Healing abutments

Healing screws are temporary abutments that support healing of the surrounding soft tissue after implant placement. They are usually cylindrical or flared to allow shaping of the gingival emergence profile and to facilitate prosthetic restoration of the implant. Healing screws are used during the osseointegration phase of the implant when it is not directly loaded. They are available in different diameters and heights, often referred to as GH (gingival height). It is important to match the occlusal diameter of the healing screw to the width of the tooth being replaced. A molar requires a larger diameter than an incisor or a premolar. Once the implant is osseointegrated and tissue conditions permit, the healing screw is removed so that the impression of the implant can be taken for the prosthesis. It is therefore an essential part of the prosthetic procedure for proper healing of the peri-implant environment.