Abstract: A method of identifying healing caps and impression copings of a system of implant components used in a dental implantation procedure utilizing a permanent implanted base, wherein healing caps and impression copings are distinguished according to structural characteristics. The healing caps are classified according to width or diameter taken at the lower surface which abuts the implant, for compatibility with width or diameter of the restorative platform, height, and maximum diameter. Impression copings are classified according to width or diameter taken at the lower surface, and according to maximum diameter. Widths or diameters taken at the lower surface are preferably indicated by color coding. Other characteristics are indicated by indicia such as alphanumeric characters. Where alphanumeric characters are utilized, alphabetic characters denote one characteristic and numeric characters denote a second characteristic consistently between both healing caps and impression copings.

Abstract: A strip of hook and loop fastening material embedded within an article having a body such as a bar of soap. In alternative embodiments, the strip has one embedded end and one free end, or alternatively both ends are embedded to form a loop serving as a handle. Preferably, the strip of hook and loop material has holes, or alternatively, the edges of the strip of hook and loop material are pinked, to increase surface area for improving retention of the strip by the body. Alternatively, the strip may have negative taper wherein the relatively wide end is embedded, or the embedded portion may form a serpentine path. Alternatively, two strips of hook and loop material, preferably overlapping, are embedded within the article. The article includes an anchoring member bearing complementary hook and loop material on one side and adhesive on the other side.

Abstract: A gauge serving as a jig to adjust exposed length of endodontic files with respect to respective encircling resilient stops which prevent overpenetration into a root canal of a patient. The gauge has a body bearing four parallel, coplanar tracks for slidably receiving an equal number of slides. Each slide has a plurality of spaced apart steps enabling endodontic files to be adjusted to differing operating lengths, and a thumbscrew which secures the slide in place within its track. The thumbscrews are arranged to establish a two discrete levels of friction, the first enabling fine adjustment and the second locking the slide in place. A retaining barrier formed in the body has a plurality of openings for each track, thereby being able to receive and make multiple adjustments to several files when the latter are placed against any one slide. Measurement indicia are optionally borne near one or more tracks, for setting the slides to correspond to radiographic lengths of a patient's root canals.