If you are interested in a dental implant, then you should know that these devices are actually multi-piece constructions. The two main parts include the implant root and the crown. A device called an abutment is also an essential piece that requires care during implantation. Find out more about the small piece and what kinds of things you should do to ensure it remains stable and secure.

What Is An Abutment?

An abutment is a titanium metal part that connects to the top portion of your dental implant root. While the main root device sits flush with your jaw bone, the abutment extends into the mouth a small amount. This allows for the attachment of your new tooth. This kind of abutment is referred to as the final abutment, and there are a number of different additional metal attachments used before this final one can be secured. The main one is called the healing abutment.

The healing abutment may also be called the healing cuff or cap. And, the metal piece is just that, a cap, that helps to seal off the top of the implant in a way that protects it. The cap keeps bacteria from entering the threaded top of the implant and it also keeps food from gathering. The abutment cap also keeps healing gum tissues from encapsulating the top of the implant root. This is important so the crown can be secured once the full healing process is over.

Do You Need To Take Care Of The Abutment?

You do need to care for your abutment so your overall implant can be successful. The healing cuff must be inspected daily. Place a small bit of pressure on the cap to make sure it does not wiggle or turn. If it does, speak with your implant professional as soon as possible so it can be tightened. This will prevent the cap from freeing in a way that you may swallow it. 

Cleaning is also something you need to do with attention paid around the very perimeter of the cap. Brush the cap with your soft toothbrush like you would your other teeth and gently massage the gums surrounding it to encourage good blood flow and oxygenation. You may see a small amount of bleeding when you do this. Just make sure that you are not placing so much pressure on the gums that you are causing pain. 

Also, you should spray a gentle stream of water around the cap with a water flosser. This can free bacteria and debris that may have been missed with your toothbrush. 

Speak with your dentist to find out more about how you can care for your new implant and the attached abutment device. 

For more information, reach out to someone like Kyle J Frisinger DMD.