Tissue level one-time abutment system and method

A method of using a tissue level one-time abutment system in a dental region, the one-time abutment system having an abutment supporting a superstructure, the method including the steps of:

• a. providing the one-time abutment system, comprising:
• an implant;
• and
• a healing cap mechanically fixed to the implant by a threaded bolt extending axially through the healing cap and secured into a matching tapped socket in the implant;
• b. providing the one-time abutment system to a clinic in a sterilized state with a driving tool attached to the healing cap, the driving tool having a cross sectional shape matching an axial depression in the healing cap and the driving tool attached to the threaded bolt and having a detachable connection to the threaded bolt;
• c. inserting the one-time abutment system in the dental region in an initial procedure, with the healing cap retained in place on the implant following the initial procedure;
• d. using the driving tool to drive the healing cap and implant into place, in the initial procedure, using the cross-sectional shape of the driving tool matching an axial depression in the healing cap;
• e. detaching the driving tool from the healing cap once the one-time abutment system is inserted and the implant is driven into place;
• f. disposing the driving tool after it is detached;
• g. temporarily attaching a transfer gauge to the healing cap for a first step in an impression procedure including hardening impression material;
• h. detaching the transfer gauge from the healing cap with removal of the hardened impression material;
• and
• i. retaining the healing cap in place, the healing cap serving as an integral part of the abutment throughout all intermediate procedures and through a final procedure of installing the superstructure in place upon the abutment.