An abutment is the connecting part located between a dental implant and the prosthesis on top of it. A dental implant system is made up of three parts: the implant, placed in the bone, replaces the root of the missing tooth; the prosthesis on top (a crown, bridge or removable prosthesis) replaces the visible tooth part; and the abutment connects these two together. The abutment is fixed into the implant with a screw, and the prosthesis is seated on top of it. By material (titanium, zirconia, hybrid), method of fabrication (stock or custom), shape (straight or angled) and function (healing abutment or final abutment), there are several types of abutment. None of these types is “best” for everyone; which one is chosen is a clinical decision made by the dentist, based on gum height, the position of the implant, aesthetic expectations and the type of prosthesis. Below we explain, even-handedly, what an abutment is, its types, and the factors that decide the choice.
What is an abutment?
The abutment is one of the three main parts of a dental implant system, and most often it is not visible to the patient, because it sits under the prosthesis, at the level of the gum. The first part is the dental implant itself, placed into the jaw bone and replacing the root of the missing tooth. The second part is the abutment, which acts as the link between the implant and the prosthesis; it is fixed with a screw into the socket inside the implant and protrudes a little above the gum. The third part is the prosthesis seated on the abutment — that is, the visible artificial tooth, bridge or removable prosthesis. So without the abutment the prosthesis cannot be attached to the implant directly; it is the support point of the system.
- A dental implant is the part placed into the jaw bone that replaces the root of the missing tooth.
- The abutment is the intermediate part that connects the implant and the prosthesis; it is fixed into the implant with a screw.
- The prosthesis is the visible artificial tooth, bridge or removable restoration seated on the abutment.
- The abutment usually stays under the gum and is not directly visible in everyday life.
Types of abutment (by material)
Abutments differ first of all by the material they are made of. The table below simply presents the main materials. The point of the table is not to show any material as the “best” — each material is suitable in a certain situation, and the dentist makes the choice according to the clinical and aesthetic situation.
| Material | Characteristic | When it is chosen |
|---|---|---|
| Titanium | A strong, well-studied and most widely used material. | In most cases, especially on back (non-visible) teeth, it is the standard choice. |
| Zirconia (ceramic) | Being white in colour, it may not show a grey metallic tint when the gum is thin. | In the aesthetic zone (front teeth) and with a thin gum it may be preferred. |
| Hybrid (titanium-base) | Joins a lower titanium connecting part with an upper zirconia/ceramic part. | When both a strong titanium connection and the aesthetics of ceramic are wanted together. |
| Gold (gold alloy) | Widely used in the past; today it is applied less often. | In particular cases; in modern practice titanium and zirconia are chosen more often. |
Stock and custom, straight and angled abutments
Besides the material, abutments also differ by the method of fabrication and by shape. These differences affect how the prosthesis seats and the aesthetics; which of them is chosen is decided by the clinical situation.
- Stock (prefabricated) abutment: a pre-manufactured abutment of a standard size. It suits many ordinary cases and can be applied relatively quickly.
- Custom abutment: made individually to fit the patient’s mouth, often using a digital impression and CAD/CAM technology. When the shape of the gum or the position of the implant is non-standard, it can improve the seating of the prosthesis.
- Straight and angled abutment: if the implant is not seated strictly vertically, an angled abutment allows the direction of the prosthesis to be corrected; if the implant is in the right direction, a straight abutment is enough.
Healing abutment and final abutment
By function, abutments are also divided into two groups, and patients often confuse the two. After the implant is placed, you may see a small cap in your mouth — this is usually not the final abutment.
- Healing abutment (gingiva former): a cap fitted temporarily so that the gum forms correctly while the implant fuses with the bone. It does not carry the prosthesis and is removed later.
- Final abutment: fitted at the end of treatment, and the permanent prosthesis is seated on it. The visible artificial tooth is built precisely on this.
- In other words, the first part you see on the implant is most often the healing abutment; the permanent prosthesis is then made on the final abutment after the gum has healed.
Which abutment is chosen, and what to expect?
Which abutment is suitable is decided by several factors: the height and thickness of the gum, the position and direction of the implant, whether it is in the aesthetic zone, the type of prosthesis and whether it will be attached in a screw-retained or a cement-retained way. The abutment is chosen on an individual plan, and no type guarantees a particular outcome. For the longevity of the abutment and the prosthesis, proper hygiene — daily cleaning, interdental brushes and regular check-ups with the dentist — matters. It is perfectly normal to discuss with your dentist which abutment has been chosen in your case and how the prosthesis will be attached.
To find out which abutment and type of prosthesis are suitable in your case, contact Dr. Bakhtiyar Aliyev in Baku.
This article is for general information only and does not replace individual medical advice or examination. Consultation with a dentist is recommended for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.