Abstract:
Disclosed is a device and method for use in the dental implant industry. Generally, the device relates to packaging systems for dental implants that are capable of storing implants of different lengths and varying diameters. An embodiment of the package may be composed of a vial for housing a cushion. Located on the cushion is a sleeve for housing at least a portion of a dental implant. The sleeve and implant are covered by a sleeve cap whereby the sleeve cap is constructed to hold a healing screw. The packaging system also includes a lid for covering the healing screw.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     This invention relates to packaging systems and, in particular, to packaging systems for dental implants.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     Dental implants are placed in the jaw to provide support for a dental restoration, fixed bridge or removable partial denture. Dental implants provide good chewing function and also improve the patient&#39;s cosmetic appearance thereby allowing the patient to smile, speak, and interact with others with greater confidence.  
         [0005]     One type of dental implant widely used in the industry is typically referred to as a “threaded” implant. Threaded implants have an externally threaded body portion which is screwed into a pre-drilled hole (i.e. an osteotomy) in the patient&#39;s upper or lower jawbone. Typically, the threaded implant body is formed with a central threaded socket accessible through the overlying gum tissue for receiving and supporting one or more dental attachments or components. Types of attachments and components that are received by the central socket include healing caps, impression copings and abutments. In turn, some of these attachments and components are useful to fabricate and/or support the prosthodontic restoration.  
         [0006]     Dental implants are typically packaged as an assembly including all the tools necessary for the insertion of the implant into an osteotomy formed in the jaw. A typical threaded implant assembly may include a threaded implant body, an implant carrier, an insertion post, a coupling screw and a healing cap. Conventionally, these components are sterilized, pre-assembled and packaged in a sterile vial. The implant carrier, insertion post, and coupling screw are tools which are used during the insertion of the implant body. Typically, the implant carrier, insertion post, coupling screw and vial are discarded after the implant body has been inserted into the osteotomy. The healing cap seals and protects the central socket of the implant body during the initial healing period, and then is discarded.  
         [0007]     During the insertion of a conventional threaded implant, the insertion post is mechanically coupled to the top of the implant body by a coupling screw which traverses a central through-cavity in the insertion post and is threaded into the central threaded socket in the implant body. Typically, the bottom end of the insertion post is formed with a hexagonal cavity that irrotationally mates with a corresponding hexagonal protrusion formed on the top of the implant body thereby preventing any relative rotation between the insertion post and implant body while coupled.  
         [0008]     An implant carrier is releasably coupled to the top of the insertion post and provides the dental practitioner with a means to grip and manipulate the assembly during the initial implantation procedure. Typically, the implant carrier is formed with a generally hexagonal internal passage at its bottom end which mates with a generally hexagonal outer surface near the top of the insertion post. The dental practitioner uses the implant carrier to manipulate the implant body into the proper location within the jawbone. Torque is applied to the implant carrier which is transferred, via the insertion post, to the threaded implant body.  
         [0009]     In use, the first step of a typical implantation procedure involves making an incision in the patient&#39;s gum tissue. A portion of the gum tissue is then folded back and an osteotomy is drilled in the jawbone. The diameter of the osteotomy is equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the implant body. The implant carrier is then used to transport the threaded implant assembly to the surgical site. The implant carrier is gripped by the practitioner and is used to manipulate the implant body into the correct position and then to partially screw the threaded implant body into the osteotomy.  
         [0010]     Once the implant body has been initially placed in the osteotomy and tightened manually, the implant carrier is decoupled from the insertion post and is removed from the surgical site. If necessary, a suitable wrench or dental hand piece is then used to engage the insertion post and drive the implant to its final depth within the osteotomy. The coupling screw is then removed and the insertion post is decoupled from the implant body leaving only the implant body in the patient&#39;s mouth.  
         [0011]     The healing cap is housed in a cavity formed in the top of the implant carrier where it is contained by a paper barrier until needed. At this point, the healing cap is removed from the implant carrier and is threaded into the central socket of the implant body. Typically, a tool with a hexagonal tip is inserted into a corresponding mating hexagonal recess located in the top center of the healing cap and is used to apply torque to tighten the healing cap. The healing cap protects the implant socket against bone or tissue ingrowth during the initial healing period, and also prevents the entry of bacteria or other contaminants into the central socket of the implant body.  
         [0012]     The insertion of the implant body and healing cap is then followed by an initial healing period in which the bone is allowed to surround and retain the implant (i.e. “osseointegrate” with the implant) and the gum tissue is allowed to heal over the implant body and healing cap. For implants placed in the mandible, healing typically requires about three months; for implants in the maxilla, the healing period typically requires about six months.  
         [0013]     After the implant body has sufficiently osseointegrated with the jawbone, the gum tissue is re-opened by making an incision and the gum tissue is folded back to expose the healing cap. A hexagonal tool is inserted into the recess in the top of the healing cap and torque is applied to rotate the healing cap out of the implant socket and to remove it from the implant body. During this step of the procedure, great care must be used to remove the healing cap without disturbing the position of the implant body. Any disturbance of the implant body during the removal of the healing cap could damage the osseointegration between the implant body and the jawbone. Damage to the osseointegration is very undesirable and could endanger the entire restoration process by destabilizing the implant. In addition, any movement of the implant body could result in gaps or spaces between the implant body and jawbone which could in turn lead to infection by bacteria and/or other contaminants.  
         [0014]     After the healing cap has been unscrewed and removed from the patient&#39;s mouth, a suitable healing abutment is inserted into the central socket. The healing abutment extends through the gum tissue overlying the implant site. A second healing period then ensues in which the gum tissue is allowed to heal around the post-osseointegration healing abutment. Typically, this second healing period lasts from four to eight weeks.  
         [0015]     After the second healing period has ended, the healing abutment is removed from the implant body. Typically, an impression is taken of the patient&#39;s mouth to fabricate a prosthesis or dental restoration. An abutment supporting the final restoration is then attached to the implant body. Lastly, the restoration is cemented or screwed to the abutment and/or implant body to complete the placement of the prosthodontic restoration in the patient&#39;s mouth.  
         [0016]     The procedure described above for installing a threaded dental implant is commonly used by dental practitioners. However, this procedure suffers from several significant shortcomings. For example, the dental practitioner may choose to attach a wrench or dental hand piece to the threaded implant assembly before transporting the assembly to the surgical site. The dental practitioner may choose to modify the procedure in this manner because it can be difficult to attach the wrench or dental hand piece to the implant assembly inside the patient&#39;s mouth. This modification requires the dental practitioner to remove the implant carrier from the implant assembly by gripping the implant assembly with one hand and pulling the implant carrier away from the implant assembly with the other hand. Typically, the wrench or dental hand piece is then attached to the implant assembly by griping the implant assembly with one hand while pushing the wrench or hand piece towards the dental assembly with the other hand. This procedure is undesirable for several reasons. For example, touching the implant assembly can damage and/or contaminate the assembly. This procedure also requires the additional step of removing the implant carrier from the implant assembly.  
         [0017]     In addition, to accommodate a range of anatomies and applications, dental implants come in wide variety of diameters and lengths. Accordingly, the corresponding packaging systems must be individually tailored to specifically house implants of predetermined dimensions.  
         [0018]     Thus, there exists a need for an improved delivery system for dental implants than has heretofore been available in the prior art.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0019]     Some embodiments of the present invention provide packaging systems that allow storage for dental implants of varying sizes.  
         [0020]     Accordingly, one embodiment of the present inventions provides for a packaging device for dental implants that comprises an outer package having top portion and a base portion that are detachably coupled to each other to define a cavity. A sleeve is positioned in the cavity. The sleeve has a side wall extending from a first end and a second end. The first end having a top surface that defines a first opening for receiving a dental implant and the second end defining a second opening. A stop comprises a support surface for supporting the dental implant in the sleeve and at least one lever arm. The at least one lever arm is configured to exert a force against an inner surface of the sleeve so as to support the stop at a fixed vertical location within the sleeve.  
         [0021]     Another embodiment of the present invention provides for Accordingly, one embodiment of the present inventions provides for a packaging device for dental implants that comprises an outer package having top portion and a base portion that are detachably coupled to each other to define a cavity. A sleeve is positioned in the cavity. The sleeve has a side wall extending from a first end and a second end. The first end having a top surface that defines a first opening for receiving a dental implant and the second end defining a second opening. A stop comprises a support surface for supporting the dental implant in the sleeve and means for securing the stop at a fixed vertical position within the sleeve such that the force required to position the stop at the fixed vertical location is less than the force required to remove the stop from the fixed vertical position. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]      FIG. 1  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a dental implant packaging system.  
         [0023]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the packaging system of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the packaging system of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a stop of the packaging system of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 4B  is a top view of the stop of  FIG. 4A .  
         [0027]      FIG. 4C  is a cross-sectional view taken through line C-C of  FIG. 4B .  
         [0028]      FIG. 4D  is a cross-sectional view taken through line D-D of  FIG. 4B   
         [0029]      FIG. 4E  is a side elevational view of the stop of  FIG. 4A .  
         [0030]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the packaging system of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a sleeve holder and a sleeve of the packaging system of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0032]     As technological advances are made in dental implant technology, there is an increased need on predictable and accurate equipment for used in implant procedures. As described above, dental implant procedures involve surgical incisions wherein artificial devices are inserted into the gumline. Consequently, sterility of the environment and the implant often affect the success of the procedure. As will be explained below, the dental implant packaging systems described above may aid in maintaining a sterile implant. In addition, these embodiments may enable manufacturers of these packages to produce packaging systems that can accommodate varying implant sizes with very few modifications.  
         [0033]      FIG. 1  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an implant  38  packaging system. The exemplary embodiment includes an outer vial  10  that comprises a cover  12  and a base  14 . The base  14  defines a generally cylindrical cavity and comprises a generally cylindrical side wall that extends between an upper open end  30  and generally horizontal base  14 . In a similar manner, the cover  12  defines an upper cavity and comprises a generally cylindrical side wall, a lower open end  18  and a top wall  16  which closes the top end of the cover  12 . However, those of skill in the art will recognize that the shape of the outer vial  10  may be modified. For example, in one modified embodiment, the outer vial  10  may have a non-circular cross sectional shape (e.g., square).  
         [0034]     The cover  12  and the base  14  are preferably detachably coupled to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the base  14  is provided with threads  32  near the upper open end  16  that are configured to interact with threads (not shown) provided on the lower end  18  of the cover  12 . In this manner, the cover  12  may be twisted on and off of the top of base  30  to close the cavity. The cover  12  preferably includes knurling to enhance the user&#39;s grip.  
         [0035]     In one embodiment, the outer vial  10  is made out of plastic or polystyrene that may be gamma sterilizable. It is anticipated that in modified embodiments the outer vial  10  may be replaced with, for example, shrink wrapping.  
         [0036]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the packaging system of  FIG. 1 . As shown, the packaging system includes an sleeve combination  20 ,  22 ,  24  and a cushion  28 , which are positioned within the outer vial  10 . As will be explained in more detail below, the sleeve combination  20 ,  22 ,  24  comprises a sleeve  24 , a sleeve cap  22  and a lid  20 . In modified embodiments, more than one sleeve combination  20 ,  22 ,  24  and/or cushion  28  may be placed within the vial  10 .  
         [0037]     The cushion  28  is configured to support the sleeve combination  20 ,  22 ,  24  within the base  14  of the outer vial  10 . In the exemplary embodiment, the cushion  28  comprises a generally cylindrical body with a top surface configured to support the sleeve combination  20 ,  22 ,  24  and a lower surface configured to rest within the lower cavity on the base  14  of the lower portion of the vial. In one embodiment, the cushion  28  is made from a thermoplastic elastomer.  
         [0038]     In the exemplary embodiment, the cushion  28  is configured to dampen vibrations and protect the contents of the sleeve combination  20 ,  22 ,  24  from damage caused by such vibrations. In addition, the cushion  28  may be used to properly center and position the sleeve combination  20 ,  22 ,  24  within the lower portion of the vial. For example, the sleeve  24  includes a bottom opening  40  that is configured such that it extends over top surface of the cushion  28  such that the sleeve  24  is maintained in a centralized position within the vial. The sleeve  24  and cushion  28  arrangement may alternatively be configured such that the sleeve  24  fits within a recessed portion of the cushion  28  such that the sleeve  24  is also maintained in a central portion of the vial. However, it is understood that other embodiments of the packaging system may not include a cushion  28  and/or may include a spacer positioned within the lower portion.  
         [0039]     With reference to  FIGS. 2, 3  and  5 , the sleeve  24  comprises a generally cylindrical body that includes a cylindrical side wall and a top surface. As mentioned above, the sleeve  24  may have an open lower end  18 . The top surface may also include an opening  40 . In the exemplary embodiment, the opening  40  is formed by a downwardly extending annular flange  48 , which extends from the top surface of the sleeve  24 . In one embodiment, the opening  40  is sized and dimensioned to surround a collar  36  of an implant  38  that is positioned within the packaging system. For implants  38  with a generally circular cross-section, the opening  40  is approximately  0 . 3  mm- 0 . 5 mm larger than the maximum diameter of the collar of the implant. For example, for a generally circular implant  38  with a diameter of 3.5 millimeters, the opening  40  has an approximately 4.0 millimeter diameter; for an implant diameter of 4.3 millimeters, the opening  40  has a diameter of approximately 4.6 millimeters; for an implant diameter of 5.0 millimeters the opening  40  has a diameter of approximately 5.3 millimeters; and for 6.0 millimeter diameter the opening  40  has a diameter of approximately 6.3 millimeters. It should also be appreciated that the opening  40  can be configured to receive implants  38  with non-circular cross-sections. In such embodiments, the opening  40  may be circular or non-circular. In one such embodiment, the opening  40  is approximately 0.25-0.7 millimeters wider than the largest cross-sectional diameter of the collar  36  of the implant  38 .  
         [0040]     It should be appreciated that although the sleeve  24  of the present embodiment is tubular, the sleeve  24  may be constructed of a variety of other shapes. In one embodiment, the sleeve  24  is formed of a metal, preferably titanium. However, it is understood that a variety of materials and metals may be used for construction of the sleeve  24 , such as, for example, plastics, thermoplastics, steel, iron, titanium, aluminum and nickel. The sleeve  24  may also be an assembly of the same or dissimilar materials.  
         [0041]     As will be explained in more detail below, it is generally desirable that the top surface of the implant  38  is located near the top surface of the sleeve  24 . In one embodiment, the top surface of the implant  38  lies approximately flush with the top surface of the sleeve  24 . In other embodiments, the top surface of the implant  38  may lie approximately 0.35-0.55 mm above or below the top surface of the sleeve  24 . It is also generally desirable that the sleeve  24  only contact the collar  36  of the implant  38 , which is typically more rugged and thus less easily damaged as compared to the lower portions of the implant  38 . Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the annular flange  48  only contacts the collar  36  of the implant  38 .  
         [0042]     As mentioned above, the implant  38  to be stored in the packaging system may be of varying diameters and lengths. To accommodate the various lengths of the implants  38 , the sleeve  24  preferable includes a stop  50  for supporting the lower surface of the implant  38  such that the top surface of the implant  38  is positioned near the top surface of the sleeve  24  and opening  40  as described above. The stop  50  is preferably configured such that it can be inserted into the sleeve  24  and positioned at different heights with respect to the top surface of the sleeve  24 . In this manner, the stop  50  may be used to positioned different lengths of implants  38  within the vial.  
         [0043]     In one preferred embodiment, the force required to insert the stop  50  into the sleeve  24  is substantially lower than the force required to removal the stop  50  once it is positioned in the sleeve  24 . In addition, once in place, the stop  50  preferably provide sufficient retention force to support the implant  38  within the sleeve  24 . In one embodiment, the insertion force is approximately 10%-15% of the removal force. In such an embodiment, the force required to push the stop  50  out of the sleeve  24  once it is positioned may be greater than approximately 10 lbs (44.5N) and the insertion force may be approximately 1-2 lbs. (4.45-8.9N). As will be explained in more detail below, the stop  50  preferably includes retention structures, which provide the function described above.  
         [0044]     With particular reference to FIGS.  4 A-E, the stop  50  of the exemplary embodiment comprises a support surface  100  and one or more generally downwardly extending flanges  102 , which, as will be explained below, form in part the retention structures. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface  100  has a generally conical shape and extends from an outer edge  44  to an apex or pointed center  42  which is positioned generally at the center of the stop  50  below the outer edge  44 . As seen in  FIG. 5 , the apex  42  provides a seat for the typically rounded lower end  18  of the implant  38 . The apex also helps to center the implant  38  within the opening  40  of the sleeve  24 . In one preferred embodiment, the surface  100  has a conical angle A of approximately 120 degrees (see  FIG. 4D ).  
         [0045]     Some of the flanges  102  define in part lever arms  48 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lever arms  48  are defined between radially extending slots  49  that extend from the distal end  104  of a downwardly extending segment  106  into the top surface  100 . In one embodiment, the slots  49  are approximately 0.63-0.47 mm wide, in another embodiment the slots  49  are approximately 0.5 mm wide. In such embodiments, the slots  49  may extend from the distal end to an imaginary circle D (see  FIG. 4B ) that has a diameter approximately 5.13-4.87 mm around the center of the top surface  100 . In other embodiments, the slots  49  may extend approximately 5 mm from the center. The lever arms  48  extend downwardly from the outer edge  44  of the top surface. The lever arms  48  extends at an angle that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vial. Preferably, in a natural or relaxed state, the distal end of the lever arms  48  would extend slightly beyond the inner diameter of the sleeve  24 . In one embodiment, in the relaxed state, there is approximately a 0.25 mm interference between the lever arms  48  and the inside of the sleeve  24  and the lever arms  48  are formed at approximately a 30° angle with respect to the vertical walls of the sleeve  24 . In this manner, as the stop  50  is inserted into the sleeve  24 , the lever arms  48  are flexed inwardly as the arms  48  bend about the apex  42  and the outer edge  44 . Because the stop  50  is formed in such a way that the arms  48  flex, the lever arm  48  exerts an outward force against the sleeve  24  to support stop  50  at a specific height within the sleeve  24 . Preferably, the lever arms  48  are configured to allow the stop  50  to be press fitted into the sleeve  24  and positioned at specific height with respect to the opening  40 .  
         [0046]     The stop  50  may be formed from a metallic material, such as, for example, titanium. In one preferred embodiment, the stop  50  is formed from an approximately 0.3 mm thick generally flat sheet of titanium.  
         [0047]     In the illustrated embodiment, the flanges  102  also include one or more centering flanges  46 , which are positioned between the lever arms  48 . The centering flanges  46  comprise a downwardly extending segment  110  which extends from the outer edge  44  of the top surface  100 . In one embodiment, the downwardly extending segment  110  preferably has an outer diameter that is approximately 0.10-0.25 millimeters smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeve  24 . The downwardly extending centering flanges  46  extend generally parallel to the walls of the sleeve  24  and provide the stop  50  with additional lateral stability. In one embodiment, the centering flanges  46  have a longitudinal length from the outer edge  44  of approximately 4 millimeters.  
         [0048]     In the illustrated embodiment, the stop  50  includes three centering flanges  46  and three lever arms  48  that are alternately spaced approximately 60 degrees apart from each other. However, it should be appreciated that in modified embodiments the stop  50  may include more or less lever arms  48  and/or centering flanges  46  that may be arranged in different orders. In other embodiments, the stop  50  may be formed without the centering flanges  46  and/or the centering flanges  46  and the lever arms  48  may be combined. In addition, those of skill in the art will recognize that the removal and insertion forces can be adjusted by adjusting the structure of the stop  50 . For example, the removal and insertion forces may be adjusted by providing more or less lever arms, adjusting the width of the gaps, adjusting the thickness of the material, changing materials, adjusting the angle between the lever arm and the vertical side wall of the vial, adjusting the interference between the lever arm and the vial, and/or adjusting the angle of the top surface with respect to the lever arm. It should also be appreciated that modified embodiments may utilize modified structures for providing an outwardly directed force to hold the stop  50  in place. Such embodiments may include various combinations of deflectable tabs, arms, springs and/or ratchet type arrangements that provide for a removal force that is generally greater than the insertion force.  
         [0049]     As mentioned above, the stop  50  may be inserted into the sleeve  24  through the sleeve  24  bottom and thereafter placed in a substantially fixed position within the sleeve  24 . As will be explained below, the stop  50  works in conjunction with the sleeve cap  22  to hold the implant  38  such that only the collar  36  contacts the sleeve  24 .  
         [0050]     The illustrated embodiment is particularly advantageous because it relatively simple to manufacture and machine. However, those of skill of the art will recognize that other configurations may be used to retain the stop  50  within the sleeve  24  through fixed or adjustable connections. For example, fixed connections may include connections which hold the stop  50  in the sleeve  24  in a substantially immovable position. The fixed connections may include chemical or physical bonds between the sleeve  24  and the stop  50  which are applied once the stop  50  is properly positioned within the sleeve  24  to support the implant  38 . Adjustable connections may include various connections which hold the stop  50  within the sleeve  24  in a substantially fixed position but at the same time allow the location of the stop  50  to be adjusted within the sleeve  24  without requiring the breaking of chemical or physical bonds. For example, in one embodiment of an adjustable connection, the stop  50  is made of a an elastic material that is compressed as it is inserted into the sleeve  24 . In another embodiment, the stop  50  and sleeve  24  may be coated with materials to produce sufficient a friction force between the sleeve  24  and the segments of the stop  50 . In still other embodiments, the sleeve  24  may be provided with various ridges and/or grooves  56  which provide for a ratchet type motion of the stop  50  with respect to the sleeve  24 .  
         [0051]     With reference now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the sleeve cap  22  will now be described. In the illustrated embodiment, sleeve cap  22  is preferably located above the sleeve  24  and used for covering the implant  38  to maintain its sterile integrity. The sleeve cap  22  includes a lower portion which includes an outer downwardly extending segment that defines an inner surface. The inner surface has a diameter that is configured such that the sleeve cap  22  can be press-fitted onto the sleeve  24 . In one embodiment, the sleeve cap  22  and, in particular, the segment of the sleeve cap  22  is made of a resilient flexible material such as, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer. In this manner, the segment secures the sleeve cap  22  to the sleeve  24 .  
         [0052]     The lower portion of the sleeve cap  22  preferably includes a centering post. As seen in  FIG. 3 , when the sleeve cap  22  is positioned on the sleeve  24  the centering post preferably contacts the top surface of the implant  38 . In this manner, the implant  38  may be held snugly between centering post and the stop  50  to hold the implant  38  in a centralized location within the sleeve  24 . In addition, the centering post is preferably made from a resilient material which provides cushioning to prevent damage to the top surface of the implant  38 .  
         [0053]     With continued reference to  FIGS. 2, 3  and  5 , the sleeve cap  22  may include a top portion that is configured for storing a healing screw  52  or cap. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve cap  22  comprises a top surface which includes a closed bore that defines a cavity in which the healing screw  52  may be positioned. The top portion includes outer side walls which are configured to detachably receive a lid  20 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lid  20  includes an annular ridge  54  which is configured to mate with a lip or groove  56  on the sleeve cap  22 . In this manner, the lid  20  may be peeled off of the sleeve cap  22  to expose the healing screw  52 . In other embodiments, the lid  20  and the top portion of the cap sleeve  24  may include corresponding threads  32  or other arrangements for providing a detachable connection.  
         [0054]     In one embodiment of use, the lid  20  of the outer vial  10  is first removed to expose the sleeve combination  20 ,  22 ,  24 . The sleeve cap  22  may the be detached from the top of the sleeve  24  to expose the top surface of the implant  38 . The sleeve  24  may then be positioned within a sleeve  24  holder (see e.g.,  FIG. 6 ) or held. A driver  60  may then be inserted into the implant  38  and the dental implant  38  may be lifted out of the sleeve  24  by using of the driver  60 , which may include releasable retention structures (e.g., gripping arms, O-rings, etc.) for coupling the driver  60  to the implant  38 . The handpiece  62  with the driver  60  may then be used to place the dental implant  38  within the jaw of a patient. The lid  20  of the sleeve cap  22  may then be removed to release the healing screw  52 . The healing screw  52  may then be attached to the dental implant  38 .  
         [0055]     The dental implant  38  packaging system described above has several advantages. For example, the stop  50  allows the sleeve  24  to accommodate various lengths of dental implants  38  within a single sleeve  24 . In this manner, the number of components are reduced and manufacturing costs can be decreased. In other embodiments, dental implants  38  may be formed in a fixed number of diameters with each diameter having a different length. To accommodate such a set of implants  38 , for each diameter of implant  38  a standard sleeve  24  may be manufactured with a standard outer diameter and length. The opening  40  within the sleeve  24  may be varied to accommodate the different diameters of the implants  38 . A standard stop  50  may then be configured to fit within each sleeve  24  to support the implant  38  within the sleeve  24 . The sleeve combination  20 ,  22 ,  24  may then be positioned within a standard outer vial  10 . In this manner, various diameters of implants  38  maybe packaged in a packing system that uses common parts for the stop  50 , the sleeve cap  22  and the outer vial  10 .  
         [0056]     Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combination or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.