Placement of the abutment

Upon the completion of osseointegration, more surgery is needed to place the abutment, which is what the crown or artificial tooth will eventually be attached to. To secure the abutment, your gum is opened again to expose the implant, and the abutment is attached directly on the dental implant. This surgery is not as invasive as the first surgery and is often done with local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Upom the abutment being placed and secured, your gums are then closed to surround, but not cover, the abutment.

It is possible for the abutment to be attached to the dental implant cylinder during the same surgery in which the cylinder is implanted, avoiding a second surgery. However, because the abutment rises above the gumline, it may be seen when you open your mouth for the six months in which to wait to have your permanent crown placed. Because of this, some patients prefer to have the abutment placed in a separate surgery.