Final answer:
During the second surgery of an osseointegrated implant, the implant is exposed, and an abutment is attached to connect the prosthetic tooth. This surgery comes after the bone has osseointegrated with the implant and is needed for placing the prosthetic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The second surgery in an osseointegrated implant procedure involves the exposure of the embedded implant after the bone has healed and osseointegrated with the implant. This surgery is typically less invasive than the first. During this phase, an abutment is connected to the implant which will serve to hold the prosthetic tooth or teeth in place.
Initially, an osseointegrated implant is placed within the bone tissue. Osseointegration is the process whereby the implant integrates with the bone. The first phase involves the implantation of a titanium post into the jawbone, which then requires sufficient time to heal and allow the bone tissue to osseointegrate with the implant.
After a period of healing, typically several weeks to months, the second surgery is planned. During this time, the implant becomes osseointegrated with the bone, establishing a strong foundation. The secondary surgery is conducted once successful osseointegration has occurred.
The second surgery aims to prepare the implant site for the prosthetic attachment. This involves a small incision in the gum tissue to reveal the implant. A healing cap or abutment is attached to the implant post, which protrudes through the gum. Subsequently, the gum tissue is allowed to heal around the abutment for a better-shaped tissue that supports the prosthetic. This abutment serves as a connection point for the replacement tooth, called a crown, or to support bridges or dentures in case of multiple missing teeth.