What is Healing Cap in Implants?

A dental implant procedure is a complex dental treatment. While it mimics your natural tooth and lives for a lifetime with proper care – dental implants are a combination of procedures. In this blog, we will learn about healing caps. But before that, let’s briefly discuss the anatomy of dental implants.

Where Are Healing Caps Exactly Located?

Implant is a post placed within your jawbone. It mimics the function of your tooth root. The implant is placed underneath the gum which is why it is not visible above.

Onto the implant, the abutment goes over. An abutment serves as a bridge between the implant and crown. Once you have served the timeline in between, the crown will be placed on top. This part is visible above the gum line. The crown looks like our natural tooth.

In some cases, dental specialists place a temporary abutment on the implant post. This is known as a healing cap. It is sometimes referred to as a gingival former. A healing cap is made up of titanium and aids the healing of the tissue around the treatment site.

Functions Of Healing Cap

A healing cap protects the implant from plaque formation and debris. As a gum regenerative tool, healing caps also help in integration of the implant with the jawbone.

Once the implant is placed beneath the gum, a healing cap is set right the gum line. The primary function of healing caps is to guide the gum tissue to heal in a shape that will seamlessly accommodate the final prosthetic tooth.

How Is Healing Cap Placed

The placing of a healing cap is guided under local anesthesia. The oral surgeon will make an incision into the gum tissue. Once the implant site is seen, healing abutment is screwed onto it.

The gum tissue is placed back around the abutment – leaving the top exposed. This allows the gum tissue to heal in the shape of your natural anatomy.

Is It Okay To Chew On Healing Abutments?

During your implant procedure, your dentist will ask you to follow pre-set guidelines. In lieu of the instructions, avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the treatment site. It is recommended against eating anything after the placement of healing abutments.

Potential Challenges and Complications

A healing cap is an important step in the overall implant treatment. Patients may experience common issues during healing such as minor discomfort, sensitivity or even gum irritation.

These issues are temporary and effects should subside over a few days. Overall, healing caps are effective but there are chances of infections too. Another potential complication and threat can be healing cap displacement. This means your cap moves out of position due to chewing or improper installation.

It is important to note any persistent signs of discomfort, pain or bleeding. In cases like these, consult your dentist immediately. Prompt intervention can assure a successful outcome of your dental implant preventing any further complications.

Overall Summary

Healing caps are often referred to as abutments. They provide a transitory support between the implant post and prosthetic tooth. They typically serve the purpose of protecting the gums surrounding the implant.

Healing caps are safe and effective. However, there are chances of infection or displacement. If you are looking to kick start on your dental implant journey - Get Implant can provide comprehensive care and personalized treatment options. Call us at (713) 296-0329 for further information.