Prosthesis (i.e. – artificial body members) – parts thereof – or ai – Implantable prosthesis – Bone
Utility Patent
1998-08-10
2001-01-02
Snow, Bruce (Department: 3738)
Prosthesis (i.e., artificial body members), parts thereof, or ai
Implantable prosthesis
Bone
C433S173000
Utility Patent
active
06168633
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to an implant structure for dental or medical use having a composite surface composition of a formulation for enhancing the stability of the implant and for stimulating bone growth upon being surgically inserted into bone.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
An implant is a prosthesis surgically implanted into skeletal bone. In dental applications the implant provides anchorage for the attachment of a dental restorative device. The dental implant is surgically inserted into a cavity formed in an edentulous region of the alveolar jawbone to become an integral part of the bone structure. Thereafter an abutment is attached to the implant in the preparation of a conventional dental restoration for use as a replacement of an extracted natural tooth. In medical applications the implant is typically used as an orthopedic appliance to repair or replace damaged skeletal parts and to stimulate fracture healing of bone. After the implant is surgically inserted a substantial healing period is required to assure bone growth and to permit clinical ossiointergration between the implant and bone. Factors which will affect assimilation of the implant in bone and the stimulation of new bone growth include the healing time period, the type of surgical procedure and the construction and composition of the implant. The implant must be composed of a biocompatible material and must provide sufficient strength for the intended dental or medical application. Conventional biocompatible materials used in the construction of the implant include stainless steel, titanium and their alloys. Titanium implants when surgically inserted into bone do not readily promote bone regeneration at the interface between the implant and bone and if a sufficient void exists microbial leakage and bacteria will accumulate leading to clinical failure of the implant.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It has been discovered in accordance with the present invention that the stability of an implant and its ability to stimulate bone growth particularly at the bone implant interface can be substantially enhanced by constructing the implant of a biocompatible material composition having an outer surface composed of at least two dissimilar biocompatible metal components or metal alloy components in intimate contact with one another. For purposes of the present invention each of the dissimilar metal components or metal alloy components forming the outer surface of the implant must possess an electromotive potential (“EMF”) sufficient to provide a potential difference between the dissimilar metal components of above at least 25 mv and preferably above 100 mv. The dissimilar metal components must be in intimate contact and must surround at least part of the implant surface although it is preferable for the entire outer periphery of the implant to be composed of this composition. The outer surface composition of the implant should preferably include at least two or more dissimilar metals or metal alloy compositions of which at least 50% by weight are noble metals and preferably between 50-100% by weight constitute noble metals. The noble metals should be selected from the group consisting of gold, palladium, platinum and iridium with the balance of the dissimilar metal composition preferably selected from any of the elements in the 3rd or 4th column of the periodic table of elements. The electromotive potential difference of at least 25 mv, optimally above 100 mv, should exist between the dissimilar biocompatible metal components or metal alloy components. It should be understood that live bone is porous and that the fluid which permeates live bone is known to be electrolytic. In accordance with the present invention the existence of a composite surface of such dissimilar metals promotes bone integration and accelerates new bone growth at the interface between the implant and bone.
It is further contemplated in accordance with the present invention to include appropriate ceramic and/or non-metallic constituents in the surface composition of the implant to further stimulate bone growth.
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Shoher Itzhak
Whiteman Aharon
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