Abutment

The abutment is the component that connects the titanium implant fixture (in the bone) to the visible crown above the gum. It acts as a post or pillar onto which the crown is cemented or screwed.

Types

• Stock abutments: Pre-manufactured in standard shapes and angles. Cost-effective and used for straightforward cases.
• Custom abutments: Milled to match the exact emergence angle, gum shape, and aesthetic requirements. Preferred for front teeth.
• Angled abutments: Allow a crown to be placed at a different angle to the implant — useful where bone anatomy required the implant to be placed at an angle.

Materials

Abutments are made from titanium, zirconia, or titanium with a zirconia coating. Zirconia is preferred for front teeth where thin gum tissue could otherwise reveal a metallic shadow.

Healing abutment

A healing abutment (or gingival former) is a temporary component placed after implant surgery to shape the gum tissue before the final restoration. It looks like a small button or cap sitting above the gum line.