Porcelain Abutments

After the dental implant has fully integrated into the jaw bone, an abutment (a post) needs to be placed so that an artificial crown can be put.  In the back areas of the mouth where the aesthetics is not a primary concern, metal abutments usually made of titanium can be used.  These titanium abutments are strong and bio-compatible.  However, in the front areas where aesthetics are very important, these titanium abutments can show through faintly with a dark hue.  The metal showing through the soft tissue (gum) is especially noticeable in people with thin and pale gums.

Porcelain or Zirconium abutments are usually placed in the front teeth areas to enhance the aesthetics of dental implant restorations.  These abutments are white and strong enough to withstand the biting pressure of the front area of the jaws.  Even in cases with thin gums, these white zirconium abutments will not darken the gum areas of the dental implant restored crowns.  I think it is worth to pay a little extra for these zirconium abutments when you are having a dental implant restored crown in the upper front area of your mouth.

Abutments like the one shown on the left are placed over dental implants and tightened.  Then a porcelain crown can be made to fit over the abutment.  Sometimes the abutment and crowns are made at the same time.