Patent Publication Number: US-2019183612-A1

Title: Dental Implant Cover

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of dental implants and in particular to a dental implant cover. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In order to install dental crowns, endosseous implant may be used to anchor an abutment and a crown is installed on the abutment. Additionally, endosseous implants may be used to anchor dentures to support multiple prosthetic teeth since dentures do not adhere well to the patient&#39;s gingiva, thereby causing significant discomfort and malfunction of the denture as well as embarrassment to the patient when the denture slips out of the patient&#39;s mouth. A denture that fits over implants, or shortened natural teeth if preserved, is called an overdenture. 
     Endosseous dental implants are typically threaded or press-fit into pre-drilled bores in the mandible or maxilla and act as a tooth-root replacement. The endosseous dental implants are inserted until the last thread. Unfortunately, gingiva recession around the implant may result in threads being exposed. Bacteria can accumulate around, and on, the endosseous implant, including between an implant superstructure and an abutment for the dental crown in two stage implants, particularly due to gingiva recession. The accumulating bacteria can cause peri-implantitis, which is a destructive inflammatory process affecting the soft and hard tissues surrounding the implant. Once peri-implantitis begins it is very difficult to control, since the patient may find it impossible to completely clean the exposed implant threads and/or structured surface of the implant. 
     There is thus a long felt need for a device and method which can arrest the progression of peri-implantitis. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, it is a principal object to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of prior art. This is accomplished in certain embodiments by a dental implant cover, comprising: an elongated member extending from a first end to a second end, the elongated member arranged and dimension such that when the elongated member is fitted over a dental implant which is implanted into a patient bone, the first end of the elongated member covers an end of the dental implant and the second end of the elongated member extends towards the patient bone; and filler material deposited between the elongated member and the dental implant. 
     In one embodiment, the filler material comprises implant cement. In another embodiment, the elongated member is dimensioned so as to extend from the dental implant to within 0 to 3 mm of the patient bone. In yet another embodiment, the elongated member exhibits a hole at one end arranged for receipt of an abutment connection. 
     Independently, the embodiment provide for a method of arresting the progression of per-implantitis comprising: selecting a dental implant cover for an affected implant, the dental implant cover comprising an elongated member and a filler material deposited therein, the dental implant cover selected to exhibit an interior dimension so as to fit tightly over the affected implant, and a length such that a first end of the elongated member covers an end of the dental implant and the second end of the elongated member extends towards the patient bone; recessing a gingival tissue around the affected implant; covering the dental implant with the selected dental implant cover; and releasing the gingival tissue so as to set against the selected dental implant cover. 
     In one embodiment, the filler material comprises implant cement. In another embodiment, the elongated member is dimensioned so as to extend from the dental implant to within 0 to 3 mm of the patient bone. In yet another embodiment, the elongated member exhibits a hole at one end arranged for receipt of an abutment connection. 
     Additional features and advantages will become apparent from the following drawings and description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout. 
       With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the accompanying drawings: 
         FIGS. 1A-1C  illustrate various high level views of a first embodiment of an implant cover arranged to be fitted over a dental implant, according to certain embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  illustrate a high level view of an implant cover arranged to be fitted over a dental implant having an abutment secured thereto, according to certain embodiments; 
         FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate various stages in a method of arresting the progression of peri-implantitis; and 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a high level flow chart of a method of arresting the progression of peri-implantitis, according to certain embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Before explaining at least one 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 the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
       FIGS. 1A-1C  illustrate various high level views of an implant cover  10 , arranged to be fitted over a dental implant  20  so as to arrest the progression of peri-implantitis. Dental implant  20  has been previously implanted into a patient bone, and the implant area is presenting per-implantitis. Particularly,  FIG. 1A  illustrates a high level side view of implant cover  10 ,  FIG. 1B  illustrates a high level top view of implant cover  10  and  FIG. 1C  illustrates a high level side view of implant cover  10  fitted over dental implant  20 ,  FIGS. 1A-1C  being described together. Implant cover  10  comprises: an elongated member  11  which extends from a first end  12  to a second end  14 ; and a filler material  30 . In one embodiment, elongated member  11  is made of Zirconia. In another embodiment, elongated member  11  exhibits a generally cylindrical shape. Dental implant  20  extends from a first end  22  to a second end  24 . In one embodiment, dental implant  20  is threaded from first end  22  partially along the length thereof. Elongated member  11  exhibits a smooth inside bore from first end  12  to second end  14 . In one embodiment a hole  15  in first end  12  of elongated member  11  is dimensioned so as to allow for connection of a dental abutment through hole  15  into a receptacle in dental implant  20 . Filler material  30  is deposited between elongated member  11  and dental implant  20 . In one embodiment, filler material  30  comprises implant cement. The external surface of elongated member  11  is preferably smooth with no texturing. The inner diameter of elongated member  11  is selected to be larger than the maximum diameter of dental implant  20 , while still maintaining a tight fit. A typical top diameter of dental implant  20 , i.e. the side associated with first end  12 , is 3.75 mm, with the implant narrowing in the direction of the respective bone. 
     In one embodiment, elongated member  11  extends a predetermined length such that second end  14  extends towards the bone where dental implant  20  is implanted into. Particularly, the length of elongated member  11  is shorter than the length of dental implant  20 . Elongated member  11  is selected so as to extend from the top of dental implant  20  until below the gingiva line associated with the respective dental implant  20 , preferably to within 0 to 3 mm of the bone. Optionally, the length of elongated member  11 , i.e. the distance between first end  12  and second end  14 , is 2-10 millimeters. 
     In one embodiment, first end  22  of dental implant  20  exhibits a hole  25  as a receptacle for an abutment connection. In such an embodiment, hole  15  is positioned aligned with hole  25  of dental implant  20  such that implant cover  10  does not cover hole  25 . Optionally, insertion of the abutment connection through hole  15  for connection with hole  25  assists in securing implant cover  10  in relation to dental implant  20 . In one embodiment, the extending connection member of the dental abutment is screwed into a threaded receptacle of hole  25 , which extends from first end  22  of dental implant  20 , the connection member extending through hole  15  of implant cover  10 . In such an embodiment hole  15  is preferably dimensioned to exceed the external diameter of the connection member, with a minimal amount of clearance, so that securing of the dental abutment cooperates to secure the inner face of first end  12  to first end  22  of dental implant  20 . 
     Preferably, elongated member  11  is not tapered. If elongated member  11  were tapered, this would prevent a proper fit over a tapered dental implant  20 . 
     Dental implant  20  is inserted into the bone  40  of a patient, as is well known in the art of restorative dentistry. In the event of peri-implantitis, a practitioner will select an implant cover  10  sized and dimensioned to tightly fit over dental implant  20  so as to protect the area above bone  40  and around dental implant  20  such that bacteria does not accumulate, thereby arresting any further progression of peri-implantitis. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a high level view of implant cover  10 , arranged to be fitted over a dental implant  110  having a dental abutment  130  secured thereto. Implant cover  10  comprises: elongated member  11  which extends from first end  12  to second end  14 ; and filler material  30 . In one embodiment, elongated member  11  is made of Zirconia. Elongated member  11  extends from first end  12  to second end  14 . Dental implant  110  extends from a first end  112  to a second end  114 . In one embodiment, dental implant  110  is threaded from first end  112  partially along the length thereof and elongated member  11  exhibits a smooth inside bore from first end  12  to second end  14 . Dental implant  110  exhibits abutment  130  which extends proximally from first end  112 . Filler material  30  is deposited between elongated member  11  and dental implant  110 . Dental abutment  130  is secured to first end  112  of dental implant  110  and juxtaposed with first end  102  of implant cover  100 . Particularly, dental abutment  130  exhibits a first end  132  and a second end  134 , opposing first end  132 . A dental crown, or other dental device (not shown), is arranged to be secured to first end  132  of dental abutment  130 , and second end  132  of dental abutment  130  is secured to first end  112  of dental implant  110 , optionally within a hole therein. 
     Dental implant  110  differs from dental implant  10  in that dental abutment  130  is integral within dental implant  110 , whereas in dental implant  10 , the dental abutment may be easily removed. Implant cover  10  must be selected in accordance with the target dental implant, and thus in the case of dental implant  110 , hole  15  must be selected with a diameter and placement configured to allow for the passage of dental abutment  130  there-through and to allow for first end  12  of implant cover  10  to be seated on first end  112  of dental abutment  110 . 
     Elongated member  11  extends a predetermined length such that second end  14  thereof extends towards the bone where dental implant  110  is implanted into. Particularly, the length of elongated member  11  is shorter than the length of dental implant  110 . Optionally, the length of elongated member  11 , i.e. the distance between first end  12  and second end  14 , is 2-10 millimeters. In one embodiment, second end  14  of elongated member  11  extends to a distance of 0 millimeters from the bone where dental implant  110  is implanted into. Further preferably, elongated member  11  extends to under the gingiva line (not shown) associated with dental implant  110 . In another embodiment, second end  14  reaches the bone where dental implant  110  is implanted into. As indicated above, dental abutment  130  is secured to first end  112  of dental implant  110  and juxtaposed with first end  102  of implant cover  100 . Particularly, dental abutment  130  exhibits a first end  132  and a second end  134 , opposing first end  132 . A dental crown, or other dental device (not shown), is arranged to be secured to first end  132  of dental abutment  130 , and second end  132  of dental abutment  130  is secured to first end  112  of dental implant  110 . 
     When dental implant  110  is inserted into the bone  40  of a patient, and per-implantitis is experienced, implant cover  100  is arranged to protect the area above bone  40  and around dental implant  110  such that bacteria does not accumulate, thereby arresting the spread of peri-implantitis. Advantageously, in certain cases, the gingival tissue may adhere to the implant cover thereby ensuring a block against peri-implantitis. 
       FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate various stages in a method of arresting the progression of peri-implantitis utilizing implant cover  10 .  FIG. 3A  illustrates dental implant  20 ,  110  inserted into patient bone  40 , particularly the maxilla or mandible. Gingiva  310  is further illustrated. Patient bone  40  is illustrated as being in good condition, with no localized lesion.  FIG. 3B  illustrates the presentation of peri-implantitis associated with dental implant  20 ,  110 , with localized lesion  330 . Gingiva  310  has adapted itself to localized lesion  330 . Left untreated, peri-implantitis will continue to advance until mobility of dental implant  20 ,  110  is experienced. 
       FIG. 3C  illustrates implant cover  10  selected and placed over dental implant  20 ,  110  so as to arrest the progression of peri-implantitis. Implant cover  10  preferably exhibits an external surface which is smooth with no texturing so as not to present a location for adhering bacteria. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a high level flow chart of a method of arresting the progression of peri-implantitis. In stage  1000 , a dental implant is surgically placed within the patient bone, particularly the maxilla or mandible. In stage  1010 , after successful osseointegration, a crown is placed over an abutment of the dental implant of stage  1000 . In stage  1020 , peri-implantitis is observed, and treatment is proposed. 
     In stage  1030 , an implant cover is selected for the peri-implantitis affected implant of stage  1020 , arranged and dimensioned to tightly fit over the peri-implantitis affected implant dental implant  20  so as to protect the area above the affected patient bone and around dental implant such that bacteria does not accumulate, thereby arresting any further progression of the observed peri-implantitis. The implant cover is selected so as to extend from the top of the dental implant until below the gingiva line associated with the respective dental implant, preferably to within 0 to 3 mm of the bone. Alternately, the second end of the elongated member reaches the patient bone. Optionally, the length of the implant cover is 2-10 millimeters. Alternately, as discussed in relation to implant  110 , the hold of the implant cover is selected so as to allow for passage of the attached abutment. 
     Optionally, implant cover comprise an elongated member which is generally cylindrical shaped. The elongated member extends from a first end to a second end, the first end of the elongated member arranged to cover the end of the dental implant which extends away from the patient bone. The second end of the elongated member extends along the dental implant towards the patient bone such that the entire section of the dental implant which is outside of the patient bone is covered by the elongated member. Optionally, the first end of the elongated member exhibits a hole arranged to be lined up with a hole in the end of the dental implant. 
     In stage  1040 , filler material is deposited within the elongated member so as to secure same to the target dental implant. Optionally, the filler material comprises implant cement. Optionally, the crown is removed from the peri-implantitis affected implant of stage  1020 . 
     In stage  1050 , the gingival tissue around the lesion is recessed, and the selected implant cover is secured over the implant. Optionally, an abutment is secured to the end of the dental implant which cooperates to secure the selected implant cover to the implant. 
     In stage  1060 , any remaining bacteria is flushed, and the gingival tissue is restored securely against the installed implant cover of stage  1050 . 
     It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. In the claims of this application and in the description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as are commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods are described herein. 
     All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will prevail. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the reference states what their author&#39;s assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art complications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in any country. 
     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub-combinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.