Patent Publication Number: US-2022233280-A1

Title: Dental implant system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/852,472, filed May 24, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. This application is also a continuation—in part of U.S. Ser. No. 15/905,306 filed Feb. 26, 2018 titled “Dental Implant System,” which application is a continuation—in part of U.S. Ser. No. 15/640,351 filed Jun. 30, 2017 titled “Dental Implant System,” which application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 14/642,565 filed Mar. 9, 2015 titled “Eccentric Dental Implant System,” which application claims the benefit of U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. 61/949,908, filed 7 Mar. 2014, the entirety of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     A dental implant assembly configured to be positioned in an osteotomy cavity formed in a patient&#39;s jawbone. A base member of the implant is positioned into the cavity. The base member serves as a platform to secure an abutment member of the implant that in turn receives a dental restoration, such as a crown or denture. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Implants are a popular way to replace a tooth. Due to their relatively low maintenance and durability, people increasingly prefer implants to bridges or dentures. Nevertheless, there remain significant complications that are the result of using a round implant in a jawbone space that formerly supported a non-round or eccentric tooth, and is therefore undersized in one or more horizontal dimensions in relation to the tooth it would replace. These complications include food impaction, bacteria collection, and excessive stress on bone and implant components. 
     SUMMARY 
     A dental implant that includes an eccentrically-shaped base member and an eccentrically-shaped abutment member. In practice, the base member is fitted to be positioned within an eccentrically-shaped osteotomy box or cavity formed within a patient&#39;s jawbone. Following the osteotomy and the insertion of the base member, a pilot hole may be drilled within the jawbone. An abutment member may be fitted to the base member. Some embodiments provide an endosseous implant body positioned through a central passage formed within the base member and the abutment member that is torqued into place to rigidly secure the dental implant assembly to the jawbone. Other embodiments provide the base member press fit or cemented into the patient&#39;s jawbone. 
     There is provided a dental implant assembly, comprising: a base member adapted for placement into an opening in jawbone, wherein the base member comprises (a) elongated parallel sidewalls and curved parallel end walls to define a non-circular external surface shape, (b) an internal cavity, and (c) internal receiving threads; an abutment member adapted for placement into the internal cavity of the base member, wherein the abutment member includes a lower portion, a shoulder, and an upper portion, wherein the lower portion is shaped to correspond to the internal cavity shape of the base member, the upper portion is shaped to receive a dental restoration, the abutment member further comprising an internal channel with internal receiving threads; and a fastener adapted for insertion into the abutment member, wherein the fastener comprises a set of lower threads configured to engage the internal receiving threads of the base member. 
     A further embodiment provides a dental implant assembly, comprising: a base member adapted for placement into an opening in jawbone, wherein the base member comprises a top perimeter and a bottom perimeter that have equal dimensions to one another, elongated sidewalls and curved end walls to define a non-circular external surface shape, (b) an internal cavity, and (c) internal receiving threads; an abutment member adapted for placement into the internal cavity of the base member, wherein the abutment member includes a lower portion, a shoulder, and an upper portion, wherein the lower portion is shaped to correspond to the internal cavity shape of the base member, the upper portion is shaped to receive a dental restoration, the abutment member further comprising an internal channel with internal receiving threads; and a fastener adapted for insertion into the abutment member, wherein the fastener comprises a set of lower threads configured to engage the internal receiving threads of the base member. 
     Examples also provide at least a portion of an external surface of the base member includes a plurality of concentric ridges or grooves. The fastener may comprise a series of lower threads. The base may be secured in place with respect to a patient&#39;s jawbone via press fitting or via bone glue or bone cement. The end walls may have the same radius of curvature. The elongated side walls may be parallel to one another. The end walls may have differing radii of curvature. 
     There is also provided a method for implanting a dental implant assembly described herein, comprising creating drill holes a distance D 2  from one another using a circular drill bit; joining the created drill holes using a straight drill bit, having a width distance of D 1  in order to create an eccentrically-shaped opening in a patient&#39;s bone. 
     In a further method, the steps may include creating drill holes a distance D 2  from one another using one or more circular drill bits that correspond in size to the ends walls; joining the created drill holes using a straight drill bit, in order to create an eccentrically-shaped opening in a patient&#39;s bone. If the end walls have differing radii of curvature, differently sized drill bits may be used. Either of the above methods may then comprise implanting the disclosed dental assembly in the eccentrically shaped opening. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A further understanding of the aspects of the disclosure may be realized by reference to the following figures. In the figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by immediately following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. When only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of whether the second reference label is recited. 
         FIG. 1  shows a cross-sectional side view of one embodiments of a dental implant. 
         FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of the implant of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a base member having an abutment and an implant body secured therein. 
         FIG. 4  shows an exploded side plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  shows a side perspective view of an alternate dental implant assembly described herein. 
         FIG. 6  shows a front plan view of the dental implant assembly of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  shows a side cross-sectional view of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  shows a side plan cross-sectional view of the dental implant assembly of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 9A  shows a perspective view of a base member of the dental implant assembly of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 9B  shows a perspective view of an alternate base member with partial ridges. 
         FIG. 10  shows a top plan view of the base member of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11A  shows a front cross-sectional view of the base member of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11B  shows a front cross-sectional view of an alternate base member having an internal cavity with tapered walls. 
         FIG. 11C  shows a perspective view of the base member of  FIG. 11B , with partial ridges. 
         FIG. 12  shows a side cross-sectional view of the base member of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 13  shows a schematic of various burr cuts that may be made in a patent jawbone in order to receive the dental implant assembly of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of an abutment member of the dental implant assembly of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 15  shows a front plan view of the abutment member of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  shows a side cross-sectional view of the abutment member of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 17  shows a front cross-sectional view of an alternate abutment member, having a tapered lower portion. 
         FIG. 18  shows a bottom plan view of the abutment member of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 19  shows a top plan view of the abutment member of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 20  shows one embodiment of a fastener that may be used in connection with a dental implant assembly of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 21  shows one embodiment of a removal tool that may be used to remove the abutment member from the base member. 
         FIG. 22A  shows a perspective view of an alternate base member having an inward taper at its lower portion. 
         FIG. 22B  shows a front cross-sectional view of the base member of  FIG. 22A . 
         FIG. 23A  shows a perspective view of an alternate base member having an inward taper at its lower portion, having ridges along an entire face of its elongated wall. 
         FIG. 23B  shows a front cross-sectional view of the base member of  FIG. 23A . 
         FIG. 24  shows a perspective view of an alternate base member having an inward pinched portion at its lower portion. 
         FIG. 25A  shows a perspective view of an alternate base member having different radii of curvatures at its curved ends, with an inward pinched portion at its lower portion. 
         FIG. 25B  shows a perspective view of an alternate base member having different radii of curvatures at its curved ends, with parallel walls in the same access from the top perimeter to the bottom perimeter. 
         FIG. 25C  shows a schematic of shows various burr cuts that may be made in a patent jawbone in order to receive the dental implant assembly of  FIGS. 25A-25C . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     When placing a dental implant as discussed throughout, a space or osteotomy cavity is formed in jawbone and then a base member is positioned into the space. In general, the base member serves as a platform to secure an abutment that in turn receives a dental restoration, such as a crown or denture. In one aspect, the outer cross-section of the base member is eccentric in cross-section. The term “eccentric” is used herein to mean non-circular and non-radially symmetric. Eccentric includes “rounded” or “soft” triangular shapes, “rounded” or “soft” rectangular shapes, “rounded” or “soft” square shapes, “rounded” or “soft” trapezoidal shapes, any “rounded” or “soft” polygonal shape, an oval or elliptical shape, or any other appropriate shape. The edges are generally intended to be “rounded” or “soft,” similar to tooth curvatures. Providing an eccentric external cross-section prevents the base member from rotating within bone, due to its eccentric shape. The base member may have a relatively large surface area that is in contact with or integrated into the jawbone, and this decreases stress on the bone, implant, abutment, and crown. In another aspect, the base member has a recess that receives the bottom end of the abutment, which is shaped to match the non-circular and non-radially symmetric geometry of the base member. This provides a precise friction connection for the physician to position the implant within the base in a correct orientation, prevents the abutment from rotating relative to the base member, creates a tight seal, and distributes forces throughout the connected pieces. Certain embodiments may provide an implant body positioned through the base member and the abutment member. Other embodiments use a fastener to secure the base member to the abutment member, but that does not extend through the base member. Other embodiments press fit a base member in an abutment member to one another, without use of a fastener or implant body. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-2 , examples of a dental implant  10  are shown and described. As illustrated by  FIG. 1 , the dental implant  10  may include a base member  12  that is configured to be press fit or cemented into place with respect to a patient&#39;s jawbone. The base member  12  may be shaped somewhat as a basket, and is commonly referred to as a “basket” by some physicians. The base member has an eccentric (non-circular) cross section, which can help prevent it from twisting upon application of torque once implanted. The base member  12  has a lower bone-contacting surface  14 . The lower bone-contacting surface  14  may define angled side walls  16  and a base wall  18 . It is envisioned that angled side walls  16  may help implantation of the base member  12 , but it should be understood that straight or parallel walls are possible and considered within the scope of this disclosure, as described further below. The base wall  18  is illustrated as being a solid base without an opening therethrough. Alternate base members configured to receive an implant body are also described further below. This particular embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2  is designed to be press fit or cemented into place, rather than being secured with a fastener or receiving an implant body. 
     For press-fitting the base member  12  into place, it is expected that angled side walls  16  may help “wedge” the base member securely in place. The bone-contacting surface  14  may be provided with one or more bone ingrowth/encouraging features, such as ridges, a surface roughness, a bone ingrowth/encouraging chemical or substance, or any combination thereof, all of which can help encourage implantation stability of the base member  12 . In other examples, the base member  12  may be cemented into place. Various types of bone glues or bone cements are possible for use herewith. For example, there are bone glues being developed that can set quite quickly, which may allow for the possibility of implanting the dental implant in one sitting. (Whereas currently, as described in more detail below, a base member is typically positioned and then receives a bone screw in order to secure it into place; this configuration is allowed to heal for several months prior to completion of the remainder of the surgery. For example, there is a movement toward immediately inserting the abutment in the same setting, which is in particular possible if fast drying glue or cement are used. This dispenses with the healing cap and tissue former. The presently-described embodiments may be used consistent with this trend. However, it is also possible that once the base member and its accompanying components are implanted, a healing cap and tissue former may be used to allow the base member to heal prior to placement of the implant replacement tooth.) 
     As shown more clearly in  FIG. 2 , the interior of the base member  12  defines a cavity  20 . Cavity  20  is configured to receive an abutment  30 , as described further below. Cavity  20  may be provided with internal screw threads  22 . Internal screw threads  22  are configured to receive a fastener  50 , as also described further below. It is possible, however, to secure the base member and abutment without the use of internal screw threads or a fastener. The components may directly nest and be glued, cemented, or otherwise adhered to one another. 
       FIG. 1  also shows an abutment  30  in position within cavity  20  of base member  12 . The abutment  30  is configured with a lower portion  32  that nests within cavity  20 . The lower portion  32  may have angled sidewalls  34  that closely track the angle and configuration of angled sidewalls  16  of the base member  12 . A central channel  36  extends through the abutment  30 . The lower surface  38  of the abutment  30  is illustrated as having an opening  40  therethrough. The central channel  36  and the opening  40  are configured to receive an optional fastener  50  for securing the abutment  30  to the base member  12  in use. The central channel  36  may be provided with interior ledges  42  that are configured to support the fastener head  52 . A remainder of the abutment body is generally solid material. Although  FIG. 1  illustrates space between the base member  12  and the abutment  30 , it should be understood that the components may completely nest, with surfaces  38  and  24  contacting one another. 
     Fastener  50  is illustrated as having a fastener head  52 , a shank  54 , and lower threads  56 . The fastener head  52  is configured to abut the interior ledges  42  when the fastener is in place, as illustrated by the completed assembly  10  of  FIG. 1 . The lower threads  56  cooperate with the internal screw threads  22  of the base member.  FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of the base member  12 , abutment  30 , and fastener  50 , prior to their assembly and securement to one another. 
     Each of the above-described configurations is designed to be press fit or glued or cemented into a patient&#39;s jawbone. Each embodiment illustrates a base member with a thickened base wall. The thickened base wall can accommodate a female thread from a fastener that secures the abutment in place. It should be understood, however, that it may be possible to press fit or glue or cement the base member and abutment with respect to one another, removing the need to use fastener  50 . Accordingly, it is possible to provide a design that does not include internal screw threads  22  or central channel  36  or interior ledges  42 . In other words, the base member and the abutment may directly cooperate with one another without use of a fastener or other securement member. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , an alternate dental implant  100  is shown and described. The dental implant  100  includes or comprises a fastener  102 , an abutment member  104 , an endosseous implant body  106 , and a base member  108 . In practice, the base member  108  is fitted to or positioned within an eccentrically-shaped (e.g., oval-like) osteotomy box or cavity  110  formed within jawbone  112 , shown in  FIG. 3  in exaggerated and simplified view. It is possible for the outer dimensions and shape of the abutment member  104 , where it is inserted into the base member  108 , to be designed to be closely aligned with the base member dimensions (generally called platform matching), or the outer dimensions of the abutment can be slightly smaller than the base member while generally following the shape of the base member (generally called platform switching). The tissue  111  may be folded back to carry out the osteotomy that is to accommodate the base member  108 . This may involve drilling of a small pilot hole within the jawbone  112  for carrying out the osteotomy. Then, the base member  108  may be inserted. A pilot hole is further drilled with base member already in place as a guide, for subsequent insertion of the endosseous implant body  106 . The endosseous implant body  106  can be positioned through a central passage  114  (formed along an axis) formed within the base member  108  and then is torqued into place to rigidly secure the base member  108  to the jawbone  112 . In some examples, the central passage may be tapered and matches a taper in the head of endosseous implant body  106 . In so doing, a friction fit or cold weld is formed between the endosseous implant body  106  and the base member  108  similar to that described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,562,244 and 8,740,616, incorporated herein by reference. 
     In some examples, the central passage  114  includes threads that interact or mate with corresponding threads  2308  in the head of the endosseous implant body  106  to create a tightly sealed connection whereby the endosseous implant body  106  and surfaces of the central passage  114  are cinched tightly together. More specifically, the threaded connection between the endosseous implant body  106  and the base member  108  serves to maintain the friction fit or cold weld between the tapered sections so as to prevent micro-leakages between the two components. Although a threaded connection is shown and described, it should be understood that this connection could also be cemented, cold welded, or use any other appropriate attachment technique. These connections may be used with or without a threaded connection. The abutment member  104  may then be fitted to or positioned within the base member  108 . The fastener  102  may then be positioned through an internal passage  116 , formed within the abutment member  104  and then may be torqued into place within a receiver  118  formed within the endosseous implant body  106 , to rigidly secure the abutment member  104  to the base member  108 . The cross-section of the base member  108  is generally non-circular or eccentric in that an outer surface  103  of the abutment member  104 , when viewed in cross-section, exhibits a non-circular or eccentric shape. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5-8 , there is shown an alternate dental implant assembly  200 . This assembly  200  includes an abutment member  202 , a base member  204 , and an optional fastener  206 . The base member  204  is illustrated in more detail by  FIGS. 9-12 . The abutment member  202  is illustrated in more detail by  FIGS. 14-19 . The fastener  106  is illustrated by  FIG. 20 . A removal tool is illustrated by  FIG. 21 . 
     Base Member 
     Referring now to the base member  204  shown by  FIGS. 9-12 , the base member  204  may be configured to be press fit or cemented into place with respect to a patient&#39;s jawbone. The base member  204  may be commonly referred to as a “basket” by some physicians. The base member  204  has an eccentric (non-circular) cross section, which can prevent it from twisting upon application of torque once implanted. The base member  204  defines a lower bone-contacting surface for the dental implant assembly  200 . The lower bone-contacting surface is illustrated as having substantially parallel elongated side walls  208 , curved end walls  210 , and a base  212 . 
     As is shown by the perspective view of  FIGS. 9A and 9B  and the top plan view of  FIG. 10 , the base member  204  has a non-cylindrical shape. This non-circular shape may be envisioned as being created by the following steps: longitudinally bisecting a cylinder, then moving the two resultant half-cylinders apart by some measurement that may vary, then filling the intervening gap with material to seamlessly bond the two sides together. For example, as shown by  FIG. 9 , there are two elongated side walls  208   a ,  208   b , separated a distance D 1  from one another. The elongated side walls  208   a ,  208   b  are substantially parallel to one another. The elongated side walls  208  are each bounded at the end by curved end walls  210   a ,  210   b . The two curved end walls  210   a ,  210   b , separated a distance D 2  from one another. Although referred to as separate “walls,” it should be understood that the base member  204  is formed as a seamless, integral component. Its oblong, non-cylindrical shape prevents it from twisting within the patient&#39;s bone cavity upon application of torque by an oral surgeon or other practitioner. This resultant shape exhibits semicircular profiles defined by curved end walls  210  at the ends with parallel elongated side walls  208  connecting the ends.  FIG. 9A  shows ridges  230  (described further below) that extend the entirety of the outer surface of the base member  204 .  FIG. 9B  shows ridges  230  that only cover an upper portion of the base member. Although not shown, it should be understood that ridges may extend only along a lower portion of the base member, they may be sporadic along the outer surface, or no ridges need be present at all. All options and variations thereof are considered within the scope of this disclosure. 
     In one embodiment, the base member  204  may exhibit surfaces on all sides that are aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis  214 . The side walls  208  may be straight, parallel side walls. (Although referred to as “parallel,” it should be understood that some degree of manufacturing tolerances should be considered within the scope of this term. It is possible that a slight taper may be present within the walls. To an ordinary observer, the walls  208  will appear substantially parallel to one another, and walls  210  will appear substantially parallel to one another.) It is envisioned that straight or parallel side walls (while maintaining the eccentric shape of the basket when viewed from a top down perspective), can further increase the bone-contacting surface of the base number  204 . This increase in bone-contacting surface can enhance overall implant stability and improve the osseointegration process. Moreover, providing parallel walls  208 ,  210  can be more conducive to performing a straightforward osteotomy. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the walls  210  need not be parallel. If the walls  210  are not parallel to one another, then the top perimeter  300  of the base member  204  should match the bottom perimeter  302  of the base member  204 . In other words, the disclosure does not require straight parallel walls, but that the overall implant assembly  200  fits vertically within the osteotomy that is shaped according to the above description. As long as the bottom perimeter  302  of the implant conforms to the prepared osteotomy shape and the top perimeter  300  of the implant conforms to that same shape, the areas in between (vertically) the top and bottom perimeters may be pinched inward, angled inward, concave, wavy, or be provided in any other configuration or shape without compromising the advantages of the design. (Although it should be understood, however, that the areas in between top and bottom perimeters  300 ,  302  should not bow outward in any fashion, because that would prevent the overall implant assembly  200  from fitting within the specific geometry of the osteotomy as described.) Examples of these options are illustrated by  FIGS. 22-24 . considered within the scope of this disclosure. 
     Alternatively,  FIGS. 25A-25D  illustrate an alternate embodiment in which the top perimeter  300  and the lower perimeter  302  of the base member  204  match. In this embodiment, the elongated side walls  350  are not parallel to one another because the end walls  352  do not share the same radius of curvature. In the examples shown, end wall  352   a  has a smaller radius of curvature than end wall  352   b . The openings formed in the patient&#39;s bone to receive these differently sized end walls  352   a ,  352   b  may be created using differently sized drill bits or burrs, as described in more detail below. The different radii of curvature because the elongated walls  350  to taper away from one another as they reach curved end wall  352   b . However, because the walls  350  define the same consistent shape along the perimeter of the implant, as illustrated by the top plan view of  FIG. 25C , the top perimeter  300  has the same shape as the bottom perimeter  302 . 
       FIGS. 22A and 22B  illustrate alternative options of symmetrical top and bottom perimeters  300 ,  302 . In this example, the lower portion  340  of the base member  204  illustrates an inward taper  342  at the location of curved side walls. The elongated side walls feature an upper ribbed portion and a lower un-ribbed portion.  FIGS. 23A and 23B  illustrate a similar inward taper  342 , but show that the elongated side walls may exhibit a ribbed portion along its entire surface. Although not illustrated, it is also possible for the ribbed portion to extend into the inward taper  342  areas.  FIG. 24  illustrates that a complete internal pinch  344  may also be an option. In all of these examples, the top perimeter  300  and the lower perimeter  302  all match in size. This allows the dental implant assembly  200  to be positioned into the shaped bone, methods for which are described below. 
     For example, in prior art implants that had a circular base, a practitioner would drill a receiving opening in the patient&#39;s bone sized to receive the circular base. Because prior art implants had a circular base, the base was positioned directly into the circular receiving opening created by the drill. The disclosed base member  204  may be implanted similarly, with minor modifications. Drilling steps are illustrated by  FIG. 13 . 
     For example, because there is no drill designed to create an oblong opening within a patient&#39;s bone, a plurality of drill bits may be used in order to create the appropriately shaped opening  220 . For example, the opening to receive the semicircular end walls may be created using circular drill bits or burrs. In one example, such circular drill bits may be trephine drills or burrs. The burr selected is sized to match the curvature of the curved end walls  210   a ,  210   b . In one example, these circular openings are illustrated as reference numerals  216  in  FIG. 13 . These openings  216  are generally drilled so that the opposite ends of the opening are a distance of about D 2  from one another (or slightly smaller if the dental implant assembly is to be press fit into place). Because these openings  216  will ultimately be connected, the relevant portion drilled is the outer half circle or semicircle shaped to receive the curved end wall  210 . Additionally, in the embodiments in which the elongated side walls  208  are parallel to one another, and the curved end walls  210  have the same radius, the same sized drill bit or burr may be used to prepare the openings  216 . 
     However, in embodiments in which the elongated side walls  350  are not parallel to one another and the curved end walls  352  have different radii, as illustrated by  FIGS. 25A-25D , different sized drill bits or burrs may be used to prepare these openings. For example, referring to  FIG. 25D , a first drill bit size may be used to create opening  330  and a second drill bit size may be used to create opening  332 . 
     Regardless of how the end wall openings are created, next, a straight wall burr may be used to connect the two openings  216  (or  330 ,  332 ). The trench or channel created is represented by reference  218  in  FIG. 13 . This channel  218  is generally drilled so that opposite walls are a distance of about D 1  from one another (or slightly smaller if the dental implant assembly is to be press fit into place). The collective drilling steps create the oblong, eccentric, or otherwise noncircular opening  220  illustrated by  FIG. 13 . This opening  220  is thus sized and shaped in order to receive the base member  204  of  FIGS. 9-12 . The opening  220  has parallel side walls and curved end walls that correspond to elongated side walls  208  and curved end walls  210  of the base number  204 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 25D , the channel  334  may also drilled so that the openings are a distance D 1  from one another. However because the openings  330 ,  332  in this embodiment are sized differently, the channel may have outwardly tapering walls, matching the outwardly tapering elongated walls  350  of the base member of  FIGS. 25A-25C . In both methods illustrated by  FIGS. 13 and 25D , the resulting opening created in the patient&#39;s bone is sized to receive an appropriate base member  204 . Whichever base member  204  is used, it should be understood that the top perimeter  300  and the bottom perimeter  300  are the same shape as the osteotomy created. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , it can be seen that the base member  204  has an internal cavity  222 . This internal cavity  222  is sized to receive the abutment member  202 , described further below. As shown by  FIG. 11A , if the abutment member has a lower portion with parallel walls  320  (as shown by  FIGS. 14-16 ), the cavity  222  may have corresponding internal parallel walls  310 . As shown by  FIG. 11B , if the abutment member has a lower portion with tapered walls  322  (as shown by  FIG. 17 ), the cavity  222  may have corresponding internal tapered walls  312 . A lower portion of the base member  204  may be solid material  224 . Extending into solid material  224  is a receiving channel  226 . As shown and in specific embodiments, the receiving channel  226  may have internal threads  228  that correspond to and receive threads  272  on the fastener  206  (shown by  FIG. 20  and also described further below). The base  212  of the base member  204  is illustrated as being a solid base  212  without an opening therethrough. Such an embodiment may be designed to be press fit or cemented into place, rather than being secured with a securement member. Alternate base members, however, may be configured with a threaded channel that extends completely through the base that can receive an elongated fastener, which can function as a securement member. These embodiments of base members may thus have a base opening extending through the base  212  for receiving the securement member. 
     The base member  204  is also illustrated as having a plurality of external grooves or ridges  230  along its outer cross-section. It should be understood that various ridge shapes and sizes are possible and considered within the scope of this disclosure. In one example, the ridges  230  may be stepped ridges. In other examples, the ridges  230  may define a variety of square or triangular staircase-like configurations, which includes soft or rounded versions of these configurations. The ridges  230  may improve bone integration by providing increased surface area and distribution of stress/load. The ridges  230  may be surface treated. Such surface treatments may be in addition to or instead of the external ridges  230 . In one example, ridges  230  and/or the external surface of the base member  204  may have a micro blasted or etched surface in order to encourage bone on-growth. These surface treatments may help improve bone integration. This may be accomplished in a number of ways. One example includes additive processes, such as plasma spraying or other types of coating. Another example includes subtractive processes, such as acid-washing or bead blasting. A further surface treatment that is possible includes a layer of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) applied to the external surface area in contact with bone. The ridges or grooves may be applied to the entire outer surface, as shown by  FIG. 11A . The ridges or grooves may only be applied to a portion of the outer surface, as shown by  FIG. 11B . 
     Abutment Member 
     In addition to the base member, the disclosed dental implant assembly  200  also provides an abutment member  202  that functions in cooperation with the base member  204 .  FIGS. 14-19  illustrate various views of an exemplary abutment member  202 . As shown by the cross-sectional views of the assembled dental implant assembly  200   FIGS. 7 and 8 , the abutment member  202  may nest or otherwise fit within the internal cavity  222  of the base member  204 . Specifically, the abutment member  202  has a lower portion  240  with elongated side walls  242  and curved end walls  244 , both of which have outer surfaces that correspond to inner surfaces of the elongated side walls  208  and curved end walls  210  of the base member  204 . In use, the lower portion  240  of the abutment member  202  is positioned within the internal cavity  222  of the base member  204 . This positioning may be accomplished by a press fit, friction fit (with very slight internal tapers of one or more of the walls  208 ,  210 ,  242 , and/or  244 ) such that the abutment member  202  may be securely positioned into place with respect to the base member  204 . (A fastener  206  may also be used in order to secure abutment member  202  and base member  204  to one another, described further below.) The abutment member  202  of  FIGS. 14-16  has parallel walls  320  at its lower portion  240 . The abutment member  202  of  FIG. 17  has a slight taper to the walls  322  at its lower portion  240 . The internal walls  310 ,  312  of the cavity  122  of the base member  204  will thus be shaped accordingly. 
     The abutment member  202  is also shown as having an upwardly curved shoulder  246 . This upwardly curved shoulder  246  has a first elongated dimension D 3  that is generally similar in length to the distance D 2  between the curved end walls  210  of the base member  204 . In other words, the shoulder  246  does not extend past the profile of the curved end walls  210 . This is illustrated by  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Upwardly curved shoulder  246  D 3  is larger in length than the distance D 1  between elongated side walls  208  of the base member  204 . In other words, the shoulder  246  does extend past the profile of the elongated side walls  208 . This is illustrated by  FIG. 8 . This extended portion of the shoulder  246  can rest against tissues of the opening created in the patient&#39;s bone. 
     An upper surface  252  of the shoulder  246  has an inward taper  254 . This inward taper  254  is shaped as illustrated by  FIG. 16 , and extends up to form upper portion  260  of the abutment member  202 . The upper portion  260  is shaped and configured to support a dental restoration such as crown, not shown in the figures provided. 
     Extending through the entirety of the abutment member  202  is an internal channel  262 . As illustrated by  FIGS. 16 and 19 , dimensions of the internal channel  262  may have a larger circumference at the upper portion  260  and a smaller circumference at the lower portion  240 . This can allow seating of the fastener head  276 . At least a portion of the internal channel  262  is provided with receiving threads  264 . Receiving threads  264  are provided in order to allow the removal tool (shown by  FIG. 21  and described further below) to work properly. The removal tool  280  engages its threads  284  within the abutment. The bottom of the removal tool is smooth (no threads) and is designed to push against the bottom of the threaded well within the base member. As the removal tool is torqued into the threads  264  in the abutment, the bottom of the tool eventually contacts the bottom of the well in the base member and pushes against it. This pops the abutment up without delivering force into the bone that is holding the base member. 
     The dimensions shown in the below images are for illustrative purposes only. Actual dimensions will vary depending upon patient tooth size and other manufacturing considerations. 
     In some examples, the implant (buccal lingual) width is from about 3 mm to about 7 mm. In specific examples, the implant width is about 4 mm. Meanwhile the implant mesial distal dimension can range from 4 mm to about 11 mm, with the specific dimensions in the drawings being 7.6 mm. 
     It is understood that this description is to provide a conceptual understanding, which does not exclude a variety of other non-circular shapes that could be manufactured. In one implementation, only the lower portion  240  of the abutment is non-circular to match the shape of the implant, whereas the abutment shoulder  246  and upper portion  260  can be round or otherwise have a shape that does not correspond to the lower post shape. Within that overall concept, all dimensions and angles (such as the upper portion of the abutment) can vary. The platform switching design for the disclosed dental implant assembly  200  can have a variety of shapes. The general platform switching concept is that the abutment lower portion  240  is “inset” from the outer perimeter of the upper portion  260  (as illustrated by  FIG. 15 ), and the abutment can therefore accommodate a variety of shapes, only one of which shape is shown in the implant drawings. The abutment shoulder chamfer  246  (which may also be referred to as the “abutment shelf” or shoulder) can also vary. Generally, non-angled abutments are shown, but it is understood that angled abutments are considered within the framework of the invention (and are described and shown in the parent applications, incorporated herein by reference). 
     Fastener 
     A fastener  206  or retaining screw may also be provided. One exemplary fastener  206  is illustrated by  FIG. 20 . If provided, this fastener  206  can also vary in size. Internal screw threads  228  within the base member  204  are configured to receive threads  272 . A fastener head  276  may be seated with respect to an internal surface of the abutment, as illustrated by  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Once the abutment member  202  is placed with respect to the base member  204 , the fastener  206  may be torqued into place in order to secure abutment member  202  to the base member  204 . The fastener also serves to help prevent any shifting of the abutment member  202  that may otherwise compromise the contacts between the abutment member  202  and base member  204 . The fastener  206  prevents concentration of stress forces into small areas. Instead, it assures firm contacts comprising larger force transmission areas and reducing the likelihood of device failure associated with high force concentrations. Additional features of the fastener  206  are shown and described by the parent applications, incorporated herein by reference. (Note that some of the parent applications referred to the fastener as an implant body.) 
     Removal Tool 
       FIG. 21  illustrates a removal tool  280  that may be used to remove the abutment member  202  from the base member  204 . The receiving tool may have a head  282  that can receive a driver. Threads  284  may be positioned along a shank  286 . The threads  284  may engage with the receiving threads  264  of the abutment member  202 . A lower bottom surface  288  of the tool  280  is provided with smooth radii  290  that follow the angle of the drill tip to help guide the shank  286 . As described above, the removal tool  280  engages its threads  284  within the abutment. The bottom of the removal tool is smooth (no threads) and is designed to push against the bottom of the threaded well within the base member. As the removal tool is torqued into the threads  264  in the abutment, the bottom of the tool eventually contacts the bottom of the well in the base member and pushes against it. This pops the abutment up without delivering force into the bone that is holding the base member. 
     As may be understood from the foregoing, a dental implant assembly is disclosed whereby an eccentrically-shaped osteotomy cavity is formed in jawbone and then an eccentrically-shaped base member of the implant is positioned into the cavity. The base member serves as a platform to secure an eccentrically-shaped abutment member of the implant that in turn receives a dental restoration, such as a crown or denture. Advantageously, such an implementation may make it easy for a physician to slip the abutment member into the base member with a correct or proper orientation, and also prevent the abutment member from rotating with respect to the base member due to the complementary oblong or oval geometry of these pieces. Additionally, various features of the pieces or parts of the dental implant may be surface treated in order to improve bone integration and in general fit together with precision. 
     Furthermore, certain parts or mating areas such as between eccentric surfaces of the abutment member  202  and the base member  204 , and surfaces between the base member  204  and the fastener  206 , may utilize a very slightly tapered angle so the parts may “cold weld” to tightly lock the pieces together. Advantageously, this may distribute forces more evenly across two pieces, and can also create a seal at a joint to prevent bacterial micro-leakage. 
     It should be understood that this disclosure relates to components that may be used with various jaw sizes. For example, the base member, the abutment member, and/or the fasteners described herein may have any appropriate diameter, length, taper, or any other dimensions or geometries that allow the system to be used with various jaw sizes. It should be understood that the disclosure may be sized down for use with children and/or sized up for use with particularly large jaw sizes, and by implication, including the full range of tooth sizes from molars to front teeth. 
     Additionally, although multiple components are described for use in cooperation with one another, it should be understood that it is possible to provide one piece version of the disclosed implant that may be pressed into the pre-drilled osteotomy and into the bone, rather than requiring screws and a multipart implant. In certain embodiments, a one-piece press fit implant having the outer eccentric shapes described herein, may be useful. A one-piece press fit implant may be used for both anterior and posterior teeth. Various sizes are possible and considered within the scope of this disclosure. 
     The implants disclosed herein may be manufactured using any appropriate methods. In certain examples, powdered metal sintering using 3-D Selective Laser Sintering or SLS printing as possible. The implants disclosed herein may be made of any appropriate biocompatible materials. 
     A dental implant system or assembly and a method for implanting the same are contemplated and claimed and, although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. Additionally, the methods, systems or assemblies as discussed above are examples. Various configurations may omit, substitute, or add various method steps or procedures, or components as appropriate. For instance, in alternative examples, the methods may be performed in an order different from that described, and/or various stages may be added, omitted, and/or combined.