Dental Implant Question After Uncovering?

When implants are uncovered, the gum tissue doesn't look natural.  A healing cap is placed to allow the gums to take proper shape, but this takes time.  I suggest 2 weeks, but 1 might work out OK.  Sounds like the process is going exactly as it should.

It does appear that everything is being done correctly. Healing can take some time, so 1-2 weeks is typical in this type of 2 stage procedure. Although, you are also correct, you probably do not want to let a large stretch of time pass before the remainder of the work is completed. Continue to follow your doctor’s protocol and contact them with any questions.  If they do not answer your questions the way you feel they should, I would obtain a second opinion. 

With the information you gave me the answer is yes and I suggest you see your restoring dentist sooner rather than later and perhaps they can place a longer healing cap to prevent tissue over growth... If this does occur its not a problem however you will just need to remove the excess tissue another injection and slight post op discomfort... Good Luck

 

 

Kevin Coughlin DMD, MBA, MAGD     CEO Baystate Dental PC

The specialist probably wants to make sure the gum tissues are healthy before proceeding. Even if there is some growth of the gum,use of a soft tissue laser makes it very easy to re-expose. I would recommend you call and get more information from your dental professionals, You should not be in a position of wondering what will happen. Ask them to explain in a fashion that makes sense to you. Good Luck! 

Your Dr performed what is termed a two stage procedure. The implant was placed below the gums and uncovered several months later. A healing cap was then placed so that the implant need not be re exposed (tissue removed).

The tissue is not completely healed at this stage and when your dentist place the posts, it is suggested to make temporary crowns in order to now allow the tissue to heal and form to allow the new teeth to appear to emerge from the gums. Once the tissue heals an impression can be taken and a new crown placed.

We prefer a one stage technique. We place the implant , and instead of covering the tissue we can place a healing cap at the same visit so that the tissue will form appropriately while the implant is integrating into the bone. Our favorite techniue is to do a small punch (when possible) and then place the implant through this small hole. No surgery or stiches is required, and we do not alter the gums. At the next visit we are then ready to take impressions or place a temporary tooth without doing a surgery. No healing time is involved in this technique at the second visit.

 

Sounds like everything is being done correctly regarding your implants.  The healing caps that you describe are usually very short and do not extend above the gum significantly.  As long as the healing caps stay in place it is very unlikely the tissue will regrow over the implants.

The process is fairly straight forward from this point:).  The surgeon placed the healing abutments, flat screws, on top of the implants to help contour the gums.  Once you return to your dentist s/he will remove the healing abutment (even if the gum grows over them slightly) and take an impression, then re-insert the healing abutments.  Gums will not close over the healing abutments, in the even that you have wicked gums, your dds will trim the gum a little.  A final prosthesis will be fabricated and a connection of the implant to the prosthesis called a final abutment will be made.  This will be screwed into the implants when the teeth are inserted.  Hoping this clarifies the process.