Dentistry – Prosthodontics – Holding or positioning denture in mouth
Utility Patent
1997-06-18
2001-01-02
Lucchesi, Nicholas D. (Department: 3732)
Dentistry
Prosthodontics
Holding or positioning denture in mouth
C433S172000, C433S173000, C433S174000
Utility Patent
active
06168436
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention is directed to dental implant devices. Particularly, this invention is directed to a universal dental implant abutment system comprising an abutment collar and a single fixation screw. Still further, this invention directs itself to a dental implant abutment system which is multi-functional in that the same elements may be utilized irrespective of the method by which the prosthesis is joined to the abutment collar. Still further, this invention directs itself to a fixation screw which is adapted to affix the abutment collar to a dental implant body, the fixation screw having a longitudinally directed bore having a first section of non-circular cross sectional contour adapted for receiving a driving tool therein. The longitudinally directed bore also includes a second section having internal threads formed therein adapted for threaded engagement with a retention fastener of a prosthesis.
2. Prior Art
Dental implant and prosthetic abutment systems are known in the art. Such systems are characterized by a threaded prosthetic coronal portion attached to a cylindrical or threaded implant root. In general, each of the known prior art dental implant systems require a vast array of threaded coronal prosthetic attachments to accommodate different restoration methods utilized in the dental practice. Currently, there are three primary restoration methods, a fixed single or multiple unit cementable crown prosthesis, a removable single or multiple unit screw retained prosthesis or a removable overdenture prosthesis. In order to accommodate these different restoration methods, a vast inventory of different components were needed, requiring a significant investment in time and money by dental professionals. That investment requirement thereby limiting the use of the implant technology and slowed its growth and development, the longstanding need for improved means for attaching dental implants efficiently became apparent.
To overcome these problems, the instant invention provides an abutment system formed by two components, an abutment collar and a fixation screw which are so constructed as to be used for all three primary methods of restoration. Through use of the instant invention, the manufacturer of dental implant systems is made more efficient, as fewer different components need be manufactured for use in restorations. The restoration itself is made more efficient as fewer components need be stocked by the practitioner, with the same components being utilized irrespective of the restoration method. Further, the instant invention provides a novel hybrid male/female connection with a dental implant body that improves the stability and rigidity of the connection between the abutment collar and the implant body.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A universal dental implant abutment system for securement to an implant body is provided. The universal dental implant abutment system includes an abutment collar having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough and a proximal end portion adapted for fixation to a dental prosthesis. The proximal end portion is removable for use with a prosthesis to be retained by a fastener. The universal dental implant abutment system also includes a fixation screw disposed within the longitudinal bore of the abutment collar and has a threaded distal end for coupling to an implant body. The fixation screw has a head portion formed on a proximal end thereof. The head portion has a longitudinally directed bore open on the proximal end and has first and second longitudinally spaced sections formed within the bore of the head portion. The first section has a non-circular cross-sectional contour adapted to receive a driving tool therein. The second section has internal threads formed therein adapted for threaded engagement with a retention fastener of a prosthesis.
It is an object of the invention to provide a single abutment system which can be utilized for restorations wherein the prosthesis is mounted to the abutment collar, or secured thereto by a fastener.
Another object of the invention is to provide an abutment that can be easily modified in a dental office or laboratory to provide for an instantaneous change in the restorative arrangement, without requiring any abutment.
A further object of the invention is to provide an abutment having a hybrid male/female anti-rotational connection with the implant body, such providing a rigid and stable connection.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide an anti-rotational tapered locking polygonal or keyway mechanism to the coronal aspect of the abutment collar to rigidly connect multiple unit screw retained prosthetics in only one position or multiple positions while minimizing the axial effect of draw.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a fixation screw having a cylindrical taper formed on a proximal end thereof which further aids in minimizing the prosthetic draw.
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patent: 5135395 (1992-08-01), Marlin
patent: 5376004 (1994-12-01), Mena
patent: 5476382 (1995-12-01), Daftary
patent: 5695335 (1997-12-01), Haas et al.
patent: 5782918 (1998-07-01), Klardie et al.
Koppel & Jacobs
Lucchesi Nicholas D.
Ram Michael J.
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