U.S. patent application number 14/557119 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-02 for abutment and abutment systems for use with implants.
This patent application is currently assigned to AETON MEDICAL LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is AETON MEDICAL LLC. Invention is credited to Anatoli KRIVORUK.
Application Number | 20150182313 14/557119 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46653034 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150182313 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KRIVORUK; Anatoli |
July 2, 2015 |
ABUTMENT AND ABUTMENT SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH IMPLANTS
Abstract
An abutment for supporting a prosthesis relative to an implant
includes an implant engaging portion configured to engage with a
dental implant and a component supporting portion having a key
feature on an external surface portion thereof. The key feature is
configured to provide keyed mating engagement with a complimentary
key feature on a component to be engaged with the abutment.
Inventors: |
KRIVORUK; Anatoli;
(Philadelphia, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AETON MEDICAL LLC |
Philadelphia |
PA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AETON MEDICAL LLC
Philadelphia
PA
|
Family ID: |
46653034 |
Appl. No.: |
14/557119 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13401349 |
Feb 21, 2012 |
8920170 |
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14557119 |
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61444986 |
Feb 21, 2011 |
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61500399 |
Jun 23, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
433/201.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 8/00 20130101; A61C
8/0066 20130101; A61C 9/004 20130101; A61C 13/2656 20130101; A61C
13/0001 20130101; A61C 8/0048 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61C 8/00 20060101
A61C008/00 |
Claims
1. An abutment for supporting a prosthesis relative to an implant
comprising: an implant engaging portion configured to engage with a
dental implant; and a component supporting portion having a key
feature on an external surface portion thereof configured to
provide keyed mating engagement with a complimentary key feature on
a component to be engaged with the abutment.
2-23. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/444,986, filed Feb. 21, 2011, and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/500,399, filed Jun. 23, 2011,
the entirety of each of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present teachings relate to components used with
implants configured to be implanted in a patient's body, for
example, in bone and/or cartilage. For example, the present
teachings relate to components used with dental implants for
supporting and retaining replacement teeth (e.g., temporary and/or
permanent restorations). By way of particular example, the present
teachings relate to abutments and components, such as, for example,
copings, for mating with such abutments.
INTRODUCTION
[0003] Implants placed in bone and/or cartilage represent a growing
field of reconstruction technology for replacing parts of the body,
for example, with prosthetic parts. Such implants may be secured in
the bone and/or cartilage and used to anchor a prosthetic body part
in position.
[0004] One type of implant that has relatively widespread use
includes dental implants. During dental implantation, a hole is
drilled through the gingiva, the gums surrounding the root of a
tooth, and/or into the jawbone. An implant, which may be, for
example, made of titanium or titanium alloy, is then fixed within
the hole of the jawbone. Over a period of months, the titanium
implant fuses to the jawbone through a process called
osseointegration. After a period of time, ranging from weeks to
months, a permanent replacement tooth (sometimes referred to a
final restoration or permanent restoration) is secured relative to
the implant in the patient's mouth. Prior to placement of the
permanent replacement tooth, a patient may also have a temporary
replacement tooth (sometimes referred to as a temporary
restoration) secured relative to the implant to provide some
function and aesthetics in the time period before the permanent
replacement tooth is in place.
[0005] For placing a temporary tooth, a so-called temporary coping
is engaged with the implant, for example, via an abutment in the
patient's mouth and a material (such as, for example, an acrylic
material) used to create a temporary tooth is bonded thereto. This
process can be done either chairside by the dentist or in a dental
laboratory. Some adjustments may be made to the height, angle,
and/or inter-occlusal clearance of the portion of the abutment that
supports the restoration if necessary, for example, by using a bur
to shave the abutment. In some approaches, a plastic temporary
coping designed to provide a mechanical bond, for example, via
cement or other adhesive, with the veneering material is placed
over the abutment or a dental analog. Again, adjustments for
inter-occlusal height, clearance, and/or angle of the temporary
restoration may be made if necessary. Prefabricated polycarbonate
crowns or vacuum stents also are used with a veneering material to
complete fabrication of the temporary restoration.
[0006] In some conventional techniques, to assist in orienting a
component, such as, a coping for example, to be supported by the
abutment, conventional abutments generally have a flat surface
portion on an external surface that is configured to mate with a
corresponding flat surface portion on an internal surface of the
component, such as, for example, a temporary or permanent coping
(i.e., prior to securing, the coping is rotated relative to the
abutment to align the respective flat portions). To prevent
relative rotational movement, the flat portions on the abutment and
coping must provide a precise mating fit with each other with very
low tolerances for error between the overall configuration and
dimensions of the two flat surface portions. Manufacturing the flat
portions to such tolerances, however, can be difficult to achieve.
If a precise mating fit of the two flat surface portions is not
achieved, at least some rotation of the coping relative to the
abutment, and consequently the prosthesis within the patient's
mouth, can occur. Further, when placing a coping or other component
relative to the abutment, it can be difficult for a dental
practitioner or other user to determine whether the flat surfaces
are precisely aligned, which can lead to improperly orienting and
seating the component on the abutment. Such improper seating and
orientation can lead to damage of the prosthesis, the abutment,
and/or possibly the implant, and potentially to the patient (e.g.,
causing tissue recession), if for example, the finish line of the
component on the abutment relative to the implant and/or abutment
is not precise and a gap is present.
[0007] It may be desirable, therefore, to provide an abutment
configuration that can achieve a precise mating and improved
mechanical engagement with components (e.g., copings) supported
thereon. It may be desirable to provide an abutment that can
minimize errors associated with orienting and seating of a
component on the abutment. It may be further desirable to provide
an abutment that facilitates properly orienting and seating of a
component, such as a coping, on the abutment, while also
substantially preventing relative rotation between the component
and the abutment.
[0008] It also may be desirable to provide a system that improves
the accuracy and precision of the fit of a temporary replacement
tooth structure, e.g., with an abutment and implant.
SUMMARY
[0009] The present teachings may satisfy one or more of the
above-mentioned desirable features and/or solve one or more of the
above-mentioned problems. Other features and/or advantages may
become apparent from the description that follows.
[0010] In accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the
present teachings, an abutment for supporting a prosthesis relative
to an implant includes an implant engaging portion configured to
engage with a dental implant and a component supporting portion
having a key feature on an external surface portion thereof. The
key feature is configured to provide keyed mating engagement with a
complimentary key feature on a component to be engaged with the
abutment.
[0011] In accordance with various additional exemplary embodiments
of the present teachings, a system for securing a coping within a
patient's body includes an abutment comprising an implant engaging
portion configured to engage with a dental implant and a component
supporting portion having a key feature on an external surface
portion thereof. The system further includes a coping having a
complimentary key feature on an internal surface portion. The key
feature and the complimentary key feature are configured to provide
a keyed making engagement of the coping and the abutment.
[0012] Additional objects and/or advantages of the present
teachings will be set forth in part in the description which
follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may
be learned by practice of the present teachings. Those objects and
advantages may be realized and attained by means of the elements
and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended
claims.
[0013] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present
teachings or claims. Rather, the claims are intended to cover a
broad scope, including equivalents.
[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary
embodiments of the present teachings and together with the
description, serve to explain certain principles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the coronal end of an
exemplary embodiment of an abutment in accordance with the present
teachings;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view of the abutment of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the abutment of FIG. 2
taken through line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of a key feature of FIG. 3;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a coronal end view of the abutment of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIGS. 6A-C show additional side views of the abutment of
FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view from an apical end of an
exemplary embodiment of a temporary coping in accordance with the
present teachings;
[0022] FIG. 8 shows an additional perspective view of the temporary
coping of FIG. 7;
[0023] FIG. 9 shows a detailed view of a key feature of FIG. 7;
[0024] FIG. 10 is an apical end view of the temporary coping of
FIG. 7;
[0025] FIG. 11 shows a detailed view of the key feature of FIG.
10;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken of the temporary
coping of FIG. 7 taken through line 12-12 of FIG. 10;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the temporary coping of
FIG. 7 taken through line 13-13 of FIG. 10;
[0028] FIGS. 14A-C show partial cross-sectional detailed views of
various exemplary embodiments of key features in accordance with
the present teachings;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a side view of the temporary coping of FIG. 7
engaged with the abutment of FIG. 1, wherein the abutment is
engaged with an implant in accordance with the present
teachings;
[0030] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 15
taken through line 16-16 of FIG. 15;
[0031] FIG. 17 shows a detailed view of a protrusion mated with a
retention groove in FIG. 16;
[0032] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 15
taken through line 18-18 of FIG. 15;
[0033] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 18
taken through line 19-19 of FIG. 18;
[0034] FIG. 20 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a
temporary coping in accordance with the present teachings;
[0035] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the temporary coping of
FIG. 20 taken through line 21-21 of FIG. 20;
[0036] FIG. 22 is a side view of the temporary coping of FIG. 20
engaged with an abutment in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 22
taken through line 23-23 of FIG. 22;
[0038] FIGS. 24A and 24B show detailed views of mating interfaces
of the temporary coping and the abutment of FIG. 22;
[0039] FIG. 25 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a
temporary coping in accordance with the present teachings;
[0040] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the temporary coping of
FIG. 25 taken through line 26-26 of FIG. 25;
[0041] FIG. 27 is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary
embodiment of an abutment configured to engage with the temporary
coping of FIG. 25 in accordance with the present teachings;
[0042] FIG. 28 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a
temporary coping in accordance with the present teachings;
[0043] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the temporary coping of
FIG. 28 taken through line 29-29 of FIG. 28;
[0044] FIG. 30 is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary
embodiment of an abutment configured to engage with the temporary
coping of FIG. 28 in accordance with the present teachings;
[0045] FIG. 31 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a
temporary coping in accordance with the present teachings;
[0046] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the temporary coping of
FIG. 31 taken through line 32-32 of FIG. 31; and
[0047] FIG. 33 is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary
embodiment of an abutment configured to engage with the temporary
coping of FIG. 31 in accordance with the present teachings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0048] Reference will now be made in detail to various exemplary
embodiments of the present teachings, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the
same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to
refer to the same or like parts.
[0049] The present teachings contemplate systems and components
thereof useful for securing prostheses relative to implants, such
as, for example, securing tooth restorations relative to a dental
implant. It is contemplated that various exemplary embodiments of
the present teachings may comprise an abutment used in conjunction
with various copings employed in the implantation process (e.g.,
impression copings, temporary copings, and/or permanent copings or
frameworks), wherein the abutment is engaged with the implant to
support and secure (at least temporarily) the coping within a
patient's mouth.
[0050] It is further contemplated that the various components may
be used in conjunction with various implant configurations, such as
conventional implant configurations that include but are not
limited to, for example, various Tissue and Bone Level Implants
made by ITI Straumann; Solid Screw and Tapered Effect Implants made
by ITI Straumann, including but not limited to the 4.1 mm and 4.8
mm Solid Screw and Tapered Effect Implants, and the 4.8 mm Wide
Neck Solid Screw Implant and Tapered Effect Implant; Keystone
Stage-1 and XP Implants; BlueSky Bio One Stage Implant with Regular
and Wide Platform and BlueSky Bio Trilobe and Internal Hex System
Implants; SS Implant and Excellent Solid Implant, 31 Tapered and
Parallel Walled Implants; Zimmer's Tapered ScrewVent, Tapered
SwissPlus, and Spline Implants; and Astra's Osseospeed TX Profile
and TX with Tapered Apex Implants, among others. Implants with
which various exemplary embodiments are configured to be used may
also include a variety of coronal configurations for mating with
abutments in accordance with the present teachings, including, but
not limited to, for example, tapered internal coronal necks (e.g.,
conically-tapered internal coronal necks) and/or indexed (e.g.,
polygonal) anti-rotational internal coronal neck features, with
which those having ordinary skill in the art are familiar. Those
having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate a wide variety of
conventional implants and other implant structures with which the
various components in accordance with the present teachings may be
utilized. Thus, the implant mating portions described and depicted
in the exemplary embodiments herein are exemplary only and not
intended to be limiting of the scope of the present teachings or
claims; rather, those of ordinary skill in the art would understand
how to modify the implant mating portion of the abutment to
configure the same to mate with a variety of differing implant
configurations.
[0051] In various alternative exemplary embodiments, abutments in
accordance with the present teachings may be formed integrally as a
single-piece structure with the implant rather than being formed as
a separate engageable component.
[0052] In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, to
precisely align and secure a component (e.g., coping) to an
abutment within a patient's mouth, the present teachings
contemplate an abutment for engaging a dental implant that includes
a component supporting portion having a feature on an external
surface portion thereof configured for keyed mating engagement with
the component. In various exemplary embodiments, for example, an
abutment may include a component supporting portion having a flat
surface portion and a relief feature extending along at least a
portion of a length of the flat surface portion. In various
exemplary embodiments, therefore, when assembled with, for example,
a coping, the relief feature can engage a corresponding,
complimentary relief feature on the coping to prevent rotation of
the coping (and tooth prosthesis) relative to the abutment.
[0053] In various exemplary embodiments, therefore, abutments of
the present teachings provide a "key feature" to promote proper
orientation and alignment of a coping, or other component, thereon
and to provide a keyed mating engagement with such component to
substantially prevent relative rotation of the coping and abutment
once mated together.
[0054] As used herein, the terms "key feature," and the like can
refer to one or more relief features, such as, male relief
features, including, for example, protrusions, ridges, etc., and/or
female relief features, including, for example, grooves, slots,
recesses, etc., that are configured to mate with corresponding,
complimentary relief features to secure together structural
components via a keyed mating engagement. A "keyed mating
engagement" and variations thereof refers to engaging or securing
two components to each other in a manner that generally permits
relative axial movement between the two components but prevents
relative rotational movement between the two components. As used
here, the term "key feature" is intended, therefore, to refer to
one or more of such structures that can be either keys, keyways, or
a combination of keys and keyways (as those terms are used by those
having ordinary skill in the art to describe structures that
provide keyed mating engagement between components). Thus, in
various exemplary embodiments, a key feature on an abutment can
include one or more male or female relief features (or combinations
thereof) that are configured to provide a keyed mating engagement
with one or more complimentary male or female relief features (or
combinations thereof) on a component to be supported and engaged
with the abutment to prevent relative rotation of the same.
[0055] In accordance with various additional exemplary embodiments,
the abutment may also include one or more retention features (e.g.,
grooves) on an outer peripheral surface (e.g., an outer lateral
surface) thereof, which are configured to engage with one or more
corresponding retention features (e.g. protrusions) on a coping in
order to achieve mechanical securing, for example, via a snap-fit
engagement, of a restoration to the abutment, for example, without
requiring the use of cement or other bonding mechanism. Such
retention features are configured to prevent relative axial
movement of the component relative to the abutment, at least when a
force tending to move the component axially relative to the
abutment is below a threshold amount. The present teachings
additionally contemplate, for example, abutments having a plurality
of retention features (e.g., grooves) substantially transversely
oriented and spaced from one another around a peripheral external
surface of the abutment and disposed at substantially the same
axial location along a length of the abutment. Partial retention
features, as opposed to a single continuous retention feature that
extends around substantially the entire peripheral surface of the
abutment between edges of a flat surface portion, for example, may
require less force to disengage a temporary coping from the
abutment for subsequent application of a permanent restoration.
[0056] The drawings included herewith as part of the specification
contain various dimensions, tolerances, and/or other specifications
that are not intended to be limiting of the present teachings or
the scope of the invention herein. Rather, the dimensions,
tolerances, and/or other specifications noted on the drawings
represent an exemplary embodiment of the various components
depicted. Those having ordinary skill in the art would understand
that modifications to such dimensions, tolerances and/or other
specifications may be made as desired and in accordance with the
present teachings without departing from the scope of the present
teachings.
[0057] As used herein, those having ordinary skill in the art are
familiar with the meaning of the terms "apical" and "coronal." As
used herein, "apical" refers to a direction toward the jaw bone, or
toward root tips of teeth. If the term "apical" is used to refer to
a portion of a component, it refers to the portion of the component
that would be facing, closer to, and/or in a direction of the jaw
bone and/or root tips if the component were placed in an
operational position in a patient's mouth. The term "coronal"
refers to a direction opposite the jaw bone and toward the crowns
of teeth. If the term "coronal" is used to refer to a portion of a
component, it may refer to the portion of the component that would
be facing, closer to, and/or in direction of the crown portion of
teeth if the component were placed in an operational position in a
patient's mouth.
[0058] With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, one exemplary
embodiment of an abutment 100 for use with a dental implant (e.g.,
a dental implant 300 as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16) is
depicted. The abutment 100 includes an implant (or apical) end 180
that engages with the implant and a coronal end 190 that receives a
component (such as, e.g., a temporary coping described further
below and/or other components which those of ordinary skill in the
art would have familiarity) configured to be secured to the
abutment 100. The abutment 100 may further include an implant
engaging post 185 that includes the apical end 180 and an
anti-rotational portion 110 configured to fit within a similarly
configured opening in a dental implant. In the exemplary embodiment
shown, the anti-rotational portion 110 defines a hexagonal
periphery, but those having ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that the anti-rotational portion 110 could be octagonal
or have other polygonal configurations as are well known in the
art. The portion 110 may also be replaced with a portion having a
substantially circular cross-section and outer periphery.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 16, for example, in various exemplary
embodiments, the implant engaging post 185 may be received in a
corresponding opening 385 in the implant 300, with the abutment 100
being tapped into secure engagement with the implant 300. By way of
example, such posts may provide an anti-rotational and secure
engagement of the abutment with the implant, for example, by being
configured to fit within a tapered opening in the implant, by
having a lateral surface that is polygonal in cross-section (e.g.,
hexagonal or octagonal) and configured to fit within a similarly
configured opening in the implant, or a combination thereof. Those
ordinarily skilled in the art would be familiar with various types
of engagement mechanisms that could be used to secure the abutment
to the implant, including, for example various internal or external
polygonal and anti-rotational surfaces, tapered surfaces, lobed
channels, and/or combinations thereof. Furthermore, although an
anti rotational portion 110 is shown in the exemplary embodiment of
the abutment 100, those having ordinary skill in the art would
understand that various other engagement mechanisms may be utilized
in lieu of or in addition to the anti-rotational portions to engage
the post 185 of the abutment with a dental implant. In various
embodiments, for example, the implant engaging post may comprise
screw threading configured to engage with complimentary screw
threading on an internal surface of an implant. Thus, as would be
understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, depending on the
type of engagement mechanism used, the abutment 100 can also have
an opening 115 in the coronal end 190 for receiving a screw driver
or other tool used to drive the abutment 100 into the implant.
[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the abutment 100 defines a
substantially tapered (e.g., generally frustro-conical portion) 140
extending from the implant engaging post 185 to a location about
mid-way to about 2/3 of the length L of the abutment 100 measured
from the apical end 180. The tapered portion 140 of the abutment
100 has a peripheral outer surface that tapers at an angle .alpha.
in a direction toward the apical end 180. The tapered portion 140
defines a shoulder 130 where the portion 140 meets the post
185.
[0061] The tapered portion 140 can be configured to engage with an
internal similarly tapered (e.g., generally frustro-conical)
interior seat region of an implant. In various exemplary
embodiments, the angle, .alpha., of the peripheral surface of the
tapered portion 140 is configured to correspond to a tapered
internal surface portion of the coronal neck of an implant that
receives the abutment 100. Providing such a tapered portion 140 on
the abutment, the angle of which may substantially correspond to
the taper angle of an internal surface portion at the coronal neck
of the implant with which the abutment mates, may provide a
substantially flush mating engagement between the abutment and the
implant, which may enhance the accuracy of the fit and proper
seating of the abutment on the implant. In various exemplary
embodiments, the tapered portion 140 can be configured similar to a
Morse taper (albeit at a different taper angle), which may render
the abutment 100 non-rotational under occlusal (chewing) load once
seated in the implant coronal neck portion; in other words, taking
more force to loosen (e.g., unscrew) the abutment than to secure it
to the implant.
[0062] In various exemplary embodiments, the angle .alpha. of the
taper of peripheral surface of the frustro-conical portion 140 may
range from about 1.5.degree. to about 15.degree., for example,
about 5.degree. to about 10.degree.. For example, various implants
with which the abutment 100 may be configured to engage may have an
internal frustro-conical coronal neck opening having an internal
taper angle ranging, for example, from about 1.5.degree. to about
15.degree.. For example, the taper angle may be about 1.5.degree.,
about 5.8.degree., about 8.degree., about 11.degree. or about
15.degree., and thus, the angle .alpha. may be about 1.5.degree.,
about 5.8.degree., about 8.degree., about 11.degree., or about
15.degree., respectively.
[0063] As discussed above, the coronal portion of the abutment 100
can be modified in various ways to achieve a secure, anti- or
non-rotational engagement of the abutment with an implant and the
features 185, 110, and 140 can be modified as appropriate and as
would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art
depending upon the implant with which the abutment is to be
engaged. By way of example only, only one of the features 140 or
110 may be provided and/or a feature that combines a tapered
portion with a polygonal anti-rotation peripheral surface may be
provided. Moreover, although the exemplary embodiment of the
abutment 100 shows a tapered portion 140 that is configured to
engage with an internal tapered seat region on an implant, those
having ordinary skill in the art would understand that various
other mating configurations (which define various other shoulder
regions, for example, coronal to the implant mating portion of the
abutment) may be utilized in lieu of or in addition to the tapered
portion 140.
[0064] As also depicted in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the
abutment 100 includes a component supporting portion 150, and a
gingival cuff 160 that extends between the tapered portion 140 and
the component supporting portion 150. The length of the gingival
cuff 160 from the tapered portion 140 to the component supporting
portion 150 may range from about 1 mm to about 4 mm, for example,
and is generally selected depending on the patient. Providing a
retention mechanism between the abutment and an implant component
(e.g., a coping) as discussed in further detail below may, however,
promote the ability to provide a uniform gingival cuff size of
about 1 mm, since little or no cement (or other adhesive) is needed
to secure the coping to the abutment, which therefore reduces the
risks associated with irritating the patient's gingiva.
[0065] The gingival cuff 160 may further define a small shoulder
165 positioned at a coronal end thereof where the gingival cuff 160
meets the component supporting portion 150. The shoulder 165 can be
formed by the slight diameter change between the gingival cuff 160
and the smaller diameter of the component supportion portion 150.
When a component, such as, e.g., a coping, is engaged to the
abutment 100, the shoulder 165 can provide a finish line with which
an apical end of the component mates. In various exemplary
embodiments, for example, the shoulder 165 may be slightly beveled
(angled) and various components (e.g., a temporary coping as
described in more detail below) may have apical ends providing
angled surfaces configured to result in a flush mating contact with
the shoulder 165. In various additional embodiments (not shown),
the end of the gingival cuff opposite the shoulder may be provided
with an angled surface configured to mate in a flush contacting
manner with a shoulder on an implant with which the abutment
engages.
[0066] The component supporting portion 150 extends from
approximately mid-length to 2/3 the length L of the abutment 100
from the coronal end 190 to the apical end 180. In various
embodiments, for example, the component supporting portion 150 has
a length l (see FIG. 2) of about 0.1115 in. The component
supporting portion 150 may have a peripheral surface that tapers
inwardly toward the coronal end 190. In various exemplary
embodiments, the component supporting portion 150 may taper at an
angle, .beta. (see FIG. 2), ranging for example, from about
2.degree. to about 12.degree. (e.g., having an included angle
ranging from about 4.degree. to about 24.degree.), for example,
from about 5.5.degree. to about 6.5.degree., for example, the angle
.beta. may be about 6.degree..
[0067] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the component supporting portion
150 can include a key feature configured to mate with a
complimentary key feature on a component to be supported on the
abutment. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the component supporting portion 150
of the abutment 100 includes on an outer surface thereof a flat
surface portion 120 and a relief feature, which in the exemplary
embodiment shown is a male relief feature 122 that extends along a
length (e.g., extends longitudinally) of the flat surface portion
120. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2,
the flat surface portion 120 can extend substantially
longitudinally (the longitudinal axis A of the abutment 100 being
shown in FIG. 2) from about the coronal end 190 to the shoulder 165
of the gingival cuff 160. The male relief feature 122 can extend
along substantially the entire length of the flat surface portion
120 and be disposed substantially centrally between the lateral
sides 126 defining the flat surface portion 120.
[0068] As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, in various exemplary
embodiments, the male relief feature 122 is a protrusion that
extends radially outward from the flat surface portion 120 of the
component supporting portion 150. The protrusion has a
substantially rectangular upper surface profile with a thickness
that tapers toward the corneal end 190. In various embodiments, for
example, the thickness of the protrusion is chosen so that it does
not extend (at any point along its length) significantly beyond the
remaining outer peripheral surface portions (i.e., the non-flat
surface portions) of the component supporting portion 150. In other
words, the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion may have the
same curvature and taper as the outer peripheral surface of the
component supporting portion 150. As shown in FIG. 4, in various
exemplary embodiments, the sides 127 (i.e., lateral surfaces) of
the protrusion are beveled. In various embodiments, for example,
the sides 127 of the protrusion 122 are beveled at an angle,
.theta., of about 60.degree..
[0069] Accordingly, the component supporting portion 150 is
configured for keyed mating engagement, and provides a key feature
that in the exemplary embodiment includes the male relief feature
122 (i.e., a longitudinal protrusion on an outer peripheral surface
of the component supporting portion 150) as best seen in FIGS. 3
and 4. The male relief feature 122 is configured, for example, to
assist in positioning various components on the component
supporting portion 150 (i.e., via a complimentary female relief
feature on the respective component), and may further assist in
preventing relative rotation between components (e.g., a temporary
coping and the abutment 100) during engagement therebetween. Thus,
the male and female relief features may act as complimentary key
features that provide a keyed mating engagement to prevent rotation
between the abutment and the respective component seated thereon.
As those of ordinary skill in the art would understand, such
components may include but are not limited to, for example, a
temporary coping, an impression coping (for use in taking an
impression of an implant, e.g., in a patient's mouth), a burnout
coping (for use in forming a prosthetic (restoration) from a mold),
and/or a framework for a permanent restoration.
[0070] In various exemplary embodiments, the flat surface portion
120 of the abutment 100 may be disposed at a distance ranging from
about 0.03 in. to about 0.1 in. from the centerline of the
abutment, for example, the distance of the flat surface portion to
the centerline of the abutment may be about 0.097 in. Those of
ordinary skill in the art would understand, however, that the
distance may vary and be selected depending on the size, for
example, the diameter of the component supporting portion 150, of
the abutment 100. For example, the distance of the flat surface
portion 120 to the centerline of the abutment 100 may be about 65%
to about 80%, for example, about 72%, of the radius at the
corresponding axial location of the component support portion 150.
In various additional exemplary embodiments, the male relief
feature 122 may have a width of about 0.019 in. Those of ordinary
skill in the art would understand, however, that relief features in
accordance with the present teachings, may have various dimensions
(i.e., lengths, widths, and/or thicknesses), shapes and/or
configurations, and that the embodiment of the male relief feature
illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 is exemplary only. Thus, although in the
exemplary embodiment shown, the male relief feature (protrusion
122) has a substantially rectangular upper surface profile (for
keyed mating engagement with a female relief feature with a
corresponding substantially rectangular surface profile), as shown
in FIG. 14A, those of ordinary skill in the art would further
understand that the protrusion may have various other surface
profiles, including but not limited to, for example, circular or
trapezoidal, as illustrated respectively in FIGS. 14B and 14C.
[0071] In various exemplary embodiments, the component supporting
portion 150 may also comprise at least one retention feature (e.g.,
retention groove) around an outer peripheral surface thereof, as
disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0209877
A1, filed Feb. 13, 2009, the entire contents of which are
incorporated by reference herein. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6A-C,
for example, in various exemplary embodiments, the component
supporting portion 150 may comprise a plurality of partial
retention grooves 125 (three retention grooves 125 being shown in
the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2, and 6A-C) extending in a
direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis A of
the abutment 100, which are separated from one another by
non-grooved portions. The retention grooves 125 may be configured
to engage with one or more protrusions on a component to achieve a
mechanical retention, e.g., via a snap-fit engagement, of the
component on the abutment 100. As above, such components may
include but are not limited to, for example, a temporary coping, an
impression coping, a burnout coping, and/or a framework for a
permanent restoration. In various exemplary embodiments, one or
more retention grooves, such as, for example, the retention grooves
125, may be positioned along a length of the portion 150 that is
located about midway to two-thirds along a length l (see FIG. 2) of
the component supporting portion 150 from the shoulder 165 of the
gingival cuff 160. In an exemplary embodiment, a centerline of the
retention grooves 125 may be positioned at about 0.0570 in. from
the gingival cuff 160. Those of ordinary skill in the art would
understand, however, that the centerline of the retention grooves
may be positioned at various distances from the gingival cuff
without departing from the present teachings and claims.
[0072] In various exemplary embodiments, the retention grooves 125
may have a radiused surface profile. The surface of the retention
groove 125 may, for example, define a radius of curvature ranging
from about 0.010 in. to about 0.060 in. The retention grooves 125
in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, extend around the outer
peripheral surface of the abutment 100 at about 60.degree.
intervals (i.e., the grooves 125 are equally spaced about every
60.degree.) between the sides 126 of the flat surface portion 120,
for example, extending substantially around the entire periphery of
the abutment 100 with the exception of the flat portion 120 (see
FIGS. 6A-C). Those having ordinary skill in the art would
understand, however, that the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6 is
exemplary only and that the retention grooves 125 may extend around
the outer peripheral surface of the abutment 100 at intervals of
about 10.degree. or greater between the sides 126 of the flat
surface portion 120. In various exemplary embodiments, the grooves
125 may be equally spaced from each other or variably spaced (i.e.,
having any desired spacing) around the outer peripheral surface of
the abutment 100.
[0073] In various exemplary embodiments, each retention groove may
have a height (measured along the longitudinal axis of the abutment
100) ranging from about 0.015 in. to about 0.040 in., for example,
about 0.021 in. In an exemplary embodiment, the retention grooves
125 may be machined to a depth ranging from about 0.001 in. to
about 0.004 in., for example, 0.003 in. In various additional
embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a top edge 175 of each
retention groove 125 may blend with the taper of the component
supporting portion 150. That is, the top edge 175 of each groove
125 may gradually extend radially outward from within each groove
125 to blend and form a smooth transition with the taper of the
component supporting portion 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the
top edge 175 of each retention groove 125 may, for example, have a
blended radius of about 0.007 in. Those of ordinary skill in the
art would understand, however, that the top edge 175 of each groove
125 may have any radius that achieves a blending of the groove 125
with the tapered outer surface of the component supporting portion
150. Such a blended configuration may, for example, prevent damage
to corresponding protrusions (e.g., on a temporary coping as
described below) when engaging and disengaging the protrusions from
the retention grooves 125.
[0074] Although the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 depicts three
retention grooves 125, those having ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that any number of retention grooves may be provided
around the outer peripheral surface of the component supporting
portion 150, disposed at locations so as to enable one or more
protrusions on a coping (or other component) to engage in a
snap-fit manner therewith. Moreover, retention grooves in
accordance with various exemplary embodiments, rather than
extending around all or a portion of the outer peripheral surface,
could provide an indented relatively local radiused configuration
configured to engage with one or more protrusion features on a
coping or other component utilized with dental implant systems to
provide a snap-fit engagement to the abutment.
[0075] As best seen in FIG. 5, in various exemplary embodiments,
the coronal end 190 of the component supporting portion 150 may
optionally comprise coding features 124. As those of ordinary skill
in the art would understand, the coding features 124 may, for
example, be read (e.g., via a scanning device as those having
ordinary skill in the art are familiar with) to provide more
precise impression taking.
[0076] As above, in accordance with various exemplary embodiments,
the component supporting portion 150 may have a length l (see FIG.
2) of about 0.1115 in. Those of ordinary skill in the art would
understand, however, that the component supporting portion 150 may
have various lengths depending on the application of the abutment
100. Likewise, abutments in accordance with various exemplary
embodiments of the present teachings may have various diameters.
Those having ordinary skill in the art would understand, for
example, that the dimensions of abutments and corresponding
portions thereof may be modified in accordance with the present
teachings in order to fit with various implant configurations,
coping configurations, framework configurations, and/or as desired
to satisfy a particular patient and/or need; the dimensions set
forth herein are non-limiting and exemplary only. For example,
those ordinarily skilled in the art would appreciate a variety of
abutment dimensions selected so as to mate with a variety of
internal, conically-tapered implant configurations, with which
those having ordinary skill in the art are readily familiar. Those
ordinarily skilled in the art would further appreciate that the
total abutment length (TAL) may be selected based upon the coping
configuration chosen. In various embodiments, for example, to fit a
4 mm coping the abutment may have a TAL of about 0.323 in. In
various additional embodiments, to fit a 6 mm coping the abutment
may have a TAL of about 0.402 in. And in various further
embodiments, to fit an 8 mm coping the abutment may have a TAL of
about 0.481 in. Those of ordinary skill in the art would
understand, however, that an abutment in accordance with the
present teachings may have various TALs depending upon the coping
configuration chosen. In various embodiments, for example, the
abutment may have a TAL ranging from about 2 mm to about 9 mm. And
in various additional embodiments the abutment may have a TAL
ranging from about 4 mm to about 7 mm.
[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, the abutment 100 may be machined
in order to provide precise tolerances of the various features of
the abutment, including, for example, the key feature (e.g., flat
surface portion and/or relief feature), the retention features, the
tapered portions, etc., so as to ensure an accurate and precise fit
with the implant and/or other components configured to be secured
to the abutment. In an exemplary embodiment, the abutment may be
made from cold-worked, commercially pure, Grade 4 titanium or other
medical grade titanium or titanium alloy. However, any
bio-compatible material providing sufficient strength and
durability, such as, for example, a variety of biocompatible
titanium materials, may be used to make an abutment in accordance
with various exemplary embodiments of the present teachings.
Although using a radiopaque material for the abutment may provide
sufficient strength, for example to withstand occlusal loads, as
well as permitting X-ray observation, other materials also may be
suitable, including, for example, composites comprising ceramic and
zirconium, composites comprising titanium and zirconium, and other
zirconium composites or alloys.
[0078] As would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the
art, abutments in accordance with various exemplary embodiments,
such as the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, may be configured to
be screw-retained in the implant and thus may be configured to
receive a retention screw. By way of example, as shown in FIGS. 1
and 5, the abutment 100 may have a channel 115 extending through
the length L (see FIG. 2) of the abutment, for receiving a screw to
secure the abutment 100 to an implant. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 18,
for example, in various embodiments, the abutment 100 may receive a
retention screw 400 through a channel 115 to secure the abutment
100 to the implant 300.
[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 7-13, an exemplary embodiment of a
temporary coping configured to mate with the abutment 100 in
accordance with the present teachings is illustrated. As shown in
FIGS. 7, 8, 12 and 13, a temporary coping 200 has a substantially
cylindrical, hollow configuration having an apical end 280 and a
coronal end 290. The temporary coping 200 is configured to be
advanced over an abutment, such as abutment 100, as shown, for
example, in FIGS. 15-19.
[0080] As is perhaps best shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the interior of
the temporary coping 200 presents a tapered surface portion 270
from the apical end 280 toward the coronal end 290, which surface
portion 270 terminates below (in the orientation of FIGS. 12 and
13) a coronal end 290 of the coping 200. The degree of taper may
substantially correspond to the taper of the component supporting
portion of an abutment with which the temporary coping is engaged,
such as, for example, component supporting portion 150 of abutment
100. For example, the angle of taper, .theta., may range from about
2.degree. to about 12.degree. (e.g., having an included angle
ranging from about 4.degree. to about 24.degree.), for example,
from about 5.5.degree. to about 6.5.degree., for example, .theta.
may be about 6.degree.. As would be understood by those of ordinary
skill in the art, the length and other dimensions of the temporary
coping 200 may be selected as desired based on the implant and
abutment dimensions. In various exemplary embodiments, for example,
internal dimensions (such as, for example, the diameter and length
of tapered surface portion 270) of the temporary coping 200 may be
selected so as to provide a substantially flush mating surface
contact (i.e., within machining tolerances) between the internal
peripheral surfaces of the temporary coping 200 and the outer
peripheral surfaces of the component supporting portion of an
abutment (e.g., portion 150 of abutment 100) with which the
temporary coping 200 is engaged.
[0081] In various additional embodiments, the interior of the
temporary coping 200 may further comprise angled surfaces 265 at
the apical end 280. In various embodiments, for example, the angled
surfaces 265 are configured to result in a flush mating contact
with the shoulder 165 (see FIG. 2) of the abutment 100.
[0082] In various exemplary embodiments, it may be desirable to
provide a temporary coping with an apical end configuration that
helps to prevent the risk of potentially cracking the coping as it
is placed into engagement with an abutment. For example, such
apical end configurations, as described in further detail below,
can be desirable when the temporary coping is formed of a
relatively brittle (less compliant) material, including but not
limited to, for example bis-acrylic and/or bis-acrylic composite
dental restoration materials. In various exemplary embodiments, for
example, the apical end of a coping may have various mating surface
features configured to result in a flush mating contact with the
shoulder of an abutment having a complimentary mating surface
feature. This can assist in both sealing the area at the interface
of the temporary coping and the abutment shoulder (e.g., to prevent
infection) and limiting the expansion of the apical end during
engagement with the abutment (e.g., to prevent cracking).
[0083] As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, for example, in various
exemplary embodiments of the present teachings, a temporary coping
1000 may comprise angled end surfaces 1065 at an apical end 1080 of
the coping 1000. In various embodiments, for example, the surfaces
1065 may be angled at an angle .theta. ranging from about 1.degree.
to about 45.degree.. As shown with respect to FIGS. 22, 23, 24A and
24B, the coping 1000 is configured to mate with an abutment 900,
such that the angled surfaces 1065 are in a flush mating contact
with complimentary angled surfaces 965 of a shoulder 985 of the
abutment 900.
[0084] In various additional exemplary embodiments, as shown with
respect to FIGS. 25 and 26, a temporary coping 1200 may comprise
convex end surfaces 1265 at an apical end 1280 of the coping 1200.
In various embodiments, for example, the surfaces 1265 may have a
radius R that is greater than or equal to about half the thickness
of the walls of the coping 1200. Although not shown, as above, the
coping 1200 is configured to mate with an abutment 1100 (see FIG.
27), such that the convex surfaces 1265 are in a flush mating
contact with complimentary convex surfaces 1165 of a shoulder 1185
of the abutment 1100.
[0085] In various further embodiments, as shown with respect to
FIGS. 28 and 29, a temporary coping 1400 may comprise angled edges
1465 at an apical end 1480 of the coping 1400. In various
embodiments, for example, the edges 1465 may be angled at an angle
.theta. ranging from about 15.degree. to about 60.degree.. Although
not shown, as above, the coping 1400 is configured to mate with an
abutment 1300 (see FIG. 30), such that the angled edges 1465 are in
a flush mating contact with complimentary angled edges 1365 of a
shoulder 1385 of the abutment 1300.
[0086] As shown with respect to FIGS. 31 and 32, in various
additional embodiments of the present teachings, a temporary coping
1600 may comprise a groove 1665 within an apical end surface of the
apical end 1680 of the coping 1600. Although not shown, as above,
the coping 1600 is configured to mate with an abutment 1500 (see
FIG. 33), such that the groove 1665 is in a flush mating contact
with a complimentary protrusion 1565 on a shoulder 1585 of the
abutment 1500.
[0087] Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the
embodiments depicted in FIGS. 20-33 are exemplary only, and that
the present teachings contemplate various configurations of mating
features to assist in preventing a temporary coping from cracking
as it is expanded into engagement with an abutment without
departing from the scope of the present teachings and claims.
[0088] As shown in FIGS. 9-13, an internal surface portion of the
temporary coping 200 may include a key feature configured to
provide a keyed mating engagement with a key feature on an
abutment, like abutment 100. For example, in the exemplary
embodiment shown, an internal surface of the temporary coping 200
can include two internal flat surface portions 220 of the temporary
coping 200 that are raised (i.e., extend radially inwardly)
relative to the remaining internal surface portions of the
temporary coping 200. The flat surface portions 220 can have
opposing edges 227 that are spaced apart and face each other so as
to define a slot or groove (i.e., female relief feature) 222
therebetween (see FIG. 12 for example). In other words, the
temporary coping 200 may comprise two protrusions (which define the
female relief feature) disposed substantially opposite one another
to form the longitudinal slot 222 on an inner peripheral surface of
the temporary coping 200 as best seen in FIGS. 10 and 11. Thus, the
female relief feature may face toward a center of the temporary
coping 200, and may be configured for a keyed mating engagement
with a male relief feature on the abutment. In other words, the
female relief feature may be configured to correspond and receive
in a contacting, mating manner (i.e., a substantially flush manner)
a male relief feature on the abutment, for example, as shown in
FIGS. 14A and 19, the female relief feature 222 may be configured
to mate with the male relief feature 122 on abutment 100, to
prevent relative rotation of the temporary coping 200 relative to
the abutment and/or to assist in orientation of the temporary
coping 200 relative to the abutment.
[0089] As would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the
art, for example, in various embodiments, to prevent rotation
between the components, a keyed mating engagement may be achieved
between the abutment 100 and the coping 200, through a flush,
contacting engagement between the lateral surfaces 127 of the
protrusion 122 (see FIG. 4) and the edges 227 of the flat surface
portions 220 (see FIG. 11).
[0090] As above, those of ordinary skill in the art would
understand that relief features in accordance with the present
teachings, may have various dimensions (i.e., lengths, widths,
and/or thicknesses), shapes and/or configurations, and that the
embodiment of the female relief feature illustrated in FIGS. 7-13
is exemplary only. Thus, although in the exemplary embodiment shown
in FIG. 14A, the female relief feature (slot 222) has a
substantially rectangular surface profile (for keyed mating
engagement with the male relief feature 122), those of ordinary
skill in the art would understand that the slot may have various
surface profiles. In various embodiments of the present teachings,
for example, a coping 600 may include a rounded female relief
feature 622 configured to mate with a rounded male relief feature
522 on an abutment 500 as illustrated in FIG. 14B. In various
additional embodiments, a coping 800 may include a trapezoidal
female relief feature 822 configured to mate with a trapezoidal
male relief feature 722 on an abutment 700 as illustrated in FIG.
14C.
[0091] In various further embodiments of the present teachings, it
may be desirable to provide a temporary coping with a larger and/or
more substantial key feature that helps to prevent the risk of
potentially damaging the key feature as it is placed into
engagement with a complementary key feature on an abutment. For
example, such key features, as described in further detail below,
can be desirable when the temporary coping is formed of a
relatively brittle (less compliant) material, including but not
limited to, for example, bis-acrylic and/or bis-acrylic composite
dental restoration materials.
[0092] In various exemplary embodiments, as shown with respect to
FIGS. 21 and 26, an internal surface of a temporary coping 1000,
1200 can include two internal flat surface portions 1020, 1220
respectively that are raised (i.e., extend radially inwardly)
relative to the remaining internal surface portions of the
temporary coping, and which extend substantially the entire length
of the internal surface of the respective temporary coping 1000,
1200. As shown in FIG. 23 with respect to temporary coping 1000,
for example, as above, each coping 1000, 1200 is configured to mate
with a respective abutment 900, 1100 (see FIG. 27), such that the
internal flat surface portions 1020, 1220 (which define the female
relief feature) are configured for a keyed mating engagement with a
corresponding male relief feature (not shown) on the abutment.
[0093] In various additional exemplary embodiments, as shown with
respect to FIGS. 29 and 32, an internal surface of a temporary
coping 1400, 1600 can include two internal flat surface portions
1420, 1620 respectively that are raised (i.e., extend radially
inwardly) relative to the remaining internal surface portions of
the temporary coping. The flat surface portions 1420, 1620 can have
fillets 1427, 1627 respectively that wrap around the perimeter of
each internal flat surface portion 1420, 1620, such that each
internal flat surface portion 1420, 1620 has a blended radius with
the remaining tapered inner surface of the coping. Although not
shown, as above, each coping 1400, 1600 is configured to mate with
a respective abutment 1300, 1500 (see FIGS. 30 and 33), such that
the internal flat surface portions 1420, 1620 (which define the
female relief feature) are configured for a keyed mating engagement
with a corresponding male relief feature (not shown) on the
abutment.
[0094] As seen best in FIGS. 10, 12 and 13, provided on the
internal peripheral surface of the temporary coping 200 proximate
the apical end 280 are retention features to provide a
complimentary engagement with the retention features on the
abutment 100. As illustrated, in the exemplary embodiment of the
temporary coping 200, the complimentary retention features are in
the form of protrusions 225 (three protrusions 225 being shown in
the embodiment of FIGS. 7-13) that extend, in the exemplary
embodiment of FIGS. 7-13, generally transversely around the inner
peripheral surface of the coping 200 up to the raised surface
portion 220. As shown in FIG. 10, the protrusions 225 are spaced
from each other, and are disposed at substantially the same axial
location along the internal peripheral surface of the coping 200.
Thus, the protrusions 225 can be configured to provide a mating
engagement with the retention features (e.g., retention grooves)
provided on an abutment, such as, for example, the retention
grooves 125 on the abutment 100. The protrusions 225 may, for
example, have a convex profile and be configured to engage (e.g.,
in a snap-fit manner) with retention grooves, e.g., retention
grooves 125, on an abutment so as to form an accurate and secure
retention of the temporary coping 200 on the abutment. In other
words, the protrusions 225 may be configured to mate in a precise
and flush manner with the retention grooves 125 when the temporary
coping 200 is advanced down over and into mating engagement (e.g.,
snap-fit) with the abutment 100 as illustrated, for example, in
FIG. 17.
[0095] In various exemplary embodiments, to prevent the protrusions
225 from being damaged (e.g., being sheared from the inner
peripheral surface of coping 200) when the coping 200 is removed
from a mold, and/or when the coping is engaged or disengaged from
the abutment 100, a top edge 275 (see FIGS. 12 and 13) of each
protrusion 225 may be blended with the tapered inner surface
portion 270. That is, the top edge 275 of each protrusion 225 may
gradually extend radially outward to blend and form a smooth
transition with the taper of the surface portion 270. In an
exemplary embodiment, the top edge 275 of each protrusion 225 may,
for example, have a blended radius of about 0.007 in. Those of
ordinary skill in the art would understand, however, that the top
edge 275 of each protrusion 225 may have any radius that achieves a
blending of the protrusion 225 with the tapered surface portion
270.
[0096] Although the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 7-13 shows a
temporary coping provided with three transversely oriented
protrusions, those of ordinary skill in the art would understand
that various configurations of protrusions may be used to
mechanically secure the components (e.g., the temporary coping 200
and abutment 100). As discussed, for example, in U.S. Patent
Publication No. 2010/0209877 A1, the entire contents of which are
incorporated by reference herein, in various embodiments, a
temporary coping may have a single continuous protrusion ring,
which extends approximately 270.degree. around an inner peripheral
surface of the coping between the opposite sides of the flat
surface portion. And in various additional embodiments, a temporary
coping may be provided with one or more relatively localized
protrusions configured to engage, e.g., in a snap-fit manner, with
one or more retention grooves on an abutment in accordance with the
present teachings. Those having ordinary skill in the art would
recognize various modifications to the protrusions that could be
made without departing from the scope of the present teachings.
[0097] Furthermore, the configuration (e.g., size and shape) of the
protrusions, whether in the form of multiple protrusions, a
continuous protrusion ring or one or more relatively localized
protrusions, may be chosen based on various considerations, such
as, for example, the shape and size of one or more retention
grooves with which the protrusions are designed to engage, the
desired force required to achieve a mating engagement, e.g.,
snap-fit engagement, between the protrusions and the retention
grooves, and/or the retention force desired between the abutment
and temporary coping (e.g., the force needed to disengage the
components from one another). Likewise, the number and positioning
of the protrusions may vary and may be selected based on similar
considerations; the number of protrusions on the temporary coping
may range from one to more than one.
[0098] By way of example, the one or more protrusions on a
temporary coping in accordance with various exemplary embodiments
may be configured so as to provide substantially a 100%
interference mating fit with one or more corresponding retention
grooves on an abutment with which the one or more protrusions are
desired to engage. By way of further example, the one or more
protrusions on a temporary coping may be configured so as to
provide a force ranging from about 2 lb. to about 7 lb. to achieve
a mating engagement, for example, via a snap-fit, with one or more
retention grooves. In addition, the one or more protrusions on a
temporary coping may be configured so as to provide a force ranging
from about 2 lb. to about 20 lb. to disengage the protrusions from
one or more retention grooves on an abutment (i.e., pull off the
temporary coping from the abutment). In the exemplary embodiment of
FIGS. 7-13 (with three protrusions 225), for example, the
protrusions 225 are configured so as to provide a force of about 2
lb. to disengage the protrusions from the retention grooves 125.
Protrusions in accordance with the present teachings are discussed
further in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0209877 A1.
[0099] As above, abutments in accordance with various exemplary
embodiments, such as the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, may be
configured to be screw-retained in the implant and thus may be
configured to receive a retention screw. As shown in FIGS. 16 and
18, for example, the abutment 100 may be retained in the implant
300 via a retention screw 400. Thus, by way of example, as shown in
FIGS. 12, 13, and 16, the temporary coping 200 may have a screw
access channel 215 in the coronal end 290, for receiving/accessing
the screw (e.g., screw 400), which secures the abutment (e.g.,
abutment 100) to an implant (e.g., implant 300). Those of ordinary
skill in the art would understand, for example, that with such a
configuration the abutment may be placed and secured within a
patient's mouth with the temporary coping already attached to the
abutment.
[0100] In various exemplary embodiments, temporary copings in
accordance with the present teachings may be made of a plastic
material that relatively easily permits mating engagement (e.g.,
via snap-fit engagement) of one or more protrusion features with
one or more retention grooves on an abutment. Examples of suitable
materials include, but are not limited to, materials comprising
poly-ether-ether ketone (PEEK), hybrid PEEK, PEEK polymer, nylon,
and/or Delrin. Alternatively, temporary copings in accordance with
the present teachings may be made of a metal material, such as, for
example, various grades of titanium and titanium alloys. Yet
another suitable material for temporary copings in accordance with
the present teachings may include a hybrid composite material
comprising both metal and plastic.
[0101] Various exemplary materials, such as, for example, a
bis-acrylic dental restoration material, including a bis-acrylic
composite (also known as a bis-acrylic hybrid) material, that
permit a chemical bonding of the temporary coping with a temporary
replacement tooth veneering material also may be used to form
temporary copings in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the
present teachings. Such chemical bonding may be used without the
need for another bonding mechanism to bond the temporary coping to
the temporary replacement tooth veneering material (e.g., acrylic
material and/or other material suitable for forming a temporary
restoration with which those having ordinary skill in the art have
familiarity), although additional bonding mechanisms may be
employed. For various materials that may be used to make a
temporary coping that achieves such a chemical bonding with the
temporary restoration, reference is made to U.S. Patent Publication
No. 2010/0151420 A1, filed Dec. 11, 2008, which is incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety. One example of a suitable
bis-acrylic material that may be used to form a temporary coping in
accordance with various exemplary embodiments includes Protemp.TM.
Plus Temporization Material available by 3M ESPE. Other nonlimiting
examples of suitable bis-acrylic composites that may be used to
form a temporary coping according to the present teachings may
include, but are not limited to, for example, Luxatemp.RTM., a
composite of bis-acrylic, glass powder, and silica, available from
DMG; InstaTemp.RTM. Max, a composite of bis-acrylic, glass powder,
and silica, available from Sterngold Dental; Structur Premium,
Acytemp, Integrity Fluorescence, and Kanitemp Royal.
[0102] Although the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1-14A and 15-19
described and shown herein show an abutment 100 including a key
feature comprising a male relief feature (e.g., a flat surface
portion and longitudinal protrusion) and a temporary coping 200
including an key feature comprising a female relief feature (e.g.,
a flat surface portion and longitudinal slot), those of ordinary
skill in the art would understand that the key feature of the
abutment 100 could include a female relief feature configured for
keyed mating engagement with a male relief feature on the temporary
coping 200. Thus, although not shown, various exemplary embodiments
of the present teachings further contemplate an abutment comprising
a component supporting portion having a female relief feature
(e.g., a slot extending longitudinally from a top portion of a flat
surface to a bottom portion of the flat surface). And a temporary
coping configured to receive the component supporting portion and
comprising a male relief feature (e.g., a longitudinal protrusion)
configured for keyed mating engagement with the longitudinal slot
in the abutment. Further, as mentioned above, the abutment and
component (e.g., coping) to be engaged with the abutment can each
include a combination of male and/or female relief features
complimentary to each other to provide a keyed mating engagement of
the abutment with the component.
[0103] Moreover, although the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1-14A
and 15-19 described and shown herein show an abutment 100 including
retention grooves around an outer surface thereof, and a temporary
coping 200 including protrusions around an inner surface thereof,
those of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the
abutment 100 could include protrusions configured for snap-fit
engagement with grooves on the temporary coping 200. Thus, although
not shown, various exemplary embodiments of the present teachings
further contemplate an abutment comprising one or more protrusions
to provide snap-fit engagement with corresponding grooves on a
temporary coping.
[0104] Also, although various exemplary embodiments of the present
teachings described herein utilize a snap-fit engagement between
one or more protrusions and one or more grooves to provide axial
retention, it is envisioned that the mating engagement between such
protrusions and retention grooves may include various interference
fits sufficient to achieve the desired retention of a component on
an abutment. Thus, it should be understood by those ordinarily
skilled in the art that the retaining mating engagement between
protrusions and retention grooves in accordance with various
exemplary embodiments of the present teachings may not necessarily
result in an audible and/or tactile "snap" when engagement of those
parts occurs.
[0105] Various exemplary embodiments of the present teachings
additionally contemplate a method for orienting a component, such
as, for example, a coping, within a patient's body. In various
embodiments, for example, a coping, such as, for example, a
temporary coping 200 may be advanced substantially in an axial
direction over an abutment, such as, for example, an abutment 100.
To precisely orient the coping 200 on the abutment 100, the coping
200 may be rotated, for example, until the key feature on the
coping 200 is directly over a corresponding key feature on the
abutment 100. Thus, in the exemplary embodiments herein, the coping
200 is oriented relative to the abutment 100 so that the slot 222
receives the protrusion 122 and the respective flat surface
portions 220 and 120 align and mate with each other. In this
orientation, the coping 200 can then be advanced in the axial
direction downwardly onto the abutment 100 (see FIGS. 16 and 19).
The coping 200 can be advanced, for example, with a force
sufficient to achieve a mating engagement between the retention
grooves 125 on the abutment 100 and the protrusions 225 on the
coping, for example, via a snap-fit. By way of example, to achieve
a snap-fit engagement, the coping 200 can be advanced with a force
ranging from about 2 lb. to about 7 lb. Accordingly, the keyed
mating engagement via the respective key features (e.g., 120, 122,
220, 222) of the abutment 100 and the coping 200 can prevent
relative rotation between those parts and the engagement of the
retention grooves 125 and the protrusions 225 can prevent axial
movement between those parts (at least when a pull-off force is
under a predetermined, threshold level).
[0106] Although various exemplary embodiments of the abutments
described herein have been described as configured to be used with
temporary copings, it is envisioned that abutments in accordance
with the present teachings may be configured for use with various
components, including, for example, impression copings, burnout
copings, and/or a framework for a permanent restoration to name a
few.
[0107] Moreover, in order to construct a permanent restoration, as
would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, various
exemplary embodiments of the present teachings also contemplate the
use of an analog having substantially the same coronal portion
configuration (e.g., component supporting portion) as that of
exemplary embodiments of abutments of the present teachings. For
example, with reference to the abutment 100 of the exemplary
embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, an exemplary embodiment of the analog in
accordance with the present teachings presents a configuration
having the same configuration as, for example, the component
supporting portion 150.
[0108] Furthermore, although various exemplary embodiments
described herein have been described as configured to be used with
dental implants, it is envisioned that the various components in
accordance with the present teachings may be configured for use
with other types of bone and/or cartilage implants, including, for
example, extra-oral and/or orthopedic implants, for which it may be
desirable to take an impression. Examples of extra-oral implants
may include, for example, implants used for prosthetic eyes, ears,
or noses.
[0109] For the purposes of this specification and appended claims,
unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities,
percentages or proportions, and other numerical values used in the
specification and claims, are to be understood as being modified in
all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless indicated to
the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the written
description and claims are approximations that may vary depending
upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present
invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the
application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the
claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in
light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying
ordinary rounding techniques.
[0110] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters
setting forth the broad scope of the invention 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.
Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to
encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a
range of "less than 10" includes any and all subranges between (and
including) the minimum value of zero and the maximum value of 10,
that is, any and all subranges having a minimum value of equal to
or greater than zero and a maximum value of equal to or less than
10, e.g., 1 to 5.
[0111] It is noted that, as used in this specification and the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," include
plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one
referent. As used herein, the term "include" and its grammatical
variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of
items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that
can be substituted or added to the listed items.
[0112] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made to the devices and methods
of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of its
teachings. By way of example, various dimensions, shapes,
materials, and/or arrangements of parts may be altered based on
desirable features and/or applications, and those having ordinary
skill in the art would recognize how to make such modifications in
light of the present teachings. By way of example, although in the
exemplary embodiments shown and described above, the protrusions
had generally radial profiles (e.g., semi-spherical), those having
ordinary skill in the art that would understand that various shapes
and configurations of protrusions for engaging with retention
grooves, including but not limited to, for example, rectangular,
cubical, pyramidal, etc. may be used without departing from the
scope of the present teachings. In addition, although in the
exemplary embodiments above, various retention grooves are shown
and described as radiused grooves having a substantially arc-shaped
profile, those having ordinary skill in the art would understand
that such grooves could have a variety of shapes, including, but
not limited to, for example, notch-shaped (e.g., V-shaped), or
presenting multiple sides.
[0113] Furthermore, although in the exemplary embodiments shown and
described above, the key features (e.g., protrusions and slots) had
generally rectangular profiles, those having ordinary skill in the
art would understand that various shapes and configurations of male
and female key features (i.e., keys and keyways), including but not
limited to, for example, circular, cubical, pyramidal, trapezoidal,
etc. may be used without departing from the scope of the present
teachings. In addition, although in the exemplary embodiments
above, various key features are shown and described as having flat
surface portions, those having ordinary skill in the art would
understand that such surface portions could have a variety of
configurations and shapes, including, but not limited to, for
example, ridged and/or convex/concave surfaces.
[0114] In the exemplary embodiments described above, various
features have been discussed. Those having ordinary skill in the
art would recognize that in some cases, features described with
respect to one exemplary embodiment may be combined and/or used in
conjunction with another exemplary embodiment even if not
specifically described herein. The present teachings are intended
to cover such modifications and combinations as would be apparent
to those ordinarily skilled in the art.
[0115] The various exemplary embodiments described and shown herein
are not intended to limit the present teachings. To the contrary,
the present teachings are intended to cover alternatives,
modifications, and equivalents. Other embodiments of the present
teachings will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
consideration of the specification and practice of the present
teachings disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification
and exemplary embodiments be considered as exemplary only, with the
claims being provided a scope of a breadth supported by the present
teachings.
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