Patent Description:
A dental implants are provided to replace lost teeth in the oral cavity. Dental implant include various parts that come together to form a structure that replaces a tooth providing both esthetic and functional purposes.

The dental implant generally includes a crown to replace the crown portion of the lost tooth, an implant in place of lost tooth root, where the crown and implant are coupled with one another with an implant abutment. All three parts function together to bring about a successful implant procedure. The implant provides the primary base and support structure of the implant and is therefore a central element to the success of the dental implant.

The dental implant is generally provided as a screw-form device that generally includes a head portion and body portion. The head portion defines the coronal segment of the implant that is provided for facilitating tooling and coupling with other implant structures such as an abutment and crown. The body portion defined the apical segment of the implant that is provided for integrating with the bone allowing for osseointegration.

The implant body portion has various designs that are designed according to many parameters including the bone type to be implanted, the location in which the implantation is to occur, (implantation site). The body portion includes threading along its length that are used to securely introduce the implant into the bone and allow for the implant to integration with the bone.

Despite the advancement in implant design there is a continuing need to improve a dental implant's ability to osseointegrate that in turn will lead to improved implant stability and longevity.

<CIT> describes a dental implant for supporting a dental prosthesis. The dental implant has a thread located on the outer surface of an implant body and the thread has a coronal flank, an apical flank, and a face extending between the coronal flank and the apical flank. A groove may be provided in the implant body or in the apical flank.

The present invention relates to a dental implant anchor as defined in independent claim <NUM>. Further advantageous features of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

Aspects which can be combined with the present invention provide a self-drilling dental implant that is configured to facilitate insertion and osseointegration by condensing, collecting, and distributing bone along all surfaces of the implant. Preferably collection and distribution is provided when the implant is rotated in either the clockwise or counterclockwise directions. Aspects of the present invention may be implemented so as to allow reconfiguration of the implant on all forms of a dental implant in any region of the maxilla and mandible.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention the dental implant may be configured to be a molar dental implant replacing teeth in the molar region of the maxilla and/or mandible.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention the dental implant is a self-drilling, self-tapping, self-collection bone and bone condensing. The implant may be utilized at a heal site following bone growth or it may be utilized at an extraction site.

Most preferably an implant which can be combined with the present invention is configured to collect and/or distribute bone along all of its surfaces therein increasing the bone implant contact ('BIC') improving the process of osseointegration.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention the implant may provide for cutting, mixing, and directing bone within an implantation site.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention the implant may be utilized as a self-drilling implant to facilitate implantation within an extraction site socket and/or a cavity within bone structure, or a heal side extraction site.

Optionally and preferably introducing the implant into an extraction site socket allows a practitioner to optimally maintain the Laminal Dura at the extraction site while simultaneously allowing the implant to engage and/or integrate with at least apportion of the Laminar Dura. Such optimal maintenance of the Laminar Dura significantly improves the overall healing period.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention an implant is provided that functions as an instrument for distributing bone in all directions first by accumulating bone along the implant's surface. Similarly bone matter may be directed into different locations within an implantation site by way of maneuvering the implant in the clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction. Such implant maneuvering provides for direction bone in the upper (coronal) or lower (apical) portions of the implant.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention bone matter and/or graft materials may be introduced through the coronal opening of the flutes into the implantation site, either before and/or after integrating the implant within the mandible or maxilla.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention a dental implant is provided that facilitates collecting any bone the implantation site from at least one of the extraction site septum, bone graft materials.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention an implant is provided that is self-drilling therein capable of expanding the bone at the implantation site optionally to create more space for receiving bone in and around the implant, therein improving the osseointegration and the formation of an initial matrix created for bone osseointegration.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention an implant is provided having a coronal portion having a smaller overall diameter that facilitates receiving more bone in and around the coronal portion.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention preferably the configuration of the coronal portion having a smaller overall diameter than the body portion provide for pressure equalization, wherein the pressure on the implant may be evenly distributed along the length of the implant at the implantation site. This is a function of the fact that the coronal portion associates with cortical compact and/or dense bone while the body portion of the implant associate with less dense spongious bone. Accordingly having a smaller coronal portion and a wider body portion according to optional aspects provides for balancing the pressure along the length of the implant after implantation. Such pressure equalization delay, reduced and/or may prevent bone resorption due to imbalanced pressure distribution on the implant.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention pressure equalization allows the implant to control and/or adjust the fixation torque as a function of the implant thread that is configured to facilitate cutting, tapping and collect bone when maneuvered in both the clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. Optional aspects allow both the body portion threads and coronal portion threads to be cutting thread allows for controlling the pressure along the length of the implant and bone material may be maneuvered around any portion of the implant.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention a coronal portion is provided that comprises a plurality of at least three or four dental implant prosthetic connection platforms.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention a self-drilling implant is provided that may facilitate change direction of the implantation during implantation. Such directional control of the implant as a result of the self-drilling threads provides a practitioner with the freedom to maneuver the implant within the bone as is called for according to the clinical situation at hand. Specifically a practitioner may utilize the implant according to the present invention to expand the bone in the buccal direction and therefore may position the implant in a clinically ideal position. Such directional control provides for controlling the implant's insertion angle and/or direction.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention in particular control maneuvering and movement of bone within an implantation site by virtue of the ability of the implant to cut and distribute bone during rotation in both clockwise and counterclockwise direction, further allows a clinician to facilitate a sinus lifting procedure. Preferably maneuvering (rotating) the implant as needed so as to distribute and condense bone toward the apical end allows to facilitate bone growth in and around the implant apex.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention optionally the implant according to optional aspects may be utilized to break the sinus floor to allow for bone introducing bone into the apex to facilitate sinus lifting bone formation.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention a dental implant is provided comprising a coronal portion and a body portion, where the overall diameter of the coronal portion is smaller than the overall diameter of the body portion. The coronal portion provides the implant with at least three connection platforms. Most preferably the coronal portion may be composed from three substantially cylindrical segments and/or circular-cylindrical segments that are continuous with one another.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention optionally at least one coronal portion segment may comprise a trapezoidal cross-sectional profile. Optionally and preferably each of three segments comprises a trapezoidal cross sectional profile.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention optionally at least one coronal portion segment may comprise a circular cylindrical cross-sectional profile.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention a dental implant is provided comprising a coronal portion and a body portion, where the overall diameter of the coronal portion is smaller than the overall diameter of the body portion, wherein the coronal portion may be configured to be facilitate removable and/or excised from the implant body.

Optionally according to aspects which can be combined with the present invention the coronal section may be configured to be removable following implant placement. Optionally according to aspects which can be combined with the present invention the coronal section may be configured to be removable following implant placement following bone resorption.

Optionally according to aspects which can be combined with the present invention the coronal section may be configured along at least a distal portion thereof to facilitate removal of the coronal segment.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention a dedicated tool is provided for filing and or removing a coronal segment of a dental implant, the device featuring:.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention a dedicated tool is provided for filing and/or facilitating the removal of a coronal segment of an implanted dental implant, the device featuring:.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention a bone implant anchor is provided comprising a coronal portion and a body portion that are continuous with one another, the coronal portion defining the proximal end of the implant anchor and the body portion defining the distal end of the implant anchor, the body portion having an inner core fit with threading extending therefrom along its length; the inner core defining an internal diameter of the body portion and said threading defining the external diameter of the body portion, the coronal portion features at least one or more recessed grooves along its external surface. Preferably the recessed grooves are provided for facilitating bone integration.

Optionally the external segment of the coronal portion may be feature threading configured for engaging and/or coupling with an abutment.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention a bone implant anchor is provided comprising a coronal portion and a body portion that are continuous with one another, the coronal portion defining the proximal end of the implant anchor and the body portion defining the distal end of the implant anchor, the body portion having an inner core fit with threading extending therefrom along its length; the inner core defining an internal diameter of the body portion and the threading defining the external diameter of the body portion, the coronal portion features functional cutting threads disposed along the coronal portion's external surface that is provided for cutting into cortical bone. Optionally coronal portion threading is configured for cutting, condensing, collecting, distributing bone along the external surface of the coronal portion.

Optionally the control portion threading may be configured to cut, condense, collecting, distribute bone along the external surface of the coronal portion, wherein the implant is rotated in at least one of the clockwise and/or counter clockwise directions. Optionally the implant coronal segment may be configured to cut, condense, collect, distribute bone when rotated in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention a dental implant is provided comprising a coronal portion and a body portion, where the overall diameter of the coronal portion is smaller than the overall diameter of the body portion. The body portion comprises a core having threading extended therefrom, the threading defining the external diameter of the body portion and the core defining the internal diameter of the body portion. Most preferably the core comprises at least two or more substantially cylindrical segments and/or circular cylindrical segments that are fluid with one another.

Optionally the core may comprise a plurality of substantially cylindrical sub-segments that are fluid with one another.

Optionally individual sub-segments defining the implant core may assume a cylindrical profiles or a trapezoidal profile.

Optionally the core may comprise a plurality of substantially circular cylindrical sub-segments that are fluid with one another.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention a dental implant is provided comprising a coronal portion and a body portion, where the overall diameter of the coronal portion is smaller than the overall diameter of the body portion. The body portion comprises threading along its length and at least two flutes spanning the full length of the body portion.

Optionally and preferably the flutes are configured to have a proximal opening that is adjacent to the coronal portion of the implant. Most preferably the flutes may be disposed along the length of the threading extending from the core of the body portion. The flutes therefore divide the thread into at least thread sub-segments having a blade and/or wing like configuration.

Preferably the flutes comprise an ovoid configuration adjacent the body core and a neck adjacent the threading lateral edge and/or thread face. Optionally and preferably the ovoid configuration provides collecting bone fragments while the neck portion provides at least two cutting beveled edges. Preferably the flutes are configured so as to allow colleting and cutting of bone when the implant is rotated in either the clockwise or counterclockwise directions.

Optionally and preferably the flutes may provide and facilitate osseointegration as the flutes provide for at least one or more selected from the group consisting of collecting bone, compacting bone, introducing bone, removing excess bone, the like or any combination thereof.

Most preferably the flutes and threading combine to facilitate implant insertion and integration by way of cutting, collecting, condensing and distributing bone along the implant's surface, for example including but not limited to within the flute recess, along the threading, between threading, or the like. Most preferably the flutes provide for increasing stability of the implant at the implantation site by increasing the Bone Implant Contact ('BIC') and therein providing a matrix that facilitates osseointegration.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention an implant abutment is provided having: a proximal end for interfacing with a restorative structure; a distal end for interfacing with an implant; and a medial portion disposed there between; wherein the medial portion includes at least one connection platform coupling surface that is adapted for interfacing with at least one connection platform of an implant's coronal segment. The connection platform surface selected from the group for example including but not limited to: a surface having an angle of about <NUM> degrees and up to about <NUM> degrees;.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention a lateral edge of the thread is fit with at least one contour modification along the horizontal plane. The at least one contour modification of the apical side surface and coronal side surface and optionally the lateral edge therein define at least two sub-segments along the horizontal plane along at least the medial-lateral axis.

Optionally the thread may further comprise at least one or more contour modifications simultaneously along both axis of the horizontal plane.

According to the invention the contour modifications are symmetric about the horizontal plane.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention the threading may be fit with a plurality of recessed grooves. Optionally the threading may be fit with a plurality of extension.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention a dental implant having an internal connection platform borehole that is configured to receive a universal implant abutment is provided. The internal connection platform is a borehole that extends from the proximal end of the implant borehole into the medial portion of the implant body. The internal connection platform is preferably centered along the implant diameter core. The implant connection platform comprises a distal portion, a medial portion and a proximal portion that are fluid and continuous with one another, wherein the proximal portion comprises a universal conical profile.

Most preferably the connection platform comprises at least two anti-rotational interfaces a first anti-rotational interface disposed along the medial portion and a second anti-rotational interface disposed along the proximal portion adjacent to the implant's proximal end.

Preferably the distal portion is a substantially cylindrical borehole featuring threading that is provided for coupling with a fixation screw as is known in the art.

Preferably the medial portion defines an anti-rotation interface in the form of an anti-rotation tooling interface that is provided for manipulating the implant with tools. Optionally medial portion anti-rotation connection interface may be provided in any anti-rotation tooling interface as is known in the art for example including but not limited to at least one or more selected from the group consisting of internal six receptor sockets, scalloped, internal dodecagon, external dodecagon, internal hex internal, external hex, external octagon, internal octagon, external spline, internal spline, Morse taper, internal Morse taper, one piece, internal six lobe, external six lobe, internal tri lobe, external tri-lobe, internal six spline, external six-spline, internal thread, internal pentagon, external pentagon, external thread, internal square, external square, internal five lobe, internal four lobe, internal three spline, external triangle, internal eight spline, external six lobe, internal eight lobe, internal tube to tube plug in, triangular, polygonal of n sides where n>=<NUM> or more, the like as is known in the art or any combination thereof.

Most preferably the proximal portion is provided in the form of a substantially conical borehole having a its small diameter at its distal end bordering the medial portion and a large diameter at the proximal end defined at the implants proximal end.

Optionally and preferably the conical borehole defines a wall that is provided with a uniform angle and/or slope along the length of the proximal portion from the distal end to the proximal end.

Optionally the conical borehole may define a wall that is provided with at least two angles and/or slopes along the length of the proximal portion from the distal end to the proximal end, therein defining two proximal portion conical sub-segments that are continuous and fluid with one another. Preferably the first sub-segment is provided with a first angle and/or slope and the second sub-segment is provided with a second angle and/or slope wherein the second angle and/slope is bigger than the first angle and/or slope relative to a common midline plane.

Most preferably the proximal portion is fit with a second anti-rotation interface adjacent to the proximal end of proximal portion. Most preferably the second anti-rotation interface is provided along the conical borehole surface and/or wall. Preferably the second anti-rotation interface maintains the overall conical surface of the proximal portion. Most preferably the second anti-rotation interface is provided in the form of a plurality of recesses dispersed along proximal portion wall adjacent to the proximal end. Optionally the recess may be configured to be horizontal or longitudinal along conical surface wall. Optionally and preferably the second anti-rotation interface may be provided in the form of a plurality of interdigitating recesses dispersed along the conical borehole surface and/or wall.

Optionally the second anti-rotation interface may be provided with at least two or more inter-digitation recesses,.

Optionally the internal connection platform borehole may further feature a circumferential recess and/or groove along at least one of the medial portion and/or the proximal portion.

Optionally proximal portion may be fit with a circumferential recess and/or groove along distal end that is adjacent to and/or bordering with the distal portion. Optionally the circumferential recess may be configured to receive an O-ring for facilitating sealing and/or secure coupling with optional dental structures for example including but not limited to abutments, healing caps, impression coping abutment, measuring abutments, tools or the like.

Optionally medial portion may be fit with a circumferential recess and/or groove along its distal end that is adjacent to and/or bordering with the distal portion. Optionally the circumferential recess may be configured to receive an O-ring for facilitating sealing and/or secure coupling with optional dental structures for example including but not limited to abutments, healing caps, impression coping abutment, measuring abutments, tools or the like.

Optionally medial portion may be fit with at least one or more recess and/or groove along its distal end that is adjacent to and/or bordering with the distal portion.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention a dental implant abutment having an implant interface segment and a crown interface segment is provided. The implant interface segment is configured to be a universal abutment interface capable of fitting a plurality of dental implant of various diameters and/or sizes. The implant interface segment comprises at least one anti-rotational connections a first anti-rotational connection disposed along the distal part of the implant interface segment.

The abutment's implant interface segment includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion provided in the form of an anti-rotational interface provided for matching the implant's anti-rotational interface.

Optionally the abutment may comprise at least two anti-rotational connection platforms a first anti-rotational connection platform disposed along the distal portion of the implant interface segment and a second anti-rotational connection platform disposed along the proximal portion of the implant interface segment. Optionally at least one of the two anti-rotational connection platforms may be provided in the form of inter-digitation connectors. Optionally both of the two anti-rotational connection platforms may be provided in the form of inter-digitation connectors.

Optionally the distal portion's anti-rotational interface may be fit with a snap fit male connector for example including but not limited to a cog and/or flange and/or extension, the like or any combination thereof. Most preferably the snap fit male connector is provided to fit and securely couple with a corresponding female connector and/or recess disposed along an implant connection platform.

The proximal portion of the abutment's implant interface segment features an external surface having conical profile that is widest at its proximal end adjacent and/or bordering with the abutment's crown interface segment, and configured to be narrowest adjacent to and/or bordering with the distal portion of the abutment's implant interface segment.

Optionally and preferably the proximal portion's conical external surface defines a wall that is provided with a uniform angle and/or slope along the length of the abutment's implant interface segment's proximal portion.

Optionally proximal portion's conical external surface defines a wall that is provided with at least two angles and/or slopes along the length of the proximal portion, therein defining two proximal portion sub-segments that are conical and continuous with one another. Preferably the first sub-segment is provided with a first angle and/or slope and the second segment is provided with a second angle and/or slope wherein the second angle and/slope is bigger than the first angle and/or slope relative to a common midline plane.

Optionally the abutment comprises a central borehole configured to receive a fixation screw, as is known in the art.

Optionally the abutment may feature an integrated fixation screw portion disposed distal to the implant interface segment. Preferably the integrated fixation screw portion is provided for coupling with an implant along its threaded borehole.

According to aspects which can be combined with the present invention a dedicated dental tool for associated with and manipulating and/or tooling and/or maneuvering a dental implant is provided, the device featuring: a dental tooling connection interface for coupling with a dental hand piece tool that may be utilized to rotate a dental implant associated with the tool; a tooling body comprising a proximal portion, medial portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion is disposed distal to and is continuous with the tooling connection, the proximal portion defines a conical body having a proximal end and a distal end the proximal end configured to be wider than the distal end; the medial portion is disposed distal to the proximal portion and is fluid therewith, the medial portion is provided in the form of an anti-rotation interface for example including but not limited to a hexagon profile; the distal portion is disposed distal to the medial portion and is fluid therewith, preferably the distal portion is configured to have a body configured to have a smaller diameter than that of the medial portion so as to allow for entering into the dental implant borehole.

Optionally the medial portion is substantially cylindrical.

Optionally the dental implant insertion tool may be configured to have a hollow flow channel along its length so as to facilitate fluid flow therethrough for example for conducting a flowing fluid such as a fluid and/or gas. For example, the hollow flow channel may be utilized to couple with a suction port to facilitate creating of suction at the distal end. For example the hollow flow channel may be utilized for introducing a flowing fluid such as water and/or saline and/or gas and/or air through the distal end.

The conical body featuring a plurality of inter-digitation male connects disposed adjacent to the proximal end. Most preferably the conical body comprises at least two inter-digitation male connectors extending form the external surface that are provided for associating with corresponding female inter-digitation connectors disposed on an implant internal connection interface as previously described. Preferably the plurality of male inter-digitation connectors may be distributed evenly along the external surface of the conical body. Optionally the proximal portion comprises from two and up to about six inter-digitation male connectors.

Optionally the proximal portion may be provided from at least two or more conical sub-segments that are continuous and fluid with one another. Preferably each conical sub-segment forming the proximal portion are arranged such that the proximal portion maintains a substantially conical profile arrangement that is increasing diameter in the proximal direction, therein the distal sub-segment is the narrowest while the proximal sub-segment is the widest. Preferably a first (distal) sub-segment is provided with a first angle and/or slope and the second (proximal) sub-segment is provided with a second angle and/or slope wherein the second angle and/slope is larger than the first angle and/or slope relative to a common midline plane.

Optionally medial portion may be configured to have any anti-rotational configuration to match that distal anti-rotational platform of a dental implant for example including but not limited to at least one or more selected from the group consisting of internal six receptor sockets, scalloped, internal dodecagon, external dodecagon, internal hex internal, external hex, external octagon, internal octagon, external spline, internal spline, Morse taper, internal Morse taper, one piece, internal six lobe, external six lobe, internal tri lobe, external tri-lobe, internal six spline, external six-spline, internal thread, internal pentagon, external pentagon, external thread, internal square, external square, internal five lobe, internal four lobe, internal three spline, external triangle, internal eight spline, external six lobe, internal eight lobe, internal tube to tube plug in, triangular, polygonal of n sides where n>=<NUM> or more, the like as is known in the art or any combination thereof.

Within the context of this application the term thread, threading or "threading portion" refers to a portion of an implant comprising threading and utilized for integrating and/or interfacing and/or securely coupling the implant structure within the bone facilitating implantation within the bone.

Within the context of this application the term "flute" may be interchangeable with any of the terms including but not limited to vents, grooves, recess or the like terms according to the art to refer to a portion of an implant provided with a cutting edge for tapping function, gathering function or the like.

Within the context of this application the term "proximal" generally refers to the side or end of an elongated medical device such as an implant that is intended to be closer to the performing medical personnel and/or practitioner. The term "proximal" may be interchangeable with the term "coronal" when referring to the coronal side of an implant.

Within the context of this application the term "distal" generally refers to the side or end of an elongated medical device such as an implant that is opposite the "proximal end", and is farther from the performing medical personnel and/or practitioner. The term "distal" may be interchangeable with the term "apical" when referring to the apical side of an implant.

The materials, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. 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 order to provide 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.

The principles and operation of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description. The following figure reference labels are used throughout the description to refer to similarly functioning components are used throughout the specification hereinbelow.

<FIG> shows a schematic block diagram representation of a dental implant showing the main aspects of dental implant. A dental implant <NUM> includes a coronal portion <NUM> and a body portion <NUM> that are continuous with one another. The coronal portion <NUM> defines the proximal end 1p of the bone implant and the body portion <NUM> defines the distal end of 1d the implant <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> comprises an inner core 4i that is fit with at least one threading <NUM> that extend horizontally along a horizontal plane 30a and progresses along the length of the implant body core <NUM>. The inner core <NUM> defines an internal diameter 4i of body portion <NUM> while the threading <NUM> defines the external diameter 4e of the body portion <NUM>.

The shape and /or profile of body portion <NUM> may be highly variable and may assume a plurality of shapes and/or configurations and/or profiles for example including but not limited to straight, tapered, conical, cylindrical, linear, parallel, symmetric, asymmetric, trapezoidal, mixed conical, segmented, multi segmented and any combination thereof.

Implant <NUM> may further comprise micro-threads <NUM> along either the coronal portion <NUM> and/or body portion <NUM>. Optionally body portion <NUM> may comprise both micro-threads <NUM> and threading <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a schematic block diagram representation of a dental implant threading <NUM> specifically showing aspects of dental implant thread. <FIG> shows different profiles of threading <NUM> that are known in the art having different characteristics. Thread <NUM> extends from the implant's core body portion <NUM> along a horizontal plane 30a represented by the dashed line. The horizontal plane 30a comprises two axes a first axis along the medial-lateral axis 'M-L', and a second axis, along the anterior-posterior axis 'A-P' extending around implant body <NUM>, for example as shown in <FIG>.

The basic thread structure is an extension that has an apical side <NUM>, a coronal side <NUM>, and a lateral edge <NUM> that connects the apical side and the coronal side, a base 30b connecting the thread <NUM> to the implant core <NUM>, a thread depth 30d that is defined between the lateral edge <NUM> and the base 30b.

The thread may also be defined by a plurality of additional parameters that provided and/or determine the thread characteristics that depict how the thread behaves relative to the bone. Thread parameters may for example including but not limited to: the contour of the inter-thread-face <NUM>, the overall shape of the core body portion 4i, how the threads progresses along the length of the implant body, the number of starts, number of flutes, thread pitch, thread dispersal along the implant body, the like or any combination thereof.

Thread parameters and some known configurations are schematically shown in <FIG>, where the thread may comprises a straight segments or curved edge that are defined along the coronal side <NUM> and/or the apical side <NUM> of the thread. The thread may be configured to be symmetric or asymmetric relative to the horizontal plane 30a. The angulation of the thread, along any of its parts including the apical side <NUM>, coronal side <NUM>, lateral edge and inter-thread face <NUM> may be controlled.

The below description refers to collectively to <FIG> using the same reference labels for the same parts throughout the description.

<FIG> shows a schematic illustrative diagram of dental implant <NUM> according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. Anchor <NUM> comprises a proximal end 100p and a distal end 100d, the distal end 100d also referred to as the apical end <NUM> of the implant.

Implant <NUM> has a substantially cylindrical or conical or circular cylindrical form, including a coronal portion <NUM> and a body portion <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> comprising threading <NUM> that are fit with at least two or more flutes <NUM> disposed along the full length of implant <NUM>.

The figures and description herewith depict an implant featuring coronal portion <NUM>, body portion <NUM>, threading <NUM> and at least two flutes <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited in its scope to cover an implant having all of these features in a single body and/or embodiment.

The present invention includes optional embodiments for an implant that may comprise at least one or more of the following features in any combination thereof, selected from the group consisting of: at least two flutes <NUM>, coronal segment <NUM>, and body core 120c.

<FIG> shows coronal portion <NUM> described and shown is a non limiting example of an optional coronal portion <NUM> that may be provided with implant <NUM>. Coronal portion <NUM> is generally provided as an interfacing platform to facilitating coupling an implant with other dental implant components for example including but not limited to an abutment, a crown, a bridge, a dental prosthesis, an anatomical abutment, an angled abutment, a collar, a ball attachment, a healing cap, platform switching abutment, the like or any combination thereof.

The coronal portion <NUM> may be provided with an internal interfacing platform <NUM>, for example as shown in <FIG>, or an external interfacing platform (not shown). Optionally an external interfacing platform may for example include but is not limited to an external hex configuration as is known in the art. Optionally the interfacing platform <NUM> provide s for coupling the implant with other dental implant structures such as crowns, abutments, transfers or the like. Optionally the interfacing platform <NUM> may provide a tooling interface provided for maneuvering and/or tooling the implant <NUM>.

<FIG>, shows the overall shape of the various parts and segments forming implant <NUM>. As shown coronal portion <NUM> and body portion <NUM> comprise substantially cylindrical body of varying diameter. The proximal end 120p of body portion <NUM> is configured to have a larger overall diameter than the distal segment 110b of coronal portion <NUM>. Most preferably this allows a practitioner to gain access to a proximal portion of body portion <NUM> from the coronal portion <NUM>, for example as will be described later with respect to flute <NUM>.

Optionally, coronal portion <NUM> may comprise threading <NUM>, <FIG>, along at least a portion of the external surface. Optionally and preferably threading <NUM> may be provided to improve bone retention and osseointegration, for example in the form of micro-threads. Optionally coronal threading <NUM> may be configured to have a double lead, with a pitch of about <NUM> and thread angle of about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees. Optionally threading <NUM> may be configured according to the configuration of the body portion threading <NUM> and may be configured to facilitate integration within the bone.

Optionally threading <NUM> may be configured according to at least one or more threading parameters as is known in the art, for example including but not limited to lead, pitch, thread angle, thickness, major diameter, minor diameter, taper angle, thread orientation, end position, start position, porosity, number of stops, number of starts, number of leads, number of cuts, lead in angle, the like or any combination thereof of threading variable and/or parameters.

Optionally coronal portion <NUM> may be devoid of threading <NUM>.

Coronal portion <NUM> preferably comprises at least three or more substantially cylindrical segments and/or circular cylindrical segments that are continuous with one another. More preferably coronal portion <NUM> comprises three substantially cylindrical segments and/or circular cylindrical segments, 110a-c, for example as shown, <FIG>. Optionally each segment comprises a trapezoidal cross sectional profile having two parallel bases, defining the proximal diameter and distal diameter respectively of each segment and two angulated legs defining the external surface of the respective segment.

Optionally coronal segments 110a-c may be provided with an optional cross-sectional profile selected from circular, circular-cylindrical, cylindrical, conical, trapezoidal, the like or any combination thereof.

A first segment 110a defines the proximal segment of coronal portion <NUM> including the proximal end 110p of implant <NUM>.

A second segment 110b defines the distal segment of coronal portion <NUM> and is continuous and fluid with the proximal portion of body portion <NUM>.

Optionally and preferably a third segment 110c defines the medial segment of coronal portion <NUM>. Most preferably medial segment 110c is disposed between proximal segment 110a and distal segment 110b. Optionally, coronal portion <NUM> may be configured to include at least one or more medial segments 110c.

Optionally medial segment 110c may be configured to have a circular-cylindrical profile wherein the proximal diameter of medial segments 110c and distal diameter of medial segments 110c are substantially equivalent to one another.

Optionally and preferably each of the coronal segments 110a-c have a proximal diameter and a distal diameter defined about the base of said trapezoidal profile. Preferably the diameter is sequentially increasing in the distal direction, such that the proximal diameter is smaller than the distal diameter of each of said segments. The individual coronal segments 110a-c preferably comprises an angled external surface corresponding to angle defined by the legs of the trapezoidal profile.

Optionally at least one or more of the coronal portion <NUM> segments 110a-c may serve as an optional connection platform for implant <NUM>.

Optionally proximal segments 110a may serve and provide at least two connection platforms including an external connection platform <NUM> and surface connection platform <NUM>.

Optionally and preferably the distal segment 110b may be configured to be continuous with body portion <NUM> of implant <NUM>. Optionally and preferably the distal diameter the distal segment 100b is equal to the proximal diameter of body portion <NUM> and the proximal diameter of distal segment 110b is smaller than the proximal diameter of body portion <NUM>.

Optionally, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, implant <NUM> may comprises a cavity disposed internally within implant <NUM> defined between the coronal portion <NUM> and at least partially within a proximal portion of body portion <NUM>. Preferably the cavity <NUM> forms an opening at the proximal end 100p of dental implant <NUM> and may be configured to be a connecting platform <NUM> provided for coupling and/or associating with at least one or more dental implant components for example including but not limited to an abutment, a crown, a bridge, abutment screw, fixation screw, a dental prosthesis, an anatomical abutment, an angled abutment, a collar, a ball attachment, a healing cap, the like or any combination thereof.

Optionally cavity opening <NUM>, <FIG>, may provide a least one or more connecting platforms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, provided for connection optional dental implant components, for example an abutment <NUM> and abutment screw <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

Optionally the cavity <NUM> may form at least two connecting platforms including at least one internal connecting platform <NUM> and at least one surface connecting platform <NUM>.

Optionally the coronal portion <NUM> may further comprises an external structure configured to attach an abutment or the like dental implant components for example including but not limited to an abutment, a crown, a bridge, abutment screw, fixation screw, a dental prosthesis, an anatomical abutment, an angled abutment, a collar, a ball attachment, a healing cap, the like or any combination thereof.

Optionally coronal portion <NUM> may be configured to be coupled, and/or associated and/or integrated with an abutment <NUM> utilizing an abutment screw <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Optionally coronal portion <NUM> may be configured to be coupled and/or associated with optional dental implant components for example including but not limited to an abutment, a crown, a bridge, abutment screw, fixation screw, a dental prosthesis, an anatomical abutment, an angled abutment, a collar, a ball attachment, a healing cap, the like or any combination thereof.

Coronal portion <NUM> extends distally (apically) toward the distal (apical) end 100d, therein defining the body portion <NUM> of implant <NUM>. The proximal end 120p of body portion <NUM> is continuous with the distal end 110d of distal segment of 110b defining the overall largest diameter of implant <NUM>, for example as seen in <FIG>, <FIG>.

Preferably the overall diameter of implant <NUM> is defined over its two portions, namely body portion <NUM> and coronal portion <NUM>. Along the length of body portion <NUM> the overall implant diameter is apically decreasing from proximal end 120p to the apical end 100d. Along the length of coronal portion <NUM> the overall implant diameter is apically increasing from proximal end 110p to distal end 110d. Accordingly implant <NUM> is substantially cylindrical and/or circular cylindrical, having a barrel like shape along its outer diameter, for example as seen in <FIG>, <FIG>.

As best seed in <FIG>, <FIG> body portion <NUM> may comprise at least two sub-segments a proximal sub-segment 120a and a distal sub-segment 120b. Optionally and preferably body portion <NUM> more preferably core 120c may further comprise a plurality of sub segments <NUM> of varying dimension and configuration. Optionally each core sub-segment 120a, 120b, <NUM> may comprise a substantially cylindrical body having a trapezoidal profile each with a distally decreasing diameter such that the proximal diameter is larger than the distal diameter. Optionally core sub-segments <NUM> may be provided with a circular-cylindrical and/or trapezoidal profile.

Body portion <NUM> comprises a core 120c that spans along the length of body portion <NUM> from proximal end 120p to distal end 120d. Core 120c comprises an overall trapezoidal profile, <FIG>, where the distal end/apical end 120d defining the smallest diameter at the apical end 120d and the largest diameter defined at the proximal end 120p. Most preferably core120c is substantially flat at the apical end 120d, <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, optionally and preferably core 120c may be provided from a plurality of sub-segments 120a, 120b, <NUM> that may be configured to be cylindrical and/or trapezoidal.

For example as shown in <FIG> the core 120c may be configured to have a plurality of sub-segments for example, where profile line 121a shows an optional core profile comprising six sub-segments including proximal sub-segment 120a, distal sub-segment 120b that are intervened with four sub-segments <NUM>. As can be seen sub-segments <NUM> may be configured to be cylindrical and/or trapezoidal and/or circular cylindrical in any arrangement however the overall core 120c diameter is sequentially apically decreasing.

<FIG> shows another optional configuration for core 120c, as shown profile line 121b comprises four core sub-segments including proximal sub-segment 120a, distal sub-segment 120b that are intervened with two sub-segments <NUM>. As can be seen sub-segments <NUM> may be configured to be cylindrical and/or trapezoidal and/or circular-cylindrical in any arrangement however the overall core 120c diameter is sequentially apically decreasing.

Most preferably, core 120c defines the inner diameter of body portion <NUM>, while the lateral face 124f of threading <NUM>, extending outwardly form core 120c, defines the outer diameter of body portion <NUM>.

As best seen in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> core 120c is fit with threading <NUM> comprising at least one and more preferably two or more threads that extend along the length of body portion <NUM> from distal end 100d to proximal end 120p. Threading <NUM> comprises a base 124b connecting thread <NUM> to core 120c. Thread base 124b comprises an apical side 124a, a coronal side 124c, and a lateral edge 124f (defining the thread width) connecting the apical side 124a and the coronal side 124c. Thread base 124b having a thread depth defined between the lateral edge 124f and core 120c. The lateral edge 124f of the thread may be configured to have a variable width that increases along said body segment in a coronal direction, configured so that the smallest width of the lateral edge 124f of the thread is adjacent the distal segment 120b and the largest width of the lateral edge of the thread is adjacent the coronal segment <NUM>.

Optionally and preferably thread <NUM> may be provided with variable thread depth that generally increases along the length of body portion <NUM> in an apical direction, so that the smallest depth of the thread is adjacent the coronal portion and the largest depth of each thread is adjacent the apical end 120d.

Optionally thread <NUM> may be provided with variable thread depth that is generally increasing along the length of body proximal segment 120a in an apical direction, and is generally decreasing along the length of body distal portion 120b in an apical direction, so that the smallest depth of the thread is adjacent the coronal portion and the largest depth of each thread may be found between the distal body portion 120b and proximal body portion 120a.

Most preferably threading <NUM> is provided in the form of double thread having at least two starts. Optionally threading <NUM> may be provided with a single start. Optionally threading <NUM> may be provided with a plurality of starts.

Most preferably the apical end 100d, <NUM>, best seen in <FIG>, and <FIG>, features at least two cutting leading edge 126e tips that extends from the core 120c preceding the starting thread of each of thread <NUM> respectively therein acting as a lead-in to thread <NUM>. Optionally and preferably leading cutting edge 126e may be configured to having a coronal side angle equal to the coronal angle of threading <NUM> so as to facilitate is start. Optionally and preferably leading edge 126e provides the initial bone drilling element contact therein stabilizing the implant <NUM>.

Preferably threading <NUM> is provided with a thread angle from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees. Optionally and preferably threading <NUM> is provided with a thread angle is provided from about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees. Preferably threading <NUM> is provided with a thread angel of <NUM> degrees or <NUM> degrees.

Optionally thread <NUM> may be configured to a be a double lead thread having a thread angle of <NUM> degrees, a pitch of about <NUM>.

Optionally thread <NUM> may be configured to a be a double lead thread having a thread angle of <NUM> degrees, a pitch of about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

Optionally thread <NUM> may be further configured according to at least one or more threading parameters as is known in the art, for example including but not limited to lead, pitch, thread angle, thickness, major diameter, minor diameter, taper angle, thread orientation, end position, start position, porosity, number of stops, number of starts, number of leads, number of cuts, lead in angle, the like or any combination thereof of threading variable and/or parameters.

Implant <NUM> features at least two or more longitudinal channels <NUM> forming flutes that span the full length of body portion <NUM> along threading <NUM>. Optionally thread <NUM> may feature at least two longitudinal flute recessed channels <NUM>. Optionally and preferably may feature four longitudinally recessed channels <NUM>, for example as shown in the figures.

Flutes <NUM> are preferably configured to mill bone, collect, condense and to disperse house bone when the dental implant <NUM> is rotated with a dental implant maneuvering tool, for example in the form of a dental hand-piece, both in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

Most preferably flute <NUM> features a proximal opening 122o that is accessible from the coronal portion <NUM>. Optionally the proximal opening 122o, <FIG>, to flutes <NUM> provides for gaining access to flute <NUM> from coronal portion <NUM> so as to allow a practitioner to introduce bone, bone grafting material, bone generating medium, bone grafting media, bone growing medicaments and/or enhances into flute <NUM> therein facilitating the bone growth process and improving osseointegration of implant <NUM> at the implantation site for example about any portion of the mandible or maxilla. Optionally proximal opening 122o may also provide a window to remove any excess bone compacted within the flute <NUM>. Optionally and preferably proximal opening 122o further provides for receiving and/or introducing bone in the occlusal most preferably for providing support of the gingiva.

Optionally and preferably flutes <NUM> form a channel along the length of body portion <NUM> featuring a longitudinal axis selected from the group consisting of linear, curved, arcuate, arched, sigmoidal, spiral the like or any combination thereof. The perspective view of <FIG> and <FIG> show an example of curved longitudinal axis of flute <NUM> that is curved along the length of body portion <NUM>.

Optionally the longitudinal axis of flute <NUM> may be defined according to the profile of the core portion 120c, for example according to lines 121a,121b.

Optionally implant <NUM> comprising a plurality of flutes <NUM>, individual flutes and/or group of flutes <NUM> may be fit with an independent longitudinal axis. For example, an implant comprising four flutes may be configured such that each pair of opposing flutes may have a different longitudinal axis. For example, an implant comprising <NUM> flutes may be configured such that each flute may have a different longitudinal axis.

Optionally and preferably an implant comprising a plurality of flutes may be configured to have the flutes distributed equally along the circumference of body portion <NUM>, therein diving threading <NUM> into equally spaced thread sub-segments. For example as shown, implant <NUM> comprising four equally spaced flutes divides threading <NUM> into four winged members.

Optionally an implant comprising a plurality of flutes may be configured to have the flutes distributed unequally along the circumference of body portion <NUM>, therein dividing threading <NUM> into a plurality of unequally spaced and sized thread sub-segments.

Preferably each flute <NUM> divides threading <NUM> into a number of smaller thread sub-segments equal to the number of flutes <NUM>. As shown, implant <NUM> provided with four flutes <NUM> forming four winged thread sub-segments <NUM>.

Most preferably flute <NUM> is configured to have a bottle neck profile across the base and depth of threading <NUM>. Therein flute <NUM> is formed between core 120c and threading lateral edge 124f. Preferably the bottleneck profile assumes an ovoid flask shape, for example as shown <FIG>.

Preferably the bottleneck profile 122p may be formed from two sigmoid curved shoulders <NUM> and a neck portion 122n, the shoulders <NUM> extending anteriorly from core 120c toward thread lateral edge 124f therein forming an ovoid shape recess 122r along the base to and forming a neck 122n across lateral surface 124f. Most preferably the long axis of ovoid recess 122r is defined along core 120c and the short axis is formed across the thread <NUM> base between core 120c and lateral face 124f.

Most preferably the bottleneck shaped recess flute <NUM> formed along thread <NUM> forms a plurality of thread sub-segments <NUM>, best seen in <FIG>, therein each sub-segment <NUM> forms a wing-shaped thread having two beveled edges 122e along the thread lateral face 124f defined by the neck portion 122n of flute <NUM>. Most preferably this significantly increases the number of cutting edges provided along implant <NUM>.

Most preferably flute <NUM> forms a plurality of sub-segments <NUM> and/or blades and/or wings, along threading <NUM>, as seen in <FIG>, provides for significantly increasing the surface area of implant <NUM> therein facilitating osseointegration and ensuring a <NUM> degrees of implant support.

Apical end surface <NUM> optionally and preferably facilitates sinus lifting while maintaining the Schneiderian membrane by virtue of surface <NUM> being flat and/or apical to that the threads <NUM> therefore surface <NUM> may serve as a protective barrier of the Schneiderian membrane from threads <NUM>. Accordingly sinus lifting procedure may be facilitated by implant <NUM> in that bone may be directed apically, by rotation in both the clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction, allowing for bone growth while distal end surface <NUM> further facilitates maintaining the integrity of the Schneiderian membrane.

Most preferably flute <NUM> is configured such that the length of shoulder <NUM> is gradually decreasing in a proximal direction along the length of implant <NUM>, such that shoulders <NUM> are longest at the proximal end 100d and shortest at adjacent to coronal segment <NUM>.

Optionally shoulder <NUM> is a sigmoid configured to have an inner radius 122i of about <NUM> and an external radius 122q of about <NUM>; wherein the inner radius 122i defines the ovoid recess 122r and the external radius defines the neck 122n, as best seen in <FIG>.

Optionally the ovoid recess 122r at its widest part has a distance of about <NUM> while the neck 122n at its widest has a distance of about <NUM>, as best seen in <FIG>.

Optionally flute <NUM> may be configured to have pitch of <NUM> along the length of implant <NUM>. Optionally flute <NUM> may be configured to have a thread number of four. Optionally flute <NUM> may be configured to have a thread number equal to the number of flutes <NUM>. Optionally flute <NUM> may be configured according to and/or as a function of at least one or more parameter defining threading <NUM>.

Optionally flute <NUM> may be configured to have the threading profile according to at least one or more threading parameters for example including but not limited to lead, pitch, thread angle, thickness, major diameter, minor diameter, taper angle, thread orientation, end position, start position, porosity, number of stops, number of starts, number of leads, number of cuts, lead in angle, the like or any combination thereof of threading variable and/or parameters.

Most preferably the thread <NUM> and flute <NUM> are configured so as to provide a cutting surface and collect bone when implant <NUM> is rotated both clockwise or counterclockwise.

<FIG> shows optional configuration and profiles for flute <NUM> according to the present invention. <FIG> shows optional configuration of flute <NUM> wherein the profile 122p may be configured according to the size of the neck 122n, and the size of the ovoid recess 122r, for example a shown.

<FIG> and <FIG> show optional profiles of body portion <NUM>, showing optional configurations of the inner core 120c. As shown in lines 121a, 121b showing that core 120c may be configured according to a plurality of sub-segments 120a, 120b, <NUM> in optional combinations of cylindrical and/or trapezoidal and/or circular-cylindrical sub-segments.

<FIG> shows an optional embodiment of the present invention therein showing coronal section <NUM> featuring three sub-segments 110a-c, as previously described. Optionally coronal section <NUM> may be fit on any optional implant body, and is therefore not limited to the implant body <NUM> as described herein.

<FIG> shows a cross section of implant <NUM> therein revealing threading <NUM> configuration and the core configuration 120c.

<FIG> show perspective views revealing an option internal interface cavity <NUM> that facilitates attachment to optional dental implant components, as previously described, for example including but not limited to an abutment, a crown, a bridge, abutment screw, fixation screw, a dental prosthesis, an anatomical abutment, an angled abutment, a collar, a ball attachment, a healing cap, the like or any combination thereof.

The perspective view provided by <FIG> further shows the coronal access to flute <NUM> via opening 122o.

<FIG> and <FIG> show an apical perspective view revealing apical end <NUM> including a cutting leading edge 126e and the onset of the double lead thread <NUM>, as previously described.

<FIG> shows the formation of a plurality of thread sub-segments <NUM> and or wing and/or blade that is equal to the number of flutes <NUM>. Apical end <NUM> is substantially flat and including at least one cutting leading edge tip 126e extending from the core 120c preceding the start of each of thread <NUM>. Optionally and preferably the cutting leading edge tip 126e preferably provides for stabilizing said implant within a bone, and allowing to allow for bone to grow around the implant <NUM>. Accordingly tips 126e may be utilized to implant <NUM> within a <NUM> of bone and introducing bone grafting and/or generating medium around the surface of implant. Preferably the apical end <NUM>, 100d further comprises a first thread sub-segment <NUM> (wing, blade) having two opposing lateral beveled ends 122e along the lateral surface including a first (apical) wing end 125a and a second (coronal) wing end 125c. Optionally and preferably second (coronal) wing end 125c may further comprise an apical face 124a undercut therein elevating second (coronal) wing end 125c relative to said first (apical) wing end 125a, provided to facilitate drilling.

<FIG> further reveals the profile of flute <NUM> as a bottle neck formation 122p formed by two shoulders <NUM> forming a neck portion 122n and a recess 122r provided for collection and receiving bone as the drill is rotated in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions. Optionally and preferably the shape and/or profile 122p of flute recess 122r may be determined by controlling the size ratio of neck size 122n and recess 122r.

<FIG> shows an optional configuration of threading <NUM> show the thread pitch 124p, thread lead <NUM> shown as two leads, and thread angle 124o. <FIG> depicts and optional thread configuration where the number of thread leads <NUM> is two, the thread angle 124o equal to about <NUM> degrees and the thread pitch 124p of about <NUM>. Further optional thread parameter may for example be thread lead <NUM> of two, thread angle 124o equal to about <NUM> degrees, and thread pitch 124p of about <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an optional configuration of flute <NUM> showing the flute bottle neck profile 122p that is formed between two shoulders <NUM> having an internal radius 122i and an outer radius 122q to form a recess 122r and neck 122n.

<FIG> shows optional configurations and profiles for flute <NUM> according to the present invention having an ovoid base 122r and a neck portion 122n that may be configured relative to one another and form an edge 122e. The neck 122n preferably defines flute edge 122e on either side of the neck 122n. Optionally flute edge 122e may be configured to be symmetric or asymmetric about the neck 122n therein forming different configurations of flute edge 122e on either side of neck 122n for example as shown in <FIG>.

Optionally the flute <NUM> may assume different profiles, for example as shown in <FIG>, along its length. Optionally each flute <NUM> disposed with implant <NUM> may assume a different flute profile along its length.

<FIG> show optional abutments <NUM> that are associated with implant <NUM> with an abutment screw <NUM> each utilizing a different connecting platform provided with the implant <NUM>. <FIG> shows implant <NUM> utilizing external connection platform <NUM> to support an optional abutment <NUM> along coronal segment 110c.

<FIG> shows a further optional abutment <NUM> supported on implant <NUM> utilizing external connection platform <NUM> without the use of surface connecting platform <NUM>.

<FIG> shows use of an internal connection platform <NUM> formed with interface cavity <NUM> where abutments <NUM> emerges from with cavity <NUM> without interfacing with the external surface of coronal segment <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an abutment <NUM> and locking screw <NUM> that utilize the surface connecting platform <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an optional embodiments for a one piece dental implant <NUM> wherein the implant <NUM> according to optional embodiments is integrated and uniform with and abutment <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an optional embodiment for a two piece dental abutment 10c, for example similar to that shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, that is configured to associate with the coronal portion <NUM>, along threading <NUM> disposed along the coronal portion outer surface. Optionally abutment 10c may be further configured to resting along and seal with at least one coronal portion segments 110a-c, more preferably along distal segment 110b. Optionally such an abutment 10c may be utilized as an abutment replacement following bone resorption as described in greater detail in <FIG>.

Now referring to <FIG> showing optional embodiments for an abutment <NUM> in accordance with optional embodiments of the present invention, the abutment <NUM> is configured to associated and/or otherwise couple with the implant <NUM> along coronal portion <NUM> and/or any portion thereof 110a-c, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> show perspective view of optional abutments <NUM> according to an optional embodiment of the present invention.

<FIG> show a cross sectional views of the abutment depicted in <FIG> of optional configurations of abutment <NUM> showing the optional connection platforms utilized to associate and/or couple with implant <NUM>.

Abutment <NUM> provides for coupling with implant <NUM> an therefore facilitates placement of the implant and abutment in optional configurations and emerging profile for example including but not limited to, bone level, tissue level, endosseous, or the like.

Most preferably abutment <NUM> in combination with implant <NUM> provide for proper implant location and emerging profile based on the implantation site and the mesio-distal plane, and/or the buccal-palatal plane, and/or the buccal-lingual plane.

Preferably abutment <NUM> comprises a mediating portion <NUM> that interfaces with the connecting profiles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of implant <NUM> to facilitate proper formation of the emerging profile at the implantation site relative to at least one plane selected from the group consisting of mesio-distal plane, and/or the buccal-palatal plane, and/or the buccal-lingual plane, or any combination thereof.

Abutment <NUM> has a proximal end <NUM> and a distal end <NUM> and medial portion <NUM> disposed therebetween. Abutment <NUM> comprises a substantially cylindrical core spanning proximal <NUM> end and a distal end <NUM>, shown in dotted lines 10c (<FIG>) and defining an central axis 10a (<FIG>) of abutment <NUM> and an external surface that is contoured along the length of abutment <NUM> between distal end <NUM> and proximal end <NUM> to define the shape and configuration of abutment <NUM>. Optionally and preferably each portion of abutment <NUM>, namely distal <NUM>, medial <NUM>, proximal <NUM>, may be surfaced to provide optional forms and functionality, as is known in the art. Most preferably an optional embodiment of the present invention provides an abutment <NUM> wherein medial portion <NUM> is configured to couple and/or interface and/or otherwise associate with at least one connecting profiles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of implant <NUM>, previously described.

Optionally medial portion <NUM> may provide for platform switching, for example as shown where a wider base is provided along proximal portion <NUM> to facilitate a wide coupling base for a crown (not shown) coupled onto proximal portion <NUM>.

Most preferably proximal portion <NUM> may be provided in optional forms for coupling to an overdenture abutment, bridge, denture, crown or the like restorative structure or prosthetic members. Optionally proximal portion <NUM> may be provided in optional attachment platforms and forms as is known in the art for example including but not limited to ball attachment, overdenture attachment , casting, UCLA, threaded, gold, snaps, angled, straight, angled, internal cap attachment, the like or any combination thereof.

Abutment <NUM> further comprises a prosthesis coupling portion 14c disposed along distal end <NUM>. Preferably coupling portion 14c is configured to couple with implant <NUM> and is provided in optional configuration most preferably to facilitate anti-rotational coupling with coronal portion <NUM>. Optionally and preferably coupling portion 14c comprises a coupling platform to mirror and couple with at least a portion of implant <NUM> preferably along coronal portion <NUM> such they fit in a one to one and/or male-female relationship, optionally and preferably about any portion or surface of coronal portion <NUM> for example including but not limited to 110a, 110b, 110c, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or the like. For example an external coupling platform disposed about coronal portion <NUM>, providing a male coupling member, may be coupled with a corresponding internal coupling platform 14c disposed on abutment distal end <NUM>, therein comprising a female coupling member. For example an internal coupling platform disposed about coronal portion <NUM>, providing a female coupling member, may be coupled with a corresponding external coupling platform 14c disposed on abutment distal end <NUM>, therein comprising a male coupling member.

Coupling portion 14c is shown in a non-limiting optional external hex configuration, however it may be realized in a plurality of optional configurations. Optionally coupling portion 14c may be provided as an internal configuration, external configuration, or a combination thereof as is known in the art, that may for example be depicted according to the type of connection platform provided on implant <NUM> coronal portion <NUM>. Optionally abutment <NUM> may be provided in optional anti-rotation forms for example including but not limited to at least one or more selected from the group consisting of internal six receptor sockets, scalloped, internal dodecagon, external dodecagon, internal hex internal, external hex, external octagon, internal octagon, external spline, internal spline, Morse taper, internal Morse taper, one piece, internal six lobe, external six lobe, internal tri lobe, external tri-lobe, internal six spline, external six-spline, internal thread, internal pentagon, external pentagon, external thread, internal square, external square, internal five lobe, internal four lobe, internal three spline, external triangle, internal eight spline, external six lobe, internal eight lobe, internal tube to tube plug in, triangular, polygonal of n sides where n>=<NUM> or more, the like as is known in the art or any combination thereof.

Abutment <NUM> comprises a central bore <NUM> extending through at least a portion from proximal end <NUM> to distal end <NUM>. Optionally and preferably central bore <NUM> is provided for receiving a fixation screw and/or an abutment screw <NUM>. Optionally and preferably abutment screw <NUM> provides for coupling abutment <NUM> to implant <NUM> as previously described and shown in FIG.

Abutment <NUM> comprises a mediating portion <NUM> defined between proximal end <NUM> and distal end <NUM>. Preferably mediating portion <NUM> defines the abutment's emerging profile as it emerges from implant <NUM> toward an implant crown (not shown). Most preferably mediating portion <NUM> provides for defining the abutment's connection platform utilized for coupling or otherwise associating with one of the three connection platforms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> defined along implant <NUM>, as previously described.

For example as shown in <FIG> shows mediating portion <NUM> comprising an abutment surface 16a provided for coupling and/or interfacing with internal connection platform <NUM> (as previously described). Optionally and preferably abutment surface 16a is a sloping surface gradually sloping from distal end <NUM> toward proximal end <NUM>, most preferably surface 16a may be configured to have an angle from about <NUM> degrees and up to about <NUM> degrees, more preferably from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees. Most preferably the angle of surface 16a may be defined and/or configured according to the connection platform <NUM> of implant <NUM>.

For example as shown in <FIG> shows mediating portion <NUM> comprising an abutment surface 16c and 16d provided for coupling and/or interfacing with external connection platform <NUM> (as previously described). Optionally and preferably abutment surface 16c is a sloping surface having an angle from of up to about <NUM> degrees. Most preferably the angle of surface 16b may be defined and/or configured according to the connection platform <NUM> of implant <NUM>. As shown, surface 16c extends from core formed by proximal portion <NUM> at the border with mediating portion <NUM>. Preferably surface 16c comprises an extension 16d extending from core proximal portion <NUM>. Surface 16d is substantially flat surface disposed substantially perpendicularly (about <NUM> degree angle) relative to the central axis of abutment <NUM> and/or abutment core. Surface 16c extends from surface 16d to form a down-sloping angle extending distally from surface 16d to form surface 16c, wherein surface 16c is provided with an angle from of up to about <NUM> degrees formed relative to surface 16d.

Optionally the length and/or dimensions of surface 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d are configurable and may be adjusted relative to the size and dimensions of implant <NUM>, and/or at least one of connecting platforms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and/or segment surface 110a, 110b, 110c.

For example as shown in <FIG> shows mediating portion <NUM> comprising an abutment surface 16b provided for coupling and/or interfacing with surface connection platform <NUM> (as previously described). Optionally and preferably abutment surface 16b is a substantially flat non-sloping surface that is substantially perpendicular (about <NUM> degrees) relative to the central axis of abutment <NUM> wherein surface 16b extends from the abutment core defined by distal portion <NUM> at the border defined between mediating portion <NUM>. Most preferably the contour and/or angle of surface 16b may be defined and/or configured according to the surface connection platform <NUM> of implant <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross sectional view of an optional abutment 10c that is configured to associate with the external surface of a coronal portion <NUM>, where the coronal portion is fit with threading <NUM> and for which abutment 10c comprises the corresponding threading 15t provided for coupling therewith. Preferably abutment threading 15t is disposed along an the internal surface of a coronal portion cavity 15c, for example as shown. Optionally and preferably cavity 15c is configured to receive and couple with the coronal portion <NUM> of an implant <NUM> that features a coronal portion <NUM> having threading <NUM> disposed along at least a portion of its external surface. Optionally abutment 10c may further comprise a central bore <NUM> as previously described.

The present invention provide a novel thread configuration for dental implant. The thread and/or threading is configured to have at least one or more contour modification <NUM> relative to the horizontal axis 30a of the implant thread. The contour modifications are disposed on the apical side <NUM> and coronal side <NUM> of the thread, relative to the thread's horizontal axis. The contour modifications <NUM> may be provided as a result of angulation that are defined along the horizontal axis 30a.

<FIG> show schematic illustrative diagrams of exemplary dental implant threading <NUM> which are not part of the claimed invention. <FIG> shows an optional thread profile along the horizontal plane 30a.

As previously described with respect to <FIG> threading <NUM> includes an apical side <NUM>, a coronal side <NUM>, and a lateral edge <NUM> connecting the apical side and the coronal side, a base 30b connecting the thread to the core, a thread depth 30d defined between the lateral edge and the base. The thread depth 30d is defining along the medial-lateral axis (M-L) of the horizontal plane 30a of the thread; the adjacent threads defined between adjacent thread base 30b are connected over the external surface of an implant core <NUM> defining an inter-thread face <NUM>.

The thread apical side <NUM> and thread coronal side <NUM> are fit with at least one contour modification <NUM> along at least one axis of the horizontal plane 30a, including the medial-lateral axis M-L axis as shown in <FIG> and optionally the anterior-posterior axis A-P axis. Preferably contouring along at least one axis of the horizontal plane defines at least two sub-segments <NUM>,<NUM> along the horizontal plane 30a, for example as shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG> the contour modification are realized along the M-L axis for example as shown in thread contour <NUM>, and optionally along the A-P axis as shown in thread contour 140a.

Optionally the thread may comprise at least one or more horizontal contour modifications <NUM>. Optionally there may be up to about five contour modifications <NUM> along the horizontal axis on either the apical side <NUM> or the coronal side <NUM> and along at least one axis of the horizontal plane.

Optionally each contour modification <NUM> may assume a variable angle of up to about <NUM> degrees along each of the apical side <NUM> or coronal side <NUM>.

According to the invention the contour modification <NUM> forms a symmetric thread surface along the thread.

Optionally the horizontal contour modification <NUM> may be curved (<FIG>) and/or linear (<FIG>) or it may comprise a combination thereof for example as shown in <FIG>.

Optionally each additional contour modification <NUM> introduced along at least one axis of the horizontal plane increases the number individual sub-segment defined along the horizontal plane by at least one sub-segment <NUM>,<NUM>.

Optionally at least one of the thread apical side <NUM> or the thread coronal side <NUM> may be individually fit with at least one and up to five contour modifications <NUM> along either the medial-lateral axis forming a modification <NUM> or along the anterior posterior axis 140a.

According to the invention the implant <NUM> is configured to include at least two threading <NUM>, wherein each may be individually configured to include at least one or more horizontal contour modification <NUM>.

Optionally each of the plurality of threading <NUM> may be collectively and/or individually/independently configured along its horizontal plane 30a to include the at least one horizontal thread contour modification <NUM> in either the M-L axis or the A-P axis and along at least one of the thread apical side <NUM>, thread coronal side <NUM>, and/or thread lateral edge <NUM>.

Optionally the contour modification <NUM> may define an angle of up to about <NUM> degrees relative to the horizontal plane 30a.

Optionally the thread may be configured to be symmetric about at least one axis of the horizontal plane 30a.

According to a non-claimed aspect, the thread may be configured to be asymmetric about at least one axis of the horizontal plane 30a.

Optionally at least one of: the thread apical side <NUM> or the thread coronal side <NUM> or the lateral edge <NUM>, may feature at least one recessed grooves <NUM>, for example as shown in <FIG>. Optionally thread <NUM> may be fit with a plurality of recessed grooves <NUM>, for example as shown in <FIG>.

Optionally the recessed grooves <NUM> may assume any shape.

Optionally at least one dimension of the recessed grooves (<NUM>) is configured to be from about <NUM> up to about <NUM>.

Optionally the depth of thread <NUM> may be configured to be from about <NUM> up to about <NUM>. Optionally the inter-thread face <NUM> may be configured to assume any shape or angle.

Optionally the inter-thread face <NUM> may for example include but is not limited to: contoured, curved, angled, linear, the like, or any combination thereof.

Optionally the inter-thread face <NUM> may be substantially linear having an angle of up to about <NUM> degrees.

Optionally the inter-thread face <NUM> may comprise a length of up to about <NUM>.

Optionally at least one surface selected from: the thread apical side <NUM>, the thread coronal side <NUM>, the lateral edge <NUM>, the inter-thread face <NUM>, further comprise at least one outwardly extending extension <NUM>, for example as shown in <FIG>. Optionally the threading may comprise a plurality of the outwardly extending extension (<NUM>).

As shown in <FIG> the contour modification may be realized along at least one axis of the horizontal plane in at least one of M-L axis for example as shown in thread contour <NUM>, or along the A-P axis as shown in thread contour 140a.

<FIG> shows a horizontal plane contour modification 140a, <NUM> that is applied onto thread <NUM> forming an edge 122e that is pointed, for example as shown, provided for cutting, compacting and directing bone into flute <NUM>. Edge 122e is formed with two contour modifications 140a, <NUM> along the horizontal plane along the M-L axis and the A-P axis respectively, for example as shown. A first contour modification 140a is configured along the horizontal face 124f and a second contour modification <NUM> is configured along the coronal surface 124c.

<FIG> shows a thread <NUM> similar to that shown in <FIG> where the thread coronal surface 124c is adjusted to introduce an undercut 140c to horizontal plane contour modification that is applied onto the M-L Axis.

<FIG> shows an optional thread <NUM> where a horizontal plane contour adjustment is effected along the A-P axis along the thread edge 124f wherein an undercut 140c is introduced along the thread face <NUM>, for example as shown.

<FIG> show optional horizontal plane thread modifications as previously described.

<FIG> shows an optional thread <NUM> having a flute edge 122e.

<FIG> shows a similar thread <NUM> where edge 122e, shown in <FIG> however further comprising a horizontal modification <NUM> to form a more pronounced angle at edge 122e, wherein edge 122e forms an acute angle with respect to flute recess 122r.

<FIG> shows a similar thread <NUM> where edge 122e, as shown in <FIG> however further comprising a second horizontal modification in the form of modification 140a along edge 124f along the A-P axis. Optionally thread <NUM> may comprise a plurality of such contour modifications.

<FIG> shows a similar thread <NUM> where edge 122e, shown in <FIG> however further comprising a horizontal modification along the M-L axis in the form of a curved undercut 140c producing a curved edge 122e. Optionally such a curvature 140c may be provided for increased osseointegration.

<FIG> shows thread <NUM> having a further horizontal surface modification wherein edge 124f is provided with a dual curved surface therein forming a multipoint edge 122e.

<FIG> show a schematic illustrative diagram of an optional dental implant <NUM> according to the present invention. Implant <NUM> comprises threading <NUM> that is configured to have horizontal contouring according to the present invention as previously described in <FIG>. <FIG> further depicts an implant having a coronal section <NUM> having functional threads <NUM> for interfacing with cortical bone. <FIG> further shows coronal section <NUM> comprising recesses and/or grooves <NUM> along the surface of the thread <NUM>.

Optionally implant <NUM> may be further customized with the coronal segment 110b to facilitate removal of coronal segment should it become necessary due to bone resorption.

<FIG> shows a schematic illustration of a cross sectional depiction of a coronal portion <NUM> according to the present invention, specifically showing the two connection interfaces and/or platforms <NUM>,<NUM> configured to receive an abutment <NUM> and optionally a retention screw as is necessary.

<FIG> shows an optional embodiment of the present invention for a dental implant having a coronal portion that are fit with at least one or more recessed grooves <NUM> along the coronal portion surface. Optionally this may be applied to any implant having a coronal segment.

Optionally and preferably the coronal segment implant as previously described with respect to <FIG>, featuring cortical cutting thread <NUM>, may be fit with the recessed grooves <NUM>.

Optionally the coronal portion <NUM> may be fit with a plurality of recessed grooves <NUM>. Optionally recessed grooves <NUM> may be fit along coronal threading <NUM>.

Optionally the recessed grooves <NUM> are configured to have at least one dimension from about <NUM> to <NUM>.

Optionally the shape of the recessed grooves may be selected from the group consisting of: oval, ovoid, ellipsoid, circular, quadrilateral, trapezoid, polygonal having n sides wherein n is at least three (n><NUM>), and any combination thereof or the like.

Optionally the coronal portion (<NUM>) may feature at least one outwardly extending extension (115e). Optionally the coronal portion <NUM> may further comprise a plurality of the outwardly extending extension (115e).

<FIG> show schematic illustrative diagrams of optional embodiments of a dental tool according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. The tools are provided to facilitate removal of the coronal section of an implanted dental implant.

<FIG> shows an optional embodiment of a coronal portion removal tool <NUM>, the dedicated tool <NUM> provided for filing and or removing a coronal segment <NUM> of a dental implant <NUM>, the device featuring: a dental tooling connection interface <NUM> for coupling with a dental hand piece tool; a discoid tooling surface <NUM> having at least one surface or edge that may be coated with a medium provided for cutting and/or filing at least a portion of a dental implant <NUM>; an implant interface portion <NUM> provided for inserting into a dental implant's borehole, the interface portion <NUM> including: a central body portion <NUM> for fitting within an implant's central borehole recess; a ring portion <NUM> for allowing the tool to freely rotate while associated with the implant borehole; and a distal end cap <NUM> for securely associating the tool with at least a portion of borehole portion and for sealing the implant borehole.

Optionally the central body portion of device <NUM> may be configured to be vertically flexible or adjustable. Optionally the central body portion may be fit with a spring <NUM> to facilitate height adjustment.

Optionally the central body portion may be configured to be telescopic.

Optionally the central body portion may have an adjustable diameter.

Optionally the central body portion comprises a core onto which a plurality of adapters may be fit so as to allow the central body portion to rotate freely within the dental implant central borehole.

Optionally the ring portion <NUM> comprises ball bearings.

Optionally the ring portion may comprises a friction reducing element to facilitate rotation.

Optionally the distal end cap <NUM> may be provided from materials and/or coatings selected from the group consisting of: silicone, Teflon or the like.

<FIG> show an optional embodiment for a dental tool <NUM>,<NUM> provided for filing and/or facilitating the removal of a coronal segment <NUM> of an implanted dental implant <NUM>, the device featuring: a dental tooling connection interface <NUM> for coupling with a dental hand piece tool; a cylindrical tooling body <NUM>,<NUM> functionally coupled with the dental tooling interface <NUM> and configured to rotate when activated with the dental hand piece tool; the cylindrical tooling body <NUM>,<NUM> having at least one tooling surface or edge <NUM>,226a,226b that may be coated with a medium provided for cutting and/or filing at least a portion of the coronal portion <NUM> of a dental implant <NUM>; and a tooling stopping interface portion <NUM> provided for limiting the progressing of the cylindrical body <NUM>,<NUM> along the coronal segment of the implant.

The tool depicted in <FIG> differs from the tool shown in <FIG> in the stopping interface utilized. <FIG> utilizes a borehole stopper <NUM> while <FIG> utilizes an implant body skirt stopper <NUM>.

Optionally and more preferably the cylindrical tooling body <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise an open lower surface configured to receive the coronal portion <NUM> of the implant <NUM>.

Optionally the tooling surface or edge <NUM>,226a,226b may be disposed along the inner surface of the cylindrical tooling body <NUM>,<NUM>.

Optionally the tooling surface may be fit with an abrasive medium for milling and/or cutting the implant about the coronal portion. Optionally the medium may for example include but is not limited to mediums selected from: diamond dust, diamonds, diamond like carbon, the like or any combination thereof.

Optionally the stopping interface portion <NUM> may be configured to associate with at least a portion of the coronal section <NUM> or the implant body <NUM>,110b, for example as depicted in <FIG>.

Optionally the stopping interface portion <NUM> may be provided in the form of a skirt that may be configured to fit an upper portion of an implant body <NUM>, wherein the skirt may be fit distally with the cylindrical tooling portion <NUM>,<NUM>.

Optionally the stopping interface portion <NUM> may be provided in the form of an implant borehole adaptor provided to associated over an implant bore hole provided along the implant coronal segment <NUM>, for example as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> show schematic illustrative diagram depicting an optional method, excluded from the present invention, when a dental implant experiences bone resorption over the years following implantation, where portions of the implant are exposed over time due to bone loss around the implant and particularly the coronal segment of the implant.

<FIG> shows one optional method of treating such bone resorption by exposing and cleaning the coronal portion of the implant to the bone level and then coupling the exposed coronal segment with a new abutment <NUM> configured to associate therewith.

Optionally the coronal portion <NUM> may be reconfigured and re-threaded with an optional dedicated tool for example as depicted in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an alternative approach in treating bone resorption as a results of a dental implant. <FIG> schematically shows the exposure of the coronal segment over, followed by exposure and preparing for the removal coronal segment <NUM>, while the implant remains is implanted within the bone. Optionally coronal portion <NUM> may be removed with any one of the optional tools depicted in <FIG>.

Similarly, <FIG> shows a schematic depiction of bone resorption over time at an implantation site. The coronal portion of the implant is first exposed and/or cleaned as is necessary and later the coronal portion is removed with a dedicated tool <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM>. <FIG> shows additional abutment configuration <NUM> that may be coupled to the implant devoid of a conical portion for example as shown.

Now referring to <FIG> discussing optional embodiments of the present invention for a dental implant internal connection platform as shown in <FIG>, a corresponding abutment as shown in <FIG>, and a dedicate implant introducing tool as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> show an dental implant, implant abutment and dedicated tool that are all interrelated by virtue of an internal conical interface platform that may be disposed on a dental implant and therefore requires a corresponding interface on any dental tool and/or structure that associates and/or interfaces with the implant.

<FIG> show optional embodiments of the present invention for an implant <NUM> having an internal conical connection platform <NUM>. Most preferably the dental implant <NUM> has an internal conical connection platform <NUM> along a borehole that is configured to receive a universal implant abutment <NUM>, <NUM>. The internal connection platform <NUM> is an internal borehole that extends distally from the proximal end of the implant <NUM> at the coronal portion into the medial portion of the implant body. The internal connection platform <NUM> is preferably centered along the implant body. The implant connection platform <NUM> preferably comprises a distal portion <NUM>, a medial portion <NUM> and a proximal portion <NUM> that are fluid and continuous with one another.

Optionally and preferably the proximal portion <NUM> comprises a universal conical profile, therein allowing the connection platform <NUM> to act as an interfacing and/or receiving platform for a universal abutment <NUM> (<FIG>) for implants of various sizes and/or diameters.

Most preferably connection platform <NUM> comprises at least two anti-rotational interfaces, a first anti-rotational interface <NUM> disposed along the medial portion <NUM> and a second anti-rotational interface <NUM> disposed along the proximal portion adjacent to the implant's proximal end 1302p. Preferably the distal portion <NUM> is a substantially cylindrical borehole featuring threading that is provided for coupling with a fixation screw as is known in the art. Preferably the medial portion <NUM> defines an anti-rotation interface <NUM> in the form of an anti-rotation tooling interface that is provided for manipulating the implant with tools, for example in the form of an internal hex as shown in <FIG>.

Optionally medial portion anti-rotation connection interface <NUM> may be provided in any anti-rotational tooling interface as is known in the art for example including but not limited to at least one or more selected from the group consisting of internal six receptor sockets, scalloped, internal dodecagon, internal hex, internal octagon, internal spline, Morse taper, internal Morse taper, internal six lobe, internal tri lobe, internal six spline, internal thread, internal pentagon, internal square, internal five lobe, internal four lobe, internal three spline, internal eight spline, internal eight lobe, internal tube to tube plug in, triangular, polygonal of n sides where n>=<NUM> or more, the like as is known in the art or any combination thereof.

Most preferably the proximal portion <NUM> is provided in the form of a substantially conical borehole having a its small diameter at its distal end 1305d bordering the medial portion <NUM> and a large diameter at the proximal end 1305p defined at the implants proximal end 1302p. Optionally and preferably the conical borehole <NUM> defines a wall that is provided with a uniform angle and/or slope along the length of the proximal portion <NUM> from the distal end 1305d to the proximal end 1305p, for example as shown in <FIG>.

Optionally the conical borehole <NUM> may define a wall that is provided with at least two angles and/or slopes along the length of the proximal portion from the distal end to the proximal end, therein defining two proximal portion conical sub-segments <NUM>, <NUM> that are continuous and fluid with one another, for example as shown in <FIG>. Preferably the first segment <NUM> is provided with a first angle and/or slope and the second segment1308 is provided with a second angle and/or slope wherein the second angle and/slope is bigger than the first angle and/or slope relative to a common midline plane.

Most preferably the proximal portion <NUM> is fit with a second anti-rotation interface <NUM> adjacent to the proximal end 1302p. Most preferably, the second anti-rotation interface <NUM> may be provided along the conical borehole surface and/or wall, for example as shown in <FIG>. Preferably the second anti-rotation interface <NUM> maintains the overall conical surface of the proximal portion <NUM>. Most preferably the second anti-rotation interface <NUM> is provided in the form of a plurality of inter-digitation recesses dispersed along proximal portion wall adjacent to the proximal end, for example as shown in <FIG>. Optionally the recess <NUM> may be configured to be horizontal or longitudinal along conical surface wall. Optionally and preferably the second anti-rotation interface <NUM> may be provided in the form of a plurality of inter-digitation recesses dispersed along the conical borehole surface and/or wall.

Optionally the second anti-rotation interface <NUM> may be provided with at least two or more inter-digitation recesses,.

Optionally the internal connection platform borehole <NUM> may further feature a circumferential recess <NUM>, <NUM> and/or groove along at least one of the medial portion <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or along the proximal portion <NUM>.

Optionally proximal portion <NUM> may be fit with a circumferential recess <NUM>, for example as shown in <FIG>. Optionally the circumferential recess <NUM> may be configured to receive an O-ring for facilitating sealing and/or secure coupling with optional dental implant structures for example including but not limited to abutments, healing caps, impression coping abutment, measuring abutments, tools or the like.

Optionally medial portion <NUM> may be fit with a circumferential recess <NUM> and/or groove along its distal end that is adjacent to and/or bordering with the distal portion <NUM>.

Optionally the circumferential recesses <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to receive an O-ring (not shown) for facilitating sealing and/or secure coupling with optional dental structures for example including but not limited to abutments, healing caps, impression coping abutment, measuring abutments, tools or the like.

Optionally medial portion <NUM> may be fit with at least one or more recess <NUM> and/or grooves along its distal end that is adjacent to and/or bordering with the distal portion <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an optional embodiment of the present invention including a dental implant <NUM> that is coupled and/or associated with an abutment <NUM>,<NUM> along the universal conical connection platform <NUM>.

Dental implant abutment <NUM>,<NUM> features an implant interface segment <NUM>,<NUM> and a crown interface segment <NUM>, <NUM>. The implant interface segment <NUM>, <NUM> that is configured to be a universal abutment interface capable of fitting a plurality of dental implant of various diameters and/or sizes, for example a large diameter implant 1300a or a medium sized diameter implant 1300b, or a small diameter implant 1300c. The abutments <NUM>, <NUM> according to an optional embodiment of the present invention is configured to be a universal abutment that is capable of coupling and/or interfacing with various implants of different diameters, for example shown.

The abutment1320,<NUM> may comprises at least one anti-rotational connection <NUM>, <NUM> defining a first anti-rotational connection that is disposed along the distal part of the implant interface segment <NUM>, <NUM>, for example as shown.

Preferably the implant interface segment <NUM>, <NUM> includes a distal portion <NUM>,<NUM> and a proximal portion <NUM>, the distal portion provided in the form of an anti-rotational interface and provided for matching the implant's anti-rotational interface.

Optionally the abutment may comprise at least two anti-rotational connection platforms a first anti-rotational connection platform disposed along the distal portion of the implant interface segment and a second anti-rotational connection platform disposed along the proximal portion of the implant interface segment. Optionally at least one of the two anti-rotational connection platforms may be provided in the form of inter-digitation connectors. Optionally both of the two anti-rotational connection platforms may be provided in the form of male inter-digitation connectors.

Optionally proximal portion's conical external surface defines a wall that is provided with at least two angles and/or slopes along the length of the proximal portion, therein defining two proximal portion sub-segments that are conical and continuous with one another. Preferably the first sub-segment is provided with a first angle and/or slope and the second segment is provided with a second angle and/or slope wherein ciarrererized-irtirar the second angle and/slope is bigger than the first angle and/or slope relative to a common midline plane.

<FIG> shows abutment <NUM> having two anti-rotation connection platforms that are provided in the form of an inter-digitation.

<FIG> shows abutment <NUM> having one anti-rotation connection in the form of a snap fit male connector interface <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an optional abutment according to the present invention where the abutment is configured to associate within an implant borehole along the external conical surface wall.

<FIG> show a universal abutment according to the present invention that is further configured to couple with at least one connection platform provided along the coronal portion <NUM>, for example as shown in <FIG> and as previously described.

<FIG> shows an impression copying abutment that is fit with the conical interface according to embodiments of the present invention, therein providing a universal impression copying abutment that may be associated and/or fit with a plurality of implants of different sizes.

<FIG> shows an healing cap that is fit with the conical interface according to embodiments of the present invention, therein providing a universal impression copying abutment that may be associated and/or fit with a plurality of implants of different sizes.

Optionally the universal conical interface according to embodiments of the present invention may be provided and/or fit on optional forms of dental tools, and/or devices that interface with an implant having the internal conical platform <NUM> according to optional embodiments of the present invention.

<FIG> shows an optional embodiment of the present invention showing a dedicated dental tool <NUM> for associating with and manipulating and/or tooling and/or maneuvering a dental implant <NUM> according to embodiments of the present invention. The device <NUM> features a dental tooling connection interface <NUM> for coupling with a dental hand piece tool that may be utilized to rotate a dental implant associated with the tool;
a tooling body comprising a proximal portion <NUM>, medial portion <NUM> and a distal portion <NUM>. As shown the proximal portion <NUM> is disposed distal to and is continuous with the tooling connection interface <NUM>. Most preferably the proximal portion <NUM> defines a conical body having a proximal end 1355p and a distal end 1355d where the proximal end is configured to be wider than the distal end.

The medial portion <NUM> is disposed distal to the proximal portion <NUM> and is fluid therewith, the medial portion <NUM> is provided in the form of an anti-rotation interface for example including but not limited to a hexagon profile, for example as shown.

The distal portion <NUM> is disposed distal to the medial portion <NUM> and is fluid therewith, preferably the distal portion <NUM> is configured to have a smaller diameter than that of the medial portion so as to allow for entering into the dental implant borehole.

Optionally the medial portion may substantially cylindrical.

Optionally the dental implant insertion tool <NUM> may be configured to have a hollow flow channel (not shown) along its length so as to facilitate fluid flow therethrough for example for conducting a flowing fluid such as a fluid and/or gas. For example, the hollow flow channel may be utilized to couple with a suction port to facilitate creating of suction at the distal end. For example the hollow flow channel may be utilized for introducing a flowing fluid such as water and/or saline and/or gas and/or air through the distal end.

The conical body proximal portion <NUM> features a plurality of inter-digitation male connects <NUM>, as shown, that are disposed adjacent to the proximal end 1355p. Most preferably the conical body <NUM> comprises at least two inter-digitation male connectors <NUM> extending form the external surface and are provided for associating with corresponding female inter-digitation connectors disposed on an implant <NUM> internal connection interface <NUM> as previously described in <FIG>. Preferably the plurality of male inter-digitation connectors <NUM> may be distributed evenly along the external surface of the conical body.

Optionally the proximal portion <NUM> may comprise from two and up to about six inter-digitation male connectors.

Optionally the proximal portion <NUM> may be provided from at least two or more conical sub-segments <NUM>, <NUM> that are continuous and fluid with one another. Preferably each conical sub-segment forming the proximal portion are arranged such that the proximal portion maintains a substantially conical profile arrangement that is increasing diameter in the proximal direction, therein the distal sub-segment 1354is the narrowest while the proximal sub-segment <NUM> is the widest. Preferably a first (distal) sub-segment <NUM> may be provided with a first angle and/or slope and the second (proximal) sub-segment <NUM> may be provided with a second angle and/or slope wherein the second angle and/slope is larger than the first angle and/or slope relative to a common midline plane.

Optionally medial portion <NUM> may be configured to have any anti-rotational configuration to match that distal anti-rotational platform of a dental implant <NUM> for example including but not limited to at least one or more selected from the group consisting of internal six receptor sockets, scalloped, internal dodecagon, external dodecagon, internal hex internal, external hex, external octagon, internal octagon, external spline, internal spline, Morse taper, internal Morse taper, one piece, internal six lobe, external six lobe, internal tri lobe, external tri-lobe, internal six spline, external six-spline, internal thread, internal pentagon, external pentagon, external thread, internal square, external square, internal five lobe, internal four lobe, internal three spline, external triangle, internal eight spline, external six lobe, internal eight lobe, internal tube to tube plug in, triangular, polygonal of n sides where n>=<NUM> or more, the like as is known in the art or any combination thereof.

Claim 1:
A dental implant anchor (<NUM>) comprising a coronal portion (<NUM>) and a body portion (<NUM>) that are continuous with one another, the coronal portion (<NUM>) defining the proximal end of the implant anchor (<NUM>) and the body portion (<NUM>) defining the distal end of the implant anchor (<NUM>), said body portion (<NUM>) having an inner core (120c) fit with at least two threads (<NUM>) extending therefrom along its length; said inner core (120c) defining an internal diameter of said body portion (<NUM>) and said at least two threads (<NUM>) defining the external diameter of said body portion (<NUM>); each thread (<NUM>) comprising:
a) an apical side (124a), a coronal side (124c), and a lateral edge (124f) connecting the apical side (124a) and the coronal side (124c), a base (124b) connecting the thread (<NUM>) to the inner core (120c), a thread depth defined between the lateral edge (124f) and the base (124b), said thread depth defining a horizontal plane (30a) of said thread (<NUM>), the horizontal plane (30a) having a medial-lateral axis (M-L) and an anterior-posterior axis (A-P);
b) and wherein adjacent threads (<NUM>) defined between adjacent thread bases (124b) are connected over the external surface of the inner core (120c) defining an inter-thread face (<NUM>);
c) said thread apical side (124a) and said thread coronal side (124c) of said at least two threads (<NUM>) being fitted with at least one respective contour modification (<NUM>) along said horizontal plane (30a), the contour modifications (<NUM>) being defined along the medial-lateral axis (M-L) of the horizontal plane (30a), wherein the contour modifications are symmetric about the horizontal plane (30a),
wherein said inner core (120c) is configured from at least two sub-segments (120a, 120b), namely a proximal sub-segment (120a) and a distal sub-segment (120b), and wherein said at least two threads (<NUM>) have a variable depth that is generally increasing along the length of the proximal sub-segment (120a) in an apical direction, and is generally decreasing along the length of the distal sub-segment (120b) in an apical direction, so that the smallest depth of the threads (<NUM>) is adjacent the coronal portion of the inner core (120c) and the largest depth of the threads (<NUM>) is found between the distal sub-segment (120b) and proximal sub-segment (120a).