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Artisan Dentistry's Blog

What Is a Dental Implant Abutment?

Mar 4th, 2026
Dental implant abutment diagram

Most people know about dental implants and crowns, but few realize how important the abutment is. This small piece connects the implant to the crown and shapes the gums for a natural-looking smile.

How Abutments Work

An abutment attaches directly to the dental implant and supports the crown, bridge, or denture. Dentists typically use titanium or zirconia because these materials are strong, durable, and look natural. The abutment also guides the gums as they heal, ensuring the crown blends seamlessly with your other teeth.

Healing vs. Final Abutments

After implant surgery, your dentist may place a healing abutment. It protects the implant opening and helps gums heal properly. Unlike the final abutment, it does not hold a crown but prepares the site for the restoration.

Custom Abutments

For visible areas of the smile, dentists may create custom abutments. These match your mouth’s anatomy and help the crown emerge naturally from the gums, improving both comfort and aesthetics.

Attaching the Crown

Dentists attach crowns to abutments in two main ways:

  • Cement-retained crowns: Bonded to the abutment for a smooth appearance
  • Screw-retained crowns: Secured with a screw, allowing easy removal if adjustments are needed

Each method has pros and cons. Cemented crowns can irritate gums if excess cement remains, while screw-retained crowns may have a small access hole. Your dentist chooses the best option for your situation.

Choosing the Right Abutment

Abutments come in various shapes and sizes. Your dentist evaluates your bite, gum tissue, and implant location to select the one that provides strength, comfort, and a natural look. Choosing the right abutment ensures your implant looks and functions like a real tooth.

If you’re considering dental implants, working with an experienced team makes all the difference. At Artisan Dentistry, we carefully plan every detail of your implant restoration — including selecting the ideal abutment for strength, comfort, and natural aesthetics. With convenient locations in Salem, NH and Newburyport, MA, our team is here to help you achieve a confident, fully restored smile. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about your personalized implant treatment options.

Warranty

Our 5 Year Warranty

Anyone can train to be a technician, but few have the talent to become an artist. That’s why Dr. Mathew is able to guarantee his cosmetic dentistry work for a full 5 years. If anything goes wrong with the work, Dr. Mathew will fix it free of charge, as long as you continue with your regular 6 month preventative care cleaning and check up for the duration of the warranty.

Treatment Room

Individualized
Treatment Rooms

Our individualized treatment rooms and operatories provide patients with maximum privacy and comfort. The treatment rooms were built specifically with your comfort in mind.

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Here at Paul Mathew, D.D.S. we work diligently to protect our patients' privacy. Requesting an appointment via our Internet portal is considered part of what the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has identified as electronically protected healthcare information or ePHI. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, there are people or entities that may attempt to intercept the data you transmit to us. By checking the "I agree" box, and electronically making an appointment request, you acknowledge that you are making an appointment over the internet and that Paul Mathew, D.D.S. will keep this information confidential but cannot guarantee that others, outside of our practice, may illegally intercept this communication. By accepting these terms and conditions and sending this request via our Internet portal, you accept the inherent risk(s) associated with making this request for an appointment. If you do not accept the terms and conditions, you are always welcome to contact our office via telephone to schedule your appointment.

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Here at Paul Mathew, D.D.S. we work diligently to protect our patients' privacy. Requesting an appointment via our Internet portal is considered part of what the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has identified as electronically protected healthcare information or ePHI. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, there are people or entities that may attempt to intercept the data you transmit to us. By checking the "I agree" box, and electronically making an appointment request, you acknowledge that you are making an appointment over the internet and that Paul Mathew, D.D.S. will keep this information confidential but cannot guarantee that others, outside of our practice, may illegally intercept this communication. By accepting these terms and conditions and sending this request via our Internet portal, you accept the inherent risk(s) associated with making this request for an appointment. If you do not accept the terms and conditions, you are always welcome to contact our office via telephone to schedule your appointment.

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The information presented here is not intended or implied to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should be used for informational purposes only.