Abstract:
Dental implant kits and methods of installing the dental implant kit into a bone are provided. The kits and methods make us of a housing understructure having opposing electrodes for providing a therapeutic electrical signal across the electrodes in order to promote the health and accelerate the healing of the implanted housing understructure in bone. The dental implant kit also has a closure unit configured to be attached to the housing understructure that provides the electrical energy required to drive the therapeutic electrical signal. An optional abutment unit is also described that also provides the electrical energy to drive the therapeutic electrical signal. The method includes the steps of cementing, combining, cutting, extricating, installing, joining, linking, obtaining, opening, reaming, releasing, removing, sewing, and testing.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to percutaneous prosthetic members for attachment of artificial eyes, noses, ears, limbs, and in particular, a dental implant kit and method of using same for providing a therapeutic electrical signal across opposing electrodes of the implant for use in stimulating good health and healing at the implant and bone interface. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
       [0002]    Regretfully, a relatively large number of people have to endure the physical and mental hardships experienced with the loose of a tooth. Tooth loss may be due to disease or injury and is often desirable to avoid any further physical and mental harm by installing some form of an artificial tooth. Accordingly, various techniques have been developed to replace lost teeth. In situations where there are sufficient teeth adjacent the void from the lost tooth, a bridge technique is often used to structurally buttress an prosthetic tooth mounted within the void. In situations where there is insufficient natural teeth remaining to support and stabilize the bridge, a denture may be the only practical solution for the patient. In yet other instances, a dental implant may be installed within the void. 
         [0003]    The morphology of any tooth varies in accordance with its position and function, however all teeth share certain common physiological and morphological traits. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , a tooth  10  generally comprises a central pulp  30  surrounded by a calcareous substance known as dentin  65 . The central pulp  30  is kept alive by its connection to underlying arteries  40 , veins  50 , and nerves  60 . 
         [0004]    As also depicted in  FIG. 1 , the tooth projects outwardly from sockets  70  (also known as alveoli dentalis) within the alveolar bone  120  of the maxillac (upper jawbone  160 ) or mandible (lower jawbone  160 ). 
         [0005]    Each socket  70  is a void or a depression within the alveolar bone  120  of the jawbone  200  in which each socket  70  is lined by connective tissue known as the periodontal membrane  80 . The root(s)  90  of the tooth  10  are the portion of the tooth  10  that actually fit within the socket  70 . 
         [0006]    Each root  90  is affixed to the periodontal membrane  80  and held in place within the socket  70  by a calcified connective tissue known as the cementum  100 . One of the functions of this periodontal membrane  80  is that it serves as a “shock absorber” during the mastication (chewing) process. 
         [0007]    The crown  20 , i.e., the projecting portion of a tooth  10 , comprises grinding, cutting and/or exposed surfaces which are covered by yet another calcified connective tissue known as enamel  110 . The gums  130 , or gingival tissue, surround and cover the base of the crown  20  and project between adjacent surfaces of the teeth  10 . 
         [0008]    The gums  130 , or gingival tissue serves to anchor teeth ill place, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0009]    Bacteria, called plaque, can result in inflammation or infection of the gums  130  that often results in gum disease, or periodontal disease. The plaque bacteria produce a sticky film on teeth  10  and over time, the plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). Gingivitis, a mild inflammation, characterized by swollen and bleeding gums  130 , is primarily caused by poor oral. Gingivitis disease is reversible with proper professional care and good oral home care. 
         [0010]    If the gingivitis is left untreated, this disease spreads to other supporting structures including alveolar bone  120  which produce a more advanced stage of periodontal disease known as periodontitis. Poor hygiene including tobacco use, genetics, pregnancy, puberty, stress, medications, clenching or grinding of teeth, diabetes, and poor nutrition have been found to contribute the development and advancement of periodontal disease. As depicted in  FIG. 3 , periodontitis results in the permanent damage to the alveolar bone  120  and the periodontal membrane  80 . Periodontitis is identified by its characteristic receding of gums  130  where the gums  130  no longer envelop around the teeth. This receding of gums  130  results in the formation of pockets or empty chambers where food and other debris may collect between the teeth and gums  130 . As the periodontitis disease progresses, the damage to the alveolar bone results in teeth becoming loose. Regretfully, to prevent any further damage from the progression of the periodontitis disease extraction of the loose teeth is often necessitated. Therefore, periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss. 
         [0011]    Because of the widespread nature of the disease, there have been a variety of methods devised to implant and secure a dental prosthesis. 
         [0012]    Inserting a screw or similar type of device within the jawbone  200  to serve as an artificial root structure is a common type of implant known as endosseous. The implant also protrudes through the gum in order to provide a means for holding the prosthesis. The problem with endosseous is that a sufficient amount of jawbone  200  is needed to assure a sound structural foundation. When insufficient amounts of jawbone  200  are present then an endosteal implant is not possible due to minimal bone height. In this case, a metal framework&#39;s posts protruding through the gum to hold the prosthesis can be mounted on top of the jawbone  200  to provide a subperiosteal implant. 
         [0013]    A conventional prior art endosteal implant system  140 , depicted in  FIG. 4 , typically comprises an implant  150 , an insertion tool  160 , a closure shank  170 , and an abutment adaptor  180  adapted to receive a dental prosthesis  190 . 
         [0014]    Most of the conventional implants  150  are often cylindrically-shaped components that are made of rigid, non-expandable biocompatible materials, e g., a metallic alloy (e.g., titanium alloy) or a ceramic material (e.g., aluminum oxide, Al 2 O 3 ). It is often preferable that the material permit osteo ingrowth (growth of bony tissue), also known as ankylosis, into the implant  150 . 
         [0015]    Accordingly, the implant  150  may be made of a porous hollow material or solid material. It is preferable that the materials of the implant  150  produce osseointegration of the fixture with the patient&#39;s jawbone  200 . The porous hollow material of the implant  150  in particular encourages osteo ingrowth into the implant  150 . In either the porous hollow material or the solid material of the implant  150 , the top portion of the implant  150  is designed to protrude above the gum line and is designed to receive the closure shank  170  and the abutment adaptor  180 . The solid material of the implant  150  itself may additionally contain pores  115  penetrating the wall of the implant  150  to further promote osteo ingrowth. 
         [0016]    The insertion tool  160  is a simple mechanical device that is often configured to be adapted to couple both the implant  150  and the abutment adaptor  180 . Accordingly, the insertion tool  160  often provides a convenient means for inserting of the implant  150  within the jawbone  200 , as well as, a convenient means for mounting the abutment adaptor  180  into the inserted implant  150 . 
         [0017]    The closure shank  170  may be any type of shank-like component such as a threaded screw, a threaded bolt and even a simple cylinder, as long as, it is adapted to fit within the top portion of the implant  150 . The closure shank  170  is usually a temporary component that serves to cover and protect the top portion of the implant  150  after the implant  150  is inserted into the jawbone  200  so that the jawbone  200  may heal onto implant  150  without sealing the top portion of the implant. After sufficient healing, the closure shank  170  is then removed from the inserted implant and the abutment adaptor  180  is then mounted onto the inserted implant  150 . 
         [0018]    The abutment adaptor  180  is configured to fit onto the top portion of the implant  150  in which the abutment adaptor  180  serves to permit attachment of a dental prosthesis  190 . 
         [0019]    In use, the system  150  is employed in a three-part procedure. In the first part, i.e., stage I, of the procedure, the site is prepared for the insertion of the implant  150  by conventional techniques. 
         [0020]    During stage I, the dental implant  150  inserted into the patient&#39;s jawbone  200 . The oral surgeon first accesses the patient&#39;s jawbone  200  through the patient&#39;s gum  130  tissue and subsequently removes any remnants of the lost tooth  10  that needs to be replaced. This access site where the implant  150  will be anchored is then widened by drilling and/or reaming to house the dental implant  150  to be inserted. The dental implant  150  is then inserted into the prepared hole  210  within the jawbone  200 , typically by screwing, although other techniques are known for introducing the implant in the jawbone  200 . Often times, the dental implant  150  includes a hollow threaded bore traversing through at least a portion of its body and extending out through its proximal end which is exposed through the crestal bone for receiving and supporting the final tooth prosthesis  190 . 
         [0021]    After the implant  150  is initially installed in the jawbone  200  a temporary closure shank  170  or healing cap (not shown), which is ordinarily made of a dental grade metal, is mounted onto the exposed proximal end of the installed implant  150  in order to seal an internal bore (not shown) of the implant  150 . The closure shank  170  typically includes a threaded mating end, which can be mounted into the internal bore of the implant  150 . After the closure shank  170  is secured in place over the installed implant, the gum  130  is sutured over the installed implant  150  with the attached closure shank  170  to allow the implantation site to heal and to allow desired osseointegration to occur. Usually complete osseointegration typically takes anywhere from four to ten months to occur, but stage II does not necessarily require that osseointegration to be complete. 
         [0022]    As depicted in  FIG. 5A , stage I includes the operation of installing the implant  150  into a prepared hole  210  (represented by phantom lines in  FIGS. 5A-5D ) within the jawbone  200 . The mounting of the implant  150  into the prepared hole  210  of the jawbone  200  may be performed by using the insertion tool  160  to screw (represented by arrow in  FIG. 5A ) the implant  150  into the jawbone  200 . As depicted in  FIG. 5B , stage I also includes the operation of mounting the closure shank  170  onto the installed implant  150  which is shown screwed (represented by arrow in  FIG. 5B ) into the top portion of the implant  150 . Finally, stage I of the procedure (not shown) is then complete when the surgeon sutures the gum over the installed implant  150  with the closure shank  170  mounted onto it. 
         [0023]    After stage I is complete, a waiting period is imposed to allow healing for osteo (bone) ingrowth into and around the installed implant  150 . The duration of this waiting period is desirable to last at least several weeks later and preferably last up to many months. It is worth noting that this healing does not reestablish the periodontal membrane/ligament that was destroyed as a result of the tooth loss. As a result this healed interface between the implant  150  and the Jawbone  170  may initially be healed as a relatively rigid interfacial structure yet after healing this interface is subject to physically being weakened because of the strong forces associated with mastication. 
         [0024]    As depicted in FIG  5 C, after the interface is healed during the waiting period, then stage III of the procedure may then be performed. During stage III) the installed implant  150  is then re-accessed by making an incision through the patient&#39;s gum  130  tissues. The closure shank  170  is subsequently removed from the installed implant  150  which results in exposing the proximal end of the installed implant  150 . Then an abutment adaptor  180  is typically mounted onto the installed implant  150  for use in controlling the healing and growth of the patient&#39;s gum  130  tissue around the implant site. 
         [0025]    Afterwards a mold is usually made of the implanted area to accurately record the position and orientation of the installed implant  150  and the mounted abutment adaptor  180 . This mold is used to create a three dimensional model of the mouth and/or the implant site and to provide information needed to fabricate the cosmetic tooth prosthetic  190 . The mold provides laboratory technicians with an exact model of the patient&#39;s mouth, including the orientation of the implant fixture relative to the surrounding teeth  10 . Based on this model of the patient&#39;s mouth, the technician then constructs a final restoration of a cosmetic tooth prosthesis  190 . 
         [0026]    As depicted in  FIG. 5D , stage III of the procedure involves fabrication and alignment of a cosmetic tooth prosthesis  190  onto the mounted abutment adaptor  180  which is attached to the installed implant  150 . The final step in stage III of the restorative procedure is to either attach the cosmetic tooth prosthesis  190  to the abutment adaptor  180  or to remove the abutment adaptor  180  and replace the abutment adaptor with the cosmetic tooth prosthesis  190 . The conventional dental prosthesis  190  may then be attached using conventional adhesive techniques. 
         [0027]    There are several recurring problems or difficulties associated with the above procedure. First, the healing of installed implant  150  with the patient&#39;s jawbone  200  must be well integrated which means that a substantial waiting period of up to several months is required. Second, even thought interface between the implant  150  and the jawbone  170  may be initially well healed, it remains as a relatively rigid interfacial structure which subjects it to being compromised due to mastication forces. Third, this consequential weakening of the interface may lead to stress shielding of the surrounding bone. Stress shielding results in the bone tissue around this weakened interface to be resorbed by the body which further weakens the interface between the jawbone  200  and the installed implant  150 . Stress shielding can result saucerization, otherwise known as bone die-back, which progresses around the upper portion of an otherwise healthy dental implant  150 . The saucerization loss of bone can lead to destabilization and even loosening of the dental implant. Finally, once sufficient bone tissue has undergone resorption, portions of the implant  150  can become exposed, and this surface, which is typically textured to provide high surface area, is susceptible to infection. 
         [0028]    Therefore, it would be advantageous to design a dental implant  150  that can provide a means for accelerating the healing process of the implant  150  into the bone during the long quiescent period, i.e., the period between the first two stages, in order to achieve a stable interface within a shorter quiescent time period. Furthermore, it would also be advantageous to design a dental implant  150  that can provide a means for promoting the health (i.e., preventive maintenance) of the implant  150  and bone interface by encouraging the repair of any consequential damage brought about by long term wear. Further, it would be advantageous to design a dental implant  150  that provides a means for stimulating the healing of a compromised or failed interface after destabilization and/or loosening of the dental implant  150  without resorting to removal of the entire dental implant  150 . 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    The present kit and method of using, according to the principles of the present invention, overcomes a number of the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a novel dental implant kit and method for use in dental implant kit. The kit includes a housing understructure and a closure unit configured to be attached to the housing understructure. The closure unit has an electrical power supply, at least two electrical contacts, and an electrical circuit in which the electrical contacts are configured to be coupled to electrodes of the understructure when the closure unit is attached to the housing understructure. Whereupon the electrical circuit of the closure unit is configured to be coupled to the electrodes so that the electrical circuit can control the electrical signal across the electrodes of the housing understructure. The method includes the steps of cementing, combining, cutting, extricating, installing, joining, linking, obtaining, opening, reaming, releasing, removing, sewing, and testing. 
         [0030]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known type dental implant kits and methods of using same now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved dental implant kit, which will be described subsequently in great detail, is to provide a new and improved dental implant kit which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by the prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof. 
         [0031]    To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a dental implant kit and method of installing the dental implant kit into a bone. The kits and methods make us of a housing understructure having opposing electrodes for providing a therapeutic electrical signal across the electrodes in order to promote the health and accelerate the healing of the implanted housing understructure in bone. The dental implant kit also has a closure unit configured to be attached to the housing understructure which provides the electrical energy required to drive the therapeutic electrical signal. An optional abutment unit is also described that also provides the electrical energy to drive the therapeutic electrical signal. 
         [0032]    There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution of the art may be better appreciated. 
         [0033]    The invention may also include an optional abutment unit that also provides the electrical energy to drive the therapeutic electrical signal across the electrodes attached to the housing understructure. 
         [0034]    Numerous aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompany drawings. In this respect, before explaining the current embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0035]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0036]    It is therefore an aspect of the present invention to provide a new and improved dental implant kit and method of using same that has many of the advantages of the prior dental implant kits and minimizing a number of their disadvantages. 
         [0037]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a new and improved dental implant kit that may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed. 
         [0038]    An even further aspect of the present invention is to provide a new and improved dental implant kit that has a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making the dental implant kit economically available to the buying public. 
         [0039]    Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a dental implant kit that provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thererof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith. 
         [0040]    Even still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a dental implant kit comprising a housing understructure having at least two opposing electrodes; a closure unit having at least two electrical contacts and an electrical power supply in which the closure unit  250  is configured to be attached to the housing understructure  230  in such a manner so as to provide and control an electrical signal across the opposing electrodes. 
         [0041]    Lastly, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a new and improved method of using comprising the steps of cementing, combining, cutting, extricating, installing, joining, linking, obtaining, opening, reaming, releasing, removing, sewing, and testing. 
         [0042]    Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
         [0043]    These together with other aspects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific aspects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and description matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0044]    The invention will be better understood and aspects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
           [0045]      FIG. 1  is a sectional view of a normal human tooth; 
           [0046]      FIG. 2  is a sectional view, with portions removed, of normal, healthy teeth and gums; 
           [0047]      FIG. 3  is a view similar to that shown in  FIG. 2  and further illustrating the effects of periodontitis on the teeth and gums; 
           [0048]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of a prior art dental implant system; 
           [0049]      FIG. 5A-5D  are schematic perspective views of a lower human jawbone illustrating the use of components of the prior art system shown in  FIG. 4   
           [0050]      FIG. 6A-6B  are a side view and a respective cross sectional side view of an embodiment of the housing understructure of the dental implant kit constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0051]      FIG. 7A-7B  are a side view and a respective cross sectional side view of an embodiment of the closure unit of the dental implant kit constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0052]      FIG. 8A-8B  are a side view and a respective cross sectional side view of an embodiment of the abutment unit of the dental implant kit constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0053]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of a dental implant kit of the present invention; 
           [0054]      FIG. 10  is a stylized side perspective view of a portion of a lower human jawbone showing the insertion of the housing understructure of the dental implant kit into a reamed out cavity in the jawbone; 
           [0055]      FIG. 11  is a view similar to  FIG. 10  showing the housing understructure mounted within the jawbone; 
           [0056]      FIG. 12  is a view similar to  FIG. 11  showing the insertion of the closure unit of the dental implant kit into the housing understructure mounted within the jawbone; 
           [0057]      FIG. 13  is a view similar to  FIG. 11  showing the insertion of the abutment unit of the dental implant kit into the housing understructure mounted within the jawbone; 
           [0058]      FIG. 14  is a view similar to  FIG. 13  showing the abutment unit of the dental implant kit inserted into the housing understructure mounted within the jawbone; and 
           [0059]      FIG. 15  is a view similar to  FIG. 14  showing a dental prosthesis cemented onto a portion of the abutment unit of the dental implant kit when the abutment unit is inserted into the housing understructure mounted within the jawbone. 
       
    
    
       [0060]    The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0061]    Referring now to the drawings, and in particular  FIGS. 1 to 15  thereof, one preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral  220 . One preferred embodiment of the dental implant kit  220  comprises a housing understructure  202 ; at least two opposing electrodes  204 ; a closure unit  206 ; and at least two electrical contacts  270 . The opposing electrodes  240  are attached to the housing understructure  230  in which the electrodes  240  are electrically isolated from the housing understructure  230 . The closure unit  250  is configured to be attached to the housing understructure  230 . The electrical power supply  260  and the electrical contacts  270  are attached to the closure unit  250  in which the electrical power supply  260  and the electrical circuit  280  may be optionally hermetically sealed within the closure unit  250 . The electrical circuit  280  is attached to the closure unit  250 , in which the electrical circuit  280  is coupled to the electrical power supply  260  and coupled to the electrical contacts  270  when the closure unit  250  is attached to the housing understructure  230 . Wherein the electrical contacts  270  are configured to be coupled to the electrodes  240  when the closure unit  250  is attached to the housing understructure  230  so that the electrical circuit  280  is configured to be coupled to the electrodes  240  when the closure unit  250  is attached to the housing understructure  230 . 
         [0062]    The electrical circuit  280  may be any known electronic circuit that is capable of influencing an electrical signal across the two electrodes  240  when the closure unit  250  is attached to the housing understructure  230 . One optional configuration is that the electrical circuit  280  is configured to control an electrical current applied across the two electrodes  240  such as restricting the electrical current applied across the two electrodes  240  to no more than  20  milliamps. Alternately, the electrical circuit  280  may be optionally configured to control an electrical voltage applied across the two electrodes  240  such as restricting the electrical voltage applied across the two electrodes  240  to no more than 2 volts. Yet another possible electrical design of the electrical circuit  280  is that it may be optionally configured to control an time dependent electrical signal applied across the two electrodes  240  such as a pulse, square wave, triangular wave, sinusoidal wave function, etc., which influence either the applied current or the applied voltage across the two electrodes  240  when the closure unit  250  is attached to the housing understructure  230 . The electrical power supply  260  of the closure unit  250  may be any commercially available power supply  260  such a battery power supply  260  and a high capacity capacitor power supply  260 . 
         [0063]    An optional abutment unit  290  may be added to the kit  220  in which the optional abutment unit  290  is configured to be attached to the housing understructure  230 . The optional abutment unit  290  may be composed of any suitable material, such as a simple titanium metal alloy, or it may have an electrical power source  218 ; at least two electrical connects  220 ; and an electrical circuitry  320 . The electrical power source  300  and the electrical connects  310  are attached to the abutment unit  290  in which the electrical power source  300  and the electrical circuitry  320  are optionally hermetically scaled within the abutment unit  290 . The electrical circuitry  320  is attached to the abutment unit  290 , in which the electrical circuitry  320  is coupled to the electrical power source  300  and coupled to the electrical connects  310 . Wherein the electrical connects  310  are configured to be coupled to the electrodes  240  when the abutment unit  290  is attached to the housing understructure  230  so that the electrical circuitry  320  is configured to be coupled to the electrodes  240  when the abutment unit  290  is attached to the housing understructure  230 . 
         [0064]    The electrical circuitry  320  may be any known electronic circuit that is capable of influencing an electrical signal across the two electrodes  240  when the abutment unit  290  is attached to the housing understructure  230 . One optional configuration is that the circuitry  320  is configured to control an electrical current applied across the two electrodes  240  such as restricting the electrical current applied across the two electrodes  240  to no more than  20  milliamps. Alternately, the electrical circuitry  320  may be optionally configured to control an electrical voltage applied across the two electrodes  240  such as restricting the electrical voltage applied across the two electrodes  240  to no more than 2 volts. Yet another possible electrical design of the circuitry  320  is that it may be optionally configured to control an time dependent electrical signal applied across the two electrodes  240  such as a pulse, square wave, triangular wave, sinusoidal wave function, etc., which influence either the applied current or the applied voltage across the two electrodes  240  when the abutment unit  290  is attached to the housing understructure  230 . The optional electrical power source  300  of the optional abutment unit  290  may be any commercially available electrical power source  300  such as battery power source  300  and a high capacity capacitor power source  300 . 
         [0065]    An optional cosmetic dental prosthesis  190  may be added to the kit  220  in which the cosmetic dental prosthesis  190  is configured to be attached to the closure unit  250  or attached to the abutment unit  290 . 
         [0066]    An optional insertion tool  160  may be added to the kit  220  in which the optional insertion tool  160  is configured to hold the abutment unit  290 . 
         [0067]    The housing understructure  230  may be shaped and designed in any known geometric configuration. The housing understructure  230  may be made as a simple shank, a screw, a bolt, a cylinder, etc., as long as it is configured to be attached to the closure unit  250  or the abutment unit  290 . One optional embodiment is that the housing understructure  230  has a plurality of pores  330  in the housing understructure  230  which is intended to encourage a well integrated interface between bone and the housing understructure. 
         [0068]    Another preferred embodiment of the dental implant kit  220  comprises: a housing understructure  202 ; at least two opposing electrodes  204 ; a closure unit  206 ; an electrical power supply  208 ; at least two electrical contacts  210 ; an electrical circuit  212 ; an abutment unit  216 ; an electrical power source  218 ; at least two electrical connects  220 ; an electrical circuitry  320 , a cosmetic dental prosthesis  214 ; and an insertion tool  160 . The electrodes  240  are attached to the housing understructure  230 . The closure unit  250  is configured to be attached to the housing understructure  230 . The electrical power supply  260  and the electrical contacts  270  are attached to the closure unit  250 . The electrical circuit  280  is attached to the closure unit  250 , in which the the electrical circuit  280  is coupled to the electrical power supply  260  and coupled to the electrical contacts  270  wherein the electrical contacts  270  are configured to be coupled to the electrodes  240  when the closure unit  250  is attached to the housing understructure  230 , whereby the electrical circuit  280  is configured to be coupled to the electrodes  240  when the closure unit  250  is attached to the housing understructure  230 . The abutment unit  290  is configured to be attached to the housing understructure  230 . The electrical power source  300  and the electrical connects  310  are attached to the abutment unit  290 . The electrical circuitry  320  is attached to the abutment unit  290 , in which the electrical circuitry  320  coupled to the electrical power source  300  and coupled to the electrical connects  310 , wherein the electrical connects  310  are configured to be coupled to the electrodes  240  when the abutment unit  290  is attached to the housing understructure  230 , whereby the electrical circuitry  320  is configured to be coupled to the electrodes  240  when the abutment unit  290  is attached to the housing understructure  230 . The cosmetic dental prosthesis  190  is configured to be attached to the abutment unit  290 . Finally, the insertion tool  160  is configured to hold the abutment unit  290 . 
         [0069]    One preferred embodiment of the method of installing an artificial tooth  10  into a jawbone  200  comprises the steps of: cementing, combining, cutting, extricating, installing, joining, linking, obtaining, opening, reaming, releasing, removing, sewing, and testing. The obtaining step comprises obtaining a dental implant kit  220  comprising: a housing understructure  202 ; at least two opposing electrodes  240  attached to the housing understructure  202 ; a closure unit  250  configured to be attached to the housing understructure  202 ; an electrical power supply  260  attached to the closure unit  206 ; at least two electrical contacts  270  attached to the closure unit  206 ; an electrical circuit  280  attached to the closure unit  250 , the electrical circuit  280  coupled to the electrical power supply  260  and coupled to the electrical contacts  270 , wherein the electrical contacts  270  are configured to be coupled to the electrodes  240  when the closure unit  250  is attached to the housing understructure  230 , whereby the electrical circuit  280  is configured to be coupled to the electrodes  240  when the closure unit  250  is attached to the housing understructure  202 ; an abutment unit  290  configured to be attached to the housing understructure  202 ; an electrical power source  300  attached to the abutment unit  216 ; at least two electrical connects  310  attached to the abutment unit  216 ; an electrical circuitry  320  attached to the abutment unit  290 , the electrical circuitry  320  coupled to the electrical power source  300  and coupled to the electrical connects  310 , wherein the electrical connects  310  are configured to be coupled to the electrodes  240  when the abutment unit  290  is attached to the housing understructure  230 , whereby the electrical circuitry  320  is configured to be coupled to the electrodes  240  when the abutment unit  290  is attached to the housing understructure  202 ; a cosmetic dental prosthesis  190  configured to be attached to the abutment unit  216 ; and an insertion tool  160  configured to hold the abutment unit  290 . The cutting step comprises cutting into gum  130  tissue overlaying a remnant of a natural tooth  10 . The step comprises extricating any remnant of the natural tooth  10  from the jawbone  200 . The reaming step comprises reaming a cavity  340  in the jawbone  200  where the natural tooth  10  was extricated. The combining step comprises combining together the closure unit  250  to the housing understructure  230 . The testing step comprises testing the electrodes  240  for electrical functionality of the combined closure unit  250  housing understructure  230 . The installing step comprises installing the combined closure unit  250  housing understructure  230  into the cavity  340  in the jawbone  200 . The sewing step comprises sewing the cut gum  130  tissue over the combined closure unit  250  housing understructure  230 . The opening step comprises opening up gum  130  tissue overlaying the combined closure unit  250  housing understructure  230 . The removing step comprises removing the closure unit  250  from housing understructure  230  while leaving the housing understructure  230  installed in the jawbone  200 . The linking step comprises linking together the insertion tool  160  to the abutment unit  290 . The joining step comprises joining together the abutment unit  290  with the housing understructure  230  when the housing understructure  230  is installed in the jawbone  200 . The releasing step comprises releasing the abutment unit  290  from the insertion tool  160  when the abutment unit  290  is joined together with the housing understructure  230  when the housing understructure  230  is installed in the jawbone  200 . The cementing step comprises cementing the cosmetic dental prosthesis  190  to the abutment unit  290 . 
         [0070]    Even though the preferred embodiments of the kit  220  and the associated method of using the kit  220  are labeled as a dental implants and are illustrated to be installed into a jawbone, other kit and method embodiments are envisioned to generally serve as to couple mechanically percutaneous prosthetic members for attachment of artificial eyes, noses, ears, limbs, and in particular, teeth to bone. 
         [0071]    Referring now to  FIG. 4  which depicts a conventional prior art endosteal implant system  140  comprising an implant  150 , an insertion tool  160 , a closure shank  170 , and an abutment adaptor  180  adapted to receive a dental prosthesis  190 . 
         [0072]    Referring now to  FIG. 5A-5D  which depict schematic perspective views of a lower human jawbone illustrating the use of components of the prior art system shown in  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , the implant  150  is then inserted into a prepared hole  210  (represented by phantom lines in  FIGS. 5A-5D ) within the jawbone  200  by using the insertion tool  160  to screw (represented by arrow in  FIG. 5A ) the implant  150  into the jawbone  200  (e.g., with the aid of a ratchet). The inserted implant  150  is shown in  FIG. 5B . Next, as also shown in  FIG. 5B , the closure shank  170  is then screwed (represented by arrow in  FIG. 5B ) into the top portion of the implant  150 . The first part of the procedure is then complete. The second part of the procedure is performed desirably at least several weeks later. This waiting period permits time for osteo (bone) ingrowth into the implant  150 . This process however does not reestablish the periodontal membrane/ligament that was destroyed as a result of the tooth loss. The contact between the implant and the bone is a rigid connection with no dampening effect. After the appropriate waiting period, the second part of the procedure is then performed. First, the closure shank  170  is removed (not shown). Second, as illustrated in  FIG. 5C , the abutment adaptor  180  is screwed (represented by arrow in  FIG. 5C ) into the top portion of the implant  150 . Finally, as shown in  FIG. 5D , a conventional dental prosthesis  190  is attached to the abutment adaptor  180  using conventional techniques. 
         [0073]    Referring now to  FIG. 6A-6B  which illustrate a side view and a respective cross sectional side view of an embodiment of the housing understructure  230  of the dental implant kit  220 . The housing understructure  230  is shown having two electrodes  240  which are electrically insulated from one another. 
         [0074]    Referring now to  FIG. 7A-7B  which depict a side view and a respective cross sectional side view of an embodiment of the closure unit  250  of the dental implant kit  220 . The closure unit  250  is shown having two attached electrical contacts  270  in which the two electrical contacts  270  are shown coupled to an electrical circuit  280 . The electrical circuit  280  is also shown coupled to an electrical power supply  260 . The electrical circuit  280  and the electrical power supply  260  are shown hermetically sealed within the closure unit  250 . 
         [0075]    Referring now to  FIG. 8A-8B  which depict are a side view and a respective cross sectional side view of an embodiment of the abutment unit  290  of the dental implant kit  220 . The abutment unit  290  is shown having two attached electrical connects  310  in which the electrical connects  310  are shown coupled to an electrical circuitry  320 . The electrical circuitry  320  is also shown coupled to an electrical power source  300 . The electrical circuitry  320  and the electrical power source  300  are shown hermetically sealed within the abutment unit  290 . 
         [0076]    Referring now to  FIG. 9  which illustrates an exploded perspective view of a dental implant kit  220  of the present invention. The dental implant kit  220  is shown comprising a housing understructure  230  having at least two opposing electrodes  240  attached to it; a closure unit  250  having at least two electrical contacts  270  attached to it; an abutment unit  290  having at least two electrical connects  310  attached to it; and an insertion tool  160 . 
         [0077]    Referring now to  FIG. 10  which depicts a stylized side perspective view of a portion of a lower human jawbone  200  showing the insertion of the housing understructure  230  into a reamed out cavity  340  in the jawbone  200 . As seen in  FIG. 10 , the housing understructure  230  is inserted (depicted by dot-dash line ill  FIG. 10 ) into the prepared cavity  340  in the jawbone  200 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 11  depicts the housing understructure  230  mounted within the jawbone  200  in which the two electrodes  240  are shown buried deep within the jawbone  200  for the eventual use in accelerating the healing of the jawbone  200  and housing understructure  230  interface. 
         [0079]      FIG. 12  depicts the closure unit  250  being attached (depicted by dot-dash line in  FIG. 12 ) into the housing understructure  230  into the housing understructure  230  mounted within the jawbone  200 . When the closure unit  250  is attached to the housing understructure  250  (not shown), the electrical contacts  270  of the closure unit  250  are configured to be coupled to the electrodes  240 . The electrical circuit  280  (not shown) of the closure unit  250  is also configured to be coupled to the electrodes  240  when the closure unit  250  is attached to the housing understructure  230  (not shown). Accordingly, the attached closure unit  250  containing the electrical power supply  260  (not shown) can then provide the requisite electrical energy to activate the two electrodes  240  of the housing understructure  230  to accelerating the time needed to heal the interface at the Jawbone  200  and housing understructure  230 . In the event that the interface of the jawbone  200  and the housing understructure  230  has not healed sufficiently then replacement closure unit  250  (not shown) may be mounted within the housing understructure  230 . In the event that the interface of the jawbone  200  and the housing understructure  230  has healed sufficiently then the closure unit  250  may be removed from the housing understructure  230  while leaving the housing understructure  230  healed within the jawbone  200 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 13  depicts is the abutment unit  290  being inserted (depicted by dot-dash line in  FIG. 14 ) into the housing understructure  230 . The two electrical connects  240  are shown attached to the abutment unit  290 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 14  depicts the abutment unit  290  inserted into the housing understructure  230  which was previously been mounted within the jawbone  200 . Since the electrical connects  240  (not shown) of the abutment unit  290  are configured to be coupled to the electrodes  240  when the abutment unit  290  is attached to the housing understructure  230  then the electrical circuitry  320  (not shown) of the abutment unit  290  is also configured to be coupled to the electrodes  240  when the abutment unit  290  is attached to the housing understructure  230 . Accordingly, the attached abutment unit  290  containing the electrical power source  300  (not shown) can then provide the requisite electrical energy to activate the two electrodes  240  of the housing understructure  230  to further accelerate the time needed to heal the jawbone  200  and housing understructure  230  interface. It is also envisioned that the attached abutment unit  290  containing the electrical power source  300  (not shown) can also be used to provide the requisite electrical energy to activate the two electrodes  240  of the housing understructure  230  to provide a means for promoting the health (i.e., preventive maintenance) of the housing understructure  230  and jawbone  200  interface by encouraging the repair of any consequential damage brought about by long term wear. 
         [0082]      FIG. 15  depicts a dental prosthesis  190  cemented onto a portion of the abutment unit  290  when the abutment unit  290  is inserted into the housing understructure  230  mounted within the jawbone  200 . 
         [0083]    As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. 
         [0084]    While a preferred embodiment of the dental implant kit and method of using has been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0085]    Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” or the term “includes” or variations, thereof, or the term “having” or variations, thereof will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or integer or group of elements or integers but not the exclusion of any other element or integer or group of elements or integers. In this regard, in construing the claim scope, an embodiment where one or more features is added to any of the claims is to be regarded as within the scope of the invention given that the essential features of the invention as claimed are included in such an embodiment. 
         [0086]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modification which fall within its spirit and scope. 
         [0087]    The invention also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features. 
         [0088]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention,