Patent ID: 7594813
Filing Date: 2009-09-29
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for determining the preload on a screw in a dental implant system that includes at least one screw for securing components of the dental implant system together, wherein the dental implant system includes at least a fixture having one end adapted for osseointegration into a jawbone, the other end adapted to receive an abutment, and the abutment adapted to receive and support a dental prosthesis, the apparatus further comprising a. a device for applying a preload to the screw defining a preloaded screw to secure at least some components of the implant system together; b. a pulse generating system for generating at least one sonic impulse pulse and transmitting the at least one sonic impulse pulse through the screw; c. a detection and measuring system for detecting first and second reflections of the at least one sonic impulse pulse and measuring the time of flight of said first and second reflections and determining the difference in said times of flight of said first and second reflections in order to determine a delay between the first and second reflections through the preloaded screw to determine a preload value; and d. a determining system for determining the difference in the delay between a pre-established baseline value for the screw and the preload value, and comparing the difference with a predetermined table of values to determine a level of preload on the screw.