U.S. patent application number 10/387226 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-07 for dental implant system and method for effecting a dental restoration using the same.
Invention is credited to Castellucci, Federico, Lustig, L. Paul, Tybinkowski, Andrew P..
Application Number | 20030148246 10/387226 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23393141 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030148246 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lustig, L. Paul ; et
al. |
August 7, 2003 |
Dental implant system and method for effecting a dental restoration
using the same
Abstract
A dental implant system and method for effecting a dental
restoration using the same.
Inventors: |
Lustig, L. Paul; (Newton,
MA) ; Castellucci, Federico; (Weston, MA) ;
Tybinkowski, Andrew P.; (Boxford, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark J. Pandiscio
Pandiscio & Pandiscio
470 Totten Pond Road
Waltham
MA
02154
US
|
Family ID: |
23393141 |
Appl. No.: |
10/387226 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10387226 |
Mar 12, 2003 |
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10101557 |
Mar 19, 2002 |
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10101557 |
Mar 19, 2002 |
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09354393 |
Jul 15, 1999 |
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6358052 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
433/172 ;
433/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 8/0069 20130101;
A61C 8/0071 20130101; A61C 13/0022 20130101; A61C 8/0054 20130101;
A61C 8/0001 20130101; A61C 8/0065 20130101; A61C 8/0059 20130101;
A61C 8/0066 20130101; A61C 8/0053 20130101; A61C 8/005 20130101;
A61C 8/006 20130101; A61C 8/0057 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
433/172 ;
433/173 |
International
Class: |
A61C 013/12; A61C
008/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A dental implant system comprising: an implant fixture adapted
to be deployed in a bone; an impression coping adapted to be
selectively deployed on said implant fixture and in a dental
impression; a laboratory analog adapted to be selectively deployed
on said impression coping and in a dental cast; a spherical
abutment adapted to be selectively deployed on said laboratory
analog; and a multiaxis abutment adapted to be adjustably deployed
on said spherical abutment.
2. A dental implant system according to claim 1 wherein said system
further comprises a cover screw adapted to be selectively deployed
in said implant fixture.
3. A dental implant system according to claim 1 wherein said
spherical abutment and said multiaxis abutment may be used to
generate a cast permanent abutment which may be received by said
laboratory analog and said implant fixture.
4. A dental implant system according to claim 3 wherein said cast
permanent abutment is adapted to receive a prosthetic tooth.
5. A dental implant system according to claim 1 wherein said
implant fixture comprises a longitudinal bore, and further wherein
the wall of said longitudinal bore is configured so as to form a
"Morse'a taper".
6. A dental implant system according to claim 1 wherein said
spherical abutment comprises a hex-shaped ball.
7. A dental implant system according to claim 6 wherein said
multiaxis abutment comprises a hex-shaped ball recess for receiving
said hex-shaped ball of said spherical abutment.
8. A dental implant system according to claim 6 wherein said
multiaxis abutment comprises a distal end and a proximal end,
wherein said hex-shaped ball recess is formed in said distal end of
said multiaxis abutment, and further comprising a passageway
extending between said proximal end and said distal end, with said
passageway opening on said hex-shaped ball recess.
9. A dental implant system according to claim 1 wherein said
spherical abutment and said multiaxis abutment may be used to
generate a machined permanent abutment which may be received by
said laboratory analog and said implant fixture.
10. A dental implant system according to claim 8 wherein said
machined permanent abutment is adapted to receive a crown.
11. A method for effecting a dental restoration, said method
comprising: providing a dental implant system comprising: an
implant fixture adapted to be deployed in a bone; an impression
coping adapted to be selectively deployed on said implant fixture
and in a dental impression; a laboratory analog adapted to be
selectively deployed on said impression coping and in a dental
cast; a spherical abutment adapted to be selectively deployed on
said laboratory analog; and a multiaxis abutment adapted to be
adjustably deployed on said spherical abutment; positioning said
implant fixture in said bone; positioning said impression coping on
said implant fixture; making a dental impression of said impression
coping and the surrounding portions of the patient's mouth;
removing the dental impression, with said impression coping
attached thereto, from the patient's mouth; positioning said
laboratory analog on said impression coping; making a cast of said
laboratory analog and a portion of said impression coping; removing
the dental impression from said impression coping; removing said
impression coping from said laboratory analog; positioning said
spherical abutment in said laboratory analog; positioning said
multiaxis abutment on said spherical abutment and angling said
multiaxis abutment atop said spherical abutment to the extent
required for the dental restoration; securing said multiaxis
abutment in its angled position atop said spherical abutment;
generating a permanent abutment from the combined spherical
abutment/multiaxis abutment; positioning said permanent abutment in
said laboratory analog; generating a prosthetic tooth for said
permanent abutment; and removing said permanent abutment from said
laboratory analog and positioning said permanent abutment on said
implant fixture.
12. An implant fixture adapted to mate with an impression coping
with a single predetermined orientation.
13. An implant fixture according to claim 12 wherein said implant
fixture has a bore configured to receive the impression coping,
said implant fixture and the impression coping being configured to
mate when said implant fixture and the impression coping are
positioned with said predetermined orientation.
14. An implant fixture according to claim 12 wherein said implant
fixture has a bore, said implant fixture being adapted to mate with
a cover screw for sealing said bore.
15. An implant fixture according to claim 12 wherein said implant
fixture has flutes for cutting bone.
16. An implant fixture according to claim 12 wherein said implant
fixture has threads for securing said implant fixture to bone.
17. An implant fixture according to claim 12 wherein said implant
fixture includes a distal end with an exterior taper.
18. An implant fixture adapted to mate with an abutment with a
single predetermined orientation.
19. An implant fixture according to claim 18 wherein said implant
fixture has a bore configured to receive the abutment, said implant
fixture and the abutment being configured to mate when said implant
fixture and the abutment are positioned with said predetermined
orientation.
20. An implant fixture according to claim 19 wherein a portion of
said bore comprises a "Morse'a taper".
21. An implant fixture according to claim 18 wherein said abutment
comprises a spherical abutment.
22. An implant fixture according to claim 18 wherein said abutment
comprises a permanent abutment.
23. An impression coping adapted to mate with an implant fixture
with a single predetermined orientation.
24. An impression coping according to claim 23 wherein the implant
fixture has a bore configured to receive said impression coping,
the implant fixture and said impression coping being configured to
mate when the implant fixture and said impression coping are
positioned with said predetermined orientation.
25. An impression coping according to claim 23 wherein said
impression coping is adapted to mate with a laboratory analog with
a second single predetermined orientation.
26. An impression coping according to claim 25 wherein the
laboratory analog has a bore configured to receive said impression
coping, the laboratory analogue and said impression coping being
configured to mate when the laboratory analog and said impression
coping are positioned with said second predetermined
orientation.
27. A laboratory analog adapted to mate with an impression coping
with a single predetermined orientation.
28. A laboratory analog according to claim 27 wherein said
laboratory analog has a bore configured to receive the impression
coping, said laboratory analog and the impression coping being
configured to mate when said laboratory analogue and the impression
coping are positioned with said predetermined orientation.
29. A laboratory analog according to claim 27 wherein said
laboratory analog is configured to be incorporated in a dental
cast.
30. A laboratory analogue according to claim 27 wherein said
laboratory analog has a notch for enhancing fixation of said
laboratory analog in a dental cast.
31. An abutment adapted to mate with an implant fixture with a
single predetermined orientation.
32. An abutment according to claim 31 wherein the implant fixture
has a bore configured to receive said abutment, the implant fixture
and said abutment being configured to mate when the implant fixture
and said abutment are positioned with said predetermined
orientation.
33. An abutment according to claim 31 wherein said abutment is
adapted to mate with a laboratory analog with a second single
predetermined orientation.
34. An abutment according to claim 33 wherein the laboratory analog
has a bore configured to receive said abutment, the laboratory
analog and said abutment being configured to mate when the
laboratory analog and said abutment are positioned with said second
predetermined orientation.
35. An abutment according to claim 31 wherein said abutment
comprises: a spherical abutment, receivable in the implant fixture;
and a multiaxis abutment mounted on said spherical abutment.
36. An abutment according to claim 35 wherein one of said spherical
abutment and said multiaxis abutment includes a head; and the other
of spherical abutment and said multiaxis abutment has a socket
configured to receive said head.
37. An abutment according to claim 36 wherein said head and said
socket are configured so that said spherical abutment and said
multiaxis abutment pivot, but do not rotate, relative to one
another.
38. An abutment according to claim 36 wherein said head defines a
hex-shaped ball; and wherein said socket defines a hex-shaped ball
recess.
39. An abutment according to claim 36 wherein one of said spherical
abutment and said multiaxis abutment has a passage for providing
adhesive for fixing said head with respect to said socket.
40. An abutment according to claim 31 wherein said abutment is
generated according to a modeled abutment.
41. An abutment according to claim 40 wherein said abutment is
generated by casting or milling.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to dental apparatus and procedures in
general, and more particularly to dental implant systems and
methods for effecting dental restorations using the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In many individuals, disease and/or injury may result in the
loss of one or more natural teeth. As a result, various techniques
have been developed to replace such lost natural teeth with
prosthetic appliances.
[0003] For example, where sufficient natural teeth remain adjacent
to the location where a prosthetic tooth is to be positioned, a
bridge may be fabricated.
[0004] Alternatively, if insufficient natural teeth remain to
support and stabilize a bridge, a denture may be fabricated, with
the denture seating against the patient's gingiva.
[0005] In still other situations, a dental implant may be used.
With such a dental implant, a hole is generally first made in the
upper or lower jaw bone, as appropriate, and then the distal end of
the implant is fixed in the recipient bone, e.g., by screwing the
implant into the bone. The dental implant is generally sized and
positioned so that the proximal end of the implant protrudes at
least partially into the space where the prosthetic tooth is to be
positioned. Then the prosthetic tooth is fixed to the proximal end
of the implant, such that the prosthetic tooth generally occupies
the space of the lost tooth.
[0006] While such dental implants can be effective, they also tend
to suffer from a number of problems. Among other things, with
current dental implants, the longitudinal axis of the prosthetic
tooth must generally follow the longitudinal axis of the implant
which is seated in the bone. Unfortunately, the optimal axial
alignment for the implant seated in the bone may not necessarily be
the same as the optimal axial alignment for the prosthetic tooth
extending into the mouth. In particular, it has been found that the
optimal axial alignment for the implant tends to be dictated by the
specific anatomy of the patient's recipient jaw bone, while the
optimal axial alignment of the prosthetic tooth tends to be
dictated by the geometry of the patient's bite, lip support,
phonetics and aesthetics. Thus, with current dental implants, the
dental practitioner typically faces a choice of optimizing the
orientation of the restoration for either (1) the implant seated in
the bone, or (2) the prosthetic tooth extending into the mouth, or
(3) some compromise in between. In any case, the result is
generally a compromise of some sort.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to
provide a novel dental implant which avoids the problems associated
with the prior art.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
novel method for effecting a dental restoration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] These and other objects are addressed by the present
invention, which comprises a novel dental implant system and a
novel method for effecting a dental restoration using the same.
[0010] In one preferred form of the invention, the dental implant
system comprises an implant fixture adapted to be deployed in a
bone; an impression coping adapted to be selectively deployed on
the implant fixture and in a dental impression; a laboratory analog
adapted to be selectively deployed on the impression coping and in
a dental cast; a spherical abutment adapted to be selectively
deployed on the laboratory analog; and a multiaxis abutment adapted
to be adjustably deployed on the spherical abutment.
[0011] And in one preferred form of the invention, the method for
effecting a dental restoration comprises:
[0012] providing a dental implant system comprising:
[0013] an implant fixture adapted to be deployed in a bone;
[0014] an impression coping adapted to be selectively deployed on
the implant fixture and in a dental impression;
[0015] a laboratory analog adapted to be selectively deployed on
the impression coping and in a dental cast;
[0016] a spherical abutment adapted to be selectively deployed on
the laboratory analog; and
[0017] a multiaxis abutment adapted to be adjustably deployed on
the spherical abutment;
[0018] positioning the implant fixture in the bone;
[0019] positioning the impression coping on the implant
fixture;
[0020] making a dental impression of the impression coping and the
surrounding portions of the patient's mouth;
[0021] removing the dental impression, with the impression coping
attached thereto, from the patient's mouth;
[0022] positioning the laboratory analog on the impression
coping;
[0023] making a cast of the laboratory analog and a portion of the
impression coping;
[0024] removing the dental impression from the impression
coping;
[0025] removing the impression coping from the laboratory
analog;
[0026] positioning the spherical abutment on the laboratory
analog;
[0027] positioning the multiaxis abutment on the spherical abutment
and angling the multiaxis abutment atop the spherical abutment to
the extent required for the dental restoration;
[0028] securing the multiaxis abutment in its angled position atop
the spherical abutment;
[0029] generating a permanent abutment from the combined spherical
abutment/multiaxis abutment, preferably through a so-called "lost
wax/plastic technique" well known in the dental arts;
[0030] positioning the permanent abutment on the laboratory
analog;
[0031] generating a prosthetic tooth for the permanent abutment;
and
[0032] removing the permanent abutment from the laboratory analog
and positioning the permanent abutment on the implant fixture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] These and other objects and features of the present
invention will be more fully disclosed or rendered obvious by the
following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the
invention, which is to be considered together with the accompanying
drawings wherein:
[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view, partially in section,
showing the dental implant system's implant fixture mounted in a
jaw bone, and with the dental implant system's cover screw mounted
in the implant fixture;
[0035] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view, partially in section,
showing the dental implant system's impression coping mounting on
the implant fixture;
[0036] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view, partially in section,
showing the impression coping in a dental impression, and with the
dental implant system's laboratory analog mounted on the impression
coping;
[0037] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view, partially in section,
showing the laboratory analog incorporated in a dental cast, and
with the dental implant system's spherical abutment mounted on the
laboratory analog, and with the dental implant system's multiaxis
abutment mounted on the spherical abutment;
[0038] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view, partially in section,
showing the laboratory analog incorporated in the dental cast, and
with the dental implant system's permanent abutment mounted on the
laboratory analog;
[0039] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view, partially in section,
showing the implant fixture mounted in a jaw bone, the permanent
abutment mounted on the implant fixture, and a prosthetic tooth
mounted on the permanent abutment;
[0040] FIGS. 7-11 show further details regarding the construction
of the implant fixture;
[0041] FIGS. 12 and 13 show further details regarding the
construction of the cover screw;
[0042] FIGS. 14-16 show further details regarding the construction
of the impression coping;
[0043] FIGS. 17-20 show further details regarding the construction
of the laboratory analog;
[0044] FIGS. 21-23 show further details regarding the construction
of the spherical abutment;
[0045] FIGS. 24-26 show further details regarding the construction
of the multiaxis abutment;
[0046] FIGS. 27-46 show a preferred method for effecting a dental
restoration using the dental implant system of the present
invention;
[0047] FIGS. 47 and 48 show an abutment blank which may be machined
down so as to form the permanent abutment shown in FIG. 5;
[0048] FIG. 49 shows one way of machining down the abutment blank
of FIGS. 47 and 48 so as to form the permanent abutment shown in
FIG. 5; and
[0049] FIG. 50 shows another way of machining down the abutment
blank of FIGS. 47 and 48 so as to form the permanent abutment shown
in FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0050] The present invention generally comprises a dental implant
system and a method for effecting a dental restoration using the
same.
[0051] The dental implant system generally comprises an implant
fixture 100 adapted to be deployed in a bone B (FIG. 1); a cover
screw 200 adapted to be selectively deployed in implant fixture 100
(FIG. 1); an impression coping 300 adapted to be selectively
deployed on implant fixture 100 (FIG. 2) and in a dental impression
I (FIG. 3); a laboratory analog 400 adapted to be selectively
deployed on impression coping 300 (FIG. 3) and in a dental cast C
(FIG. 4); a spherical abutment 500 adapted to be selectively
deployed on laboratory analog 400 (FIG. 4); and a multiaxis
abutment 600 adapted to be adjustably deployed on spherical
abutment 500 (FIG. 4). In accordance with the present invention,
spherical abutment 500 and multiaxis abutment 600 may be used to
generate a permanent abutment 700 which may be received by
laboratory analog 400 (FIG. 5) and implant fixture 100 (FIG. 6).
Permanent abutment 700 is adapted to receive a prosthetic tooth CR
(FIG. 6), as will hereinafter be discussed in further detail.
[0052] Looking next at FIGS. 7-11, implant fixture 100 comprises a
body 105 having a distal end 110 and a proximal end 115. A screw
thread 120 extends from distal end 110 toward proximal end 115, but
preferably terminates short of the proximal end surface 121 of
proximal end 115. At least one cutting flute 125 is formed at the
distal end of body 105. In the preferred embodiment, four such
cutting flutes 125 are provided (FIG. 10). A multi-stage bore 130
extends distally from the proximal end surface 121 of body 105.
Multi-stage bore 130 comprises a distalmost portion 135, a threaded
portion 140, a tapered portion 150, and a proximalmost portion 155.
Tapered portion 150 is tapered so as to form a so-called "Morse'a
taper". The proximalmost portion 155 of bore 130 has an
asymmetrical cross-section. In the preferred form of the invention,
the proximalmost portion 155 of bore 130 has a generally
asymmetrical triangular cross-section (FIG. 11). More particularly,
and referring now to FIG. 11, in the preferred form of the
invention the proximalmost portion 155 of bore 130 is formed so
that angle X=angle Y.noteq.angle Z. The three corners of triangular
proximalmost portion 155 are preferably rounded so as to preserve
as much material (and hence strength) as possible for body 105.
This construction feature is important, inasmuch a body 105 may
have a maximum outside diameter of less than 3 mm, i.e., in one
preferred form of the invention, body 105 has a maximum outside
diameter of only about 2.5 mm. This is approximately 30% smaller
than the smallest existing dental implants.
[0053] Looking next at FIGS. 12 and 13, cover screw 200 comprises a
shaft 205 and a head 210. Shaft 205 comprises a threaded distal
portion 215, a first cylindrical portion 220, and a second
cylindrical portion 225. Second cylindrical portion 225 is sized so
that it may be turningly received in the implant fixture's
proximalmost portion 155. Head 210 comprises an enlarged flange,
and includes a hexagonal bore 230 extending distally into cover
screw 200. Hexagonal bore 230 is adapted to receive an
appropriately configured driver (not shown), by which cover screw
200 may be turned.
[0054] Looking next at FIGS. 14-16, impression coping 300 comprises
a shaft 305, an asymmetrical portion 310 and a head 315.
Asymmetrical portion 310 has a cross-sectional configuration which
matches the cross-sectional configuration of the implant fixture's
proximalmost portion 155, i.e., in the preferred form of the
invention asymmetrical portion 310 has a generally triangular
cross-section characterized by the aforementioned angles X, Y and
Z. Head 315 also, preferably, has an asymmetrical shape
characterized by a surface 320 and an end rim 321, in order to
facilitate securing the impression coping in a dental impression I
(FIG. 3), as will hereinafter be discussed in further detail.
[0055] Looking next at FIGS. 17-20, laboratory analog 400 comprises
a body 405 having a first end 410 and a second end 415. A
multistage bore 420 extends from the body's second end 415 towards
the body's first end 410. Multistage bore 420 comprises a deepest
portion 425, a threaded portion 430, an elongated portion 435, and
a shallowest portion 440. The shallowest portion 440 of bore 420
has an asymmetrical cross-section (FIG. 19) which matches the
cross-sectional configuration of the impression coping's
asymmetrical portion 310, i.e., in the preferred form of the
invention, shallowest portion 440 has a generally triangular
cross-section characterized by the aforementioned angles X, Y and
Z. Preferably, the exterior surface of laboratory analog 400 is
grooved or notched as shown at 445 (FIG. 18) in order to facilitate
securing the laboratory analog in a dental cast C (FIGS. 4 and 5),
as will hereinafter be discussed in further detail.
[0056] Looking next at FIGS. 21-23, spherical abutment 500
generally comprises a shaft 505 and a head 510. Head 510 in turn
generally comprises a distalmost section 515 having an asymmetrical
cross-section (FIG. 23) which matches the cross-sectional
configurations of the laboratory analog's shallowest portion 440
and the implant fixture's proximalmost portion 155, i.e., in the
preferred embodiment, distalmost section 515 has a generally
triangular cross-section characterized by the aforementioned angles
X, Y and Z. The spherical abutment's head 510 also comprises an
outwardly-tapering section 520, and a hex-shaped ball 525.
[0057] Looking next at FIGS. 24-26, multiaxis abutment 600
comprises a body 605 having a distal end 610 and a proximal end
615. A hex-shaped ball recess 620 opens on distal end 610.
Hex-shaped ball recess 620 corresponds to the shape of the
spherical abutment's hex-shaped ball 525, in order that ball 525
may be received in recess 620. The distalmost portion of recess 620
is characterized by a hex-shaped rim 621. It should be appreciated
that the diameter across opposing faces of hex-shaped rim 621 is
less than the maximum diameter across corresponding surfaces of
hex-shaped ball 525; as a result of this construction, rim 621 must
expand slightly in order for recess 620 to receive ball 525, but
rim 621 will thereafter keep the ball 525 secured in recess 620. A
central passageway 625 opens on proximal end 615 and extends
through body 605 so as to join hex-shaped ball recess 620. A
diametrically-extending groove 630 extends across the distal end
610 of body 605. Groove 630 permits the distal end of body 605
(i.e., rim 621) to elastically expand to the extent necessary for
ball 525 to snap into recess 620.
[0058] In one preferred form of the invention, the dental implant
system is used as follows.
[0059] First, the patient's gingiva G is surgically opened (FIG.
27) and the underlying bone B exposed. Then implant fixture 100 is
positioned in bone B. Preferably this is done by first drilling a
hole into bone B and then screwing implant fixture 100 into the
hole, with the implant fixture's cutting flutes 125 further opening
the bone and with screw threads 120 securely engaging the bone. In
accordance with the present invention, implant fixture 100 is
positioned in bone B so as to substantially optimize seating of
implant fixture 100 in bone B, and substantially without concern
for the optimal axial alignment of the prosthetic tooth which will
ultimately extend into the patient's mouth.
[0060] Then cover screw 200 is screwed into implant fixture 100 so
as to close off the open proximal end of the implant fixture (FIGS.
27 and 28). As this occurs, the cover screw's distal threads 215
will engage the implant fixture's screw threads 140, and the cover
screw's cylindrical portion 225 is received in the implant
fixture's bore portion 155. The cover screw's hexagonal bore 230
may be used to turn the cover screw down into the implant
fixture.
[0061] Next, the gingiva G is sutured closed over the assembled
implant fixture 100 and cover screw 200 (FIG. 28).
[0062] The apparatus is then preferably left in this position until
osseo-integration has been effected between implant fixture 100 and
bone B.
[0063] Next, implant fixture 100 and cover screw 200 are exposed,
and cover screw 200 is removed (FIG. 29).
[0064] Then, impression coping 300 is mounted in implant fixture
100 (FIG. 30). It should be appreciated that, as this occurs, the
triangular cross-section of the implant fixture's bore portion 155,
and the triangular cross-section of the impression coping's
triangular portion 310, will mate with one another so as to fix the
orientation of impression coping 300 relative to implant fixture
100.
[0065] Next, a dental impression I is made of the patient's mouth,
using conventional dental impression apparatus (FIG. 31).
[0066] Then dental impression I, with impression coping 300
attached thereto, is removed from the patient's mouth. In this
respect it will be appreciated that the particular surface profile
(e.g., surface 320 and rim 321) of impression coping 300 will help
retain the impression coping 300 in dental impression I.
[0067] Next, dental impression I, with impression coping 300
attached thereto, is inverted, and laboratory analog 400 is fit
over the exposed portion of impression coping 300 (FIG. 32). It
should be appreciated that, as this occurs, the triangular
cross-section of the impression coping's asymmetrical portion 310,
and the triangular cross-section of the laboratory analog's bore
portion 440, will mate with one another so as to fix the
orientation of laboratory analog 400 relative to impression coping
300. In particular, it will be appreciated that impression coping
300 and laboratory analog 400 will have the same orientation
relative to one another at this stage in the process that
impression copying 300 and implant fixture 100 had at an earlier
(see, for example, FIG. 30) stage of the process.
[0068] Then a dental cast C is poured (FIG. 33).
[0069] Next, dental cast C and dental impression I are inverted,
and dental impression I is removed, leaving laboratory analog 400
embedded in dental cast C, and impression coping 300 protruding out
of dental cast C (FIG. 34).
[0070] Then impression coping 300 is removed (FIG. 35).
[0071] At this point, a laboratory duplicate (i.e., dental cast C
and laboratory analog 400) has effectively been created of the
patient's mouth (i.e., bone B, gingiva G and implant fixture
100).
[0072] Next, spherical abutment 500 is placed in laboratory analog
400 (FIG. 36). It should be appreciated that, as this occurs, the
triangular cross-section of the spherical abutment's asymmetrical
section 515, and the triangular cross-section of the laboratory
analog's bore portion 440, will mate with one another so as to fix
the orientation of spherical abutment 500 relative to laboratory
analog 400.
[0073] Then multiaxis abutment 600 is mounted on spherical abutment
500 (FIG. 37). This is done by snapping the bottom end of the
multiaxis abutment onto the top end of the spherical abutment,
i.e., by forcing the rim 621 of the multiaxis abutment over the
spherical abutment's hex-shaped ball 525 so that the hex-shaped
ball is seated in the multiaxis abutment's hex-shaped ball recess
620. It should be appreciated that, as this occurs, the multiaxis
abutment's diametrically-extending groove 630 will permit the
distal end of the multiaxis abutment to initially elastically
expand to the extent required for mounting to occur; however, the
distal end of multiaxis abutment 600 will then return to its
original dimensions so as to thereafter movably capture the
multiaxis abutment to the proximal end of spherical abutment 500.
In particular, the mating hexagonal shapes of the spherical
abutment's hex-shaped ball 525 and the multiaxis abutment's
hex-shaped ball recess 620 will permit the multiaxis abutment 600
to pivot about the longitudinal axis 530 (FIG. 38) of spherical
abutment 500, but will prevent the multiaxis abutment from rotating
about its own longitudinal axis.
[0074] Next, multiaxis abutment 600 is angled atop spherical
abutment 500 (FIG. 38) to the extent required for the dental
restoration. In particular, multiaxis abutment 600 is angled atop
spherical abutment 500 so that the longitudinal axis of the
multiaxis abutment is aligned with the optimal axial alignment for
the prosthetic tooth which will ultimately extend into the
patient's mouth.
[0075] Next, multiaxis abutment 600 is fixed in place atop
spherical abutment 500 (FIG. 39). This may be done by flowing
adhesive down the multiaxis abutment's central passageway 625 so
that the adhesive fills the space between the spherical abutment's
hex-shaped ball 525 and the multiaxis abutment's hex-shaped ball
recess 620. This adhesive also seals the multiaxis abutment's
central passageway 625. In addition, additional material M (FIG.
39) may be used to fill the gap between the top of spherical
abutment 500 and the bottom of multiaxis abutment 600, as well as
the multiaxis abutment's diametrically-extending groove 630.
Material M may comprise one or more wax or plastic materials of the
sort well known in the dental arts.
[0076] The combined spherical abutment 500/multiaxis abutment 600,
having been fixed in position relative to one another, are then
removed from dental cast C and fabricated in permanent form (e.g.,
out of metal) so as to form a corresponding permanent abutment 700
(FIG. 40). By way of example but not limitation, the combined
spherical abutment 500/multiaxis abutment 600 can be cast, using a
so-called "lost wax/plastic technique" well known in the dental
arts, so as to form the corresponding permanent abutment 700.
Permanent abutment 700 will include, among other things, a
triangular portion 715 (corresponding to the triangular
cross-section of the spherical abutment's triangular portion 515)
and a shaft 705 (corresponding to the spherical abutment's shaft
505).
[0077] At this point, the permanent abutment 700 can be positioned
on-the laboratory analog 400 mounted in dental cast C (FIG. 41). In
this respect it will be appreciated that when permanent abutment
700 is positioned on laboratory analog 400, the asymmetrical
cross-section of the permanent abutment's triangular portion 715
will coordinate with the asymmetrical cross-section of the
laboratory analog's triangular bore 440 so as to cause permanent
abutment 700 to assume exactly the same orientation on the
laboratory analog at this stage in the procedure that the combined
spherical abutment 500/multiaxis abutment 600 assumed earlier in
the procedure (FIG. 39). Once permanent abutment 700 has been
mounted on laboratory analog 400, an appropriate prosthetic tooth
CR (FIG. 42) can be fabricated.
[0078] Then prosthetic tooth CR may be test mounted on the
permanent abutment 700 mounted on dental cast C (FIG. 43).
[0079] Once the dental practitioner is certain that permanent
abutment 700 and prosthetic tooth CR are ready to be mounted in the
patient, implant fixture 100 (which is positioned in the patient's
bone B) is re-exposed, if it is not still exposed (FIG. 44).
[0080] Then permanent abutment 700 is mounted on implant fixture
100 (FIG. 45). It will be appreciated that, as this occurs, the
triangular cross-section of the permanent abutment's triangular
portion 715 (FIG. 45), and the triangular cross-section of the
implant fixture's triangular bore portion 155, will mate with one
another so as to fix the orientation of permanent abutment 700
relative to implant fixture 700. In particular, permanent abutment
700 will assume precisely the same orientation with respect to
implant fixture 100 that permanent abutment 700 previously assumed
with respect to laboratory analog 400 (compare, for example, FIG.
45 with FIG. 41). At the same time, insertion of the permanent
abutment's shaft 705 (FIG. 45) into the implant fixture's tapered
portion 150 will cause permanent abutment 700 to lock itself to
implant fixture 100, due to the "Morse'a taper" established by the
implant fixture's tapered portion 150. If desired, this mechanical
interlock may also be enhanced by placing a suitable adhesive into
the implant fixture's bore 130 before inserting the permanent
abutment's shaft 705 therein. Alternatively, the "Morse'a taper"
may be omitted entirely from implant fixture 100, and only adhesive
used to secure permanent abutment 700 to implant fixture 100.
[0081] In any case, once permanent abutment 700 has been secured in
implant fixture 100, prosthetic tooth CR may be secured onto the
proximal end of permanent abutment 700 (FIG. 46) using conventional
dental adhesive. This will effectively complete the dental
restoration.
[0082] Modifications of the Preferred Embodiments
[0083] Numerous modifications may be made to the preferred
embodiments discussed above without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0084] For example, permanent abutment 700 need not necessarily be
made by casting from the combined spherical abutment 500/multiaxis
abutment 600. Rather, permanent abutment 700 can be made by a
machining process. More particularly, and looking now at FIGS.
47-50, a permanent abutment 700 can be formed by machining an
abutment blank AB (FIGS. 47 and 48) into the permanent abutment
700. Such machining may be done in numerous ways well known to
those skilled in the art. By way of example but not limitation,
FIG. 49 shows permanent abutment 700 being formed by an automated
machining process; FIG. 50 shows permanent abutment 700 being
formed by a manual machining process.
[0085] And one might attach prosthetic tooth CR to permanent
abutment 700 prior to positioning the permanent abutment in implant
fixture 100, rather than after positioning in implant fixture 100
as disclosed above.
[0086] By way of further example but not limitation, one might also
omit permanent abutment 700 altogether and simply mount prosthetic
tooth CR directly to the combined spherical abutment 500/multiaxis
abutment 600 shown in FIG. 39, assuming that spherical abutment 500
and multiaxis abutment 600 are formed out of appropriate materials
and have been suitably secured relative to one another.
[0087] Furthermore, the opposing surfaces of spherical abutment 500
and multiaxis abutment 600 may be etched and/or roughened so as to
facilitate retention of material therebetween. In addition, the
opposing surfaces of hex-shaped ball 525 and hex-shaped ball recess
620 may also be etched and/or roughened to facilitate retention of
adhesive therebetween.
[0088] Still other modifications may be made to the preferred
embodiments disclosed above without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0089] Advantages of the Invention
[0090] Numerous advantages are achieved by the provision and use of
the present invention.
[0091] For one thing, the present invention provides a novel dental
implant which avoids the problems associated with the prior
art.
[0092] And the present invention provides a novel method for
effecting a dental restoration.
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