What Is an Impression Coping?

An impression coping, also referred to as an implant transfer coping, is a temporary prosthetic component used during impression taking to capture the exact three-dimensional position of a dental implant. Once connected to the implant, the coping transfers implant depth, angulation, and rotational orientation to the working cast, allowing the laboratory to fabricate a restoration with accurate fit and passive seating. Impression copings form a critical link between surgical placement and prosthetic precision.

Open Tray vs Closed Tray Impression Copings

Open Tray Impression Copings

Open tray impression copings feature an extended fixation screw that protrudes through a custom tray window. After the impression material sets, the screw is loosened and the coping remains locked inside the impression. This technique provides the highest positional accuracy and is preferred for multiple implants, non-parallel implants, and full-arch restorative cases.

Closed Tray Impression Copings

Closed tray impression copings remain attached to the implant when the impression is removed. The coping is then repositioned into the impression extraorally. This method is efficient for single-implant cases with favorable parallelism and limited interarch space while maintaining reliable accuracy when properly executed.

Clinical Indications

• Single-tooth implant impressions
• Multi-implant restorative cases
• Full-arch and overdenture workflows
• Cases requiring precise rotational indexing

Impression Copings and Implant Analogs

After impression capture, the corresponding implant analog is attached to the coping within the impression. This assembly allows the laboratory to pour a master cast that accurately reproduces the implant position. For predictable results, impression copings and analogs must be platform matched and connection specific.

Analog vs Digital Workflows

Impression copings are used exclusively in conventional analog impression techniques. For digital workflows, scan bodies are required instead. Selecting the correct transfer method ensures compatibility with laboratory processes and prevents restorative misfit.

Manufacturing and Quality Standards

Surcam impression copings are precision manufactured under controlled tolerances to ensure consistent seating, minimal rotational play, and stable fixation during impression removal. Components are sterile packed, lot tracked, and supplied with clear platform identification to support traceability in regulated clinical environments.

Complete Implant Impression Workflow

Accurate implant impressions depend on correct component matching throughout the restorative workflow. Impression copings function as part of a coordinated system that includes implant analogs, abutments, and prosthetic components. Selecting platform-consistent components ensures passive fit, predictable laboratory outcomes, and long-term prosthetic stability.

Related Implant Components

• Implant Analogs: Replicate the exact implant position captured by the impression coping during laboratory fabrication. View Internal Hex Analogs
• Healing Abutments: Shape peri-implant soft tissue prior to impression taking and maintain access to the implant platform. Browse Healing Abutments
• Cemented Abutments: Selected after impression capture for single-unit and cement-retained restorations. Explore Cemented Abutments
• Multi-Unit Abutments: Used in full-arch and angled implant cases where impression copings transfer multi-unit positions. View Multi-Unit Abutments
• Ti-Bases for CAD/CAM: Required when transitioning from analog impressions to digital prosthetic fabrication. Shop Ti-Bases
• Scan Bodies: Digital transfer components used for intraoral scanning workflows instead of impression copings.

Using platform-consistent components across impression, modeling, and restoration stages minimizes rotational error, improves prosthetic accuracy, and reduces chairside adjustments.

Zimmer Biomet®, Straumann®, Nobel Biocare®, BioHorizons® and other marks are owned by their respective holders. Surcam supplies compatible components only.