Intraoral scan alignment tool and method

Abstract

An intraoral scan alignment tool including a single-piece body, the body including a head having at least one alignment groove, a neck, and a projection extending from the neck. The projection is configured to be removably disposed into a bone of a jaw without a surgical incision, and the head is configured to be a stationary stop for aligning at least one scan of the jaw with another scan of the jaw.

Description

Docket No.31653 / 59318 / PC INTRAORAL SCAN ALIGNMENT TOOL AND METHOD CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 539,950, filed on September 22, 2023, entitled “Intraoral Scan Alignment Tool and Method,” the entire content of which is herein expressly incorporated by reference. FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to dental tools and, more specifically, to an intraoral scan alignment tool assembly and related method. BACKGROUND

[0003] Conventional systems and methods have failed to address a technique used to align the pre-extraction records to the post-extraction records in cases for implant placements with or without extractions of teeth in a mandibular jaw using an intra-oral scanner (IOS). In the field of medicine, conventional temporarily screwed fiducial markers are small, metal markers that are screwed into the skin of a patient with multiple applications that sometimes require surgical incision of the patient, for example. In one example, they are utilized in image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) to locate and monitor tumor positions during radiation treatment accurately. These markers are also used in stereotactic procedures to target anatomical structures or lesions precisely and may aid in surgical navigation, providing real-time guidance and improving surgical accuracy. Furthermore, they play a role in localizing and tracking anatomical structures during diagnostic imaging procedures and are valuable in research and clinical studies for monitoring changes and treatment outcomes.

[0004] However, using such markers without hard tissue landmarks, such as in the jaw of a patient is most challenging as the tissue, such as the jaw tissue in particular is movable, especially after implants and / or teeth have been removed. As a result, it is extremely difficultDocket No.31653 / 59318 / PC and time-consuming to accurately align jaw with teeth and the jaw after teeth removal (such as the patient's pre-extractions to post-extractions records), for example, using known markers adhering to tissue only as an alignment tool. SUMMARY

[0005] In accordance with a first aspect, an intraoral scan alignment tool comprises a single- piece body, the body including a head having at least one alignment groove, a neck, and a projection extending from the neck. The projection is configured to be removably disposed into a bone of a jaw without a surgical incision, and the head is configured to be a stationary stop for aligning at least one scan of the jaw with another scan of the jaw.

[0006] According to another aspect, an intraoral scan alignment system comprises a computing device, an intraoral scanner coupled to the computing device, and a plurality of intraoral scan alignment tools. Each intraoral scan alignment tool comprises a single-piece body, the body including a head having at least one alignment groove, a neck, and a projection extending from the neck. The projection is configured to be removably disposed into a bone of a jaw without a surgical incision. In addition, the head has at least one alignment groove configured to be a stationary stop for aligning at least one jaw scan. The scanner is configured to scan the jaw after disposal of the plurality of intraoral scan alignment tools to create a first scan. The computing device is configured to receive the first scan and superimpose the first scan with a second scan based on the plurality of intraoral scan alignment tools.

[0007] According to yet another aspect, a method of aligning intraoral scans comprises disposing at least one intraoral scan alignment tool into a bone of a jaw without a surgical incision, the at least one intraoral scan alignment tool including a single-piece body having a head with at least one alignment groove. The method further comprises obtaining a first scan via an intraoral scanner with the at least one intraoral scan alignment tool disposed in the bone of the jaw and obtaining a second scan via the intraoral scanner after a surgical procedure withDocket No.31653 / 59318 / PC the at least one intraoral scan alignment tool disposed in the bone. The method still further comprises comparing the first scan with the second scan via a computing device using the at least one alignment groove of the intraoral scan alignment tool of the first scan and the at least one alignment groove of the intraoral scan alignment tool of the second scan. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] It is believed that the disclosure will be more fully understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Some of the drawings may have been simplified by the omission of selected elements for the purpose of more clearly showing other elements. Such omissions of elements in some drawings are not necessarily indicative of the presence or absence of particular elements in any of the example embodiments, except as may be explicitly delineated in the corresponding written description. Also, none of the drawings is necessarily to scale.

[0009] Fig.1 is a front view of an intraoral scan alignment tool of the present disclosure;

[0010] Fig.2 is a side view of the intraoral scan alignment tool of the present disclosure;

[0011] Fig.3 is a rear view of the intraoral scan alignment tool of the present disclosure;

[0012] Fig.4 is another side view of the intraoral scan alignment tool of the present disclosure;

[0013] Fig.5 is a bottom view of the intraoral scan alignment tool of the present disclosure;

[0014] Fig.6 is a top view of the intraoral scan alignment tool of the present disclosure;

[0015] Fig.7 is a perspective view of an intraoral scan alignment tool system of the present disclosure;

[0016] Fig.8 is a perspective view of a plurality of intraoral scan alignment tools of the intraoral scan alignment tool system disposed in a jaw with teeth;Docket No.31653 / 59318 / PC

[0017] Fig.9 is a perspective view of a plurality of intraoral scan alignment tools of the intraoral scan alignment tool system disposed in the jaw without teeth and / or the teeth removed after a procedure with or without implant placement;

[0018] Fig.10 is a flow chart depicting a method of aligning intraoral scans using at least the intraoral scan alignment tool of the present disclosure;

[0019] Fig.11 is a first scan of the jaw by an intraoral scanner of the intraoral scan alignment tool system with the plurality of intraoral scan alignment tools disposed therein;

[0020] Fig.12 is a second scan of the jaw with the plurality of intraoral scan alignment tools maintained therein with teeth removed, with or without implant placement;

[0021] Fig.13 is a superimposed scan of the first scan and the second scan of Figs.11 and 12; and

[0022] Fig.14 is another superimposed scan of the first scan and the second scan of Figs. 11 and 12, with markings indicating alignment of the intraoral scan alignment tools of each of the first and second scans; and

[0023] Fig.15 is a perspective view depicting the first and second scans of Figs.11 and 12 after superimposition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Generally, an intraoral scan alignment tool of the present disclosure includes a singl- piece body having a head with at least one alignment groove, a neck, and a projection extending from the neck. The projection is configured to be removably disposed into a bone of the jaw of a patient without a surgical incision, and the head is configured to be a stationary stop for aligning at least one scan of the jaw with another scan of the jaw, as explained more below. So configured, the intraoral scan alignment tool serves as the stationary stop allowing accurate and efficient alignment of scans, such as jaw scans, regardless of mobile tissue of the jaw.Docket No.31653 / 59318 / PC

[0025] Referring now to Fig.1, a front view of an intraoral scan alignment tool 10 of the present disclosure is depicted. The intraoral scan alignment tool 10 includes a single-piece body 12 having a head 14 including at least one alignment groove (as explained more below in Figs. 2-4, for example), a neck 16, and a projection 18 extending from the neck 16. The head also includes a front portion 20. The projection 18 is configured to be removably disposed into a bone of a jaw without a surgical incision. In addition, the head 14 is configured to be a stationary stop for aligning at least one scan of the jaw with another scan of the jaw, as explained more below.

[0026] Referring now to Figs.2-4, the head 14 includes the front portion 20, a pair of side portions 22 having a first side portion 22a, as depicted in Fig.2 and a second side portion 22b, as depicted in Fig.4. The head 14 further includes a rear portion 24, as depicted in Fig.3. Each side portion 22a, 22b includes a first alignment groove 26a, 26b having a first width W1. In addition, the rear portion 24 includes a second alignment groove 28 having a second width W2 greater than the first width W1 of the first alignment groove 26a, 26b of each side portion 22a, 22b. As explained more below, each of the first and second alignment grooves 26a, 26b, and 28 is configured to be used to align the at least one scan of the jaw with another scan of the jaw.

[0027] More generally, and in one example, the at least one alignment groove 22 of the head 14 includes the first alignment groove 26a, 26b having the first width W1 and the second alignment groove 28 of the rear portion 24 having the second width W2. In this example, the second width W2 of the second alignment groove 28 is greater than the first width W1 of the first alignment groove 22a, 22b. The different widths of the grooves 26a, 26b, and 28 serves as different reference points and alignment features of the intraoral scan alignment tool 10 during use for a more accurate scan, for example and as also explained more below.

[0028] Referring now to Figs.4 and 5, the projection 18 includes one or more of a tip 30 or a cutting flute 32, each of which is configured for self-drilling into the bone of the jaw. In addition, the projection 18 extends from a central area 34 of a bottom portion 36 of the head 14 of theDocket No.31653 / 59318 / PC body 12. In another example, the projection 18 includes a threaded screw 38 configured to be secured to the bone of the jaw to prevent rotational movement of the body 12 of the intraoral scan alignment tool 10 after being disposed in the bone of the jaw.

[0029] Referring now to Fig.6, the head 14 of the body 12 includes a cylindrical wall 40 forming a bore 42. A hexagonal portion 44 is disposed within the bore 42 and configured to receive a driver (not shown) or other similar known tool to secure the projection 18 into the bone of the jaw. As will be appreciated, the cylindrical wall 40 is configured to support the driver (or other similar tool) when being used to secure the projection 18 and ultimately the intraoral scan alignment tool 10 into the bone of the jaw. As will also be appreciated, while the portion 44 is hexagonal, the portion 44 may alternatively take the shape of many other different forms including circular in shape and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] It will be appreciated that the above-described intraoral scan alignment tool 10 may include several different sizes, such as different overall lengths and lengths of the projection 18, for example, to accommodate different heights of tissue to reach the bone. In one example, the overall width of the intraoral scan alignment tool 10 is about 1.4mm and the overall length is about 16mm. In another example, the head 14 may include a width of about 6mm and a length of about 6mm. In addition, the neck 16 may include a length of about 3mm and include a tapered, cylindrical shape, as depicted in Figs.1-4. Further, the projection 18 may include a length of about 7mm, and the threaded portion 38 of the projection 18 may include a pitch of 0.8mm, an inner diameter of about 1.2mm, an outer diameter of about 1.4mm, and a depth of about 0.2mm. In addition, the threaded portion 38 may include spiral threads. Still further, the cutting flute 32 may include a length of about 2mm.Of course, each of these parts of the intraoral scan alignment tool 10 may alternatively include different sizes and / or dimensions and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] In addition, the first alignment grooves 26a, 26b may include a length in a range of about 1.4-1.6mm and a width of about 0.8mm. The second alignment groove 28 may include aDocket No.31653 / 59318 / PC length of about 3mm and a width of about 0.8mm. Further, the hexagonal portion 44 may include a width of about 2.5mm. In addition, the space between the cylindrical wall 40 and the hexagonal portion 44 may include a width of about 1.1 mm. Of course, the dimensions of these parts may vary and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. In another example, the intraoral scan alignment tool 10 of the present disclosure comprises a titanium alloy, such as a grade 4 or a grade 5 titanium alloy. Of course, other materials may additionally and / or alternatively be used and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] Referring now to Fig.7, a intraoral scan alignment system 100 having at least one intraoral scan alignment tool 10 described above is depicted according to another aspect of the present disclosure. The intraoral scan alignment system 100 includes a computing device 112, an intraoral scanner 114 communicatively coupled to the computing device 112 via a wired or wireless connection, for example, and as is understood by those having ordinary skill. The intraoral scan alignment system 100 also includes an intraoral scan alignment tool assembly 116 having a plurality of intraoral scan alignment tools 118. Each intraoral scan alignment tool 10 of the plurality of scan alignment tools 118 includes the intraoral scan alignment tool 10 described above and depicted in Figs.1-6.

[0033] Referring now to Figs.8 and 9, the scanner 114 is configured to scan the jaw 120 of the patient after disposal of the intraoral scan alignment tools 10 in the bone 122 of the jaw 120 with teeth 124, as depicted in Fig.8, to create a first scan 130 (Fig.11). After the teeth 124 are removed from the jaw 120, implants 126 may be or are disposed in the bone 122 as depicted in Fig.9. In addition, the scanner 114 is configured to scan and / or may scan the jaw 120 with the intraoral scan alignment tools 10 still maintained in the same stationary position in the bone 122 of the jaw to create a second scan 132 (Fig.12). The computing device 112 is configured to receive both the first and second scans 130, 132 and then superimpose the first scan 130 with the second scan 132 based on alignment of the plurality of intraoral scan alignment tools 10, for example. Specifically, and in one example the computing device 112 is configured to use theDocket No.31653 / 59318 / PC first and second alignment grooves 26a, 26b, and 28 (as depicted in Figs.2-4) of the intraoral scan alignment tools 10 when aligning the first scan 130 (Fig.11) with the second scan 132 (Fig.12).

[0034] In one example, the plurality of intraoral scan alignment tools 116 comprises three intraoral alignment tools 10, as depicted in Figs.7, 8 and 9, for example. However, it will be appreciated that more or fewer intraoral scan alignment tools 10 may alternatively be used, such as two intraoral scan alignment tools 10, and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] Referring now to Fig.10, a method 200 of aligning scans, such as the first and second scans 130 and 132 described above, is depicted. The method 200 includes in block 202 disposing at least one intraoral scan alignment tool 10 (as described above) into the bone 122 of the jaw 120 (Figs.8 and 9) without a surgical incision and / or any surgical flap. As described above, at least one intraoral scan alignment tool 10 includes the single-piece body 12 having the head 14 with at least one alignment groove, such as the first and second alignment grooves 26a, 26b, and 28.

[0036] In one example, disposing the at least one intraoral scan alignment tool 10 into the bone 122 of the jaw 120 comprises disposing the plurality of intraoral scan alignment tools 118 into the bone 122 of the jaw 120, with the plurality of intraoral scan alignment tools 118 including one of two intraoral scan alignment tools 10 (not shown) or three intraoral scan alignment tools 10, as depicted in Fig.8. In one example, the intraoral scan alignment tool 10 is disposed in the mandible of the jaw 120, two around a retromolar trigone region on each side of the jaw 120. In another example, two intraoral scan alignment tools 10 are disposed in the anterior part of the jaw 120. Further, two intraoral scan alignment tools 10 can be placed in the anterior to the maxillary tuberosity of the jaw 120 and two in the anterior part of the mandible of the jaw 120. It will be appreciated that more than three intraoral scan alignment tools 10 may alternatively be used and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Still further, additionally and / orDocket No.31653 / 59318 / PC alternatively, disposing at least one intraoral scan alignment tool 10 into the bone 122 of the jaw 120 without the surgical incision comprises disposing the projection 18 extending from the head 14 of the body 12 of the at least one intraoral scan alignment tool 10 such that the head 14 is stationary, the projection 18 including at least one of the threaded portion 38, the tip 30, and the cutting blade 32.

[0037] The method 200 at block 204 further includes obtaining the first scan 130 via the intraoral scanner 114 with the at least one intraoral scan alignment tool 10 disposed in the bone 122 of the jaw 120. In one example, the intraoral scanner 114 is an IOS TRIOS 3 (3Shape A / S, Copenhagen, Denmark) scanner. For example, obtaining the first scan 130 via the intraoral scanner 114 with the at least one intraoral scan alignment tool 10 disposed in the bone 122 of the jaw 120 comprises obtaining the first scan 130 with one or more teeth 124 or implants 126 disposed in the bone 122. In addition, obtaining the second scan 132 via the intraoral scanner 114 after the surgical procedure with the at least one intraoral scan alignment tool 10 disposed in the bone 122 comprises obtaining the second scan 132 without one or more teeth 124 or implants 126 disposed in the bone 122.

[0038] In one example, the method 200 may also further comprise at block 206 performing a surgical procedure and maintaining and / or preserving the stationary location of the at least one intraoral scan alignment tool 10, such as the three intraoral scan alignment tools 10 in Figs.8 and 9. The surgical procedure may include removing one or more teeth 124. In addition, the method 200 at block 208 further comprises obtaining the second scan 132 via the intraoral scanner 114 after the surgical procedure with the at least one intraoral scan alignment tool 10 disposed in the bone 122. The method may also comprise at block 210 sending the first and second scans 130, 132 to the computing device 112 after obtaining the second scan 132. In one example, the scans 130, 132 may be exported in a preferred format according to the Computer- Aided Design (CAD) software used, or they may be sent directly to a dental laboratory for immediate design, for example.Docket No.31653 / 59318 / PC

[0039] Further, and referring now to Figs.13 and 14, the method 200 also includes at block 212 comparing the first scan 130 with the second scan 132 via the computing device 112 using the at least one alignment groove 26a, 26b, 28 of at least one of the intraoral scan alignment tools 10 of the first scan 130 and the at least one alignment groove 26a, 26b, 28 of at least one the intraoral scan alignment tools 10 of the second scan 132, as depicted in Fig.13. In one example, comparing the first scan 130 with the second scan 132 via the computing device 112 comprises aligning the at least one alignment groove 26a, 26b, 28 of at least one of the intraoral scan alignment tools 10 of the first scan 130 with the at least one alignment groove 26a, 26b, 28 of at least one of the intraoral scan alignment tools 10 of the second scan 132, as depicted in Fig.14. For example, in Fig.14, at least one of the alignment grooves 26a, 26b, 28 of each of the three intraoral scan alignment tools 10 of the first scan 130 is aligned with at least one of the alignment grooves 26a, 26b, 28 of each of the intraoral scan alignment tools 10 of the second scan 132. In addition, the first and second scans 130, 132 may also be aligned with Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) for partially dentate or completely edentulous cases.

[0040] In another example, and referring now to Fig.15, the computing device 112 uses the scans 130, 132, for example, to create virtual models which may be aligned by identifying and pairing the intraoral scan alignment tools 10 of the first scan 130 with the second scan 132 using software, such as DentalCAD 3.1 Rijeka; Exocad GmbH. A best-fit alignment may be performed by the computing device 10 again using software, such as DentalCAD 3.1 Rijeka; Exocad GmbH, and the computing device 112 may, again using software such as Geomagic Control 2015; 3D Systems, compute and calculate the surface area and standard deviations between the three-dimensional positions of the intraoral scan alignment tools 10 of each of the first and second scans 130, 132. Fitting zones and alignment reference points, such as the alignment grooves 26a, 26b, and 28 of the intraoral scan alignment tools 10 provide a necessary means to achieve the precise superimposition of the two scans 130, 132, as depicted in Fig.15. This enables clinicians and laboratory technicians to superimpose the informationDocket No.31653 / 59318 / PC contained in both scans 130, 132, such as the patient's pre-extractions to post-extractions and surgical implants placed.

[0041] More specifically, and in this example, in Fig.15, parts of the superimposed scans of Fig.15 having lighter colored shading correspond to the pre-extractions model / scan, which is the first scan 130 depicted in Figs.13 and 14, for example. In addition, parts of the superimposed scans of Fig.15 having darker colored shading represent the post-extractions and surgical implants placed on the model / scan, such as the second scan 132 depicted in Figs. 13 and 14, for example.

[0042] In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the tool 10, the system 100, and the method 200 described above have several advantages. For example, the intraoral scan alignment tool 10 is easy to use as it is disposed in the bone 122 of the jaw 120 without any surgical incision and / or flap, reducing the overall time of a scan procedure, for example. Further, the intraoral scan alignment tool 10 provides a solid landmark to align the scans, as the tool 10 negates and / or disregards tissue movement by being disposed in a solid structure of the bone 122 that is not moving. Still further, with the intraoral scan alignment tool 10 having the single-piece body 12, there is further ease of disposal into the jaw 120 and no rotation thereafter. Moreover, the intraoral scan alignment tool 10, system 100, and related method 200 help clinicians who want to place implants and immediate, early, or delayed / conventional load them with guided and non-guided treatment using the intraoral scanner 114, for example. Using the intraoral scan alignment tool 10, the system 100, and related method 200 incorporates simplicity and speed accuracy of the alignment of the scans, which can lead to better treatment outcomes.

[0043] Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of theDocket No.31653 / 59318 / PC individual operations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein.

[0044] As used herein any reference to “one example” or “an example” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one example” in various places in the specification does not necessarily all refer to the same example.

[0045] Some examples may be described using the expressions “coupled” and “connected” along with their derivatives. For example, some examples may be described using the term “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. The term “coupled,” however, may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other. The examples are not limited in this context.

[0046] As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present), and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present), and B is true (or present), and both A and B is true (or present).Docket No.31653 / 59318 / PC

[0047] In addition, the use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the description. This description, and the claims that follow, should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0048] While various embodiments have been described herein, it is understood that the appended claims are not intended to be limited thereto, and may include variations that are still within the literal or equivalent scope of the claims. Although the device, methods, and elements thereof, have been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, they are not limited thereto. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment of the invention because describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent that would still fall within the scope of the claims defining the invention.

[0049] It should be understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. The appended claims should be construed broadly to include other variants and embodiments of the same, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the tool, the system, and the method.

Claims

Docket No.31653 / 59318 / PC What is Claimed:

1. An intraoral scan alignment tool, the tool comprising: a single-piece body, the body including a head having at least one alignment groove, a neck, and a projection extending from the neck, wherein the projection is configured to be removably disposed into a bone of a jaw without a surgical incision, and the head is configured to be a stationary stop for aligning at least one scan of the jaw with another scan of the jaw.

2. The scan alignment tool of claim 1, wherein the head includes a front portion, a rear portion, and a pair of side portions, each side portion of the pair of side portions including a first alignment groove having a first width, and the rear portion including a second alignment groove having a second width greater than the first width of the first alignment groove of each side portion, each of the first and second alignment grooves is configured to be used to align the at least one scan of the jaw with another scan of the jaw.

3. The scan alignment tool of claim 1, where the at least one alignment groove of the head includes a first alignment groove having a first width and a second alignment groove having a second width, the second width of the second alignment groove greater than the first width of the first alignment groove.

4. The scan alignment tool of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the projection further comprises one or more of a tip or a cutting flute, each of which is configured for self-drilling into the bone of the jaw, and the projection extends from a central area of a bottom portion of the head of the body.Docket No.31653 / 59318 / PC 5. The scan alignment tool of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the projection further comprises a threaded screw configured to be secured to the bone of the jaw to prevent rotational movement of the body after being disposed into the bone of the jaw.

6. The scan alignment tool of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the head of the body includes a cylindrical wall forming a bore, and a hexagonal portion is disposed within the bore and configured to receive a driver to secure the projection into the bone of the jaw, wherein the cylindrical wall is configured to support the driver.

7. An intraoral scan alignment tool assembly, comprising: a plurality of intraoral scan alignment tools, each intraoral scan alignment tool of the plurality of intraoral scan alignment tools comprising the intraoral scan alignment tool of claim 1, wherein the projection of each intraoral scan alignment tool is configured to be removably disposed into the bone of the jaw without a surgical incision, and the head of each intraoral alignment tool is configured to be a stationary stop for the alignment of at least two scans.

8. An intraoral scan alignment system comprising: a computing device; an intraoral scanner coupled to the computing device; and a plurality of intraoral scan alignment tools, each intraoral scan alignment tool comprising: a single-piece body, the body including a head having at least one alignment groove, a neck, and a projection extending from the neck, the projection configured to be removably disposed into a bone of a jaw without a surgical incision, and the head having at least one alignment groove configured to be a stationary stop for aligning at least one jaw scan,Docket No.31653 / 59318 / PC wherein the scanner is configured to scan the jaw after disposal of the plurality of intraoral scan alignment tools to create a first scan, and the computing device is configured to receive the first scan and superimpose the first scan with a second scan based on the plurality of intraoral scan alignment tools.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of intraoral scan alignment tools comprises one of two intraoral scan alignment tools or three intraoral scan alignment tools.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one alignment groove of the head includes a first alignment groove having a first width and a second alignment groove having a second width, the second width of the second alignment groove greater than the first width of the first alignment groove.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the computing device is configured to use the first and second alignment grooves when aligning the first scan with the second scan.

12. The system of any one of claims 8-11, wherein the projection further comprises one or more of a tip or a cutting flute, each of which is configured for self-drilling into the bone of the jaw, and the projection extends from a central area of a bottom portion of the head of the body.

13. The system of any one of claims 8-12, wherein the projection further comprises a threaded screw configured to be secured to the bone of the jaw to prevent rotational movement of the body after being disposed into the bone of the jaw.

14. The system of any one of claims 8-13, wherein the head of the body includes a cylindrical wall forming a bore, and a hexagonal portion is disposed within the bore andDocket No.31653 / 59318 / PC configured to receive a driver to secure the projection into the bone of the jaw of the patient, wherein the cylindrical wall is configured to support the driver.

15. A method of aligning intraoral scans comprising: disposing at least one intraoral scan alignment tool into a bone of a jaw without a surgical incision, the at least one intraoral scan alignment tool including a single-piece body having a head with at least one alignment groove; obtaining a first scan via an intraoral scanner with the at least one intraoral scan alignment tool disposed in the bone of the jaw; obtaining a second scan via the intraoral scanner after a surgical procedure with the at least one intraoral scan alignment tool disposed in the bone; and comparing the first scan with the second scan via a computing device using the at least one alignment groove of the intraoral scan alignment tool of the first scan and the at least one alignment groove of the intraoral scan alignment tool of the second scan.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising sending the first and second scans to the computing device after obtaining the second scan, and wherein comparing the first scan to the second scan further comprises superimposing the first scan with the second scan using the at least one alignment groove of the intraoral scan alignment tool of the first scan and the at least one alignment groove of the intraoral scan alignment tool of the second scan.

17. The method of either one of claims 15 and 16, wherein comparing the first scan with the second scan comprises aligning the at least one alignment groove of the intraoral scan alignment tool of the first scan with the at least one alignment groove of the intraoral scan alignment tool of the second scan.Docket No.31653 / 59318 / PC 18. The method of any one of claims 15-17, wherein disposing at least one intraoral scan alignment tool into a bone of a jaw without a surgical incision comprises disposing a plurality of intraoral scan alignment tools into the bone of the jaw of the patient, the plurality of intraoral scan alignment tools including one of two intraoral scan alignment tools or three intraoral scan alignment tools.

19. The method of any one of claims 15-18, wherein disposing at least one intraoral scan alignment tool into a bone of a jaw without a surgical incision comprises disposing a projection extending from the head of the body of the at least one intraoral scan alignment tool such that the head is stationary, the projection including at least one of a threaded portion, a tip, or a cutting blade.

20. The method of any one of claims 15-19, wherein obtaining a first scan via an intraoral scanner with the at least one intraoral scan alignment tool disposed in the bone of the jaw comprises obtaining the first scan with one or more teeth or implants disposed in the jaw and obtaining a second scan via the intraoral scanner after a surgical procedure with the at least one intraoral scan alignment tool disposed in the bone comprises obtaining the second scan without one or more of teeth disposed in the jaw.

Images