CT scanning of intraoral soft tissue and dental structures

Abstract

The use of radiology, e.g., cone beam CT scanning to image soft tissue surrounding existing dentition and other dental structures (e.g., a tooth preparation) which will assist in fabrication of a temporary or permanent dental prosthesis to be placed. This also includes scanning of the occlusal relationship of the teeth or a prosthesis in the maxilla and mandible to establish the correct bite for proper fabrication of the final dental prothesis. A separating medium may be placed in the oral cavity to separate the surrounding soft tissues, e.g., buccal mucosa, tongue, from the gingival tissue surrounding the dentition and other dental structures. An enhancing contrast medium could be incorporated into the separating medium and / or applied to the gingival tissue and occlusal surfaces of teeth and other dental structures to allow for easier and more accurate capture of these structures using CT or other scanning.

Description

CT SCANNING OF INTRAORAL SOFT TISSUE AND DENTAL STRUCTURESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This Application claims priority to and the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 567,706, filed March 20, 2024, titled “CT SCANNING OF INTRAORAL SOFT TISSUE AND DENTAL STRUCTURES” and Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 710.443, filed October 22, 2024. titled “3D PRINTED OR OTHER ANATOMICAL AND CIRCULAR GINGIVAL CUFFS”, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Each of U.S. Patent Nos. 8,628,327; 9,572,640; 9,895,209; 10,016,260; 10,687,922;10,470.856; 10.595,969; 10.695,152; 10.507,081; 10.709,525; 11,253,345; 11,478,339; 10,595,970; 11,571,283; 10,568,720; and 11,559,379 and U.S. Publication Nos. 2022 / 0151742 and 2022 / 0249206, and U.S. Patent Application No. 19 / 060,102 filed February 21, 2025 (19080.15. 1) titled OMNI-ABUTMENT CORE AND METHODS OF USE is each herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. The Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention is in the field of dental scanning, and fabrication of dental prosthesis.2. The Relevant Technology

[0004] Currently, in order for soft tissue in the oral cavity7, e.g., gingival tissue, to be captured on a cone beam CT (CBCT) or similar scan, the tissue ideally must not be in contact with other soft tissue structures, such as the surrounding mucosa or tongue, as this results in an inability to accurately identify the tissue margins between such similar soft tissues. In addition, it can be difficult to identify the correct occlusal relationship between the dentition of the maxilla and mandible using such scanning alone due to the inability of many scanners to identity7the fine details of the occlusal relationship. SUMMARY

[0005] This disclosure describes the use of radiology, e.g., CT (e.g., CBCT) or other scanning, to image soft tissue surrounding existing dentition and other dental structures (e.g.. dental implants, bridges, tooth preparations and the like) which will assist in fabrication of dental prostheses to be placed on the teeth or implants. This also includes CT or similar scanning ofthe occlusal relationship of the teeth or a prosthesis in the maxilla and mandible to establish the correct bite for proper fabrication of an interim and / or the final dental prothesis. Such methods can also be used to scan tooth structure (e.g. tooth preparations for fabrication of an interim and / or final dental prosthesis). Such methods also advantageously allow for orientation of the maxillary and mandibular soft and hard tissue for fabrication of temporary7and final prosthesis in edentulous and other patients. Various exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are outlined below.

[0006] 1. Using a separating medium that could be placed in the oral cavity to separate the surrounding soft tissues, e.g., buccal mucosa, tongue, or the like from the gingival tissue surrounding the dentition and other dental structures. Examples of such separating medium can include, but is not limited to polymer foam materials (e.g., foamed polymeric fluoride treatment tray material), acrylics, plastics, moldable and settable materials e.g., wax, polyvinyl siloxane (silicone), dental impression materials, air filled balloon devices, cotton rolls and the like. While silicone and other dental impression materials can be used, it will be appreciated that they are used as a separating medium, not for actually taking a dental impression.

[0007] 2. Using an enhancing contrast medium that could be placed on or applied to the gingival tissue and occlusal surfaces of teeth and other dental structures to allow for easier and more accurate capture of these structures using CBCT, other CT, or other scanning. Examples of such enhancing contrast medium can include, but are not limited to iodine, bromine, barium, and compounds including one or more such elements. Other biocompatible contrast materials may also be used.

[0008] 3. The separating medium in 1 above could be made of foam, paper or other material that would allow for proper separation of the oral soft tissue from the gingival tissues. a. The separating medium could be in the shape of one or more trays (e.g., an upper tray and / or lower tray) or other device configurations that fit on and / or around the dentition and / or a dental prosthesis. b. The separating materials can also be used on edentulous ridges. c. The separating materials could be one seamless piece or provided as separate pieces of the same material or a combination of different materials.

[0009] 4. The enhancing contrast medium in 2 above could be made of a solid, semisolid, or provided in liquid form that can be applied to the dentition and / or dental prosthesis to aid in scanning of the interocclusal relationship between the teeth and / or dental structures in the maxilla and the mandible. In an embodiment, the enhancing contrast medium has a radiodensity that differs (e.g., is more or less radiodense) as compared to the surrounding gingival, occlusal.or other adjacent surfaces, to allow a practitioner to better note the margins associated with such tissue and other surfaces, when referencing the generated scan. a. This enhancing contrast medium could also be placed on the gingival tissue to enhance the imaging of the gingival contour surrounding the dentition and / or dental structures. b. This enhancing contrast medium could also be placed on dental preparation structures to enhance contrast during the imaging of the prepared areas as compared to the surrounding tissues and dental structures. c. The enhancing contrast medium could be used in conjunction or separate from the separating medium described in 1 above.

[0010] An embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a method of taking a scan of a patient’s oral cavity for use in fabricating a dental prosthesis, and actually fabricating the dental prosthesis. Such method may include taking a CT or other 3D non-optical radiological scan of one or more natural teeth and / or dental implant prostheses that have been prepared for a dental restoration, wherein such is accomplished with or without placement of retraction cord around the one or more natural teeth and / or dental implant prostheses, and wherein the scan captures margins of the prepared one or more natural teeth and / or dental implant prostheses, as well as anatomy below the gingival margins, including tooth pulp, bone, adjacent teeth, dental implants, and deeper soft tissue. Such method may also include actually fabricating the dental prosthesis from the CT or other 3D non-optical radiological scan.

[0011] In any of the described embodiments, the scan may capture soft tissue anatomy surrounding the one or more prepared natural teeth and / or dental implant prostheses.

[0012] In any of the described embodiments, the scan may capture an occlusal relationship between teeth and / or dental implant prostheses of the upper and lower dental arches, for fabrication of the dental prosthesis.

[0013] In any of the described embodiments, the method may not employ use of an impression material for actually taking an impression.

[0014] In any of the described embodiments, the method may not employ fabrication of an occlusal bite registration.

[0015] In any of the described embodiments, the method may not employ cautery and / or retraction cord around the prepared one or more natural teeth and / or dental implant prostheses.

[0016] In any of the described embodiments, the fabricated dental prosthesis may comprise at least one of a biocompatible 3D printable or millable or castable material, anotherbiocompatible material, an acry lic, other biocompatible polymer, zirconia, zirconium, ceramic or metal.

[0017] In any of the described embodiments, the scan may be achieved by taking multiple images at substantially the same time, captured on a sensor placed within the mouth during capture of the images. By stating at substantially the same time, it may be understood that this is accomplished in the same sitting of the patient, and / or within a matter of no more than 2 minutes, no more than 90 seconds, no more than 1 minute, or within another short time period (e.g., 30 seconds, 15 seconds, 10 seconds, 5 seconds, 3 seconds, 2 seconds, or 1 second).

[0018] In any of the described embodiments, capturing the scan may comprise using a separating medium placed in the oral cavity to separate surrounding soft tissues from gingival tissue surrounding the one or more prepared natural teeth and / or dental implant prostheses, to better delineate margins between various tissues in the scan.

[0019] In any of the described embodiments, the separating medium may comprise a polymeric material.

[0020] In any of the described embodiments, the separating medium may comprise a foamed polymeric material.

[0021] In any of the described embodiments, the separating medium may comprise a paper material.

[0022] In any of the described embodiments, the separating medium may comprise at least one of an acrylic, a moldable and settable material, an air filled balloon, or a cotton roll.

[0023] In any of the described embodiments, the separating medium may comprise at least one of wax, polyvinyl siloxane or other biocompatible separating medium.

[0024] In any of the described embodiments, the separating medium may comprise (i) one seamless piece of material, (ii) separate pieces of a same material or (iii) a combination of different materials.

[0025] In any of the described embodiments, capturing the scan may comprise using an enhancing contrast medium placed on or applied to the gingival tissue and / or occlusal surfaces of teeth and / or other dental structures to allow for easier and more accurate capture of these structures while capturing the scan.

[0026] In any of the described embodiments, the enhancing contrast medium may comprise at least one of iodine, bromine, barium, or a compound including at least one of iodine, bromine, barium, or other biocompatible enhancing contrast medium.

[0027] In any of the described embodiments, the enhancing contrast medium may comprise a solid, semisolid, or is provided in liquid form.

[0028] In any of the described embodiments, the enhancing contrast medium may have a radiodensity that differs from that of surrounding gingival surfaces, occlusal surfaces, and other dental structures to allow a practitioner to better note a margin associated with such surfaces and structures, when referencing the scan.

[0029] In any of the described embodiments, the enhancing contrast medium may have a radiodensity that differs from that of surrounding gingival surfaces, occlusal surfaces, and other dental structures to allow a practitioner to better note margins associated with such gingival surfaces, occlusal surfaces, tooth preparations for crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and other dental structures, as well as margins of dental implant abutments and other prosthetics, when referencing the s can.

[0030] Features from any of the disclosed embodiments may be used in combination with one another, without limitation. In addition, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Various objects, features, characteristics, and advantages of the invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims, all of which form a part of this specification. In the Drawings, like reference numerals may be utilized to designate corresponding or similar parts in the various Figures.

[0032] Figures 1-3 illustrate exemplary coronal cone beam CT scans showing various aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSI. Definitions

[0033] Some ranges may be disclosed herein. Additional ranges may be defined between any values disclosed herein as being exemplary of a particular parameter. All such ranges are contemplated and w ithin the scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values stated herein may include that value, and also other values that are about or approximately the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result, and / or values that round to the statedvalue. The stated values for example thus include values that are within 20%, 10%, within 5%, within 1%, etc. of a stated value.

[0035] All numbers used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”, unless otherwise indicated. The use of “about”, “substantially” and the like may particularly include values within the above stated variance (e.g., within 20%, 10%, 5%. 1%). Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the subject matter presented herein are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0036] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0037] Any directions or reference frames in the description are merely relative directions (or movements). For example, any references to “top”, “bottom”, “up” “down”, “above”, “below” or the like are merely descriptive of the relative position or movement of the related elements as shown, and it will be understood that these may change as the structure is rotated, moved, the perspective changes, etc.

[0038] All publications, patents and patent applications cited herein, whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.II. Introduction

[0039] In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to use of radiology, e.g., CBCT, other CT, or other scanning, to image soft tissue surrounding existing dentition and other dental structures (e.g., dental implants, bridges) which will assist in fabrication of dental prostheses to be placed on the teeth or implants. This also includes CT or other scanning of the occlusal relationship of the teeth or a prosthesis in the maxilla and mandible to establish the correct bite for proper fabrication of the final dental prothesis. Such may be performed with as little as a single such non-optical (e.g., CT) scan. Such methods also extend to scanning of a tooth preparation for fabrication of an interim and / or final dental prosthesis. Such methods can also be used in edentulous patients, e.g., allowing for orientation of the maxillary and mandibular soft and hard tissues for use in fabrication of temporary and / or final prosthesis for edentulous patients.

[0040] By non-optical, it is meant that the scan is not simply capturing visible light wavelengths (e.g., a standard optical camera). Rather than imaging uses radiation wavelengths outside of the visible spectrum (e.g., X-rays, as used in CT scanning) to generate the image.III. Exemplary Methods and Systems

[0041] Figures 1-3 show exemplary coronal views, of a cone beam CT scan using concepts from the present disclosure. As show, the presently described methods allow for a practitioner to take a scan of a patient’s oral cavity, which scans can be used to fabricate a dental prosthesis, where the margins between various soft or other tissues that are often difficult to discern on a typical scan, are significantly more easily discernable, because of the use of a separating medium and other features as described herein. For example, such a method may include taking a CT (e.g., CBCT) or other 3D non-optical radiological scan of one or more natural teeth (or a preparation of an edentulous patient) that has been prepared for a dental restoration, wherein such is accomplished with or without placement of retraction cord around one or more natural teeth of the dental preparation, and wherein the scan captures margins of any prepared natural teeth of the preparation, as well as anatomy below the gingival margins, including tooth pulp, bone, adjacent teeth and deeper soft tissue. Importantly, because of the use of a separating medium between soft tissues where it can be difficult to discern the margins between such tissues or other materials, the exact margins of such tissues can be determined relatively easily, when using such a separating medium.

[0042] For example. Figure 1 shows a coronal view of a cone beam CT scan 10 of a patient, where the margins associated with the separating medium 12, the palatal gingival tissue 14, tooth 16, buccal gingival tissue 18, and bone 20 are easily seen. Figure 2 shows a similar coronal view of a cone beam CT scan, where the margins associated with separating medium 12, palatal gingival tissue 14, crestal gingival tissue 24, buccal gingival tissue 18, and bone 20a, for implant placement are easily visible. Figure 3 illustrates another coronal view of a cone beam CT scan, again, show ing the margins of separating medium 12, palatal gingival tissue 14, tooth 16, implant crown 22, buccal gingival tissue 18, and bone 20. Because of the placement of the separating medium 12 between various tissues that otherwise appear similar on a CT scan due to their similar radiodensity, the margins between such tissues can be more easily determined. As is apparent from the Figures, the soft tissues (e g., buccal gingival tissue, palatal gingival tissue, crestal gingival tissue) may appear similar in the CT scan (the darkest shown gray shade). The separating medium 12 placed around and between various tissues and dental structures provides for separation between such structures, where the separating medium 12 shows up as significantly lighter in color, as compared to the soft gingival tissues, e.g., asthe separating medium has a radiodensity that is different from the soft tissues and other structures imaged in the scan. This allows the practitioner to easily determine the substantially exact margins associated with any given structure, which is enormously helpful when fabricating a temporary' or final prosthesis. As show n, the bone 20 and tooth 16 show up on the scan as somewhat lighter (more radiodense) than the separating medium, while the crown 22 shows up as a bright white, having the highest radiodensity. While the illustrated embodiments show use of a separation medium 12 having a radiodensity that is greater than that of the soft gingival tissues, and lower than that of bone 20, tooth 16, or crown 22, it will be appreciated that all that is required is a difference in radiodensity7between the separation medium and the surrounding surfaces, so that the margins of the various structures are readily apparent. While the illustrated separation medium 12 has a higher radiodensity than the adjacent soft gingival tissues, in another embodiment, the separation medium could have a lower radiodensity (more radiolucent) as compared to the adjacent soft gingival tissues, providing a similar ability to differentiate betw een the margins of one structure relative to another.

[0043] Such imaging information or data allows capture of 3 -dimensional image data, where the margins between various structures are readily apparent, allowing a practitioner to fabricate a temporary or final dental prosthesis from such scan, w ith minimal trial and error during final fitting, etc. In an embodiment, the temporary' or final dental prosthesis may be 3D printed, e.g., using a biocompatible resin, printable titanium, or the like. In an embodiment, an abutment and / or a gingival healing cuff such as disclosed in Applicant’s prior filed applications (e.g.. Application Nos. 19 / 060,102 and / or 63 / 710,443), already incorporated by reference, may be employed.

[0044] The separating medium employed in capture of Figures 1-3 was a polyvinyl siloxane (silicone) separating medium. In an embodiment, the separating medium may have a thickness ranging from about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm, from about 0.3 mm to about 2 mm, or from about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm. Exemplary thickness values (e.g., average thickness) may include 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.8 mm, 2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.8 mm, or 3 mm. Ranges between any such values are contemplated, and within the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the separation medium is contoured to conform to the surrounding surfaces against which it is positioned. The separating medium may be a flexible and / or drapable material. Where the separating medium is in the form of a dental tray, it could be significantly more, or even fully rigid (e.g., as it may already have a shape that conforms to the adjacent dental surfaces).

[0045] In an embodiment, the scan captures soft tissue anatomy surrounding one or more prepared natural teeth. In an embodiment, no natural tooth may be present in the area of the dental preparation (e.g., for an edentulous patient).

[0046] In an embodiment, the scan captures an occlusal relationship between teeth of the upper and lower dental arches, for fabrication of the dental prosthesis.

[0047] In an embodiment, the method does not employ use of an impression material.

[0048] In an embodiment, the method does not employ fabrication of an occlusal bite registration.

[0049] In an embodiment, the method does not employ cautery7around the prepared one or more natural teeth.

[0050] In an embodiment, the fabricated dental prosthesis comprises at least one of a biocompatible 3D printable or millable material, another biocompatible material, an acry lic, other biocompatible polymer, zirconia, zirconium, ceramic, titanium or other metal. An exemplary biocompatible 3D printable FDA approved resin material is On X Tough 2, available from SprintRay. On X Tough 2 is believed to be a proprietary photopolymer resin, including a mixture of methacrylic acid esters, photoinitiators, pigment(s) and additives. Other suitable biocompatible materials will be apparent to those of skill in the art, and may also be used.

[0051] In an embodiment, the scan is achieved by taking multiple images at substantially the same time, captured on a sensor placed within the mouth during capture of the images.

[0052] As described, in an embodiment, capturing the scan comprises using a separating medium placed in the oral cavity7to separate surrounding soft tissues from gingival tissue surrounding the dental preparation (e.g., one or more prepared natural teeth, a preparation of an edentulous patient, one or more dental implant restoration(s) and / or abutment, etc.), to better delineate margins between various tissues and surfaces in the scan.

[0053] In an embodiment, the separating medium comprises a polymeric material, such as a foamed polymeric material (e.g., similar to a foam tray used to apply fluoride).

[0054] In another embodiment, the separating medium may comprise a paper material.

[0055] In another embodiment, the separating medium may comprise at least one of an acrylic. a moldable and / or settable material, an air filled balloon, a cotton roll, or the like.

[0056] Examples of moldable and / or settable materials may include wax and / or polyvinyl siloxane (silicone). Such a silicone material may be provided uncured / unpolymerized, where two parts of such may be mixed or kneaded together, and molded around the tissues to be separated, and then allowed to set or cure.

[0057] In an embodiment, the separating medium may be configured as one seamless piece of material (e.g., in the shape of a dental tray). In another embodiment, the separating medium may be configured as separate pieces of a same material (e.g., with seams therebetween). In another embodiment, the separating medium may be formed from a combination of different materials, e.g., providing different materials with different radiodensities in different areas of the oral cavity surrounding the dental preparation.

[0058] In an embodiment, capturing the scan may include use of an enhancing contrast medium placed on or applied to the gingival tissue and / or occlusal surfaces of teeth and / or other dental structures surrounding the dental preparation to allow for easier and more accurate capture of these structures while capturing the scan.

[0059] In an embodiment, the enhancing contrast medium may comprise at least one of iodine, bromine, barium, or a compound including at least one of iodine, bromine, or barium, so as to provide for a higher (or lower) radiodensity than surrounding soft tissues or other adjacent surfaces. Other biocompatible contrast materials can also be used.

[0060] In an embodiment, the enhancing contrast medium may comprise a solid, semi-solid(e.g., having a consistency of a paste or putty or gel), or may be provided in liquid form.

[0061] In an embodiment, the enhancing contrast medium may have a radiodensity that differs from that of surrounding gingival surfaces, occlusal surfaces, or other adjacent surfaces, to allow a practitioner to better note a margin associated with such gingival surfaces, occlusal surfaces, or other adjacent surfaces, when referencing the scan. For example, the enhancing contrast medium may have a radiodensity that is greater than (or less than) that of surrounding gingival soft tissue or other adjacent surfaces. In an embodiment, the radiodensity of the enhancing contrast medium may be less than (or greater than) that associated with bone, tooth tissue (e.g., enamel, pulp, etc.) and / or peri-implant tissues. Providing a radiodensity that is in between or otherwise differs from that of the soft tissue and that of the tooth, bone or periimplant tissue may be particularly helpful, in allowing the enhancing contrast medium to show up differently on the scan, allowing the practitioner to easily determine the margins associated with any given soft or hard tissues or other surfaces present in the scan. The separating medium may similarly have radiodensity and other characteristics as described relative to the enhancing contrast medium.

[0062] In an embodiment, use of a cone beam CT scan in particular may be advantageous, as compared to other CT scanning technologies, as use of a cone beam scan can allow capture of image data for both the maxilla and mandible at substantially the same time (e.g.. during the same scan), while exposing the patient to significantly less radiation than may be deliveredusing other CT scanning technologies. For example, radiation exposure may be about less than 500, less than 400. less than 300, less than 200, or even less than 100 microsieverts (pSv) to achieve or produce the desired scan. Such radiation dosages are significantly less than alternative CT scanning, or x-ray imaging technologies, which may easily exceed 500 microsieverts (pSv).

[0063] In an embodiment, the benefits as described herein can be accomplished with a single CBCT or similar 3D non-optical scan. i.e.. without requiring the practitioner to obtain multiple scans.

[0064] It will also be appreciated that the present claimed invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of taking a scan of a patient's oral cavity for use in fabricating a dental prosthesis, and actually fabricating the dental prosthesis, the method comprising: taking a CT or other 3D non-optical radiological scan of one or more natural teeth and / or dental implant prostheses that have been prepared for a dental restoration, wherein such is accomplished with or without placement of retraction cord around the one or more natural teeth and / or dental implant prostheses, and wherein the scan captures margins of the prepared one or more natural teeth and / or dental implant prostheses, as well as anatomy below gingival margins, including tooth pulp, bone, adjacent teeth, dental implants, and deeper soft tissue; and fabricating the dental prosthesis from the CT or other 3D non-optical radiological scan.

2. The method as recited in claim 1. wherein the scan captures soft tissue anatomy surrounding the one or more prepared natural teeth and / or dental implant prostheses.

3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the scan captures an occlusal relationship between teeth and / or dental implant prostheses of upper and lower dental arches, for fabrication of the dental prosthesis.

4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the method does not employ use of an impression material for actually taking an impression.

5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the method does not employ fabrication of an occlusal bite registration.

6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the method does not employ cautery and / or retraction cord around the prepared one or more natural teeth and / or dental implant prostheses.

7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the fabricated dental prosthesis comprises at least one of a biocompatible 3D printable or millable or castable material, another biocompatible material, an acrylic, other biocompatible polymer, zirconia, zirconium, ceramic or metal.

8. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the scan is achieved by taking multiple images at substantially a same time, captured on a sensor placed within a mouth during capture of the images.

9. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein capturing the scan comprises using a separating medium placed in the oral cavity7to separate surrounding soft tissues from gingival tissue surrounding the one or more prepared natural teeth and / or dental implant prostheses, to better delineate margins between various tissues in the scan.

10. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the separating medium comprises a polymeric material.1 1. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the separating medium comprises a foamed polymeric material.

12. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the separating medium comprises a paper material.

13. The method as recited in claim 9. wherein the separating medium comprises at least one of an acrylic, a moldable and settable material, an air filled balloon, or a cotton roll.

14. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the separating medium comprises at least one of wax, polyvinyl siloxane or other biocompatible separating medium.

15. The method as recited in claim 9. wherein the separating medium comprises (i) one seamless piece of material, (ii) separate pieces of a same material or (iii) a combination of different materials.

16. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein capturing the scan comprises using an enhancing contrast medium placed on or applied to the gingival tissue and / or occlusal surfaces of teeth and / or other dental structures to allow for easier and more accurate capture of these structures while capturing the scan.

17. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein the enhancing contrast medium comprises at least one of iodine, bromine, barium, or a compound including at least one of iodine, bromine, barium, or other biocompatible enhancing contrast medium.

18. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein the enhancing contrast medium comprises a solid, semisolid, or is provided in liquid form.

19. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein the enhancing contrast medium has a radiodensity that differs from that of surrounding gingival surfaces, occlusal surfaces, and other dental structures to allow a practitioner to better note a margin associated with such surfaces and structures, when referencing the scan.

20. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein the enhancing contrast medium has a radiodensity that differs from that of surrounding gingival surfaces, occlusal surfaces, and other dental structures to allow a practitioner to better note margins associated such gingival surfaces, occlusal surfaces, tooth preparations for crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and other dental structures, as well as margins of dental implant abutments and other prosthetics, when referencing the scan.

Images