Patent ID: 6565357
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
A method for making a model of a site in a mouth of a patient by use of a kit of impression copings, said site containing a dental implant in a jawbone and gingiva overlying said jawbone, said method comprising:forming an opening in said overlying gingiva with a gingival healing component that is attached to said dental implant, said gingival healing component being a distinct component from said kit of impression copings, said opening corresponding to a contour of a gingival healing component; removing said gingival healing component from said implant; selecting one of said impression copings that has dimensions corresponding to said opening, each of said impression copings in said kit including a transgingival section having a round cross-sectional shape and a lower end for engaging said dental implant, a supragingival section adapted for embedment in a resilient impression material and being integral with said transgingival section, wherein said transgingival section of a first impression coping has a different dimension than a transgingival section of a second impression coping allowing for the selection of a particular impression coping corresponding to a particular dimension of said opening in said gingiva, said lower end of said first impression coping being substantially similar to said lower end of said second impression coping for mating with said dental implant; and attaching said selected one of said impression copings to said implant.