The healing abutment, also known as healing screw or healing cap. After implant placement, patients may notice a small metallic "cap" at the implant site when looking in the mirror. This small component attached to the implant is the healing cap.
The root of a natural tooth is embedded in the alveolar bone, while the crown penetrates the gingiva and is exposed in the oral cavity. To replicate this physiological structure of natural teeth, the crown of a dental implant must also emerge through the gingiva into the oral cavity to perform masticatory functions. Therefore, a healing cap is placed immediately after implant insertion to prepare the gingival passage for the final crown.However, not all patients can see the healing cap inside their mouth. Based on surgical planning, individual conditions and implant sites, dentists may fully submerge the implant beneath the gingiva without placing a healing cap to ensure optimal treatment outcomes. There is no need for concern if you cannot find the healing cap. Several months later when the crown is to be fitted, a minor surgical procedure will be performed to create a personalized gingival access, which will not compromise the final treatment result.
If your healing cap falls off, please visit the clinic as soon as possible for reattachment. Some patients may experience detachment of the metallic healing cap weeks or months after surgery. There is no need to panic, as the healing cap merely serves to form a passage for the dental crown to penetrate the gingiva. Once it comes off, the original space will be covered by newly grown gingiva within a few days. To preserve the gingival passage, seek prompt medical attention for reinstallation. If you fail to attend a follow-up in time and the original opening has been covered by new gingival tissue, a small gingival incision will be made to replace the healing cap during your visit.
