Abstract:
A device for placing and affixing a dental component to a dental implant permits the precise placement of the dental component (such as an abutment or crown) onto a dental implant in a manner that also provides for a retaining screw to be tightened without having to release the component in any way and hence risk its movement to a non-desired position. In one form, the device comprises a holder including a base having an access opening extending from a first end to a second opposite end of the base, the access opening having an inner surface defining a cylindrical first section and a frustoconical second section, the second section being dimensioned to engage the dental component in an interference fit, the inner surface of the second section terminating in a continuous perimeter at the second end of the base. In another form, the device comprises a holder including a base having an access opening extending from a first end to a second opposite end of the base, the access opening having an inner surface defining a first section and a second section, wherein the inner surface at the second section includes one or more inwardly extending ribs.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/138,728 filed Dec. 18, 2008. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The invention relates to methods and devices for placing and affixing a dental component to a dental implant. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0006]    An implant supported dental restoration generally includes a dental implant, a retaining screw, and a dental component. The dental implant is surgically embedded into the jawbone (mandible or maxilla), and a healing period follows in which bone growth around the dental implant (i.e., osseointegration) occurs. The implant is then exposed, and a dental component with a throughhole is placed over the implant. The dental component is secured to the implant by inserting the retaining screw into the throughhole of the dental component and threading the screw into engagement with an internally threaded bore in the implant. 
         [0007]    In one example restoration, the dental component is an abutment, and a separate dental prosthesis is cemented to the abutment after the abutment is secured to the implant. In another example restoration, the dental component is a dental prosthesis that is secured directly to the dental implant without any intervening abutment. 
         [0008]    The placement of dental components accurately onto dental implants and the tightening of retaining screws is technically challenging because the dental component may move during tightening of the retaining screw. If a dental component is not precisely positioned, damage to the implant or the implant components may occur as well as damage to biological structures in the mouth. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,322,443, 5,437,550, 5,462,436 and 5,692,904 describe methods and means for affixing a component to a dental implant. 
         [0010]    However, there still exists a need for improved methods and devices for placing and affixing a dental component to a dental implant. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention addresses the foregoing need by providing a placement/fixation device that permits the precise placement of dental implant components (mainly abutments and crowns) onto dental implants in a manner that also provides for retaining screws to be tightened without having to release the dental component in any way and hence risk movement of the dental component to a non-desired position. The invention merges two aspects of clinical practice: (1) placement of a dental component, and (2) tightening of its associated retaining screw that holds the dental component in place. The invention permits customization for all shapes and sizes of dental components, whether they be pre-machined or customized components. An access opening created in the top of a holder permits an appropriate torque driver to be used to tighten the retaining screw without having to let go of the dental component. 
         [0012]    In one version, the invention provides a device for placing and affixing a dental component to a dental implant. The device comprises a holder including a base having an access opening extending from a first end to a second opposite end of the base. The access opening has an inner surface defining a cylindrical first section and a frustoconical second section. The second section is dimensioned to engage the dental component in an interference fit when the dental component is inserted in the access opening of the base. The inner surface of the second section terminates in a continuous perimeter at the second end of the base. The holder can further include an arm that extends at an oblique angle outwardly from the outer surface of the base. The arm can include a handle spaced from the outer surface of the base wherein the handle has a transverse cross-sectional area greater than a transverse cross-sectional area of the arm. The holder can further include a second arm that extends outwardly from the outer surface of the base. The second arm can includes a handle spaced from the outer surface of the base wherein the handle has a transverse cross-sectional area greater than a transverse cross-sectional area of the second arm. Optionally, a viscous material can be disposed on the inner surface at the second section. The viscous material is suitable for immobilizing the dental component in the access opening. 
         [0013]    In another version, the invention provides a device for placing and affixing a dental component to a dental implant. The device comprises a holder including a base having an access opening extending from a first end to a second opposite end of the base. The access opening has an inner surface defining a first section and a second section. The inner surface at the second section includes one or more inwardly extending ribs. The second section can be frustoconical. The rib(s) of the second section are dimensioned to engage the dental component in an interference fit when the dental component is inserted in the access opening of the base. The inner surface of the second section terminates in a continuous perimeter at the second end of the base. The holder can further include an arm that extends at an oblique angle outwardly from the outer surface of the base. The arm can include a handle spaced from the outer surface of the base wherein the handle has a transverse cross-sectional area greater than a transverse cross-sectional area of the arm. The holder can further include a second arm that extends outwardly from the outer surface of the base. The second arm can includes a handle spaced from the outer surface of the base wherein the handle has a transverse cross-sectional area greater than a transverse cross-sectional area of the second arm. Optionally, a viscous material can be disposed on the inner surface at the second section. The viscous material is suitable for immobilizing the dental component in the access opening. 
         [0014]    Any version of the device of the invention can be used in a method according to the invention for placing and affixing a dental component to a dental implant. A dental component is press fit into in the second section of the access opening of the holder of the device. A throughhole of the dental component is aligned with a bore of the dental implant, and a fastener is inserted into the throughhole and the bore to affix the dental component to the dental implant. The dental component can have a frustoconical outer surface that engages the inner surface at the second section of the access opening of the holder. The dental component can be a prosthetic tooth that engages the inner surface at the second section of the access opening of the holder. The fastener can be a retaining screw having a head dimensioned to enter the access opening at the first end of the holder. In one version of the method, a driver is passed into the access opening at the first end of the base of the holder, the fastener is threaded into the bore of the dental implant using the driver, and the driver is removed from the access opening at the first end of the base of the holder. 
         [0015]    Any version of the device of the invention can be provided in a dental implant kit that can be contained in a sterile package. The kit includes the device of the invention, and a dental component having a frustoconical outer surface that is dimensioned to engage the second section of the access opening of the base of the holder when the dental component is inserted in the access opening of the base. In one form of the kit, the dental component is an abutment. The holder is used to place the dental component on the dental implant and align the throughhole of the dental component with a bore of the dental implant. A fastener is inserted into the throughhole and the bore to affix the dental component to the dental implant. In another form of the kit, the dental component is a prosthetic tooth dimensioned to engage the second section of the access opening of the base of the holder when the prosthetic tooth is inserted in the access opening of the base. 
         [0016]    It is an advantage of the invention to provide methods and devices for placing and affixing a dental component to a dental implant wherein the risk of damage to tissue is minimized. 
         [0017]    It is another advantage of the invention to provide methods and devices for placing and affixing a dental component to a dental implant wherein the positioning of the dental component and implant are not destroyed during installation. 
         [0018]    It is yet another advantage of the invention to provide methods and devices for placing and affixing a dental component to a dental implant wherein the positioning of the dental component and implant does not have to be confirmed using X-rays. 
         [0019]    These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood upon consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a dental component holder according to the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the dental component holder of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the dental component holder of  FIG. 2  taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is an exploded vertical cross-sectional view of the parts of one example embodiment of a device for placing and affixing a dental component to a dental implant according to the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dental component holder of the invention locating an abutment over a dental implant. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a vertical cross-sectional view of a retaining screw being inserted in the access opening of the dental component holder after the abutment is placed in contact with the dental implant. 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dental component holder being removed from the abutment after the abutment is affixed to the dental implant. 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the abutment affixed to the dental implant. 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a vertical cross-sectional view of a dental prosthesis (artificial tooth) affixed to the abutment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is a vertical cross-sectional view of a retaining screw being inserted in the access opening of a dental component (dental prosthesis) after the dental component is placed in contact with the dental implant in accordance with another example embodiment of a device for placing and affixing a dental component to a dental implant. 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  is a vertical cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 10  of the dental component holder being removed from the dental component after the dental component is affixed to the dental implant. 
       
    
    
       [0031]    Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like parts from Figure to Figure in the following description of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0032]    Looking first at  FIGS. 1-3 , there is shown a dental component holder  20  that can be used in a method and device for placing and affixing a dental component to a dental implant in accordance with the invention. The holder  20  may be fabricated from a metallic, ceramic, polymeric, or composite material. Preferably, the holder  20  is fabricated from a polymeric material such as a polyolefin, or an acrylic material such as polymethylmethacrylate. The polymeric material may be transparent, translucent or opaque. The holder  20  can be fabricated from a material that can be autoclaved. 
         [0033]    The holder  20  includes a base  22  having an access opening  24  that extends from a top end  26  to a generally flat bottom end  28  of the base  22 . The access opening  24  has an inner surface  30  defining a cylindrical upper section  32  and a frustoconical lower section  34 . An angle A is formed where the upper section  32  and the lower section  34  of the access opening  24  meet as shown in  FIG. 3 . The angle A can be 1-20 degrees, preferably 3-15 degrees, and most preferably 5-10 degrees. The lower section  34  includes one or more ribs  36  that extend inward from the inner surface  30  of the access opening  24 . The outer surface  38  of the base  22  has a somewhat domed shape. The flat bottom end  28  of the base  22  in the embodiment shown has a circular outer perimeter. The outside diameter of the flat bottom end  28  of the base  22  can be selected such that the flat bottom end  28  of the base  22  can be positioned in a space created between teeth. For example, the outside diameter of the flat bottom end  28  of the base  22  can be selected to be less than the distance between a 1st molar and a 3rd molar, or the distance between a 1st bicuspid and a lateral incisor. 
         [0034]    The holder  20  includes a first generally cylindrical arm  40  and a second generally cylindrical arm  42  that extend outwardly from the outer surface  38  of the base  22 . The first arm  40  and the second arm  42  incline upwardly as they extend outwardly from the outer surface  38  of the base  22 . The first arm  40  terminates in a generally spherical handle  44  having a first disc-shaped protrusion  46  with a second disc-shaped protrusion  48 . The second arm  42  terminates in a generally spherical handle  54  having a first disc-shaped protrusion  56  with a second disc-shaped protrusion  58 . 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , one example embodiment of a device  18  for placing and affixing a dental component to a dental implant in accordance with the invention includes an abutment  60 . The abutment  60  may be fabricated from a metallic material (such as a titanium alloy or gold), a ceramic material (e.g., zirconia), a polymeric material, or a composite material. The abutment  60  has a hollow wall  61  defining a throughhole  62  that extends from a bottom end  63  to a top end  64  of the abutment  60 . The throughhole  62  has an inner surface  66  defining a cylindrical upper section  68  and a cylindrical lower section  70 . A shoulder  72  is formed where the upper section  68  and the lower section  70  (which is of lesser inside diameter) of the throughhole  62  meet as shown in  FIG. 4 . The outer surface  74  of the abutment  60  has a cylindrical lower section  76  and a frustoconical upper section  78 . Other shapes for the abutment  60  are also possible. It should be appreciated that the terms “bottom” and “top” have been used for convenience and do not imply that the abutment  60  must be arranged as shown in  FIG. 4 . When used with an implant in the mandible, the abutment  60  will be oriented as shown in  FIG. 4 . However, when used with an implant in the maxilla, the abutment  60  will be inverted 180 degrees in relation to the abutment  60  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0036]    Still referring to  FIG. 4 , one example embodiment of a device for placing and affixing a dental component to a dental implant in accordance with the invention includes a dental implant  80 . The implant  80  may be fabricated from a metallic material (such as a titanium alloy or gold), a ceramic material (e.g., zirconia), a polymeric material, or a composite material. 
         [0037]    The implant  80  has a cylindrical outer surface  82  that terminates in a bottom end  84  and a top end  85 . The implant  80  includes a bore  86  having internal threads  87 . The bore  86  extends downward from the top end  85  of the implant  80 . In  FIG. 5 , the implant  80  is shown installed in the mandible  88  of a patient. Surgical techniques for embedding the implant  80  into the mandible  88  (or maxilla) are known in the dental field and therefore will not be described further. It should be appreciated that the terms “bottom” and “top” have been used for convenience and do not imply that the implant  80  must be arranged as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . When used in the mandible, the implant  80  will be oriented as shown in  FIGS. 4  and  5 . However, when used in the maxilla, the implant  80  will be inverted 180 degrees in relation to the implant  80  as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , one example embodiment of a device for placing and affixing a dental component to a dental implant in accordance with the invention includes a retaining screw  90 . The retaining screw  90  may be fabricated from a metallic, ceramic, polymeric, or composite material. Preferably, the retaining screw  90  is fabricated from a biocompatible metallic material such as a titanium alloy or stainless steel. The retaining screw  90  has a shaft  91  with threads  92  and a head  93  with a hexagonal socket  94 . Other screw heads such as (without limitation) slotted heads, Phillips heads, and hex heads may also be used. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , one example embodiment of a device for placing and affixing a dental component to a dental implant in accordance with the invention includes a screwdriver  96  having a shaft  97  with a hexagonal tip  98 . The tip is selected based on the configuration of the head  93  of the retaining screw  90  as is known in the art. Other tips may be used such as a flat head or Phillips head. The shaft  97  and tip  98  may be rotated manually, or by a motor. 
         [0040]    Having described the parts for one example embodiment of a device  18  for placing and affixing a dental component to a dental implant in accordance with the invention, use of the device  18  can be explained. Looking at  FIG. 5 , the implant  80  is shown installed in the mandible  88  of a patient. The dental practitioner inserts the abutment  60  into the holder  20  such that the frustoconical upper section  78  of the outer surface  74  of the abutment  60  frictionally engages the ribs  36  that extend inward from the inner surface  30  of the access opening  24  of the holder  20 . Alternatively, in versions of the holder  20  that do not include ribs  36 , the dental practitioner inserts the abutment  60  into the holder  20  such that the frustoconical upper section  78  of the outer surface  74  of the abutment  60  frictionally engages the frustoconical lower section  34  of the inner surface  30  of the access opening  24  of the holder  20 . Thus, the abutment  60  is held in the access opening  24  of the holder  20  by a press fit. 
         [0041]    The ribs  36  that extend inward from the inner surface  30  of the access opening  24  of the holder  20  can be advantageous in that the engagement of the abutment  60  in the holder  20  can be controlled by providing ribs with engagement surfaces of different widths that varying the engagement forces. 
         [0042]    The angle A of the frustoconical lower section  34  is advantageous as different diameter abutments can be engaged by the inner surface of the frustoconical lower section  34 . In other words, the angle A of the frustoconical lower section  34  creates an inner surface of diminishing diameter from the bottom end  28  toward the top end  26  of the base  22  such that larger diameter abutments may engage the inner surface of the frustoconical lower section  34  at lower regions of the inner surface of the frustoconical lower section  34  whereas smaller diameter abutments may engage the inner surface of the frustoconical lower section  34  at more upper regions of the inner surface of the frustoconical lower section  34 . 
         [0043]    In yet another alternative, a viscous material such as a curable silicone (e.g., polyvinyl siloxane) is placed on the frustoconical lower section  34  of the inner surface  30  of the access opening  24  of the holder  20  and then the dental practitioner inserts the abutment  60  into the holder  20  such that the curable material immobilizes the abutment  60  in the holder  20 . 
         [0044]    The dental practitioner then grasps any of the arms  40 ,  42  or handles  44 ,  54  of the holder  20  with a dental instrument (or by hand) and locates the abutment  60  over the implant  80  such that the throughhole  62  of the abutment  60  is aligned with the bore  86  of the implant  80  as shown in  FIG. 5 . The holder  20  is then moved in direction D shown in  FIG. 5  such that the bottom end  63  of the abutment  60  and the top end  85  of the implant  80  are in contact as shown in  FIG. 6 . Optionally, the bottom end  63  of the abutment  60  and the top end  85  of the implant  80  may include mating structures (such as a protrusion in the abutment  60  and a depression in the implant  80 ) that assist in alignment of the bottom end  63  of the abutment  60  and the top end  85  of the implant  80 . 
         [0045]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the hexagonal tip  98  of the screwdriver  96  is inserted in the hexagonal socket  94  of the retaining screw  90  and the retaining screw  90  is moved downward in direction D through the throughhole  62  of the abutment  60  and into the bore  86  of the implant  80 . The retaining screw  90  is threaded into engagement with the internal threads  87  of the bore  86  in the implant  80 . This secures the abutment  60  to the implant  80  as shown in  FIG. 7 . Looking at  FIG. 7 , the screwdriver  96  and then the holder  20  are moved upward in direction U thereby leaving the assembled abutment  60 , retaining screw  90 , and implant  80  as shown in  FIG. 8 . A dental prosthesis such as artificial tooth  99  may then be cemented to the abutment  60  as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0046]    Turning now to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , another example embodiment of a device for placing and affixing a dental component to a dental implant is shown. In this device, the abutment  60  is manufactured as part of a dental prosthesis  99   a.  The implant  80  is shown installed in the mandible  88  of a patient. The dental practitioner inserts the dental prosthesis  99   a  into the holder  20   a  such that the outer surface  103   a  of the dental prosthesis  99   a  frictionally engages the frustoconical lower section  34   a  of the inner surface  30   a  of the access opening  24   a  of the holder  20   a.  Thus, the dental prosthesis  99   a  is held in the access opening  24   a  of the holder  20   a.    
         [0047]    The dental practitioner then grasps any of the arms or handles of the holder  20   a  with a dental instrument (or by hand) and locates the dental prosthesis  99   a  over the implant  80  such that the throughhole  62  of the abutment  60  is aligned with the bore  86  of the implant  80  as shown in  FIG. 10 . The holder  20   a  is then moved such that the bottom end  63  of the abutment  60  and the top end  85  of the implant  80  are in contact as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0048]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the hexagonal tip  98  of the screwdriver  96  is inserted in the hexagonal socket  94  of the retaining screw  90  and the retaining screw  90  is moved downward in direction D through the vertical opening  101   a  of the dental prosthesis  99   a  and through the throughhole  62  of the abutment  60  and into the bore  86  of the implant  80 . The retaining screw  90  is threaded into engagement with the internal threads  87  of the bore  86  in the implant  80 . This secures the abutment  60  of the dental prosthesis  99   a  to the implant  80  as shown in  FIG. 11 . Looking at  FIG. 11 , the screwdriver and then the holder  20   a  are moved upward in direction U thereby leaving the assembled dental prosthesis  99   a,  retaining screw  90 , and implant  80  as shown in  FIG. 11 . The opening  101   a  of the dental prosthesis  99   a  may then be filled with a curable restorative material such as a paste composite and cured to complete the restoration. 
         [0049]    Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain embodiments, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which have been presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein. 
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
       [0050]    The invention provides methods and devices for placing and affixing a dental component to a dental implant.