Patent ID: 7959439
Filing Date: 2011-06-14
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
1. A connector for an implant retained prosthesis, comprising: a first portion securable to a prosthesis, the first portion comprising a first engagement element, wherein the first engagement element is immovably fixed relative to the prosthesis; a second portion securable to an implant embeddable within a bone, the bone being under a gingival layer and the second portion comprising a second engagement element defining an internal cavity, wherein the first engagement element is positionable within the internal cavity; and a retention device positioned within the internal cavity of the second engagement element, the retention device comprising an inlet and an internal cavity within which the first engagement element is removably retained, wherein the inlet is smaller than the first engagement element to removably retain the first engagement element within the internal cavity of the retention device and a portion of the internal cavity of the retention device adjacent the inlet is substantially larger than the first engagement element, the portion of the retention device defining the inlet being flexible to facilitate passage of the first engagement element through the inlet; wherein when the second portion is secured to the implant and the first engagement element is positioned within the internal cavity, at least a portion of the internal cavity and first engagement element is within the gingival layer.