Dentistry – Prosthodontics – Holding or positioning denture in mouth
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-23
2001-06-26
Lewis, Ralph A. (Department: 3732)
Dentistry
Prosthodontics
Holding or positioning denture in mouth
Reexamination Certificate
active
06250924
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a dental implant system and a method for its manufacture. More precisely, the invention concerns a system, by means of which a highly permanent and precise removable prosthesis can be created, especially for a patient's mandible.
Implant treatment, as such, has been known for decades. In general, an implant refers to a screw or cylinder permanently set in a hole drilled in the patient's mandible or maxilla, which can support various prosthetic structures. The screw or cylinder is nearly always made from titanium.
When it is wished to construct a removable full mandible prosthesis on implants, it has usually been carried out until now by first of all setting the implant screws in place in the mandible. Once the screws have become firmly osteointegrated (i.e. ossified) in the mandible, extensions penetrating the gum (mucous membrane inserts) are screwed into them. Attachment is by means of the conical upper surface of the implant fitting a conical counter surface in the extension. However, implants are also used, in which there is a shoulder joint surface and a corresponding shoulder joint surface in the extension. Implants are also used, which themselves penetrate the gum (i.e. gingiva). A bar is constructed on the part above the gum and the prosthesis is attached by suitable means, such as a snap-fastener (riders) or attachments.
This is only an approximate description of the procedure, because in practice modern systems contain tens, if not hundreds of different parts. Though these are naturally intended to create an optimal solution for each case, the large number of parts is a nuisance to both the manufacture and the dentist.
Another serious drawback of the known structures is the difficulty of creating a good fit between the adjustment surfaces described above. In itself, it is easy to create as good fit using conical or shoulder connection surfaces, but if the same assembly contains several joints formed by conical connection surfaces, adjustment becomes extremely difficult. Conical connection surfaces are very difficult, as it is awkward to create a good fit in more than one joint between a screw and an extension and then between the extension and the bar. Thus, in known systems, a great deal of attention must be paid to the parallelism of the implants.
Another problem with conical fitting joints is that because certain movement tolerances are used relative to the parts to be joined, known systems often have connections in which steps are formed in the connection surface. Such steps form areas in the prosthetic system that irritate tissue and induce bacterial growth.
The present invention contemplates a new and improved apparatus and method which overcomes the above-referenced problems and others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a dental implant system, and a method of its manufacture. The implant system includes at least two support points for attaching a mandible prosthesis. The implant system also includes implant screws attached to a patient's mandible and a screw-secured bar supported by them for securing and supporting the mandible prosthesis. The bar is part of a support component that is directly supported, without intermediate pieces and with flush fitting by virtue of support extensions parallel to the implant screws and uniform with the support component, on the implant screws attached to the mandible by means of a joint beneath a surface of the patient's gum.
In accordance with another embodiment of the current invention, a method of manufacture for the dental implant system includes the steps of attaching precisely fitting screws to working model screws that correspond to implant screws in the patient's gum. Then telescopic collars are set on top of the precisely fitting screws and fit flush with the head of the working model screws. Next, the collars are attached to each other using a transverse bar in an area just above the gum locking the collars into position. Finally, the detachable collars and the bar are used to make a casting mold for the support component containing the bar, which penetrates the gums and is supported with flush fitting in the upper surfaces of the implant screws.
One advantage of the present invention is that the provision of a dental system, and a method for its manufacture, which results in a precise fitting between the parts of the implant system.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the dental system ensures installation in relation to the occlusion lines in a way that guarantees maximum durability.
Other advantages and benefits of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.
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Fay Sharpe Fagan Minnich & McKee LLP
Lewis Ralph A.
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