When is it used?
According to the one- or two-stage approach.
← All explanationsHealing abutment
What is the small cap on my implant?
A healing abutment is a temporary component fitted to an implant. It extends through the oral tissues and helps shape the surrounding soft tissue during healing. It is not yet the final tooth crown.
For training & practice ↓
AI-generated
Choose a view
Through the tissue
The cap sits above the implant. It may be fitted at implant placement or after a later exposure procedure.
Tissue around the component
Shape and height are selected for the situation. Soft tissue heals around it; it does not replace bone.
Towards the restoration
The component is reviewed and later exchanged for appropriate restorative parts. Care and permitted loading follow the treating team’s instructions.
At a glance
What is checked?
Stability and surrounding tissue healing.
What matters?
Individual care instructions and no DIY adjustment.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.
Read the film text in English
Through the tissue
The cap sits above the implant. It may be fitted at implant placement or after a later exposure procedure.
Tissue around the component
Shape and height are selected for the situation. Soft tissue heals around it; it does not replace bone.
Towards the restoration
The component is reviewed and later exchanged for appropriate restorative parts. Care and permitted loading follow the treating team’s instructions.
Often confused
Healing cap versus crown
A healing cap supports a treatment stage. A crown replaces tooth form and takes chewing loads when cleared for use.
Quick answers
Can I chew on it like a tooth?
A healing cap is not a completed chewing surface. The treating team should explain permitted loading.
What if it becomes loose?
Do not turn, remove or glue it yourself. Contact the treating practice promptly and describe the problem.
Is it the same as a restorative abutment?
It is a healing component. A later restorative abutment supports the final replacement; their roles differ.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:
What cleaning and loading are appropriate at my current healing stage?
Questions about an implant component are best clarified with the treating team.
Discuss an implant componentAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Transgingival
- Passing through the oral tissue.
- Implant exposure
- Accessing an implant that healed beneath the tissue.
- Soft tissue
- Here, the oral tissue surrounding the implant.
Make the distinction
A healing cap supports a treatment stage. A crown replaces tooth form and takes chewing loads when cleared for use.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.