Dentistry – Prosthodontics – Holding or positioning denture in mouth
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-23
2001-08-28
Wilson, John J. (Department: 3732)
Dentistry
Prosthodontics
Holding or positioning denture in mouth
C206S063500
Reexamination Certificate
active
06280192
ABSTRACT:
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to a method and device for handling dental implants, which comprises a locking screw provided with a threaded bore and at least one driving element on the end face, with a detachable support hub holding the implant in a receptacle and a ratchet insert which can be detachably and non-rotatably connected to the implant.
Dental implants are used in dentistry in prepared bores in the jaw. After releasing the locking screw, a sulcus molder is firstly screwed into the threaded bore of the implant followed by a post, which supports the false tooth.
The removal of the implant from its receptacle and the insertion of the implant must take place under sterile conditions. Usually, the implant is connected to a support hub, which is fitted into a tube. This tube is packed in a sterile manner in a glass bottle sealed with a lid. After opening the lid of the glass bottle, the inner tube is withdrawn together with the implant, the tube is removed and the implant is fitted into a fitting block, in which it is held in a non-rotatable manner. The support hub is then unscrewed from the implant and a ratchet insert is secured to the implant by screwing a screw extending through a central bore of the ratchet insert into the threaded bore of the locking screw of the implant.
On its end face, the ratchet insert includes projections, which engage in the driving grooves forming driving elements on the end face of the implant, so that a non-rotational connection is produced between the ratchet insert and the implant. The screwing of the implant into the prepared bore in the jaw is effected by means of a ratchet key acting upon the ratchet insert. Subsequently, the ratchet insert is unscrewed from the implant.
During the required insertion of the implant into the fitting block, the release of the support hub and the screwing in place of the ratchet insert, there is a danger of the implant becoming contaminated if the handling is not effected very carefully. In addition, this handling is associated with a considerable time expenditure.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to design a device of the initially stated type for handling dental implants in such a manner that the handling can be effected substantially more easily and reliably, so that it is also easier to maintain the sterile conditions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above and other objects can be attained according to the invention in that an adapter is secured to the implant by means of a central screw screwed into the threaded bore of the locking screw and engages in a positive-locking manner in the driving element of the implant, in that the adapter can be snap-connected to the ratchet insert in a positive-locking manner and in that a screwdriver is rotatably arranged in the ratchet insert so as to engage the central screw.
In this manner, it is possible to connect the implant which is already connected to the adapter in the receptacle with the ratchet insert, so long as the implant is still located in the tube and is therefore protected against accidental contamination. Following removal of the tube, the implant can be handled by means of the ratchet insert and can be screwed into the jaw by means of the ratchet key acting upon the ratchet insert. There is no need for interim depositing on a fitting block.
The connection between the ratchet insert and the adapter supporting the implant is produced in a very simple manner by snapping the ratchet insert into place after pushing over the adapter. Once the implant has been screwed into the jaw, the adapter can be easily released from the implant in that the screwdriver, which is rotatably arranged in the ratchet insert, releases the central screw screwed into the threaded bore of the locking screw.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the adapter comprises an external polygonal key profile, over which a matching internal key profile of the ratchet insert engages. In this manner, it is ensured that the relatively high torque required to screw in the implant can be reliably transmitted to the implant.
It is preferably provided that the adapter includes at least one locking recess on its external key profile, into which a resilient locking element of the ratchet insert can snap-lock. The resilient locking element can be formed by a spring ring, which partially projects into the internal key profile of the ratchet insert. In this manner, a locking connection is obtained between the ratchet insert and the adapter supporting the implant in a simple and space-saving manner in respect of the manufacturing technology involved, so that reliable handling is ensured.
The support hub is preferably formed by two half shells; an external retaining projection of the adapter engages in a retaining recess of at least one of the half shells. Consequently, it is very easy to remove the support hub following withdrawal of the implant from the tube.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4856648 (1989-08-01), Krueger
patent: 5538428 (1996-07-01), Staubli
patent: 5636990 (1997-06-01), Stemmann
patent: 5692904 (1997-12-01), Beaty et al.
patent: 5951287 (1999-09-01), Hawkinson
patent: 5961330 (1999-10-01), Hanson
patent: 5964591 (1999-10-01), Beaty et al.
patent: 6083004 (2000-07-01), Misch et al.
Groll Werner
Kremer Egbert
Bumgarner Melba
Degussa - AG
Smith , Gambrell & Russell, LLP
Wilson John J.
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