Patent Publication Number: US-2018035881-A1

Title: Healing components for use in taking impressions and methods for making the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/163,292, filed Jun. 17, 2011, now allowed, which is a continuation of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/156,753, filed Jun. 4, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,988,449, which is a continuation of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/879,892, filed Jun. 21, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,425,131, which is a continuation of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/007,997, filed Nov. 13, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,790,040, which is a continuation-in-part of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/710,208, filed Nov. 10, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,558,162, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/164,521, filed Nov. 10, 1999. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a healing abutment in a dental implant system. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of a binary marking system on the exterior of a healing abutment to identify unique characteristics of the healing abutment. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The dental restoration of a partially or wholly edentulous patient with artificial dentition is typically done in two stages. In the first stage, an incision is made through the gingiva to expose the underlying bone. An artificial tooth root, usually a dental implant, is placed in the jawbone for integration. The dental implant generally includes a threaded bore to receive a retaining screw holding mating components therein. During the first stage, the gum tissue overlying the implant is sutured and heals as the osseointegration process continues. 
     Once the osseointegration process is complete, the second stage is initiated. Here, the gum tissue is re-opened to expose the end of the dental implant. A healing component or healing abutment is fastened to the exposed end of the dental implant to allow the gum tissue to heal therearound. Preferably, the gum tissue heals such that the aperture that remains generally approximates the size and contour of the aperture that existed around the natural tooth that is being replaced. To accomplish this, the healing abutment attached to the exposed end of the dental implant has the same general contour as the gingival portion of the natural tooth being replaced. It should be noted that the healing abutment can be placed on the implant immediately after the implant has been installed and before osseointegration. 
     During the typical second stage of dental restoration, the healing abutment is removed and an impression coping is fitted onto the exposed end of the implant. This allows an impression of the specific region of the patient&#39;s mouth to be taken so that an artificial tooth is accurately constructed. Thus, in typical dental implant systems, the healing component and the impression coping are two physically separate components. Preferably, the impression coping has the same gingival dimensions as the healing component so that there is no gap between the impression coping and the wall of the gum tissue defining the aperture. Otherwise, a less than accurate impression of the condition of the patient&#39;s mouth is taken. The impression coping may be a “pick-up”-type impression coping or a “transfer”-type impression coping, both known in the art. After these second stage processes, a dental laboratory creates a prosthesis to be permanently secured to the dental implant from the impression that was made. 
     In addition to the method that uses the impression material and mold to manually develop a prosthesis, systems exist that utilize scanning technology to assist in generating a prosthesis. A scanning device is used in one of at least three different approaches. First, a scanning device can scan the region in the patient&#39;s mouth where the prosthesis is to be placed without the need to use impression materials or to construct a mold. Second, the impression material that is removed from the healing abutment and the surrounding area is scanned to produce the permanent components. Third, a dentist can scan the stone model of the dental region that was formed from the impression material or scan the stone model. 
     Three basic scanning techniques exist: laser scanning, photographic imaging, and mechanical sensing. Each scanning technique is used or modified for any of the above-listed approaches (a scan of the stone model, a scan of the impression material, or a scan in the mouth without using impression material) to create the prosthesis. After scanning, a laboratory can create and manufacture the permanent crown or bridge, usually using a computer-aided design (“CAD”) package. 
     The utilization of a CAD program, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,338,198 (Wu), whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, is one method of scanning a dental region to create a three-dimensional model. Preferably, after the impression is taken of the patient&#39;s mouth, the impression material or stone model is placed on a support table defining the X-Y plane. A scanning laser light probe is directed onto the model. The laser light probe emits a pulse of laser light that is reflected by the model. A detector receives light scattered from the impact of the beam with the impression to calculate a Z-axis measurement. The model and the beam are relatively translated within the X-Y plane to gather a plurality of contact points with known locations in the X-Y coordinate plane. The locations of several contact points in the Z-plane are determined by detecting reflected light. Finally, correlating data of the X-Y coordinates and the Z-direction contact points creates a digital image. Once a pass is complete, the model may be tilted to raise one side of the mold relative to the opposite vertically away from the X-Y plane. Subsequent to the model&#39;s second scan, the model may be further rotated to allow for a more accurate reading of the model. After all scans are complete, the data may be fed into a CAD system for manipulation of this electronic data by known means. 
     Photographic imaging can also be used to scan impression material, a stone model, or directly in the mouth. For example, one system takes photographs at multiple angles in one exposure to scan a dental region, create a model, and manufacture a prosthetic tooth. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,851,115 (Carlsson), whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, this process is generally initiated with the process of taking a stereophotograph with a camera from approximately 50 to 150 mm away from the patient&#39;s mouth. The stereophotograph can involve a photograph of a patient&#39;s mouth already prepared with implantation devices. Correct spatial positioning of the dental implants is obtained by marking the implant in several locations. The resulting photograph presents multiple images of the same object. The images on the photographs are scanned with a reading device that digitizes the photographs to produce a digital image of the dental region. The data from the scanner is electronically transmitted to a graphical imaging program that creates a model that is displayed to the user. After identification of the shape, position, and other details of the model, the ultimate step is the transmission of the data to a computer for manufacturing. 
     A third scanning measure uses mechanical sensing. A mechanical contour sensing device, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,652,709 (Andersson), whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, is another method used to read a dental model and produce a prosthetic tooth. The impression model is secured to a table that may rotate about its longitudinal axis as well as translate along the same axis with variable speeds. A mechanical sensing unit is placed in contact with the model at a known angle and the sensing equipment is held firmly against the surface of the model by a spring. When the model is rotated and translated, the sensing equipment can measure the changes in the contour and create an electronic representation of the data. A computer then processes the electronic representation and the data from the scanning device to create a data array. The computer further compresses the data for storage and/or transmission to the milling equipment. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a healing abutment having a plurality of external marking locations where markers are either present or absent. Due to the presence or absence of the markers, the physical characteristics of the healing abutment are identifiable through use of a binary-coded system. The present invention contemplates providing a set of healing abutments, each of which has unique physical characteristics and a unique binary marking code that indicates those unique physical characteristics. 
     During the first or second stage of dental restoration, a healing abutment is non-rotationally fastened to the implant through complimentary non-round fittings on the implant and abutment, which usually take the form of a hexagonal boss and socket. The healing abutment is held on the implant via a screw that engages the threaded bore of the implant. 
     According to the invention, the presence or absence of the markers in the marking locations may eliminate the need for an impression coping within the implant system. An impression can be taken of the mouth with the markers creating features in the impression material. The impression or a model of the impression is read or scanned such that the markers indicate various characteristics of the healing abutment and also the implant. Further, such a system eliminates the need to remove the healing abutment until the permanent components are ready to be installed in the patient&#39;s mouth. 
     Specifically, the presence or absence of the binary-coded markers in the marking locations allow the dentist to determine various physical characteristics, such as the healing abutment height, healing abutment diameter, dimensions of the attached implant seating surface, and the orientation of the implant&#39;s fitting. It is contemplated in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention that these marking locations containing the binary-coded markers are preferably located on the top of the healing abutment, although it may be possible to place some markers on the side of the healing abutment. 
     In other embodiments of the present invention not using this binary-coded system, the information markers correspond to the height of the abutment to be captured in an impression or subsequent scan. For example, a 6 mm tall healing abutment may possess six information markers on the top or side surface of the healing abutment. A 4 mm tall healing abutment may possess four information markers, and a 2 mm tall healing abutment may possess two information markers. This marking system may be altered to decrease the quantity of information markers required on the top or side surface of the healing abutment. For example, it is contemplated in accordance with the present invention that the use of three information markers on the top or side surface may represent a 6 mm tall healing abutment, two information markers may represent a 4 mm tall healing abutment, and one marker may represent a 2 mm tall healing abutment. 
     It is also contemplated that the healing abutments of the present invention can be manufactured in sets of healing abutments, each set having healing abutments of the same diameter but different healing abutment heights. Different sets of healing abutments would have healing abutments with different diameters. For example, a first set of healing abutments may contain three healing abutments, one abutment of 2 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm height, respectively, and each with a diameter of 4 mm. A second set of healing abutments may also have abutments with heights of 2 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm, but these abutments may have a diameter of 5 mm. Information markers at one or more marking locations distinguish not only between the first and second set of healing abutments, but also between the three healing abutments within each set. 
     An impression of the mouth is taken with the inventive healing abutment mounted on the implant. The impression process creates a “negative” image of the information markers in the impression material that change the physical shape of the top or side surface. A corresponding mold is created from the impression. This mold, or a stone model created from the mold, can then be scanned. A computer program is able to create a three-dimensional perspective of the relevant jaw section of the patient, including the implant and abutment. Due to the information markers on the surface of the healing abutment now present in the mold, the computer program is able to accurately analyze and produce the appropriate dimensions of the aperture in the gingiva and the orientation of the underlying hexagonal boss of the implant so that a clinician can instruct a milling machine to produce the permanent components. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the scanner simply takes the necessary information directly from the mouth of a patient without the need for impression material whatsoever. The information markers of the healing abutment provide the required information of the gingival aperture and the orientation of the underlying hexagonal boss on the implant. If a laser or photographic scanning system is used, the etched markers are identified just as easily as the markers that change the physical shape of the healing abutment. 
     This system allows the dentist to produce the permanent components more quickly because the healing abutment does not have to be removed in order to produce the permanent dental components. In other words, the second step of taking an impression with an impression coping is eliminated. The dentist also does not have to confront the difficulties of gingival closure that appear when a healing implant is removed. Finally, the patient is not forced to endure the somewhat painful procedure of healing abutment removal. With the procedure of the present invention, the removal of the healing abutment can occur during the same surgery as the installation of the permanent components. 
     In a further alternative embodiment, it is contemplated in accordance with the present invention that an impression coping may possess information markers as described above and replace the standard healing abutment during second stage dental restoration surgery. The impression coping and surrounding environment are scanned directly in the mouth. An impression could also be formed and a stone model produced from the impression. This stone model is scanned to create the permanent prosthesis using one of the scanning techniques described above. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings. 
         FIG. 1 a    is a top view of a healing abutment. 
         FIG. 1 b    is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the healing abutment shown in  FIG. 1   a.    
         FIG. 1 c    is the healing abutment shown in  FIG. 1 b    attached to an implant. 
         FIG. 2 a    is a top view of another embodiment of a healing abutment. 
         FIG. 2 b    is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the healing abutment shown in  FIG. 2   a.    
         FIG. 3 a    is a top view of yet another embodiment of a healing abutment. 
         FIG. 3 b    is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the healing abutment shown in  FIG. 3   a.    
         FIG. 4 a    is a top view of a further embodiment of the healing abutment. 
         FIG. 4 b    is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the healing abutment shown in  FIG. 4   a.    
         FIG. 5 a    is a top view of another embodiment of a healing abutment. 
         FIG. 5 b    is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the healing abutment shown in  FIG. 5   a.    
         FIG. 6 a    is a top view of another embodiment of a healing abutment. 
         FIG. 6 b    is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the healing abutment shown in  FIG. 6   a.    
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of another embodiment of the present application. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of a method for stereophotographic imaging. 
         FIGS. 9 a -9 p    are top views of a plurality of healing abutments having a binary-type system of information markers. 
         FIG. 9 q    is a top view of a healing abutment having a bar code information marker. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a coordinate system of one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 a    and  1   b,  the healing abutment  10  of one embodiment of the present invention has a main body  15  with a generally circular cross-sectional shape, a first tapered section  17 , a boundary  19 , a second tapered section  21 , an end surface  23 , a hex socket  25 , and dimensions that are generally suitable for replicating the emergence profile of a natural tooth. The first tapered section  17  extends downward from the main body  15  of the abutment  10 , having a diameter at a boundary  19  that is generally larger than the implant (not shown). The boundary  19  separates the first tapered section  17  from the second tapered section  21  that terminates in the end surface  23 . The second tapered section  21  is at an angle with the central axis of the implant that is generally in the range of from about 5° to about 15°, with 10° being preferable. Alternatively, the second tapered section  21  may be omitted such that the first tapered section  17  tapers directly to the diameter of the end surface  23  of the implant. In a further embodiment, the first tapered section  17  may merge smoothly into the second tapered section  21 , without the distinct boundary  19  separating the two tapered sections  17 ,  21 . The hexagonal orientation socket or hex  25  is for mating with a hexagonal boss on the implant. The end surface  23  has generally the same diameter as the seating surface of the implant. 
       FIG. 1 b    discloses the top view of the same healing abutment  10  shown in  FIG. 1   a.  As shown in  FIGS. 1 a    and  1   b,  the healing abutment  10  has positive information markers  20  protruding from a top surface  29  of the healing abutment  10 . Each of the six positive information markers  20  is disposed such that it aligns with the six corners of the underlying hex  25 . It is also contemplated in accordance with the present invention that the six information markers  20  may also correspond to the height of the healing abutment. For example, two information markers may correspond to a 2 mm tall healing abutment and four information markers may correspond to a 4 mm tall healing abutment. In these embodiments, the two or four information markers would still be at the corners of the underlying hex  25  so that the relative position of the hex is known. 
     A socket  30  on the exposed surface of a head portion  40  of an attaching bolt  50  is shaped to accept a wrench (not shown) for turning the attaching bolt  50  into the threaded bore of an implant  70 , as shown in  FIG. 1   c.  It is contemplated in accordance with the present invention that each of the healing abutments described herein and shown in the figures can be secured to an implant by means of an attaching bolt, as is known in the art. An O-ring  60  carried on the head portion  40  of the attaching bolt  50  fills an annular gap left between the head and the entrance section near the outermost (widest) opening in the entrance section. 
     A healing abutment  100  of  FIG. 2 a    comprises many of the same features as the healing abutment  10  shown in  FIG. 1   a.  Dashed lines  125  in  FIG. 2 b    correspond to the underlying hex  125  of the healing abutment  100  in  FIG. 2 a   . A top surface  129  includes negative information markers (recesses)  120  that are displayed in  FIG. 2 a    as dimples extending below the top surface  129  of the healing abutment  100 . The top surface  129  of the healing abutment  100  also possesses six notches  130  that are machined into the corners. The top surface  129  is generally flat and merges into a rounded shape at the periphery of the healing abutment  100 . 
     The notches  130  are used, for example, to determine the identification of the underlying implant hex position  125 , the height of the healing abutment, or the diameter of the healing abutment. This embodiment is not limited to comprising six notches in the top surface  129  of the healing abutment  100 . It is also contemplated that one embodiment of the present invention may possess four notches or even two notches for indicative purposes. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the information marker and notch approach could be combined or modified to provide information regarding the underlying implant seating surface diameter and implant hex angulation. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a healing abutment  200  shown in  FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b    displays four positive information markers  220  shown to, for example, indicate a 4 mm tall healing abutment  200 . It is contemplated that the number of information markers  220  could decrease or increase depending on the height of the healing abutment  200  or another variable that the information markers have been designated to correspond. The positive information markers  220  also define a corresponding one of the six flat surfaces of an underlying hex  225 . Furthermore, dashed lines  225  in  FIG. 3 b    correspond directly to the underlying hex  225 . 
     Two notches  230  have also been etched or machined onto a top surface  229  of the healing abutment of  FIG. 3 b   . These notches may indicate the diameter of the implant&#39;s seating surface. Lines  240  are scribed on the top surface  229  of the healing abutment  200 . The lines  240  are used to provide positioning or other information to the dentist or laboratory. Here, the lines  240  indicate the diameter of the healing abutment (e.g., 4 mm). In summary, the number of the positive information markers  220  indicates the height of the healing abutment  200 . The position of the positive information markers  220  indicates the orientation of the hex  225  that is the orientation of the hexagonal boss on the implant. The notches  230  indicate the diameter of the seating surface of the implant. The lines  240  indicate the diameter of the healing abutment  200 . 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a top surface  329  of the healing abutment  300  of  FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b    comprises an etched or machined hex  335 . Corners  322  of the etched hex  335  correspond directly to the position of the corners of an underlying hex  325  shown in  FIG. 4 a   . It is contemplated in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention that further information markers may be added to the healing abutment for the dentist or laboratory to ascertain different heights or diameters. 
     A top surface  429  of a healing abutment  400  shown in  FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b    contains an etched or machined triangle  435 . Dashed lines  425  in  FIG. 5 b    indicate the location of an underlying hex  425 . Corners  422  of the etched triangle  435  correspond to three of the six corners of the underlying hex  425 . Furthermore, two negative information markers  420  are shown in  FIG. 5 b   . As above, it is contemplated in accordance with the present invention that fewer than six information markers may exist to account for differing heights or diameters of the healing abutments. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b   . The healing abutment  500  displayed in  FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b    is a shorter version of the healing abutment  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 a    and  1   b.  Two positive information markers  520  are shown in  FIG. 6 b    to identify the height of the healing abutment  500 . Dashed lines  525  of the healing abutment  500  correspond with the location and orientation of the underlying hex  525 . Two notches  530  are also shown in a top surface  529  of this embodiment of the present invention to show the orientation of two of the underlying flats of the underlying hex  525 . A numeral “4” at  537  is located on the top surface  529  of the healing abutment  500  to indicate, for example, the diameter of the healing abutment  500 . As shown, the numeral “4” at  537  corresponds to a healing abutment  500  with a diameter of 4 mm. It is contemplated in accordance with the present invention that other numerals could be placed on the top surface  529  of the healing abutment  500  to indicate other healing abutment diameters. Further, it is also contemplated that the numeral could represent the height of the healing abutment or the diameter of the underlying implant. 
     During the second stage of the prosthetic implementation process and after a healing abutment with the information markers has been placed, an impression of the mouth is made with only the healing abutments as described herein and without the use of an impression coping. A model of the impression is poured with, for example, die stone. Since the information markers are disposed on the top and/or side of the healing abutment, the laboratory has all necessary information to define the gingival aperture, the implant size, and the orientation of the underlying hex. This enables the laboratory to quickly prepare the permanent components. The system of the present invention also allows the maintenance of the soft tissue surrounding the healing abutment where, in prior systems, the soft tissue would close once the healing abutment was removed. The system spares the patient the pain of removing the healing abutment. 
     To create a permanent prosthesis, the dental region is scanned, as described above, from a stone model, from the impression material, or directly in the mouth using a laser scanning technique, a photographic scanning technique, or a mechanical sensing technique.  FIG. 8  shows stereophotographic imaging, one method used for scanning. Stereophotography with a camera  703  is performed directly on the mouth cavity  705  of the patient  707 . A clinician can photograph implants and other components that have been placed into or adjacent the patient&#39;s jawbone  709 . 
     The scanned information is then transferred into a graphical imaging program for analysis. The graphical imaging software program, due to the information markers on the surface of the healing abutment, can perform a wide variety of functions. The graphical imaging program can scan an opposing cast in order to develop an opposing occlusal scheme and relate this information back to the primary model. This feature is extremely important because many clinical patients have implants in both maxillary and mandibular locations. 
     The graphical imaging software program is capable of generating a three-dimensional image of the emergence profile contours used on the healing abutment. If the implant is not placed in the desired esthetic location, the software program relocates the position of the restoration emergence through the soft tissue. The graphical imaging software program is also able to accurately relate the gingival margin for all mold, model, implant, and abutment dimensions. The software creates a transparent tooth outline for superimposition within the edentulous site. The occlusal outline of the “ghost” tooth should, if possible, be accurate and based on the scanned opposing occlusal dimensions. It is contemplated in accordance with the present invention that an occlusal outline is created by scanning a wax-up in order to maintain a proper plane of occlusion and healing abutment height. 
     The software program subtracts a given dimension from the mesial, distal, buccal, lingual, and occlusal areas of the superimposed tooth dimension. This allows for an even reduction of the healing abutment during fabrication for proper thickness of the overlying materials (e.g., gold, porcelain, targis, etc.). The graphical imaging software program also incorporates angulation measurements into the custom abutment and subsequently calculates the dimensions of the prosthesis that are checked and modified, if necessary, by a laboratory technician. Each of the features is analyzed and determined from the different information markers that exist on the healing abutments of the present invention. 
     The final dimensional information determined by the graphical imaging computer program is transferred from the computer to a milling machine (e.g., a 5 axis milling machine) to fabricate the custom abutment. It is contemplated in accordance with the present invention that the custom abutment can be fashioned from gold or titanium or other similar metals or composites. A custom milled coping can then be fabricated. it is contemplated in accordance with the present invention that the custom milled coping can be formed from titanium, plastic, gold, ceramic, or other similar metals and composites. 
       FIG. 7  shows the exploded view of another embodiment of the present invention. A cap  602  is placed on a healing abutment  600  and later removed during the process of taking the impression of the healing implant and surrounding features of the patient&#39;s mouth. It is contemplated in accordance with the present invention that the cap  602  could be formed from plastic or metal or a composite material. As shown in  FIG. 7 , notches  604  are formed in the side(s) of the healing abutment  600 . These notches correspond to notches  606  that have been preformed in the cap  602 . When the cap  602  is placed on the healing abutment  600 , the cap only fits snugly and properly if the number of notches  606  in the cap  602  correspond exactly to the number of notches  604  in the side wall(s) of the healing abutment. his contemplated in accordance with the present invention that there could be many less or more notches than is depicted in  FIG. 7 . These notches correspond to information parameters such as healing abutment height, healing abutment, and/or implant diameter, and other parameters as listed above. 
     Specifically, after the healing abutment has been secured to the implant, the cap  602  is securely placed over the top of the healing abutment  600 . The impression material is then placed over the top of the cap  602 . The impression is then either scanned in the patient&#39;s mouth or the impression material (with the cap  602 ) is scanned and the process continues as described above. 
       FIGS. 9 a -9 p    depict yet another embodiment of the present invention. Specifically,  FIGS. 9 a -9 p    show the top view of a plurality of healing abutments, each of which has four marking locations on the top surface of the healing abutment. For each healing abutment, a marker is either present or absent in each of the four marking locations, and the presence or absence can be interpreted either visually or by a scanning device. As explained below in detail, the markers in the marking locations permit identification of healing abutment characteristics, such as dimensions of the healing abutment. 
     In  FIGS. 9 a   - 9   p,  the four rows correspond to four different healing abutment heights (e.g., 3 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm). The four columns of the coding key correspond to four different diameters of the healing abutment seating surfaces (e.g., 3.4 mm, 4.1 mm, 5.0 mm, and 6.0 mm). Accordingly, sixteen unique healing abutments are present. 
     The top surface of each of the healing abutments has from zero to four information markers located in the four marking locations. As shown in  FIGS. 9 a   - 9   p,  the marking locations extend radially from a central region of the healing abutment to the outer region of the top surface of the healing abutments (i.e., at locations of 12 o&#39;clock, 3 o&#39;clock, 6 o&#39;clock, and 9 o&#39;clock). 
     As is well known, a binary-coded system exists as an array of digits, where the digits are either “1” or “0” that represent two states, respectively, ON and OFF. For each marking location, the presence of a marker (“ON”) is a 1 and the absence of a marker (“OFF”) is a 0. By grouping sets of 1&#39;s and 0&#39;s together, information about each healing abutment is known. In the illustrative embodiment, the determination of the sets of 1&#39;s and 0&#39;s derived from the information markers (e.g., via visual inspection, scanning in the mouth, scanning of the impression, or scanning of the model created by the impression) provide information on the height of the healing abutment and the diameter of the seating surface of the attached implant. 
     The information markers shown in  FIGS. 9 a -9 p    are in the form of grooves having rounded cross-sections. The present invention, however, provides that the cross-section of these grooves can be rectangular, triangular, or various other shapes. When an impression is created from the healing abutment, the grooved marking locations produce a protruding “mound”-like element in the impression. This impression is then scanned so that identifying features regarding the healing abutment can be obtained. Alternatively, a model of the patient&#39;s mouth is created from the impression such that the markings are again grooves in the model that substantially replicate the grooves in the healing abutments. Of course, the markers could also be protrusions instead of grooves. Further, if the unique characteristics of the healing abutment are to be identified through scanning in the mouth or simply visual scanning by the clinician, then markers not producing features in impression material, such as etched or laser marking, may also be used. 
     Turning now to the specifics of each healing abutment,  FIG. 9 a    illustrates a top view of a healing abutment  801  that includes orientation pick-ups  802 . These orientation pick-ups  802  are also present in each of the healing abutments shown in  FIGS. 9 b   - 9   p.  The most counterclockwise of the orientation pick-ups  802  (i.e., the horizontal pick-up at the lower region of  FIGS. 9 a -9 p   ) is always parallel to one flat of the implant hex, as viewed from the top of the healing abutment. As shown, the orientation pick-ups  802  are a pair of bevels on the sides of the healing abutments in  FIGS. 9 a   - 9   p.  Alternatively, the orientation pick-ups  802  can be grooves or protruding ridges, as well. 
     The orientation pick-ups  802  serve a second function in that they dictate which of the four marking locations is the first marking location. The other three marking locations are then read in clockwise order, proceeding from the most counterclockwise pick-up  802  to the other three marking locations on the top surface of the healing abutment. In other words, as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 a   - 9   p,  the information marker at 6 o&#39;clock is the first digit in the binary code, the information marker at 9 o&#39;clock is the second digit in the binary code, the information marker at 12 o&#39;clock is the third digit in the binary code, and the information marker at 3 o&#39;clock is the fourth digit in the binary code. In summary, the position of the orientation pick-ups  802  allows for the determination of the position of one of the hex flats of the healing abutment (and, likewise, one of the hex flats on the implant), and also the starting point to check for the presence or absence of information markers. 
     The results of a scan (computer or visual) of the four information markers on the healing abutment  801  produce no information markers at the four marking locations on the healing abutment  801  of  FIG. 9 a   . Thus, the binary code for the healing abutment  801  is 0000, indicating that no grooved marker is present in any of the four predetermined positions. Since the coding key is preset (on a chart or in computer software), the binary code 0000 indicates that the healing abutment  801  is a resident of first row and first column of the matrix depicted by  FIG. 9 , having a height of 3 mm and a seating surface diameter of 3.4 mm. Thus, the three distinct pieces of information obtained from the top of the healing abutment allow the clinician or laboratory to know (i) the orientation of the hex of the implant, (ii) the height of the healing abutment the location of the implant&#39;s seating surface below the healing abutment), and the seating surface diameter of the healing abutment (or the size of the implant&#39;s seating surface). 
     The healing abutment  806  in  FIG. 9 b    possesses a binary code of 0100 because only one information marker  807  is present in the second marking location. Thus, it is understood from the binary code that the healing abutment  806  is 3 mm in height and has a seating surface diameter of 4.1 mm. The two healing abutments  811 ,  816  in  FIGS. 9 c , 9 d    have binary codes of 1000 and 1100, respectively. Healing abutment  811  has an information marker  812  in the first marking location, while healing abutment  816  has information markers  817 ,  818  in the first two locations. Thus, the unique characteristics of these two healing abutments are known. 
     The healing abutments  821 ,  826 ,  831 ,  836  shown in  FIGS. 9 e -9 h    and having heights of 4 mm, but with varying seating surface diameters, would be interpreted as having binary codes 0010, 0110, 1010, and 1110, respectively. Healing abutment  821  has one information marker  822  present in the third marking location, thus resulting in a binary code of 0010, which is indicative of a healing abutment height of 4 mm and a seating surface diameter of 3.4 mm. Similar analyses on healing abutment  826  with information markers  827 ,  828 , healing abutment  831  with information markers  832 ,  833 , and healing abutment  836  with information markers  837 ,  838 ,  839  allow determinations of the unique characteristics of these healing abutments. 
     The healing abutments  841 ,  846 ,  851 ,  856  shown in  FIGS. 9 i -9 l    and having heights of 6 mm, but with varying seating surface diameters, would be interpreted as having binary codes 0001, 0101, 1001, and 1101, respectively. Healing abutment  841  has one information marker  842  present in the fourth marking location, thus resulting in a binary code of 0001, which is indicative of a healing abutment height of 6 mm and a seating surface diameter of 3.4 mm. Similar analyses on healing abutment  846  with information markers  847 ,  848 , healing abutment  851  with information markers  852 ,  853 , and healing abutment  856  with information markers  857 ,  858 ,  859  allow determinations of the unique characteristics of these healing abutments. 
     The healing abutments  861 ,  866 ,  871 ,  876  shown in  FIGS. 9 m -9 p    and having heights of 8 mm, but with varying seating surface diameters, would be interpreted as having binary codes 0011, 0111, 1011 and 1111, respectively. Healing abutment  861  has two information markers  862 ,  863 , which is indicative of a healing abutment height of 8 mm and a seating surface diameter of 3.4 mm. Similar analyses on healing abutment  866  with information markers  867 ,  868 ,  869 , healing abutment  871  with information markers  872 ,  873 ,  874 , and healing abutment  876  with information markers  877 ,  878 ,  879 ,  880  allow determinations of the unique characteristics of these healing abutments. 
     While the matrix of the sixteen healing abutments in  FIGS. 9 a -9 p    show four implant seating surface diameters and four heights, the matrix could include other physical characteristics of the healing abutment. For example, the maximum diameter of the healing abutment could be information obtainable through the binary-coded system. The type of fitting on the healing abutment and, thus, the implant (i.e., internal hex or external hex) could be provided. Information unrelated to the healing abutment, but related to only the implant, could be used. For example, the manufacturer of the implant could be noted. Or, information regarding the type of screw that mates with the is internally thread bore of the implant could be provided. 
     Further, while  FIGS. 9 a -9 p    demonstrate the ability of the four digit, binary-coded system to provide two physical characteristics of the healing abutment, it could provide three or more physical characteristics. For example, two seating surface sizes, four heights, and two maximum diameters would provide sixteen unique healing abutments. If more information were needed, a fifth marking location could be added to provide the opportunity for displaying thirty-two physical characteristics of the healing abutments and/or implant. And, while one marking location has been shown with marker, it is possible to have two or more markers in each marking location. For example, one circumferential groove and one radial groove within one location could represent two digits of a binary system. Alternatively, having two widths possible for each groove could provide additional indicia representative of certain information about the healing abutment. 
     While the invention has been described with round healing abutments, healing abutments anatomically shaped like teeth can take advantage of the information markers. Thus, the set of healing abutments could include components shaped like the various teeth, and the information markers could provide the information regarding which tooth shape is present on the healing abutment. For example, a set may include four types of molar-shaped healing abutments, four types of bicuspid-shaped healing abutments, four types of incisor-shaped healing abutments and four types of round abutments. The four information marker locations on each component in the set provide the information to determine which one of the sixteen healing abutments is being used. 
     It is contemplated that the present invention also covers a set of eight unique healing abutments (as opposed to the sixteen shown) requiring only three marking locations. The computer software and/or the visual chart in this situation would identify these eight unique healing abutments through binary codes possessing three digits. The potential binary codes corresponding to an ON or OFF determination at the three marking locations are 000, 100, 010, 001, 110, 101, 011, and 111. Similarly, if the set has only four unique healing abutments, only two marking locations would be required on the healing abutments to determine features regarding the healing abutment and the attached dental implant. The potential binary codes in a four healing abutment matrix are 00, 10, 01, and 11. 
     After the top surface of a healing abutment (or the impression of the top surface, or the model of the impression of the top surface) is analyzed, the orientation of the hex is known from the location of the orientation pick-ups  802  and, via the binary code, the abutment height and the seating surface of the healing abutment is known. Other information regarding the healing abutment and the attached implant can also be determined by adding other markers of the type previously shown. 
     In addition to the markers described, it is further possible to provide a bar-coded system for providing information about the particular component, as shown in  FIG. 9 q   . The bar code  894  can be located on the top surface on the healing abutment  892  such that it can be scanned or read easily. Thus, the bar code  894  would provide the same type of information described above with respect to the information markers. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , when scanning techniques are used to learn of the information on the top of the healing abutment, the computer software is able to determine the position and orientation of the implant  900  relative to the adjacent teeth. The position of the implant  900  is defined in a Cartesian coordinate system having “X,” “Y,” and “Z” axes. The common point is at the intersection of the centerline of the implant and a plane  920  representing the seating surface  925  of the implant  900 . 
     As noted above, the information markers assist in determining the height of the healing abutment above the implant. This height can be used to identify the zero point on the “Z” axis, which is in the plane  920  containing the seating surface  925  of the implant  900 . The “Y” axis  910  is within the plane  920  representing the seating surface  925  with the positive “Y” direction as close to the direction of facial to buccal as possible. The “X” axis  915  is in the plane  920  and is perpendicular to an implant hex face. Thus, the width of the seating surface  925  in the plane  920  is known, as is the width of the healing abutment emerging through the gingiva. Thus, the emergence profile of the artificial tooth is known, as well. 
     While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the claims that follow.