Healing Abutment vs Cover Screw - What is the Difference?
Posted on 2/15/2025 by Bellevue Office
When you get a dental implant, it's like building a new house. The implant itself is the foundation, but you need more than just a foundation to make a complete home. That's where healing abutments and cover screws come in. They're both important pieces of the dental implant puzzle, but they serve different purposes.
What is a dental implant?
Let's take a step back for a moment. A dental implant is a small, titanium post that is surgically placed into your jawbone to replace a missing tooth. Once the implant has healed, a crown (artificial tooth) is attached to the top of the implant, giving you a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
What is a healing abutment?
A healing abutment is a temporary restoration that is placed on top of the dental implant after it has been surgically placed. It helps to shape the gum tissue around the implant and create a healthy environment for the crown to be placed. Healing abutments come in different shapes and sizes, and your dentist will choose the one that is right for you.
What is a cover screw?
A cover screw is a small screw that is placed on top of the dental implant to protect it while it is healing. It is important to keep the implant covered during the healing process to prevent bacteria from entering the bone and causing an infection. Cover screws are typically made of titanium or other biocompatible materials.
Healing Abutment vs Cover Screw: Key Differences
So, what's the difference between a healing abutment and a cover screw? The main difference is their purpose. A healing abutment helps to shape the gum tissue around the implant, while a cover screw protects the implant during the healing process.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences between healing abutments and cover screws:
| Feature | Healing Abutment | Cover Screw |
|- -|- -|- -|
| Purpose | Shape gum tissue | Protect implant |
| Material | Usually titanium | Usually titanium |
| Placement | After implant placement | After implant placement |
| Removal | Before crown placement | Before crown placement |
When are healing abutments and cover screws used?
Healing abutments are typically used for two to three months after the implant has been placed. During this time, the bone and gum tissue around the implant will heal and integrate with the implant. Once the healing process is complete, the healing abutment is removed and the crown is placed.
Cover screws are typically used for a shorter period of time, usually one to two weeks. Once the gum tissue has healed around the implant, the cover screw is removed and the healing abutment is placed.
Which one is right for you?
The type of restoration that is right for you will depend on your individual needs and the specific details of your dental implant case. Your dentist will discuss the different options with you and help you choose the best option for your situation.
Conclusion
Healing abutments and cover screws are both important parts of the dental implant process. They help to ensure that your implant heals properly and that you have a beautiful, natural-looking smile. If you have any questions about healing abutments or cover screws, please talk to your dentist.
Dentist Bellevue • About Cooley Smiles Bellevue For over 35 years, we've built a reputation for delivering quality general and cosmetic dental services available. Call or schedule an appointment today! Cooley Smiles, 4100 Factoria Blvd SE, Suite C, Bellevue, WA 98006-1262 / (425) 998-6998 / cooleysmiles.com / 3/18/2025 / Related Phrases: dental office, dental office in bellevue wa, dental clinic
When you get a dental implant, it's like building a new house. The implant itself is the foundation, but you need more than just a foundation to make a complete home. That's where healing abutments and cover screws come in. They're both important pieces of the dental implant puzzle, but they serve different purposes.
