What Is a Dental Implant Healing Cap?

A dental implant healing cap, also called a healing abutment or gingival former, is a small titanium component attached to the implant after surgery.

Its main purpose is to guide gum tissue healing and protect the implant connection during osseointegration.

It helps:

• Shape the gum line around the implant for a natural contour
  Keep plaque, food, and bacteria away from the implant connection
• Prevent gum tissue from covering the implant while healing
• Prepare the site for the permanent abutment and crown
  

Function and Purpose

Healing caps play several critical roles during implant recovery:

• Gum Tissue Shaping: They gently mold the soft tissue into a healthy emergence profile that matches the future crown or bridge.
• Protection: They seal the implant against contamination and mechanical irritation during healing.
• Aesthetic Preparation: They maintain the proper gingival outline for a natural, cleanable final restoration.
• Clinical Guidance: Proper selection of height and platform ensures consistent results and reduces the need for corrective procedures.
  

Placement and Duration

• Placement: The healing cap is screwed onto the internal-hex implant either immediately after surgery or at the second stage once the implant has integrated with the bone.
• Duration: Typically remains 4–8 weeks, depending on tissue response and the clinician’s protocol.
• Transition: Once the gum tissue stabilizes, the healing cap is replaced with an impression transfer, scan body, or permanent abutment.
  

Care and Maintenance

Proper hygiene is essential for healthy tissue healing:

• Rinse gently with an antimicrobial mouthwash as directed.
• Use a soft toothbrush or gauze to keep the area clean.
• Avoid scrubbing or hard brushing that could irritate the gums.
• If the cap becomes loose or falls out, contact your dentist immediately for replacement.
  

Selecting the Right Healing Cap

Choosing the right cap ensures stable tissue and esthetic results.

Selection factors:

• Platform match: Internal Hex 2.42 / 2.43 mm for Surcam and compatible systems
• Gingival height (GH): Match the measured soft-tissue thickness
• Emergence design: Standard, slim, or concave forms for different esthetic zones

A correctly fitted healing cap prevents soft-tissue collapse, maintains biologic width, and simplifies final restoration steps.

Clinical and Esthetic Benefits

• Promotes soft-tissue health and contour formation
• Reduces bacterial contamination and micro-movement
• Creates predictable emergence profiles for crowns and bridges
• Allows smooth transition to digital or analog workflows
• Supports long-term gingival stability and prosthetic fit
  

Why Use Surcam Internal Hex Healing Caps

• Precision-milled titanium design with secure internal-hex fit
• Available in multiple gingival heights to match tissue anatomy
• Compatible with Surcam and major internal-hex platforms
• Designed for immediate or two-stage protocols
• Ensures accurate torque transfer and prosthetic alignment
  

Summary

A healing cap is essential for every implant procedure.

By protecting the fixture and shaping the gums, Surcam Internal Hex Healing Caps support predictable osseointegration, natural esthetics, and the longevity of your restoration.

Internal Hex Implant Healing Caps FAQs

What is an Internal Hex Implant Healing Cap used for?

It seals and protects the implant while shaping the gum tissue around the internal-hex platform before final restoration.

When is a Implant healing cap placed?

It can be attached immediately after implant placement or during second-stage surgery once osseointegration is confirmed.

How long does a healing cap stay in place?

Typically 4 – 8 weeks, depending on the healing rate and clinical protocol.

How do I select cuff height?

Measure soft-tissue thickness and choose a height that supports the gingiva without compressing it or leaving excess exposure.

Do healing caps affect final crown esthetics?

Yes. Proper height and emergence profile control the gumline and determine how naturally the crown meets the tissue.

What if a healing cap comes loose or falls out?

Contact the clinician immediately to replace it. Leaving the implant uncovered may cause gum overgrowth or infection.