Patent Description:
A dental implant can be used in an oral treatment procedure to restore appearance or function of a removed tooth. A dental implant can mimic a root of a natural tooth that is replaced. A surgeon can replace the natural tooth with a prosthetic tooth that is mounted on a coronal portion of an abutment, which in turn, is attached to the dental implant on an apical portion. During surgery, the surgeon can insert the dental implant into a dental bone cavity. A successful dental implant procedure generally requires more than bone affixation or osseointegration. Implant success can also require maintenance of the cortical bone at the coronal crest of the implant and maintenance of soft tissue structures in the implant region. The health of tissues in this region contributes to the aesthetic appearance of a full restoration. Maintenance of healthy tissue in the implant region can also lead to the creation of a tissue seal that hinders the propagation of infection along the implant body.

An exemplary dental implant system is disclosed in <CIT>.

In both natural teeth and dental implants, ectodermal tissue serves to protect against intrusion of bacteria and other foreign materials. An ectodermal tissue seal that protects the alveolar bone is known as the biologic width. The biologic width is a tissue ring and its position is dependent on the geometry and surgical placement of the dental implant. On a two-piece dental prosthesis, a micro-gap generally exists between the implant and the dental component. There is evidence to suggest that the position of the micro-gap has an effect on the position of the biologic width, and therefore on the height of the crestal alveolar bone.

Additional evidence suggests that both the vertical and horizontal offset of the micro-gap can contribute to crestal bone height. By offsetting the micro-gap away from the outer edges of the implant, crestal bone height can be maintained. However, such offsetting can result in a smaller abutment/implant interface and may compromise the mechanical strength of the restoration. To accomplish such an offset connection, manufacturers have introduced a conical connection between the abutment and the implant.

A conical connection might use interfacing shallow angle tapers on the abutment and the implant to shift the micro-gap. This connection can create a sealed interface that discourages penetration of bacteria or other foreign substances into a screw thread and other internal features of an implant body.

The present invention provides a dental implant system, as defined in independent claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

Further optional features are defined in the dependent claims.

The present patent document describes examples that can include any one or combinations of an implant, a dental component, retention screw, and a dental implant system. As discussed herein, the conical connection between the dental implant and the dental component can provide various benefits. However, the conical connection provides an interference fit (e.g., friction fit) between the dental implant and the dental component. That is, a conical taper on the dental implant is configured to mate with a conical taper on the dental component to provide the interference fit. While the interference fit can securely maintain the dental component, as well as provide the benefits discussed herein, removal of the dental component, if needed, can be difficult and can require additional tools.

For example, during treatment or periodic maintenance, it may be necessary to remove or "pop out" the dental component (e.g., abutment) from the implant, which would require that the dental health practitioner exerts force to remove the component. However, because of cyclic compression on the components, caused by chewing, these can adhere to each other, making it harder for them to be removed, thus causing discomfort or even injury to the patient.

The issue increased torque during removal of a dental component (e.g., an abutment) after mechanical cycling is known in the state of the art. Increasing the removal torque of prosthetic components, especially those including Morse cone, can lead to fracture of the tool in use, or fracture of the component, if employed excessively.

The present inventors have recognized, among other things, that being able to release the interference fit between the dental component and the dental implant without having to introduce a new tool or increasing the removal torque would provide various benefits. Thus, the present invention discloses dental component/implant connection systems that include an interference fit between the dental component and the dental implant that can be separated without the use of additional tools. For example, the dental components of the present invention can be coupled to the dental implant via a screw. As discussed herein, the screw can be used to apply a force to the abutment in the pop-out direction to release the friction fit connection between the dental component and the dental implant.

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals can describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes can represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various examples discussed in the present document.

The present invention defines a dental implant system including a prosthetic assembly and a dental implant. The prosthetic assembly includes a dental component and a retention screw, where the dental component is configured to be coupled to the dental implant via the screw. The dental component and the screw are designed to allow relative rotation and limit relative longitudinal motion between the dental component and the retention screw. For example, the dental component and the retention screw each have interference elements that are configured to engage when a removal torque is applied to the screw. When the interference elements engage each other, a portion of the removal torque is converted into a linear force that is exerted on the dental component, in a removal direction, thereby separating the dental component from the dental implant.

<FIG> is an exploded view of a dental implant system <NUM> according to an example of the present disclosure. The dental implant system <NUM> can include a dental implant <NUM> (also herein "implant <NUM>") and a prosthetic assembly <NUM>. The prosthetic assembly <NUM> can include a dental component <NUM> and a retention screw <NUM> (also herein "screw <NUM>"). The implant <NUM> is configured to be screwed into the bone of a patient and the dental component <NUM> is configured to be connected to the implant <NUM>. As discussed herein, the dental component <NUM> can be inserted into the dental implant <NUM> and the screw <NUM> extends through the dental component <NUM> and couples with the dental implant <NUM> to couple the dental component <NUM> to the dental implant <NUM>.

The implant <NUM> can extend from a proximal end <NUM> to a distal end <NUM>. The implant <NUM> can include at least one thread <NUM> for screwing the implant <NUM> into the bone of a patient. An interior bore <NUM> extends distally from the proximal end <NUM> toward the distal end <NUM>. The interior bore <NUM> can include a threaded portion <NUM>, an anti-rotation chamber <NUM>, and a dental component engagement portion <NUM>.

The dental component <NUM> extends from a proximal end <NUM> to a distal end <NUM>. The dental component <NUM> can include a post <NUM>, an implant engagement surface <NUM>, an anti-rotation portion <NUM>, and a bore <NUM> extending therethrough (see <FIG>). When coupled together, the anti-rotation portion <NUM> of the dental component <NUM> is received within the anti-rotation chamber <NUM> of the implant <NUM> to rotationally lock the dental component <NUM> to the implant <NUM>. The anti-rotation chamber <NUM> and the anti-rotation portion <NUM> have corresponding anti-rotation geometry. The anti-rotation geometry can be of any form, but generally can be in the form of, e.g., but not limited to, a hexagon, a taper, channel, etc..

In one example, the post <NUM> can extend from a shoulder <NUM> and include anti-rotation grooves <NUM> and a plurality of grooves <NUM>. The anti-rotation grooves <NUM> extend longitudinally from the proximal end <NUM> toward the distal end <NUM> and the plurality of grooves <NUM> extend circumferentially around the post <NUM>. One or more of the grooves <NUM> can extend partially or entirely around the circumference of the post <NUM>. While shown as positioned distal to the anti-rotation grooves <NUM>, in one example, the plurality of grooves <NUM> can intersect the anti-rotation grooves <NUM>.

When a mating component (not shown) is coupled to the post <NUM> a distal portion of the mating component can abut the shoulder <NUM> and corresponding nubs of a bore of the mating component can be received within the anti-rotation grooves <NUM> to prevent rotational of the mating component relative to the dental component <NUM>. The plurality of grooves <NUM> can receive coupling material to help adhere the mating component to the dental component <NUM>.

In previous approaches, a post could have protrusions that would be received within a corresponding groove along the bore of the mating component. However, the protrusions along the post would interfere with the shoulder <NUM>. For example, a width of the shoulder <NUM> measured from the post to an edge of the shoulder <NUM> can be maximized. With protrusions extending from a post, that width along the protrusions is reduced. Thus, the anti-rotation grooves <NUM> of the present invention prevent rotation between the mating component and the dental component <NUM> while maintaining a constant width along the shoulder <NUM>.

The screw <NUM> extends from a proximal end <NUM> to a distal end <NUM>. The screw <NUM> includes a head <NUM>, a shaft <NUM>, an engagement portion <NUM>, and a threaded portion <NUM>. The engagement portion <NUM> can be part of the threaded portion <NUM> and include threads or can be separate from the threaded portion <NUM> and not include threads. Additionally, the engagement portion <NUM> can have a diameter D2 that is the same or different from a maximum diameter of the threaded portion <NUM>. In one example, the shaft <NUM> has a diameter D1 that is less than the diameter D2 of the engagement portion <NUM> such that an interference shoulder <NUM> is formed. While shown as a flat surface perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, the interference shoulder <NUM> can be angled from the longitudinal axis, be curved, or have other geometries.

The head <NUM> can include a bore <NUM> that is configured to receive a tool, e.g., a driver. The bore <NUM> has a non-rotational geometry that can couple with a tool such that rotational force applied to the tool is translated to the screw <NUM>. In one example, the head <NUM> can include one or more lobes <NUM>. In the example shown, the head <NUM> has three lobes <NUM>. The screw <NUM> can include a transition surface <NUM> that can be curved, flat, or tapered that transitions from the head <NUM> to the shaft <NUM>.

While the example shown in <FIG> illustrates the engagement surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> as being tapered surfaces various engagement surfaces can be used. For example, the dental component engagement surface <NUM> contacts the corresponding inner wall (i.e., the dental implant engagement surface <NUM>) to form a seal throughout the periphery of the dental component <NUM>. The seal can prevent migration of bacterial as well as increase resistance to lateral forces. As discussed herein, the use of a Morse cone (also known as a 'Morse Taper') can be used to provide a seal. The interference fit formed from a Morse Taper is difficult to break and forces necessary to break the seal can likely cause damage to, e.g., the implant and the patient.

<FIG> illustrates another dental implant system <NUM>' where the dental implant engagement surface <NUM>' and the dental component engagement surface <NUM>' are different from the dental implant system <NUM> in <FIG>. In particular, the length and angle of the tapered surfaces are different and illustrate a Morse taper. However, other configurations are contemplated.

After a patient has the dental implant system <NUM> installed, during chewing dental component <NUM> can be cyclically compressed against the implant <NUM> where it is installed. With each compression cycle, micro-deformations in the components or even gradual compression on the seal between the dental implant engagement surface <NUM> of the dental component <NUM> and the dental component engagement surface <NUM> of the implant <NUM> causes them to adhere to each other, so that a dental health practitioner will have great difficulty in separating them without damaging the components or injuring the patient. To remedy this problem, the dental implant system <NUM> of the present invention includes elements, which, on the one hand, allows relative rotation between the dental component <NUM> and <NUM> mud the retention screw <NUM>, and, on the other hand, limits the longitudinal motion therebetween so that, when the screw <NUM> receives a removal torque, the interference shoulder <NUM> eventually engages into an interference ledge <NUM> of an interference wall <NUM> (see <FIG>), converting and transmitting part of the removal torque which is applied to the screw <NUM>, into a force in the removal direction of the dental component <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate various view of the dental component <NUM> according to one example. <FIG> illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the dental component <NUM>, <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of a partial cross-sectional view of the dental component <NUM>, <FIG> illustrates a bottom-up view of the dental component <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates a top-down view of the dental component <NUM>.

The dental component <NUM> (also herein "component <NUM>") has a bore <NUM> extending through the dental component <NUM>. The bore <NUM> can include a screw head portion <NUM>, an interference portion <NUM>, and an engagement portion <NUM>. The screw head portion <NUM> can terminate at a shoulder <NUM> that is configured to abut the transition surface <NUM> of the screw <NUM>, when fully seated. The interference portion <NUM> comprises an offset passage relative to the head portion <NUM> and/or the engagement portion <NUM>. The interference portion <NUM> can be defined at least partially by an interference wall <NUM> that extends from the shoulder <NUM> along less than the full circumference of the shoulder <NUM>. The interference wall <NUM> extends from a proximal surface <NUM> to distal surface <NUM> defining an interference ledge <NUM>. The interference ledge <NUM> is positioned proximal from the distal end <NUM> of the dental component <NUM>. As discussed herein, the interference ledge <NUM> is configured to abut the interference shoulder <NUM> when a removal torque is applied to the screw <NUM> to pop-off (i.e., decouple) the dental component <NUM> from the dental implant <NUM>. The interference ledge <NUM> can have a crescent shape due to offset with the interference wall <NUM>, interference portion <NUM> and head portion <NUM>. While shown as a flat surface perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, the interference ledge <NUM> can be angled from the longitudinal axis, be curved, or have other geometries.

In one example, the proximal surface <NUM> can be positioned along the same plane as the shoulder <NUM>. In another example, the proximal surface <NUM> can taper from the shoulder <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the interference wall <NUM> defines a central axis <NUM>. The screw head portion <NUM> and the engagement portion <NUM> have a central axis <NUM>, which is offset from a central axis <NUM> of the interference wall <NUM>. The central axis <NUM> of the screw head portion <NUM> and the engagement portion <NUM> align with and can also be referred to as a central axis of the dental component <NUM>.

A diameter D3 of the interference wall <NUM> is less than a diameter D4 of the engagement portion <NUM>. Further, a diameter D2 of the screw head portion <NUM> is greater than the diameter D3 of the interference wall <NUM> and the diameter D4 of the engagement portion <NUM>. As discussed herein, the interference ledge <NUM> is configured to engage the interference shoulder <NUM> when removal torque is applied to the screw <NUM> and the screw <NUM> moves in a proximal direction.

<FIG> illustrate the dental implant system <NUM> according to one example. During use, the screw <NUM> is inserted through the dental component <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the screw <NUM> is inserted through the dental component <NUM>. When the engagement portion <NUM> is positioned within the interference portion <NUM>, the center axis <NUM> of the screw <NUM> is aligned with the interference portion center axis <NUM>, which is offset from the center axis <NUM> of the dental component <NUM>. Once the engagement portion <NUM> and the interference shoulder <NUM> are advanced past (i.e., clear) the interference portion <NUM>, the screw <NUM> can be inserted into the dental implant <NUM>. When the threads <NUM> engage the threaded portion <NUM> of the dental implant, the central axis <NUM> of the screw <NUM> is aligned with the dental component central axis <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the dental component <NUM> fully seated on the dental implant <NUM>. Lobes <NUM> on the head <NUM> of the screw <NUM> can assist the user when removing the prosthetic assembly <NUM> from the dental implant <NUM>. For example, the lobes <NUM> can provide support as a removal torque is applied to the screw <NUM>. As discussed herein, one or more lobes <NUM> can be used. In one example, two lobes <NUM> are used. In another example, three lobes <NUM> can be equidistantly positioned around the head <NUM> of the screw <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate close-up views of section A in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates the dental component <NUM> fully seated on the dental implant <NUM>. When fully seated, the interference ledge <NUM> and the interference shoulder <NUM> are longitudinally spaced apart by a length L1.

<FIG> illustrates the dental component <NUM> after removal torque has been applied to the screw <NUM>. When the screw <NUM> receives the removal torque, the screw <NUM> moves in a proximal direction "D". The interference shoulder <NUM> of the screw <NUM> eventually abuts the interference ledge <NUM> of the dental component <NUM>. For example, the length L1 between the interference ledge <NUM> and the interference shoulder <NUM> is less in <FIG>, after removal torque has been applied, compared to the length L1 in <FIG>. Once the interference shoulder <NUM> abuts the interference ledge <NUM> the screw <NUM> transmits part of the removal torque to the dental component <NUM>, in the form of a force in the proximal direction "D", which is the direction of the that the dental component <NUM> will "pop-out".

<FIG> illustrate another example of a dental implant system <NUM>, in accordance with an example that is not according to the claimed invention. <FIG> is an exploded view of a dental implant system <NUM> according to an example of the present disclosure. <FIG> is the dental implant system <NUM> in <FIG> assembled. <FIG> is a close-up of a portion of the assembled dental implant system <NUM>. The dental implant system <NUM> can include a dental implant <NUM>' and a prosthetic assembly <NUM>. The prosthetic assembly <NUM> can include a dental component <NUM> and a retention screw <NUM> (also herein "screw <NUM>"). The implant <NUM>' is configured to be screwed into the bone of a patient and the dental component <NUM> is configured to be connected to the implant <NUM>'. Similar to the dental implant system <NUM>, the screw <NUM> can be used to separate the dental component <NUM> from the dental implant <NUM>', when a removal force is applied to the screw <NUM>.

The dental component <NUM> can extend from a proximal end <NUM> to a distal end <NUM>. The dental component <NUM> can include a post <NUM>, an emergence profile <NUM>, an implant engagement surface <NUM>, an anti-rotation portion <NUM>, and a bore <NUM> extending therethrough. When coupled together, the anti-rotation portion <NUM> of the dental component <NUM> is received within the anti-rotation chamber <NUM> of the implant <NUM>' to rotationally lock the dental component <NUM> to the implant <NUM>'. The bore <NUM> includes a screw head portion <NUM>, an interference portion <NUM>, and a distal portion <NUM>. An interference ridge <NUM> extends inward toward a longitudinal axis of the dental component <NUM>. The interference ridge <NUM> extends distally and tapers toward the longitudinal axis. The interference ridge <NUM> defines an interference shoulder <NUM>. The interference shoulder <NUM> is adjacent to the interference chamber <NUM>. The interference chamber <NUM> extends from the interference shoulder <NUM> to a support surface <NUM>.

The screw <NUM> extends from a proximal end <NUM> to a distal end <NUM>. The screw <NUM> can include a head <NUM>, a shaft <NUM>, a plurality of flexible interference fingers <NUM>, and a threaded portion <NUM>. The plurality of flexible interference fingers <NUM> (also referred to herein as "fingers <NUM>") can be positioned between the threaded portion <NUM> and the shaft <NUM>. The fingers <NUM> define an interference surface <NUM>. The interference surface <NUM> is configured to engage the interference shoulder <NUM> during separation of the dental component <NUM> and the dental implant <NUM>'. The fingers <NUM> have an uncompressed and compressed state. At the uncompressed state, a diameter of the plurality of fingers <NUM> is greater than a diameter of the shaft <NUM>. Additionally, the diameter of the fingers <NUM> at the uncompressed state is greater than a minimum diameter of the interference ridge <NUM>.

During assemble of the screw <NUM> and the dental component <NUM>, the pliable fingers <NUM> bend inward to a compressed state to allow the screw <NUM> to pass through the dental components <NUM> internal diameter. That is, the pliable fingers <NUM> are compressed as they pass the interference ridge <NUM>. Once the pliable fingers <NUM> pass the interference ridge <NUM>, the pliable fingers <NUM> transition back to the uncompressed state where the diameter of the pliable fingers <NUM> is greater than the diameter of the interference ridge <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the pliable fingers <NUM> are positioned within the interference chamber <NUM>. A surface of the fingers <NUM> can engage the support surface <NUM> of the dental component <NUM>.

When the dental component <NUM> needs to be removed, a removal torque is applied to the screw <NUM>, as discussed herein. As the screw <NUM> moves proximally the interference surface <NUM> of the pliable fingers <NUM> push up on the interference shoulder <NUM> to overcome the friction fit of the dental component <NUM> with the dental implant <NUM>'. After the dental component <NUM> is separated from the implant <NUM>', the screw <NUM> cannot be removed from the dental component <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate another example of a dental implant system, in accordance with an example that is not according to the claimed invention. <FIG> is side view of a dental component <NUM> according to an example of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view of a distal portion of the dental component <NUM> in <FIG> illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the dental component <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate a retention screw <NUM> according to an example of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates an assembled view of the dental component <NUM> and the retention screw <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assembled dental implant system <NUM> including the dental implant <NUM>', the dental component <NUM>, and the retention screw <NUM>. Similar to the dental implant systems <NUM> and <NUM>, the screw <NUM> can be used to separate the dental component <NUM> from the dental implant <NUM>', when a removal force is applied to the screw <NUM>.

The dental component <NUM> can extend from a proximal end <NUM> to a distal end <NUM>. The distal end <NUM> defines an interference surface <NUM>. The dental component <NUM> can include a post <NUM>, an emergence profile <NUM>, an implant engagement surface <NUM>, and channels <NUM>, and a bore <NUM> extending therethrough. The bore <NUM> includes a screw head portion <NUM> and an interference portion <NUM>. The interference portion <NUM> includes one or more channels <NUM> extending along the interference portion <NUM>. That is, the one or more channels <NUM> extend from a shoulder <NUM> to the interference surface <NUM>.

In an example, the interference surface <NUM> includes a spiral relief <NUM>. The spiral relief <NUM> includes a tapered curved surface extending from a first edge <NUM> of a channel <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the dental component <NUM> includes three channels <NUM> and the spiral relief <NUM> extends from a first edge <NUM> of a first channel <NUM> to a second edge <NUM> of a second channel <NUM>. A thickness of the interference surface <NUM> increases for the first edge <NUM> to the second edge <NUM>. That is, each channel <NUM> includes a first edge <NUM> (from which the spiral relief <NUM> is the thinnest) and a second edge <NUM> (where a spiral relief <NUM> is the thickest).

The screw <NUM> extends from a proximal end <NUM> to a distal end <NUM>. The screw <NUM> can include a head <NUM>, a shaft <NUM>, one or more protrusions <NUM>, and a threaded portion <NUM>. The plurality of protrusions <NUM> extend radially from the shaft <NUM> and are positioned adjacent to the threaded portion <NUM>.

The protrusions <NUM> on the screw <NUM> allow the screw to be assembled/disassembled with the dental component <NUM> at a limited window of relative axial rotation. The one or more protrusions <NUM> can align with the one or more channels <NUM>. Any number of protrusions <NUM> and channels <NUM> can be used as long as they equal each other. During assembly of the screw <NUM> and the dental component <NUM>, the protrusions <NUM> are aligned with the channels <NUM> and the screw <NUM> is advanced until the screw head <NUM> contacts the shoulder <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the distal end of the screw <NUM> can extend beyond the interference surface <NUM> of the dental component <NUM> such that that the protrusions <NUM> also extend beyond the interference surface <NUM>.

As discussed herein, to couple the dental component <NUM> to the implant <NUM>', the screw <NUM> can engage the threads of the implant <NUM>'. When the dental component <NUM> needs to be removed, a removal force can be applied to the screw <NUM>, as discussed herein, and the screw can rotate counterclockwise. During this rotation, the spiral reliefs <NUM> on the interference surface <NUM> "catch" the protrusions <NUM> on the screw <NUM> and prevent the protrusions <NUM> from entering the channels <NUM>. The spiral reliefs <NUM> mitigate the screw <NUM> from disassembling from the dental component <NUM> while the protrusions <NUM> are pushing on the interference surface <NUM> to overcome the friction fit of the dental component <NUM> to the implant <NUM>'. After the dental component <NUM> is separated from the implant, the screw <NUM> can be removed from the dental component <NUM>, if needed.

<FIG> illustrate another example of a dental implant system <NUM>, in accordance with an example that is not according to the claimed invention. <FIG> is an assembled view of the dental implant system <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of a retention screw <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates cross-sectional view along a portion of the retention screw <NUM>. Similar to the dental implant systems <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the screw <NUM> can be used to separate the dental component <NUM> from the dental implant <NUM>', when a removal force is applied to the screw <NUM>.

The dental component <NUM> can extend from a proximal end <NUM> to a distal end <NUM>. The dental component <NUM> can include a post <NUM>, an emergence profile <NUM>, an implant engagement surface <NUM>, an anti-rotation portion <NUM>, and a bore <NUM> extending therethrough. The bore <NUM> includes a screw head portion <NUM> and an interference portion <NUM>. The interference portion <NUM> includes a projection <NUM> extending toward a longitudinal axis of the dental component <NUM>. The projection <NUM> defines an interference ledge <NUM>. As discussed herein, a shape of the projection <NUM> corresponds to a shape of a threaded portion <NUM> and an interference rim <NUM> of the retention screw <NUM>.

The screw <NUM> extends from a proximal end <NUM> to a distal end <NUM>. The screw <NUM> can include a head <NUM>, a shaft <NUM>, an interference rim <NUM>, and a threaded portion <NUM>. The interference rim <NUM> can define an interference shoulder <NUM> that is configured to contact the interference ledge <NUM> during removal of the dental component <NUM> from the implant <NUM>'.

The interference rim <NUM> and the threaded portion <NUM> include at least one groove <NUM> (or flat) extending from the interference ledge <NUM> to a distal surface <NUM> of the screw <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a cross-section view along the interference rim <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, a center C1 of one groove <NUM> is offset from a center C2 of another groove <NUM>. In one example, the center C2 of the second groove <NUM> can be offset by an angle A1. In one example, A1 can be about <NUM> degrees. The interference ridge <NUM> has a shape that matches the shape of the interference ridge <NUM> and threaded portion <NUM>. That is the number and shape of the grooves/flats <NUM> on the screw <NUM> match the number and shape of the grooves on the interference ridge <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a cross-section view along the interference rim <NUM>' formed by broaching the screw <NUM>' rather than milling as is the case with the example of screw <NUM> in <FIG>.

The corresponding shape of the interference ridge <NUM> with the interference rim <NUM> and threaded portion <NUM> allows the screw to be assembled/disassembled with the dental component <NUM> at a limited window of relative axial rotation. Thus, the screw <NUM> can be aligned with the interference ridge <NUM> to allow the threaded portion <NUM> and the interference rim <NUM> to pass. The dental component <NUM> can be coupled to the implant via the screw <NUM>. Any number of grooves <NUM> as long as the interference ridge <NUM> has a corresponding shape including the same number of protrusions.

During assembly of the screw <NUM> and the dental component <NUM>, the shape of the interference rim <NUM> and threaded portion <NUM> are aligned with the corresponding shape of the interference ridge <NUM> and the screw <NUM> is advanced through the dental component <NUM> until the interference rim <NUM> has cleared the interference ridge <NUM>. Then, the dental component <NUM> and the screw <NUM> can be coupled to the implant <NUM>'.

As discussed herein, to couple the dental component <NUM> to the implant <NUM>', the screw <NUM> can engage the threads of the implant <NUM>'. When the dental component <NUM> needs to be removed, a removal force can be applied to the screw <NUM>, as discussed herein, and the screw <NUM> can rotate counterclockwise. During this rotation, the interference shoulder <NUM> can engage the interference ledge <NUM> and push up (proximally) on the dental component <NUM> to overcome the friction fit of the dental component <NUM> to the implant <NUM>'. After the dental component <NUM> is separated from the implant, the screw <NUM> can be removed from the dental component <NUM>, if needed.

<FIG> illustrate another example of a dental implant system <NUM>, in accordance with an example that is not according to the claimed invention. <FIG> is a partial cross-section view of an assembled dental component <NUM> and screw <NUM> being inserted into a dental implant <NUM>'. <FIG> is a partial cross-section of the dental component <NUM> fully seated on the dental implant <NUM>'. <FIG> is a partial cross-section of removing the dental component <NUM> from the dental implant <NUM>'.

The dental component <NUM> can have all the features described herein with dental components, however, the dental component <NUM> includes a bore <NUM> that has a threaded interference portion <NUM>. The screw <NUM> includes a head <NUM>, a shaft <NUM>, a coronal threaded portion <NUM> and an apical threaded portion <NUM>. The apical threaded portion <NUM> includes a right-handed thread that engages the implant <NUM>'. The coronal threaded portion <NUM> includes a left-handed thread with a major diameter that is greater than a major diameter of the apical threaded portion <NUM>.

The coronal thread portion <NUM> retains the screw <NUM> within the dental component <NUM> with the dental component's <NUM> corresponding left-handed internal thread along the threaded interference portion <NUM>. That is, when left-rotation is applied to the screw <NUM>, the coronal thread portion <NUM> engages the left-handed internal thread of the threaded interference portion <NUM> and advances the screw <NUM> through the threaded interference portion <NUM>. To couple the dental component <NUM> to the implant <NUM>', right-rotation is applied to the screw <NUM> to advance the apical threaded portion <NUM> within the threaded portions of the implant <NUM>'.

When the dental component <NUM> needs to be removed left-rotation can be applied to the screw <NUM> to reverse the apical threaded portion <NUM> from the threads of the implant <NUM>'. During the left-rotation of the screw <NUM>, the coronal threaded portion <NUM> does not engage the threaded interference portion <NUM>. Therefore, the screw <NUM> pushes the dental component up (proximally/coronally) to overcome the friction fit. After the dental component <NUM> is separated from the implant <NUM>', the screw <NUM> can be removed from the dental component <NUM>, if needed.

<FIG> illustrate another example of a dental implant system <NUM>, in accordance with an example that is not according to the claimed invention. <FIG> are partial cross-section views of assembling a screw <NUM> to a dental component <NUM>.

The dental component <NUM> can include a bore <NUM> that has a shoulder <NUM> to contact a head of the screw <NUM> when fully seated. The bore <NUM> can include a threaded interference portion <NUM> that includes a coronal thread <NUM> having a left-handed thread and an apical thread <NUM> having right-handed thread. The screw <NUM> can include a shaft <NUM> having a coronal thread <NUM> having a left-handed thread and an apical thread <NUM> having a right-handed thread.

To couple the screw <NUM> to the dental component <NUM>, two different rotations need to be performed. First, as illustrated in <FIG>, a right-rotational force applied to the screw advances the apical thread <NUM> through the apical thread <NUM> of the threaded interference portion <NUM>. Second, as illustrated in <FIG>, a left-rotational force applied to the screw <NUM> advances the coronal thread <NUM> through the threaded interference portion <NUM>. Once the screw <NUM> is retained within the dental component <NUM>, the screw <NUM> can be rotated to engage threads of the dental implant <NUM>'.

<FIG> illustrates removing the dental component <NUM> from the dental implant <NUM>'. By applying left-hand rotation to the screw <NUM>, the apical thread <NUM> will move coronally with respect to the dental implant <NUM>'. The coronal thread <NUM> does not engage the threaded interference portion <NUM>. Therefore, the screw <NUM> pushes the dental component <NUM> up (proximally/coronally) to overcome the friction fit. After the dental component <NUM> is separated from the implant <NUM>', the screw <NUM> can be removed from the dental component <NUM>, if needed.

<FIG> illustrate another dental implant system <NUM>, in accordance with an example that is not according to the claimed invention. <FIG> is a partial cross-section view a dental implant and a screw, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a partial cross-section view of a dental implant system including the dental implant and the screw in <FIG> as well as a dental component, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a partial cross-section view of the dental implant system shown in <FIG> while removing the dental component from the dental implant, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the screw <NUM> is coupled to the implant <NUM>' first. The screw <NUM> includes a coronal threaded portion <NUM>, a shaft <NUM>, and an apical threaded portion <NUM>. The coronal threaded portion <NUM> has a left-handed thread and the apical threaded portion <NUM> has a right-handed thread. The apical threaded portion <NUM> engages the threads of the dental implant <NUM>'. The dental component <NUM> is placed onto the screw <NUM> to assemble the dental component <NUM> to the implant <NUM>'. In an example, the dental component <NUM> includes a bore <NUM> having a threaded portion <NUM>. Rotating the screw <NUM> clockwise (right-handed rotation) draws the dental component <NUM> and the implant together.

When separating the dental component <NUM> from the dental implant <NUM>' is necessary, the screw <NUM> can be rotated counterclockwise (left-handed rotation) such that apical threaded portion <NUM> will move coronally with respect to the implant <NUM>'. Since the coronal threaded portion <NUM> will not move relative to the threaded portion <NUM> of the dental component <NUM>, the dental component <NUM> and the dental implant <NUM>' will be pushed apart. After the dental component <NUM> is separated from the implant <NUM>', the screw <NUM> can be removed from the dental component <NUM>, if needed.

<FIG> illustrate another dental implant system <NUM>, in accordance with an example that is not according to the claimed invention. <FIG> is a partial cross-section of the assembled dental implant system <NUM>. The dental implant system <NUM> can include a dental implant <NUM>', a dental component <NUM>, and a screw <NUM>. The dental component <NUM> extends from a proximal end <NUM> to a distal end <NUM> having an interference surface <NUM>. The dental component <NUM> can include a bore having a shoulder <NUM>. The screw <NUM> can include a head <NUM>, a shaft <NUM>, a threaded portion <NUM>, and an interference groove <NUM> positioned between the shaft <NUM> and the threaded portion <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, when the dental component <NUM> is fully seated, the shoulder <NUM> of the dental component <NUM> can engage a surface <NUM> of the screw <NUM>.

The interference groove <NUM> is configured to receive a flexible c-clip <NUM> that clips over the interference groove <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The flexible c-clip <NUM> has an interference surface <NUM> (e.g., top surface) and a bottom surface <NUM> opposite the interference surface <NUM>. During assembly, the screw <NUM> is inserted through the dental component <NUM> and then the c-clip is attached to the interference groove <NUM>, while the interference groove <NUM> extends beyond the distal end <NUM> of the dental component <NUM>. The dental component <NUM> can be coupled to the dental implant <NUM>' via screw <NUM>, while the c-clip <NUM> is attached to the screw <NUM>. Once assembled, the screw <NUM> will be retained within the dental component <NUM> since the outer diameter of the c-clip is larger than the through hole of the dental component <NUM>.

During removal, the interference surface <NUM> will push on the interference surface <NUM> of the dental component <NUM> to overcome the friction such that the dental component is separated from the dental implant <NUM>'. The c-clip <NUM> can be disassembled form the screw allowing the screw <NUM> to be disassembled from the dental component <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate another dental implant system <NUM>, in accordance with an example that is not according to the claimed invention. <FIG> is a partial cross-section of the assembled dental implant system <NUM>. The dental implant system <NUM> can include a dental implant <NUM>', a dental component <NUM>, and a screw <NUM>. The dental component <NUM> extends from a proximal end <NUM> to a distal end <NUM> having an interference surface <NUM>. The dental component <NUM> can include a bore <NUM> having a shoulder <NUM> to engage a surface of the screw <NUM>. The bore <NUM> can include an interference chamber <NUM>.

The screw <NUM> can include a head <NUM>, a shaft <NUM>, a threaded portion <NUM>, and an interference protrusion <NUM> and a groove <NUM>. Similar to the example shown in <FIG>, the screw <NUM> is inserted through the dental component <NUM> first. After the screw <NUM> is inserted through the dental component <NUM>, an interference ring <NUM> can be coupled to the screw <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the interference ring <NUM>. As shown, the interference ring <NUM> is a split ring having a base <NUM> and a plurality of flexible fingers <NUM> extending coronally from the base <NUM>. The base <NUM> defines an interference surface <NUM> that can engage the interference surface <NUM> during removal.

When coupled to the screw <NUM>, a protrusion <NUM> of the plurality of fingers <NUM> engage with the groove <NUM>, as the interference ring attaches to the interference protrusion <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a fully seated dental component <NUM> within a dental implant <NUM>'. A diameter of the interference chamber <NUM> is such that the plurality of fingers <NUM> can be received within the interference chamber <NUM> and that the interference surface <NUM> of the interference ring <NUM> can contact the interference surface <NUM> when the dental component <NUM> is removed, as shown in <FIG>. That is, when a removal force is applied to the screw <NUM>, the screw <NUM> can move coronally with respect to the implant <NUM>' and the dental component <NUM> until the interference surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> engage each other such that the friction fit will be overcome and the dental component <NUM> can be removed from the implant <NUM>'.

<FIG> show a process whereby the dental implant system <NUM> previously shown in <FIG> is assembled and disassembled. <FIG> shows the screw <NUM> installed down into the dental component <NUM> first. The screw <NUM> is inserted off axis to get past the internal dental component <NUM> separation feature (ledge created by the offset hole). <FIG> shows the screw <NUM> further inserted down and threaded into the implant <NUM>. <FIG> shows the screw <NUM> fully inserted down and threaded into the implant <NUM>. Once the screw <NUM> is fully installed as in <FIG>, the screw <NUM> will shift back to the center axis. The implant <NUM> and the screw <NUM> and the dental component <NUM> can then be brought to another implant (not shown) to be fully seated using the threads on the implant <NUM>. <FIG> show disassembly/removal of the process. The screw <NUM> can be rotated such as counter clockwise. Since the screw <NUM> is now on the center axis (rather than off axis) the screw <NUM> will engage the overhang created by the offset hole in the dental component <NUM> and separate the dental implant system <NUM>. In particular, the screw <NUM> when turned will force the dental component <NUM> out of the implant <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. This separates the dental component <NUM> from the implant <NUM>.

As discussed previously, once the dental component <NUM> is separated from the implant <NUM>, the screw <NUM> can be removed as shown in <FIG> by realignment of the axis. The screw <NUM> can have lobes to help stabilize screw during removal to optimize the interaction between the screw <NUM> and dental component <NUM>.

<FIG> show an example of the dental component <NUM> that includes a projection <NUM>. This projection <NUM> can comprise an anti-rotation feature <NUM> for engagement with a mating component (e.g., prosthetic tooth, driver, instrument or the like).

<FIG> show another example of the dental component <NUM>' that includes a plurality of grooves <NUM>'. The plurality of grooves <NUM>' can comprise an anti-rotation feature <NUM> for engagement with a mating component (e.g., prosthetic tooth, driver, instrument or the like).

<FIG> show an example of the dental implant system <NUM> with a similar construction as the dental implant system <NUM> discussed previously in regard to <FIG>. However, the interference ledge <NUM> and the interference shoulder <NUM> of the prior example of <FIG> has been modified to be angled thus providing for an angled separation feature <NUM> including an angled ledge <NUM> and a corresponding angled shoulder <NUM>.

<FIG> show another example of the example of the dental implant system <NUM>' with a similar construction as the dental implant system <NUM> discussed previously in regard to <FIG>. However, the interference ledge <NUM> and the interference shoulder <NUM> of the prior example of <FIG> has been modified to be angled (in an opposing manner to that of <FIG>) thus providing for an angled separation feature <NUM>' including an angled ledge <NUM> and a corresponding angled shoulder <NUM>.

<FIG> show a screw <NUM> of similar construction to that of screw <NUM> previously described in <FIG> but it includes two lobes <NUM> rather than three lobes.

<FIG> show a system <NUM> including a dental component <NUM>, screw <NUM> and press tool <NUM>. The screw <NUM> and the dental component <NUM> can include a press-fit engagement <NUM> as shown in <FIG> using a first feature <NUM> and a second feature <NUM>. The first feature <NUM> can be a ledge similar to those as previously described. The second feature can be a shoulder similar to those previously described. However, other snap fit arrangement such as those using engagement, friction-fit or other mechanisms as known in the art are also contemplated.

<FIG> show a screw <NUM> similar to the screw <NUM> previously shown in <FIG>. The screw <NUM> includes a head <NUM>, a shaft <NUM>, a coronal threaded portion <NUM> and an apical threaded portion <NUM>. The apical threaded portion <NUM> includes a right-handed thread that engages the implant (not shown but reference implant <NUM>'). The coronal threaded portion <NUM> includes a left-handed thread with a major diameter that is greater than a major diameter of the apical threaded portion <NUM>. The screw <NUM> differs from the screw <NUM> in that the screw includes a notched first thread <NUM> on the coronal threaded portion <NUM>. This notched first thread <NUM> can removes thin thread start that rolls over during removal.

<FIG> show a process whereby a dental implant system <NUM> is assembled and disassembled. <FIG> shows the screw <NUM> used in isolation showing the head <NUM> thereof having formable tabs <NUM>. This head <NUM> can be formed with the tabs <NUM> pushed outwards as further discussed herein. <FIG> shows the screw <NUM> installed down into the dental component <NUM> first. The screw <NUM> at the head <NUM> can then be engaged by a tool <NUM> such as a pin to deform the tabs <NUM> outward as shown in <FIG>. The tabs <NUM> can then engage one or more features <NUM> of the dental component <NUM> to lock the screw <NUM> in place (<FIG> shows disassembly/removal of the process. The screw <NUM> can be rotated such as counter clockwise by a screw driver <NUM> or other suitable tool. Since the screw <NUM> is deformed at the tabs <NUM> to engage with the one or more features <NUM>, the screw <NUM> will engage the one or more features <NUM> of the dental component <NUM> and separate the dental implant system <NUM>. In particular, the screw <NUM> when turned will force the dental component <NUM> out of the implant <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. This separates the dental component <NUM> from the implant <NUM>.

To further illustrate the apparatuses, systems and methods disclosed herein, the following non-limiting examples are provided:.

Claim 1:
A dental implant system, comprising:
a prosthetic assembly including:
a dental component (<NUM>) having a bore (<NUM>) extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the dental component (<NUM>) having a longitudinal centerline (<NUM>), wherein the bore (<NUM>) includes a screw head portion (<NUM>) that has a longitudinal centerline (<NUM>) aligned with the longitudinal centerline (<NUM>) of the dental component (<NUM>) and an interference portion (<NUM>), positioned distal to the screw head portion (<NUM>), that has a longitudinal centerline (<NUM>) that is offset from the longitudinal centerline (<NUM>) of the dental component (<NUM>), the interference portion (<NUM>) defining an interference ledge (<NUM>); and
a retention screw (<NUM>) configured to extend through the bore of the dental component, the retention screw including:
a head (<NUM>);
a shaft (<NUM>) extending from the head (<NUM>);
a threaded portion (<NUM>); and
an engagement portion (<NUM>) defining an interference shoulder (<NUM>),
wherein the engagement portion (<NUM>) is configured to engage the interference ledge (<NUM>) of the dental component (<NUM>) when a removal torque is applied to the retention screw (<NUM>).