U.S. patent application number 14/979799 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-28 for set of dental components.
This patent application is currently assigned to DENTSPLY International Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is DENTSPLY International Inc.. Invention is credited to Mattias Dahlstrom, Anders Halldin.
Application Number | 20160113740 14/979799 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44541521 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160113740 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dahlstrom; Mattias ; et
al. |
April 28, 2016 |
SET OF DENTAL COMPONENTS
Abstract
According to an aspect of the invention, in a set of male dental
components, such as abutment screws, each male dental component has
a threaded portion with different core diameter. Each male dental
component is to be connected to a mating female dental component,
such as an abutment. The smaller core diameter a threaded portion
has, the higher friction is provided when the male dental component
is finally tightened to its mating female dental component, even
though the same insertion torque is applied to all male dental
components.
Inventors: |
Dahlstrom; Mattias;
(Billdal, SE) ; Halldin; Anders; (Molndal,
SE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DENTSPLY International Inc. |
York |
PA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
DENTSPLY International Inc.
York
PA
|
Family ID: |
44541521 |
Appl. No.: |
14/979799 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13450587 |
Apr 19, 2012 |
9248007 |
|
|
14979799 |
|
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61477332 |
Apr 20, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
433/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 8/0068 20130101;
A61C 8/0069 20130101; A61C 8/005 20130101; A61C 8/0066 20130101;
A61C 8/0074 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61C 8/00 20060101
A61C008/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 20, 2011 |
EP |
11163215.4 |
Claims
1. A set of male dental components, comprising a first male dental
component adapted to be connected to a mating first female dental
component, the first male dental component comprising a threaded
portion having a core provided with an external thread, and a
second male dental component adapted to be connected to a mating
second female dental component, the second male dental component
comprising a threaded portion having a core provided with an
external thread, wherein the core of the threaded portion of said
first male dental component has a smaller diameter than the core of
the threaded portion of said second male dental component, wherein,
when finally tightened with the same torque to their respective
mating female dental component, said first male dental component is
configured and dimensioned to provide a higher friction against
said first female dental component than the friction provided by
the second male dental component against said second female dental
component, and wherein each one of said male dental components has
a contact surface for contacting its respective mating female
dental component, wherein said contact surface of the first male
dental component is different from said contact surface of the
second male dental component, such that the coefficient of friction
between said contact surface of the first male dental component and
its mating first female dental component is higher than the
coefficient of friction between said contact surface of the second
male dental component and its mating second female dental
component.
2. The set as claimed in claim 1, wherein each male dental
component comprises a non threaded seat-mating portion located
coronally of said threaded portion, wherein said seat-mating
portion forms a non-zero angle that is less than 90.degree. in
relation to the longitudinal central axis of the male dental
component, and wherein the seat-mating portion of the first male
dental component is configured and dimensioned to provide a higher
friction against a seat of the first female dental component than
the friction provided by the seat-mating portion of the second male
dental component against a corresponding seat of the second female
dental component.
3. The set as claimed in claim 2, wherein the seat-mating portion
of the first male dental component forms a smaller angle in
relation to the central axis than the seat-mating portion of the
second male dental component.
4. The set as in claim 2, wherein the seat-mating portion of the
first male dental component has a larger area which is intended for
contact with the seat of the first female dental component than the
area of the seat-mating portion of the second male dental component
intended for contact with the seat of the second female dental
component.
5. A set of female dental components, comprising a first female
dental component adapted to be connected to a mating first male
dental component, the first male dental component comprising a
threaded portion having a core provided with an external thread,
and a second female dental component adapted to be connected to a
mating second male dental component, the second male dental
component comprising a threaded portion having a core provided with
an external thread, wherein the core of the threaded portion of
said first male dental component has a smaller diameter than the
core of the threaded portion of said second male dental component,
wherein each female dental component comprises a seat for receiving
the respective mating male dental component, wherein said seat
forms a non-zero angle that is less than 90.degree. in relation to
the longitudinal central axis of the female dental component, and
wherein the seat of the first female dental component is configured
and dimensioned to provide a higher friction against a
corresponding seat-mating portion of the first male dental
component than the friction provided by the seat of the second
female dental component against a corresponding seat-mating portion
of the second male dental component.
6. The set as in claim 5, wherein, when said female dental
components are finally tightened with the same torque to their
respective female dental components, said first female dental
component is configured and dimensioned to provide a higher
friction against said first male dental component than the friction
provided by the second female dental component against said second
male dental component.
7. The set as in claim 5, wherein the seat of the first female
dental component forms a smaller angle in relation to the central
axis than the seat of the second female dental component.
8. The set as in claim 5, wherein the seat of the first female
dental component has a larger area which is intended for contact
with the corresponding seat-mating portion of the first male dental
component than the area of the seat of the second female dental
component intended for contact with the corresponding seat-mating
portion of the second male dental component.
9. The set as in claim 6, wherein each one of said female dental
components has a contact surface for contacting its respective
mating male dental component, wherein said contact surface of the
first female dental component is different from said contact
surface of the second female dental component, such that the
coefficient of friction between said contact surface of the first
female dental component and the mating first male dental component
is higher than the coefficient of friction between said contact
surface of the second female dental component and its mating second
male dental component.
10. A set of dental components, comprising a subset of male dental
components comprising a first male dental component and a second
male dental component, and a subset of female dental components
comprising a first female dental component and a second female
dental component, wherein said first male dental component is
adapted to be connected to said first female dental component, the
first male dental component comprising a threaded portion having a
core provided with an external thread, wherein said second male
dental component is adapted to be connected to said second female
dental component, the second male dental component comprising a
threaded portion having a core provided with an external thread,
wherein the core of the threaded portion of said first male dental
component has a smaller diameter than the core of the threaded
portion of said second male dental component, wherein each male
dental component comprises a non-threaded seat-mating portion
located coronally of said threaded portion and each female dental
component comprises a seat for receiving said seat-mating portion
of the respective male dental component, wherein said seat-mating
portion and said seat each forms a non-zero angle that is less than
90.degree. in relation to the longitudinal central axis of the
respective dental component, and wherein, when the male dental
components are finally tightened with the same torque to their
respective female dental components, the friction between the
seat-mating portion of the first male dental component and the seat
of the first female dental component is higher than the friction
between the seat-mating portion of the second male dental component
and the seat of the second female dental component.
11. The set as in claim 11, wherein, when the male dental
components are finally tightened with the same torque to their
respective female dental components, the friction between said
first male dental component and said first female dental component
is higher than the friction between said second male dental
component and said second female dental component.
12. The set as claimed in claim 11, wherein the seat-mating portion
of the first male dental component and the seat of the first female
dental component form a smaller angle in relation to the central
axis than the seat-mating portion of the second male dental
component and the seat of the second female dental component.
13. The set as in claim 11, wherein the contact area between the
seat-mating portion of the first male dental component and the seat
of the first female dental component is larger than the contact
area between the seat-mating portion of the second male dental
component and the seat of the second female dental component.
14. The set as in claim 11, wherein each one of said male dental
components has a contact surface for contacting a contact surface
of its respective mating female dental component, wherein the
coefficient of friction between said contact surface of the first
male dental component and its mating first female dental component
is higher than the coefficient of friction between said contact
surface of the second male dental component and its mating second
female dental component.
15. The set as in claim 11, wherein said female dental components
are abutments adapted to be connected to a respective dental
fixture insertable into a jawbone, wherein said male dental
components are abutment screws for fastening the respective mating
abutment to the respective dental fixture.
16. The set as in claim 15, wherein each abutment screw comprises a
screw head having an apical portion which forms a non-zero angle in
relation to the central axis of the abutment screw, wherein said
first male dental component is a first abutment screw and said
second male dental component is a second abutment screw, wherein
said first female dental component is a first abutment and said
second female dental component is a second abutment, and wherein
the apical portion of the screw head of the first abutment screw
forms a smaller angle in relation to the central axis than the
apical portion of the screw head of the second abutment screw,
and/or wherein a seat of the first abutment for receiving the
apical portion of the screw head of the first abutment screw forms
a smaller angle in relation to the central axis than a seat of the
second abutment for receiving the apical portion of the screw head
of the second abutment screw.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/450,587, filed on Apr. 19, 2012, which
claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/477,332, filed on Apr. 20, 2011 and EP
Patent Application Ser. No. 11163215.4, filed on Apr. 20, 2011,
which are herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a set of male dental
components. The invention also relates to a set of female dental
component. The invention also relates to a set of dental components
comprising a subset of male dental components and a subset of
female dental components.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] A frequent way today to restore a damaged or lost tooth is
to install a dental implant comprising a fixture in the adjacent
jawbone tissue (maxilla or mandible) and replace the damaged or
lost tooth with a dental prosthesis. A superstructure, such as an
abutment, may be used as a connection between the dental prosthesis
and the installed fixture.
[0004] An abutment may have an externally threaded portion formed
in one piece with a prosthesis-supporting portion. The abutment is
by means of its threaded portion screwed into the fixture which has
an internal bore with a corresponding threaded portion. Thus, in
this case, the abutment is a male dental component and the fixture
is a female dental component.
[0005] An alternative to the one-piece abutment, is an abutment
having a separate abutment screw. The abutment screw has an
externally threaded portion and a screw head. When fastening the
abutment to the fixture, the abutment is first mated to the fixture
and then the abutment screw is inserted into a through-hole of the
abutment so that the threaded portion of the abutment screw engages
the internal threading of the fixture and the screw head is seated
on a seat in the through-hole of the abutment. In this case the
abutment screw may be regarded as a male dental component which is
inserted into a female dental component in the form of an
abutment.
[0006] Other examples of male/female dental components are bridge
screws/bridge supports, guide pins, impression components and
cylinders.
[0007] Manufacturers of dental components generally recommend a
certain torque (normally in the region of 15-35 Ncm) to be used
when the male dental component is finally tightened to the female
dental component. For instance, a manufacturer may for a certain
abutment screw recommend a torque of 25 Ncm when finally tightened
to the abutment, typically when the screw head has touched the seat
of the abutment.
[0008] If the applied torque is too low, the male dental component
is not tightened adequately to the female dental component, which
may lead to loosening of the male dental component. If loosened,
the male dental component may in turn cause fractures in the female
dental component.
[0009] On the other hand, if the applied torque is too high, the
axially directed tensile stress becomes so high that the male
dental component will break, the weakest point usually being below
the first coronal revolution of the thread. The female dental
component may also become damaged.
[0010] Unfortunately, dentists do not always use the recommended
torque, but sometimes use a higher or a lower torque. Furthermore,
a manufacturer may recommend different torques for different dental
components or for different sizes of the same type of dental
component. Thus, there is a risk of the dentist inadvertently
applying a non-recommended torque.
[0011] An object of the invention is therefore to reduce the risk
of dentists applying too low torques which may cause loosening of
the male dental component and potentially ensuing fracturing of the
female dental component, and also to reduce the risk of dentists
applying too high torques with may cause the male dental component
to break and potentially also damage the female dental component.
This and other objects which will become apparent in the following,
are accomplished by the invention as defined in the accompanying
claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The invention is based on the insight that by only
recommending one torque value, irrespectively of differences, such
as different widths, between male dental components, the risk of a
dentist mixing up the recommendations is reduced. The invention is
further based on the insight that by modifying one or more features
of an otherwise comparatively weak male dental component, such a
component may be adequately tensioned with the same torque as a
stronger male dental component. In particular, the invention is
based on the understanding that part of the applied torque may be
taken up by the friction between the male and female dental
components, thereby reducing the tensile stress on the male dental
component. Thus, if a first male dental component is more likely to
break when finally tightened to a mating first female dental
component than a second male dental component when finally
tightened to a mating second female dental component, than a higher
friction between the first male and female components will
compensate for the relatively higher fragility of the first male
dental component.
[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, a set of male
dental components is provided. The set comprises a first male
dental component adapted to be connected to a mating first female
dental component, the first male dental component comprising a
threaded portion having a core provided with an external thread, a
second male dental component adapted to be connected to a mating
second female dental component, the second male dental component
comprising a threaded portion having a core provided with an
external thread, wherein the core of the threaded portion of said
first male dental component has a smaller diameter than the core of
the threaded portion of said second male dental component, and
wherein, when finally tightened with the same torque to their
respective mating female dental component, said first male dental
component is configured and dimensioned to provide a higher
friction against said first female dental component than the
friction provided by the second male dental component against said
second female dental component.
[0014] The first and second male dental components may, for
instance, be abutment screws, one-piece abutments and bridge
screws. The first and second female dental components may, for
instance, be abutments provided with a through hole, dental
fixtures and bridge supports.
[0015] The threaded portion of the male dental component is
generally located at an apical portion of the male dental
component. The external thread on the core presents axially
alternating thread tops and thread bottoms. The width of the core
of the threaded portion of the first male dental component is
smaller than the width of the core of the threaded portion of the
second male dental component. In other words the radial distance
between the central axis and a thread bottom of the first male
dental component is smaller than the radial distance between the
central axis and a thread bottom of the second male dental
component. The core of the threaded portion is normally
cylindrical, although a slightly tapering core is also conceivable.
For slightly tapering cores, the width of the core at the first
revolution of the coronal end of the thread is smaller on the first
male dental component than on the second male dental component.
[0016] According to at least one example embodiment, the external
threads on the threaded portions of the first and second male
dental components are adapted to engage with mating internal
threads in the first and second female dental components,
respectively. For instance, this is the case when the male dental
components are in the form of one-piece abutments adapted to be
screwed into a dental fixture.
[0017] According to at least one example embodiment, the external
threads on the threaded portions of the first and second male
dental components are adapted to engage with mating internal
threads in first and second additional dental components. For
instance, this is the case when the female dental components are
abutments having a respective through-hole, and the male dental
components are separate abutment screws for fastening the abutment
to respective fixtures, the fixtures being said additional dental
components.
[0018] The set of male dental components may comprise more than
said first and said second male dental components. For instance, it
may comprise a third male dental component adapted to be connected
to a mating third female dental component, the third male dental
component comprising a threaded portion having a core provided with
an external thread, wherein the core of the threaded portion of
said second male dental component has a smaller diameter than the
core of the threaded portion of said third male dental component,
wherein, when finally tightened with the same torque to their
respective mating female dental component, said second male dental
component is configured and dimensioned to provide a higher
friction against said second female dental component than the
friction provided by the third male dental component against said
third female dental component.
[0019] Similarly, the set may comprise even more male dental
components, such as a fourth, fifth, sixth, etc. male dental
component adapted to be connected to respective female dental
components.
[0020] The final tightening is understood to mean the tightening
performed after the first and second dental components have come
into final contact with each other, thereby creating a tensile
stress in the male dental component. Thus, it should be understood
that if a given torque is used when finally tightening the first
male dental component to the first female dental component, then
the friction between these first components is higher than the
friction between the second male and female dental components if
the same given torque would be used when finally tightening the
second male dental component to the second female dental
component.
[0021] Thus, despite the fact that the first male dental component
has a thinner core at the threaded portion and would normally have
been more likely to break than the second male dental component
having a thicker core at the threaded portion, because the first
male dental component provides a higher friction than what may
normally be the case, the applied torque will result in a lower
tensile stress to the first male dental component, thus reducing
the risk of it breaking.
[0022] According to at least one example embodiment, each male
dental component comprises a non-threaded seat-mating portion
located coronally of said threaded portion, wherein said
seat-mating portion forms a non-zero angle in relation to the
longitudinal central axis of the male dental component, wherein the
seat-mating portion of the first male dental component is
configured and dimensioned to provide a higher friction against a
mating seat of the first female dental component than the friction
provided by the seat-mating portion of the second male dental
component against a corresponding mating seat of the second female
dental component.
[0023] The seat-mating portion may, for instance, be a tapering
portion, wherein the angle in relation to the central axis is
between 0-90.degree.. The seat-mating portion may suitably taper in
the apical direction. Alternatively, the seat-mating portion may be
substantially perpendicular to the central axis, i.e. the angle may
be about 90.degree. relative to the central axis. Alternatively,
the seat mating portion may taper in the coronal direction.
[0024] The seat of the female component may suitably be dimensioned
and configured to correspond to said seat-mating portion of the
male dental component. Suitably, the seat of the female dental
component and the seat-mating portion of the male dental component
form the same angle relative to the central axis. For instance, the
seat-mating portion of the first male dental component and the
mating seat of the first female dental component may form an angle
.alpha. in relation to the central axis, while the seat-mating
portion of the second male dental component and the mating seat of
the second female dental component may form an angle .beta. in
relation to the central axis.
[0025] If said angle .alpha. is smaller than said angle .beta.,
then a higher friction is obtainable between the first male and
female dental components then between the second male and female
dental components. This is reflected in at least one example
embodiment, according to which the seat-mating portion of the first
male dental component forms a smaller angle in relation to the
central axis than the seat-mating portion of the second male dental
component.
[0026] When referring to said angle relative to the central axis,
it should be understood that said referred angle is an acute angle
or a 90.degree. angle. To exemplify this, one can imagine a dial
(clock face), being numbered in standard format from 1 to 12,
wherein numeral 12 is at the top and numeral 6 is at the bottom. An
imaginary straight line extending through numerals 6 and 12 may
represent the axis of the male dental component. When the hand of
the clock points at numeral 1 it will form an angle of 30.degree.
with the "axis". When the hand of the clock has moved to point at
numeral 2 it forms an angle of 60.degree. with the "axis". Finally,
when the hand of the clock has moved to reference numeral 3 it
forms a 90.degree. angle with the "axis". Thus, this sequence
represents seat-mating portions providing decreasing friction. The
larger the angle the smaller the friction. However, when the hand
of the clock continues and reaches numeral 4 it gets closer again
to the "axis" and forms 60.degree. with the "axis". Thus, this
should not be regarded as an angle of 120.degree., because from a
frictional point of view, a coronally tapering seat-mating portion
of 60.degree. can provide the same friction as an apically tapering
seat-mating portion of 60.degree.. Similarly, when continuing to
reference numeral 5 on the dial, the angle will be 30.degree..
Thus, when having passed the perpendicular direction to the axis, a
seat-mating portion will increasingly provide higher friction when
mated to a corresponding seat. A coronally tapering seat-mating
portion of a male dental component and a corresponding coronally
tapering seat of a female dental component may be advantageous, for
instance, if the female dental component is a ceramic abutment.
Such a coronal tapering would result in an inwardly directed
pressure on the seat of the ceramic abutment (as opposed to an
outwardly directed pressure caused by an apical tapering) which
reduces the risk of cracks in the ceramic abutment.
[0027] Said seat-mating portion of a male dental component may
suitably form an angle of 35.degree.-45.degree., such as about
40.degree. relative to the central axis. The seat-mating portion of
another male dental component may suitably form an angle of
45.degree.-55.degree., such as about 50.degree. relative to the
central axis. Other conceivable examples of the angle of such a
seat-mating portion of a male dental component are:
55.degree.-65.degree., such as about 60.degree.;
65.degree.-75.degree., such as about 70.degree.;
75.degree.-85.degree., such as about 80.degree.;
85.degree.-95.degree., such as about 90.degree.. A set of male
dental components may comprise at least two male dental components,
each having a seat-mating portion with one of the above exemplified
angles or within one of the above exemplified ranges of angles. Of
course, a set may comprise three or more dental components having
seat-mating portions with respective angles selected from the above
ranges.
[0028] According to at least one example embodiment, the
seat-mating portion of the first male dental component has a larger
area which is intended for contact with the mating seat of the
first female dental component than the area of the seat-mating
portion of the second male dental component intended for contact
with the mating seat of the second female dental component. An
increased contacting area means a larger friction, even though the
angles of the respective seat-mating portions are the same for the
first and second male dental components. For instance, both the
first and the second male dental component may have a seat-mating
portion with a contacting surface forming an angle of 90.degree.
(i.e. flat-to-flat contact with the seat of the female dental
component) with the central axis, but the area of the contacting
surface of the first component being larger than that of the second
component. The corresponding area differentiation is also
conceivable for other angles, e.g. both the first and the second
male dental component may have a seat-mating portion with a
contacting surface forming an angle of 70.degree. (i.e.
cone-to-cone contact) with the central axis, but the area of the
contacting surface of the first component being larger than that of
the second component.
[0029] Another way to provide different frictional effect for the
first and second male dental components is to provide the
components with different surface properties. Thus, according to at
least one example embodiment, each one of said male dental
components has a contact surface for contacting its respective
mating female dental component, wherein said contact surface of the
first male dental component is different from said contact surface
of the second male dental component, such that the coefficient of
friction between said contact surface of the first male dental
component and its mating first female dental component is higher
than the coefficient of friction between said contact surface of
the second male dental component and its mating second female
dental component. The difference in coefficient of friction may,
for instance, be achieved by surface modification, surface
roughening, anodization or surface coating. The first male dental
component may be surface modified in one way, while the second male
dental component is not modified at all (e.g. smooth) or modified
in another way. Said contact surface may be on a seat-mating
portion. Alternatively, it may be on any other portion that
contacts the female dental component, and may increase the friction
compared to such a portion having a smooth surface.
[0030] Thus, according to at least one example embodiment, the
coefficient of friction between the seat-mating portion of the
first male dental component and (suitably the seat of) the mating
first female dental component is higher than the coefficient of
friction between the seat-mating portion of the second male dental
component and (suitably the seat of) the mating second female
dental component.
[0031] According to at least one example embodiment, the
coefficient of friction between the threaded portion of the first
male dental component and a mating internally threaded portion,
e.g. in a fixture, is higher than the coefficient of friction
between the threaded portion of the second male dental component
and a mating internally threaded portion, e.g. in a fixture.
[0032] If the difference in coefficient of friction is due to
different surface roughness, this may be accomplished by means of
e.g. blasting, etching or any other suitable process known in the
art.
[0033] Thus, according to at least one example embodiment the
surface roughness of said seat-mating portion of the first male
dental component is greater than the surface roughness of said
seat-mating portion of the second male dental component.
[0034] According to at least one example embodiment, the surface
roughness on the threaded portion of the first male dental
component is larger than the surface roughness on the threaded
portion of the second male dental component.
[0035] It is also conceivable to further differentiate the friction
provided by the first and second male dental components by
combining various friction increasing and/or friction reducing
measures. For instance, according to at least one example
embodiment, the seat-mating portion of the first male dental
component forms a smaller angle in relation to the central axis
than the seat-mating portion of the second male dental component
and, additionally, the surface of the threaded-portion of the
second male dental component is modified (e.g. by coating,
polishing, etc) to provide a smaller friction than a non-modified
threaded portion. For instance, the following situation may occur.
The seat mating portion of the weaker first male dental component
is assumed to form a non-zero angle <90.degree., such as
70.degree., with the central axis, while the seat-mating portion of
the stronger second male dental component is assumed to form an
angle of 90.degree.. Thus, although the first male dental component
will provide a higher friction than the second male dental
component so that both of them will be installable with the same
recommended torque, one may be of the opinion that the second male
dental component is not adequately pre-stressed when it is in its
final installed state. Therefore, by reducing the friction between
the threaded portion of the second male dental component and a
mating threaded portion, e.g. internally of a fixture, the
pre-stressing is increased. As mentioned above, the friction
reduction may be accomplished by modifying the surface of the
threads of the second male dental component, e.g. by suitable
coating, polishing, etc.
[0036] According to a second aspect of the invention, a set of
female dental components is provided. The set comprises a first
female dental component adapted to be connected to a mating first
male dental component, the first male dental component comprising a
threaded portion having a core provided with an external thread, a
second female dental component adapted to be connected to a mating
second male dental component, the second male dental component
comprising a threaded portion having a core provided with an
external thread, wherein the core of the threaded portion of said
first male dental component has a smaller diameter than the core of
the threaded portion of said second male dental component, and
wherein, when said male dental components are finally tightened
with the same torque to their respective female dental components,
said first female dental component is configured and dimensioned to
provide a higher friction against said first male dental component
than the friction provided by the second female dental component
against said second male dental component.
[0037] As mentioned in connection with the first aspect of the
invention, also in the second aspect of the invention the first and
second male dental components may, for instance, be abutment
screws, one-piece abutments and bridge screws. The first and second
female dental components may, for instance, be abutments provided
with a through hole, dental fixtures and bridge supports.
[0038] According to at least one example embodiment, each female
dental component comprises a seat for receiving the respective
mating male dental component, wherein said seat forms a non-zero
angle in relation to the longitudinal central axis of the female
dental component, and wherein the seat of the first female dental
component is configured and dimensioned to provide a higher
friction against a corresponding seat-mating portion of the first
male dental component than the friction provided by the seat of the
second female dental component against a corresponding seat-mating
portion of the second male dental component.
[0039] Similarly to the seat-mating portions of the male dental
components discussed in connection with the first aspect of the
invention, said seat of a female dental component may, for
instance, be a tapering portion, wherein the angle in relation to
the central axis is between 0-90.degree.. Alternatively, the
seat-mating portion may be perpendicular to the central axis, i.e.
the angle may be about 90.degree. relative to the central axis.
Suitably, the seat of the female dental component and the
seat-mating portion of the male dental component form the same
angle relative to the central axis.
[0040] According to at least one example embodiment, the seat of
the first female dental component forms a smaller angle in relation
to the central axis than the seat of the second female dental
component. The angle is measured in the same way as for seat-mating
portions of the male dental components, which have been described
in connection with the first aspect of the invention. Also, the
angles and ranges of angles exemplified in connection with the
first aspect of the invention are also applicable to the seats of
the female dental components according to the second aspect of the
invention.
[0041] According to at least one example embodiment, the seat of
the first female dental component has a larger area which is
intended for contact with the corresponding seat-mating portion of
the first male dental component than the area of the seat of the
second female dental component intended for contact with the
corresponding seat-mating portion of the second male dental
component. As described in connection with the first aspect of the
invention, an increased contacting area means a larger friction,
even though the angles of the respective seat-mating portions are
the same for the first and second male dental components.
[0042] According to at least one example embodiment, each one of
said female dental components has a contact surface for contacting
its respective mating male dental component, wherein said contact
surface of the first female dental component is different from said
contact surface of the second female dental component, such that
the coefficient of friction between said contact surface of the
first female dental component and the mating first male dental
component is higher than the coefficient of friction between said
contact surface of the second female dental component and its
mating second male dental component.
[0043] Any features discussed in connection with the set according
to the first aspect of the invention may be implemented as features
in the set according to the second aspect of the invention.
[0044] According to a third aspect of the invention, a set of
dental components is provided. The set comprises a subset of male
dental components comprising a first male dental component and a
second male dental component, and a subset of female dental
components comprising a first female dental component and a second
female dental component, wherein said first male dental component
is adapted to be connected to said first female dental component,
the first male dental component comprising a threaded portion
having a core provided with an external thread, wherein said second
male dental component is adapted to be connected to said second
female dental component, the second male dental component
comprising a threaded portion having a core provided with an
external thread, wherein the core of the threaded portion of said
first male dental component has a smaller diameter than the core of
the threaded portion of said second male dental component, and
wherein, when the male dental components are finally tightened with
the same torque to their respective female dental components, the
friction between said first male dental component and said first
female dental component is higher than the friction between said
second male dental component and said second female dental
component.
[0045] In the set according to the third aspect of the invention,
the subset of male dental components may have the corresponding
features and embodiments as those comprised in the set according to
the first aspect of the invention. Similarly, in the set according
to the third aspect of the invention, the subset of female dental
components may have the corresponding features and embodiments as
those comprised in the set according to the second aspect of the
invention.
[0046] Thus, according to at least one example embodiment, each
male dental component comprises a non-threaded seat-mating portion
located coronally of said threaded portion and each female dental
component comprises a seat for receiving said seat-mating portion
of the respective male dental component, wherein said seat-mating
portion and said seat each forms a non-zero angle in relation to
the longitudinal central axis of the respective dental component,
and wherein, when the male dental components are finally tightened
with the same torque to their respective female dental components,
the friction between the seat-mating portion of the first male
dental component and the seat of the first female dental component
is higher than the friction between the seat-mating portion of the
second male dental component and the seat of the second female
dental component.
[0047] According to at least one example embodiment, the
seat-mating portion of the first male dental component and the
mating seat of the first female dental component form a smaller
angle in relation to the central axis than the seat-mating portion
of the second male dental component and the mating seat of the
second female dental component.
[0048] According to at least one example embodiment, the contact
area between the seat-mating portion of the first male dental
component and the mating seat of the first female dental component
is larger than the contact area between the seat-mating portion of
the second male dental component and the mating seat of the second
female dental component.
[0049] According to at least one example embodiment, each one of
said male dental components has a contact surface for contacting a
contact surface of its respective mating female dental component,
wherein the coefficient of friction between said contact surface of
the first male dental component and its mating first female dental
component is higher than the coefficient of friction between said
contact surface of the second male dental component and its mating
second female dental component.
[0050] Any features discussed in connection with the sets according
to the first and second aspects of the invention may be implemented
as features in the set according to the third aspect of the
invention.
[0051] Any one of the first, second and third aspects of the
invention, includes at least one example embodiment according to
which said female dental components are abutments adapted to be
connected to a respective dental fixture insertable into a jawbone,
wherein said male dental components are abutment screws for
fastening the respective mating abutment to the respective dental
fixture.
[0052] Any one of the first, second and third aspects of the
invention, includes at least one example embodiment according to
which each abutment screw comprises a screw head having an apical
portion which forms a non-zero angle in relation to the central
axis of the abutment screw, wherein said first male dental
component is a first abutment screw and said second male dental
component is a second abutment screw, wherein said first female
dental component is a first abutment and said second female dental
component is a second abutment, and wherein the apical portion of
the screw head of the first abutment screw forms a smaller angle in
relation to the central axis than the apical portion of the screw
head of the second abutment screw, and/or wherein a seat of the
first abutment for receiving the apical portion of the screw head
of the first abutment screw forms a smaller angle in relation to
the central axis than a seat of the second abutment for receiving
the apical portion of the screw head of the second abutment
screw.
[0053] Thus, the first abutment screw, having a thinner core, and
thus being more fragile, will when connected to said first abutment
provide a higher friction than the wider second abutment screw when
connected to said second abutment. Thus, the first abutment screw
may be adequately tensioned with the same torque as the stronger
second abutment screw, because part of the applied torque is taken
up by the friction between the first abutment and first abutment
screws, thereby reducing the tensile stress on the first abutment
screw.
[0054] It should be understood that, in this application, a dental
implant may comprise a dental fixture and a superstructure, such as
an abutment.
[0055] A dental fixture is for use as the anchoring member of a
dental prosthesis. To this end, the dental fixture is insertable
into a pre-prepared bore hole in the bone tissue of a jawbone
(maxilla or mandible) at a site where the dental prosthesis is
required. The dental fixture is normally rotated into the bore
hole.
[0056] For screw-type dental fixtures the bore hole may be provided
with internal threads in advance or may be left un-tapped with the
dental fixture provided with a self-tapping capacity, e.g. by the
provision of one or more axially-extending cutting recesses, edges
or notches, etc in the fixture thread. For instance, an apical end
portion of the fixture may be provided with 2-4 cutting recesses,
such as 3 cutting recesses. Other number of cutting recesses are
readily conceivable.
[0057] A superstructure for connecting a prosthetic part to the
fixture may comprise an abutment, spacer or other transmucosal
component which engages to the dental fixture to bridge the gingiva
overlying the maxilla or mandible. The prosthetic part, e.g. a
crown, bridge or denture may be secured to the abutment. There are
various other forms that the superstructure can take.
[0058] The term "coronal" is here and throughout this application
used to indicate a direction towards a head end or trailing end of
the dental implant. For instance, in a situation where an abutment
is connected to a dental fixture, the coronal direction of the
abutment would be a direction towards the part of the abutment
being directed away from the fixture. Conversely, the term "apical"
indicates a direction towards an insertion or leading end of the
component. Thus, apical and coronal are opposite directions.
Furthermore, the terms "axial", "axial direction" or "axially" are
used throughout this application to indicate a direction taken from
the coronal end to the apical end, or vice versa. The terms
"radial", "radial direction" or "radially" indicate a direction
perpendicular to the axial direction.
[0059] A blind bore or socket may extend apically into the fixture
body from the coronal end to an end surface in-between the apical
and coronal ends of the fixture body for a superstructure to be
secured to the fixture. The socket may comprise an
internally-threaded section for screw connection of the
superstructure to the fixture. A rotational lock for the
superstructure may be provided in the socket, such as an internal
polygonal side wall, e.g. hexagonal, or alternatively one or more
protrusions from or indentation in the wall of the socket. A
section of the socket, such as the coronal section, may be tapered
towards the apical end. The tapered section is suitably arranged
coronally of the internally-threaded section.
[0060] The fixture may be used in a one stage procedure or a two
stage procedure. In a one stage procedure a healing or temporary
abutment is connected to the fixture to form the gingival tissue,
and after a healing period the healing or temporary abutment is
replaced by a permanent abutment. For a two stage procedure the
fixture is provided with a cover screw and the gingival tissue is
sutured over the fixture and cover screw, and after a healing
period the tissue is opened up and an abutment is connected to the
fixture after removal of the cover screw.
[0061] The fixture may have a conically tapering end portion which
tapers towards the coronal end. The axial extent of this coronal
end portion is small compared to the total length of the fixture,
as an example no more than 4% of the total length, such as in the
range of 1.5% -3.7%. The coronal end portion may suitably be
provided without a threaded surface, e.g. having a smooth or a
roughened (such as blasted) surface.
[0062] The fixture may have a substantially flat coronal end
surface which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
fixture. Alternatively, the coronal end surface may have a sloped
contour relative to the longitudinal axis of the fixture, e.g. such
that when positioned within the jawbone the length of the fixture
is larger on a lingual side and shorter on a buccal side of the
fixture. Another alternative is a saddle-shaped or wave-like
coronal end surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0063] FIGS. 1a-b illustrate a set of dental components comprising
a subset of male dental components and a subset of female dental
components according to at least some example embodiments.
[0064] FIGS. 2a-b illustrate a set of dental components comprising
a subset of male dental components and a subset of female dental
components according to at least some example embodiments.
[0065] FIGS. 3a-b illustrate a set of dental components comprising
a subset of male dental components and a subset of female dental
components according to at least some example embodiments.
[0066] FIGS. 4a-4c illustrate a set of male dental components
according to at least one example embodiment.
[0067] FIGS. 5a-5c illustrate a set of male dental components
according to at least another example embodiment.
[0068] FIG. 6 illustrates surface modification of dental components
for obtaining desired friction-affecting properties.
[0069] FIGS. 7a-b illustrate a set of dental components comprising
a subset of male dental components and a subset of female dental
components according to at least some example embodiments.
[0070] FIGS. 8a-b illustrate a set of dental components comprising
a subset of male dental components and a subset of female dental
components according to at least some example embodiments.
[0071] FIGS. 9a-b illustrate a set of dental components comprising
a subset of male dental components and a subset of female dental
components according to at least some example embodiments.
[0072] FIGS. 10a-10b illustrate a male dental component and a
female dental component which may be comprised in a set of dental
components according to at least some example embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0073] FIGS. 1a-b, 2a-b and 3a-b illustrate a set of dental
components comprising a subset of male dental components and a
subset of female dental components according to at least some
example embodiments.
[0074] Starting with FIGS. 1a-1b, a male dental component, here in
the form of an abutment screw 2a is adapted to be joined to a
female dental component, here in the form of an abutment 4a, in
order to fasten the abutment to a fixture 6a.
[0075] The fixture 6a is herein illustrated as having an exterior
provided with relatively large threads 8 intended to engage
cancellous bone tissue. A coronal portion of the fixture is
provided with relatively small threads 10 having a smaller
peak-to-peak distance intended to engage cortical bone tissue. The
illustrated fixture 6a is just an example, and any other fixture
exterior known in the art may be used for osseointegration of the
fixture.
[0076] A socket 12 having an open end is provided in the coronal
end of the fixture 6a. The socket 12 extends apically into the
fixture 6a. The socket 12 is for receiving a dental component such
as the illustrated abutment 4a which will bridge the gingiva
overlying the bore-hole and support/present a prosthetic part.
However, it may also receive other dental components such as an
abutment replica, a driver, a healing cap or an impression pick-up
element.
[0077] Although various alternative configurations are conceivable,
the socket 12 is herein illustrated as having a conical coronal
section 14 and a substantially cylindrical intermediate wall
section 16. Four radially extending recesses 18 are provided in the
intermediate wall section 16. The recesses 18 are herein
illustrated as continuations of the conical coronal section 14 and
are thus apically tapering. As an alternative, the recesses 18 may
be non-tapering. Further as an alternative, the intermediate wall
section 16 may be substantially conical.
[0078] The socket 12 is further provided with an internally
threaded apical section 20.
[0079] The abutment 4a comprises an engagement portion 22, which is
herein illustrated as having a generally cylindrical enveloping
surface, although other enveloping surfaces, such as tapering,
would be a conceivable alternatives. The abutment 4a further
comprises a dental crown-receiving or prosthesis-receiving portion
24 which extends coronally of the fixture 6a above the gingiva. An
extension portion 26, herein illustrated as coronally flaring up to
a shoulder 28, is intended to extend through the gingiva and is
provided between the engagement portion 22 and the
prosthesis-receiving portion 24.
[0080] Four radial projections 30 are spaced around the cylindrical
enveloping surface of the engagement portion 22. The four
projections 30, which in other embodiments may be present in other
numbers, are herein illustrated as wedge-like and apically
tapering, i.e. their radial extension is largest at their coronal
end.
[0081] The abutment 4a is provided with a through-hole 32, wherein
the abutment screw 2a is adapted to be inserted into the
through-hole 32 and engage the internal thread 20 of the fixture 6a
in order to secure the abutment 4a to the fixture 6a.
[0082] In the illustrated example, the prosthesis-receiving portion
24 of the abutment 4a is angled relative to the axis of the through
hole 32. The user, such as a dentist, is able to select which one
of the four indexing positions provide the best orientation for the
angled prosthesis-receiving portion 24. Likewise, if the
prosthesis-receiving portion 24 is designed custom-fit and has a
patient-specific configuration, the user will be able to arrange
the abutment 4a in a desired indexing position with respect to the
fixture 6a. Although, four recesses 18 in the socket 12 may be
quite enough in many surgical applications, it is conceivable to
provide a socket with more recesses to allow further indexing
positions.
[0083] After the abutment 4a has been arranged in the desired
rotational indexing position relative to the fixture 6a, and the
projection/recess interfaces has provided a rotational lock, the
abutment screw 2a is inserted through the through-hole 32 of the
abutment 4a and into the internally threaded apical section 20 of
the fixture 6a and is tightened. Finally, a prosthetic tooth (not
shown) may be attached to the abutment 4a. The abutment screw 2a
used has a relatively small diameter. This is because the fixture
6a, to which the abutment screw 2a is intended to fixate the
abutment 4a, has a relatively small diameter, and to allow for a
certain thickness of material around the socket 12. Comparison may
be made to the fixtures in FIGS. 2a-b and 3a-b.
[0084] In FIGS. 2a-b a somewhat wider fixture 6b is illustrated,
which allows for a somewhat wider abutment screw 2b to be used for
fixating an abutment 4b to the fixture 6b.
[0085] In FIGS. 3a-b an even wider fixture 6c is illustrated, thus
allowing for an even wider abutment screw 2c to be used for
fixating an abutment 4c to the fixture 6c.
[0086] Thus, with reference to FIGS. 1a-b, 2a-b, 3a-b, a set of
male dental components in the form of abutment screws is disclosed
and a set of female dental components in the form of abutments is
disclosed. In the following, FIGS. 1a-b will be referred to as
showing a first abutment screw 2a and a first abutment 4a, FIGS.
2a-b will be referred to as showing a second abutment screw 2b and
a second abutment 4b, and FIGS. 3a-b will be referred to as showing
a third abutment screw 2c and a third abutment 4c.
[0087] The first abutment screw 2a comprises a threaded portion 40a
having a core provided with and external thread. The second
abutment screw 2b comprises a threaded portion 40b having a core
provided with an external thread, wherein the core of the threaded
portion 40a of the first abutment screw 2a has a smaller diameter
than the core of the threaded portion 40b of the second abutment
screw 2b. The third abutment screw 2c comprises a threaded portion
40c having a core provided with an external thread, wherein the
core of the threaded portion 40b of the second abutment screw 2b
has a smaller diameter than the core of the threaded portion 40c of
the third abutment screw 2c.
[0088] Each abutment screw 2a, 2b, 2c is provided with a head and a
shaft, wherein the threaded portion 40a, 40b, 40c is at an apical
portion of the shaft. In FIG. 3b it can be seen that the apical end
42c of the head 44c of the third abutment screw 2c is substantially
perpendicular to the adjacent non-threaded portion 46c of the
shaft. The apical end 42c is a seat-mating portion located
coronally of the threaded portion 40c and forming an angle .gamma.
of about 90.degree. in relation to the longitudinal central axis C
of the third abutment screw 2c. The third abutment 4c has a
corresponding abutment seat 48c for receiving the seat-mating
portion 42c (in this case the apical end or underside of the head)
of the third abutment screw 2c. The seat 48c of the third abutment
4c forms an angle .gamma. of about 90.degree. in relation to the
longitudinal central axis C of the third abutment. Thus, when the
third abutment screw 2c is inserted into the third abutment 4c for
fixating the latter to the third fixture 6c, its seat-mating
portion 42c will eventually come into contact with the seat 48c of
the third abutment 4c. Because it will result in a flat-to-flat
contact, any further and final tightening of the third abutment
screw 2c will result in relatively low friction between the
seat-mating portion 42c of the third abutment screw 2c and the seat
48c of the abutment 4c.
[0089] The second abutment screw 2b has, compared to the third
abutment screw 2c, a smaller core diameter at the threaded portion
40b and its core is therefore more fragile. However, in order to
compensate for the smaller dimension, the seat-mating portion 42b
at the apical end of the head 44b of the second abutment screw 2b
forms a smaller angle .beta. relative to the central axis compared
to said angle .gamma. of the third abutment screw 2c. Similarly,
the mating seat 48b of the second abutment 4b forms a corresponding
smaller angle .beta. in relation to the central axis. Thus, when
the seat-mating portion 42b of the second abutment screw 2b has
come into cone-to-cone contact with the mating seat 48b of the
second abutment 4b, the final tightening will result in a higher
friction between the seat-mating portion 42b of the second abutment
screw 2b and the seat 48b of the second abutment 4b than the
previously mentioned friction between the third abutment 4c and the
third abutment screw 2c. Because the forces of the insertion torque
are partly consumed by the larger friction, there will be a lower
tensile strain on the threaded portion 40b of the second abutment
screw 2b than if the seat-mating portion 42b and seat 48b would
have formed the same 90.degree. angle .gamma. as for the third
abutment 4c and third abutment screw 2c . In other words, with an
adequate inclination of the seat-mating portion 42b and seat 48b of
the second abutment 4b and abutment screw 2b, a dentist may apply
the same insertion torque for the second abutment screw 2b as
applied for the third abutment screw 2c, without risking breaking
the second abutment screw 2b because of too high insertion
torque.
[0090] Similarly, the first abutment screw 2a, which has an even
narrower core at the threaded portion 40a, has a seat-mating
portion 42a which has an even smaller acute angle .alpha. relative
to the central axis and thus provides (with the same applied
insertion torque) an even higher friction when the first abutment
screw 2a is finally tightened to the first abutment 4a, the first
abutment 4a having a mating seat 48a with the same angle .alpha. as
the seat-mating portion 42a of the first abutment screw 2a. Thus,
the relationship between said angles is
.alpha.<.beta.<.gamma..
[0091] It should be noted that, if it is found that the angles of
the different abutment screws 2a, 2b, 2c are adequate, and yet one
or more of the abutment screws are not enough pre-stressed after
having been finally installed with the recommended torque, it is
conceivable to reduce the friction of the threaded portion in order
to increase the pre-stressing. For instance, if it is desired to
have the third abutment screw 2c more pre-stressed to obtain a more
firm fixation, the threaded portion 40c may be provided with a
friction-reducing coating or be otherwise modified for reducing the
friction against the fixture 6c.
[0092] FIGS. 4a-4c illustrate a set of male dental components
according to at least one example embodiment. The male dental
components are here illustrated as abutment screws (or bridge
screws). In the following, FIG. 4a will be referred to as showing a
first abutment screw 52a, FIG. 4b will be referred to as showing a
second abutment screw 52b, and FIG. 4c will be referred to as
showing a third abutment screw 52c.
[0093] The third abutment screw 52c in FIG. 4c may, for instance,
correspond to the previously discussed third abutment screw 2c in
FIG. 3c. In other words, the third abutment screw 52c in FIG. 4c
has a head 54c and a shaft 55c. The shaft 55c is provided with a
coronal non-threaded portion 56c and an apical threaded portion
58c. The apical end or underside 60c of the head 54c is
perpendicular to the shaft 55c and thus forms an angle of
90.degree. with respect to the central axis of the third abutment
screw 52c (and will act as said seat-mating portion as discussed in
connection with the previous embodiments). Said underside 60c of
the head 54c will act as a contact surface which will mate with a
seat of a female dental component, such as an abutment. The maximum
contact area presented by the underside 60c of the head 54c will
thus be the diameter of the underside 60c of the head 54c minus the
diameter of the coronal non-threaded portion 56c of the shaft
55c.
[0094] The second abutment screw 52b in FIG. 4b comprises a shaft
55b with a threaded portion 58b which has a smaller core diameter
than the threaded portion 58c of the third abutment screw 52c.
Thus, the threaded portion 58b of the second abutment screw 52b is
more fragile than the threaded portion 58c of the third abutment
screw 52c. However, in order to be able to use the same insertion
torque as for the third abutment screw 52c, the second abutment
screw 52b is configured and designed to provide a higher friction
(which will take up some of the applied force) when finally
tightened to its corresponding female dental component, thereby
reducing the tensile strain on the threaded portion 58b of the
second abutment screw 52b. This higher friction is accomplished by
means of a larger area of the contact surface provided by the
underside 60b of the head 54b of the second abutment screw 52b.
Thus, the difference in diameter between the underside 60b of the
head 54b and the coronal non-threaded portion 56b of the adjacent
shaft 55b is larger for the second abutment screw 52b than for the
third abutment screw 52c.
[0095] Similarly, the first abutment screw 52a, having a threaded
portion 58a with an even smaller diameter, is compensated by having
an underside 60a of the head 54a with an even larger contact
surface for providing an even larger friction. Thus, the difference
in diameter between the underside 60a of the head 54a and the
coronal non-threaded portion 56a of the adjacent shaft 55a is
larger for the first abutment screw 52a than for the second
abutment screw 52b.
[0096] Thus, each one of the first, second and third abutment
screws 52a, 52b, 52c may be connected to their respective female
dental component using the same value of the insertion torque,
without risking a too high tensile strain on the threaded portions
58a, 58b of the smaller first and second abutment screws 52a,
52b.
[0097] FIGS. 5a-5c illustrate a set of male dental components
according to at least another example embodiment. The male dental
components are herein exemplified as abutment screws 72a, 72b, 72c
(or bridge screws). Unlike the perpendicular undersides 60a, 60b,
60c of the heads 54a, 54b, 54c of the abutment screws 52a, 52b, 52c
in FIGS. 4a-4c, the undersides 74a, 74b, 74c of the heads 76a, 76b,
76c of the abutment screws 72a, 72b, 72c in FIGS. 5a-5c is apically
tapering and thus forming an angle between 0-90.degree. with
respect to the central axis. However, similarly to the abutment
screws 52a, 52b, 52c in FIGS. 4a-4c, the abutment screws 72a, 72b,
72c in FIGS. 5a-5c present differently dimensioned friction-proving
contact surfaces. Thus, the first abutment screw 72a in FIG. 5a has
the smallest diameter with respect to the core of the threaded
portion 78a, and is therefore compensated with an underside 74a
presenting the tapering contact surface having the largest area,
i.e. providing the highest friction when the first abutment screw
72a is finally tightened to a mating female dental component. The
second abutment screw 72b in FIG. 5b has a somewhat larger diameter
with respect to the core of the threaded portion 78b, and therefore
has an underside 74b with a somewhat smaller contact surface area,
i.e. for providing a smaller friction than the first abutment screw
72a. Finally, the third abutment screw 72c in FIG. 5c has the
largest diameter with respect to the core of the threaded portion
78c and therefore has an underside 74c presenting the tapering
contact surface with the smallest area, i.e. providing the smallest
friction.
[0098] FIG. 6 illustrates surface modification of dental components
for obtaining desired friction-affecting properties. Rather than
providing male and female dental components within a set with
different areas of contact surfaces or with different angles for
achieving different frictional properties to compensate for the
diameter differences with respect to the core of the threaded
portion of the male dental component, variations in surface
properties is another alternative. Thus, FIG. 6 illustrates an
example in which the underside 108 (seat-mating portion) of the
head 110 of an abutment screw 102 has been provided with a surface
roughness, and similarly the mating seat 112 of the abutment 104
has been provided with a surface roughness. When the abutment screw
102 is finally tightened to the abutment 104 (after the abutment
104 has been inserted into the fixture 106) a higher friction will
arise than if the seat-mating portion 108 and seat 112 would have
been smooth surfaces. Thus, a first male dental component having a
threaded portion with a smaller core diameter than a second male
dental component, may advantageously be provided with a contact
surface of greater surface roughness in order to provide more
friction. It should be noted that to achieve a higher friction
between the male and female dental components, it is not necessary
that both components are provided with the greater surface
roughness. Providing one of the components, e.g. the abutment screw
102 in FIG. 6 with roughened surface 108 while keeping the seat 112
of the abutment 104 smooth will still result in a higher friction
than if both components would have smooth contact surfaces. Other
surface modification alternatives are, of course conceivable, for
affecting the frictional coefficients. Thus, instead of surface
roughening, an alternative would be surface coating, another
alternative would be anodization, etc.
[0099] FIGS. 7a-b, 8a-b and 9a-b illustrate a set of dental
components comprising a subset of male dental components and a
subset of female dental components according to at least some
example embodiments. Here, the male dental components are
represented by abutments 201a, 201b, 201c, while the female dental
components are represented by dental fixtures 203a, 203b, 203c.
[0100] In the following, FIGS. 7a-b will be referred to as showing
a first abutment 201a and a first fixture 203a, FIGS. 8a-b will be
referred to as showing a second abutment 201b and a second fixture
203b, and FIGS. 9a-b will be referred to as showing a third
abutment 201c and a third fixture 203c.
[0101] Starting with FIGS. 7a-b, the first fixture 203a has at its
coronal end a socket 205 with an apical threaded portion 207 and a
coronal tapering portion 209a which serves as a seat 209a for the
first abutment 201a. The seat 209a forms a non-zero angle .delta.
with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the first fixture
203a. The first abutment 201a is provided with an apical threaded
portion 211a, which is formed in one piece with the abutment 201a
and which is intended to be screwed into the threaded portion 207
of the first fixture 203a. The core of the threaded portion 211a of
the first abutment 201a has a relatively small diameter. The first
abutment 201a also has an apically tapering seat-mating portion
213a for mating with said seat 209a of the first fixture 203a. When
the first abutment 201a is finally tightened to the first fixture
203a, the seat-mating portion 213a will together with the mating
seat 209a provide a relatively large friction.
[0102] FIGS. 8a-8b illustrate a second abutment 201b having a
threaded portion 211b with a somewhat wider core than the core of
the first abutment 201a. Thus, the threaded portion 211b of the
second abutment 201b is stronger and does therefore not require as
high friction as the first abutment 201a. Consequently, the
seat-mating portion 213b of the second abutment 201b and the mating
seat 209b of the second fixture 203b form a larger angle .phi. with
respect to the central axis compare to the angle .theta. presented
by the first abutment 201a and first fixture 203a. Similarly, since
the threaded portion 211c of the third abutment 201c in FIG. 9a-9b
has an even larger diameter, the acute angle .psi. formed by the
seat-mating portion 213c of the third abutment 201c and the seat
209c of the third fixture 203c is even larger than said angle .phi.
of the second abutment 201b and second fixture 203b.
[0103] FIGS. 10a-10b illustrate a male dental component and a
female dental component which may be comprised in a set of dental
components according to at least some example embodiments. The male
dental component is here in the form of an abutment screw 302a
which is adapted to be joined to a female dental component, here in
the form of an abutment 304a, in order to fasten the abutment 304a
to a fixture 306a.
[0104] The features in FIGS. 10a-10b substantially correspond to
those that have been illustrated for the components in FIGS. 1a-1b.
Therefore, to corresponding features the numeral value 300 has been
added. The only noticeable difference between the embodiments in
FIGS. 1a-1b and FIGS. 10a-10b is that in FIGS. 1a-1b the
seat-mating portion 42a and the mating seat 48a are tapering in the
apical direction, while in FIGS. 10a-10b the seat-mating portion
342a and the mating seat 348a are tapering in the coronal
direction. The seat-mating portion 342a and the mating seat 348a
form an angle .epsilon. in relation to the central axis. If the
acute angle .epsilon. in FIG. 10b has the same value as the acute
angle .alpha. in FIG. 1b, then the friction between the abutment
screw 302a and abutment 304a may be the same as the friction
between abutment screw 2a and abutment 4a. It should be noted that
(apart from 90.degree. angles) it is the acute angle
(<90.degree.) that is formed between the seat/seat-mating
portion and the central axis that is to be considered, and
consequently not the obtuse angle formed relative to the central
axis.
[0105] Thus, similarly to the variations in the set presented in
FIGS. 1a-b to 3a-b, a set may in addition to the components in FIG.
10a-10b include other component pairs with different angles on
coronally tapering seats/seat-mating portions, to compensate for
different core thicknesses of the male dental components.
[0106] The coronally directed tapering of the seat 348a and
seat-mating portion 342a illustrated in FIGS. 10a-10b may
advantageously be used for ceramic abutments, since in this
configuration the seat-mating portion 342a will provide an inwardly
directed pressure on the seat 348a which reduces the risk of
fracturing the relatively fragile ceramic abutment.
[0107] Furthermore, it is also conceivable to provide a set of
dental components in which some of the male/female component pairs
have coronally tapering seat-mating portions and seats, while
others have apically tapering seat-mating portions and seats, the
formed angle relative to the central axis being dependent on the
dimension of the respective core of the threaded portion of the
male dental component.
[0108] Although the illustrated embodiments have shown that the
seat-mating portion of the male dental component has the same angle
relative to the central axis as the mating seat of the associated
female dental component, an alternative would be to allow the
seat-mating portion and the seat to have different angles and still
be able to provide different frictional properties for different
components.
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