The Implant Screw

This is a small screw inserted into the jawbone, mimicking the root of a natural tooth. It remains hidden beneath the gums.

The Abutment:

This part sits on top of the implant post and connects it to the crown (the visible part that looks like a tooth).

Why Use Healing Caps?

The healing cap is slightly wider than the implant post to create space in the gums for the future crown. It helps the soft tissue heal around the implant and keeps the implant post safe from plaque and debris.

After the initial surgery—when the implant post and healing cap are placed—the area is left undisturbed to allow for healing. During this time the bone starts to regenerate and bond with the implant post, a process known as osseointegration.

Once this process is complete, you’ll return to the office for the final steps. We will check the healing cap to ensure the tissue is healing well and then have you see your dentist the same day to begin the crown fabrication.

Missing a Tooth and Want to Restore Your Smile?

At Topeka Oral Surgery, our goal is to help our patients regain their health and confidence. If you’re considering dental implants and are in the Topeka Kansas area, we are here to provide you with exceptional care.

We focus on building trust, being transparent, and showing compassion. Your safety is our top priority.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled oral surgeons at Topeka Oral Surgery and learn how dental implants can help you replace a missing tooth.

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