Patent Description:
A document in the art is exemplified by <CIT> which discloses a dental restoration system comprising an implant with a bore having a first anti-rotation section, a middle neck section defining a stop wall and a retention component chamber. The system further comprises a retention component and an insert seated in the retention component chamber between an annular protrusion of the retention component and the stop wall of the implant. The dental restoration system also includes a dental component including a head, a second anti-rotation section adapted to engage the first anti-rotation section of the implant and a bore which is formed through the dental component.

A well-known procedure is the dental restoration of a partially or wholly edentulous patient with artificial dentition. Typically, a dental implant is seated into the bone of a patient's jaw. The dental implant includes a socket, e.g., a bore, which is accessible through the overlying or surrounding gum tissue for receiving and supporting one or more attachments or components which, in turn, are useful to fabricate and support prosthodontic restorations. The dental implant generally includes a threaded bore to receive a retaining screw for holding mating components therein. Dental implant procedures may use a variety of implanting modalities, for example, blade, threaded implant, or smooth push-in implant.

Single tooth restorations present the unique requirement that the prosthesis must be supported non-rotationally when engaged with the implant. Often times this is achieved through non-rotational support of the underlying abutment. When a prepared natural tooth is the underlying abutment, this requirement is met in the normal course of preparing the abutment with a non-circular cross-section. Likewise, when the underlying abutment is a post fitted onto an implant, this requirement is met by preparing the post with a non-circular cross-section. This latter scenario may be more complicated due to the added connection between the implant and the abutment.

While numerous design iterations have been marketed, overall there have been three generations of the implant-abutment interface within these assemblies: an external hex implant, an internal connection implant, and a vertical connection assembly. The external hexagonal implant design has a hexagonal shape (or another anti-rotation feature) protruding out of the implant and the corresponding prosthesis has a female hexagonal receptacle. There is a surface below the hexagonal protrusion on which the abutment is seated. The hexagonal protrusion acts to constrain the abutment from rotating around the longitudinal axis as well as preventing movement on the plane coincident with the implant seating surface. A screw is introduced and rotated to attach the abutment and the implant. The screw is essentially the sole component resisting bending forces.

Unfortunately, screws are a separate component that must be installed in the implant in addition to the abutment during oral surgery. Screws are small and difficult to deliver into a patient. The size of the screw makes it difficult to hold when inserting the screw into the implant and abutment and runs the risk of being ingested, or even worse, aspirated, if the screw is dropped. Further, a normal screw has a head that sits above the seating surface of the implant. The head limits the degree of angle adjustment of the abutment because the abutment screw head breaks out from the body once a certain angle is achieved, depending on the physical characteristics of the screw (i.e., screw head height and diameter), the location of the screw head, and the angle of the abutment. In order to accommodate a screw (or at least a diameter equivalent to the screw head diameter), the access hole in the abutment must be sized to accept the largest diameter of the screw, and this can often be relative large (compared to the outer diameter of the abutment. This can weaken the structural stability of the abutment, as well as potentially detract from the ultimate aesthetics of the provisional and/or final restoration(s).

Thus, there is a need for a retention component between a dental implant and a mating component such as an abutment that allows the attachment of the implant and the abutment without using a conventional mounting screw. There is a further need for a retention component that is pre-seated in an implant thereby preventing the mishandling of a screw within the oral cavity during oral surgery. There is a further need for an interface between a dental implant and abutment that creates a seal between the two components, thereby preventing and potentially promoting bacterial exchange between the oral cavity and the internal aspect of the implant. There is a further need for an interface between a dental implant and an abutment that allows design flexibility of a restoration having the possibility of an extremely short and/or highly angled restoration without sacrificing strength and/or aesthetics of the restoration.

<CIT> discloses an implant consisting of a primary part that can be implanted in the jaw and into which a secondary part is inserted. A continuous axial threaded bore is provided in the secondary part, into which a threaded bolt is screwed in a height-adjustable manner. The threaded bolt is extended beyond the secondary part and carries a pressure ring there with an inclined surface on which an O-ring lies. When the threaded bolt is tightened, the O-ring is pressed radially outwards and is firmly seated in a groove of the primary part.

The invention relates to a dental restoration system as defined in claim <NUM>.

An example not forming part of the claimed invention is a method of connecting a mating component to an implant via a retention component. The implant includes a tip, a cylindrical body, and an open end having an annular shoulder. The cylindrical body includes a.

retention component chamber having a retention component wall. The retention component includes a driver section for interfacing with a driving head of a driver tool and a dental component engagement section with a threaded surface. The method includes inserting the retention component into the implant where the retention component is at least partially contained in the retention component chamber. The retention component and the implant are inserted into a subject. The mating component is inserted into the implant. The mating component is permitted to interface with the retention component via a threaded connector. The retention component is rotated to join the mating component apically. The mating component is joined with the implant by contacting the retention component against a retention wall and the mating component in contact with the annular shoulder.

Another example not forming part of the claimed invention is a dental system including a dental implant having an internal bore and a rotatable threaded retention component located within the internal bore. The system also includes an abutment including a lower threaded stem engaging the rotatable threaded retention component. The abutment is pulled into a final engagement position on the implant in response to the rotation of the rotatable threaded retention component.

Another example not forming part of the claimed invention is a dental implant assembly including an implant having an internal bore extending inwardly from one end of the implant. A rotatable threaded retention component is located within the internal bore. The rotatable threaded retention component has a member that is held captive within the internal bore of the implant and a threaded shank facing upwardly away from a bottom of the internal bore for engaging a corresponding threaded section of a component to be mated to the implant.

Another example not forming part of the claimed invention is a method of connecting an implant to an abutment. The method includes inserting a lower threaded stem of the abutment into an internal bore of the implant until the lower threaded stem engages a rotatable threaded component within the internal bore the implant. The rotatable threaded component is rotated within the implant to pull the abutment into a final engagement position relative to the implant.

The foregoing and additional aspects and implementations of the present disclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of various embodiments and/or aspects, which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided next.

The foregoing and other advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of an implant and mating component interface assembly <NUM>. The interface assembly <NUM> includes an implant <NUM>, a retention component <NUM>, and a dental mating component <NUM> that in this example is an abutment. As will be explained below, the retention component <NUM> is inserted into the implant <NUM> prior to the insertion of the implant <NUM> into a patient. The combination of the implant <NUM> and the retention component <NUM> are therefore considered an implant assembly. Other mating components may include abutments, impression copings, cover screws, monolithic prostheses, etc. The mating component may also be an attachment member, which when scanned provides data about the implant <NUM>. Such an attachment member conveys information about the implant (i.e., location, orientation, type, etc.) and/or the surrounding conditions (i.e., subgingival tissue contours, etc.). Such an attachment member may be one piece or two pieces. The attachment member may be left in the mouth during healing or it may be attached for a short period of time sufficient to acquire the data.

A driver <NUM> is shown in <FIG> to facilitate the attachment of the mating component <NUM> with the implant <NUM>. The components shown in <FIG> are used in dental restorative processes. As is known, the implant <NUM> is inserted into the bone of a patient's jaw after a suitable osteotomy is created in the bone. An implant driver tool is used to rotate the implant <NUM> into the osteotomy and therefore position it in the bone. The dental mating component <NUM> in this example may be a standard prosthetic part or customized to replace the patient's tooth in this example and is attached to the implant <NUM> after the implant <NUM> is seated in the bone. After the dental component <NUM> is inserted into the implant <NUM>, the dental component <NUM> is fixed to the implant <NUM> by using the driver tool <NUM>. As will be explained below, the interface between the implant <NUM> and the abutment <NUM> includes the retention component <NUM> that keeps the implant <NUM> and abutment <NUM> joined and properly aligned. This interface provides both controlled vertical location and rotational alignment of the abutment <NUM> relative to the implant <NUM>. The retention component <NUM> enforces and maintains this control once the connection between the implant <NUM> and the abutment <NUM> is established.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the dental implant <NUM> has a roughly cylindrical body <NUM> that includes a closed end <NUM> and an opposite open end <NUM>. The cylindrical body <NUM> includes an exterior surface <NUM> and an interior surface <NUM>. The exterior surface <NUM> has a series of threads <NUM> that hold the implant <NUM> into the bone. The implant <NUM> includes an interior bore <NUM> that includes the interior surface <NUM>. The interior bore <NUM> includes an anti-rotation section <NUM> and a retention component section <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the open end <NUM> includes the anti-rotation section <NUM>. The anti-rotation section <NUM> includes an annular ring <NUM> defining an exterior surface <NUM>. The annular ring <NUM> has an annular interior shoulder <NUM> that includes an annular stop surface <NUM>. The annular stop surface <NUM> is substantially horizontal and allows the dental component <NUM> to be seated on a known and repeatable planar surface and creates a seal based on the contact between the stop surface <NUM> and a matching surface on the mating component <NUM> as will be explained below.

The anti-rotation section <NUM> includes a set of circular ridges <NUM> and grooves <NUM> that mate with corresponding surfaces on the dental component <NUM> to prevent rotational motion when the dental component <NUM> is inserted into the dental implant <NUM>. The ridges <NUM> and grooves <NUM> partly create the annular stop surface <NUM>. The opposite end of the ridges <NUM> and grooves <NUM> also define a retention stop surface <NUM> that defines the retention component section <NUM>. The retention component section <NUM> includes a top section <NUM> having a first diameter. The top section <NUM> is defined on one end by the retention stop surface <NUM>. The opposite end of the top section <NUM> is connected to a conical middle section <NUM>. The conical middle section <NUM> is connected to a bottom section <NUM> that has a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter of the top section <NUM>. The bottom section <NUM> is bounded by an interior bottom end <NUM>. Of course different types of anti-rotation arrangements such as dual anti-rotation sections may be used.

<FIG> and <FIG> show the mating component <NUM>. The mating component <NUM> includes an access hole <NUM> that extends from a top surface <NUM> and a bottom end surface <NUM>. The mating component <NUM> includes a middle anti-rotational section <NUM> and a bottom retention engagement section <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the mating component <NUM> is inserted in the interior bore <NUM> of the implant <NUM>. The middle anti-rotational section <NUM> engages the anti-rotational section <NUM> of the implant <NUM> while the bottom retention engagement section <NUM> engages the retention component section <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the retention component <NUM> moves up to eventually contact the retention stop surface <NUM> when it is rotated by the driver tool <NUM> in <FIG> and locks the mating component <NUM> with the implant <NUM>.

The top surface <NUM> of the mating component <NUM> includes a component head <NUM> that may be an abutment in this example. The component head <NUM> in this example is a one piece abutment and includes a bottom cylindrical section <NUM> that includes a bottom rim <NUM> that has a planar stop surface <NUM>. The diameter of the bottom cylindrical section <NUM> is the same diameter of the annular interior shoulder <NUM> of the implant <NUM> in <FIG>. The planar stop surface <NUM> contacts the annular stop surface <NUM> and creates a seal between the mating component <NUM> and the implant <NUM> from joining the two stop surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> and the preload generated between the retention component <NUM> and the mating component <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The two planar stop surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> have the additional benefit of establishing a common datum plane, which is utilized throughout the entire restorative process, thereby eliminating lack of control over the vertical location of the restorative components. The planar surfaces are easier to mate then conical surfaces and promote both vertical location control (reducing vertical location variability), as well as seal robustness (further amplified by the high pre-load).

The anti-rotational section <NUM> includes a cylindrical main body <NUM> having a top end coupled to the component head <NUM> and an opposite end that ends in a conical section <NUM>. The cylindrical main body <NUM> includes an exterior surface <NUM> that includes circular ridges <NUM> and grooves <NUM>. The circular ridges <NUM> interlock with the grooves <NUM> of the anti-rotational section <NUM> of the implant <NUM> while the grooves <NUM> interlock with the ridges <NUM> of the anti-rotational section <NUM>.

The bottom retention engagement section <NUM> includes a cylindrical body <NUM> that has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the anti-rotational section <NUM>. The cylindrical body <NUM> has an exterior surface <NUM> that includes threads <NUM>. As will be explained, the threads <NUM> engage the threads of the retention component <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the retention component <NUM> includes a compliant conical element <NUM> and a cylindrical main body <NUM> that includes an interior bore <NUM> with a locking section <NUM> that interfaces with the head of the driver tool <NUM>. In this example, the retention component <NUM> may be fabricated from SS316L stainless steel and may be treated with a lubricious surface coating such as gold-plating. The purpose of the gold-plated coating is to increase the efficiency of the retention component <NUM> and the resultant pre-load within the assembly for a given rotational force. In this example, the implant <NUM> is titanium. Of course, other dental restoration appropriate materials may be used for the components of the assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> shows detailed views of the retention component <NUM>. The compliant conical element <NUM> includes a cylindrical exterior surface <NUM> and a sloped exterior surface <NUM> near an open end <NUM>. A beveled interior annular surface <NUM> is formed on the open end <NUM>. The beveled interior annular surface <NUM> is connected to a cylindrical interior surface <NUM>. The cylindrical interior surface <NUM> leads to a threaded interior surface <NUM>. The compliant conical element <NUM> includes four arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Four slots <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are interposed between the four arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The four arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> each include the threaded interior surface <NUM>.

The cylindrical main body <NUM>, including the interior bore <NUM>, is coupled to the locking section <NUM>. The interior diameter of an interior space <NUM> of the locking section <NUM> is less than the diameter of the threaded interior surface <NUM> of the bore <NUM>. The interior space <NUM> includes a series of six interior surfaces <NUM> that mate with the head of the driver tool <NUM>.

The driver tool <NUM> includes a handle <NUM> attached to a shaft <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> has a diameter that allows the shaft <NUM> to be inserted into the bore <NUM> of the mating component <NUM>. The driver tool <NUM> includes a head <NUM> that has a series of surfaces that lock into the corresponding interior surfaces <NUM> of the interior space <NUM> of the locking section <NUM> of the retention component <NUM>. In this example, the head <NUM> is a hexagonal cross-section and the locking section <NUM> is a hexagonal socket. Of course other shapes may be used for the interface between the head <NUM> and the socket.

The present system <NUM> primarily pertains to the retention of mating components (e.g., abutments, impression copings, cover screws, etc.) such as the mating component <NUM> to a dental implant such as the implant <NUM>. The connection to the dental implant <NUM> via the retention component <NUM> allows the user to orientate or align the restorative mating component <NUM> to the desired position and retain the mating component <NUM> without the mating component <NUM> rotating and without the user handling an attachment component such as a screw that must be inserted in conjunction with the mating component, thereby avoiding misplacement and potentially the patient swallowing the screw. The mating component <NUM> is retained by the retention component <NUM> when the mating component <NUM> is assembled with the implant <NUM>. The retention component <NUM> is preassembled by the manufacturer inside the dental implant <NUM> by collapsing the arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the retention component <NUM> to insert the retention component <NUM> in the retention component section <NUM> of the implant <NUM>. The insertion of the dental component <NUM> in conjunction with the driver tool <NUM> allows the return of the retention component <NUM> to its pre-collapsed form as shown in <FIG>.

During dental implant surgery, the dental implant <NUM> of the retention insert assembly <NUM> is placed in the patient. The retention component <NUM> is pre-assembled in the dental implant <NUM> and is therefore also placed in the patient with the implant <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the exterior sloped surface of the compliant conical element <NUM> of the retention component <NUM> is roughly the same shape of the conical middle section <NUM> of the implant <NUM>. The exterior diameter of the locking section <NUM> of the retention component <NUM> is roughly the same as the diameter of the bottom section <NUM>. Thus, the retention component <NUM> is initially seated on the interior bottom end <NUM> of the bottom section <NUM> of the implant <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The outer diameter of the complaint conical element <NUM> is slightly larger than the diameter of the interior bore <NUM> of the anti-rotational section <NUM>. The arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the retention component <NUM> are pinched in to allow the insertion of the retention component <NUM> into the implant <NUM>.

The mating restorative component <NUM> is aligned and positioned on top of the dental implant <NUM>. The middle anti-rotational section <NUM> of the mating component <NUM> engages the anti-rotation section <NUM> of the implant <NUM>. The circular ridges <NUM> and grooves <NUM> of the anti-rotation section <NUM> of the implant mate with the corresponding grooves <NUM> and ridges <NUM> of the anti-rotational section <NUM> of the mating component <NUM> to prevent rotational motion of the mating component <NUM>. The retention engagement section <NUM> of the mating component <NUM> is inserted into the open end <NUM> of the retention component <NUM>. The threads <NUM> on the exterior surface <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM> of the mating component <NUM> contact the threaded interior surface <NUM> of the cylindrical interior surface <NUM> of the retention component <NUM>.

The driver tool <NUM> is inserted through the access hole <NUM> of the mating component <NUM> so the head <NUM> engages the driving feature (e.g., hexagonal interior surfaces <NUM>) of the retention component <NUM>. The retention component <NUM> is then rotated by the driver tool <NUM> and thereby engages the mating component <NUM>. The exterior threads <NUM> of the mating component <NUM> engage the interior threads <NUM> of the retention component <NUM> by a user applying downward pressure on the mating component <NUM> via pushing the driver tool <NUM>. When the driver tool <NUM> is turned, the retention component <NUM> is rotated, thus engaging the interior threads <NUM> with the exterior threads <NUM> of the mating component <NUM>. As the driver tool <NUM> continues to be rotated, the motion spreads apart the arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the retention component <NUM>. The retention component <NUM> pulls the mating component <NUM> apically via the engagement of the exterior threads <NUM> with the interior threads <NUM> until full mating of the mating component <NUM> and the implant <NUM>. The driver tool <NUM> is then removed. On full mating, the tops of the arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> contact the retention stop surface <NUM> of the implant <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. As also shown in <FIG>, the planar stop surface <NUM> of the bottom rim <NUM> of the dental component <NUM> creates a seal by contacting the annular stop surface <NUM> of the annular interior shoulder <NUM> of the implant <NUM>. Thus, the top of the arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the retention component <NUM> contacting the retention stop surface <NUM> of the implant <NUM> and the planar stop surface <NUM> of the mating component <NUM> contacting the annular stop surface <NUM> of the implant <NUM> serve to hold the now attached retention component <NUM> and mating component <NUM> to the implant <NUM>.

Further since the retention component <NUM> is not contained inside the mating component <NUM> nor above the occlusal surface of the dental implant <NUM> in the assembly <NUM>, the design flexibility of a restoration for a patient is greatly increased by allowing the possibility of an extremely short and angled restoration.

<FIG> shows an alternate dental assembly <NUM> including an alternate retention component <NUM> and an alternate driver tool <NUM>. The dental assembly <NUM> includes an implant <NUM> and a mating component <NUM> that are identical to their counterparts described in <FIG> above. <FIG> shows a perspective view of the alternate retention component <NUM> and <FIG> shows a top view of the alternate retention component <NUM>. The alternate retention component <NUM> includes a compliant conical element <NUM>, a cylindrical support body <NUM>, a central shaft <NUM>, and a driver engagement head <NUM>. The driver engagement head <NUM> interfaces with the driver tool <NUM>.

The compliant conical element <NUM> includes a cylindrical exterior surface <NUM> and a sloped exterior surface <NUM> near an open end <NUM>. A beveled interior annular surface <NUM> is formed on the open end <NUM>. The beveled interior annular surface <NUM> is connected to a cylindrical interior surface <NUM>. The cylindrical interior surface <NUM> leads to a threaded interior surface <NUM>. The compliant conical element <NUM> includes four arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Four slots <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are interposed between the four arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The four arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> each include the threaded interior surface <NUM>.

The cylindrical support body <NUM> includes a bottom surface <NUM> that forms an interior space in conjunction with the compliant conical element <NUM>. The central shaft <NUM> is mounted on the bottom surface <NUM>. The driver engagement head <NUM> includes a hexagonal shaped exterior <NUM> that mates with the driver tool <NUM>. In this example, the shaft <NUM> is a single piece fabrication with the cylindrical support body <NUM> and the compliant conical section <NUM>. In this example, the alternate retention component <NUM> is stainless steel with gold plating.

The driver tool <NUM> includes a handle <NUM> attached to a shaft <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> has a diameter that allows the shaft <NUM> to be inserted into the bore <NUM> of the mating component <NUM>. The driver tool <NUM> includes a head <NUM> that includes a socket <NUM> with hexagonal interior surfaces <NUM> that lock into the corresponding hexagonal surfaces <NUM> of the engagement head <NUM> of the retention component <NUM>. The driver tool <NUM> includes an optional mechanical fuse section <NUM> that reduces the cross-section of the shaft <NUM> such that the torque at which it would shear would be higher than the torque required for securing the retention component <NUM>, but lower than the torque required to destroy the retention component <NUM> and/or the interface between the retention component <NUM> and the driver tool <NUM>. Thus, in the event of failure of the driver tool <NUM>, the retention component <NUM> and the corresponding components such as the implant <NUM> and the mating component <NUM> will be protected.

During dental implant surgery, the dental implant <NUM> of the retention insert assembly <NUM> is placed in the patient. The retention component <NUM> is pre-assembled in the dental implant <NUM> and is therefore also placed in the patient. As shown in <FIG>, the exterior sloped surface of the compliant conical element <NUM> and the cylindrical support body <NUM> roughly match the shape of the conical middle section <NUM> and the bottom section <NUM> of the implant <NUM>. Thus, the retention component <NUM> is initially seated on the interior bottom end <NUM> of the bottom section <NUM> of the implant <NUM>. The outer diameter of the complaint conical element <NUM> is slightly larger than the diameter of the interior bore <NUM> of the anti-rotational section <NUM> of the implant <NUM>. The arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the retention component <NUM> are pinched in to allow the insertion of the retention component <NUM> into the implant <NUM>.

The mating component <NUM> is aligned and positioned on top of the dental implant <NUM>. The middle anti-rotational section <NUM> of the mating component <NUM> engages the anti-rotation section <NUM> of the implant <NUM> and prevents rotation of the mating component <NUM>. The retention engagement section <NUM> of the mating component <NUM> is inserted into the open end <NUM> of the retention component <NUM>. The threads <NUM> on the exterior surface <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM> of the mating component <NUM> contact the threaded interior surface <NUM> of the cylindrical interior surface <NUM> of the retention component <NUM>.

The driver tool <NUM> is inserted through the access hole <NUM> of the mating component <NUM> so the socket <NUM> mates with the engagement head <NUM> of the retention component <NUM>. A user may push the driver tool <NUM> so the mating component <NUM> is forced downward into the implant <NUM>. The retention insert <NUM> is then rotated by the driver tool <NUM> and engages the mating component <NUM>. The exterior threads <NUM> of the mating component <NUM> engage the interior threads <NUM> of the retention component <NUM>. When the driver tool <NUM> is turned, the retention component <NUM> is rotated, thus engaging the interior threads <NUM> with the exterior threads <NUM> of the mating component <NUM>. As the driver tool <NUM> continues to be rotated, the imparted motion to the retention component <NUM> spreads the arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the retention component <NUM> apart. The retention component <NUM> pulls the mating component <NUM> apically via the engagement of the exterior threads <NUM> and interior threads <NUM> until full mating of the mating component <NUM> and the implant <NUM> is achieved. The driver tool <NUM> is then removed. On full mating, the top of the arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> contact the retention stop surface <NUM> of the implant <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. As also shown in <FIG>, the planar stop surface <NUM> of the dental component <NUM> creates a seal by contacting the annular stop surface <NUM> of the implant <NUM>. Thus, the top of the arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the retention component <NUM> contacting the retention stop surface <NUM> of the implant <NUM> and the planar stop surface <NUM> contacting the annular stop surface <NUM> serve to hold the now attached retention component <NUM> and mating component <NUM> to the implant <NUM>.

Alternatively, the retention component <NUM> may be a two-piece assembly. <FIG> is a cross-section view of the alternate interface assembly <NUM> in <FIG> with a two-piece retention component <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the two-piece retention component <NUM> in <FIG>. The interface assembly <NUM> in <FIG> has the same implant <NUM>, mating component <NUM>, and driver tool <NUM> as those shown in <FIG>. The retention component <NUM> has the same general shape and functions the same as the retention component <NUM> shown in <FIG> above. The retention component <NUM> has a compliance piece <NUM> that includes the conical compliant section <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM> of the retention component <NUM> in <FIG>. A separate insert <NUM> forms the central shaft <NUM> and driver engagement head <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the compliance piece <NUM> has a bottom hole <NUM> that holds the insert <NUM>. The insert <NUM> includes a pin <NUM> that is inserted in the bottom hole <NUM>. An annular protrusion <NUM> rests on the bottom surface <NUM> of the compliance piece <NUM>. The insert <NUM> is locked in place by a press fit with the annular protrusion <NUM>. Alternatively, the pin <NUM> may be attached via a screw to the compliance piece <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an alternate dental implant assembly <NUM> that includes a dental component <NUM> that may be attached to an implant <NUM> via an alternate retention component <NUM>. A driver tool <NUM> identical to the driver tool <NUM> in <FIG> is used in <FIG> to attach the components in the assembly <NUM>. <FIG> shows a perspective view of an alternate retention component <NUM> and <FIG> shows a top view of the retention component <NUM>. The implant <NUM> in this example includes a roughly cylindrical body <NUM> that includes a closed end <NUM> and an opposite open end <NUM>. The cylindrical body <NUM> includes a series of exterior threads <NUM> that hold the implant <NUM> into the bone. The implant <NUM> includes an interior bore <NUM> having an anti-rotation section <NUM>, a middle cylindrical chamber <NUM>, and a retention component chamber <NUM>.

The open end <NUM> includes an annular ring <NUM> defining an annular interior shoulder <NUM> that includes an annular stop surface <NUM>. The annular stop surface <NUM> is substantially horizontal and allows the dental component <NUM> to be seated and creates a seal as will be explained below.

The anti-rotation section <NUM> of the implant <NUM> includes a set of circular ridges and grooves that mate with corresponding surfaces on the dental component <NUM> to prevent rotational motion of the dental component <NUM> when it is inserted into the dental implant <NUM>. The retention component chamber <NUM> includes a retention stop wall <NUM> having a first diameter that is less than the diameter of the retention component chamber <NUM>.

The alternate retention component <NUM> includes a compliant element <NUM> on one end of a cylindrical support body <NUM>, and a driver engagement head <NUM> on the other end. The engagement head <NUM> interfaces with the driver tool <NUM>.

The compliant element <NUM> includes a cylindrical bottom plate <NUM> that supports four compliant arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. Each of the compliant arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are angled outward from the support body <NUM>. The diameter of the bottom plate <NUM> is roughly that of the diameter of the retention stop wall <NUM> to allow the bottom plate <NUM> to be inserted through the retention stop wall <NUM> into the chamber <NUM>. Four slots <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are interposed between the four arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The four arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are approximately the same height as the retention component chamber <NUM> of the implant <NUM>.

The cylindrical support body <NUM> includes exterior threads <NUM>. The driver engagement head <NUM> includes a hexagonal shaped exterior surface <NUM> that mates with the driver tool <NUM>. In this example, the alternate retention component <NUM> is stainless steel with gold plating.

The dental component <NUM> in this example includes a head <NUM> that is coupled to one end of a middle anti-rotational section <NUM>. The opposite end of the middle section <NUM> is coupled to a retention engagement section <NUM>. An interior bore <NUM> is formed through the dental component <NUM>. The bore <NUM> has a diameter sufficient to accommodate the driver engagement head <NUM>. The retention engagement section <NUM> has a cylindrical inner surface <NUM> that includes threads <NUM>. A planar stop surface <NUM> is formed on the bottom of the head <NUM> of the dental component <NUM>.

During dental implant surgery, the dental implant <NUM> of the retention insert assembly <NUM> is inserted in an osteotomy formed in the patient. The retention component <NUM> is pre-positioned in the retention chamber <NUM> of the dental implant <NUM> and is therefore also placed in the patient with the dental implant <NUM>. The retention component <NUM> may be pushed into the retention component chamber <NUM> prior to placing the implant <NUM> in the patient. The insertion of the retention component <NUM> causes the arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to be flexed inward by the narrower diameter of the retention component chamber <NUM>. The arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> then expand out and contact the retention stop wall <NUM> of the implant <NUM>. Thus, the bottom <NUM> of the retention component <NUM> is seated and retained in the retention component chamber <NUM> of the implant <NUM>.

The mating component <NUM> is aligned and positioned on top of the dental implant <NUM>. The middle anti-rotational section <NUM> of the mating component <NUM> engages the anti-rotation section <NUM> of the implant <NUM>. The retention engagement section <NUM> of the mating component <NUM> is inserted around the driver engagement head <NUM>. The threads <NUM> on the interior surface <NUM> of the retention engagement section <NUM> of the mating component <NUM> contact the threads <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM> of the retention component <NUM>.

The driver tool <NUM> is inserted through the interior bore <NUM> of the mating component <NUM> so the socket <NUM> mates with the engagement head <NUM> of the retention component <NUM>. The retention component <NUM> is then rotated by the driver tool <NUM> and engages the mating component <NUM>. The user pushes the driver tool <NUM> downward so the interior threads <NUM> of the mating component <NUM> engage the exterior threads <NUM> of the retention component <NUM>. When the driver tool <NUM> is turned, the retention component <NUM> is rotated, thus engaging the threads <NUM> of the retention component <NUM> with the interior threads <NUM> of the mating component <NUM>. As the driver tool <NUM> continues to be rotated, the retention component <NUM> pulls the mating component <NUM> apically via the engagement of the exterior threads <NUM> and interior threads <NUM> until full mating of the mating component <NUM> and the implant <NUM> is achieved. The driver tool <NUM> is then removed. On full mating, the planar stop surface <NUM> of the dental component <NUM> creates a seal by contacting the annular stop surface <NUM> of the implant <NUM>. Thus, the top of the arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the retention component <NUM> contacting the retention stop surface <NUM> of the implant <NUM> and the planar stop surface <NUM> contacting the annular stop surface <NUM> serve to hold the now attached retention component <NUM> and mating component <NUM> to the implant <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of an alternate dental implant assembly <NUM> that includes an implant <NUM> that may be attached to a dental component <NUM> via an alternate retention component <NUM> in conjunction with a C-shaped snap ring insert <NUM>. <FIG> shows a side view of the components of the dental implant assembly <NUM> when the dental component <NUM> is inserted into the implant <NUM>. <FIG> is a side view of the components of the dental implant assembly <NUM> when the dental component <NUM> is fully attached to the implant <NUM>. A driver tool <NUM> identical to the driver tool <NUM> in <FIG> is used in <FIG> to attach the components.

The implant <NUM> in this example includes a roughly cylindrical body <NUM> that includes a closed end <NUM> and an opposite open end <NUM>. The cylindrical body <NUM> includes a series of exterior threads <NUM> that hold the implant <NUM> into the bone. The implant <NUM> includes an interior bore <NUM> having an anti-rotation section <NUM>, a middle neck section <NUM>, and a retention component chamber <NUM>.

The open end <NUM> includes an annular stop surface <NUM>. The annular stop surface <NUM> is substantially horizontal and allows the dental component <NUM> to be seated and creates a seal as will be explained below.

The anti-rotation section <NUM> includes a set of circular ridges and grooves that mate with corresponding surfaces on the dental component <NUM> to prevent rotational motion when the dental component <NUM> is inserted into the dental implant <NUM>. The retention component chamber <NUM> includes an annular retention stop wall <NUM> formed by the middle neck <NUM> that has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the retention component chamber <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the alternate retention component <NUM>, <FIG> is a side view of the retention component <NUM> and <FIG> shows a top view of the retention component <NUM>. The alternate retention component <NUM> includes an annular protrusion <NUM> on one end of a cylindrical support body <NUM>, and a driver engagement head <NUM> on the other end. The annular protrusion <NUM> includes a conical bottom <NUM> and a circular contact surface <NUM>. The engagement head <NUM> includes a socket <NUM> that interfaces with the driver tool <NUM>. The diameter of the annular protrusion <NUM> is roughly that of the diameter of the retention stop wall <NUM> of the implant <NUM> to allow the annular protrusion <NUM> of the retention component <NUM> to be inserted in the retention chamber <NUM> of the implant <NUM>. The insert <NUM> may be compressed to a smaller diameter fit into the retention component chamber <NUM>. The insert <NUM> then expands to a greater diameter to be retained in the retention component chamber <NUM> by the retention stop wall <NUM>. The snap ring insert <NUM> is intended to be removable should it and/or the retention component fail <NUM> to mitigate the osseointegrated implant <NUM> from having to be trephined out of a patient. The snap ring insert <NUM> may be removed by a specialized tool that engages optional protrusion features on the snap ring insert <NUM> and compressing the snap ring insert <NUM> to a smaller diameter to be released from the retention chamber <NUM> and thus removed from the implant <NUM>.

The cylindrical support body <NUM> includes exterior threads <NUM>. The socket <NUM> of the driver engagement head <NUM> includes a hexagonal shaped interior surface <NUM> that mates with the driver tool <NUM>. In this example, the alternate retention component <NUM> is stainless steel with gold plating.

The dental component <NUM> in this example includes a head <NUM> that is coupled to a middle anti-rotational section <NUM> that is coupled to a retention engagement section <NUM>. An interior bore <NUM> is formed through the dental component <NUM>. The bore <NUM> has a diameter sufficient for the dental component <NUM> to accommodate the driver engagement head <NUM>. The head <NUM> has a sloped bottom section <NUM> that terminates in an annular contact shoulder <NUM>. The retention engagement section <NUM> has a cylindrical inner surface <NUM> that includes threads <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-section view of the alternate interface in <FIG> when the dental component <NUM> is inserted into the implant <NUM> and downward pressure is exerted via the driver tool <NUM>. During dental implant surgery, the dental implant <NUM> of the retention insert assembly <NUM> is inserted in an osteotomy created in the patient. The retention component <NUM> and insert <NUM> are pre-positioned in the retention component chamber <NUM> of the dental implant <NUM> and are therefore also placed in the patient as shown in <FIG>. The retention component <NUM> may be pushed into the retention component chamber <NUM> first and then the insert <NUM> is compressed to fit through the neck <NUM> into the retention component chamber <NUM>. Once the insert <NUM> is placed in the chamber <NUM>, it expands and is held in place by the retention stop wall <NUM>.

The mating component <NUM> is aligned and positioned on top of the dental implant <NUM>. The middle anti-rotational section <NUM> of the mating component <NUM> engages the anti-rotation section <NUM> of the implant <NUM> preventing the rotation of the mating component <NUM>. The retention engagement section <NUM> of the mating component <NUM> is inserted around the driver engagement head <NUM>. The threads <NUM> on the interior surface <NUM> of the retention engagement section <NUM> of the mating component <NUM> contact the threads <NUM> of the cylindrical support body <NUM> of the retention component <NUM>.

The driver tool <NUM> is inserted through the interior bore <NUM> of the mating component <NUM> so the head mates with the engagement surface <NUM> of the retention component <NUM>. The user may apply downward force via the driver tool <NUM> to the mating component <NUM> in order to engage the retention component <NUM>. As a result, the interior threads <NUM> of the mating component <NUM> engage the exterior threads <NUM> of the retention component <NUM>. When the driver tool <NUM> is turned, the retention component <NUM> is rotated, thus engaging the threads <NUM> with the interior threads <NUM> of the mating component <NUM>. As the driver tool <NUM> continues to be rotated, the retention component <NUM> pulls the mating component <NUM> apically via the engagement of the exterior threads <NUM> and interior threads <NUM> until full mating of the mating component <NUM> and the implant <NUM> is achieved. The driver tool <NUM> is then removed.

<FIG> is a cross-section view of the alternate interface <NUM> in <FIG> when the dental component <NUM> is fully mated with the dental implant <NUM> and the driver tool <NUM> is removed. On full mating, the circular contact surface <NUM> of the annular protrusion <NUM> of the retention component <NUM> is compressed against one side of the insert <NUM>. The opposite side of the insert <NUM> contacts the retention stop surface <NUM> of the implant <NUM>. The mating component <NUM> is held by the interface of the threads <NUM> and <NUM> to the retention component <NUM>. The contact surface <NUM> of the dental component <NUM> contacts the annular contact surface <NUM> of the implant <NUM> to create an additional seal.

As explained above, the mating component in the previous examples may include devices other than abutments. For example, a cover screw component <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be used to protect the interior of the implant <NUM> and the retention component <NUM> in <FIG> prior to insertion of an abutment or other prosthetic later in the restorative process. <FIG> is a cross-section view of the assembly of the cover screw dental component <NUM> with the implant <NUM> and retention component <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective, exploded view of the components of the cover screw dental component <NUM>, <FIG> is a top view of the cover screw dental component <NUM>, and <FIG> is a side view of the cover screw dental component <NUM>. The cover screw dental component <NUM> includes a cap <NUM> that is attachable to a cylindrical body <NUM>. The assembly of the cap <NUM> and cylindrical body <NUM> may be seen in <FIG>.

The cap <NUM> includes a top surface <NUM> with a socket <NUM> that includes an interface surface <NUM>. The socket <NUM> allows the cover screw dental component <NUM> to be rotated into place by a screw driver or specialized driver tool such as the driver tool <NUM> in <FIG>. An opposite bottom surface <NUM> includes a protruding stem <NUM>. The stem <NUM> includes a locking annular slot <NUM> that allows the retention of the cap <NUM> with the cylindrical body <NUM>. The stem <NUM> also includes an engagement section <NUM> that has exterior features <NUM> that mate with the socket <NUM> of the engagement head <NUM> of the retention component <NUM> in <FIG>.

The cylindrical body <NUM> includes an annular tab <NUM> that locks into the annular slot <NUM> of the cap <NUM>. The cylindrical body <NUM> includes an exterior surface <NUM> that includes locking features <NUM> that interface with the anti-rotational section <NUM> of the implant <NUM>. The cylindrical body <NUM> includes an interior surface <NUM> that includes threads <NUM>.

As may be shown in <FIG>, the cover screw <NUM> is inserted into the implant <NUM> such that the locking features <NUM> interface with the anti-rotational section <NUM> of the implant <NUM>. The engagement section <NUM> is inserted into the engagement head <NUM> of the retention component <NUM>. The cap <NUM> is rotated by a suitable tool inserted in the socket <NUM> causing the retention component <NUM> to be rotated and move apically toward the cover screw <NUM>. The threads <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM> engage the threads <NUM> of the cylindrical support body <NUM> of the retention component <NUM>. When fully assembled, the bottom surface <NUM> creates a seal with the annular contact surface <NUM> of the implant <NUM>. In this manner, the retention component <NUM> rotates via the rotation of the cap <NUM> into the fixed cylindrical body <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of an alternate implant interface <NUM> for a dental component <NUM> with different rotational orientations. An implant <NUM> is similar to the implant <NUM> in <FIG>, the implant <NUM> in <FIG>, or the implant <NUM> in <FIG>. The implant <NUM> has an alternate anti-rotational section <NUM> that prevents the rotation of the dental component <NUM> when the dental component <NUM> is inserted in the implant <NUM>. The anti-rotational section <NUM> includes a socket <NUM> that includes a cylindrical inner surface <NUM> that includes seven radial protrusions 1124a-<NUM>. Each of the radial protrusions 1124a-<NUM> is equally spaced from each other, forming corresponding equally spaced and dimensioned gaps 1126a-1126f. The radial protrusions 1124a and <NUM> are spaced away from each other at a greater radial distance of the circumference of the inner surface <NUM> and form a larger circular gap <NUM>.

The dental component <NUM> includes an anti-rotational section <NUM> that has a cylindrical exterior surface <NUM>. The cylindrical exterior surface <NUM> includes eight symmetrical radial tabs 1146a-1146i that form corresponding grooves 1148a-1148i. When the dental component <NUM> is inserted into the implant <NUM>, the radial tabs 1146a-1146i are inserted into the gaps <NUM>126a-1126f and <NUM> of the implant <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The interaction between the tabs 1146a-1146i and the gaps 1126a-1126f and <NUM> as well as the grooves 1148a-1148i and the protrusions 1124a-g prevent rotation of the dental component <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the larger circular gap <NUM> holds two of the tabs 1146a-1146b of the dental component <NUM>. In this manner, the dental component <NUM> may have eight separate rotational orientations relative to the implant <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of the alternate implant interface <NUM> including the implant <NUM> with a dental component <NUM> with a specific rotational orientation. The dental component <NUM> includes an anti-rotational section <NUM> that has a cylindrical exterior surface <NUM>. The cylindrical exterior surface <NUM> includes six symmetrical radial tabs 1156a-1156f that form corresponding grooves 1158a-<NUM>. A larger tab <NUM> is formed in one specific part of the surface <NUM> between the grooves 1158a and <NUM>. When the dental component <NUM> is inserted into the implant <NUM>, the radial tabs 1156a-1156f are inserted into the corresponding gaps 1126a-1126f of the implant <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The larger tab <NUM> is only insertable into the larger gap <NUM> of the implant <NUM>. In this manner, the interaction between the tabs 1156a-1156f and the corresponding gaps 1126a-1126f as well as the grooves 1158a-<NUM> and the protrusions 1124a-g prevent rotation of the dental component <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the larger circular gap <NUM> holds the larger tab <NUM> and thereby locks the dental component <NUM> in one specific rotational orientation relative to the implant <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross section view of the interface assembly in <FIG> with a plug device <NUM> inserted in the dental component <NUM> when assembled with the implant <NUM> in <FIG>. The plug <NUM> is inserted into the interior bore <NUM> of the dental component <NUM>. The plug <NUM> prevents debris from entering into the interior of the implant <NUM> and the retention component <NUM> before a crown or other prosthetic is installed on the dental component <NUM>. The plug <NUM> may be fabricated from silicone or any other suitable compliant material. The plug <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> that has a diameter that is the size of the bore <NUM>. The plug <NUM> includes a socket <NUM> that includes an annular lip <NUM> with a lateral slot <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A dental restoration system (<NUM>) comprising:
an implant (<NUM>) having a tip, a cylindrical body (<NUM>), an open end (<NUM>) having an annular shoulder (<NUM>), and a first bore (<NUM>) having a first anti-rotation section (<NUM>), a middle neck section (<NUM>) defining a stop wall (<NUM>), and a retention component chamber (<NUM>);
a retention component (<NUM>) made up of a support body (<NUM>) and seated in the retention component chamber (<NUM>) of the implant (<NUM>), the retention component (<NUM>) including an annular protrusion (<NUM>) at an apical end of the support body (<NUM>) as well as exterior threads (<NUM>) and a driver engagement section (<NUM>) at a coronal end of the support body (<NUM>);
an insert (<NUM>) seated in the retention component chamber (<NUM>) between the annular protrusion (<NUM>) of the retention component (<NUM>) and the stop wall (<NUM>) of the implant (<NUM>); and
a dental component (<NUM>) including a head (<NUM>), a second anti-rotation section (<NUM>), and a retention component interface (<NUM>) including a second bore (<NUM>) which is formed through the dental component (<NUM>), the retention component interface (<NUM>) further including a cylindrical inner surface (<NUM>) that includes interior threads (<NUM>),
wherein, during attachment of the dental component (<NUM>) to the implant (<NUM>), the dental component (<NUM>) is inserted into the implant (<NUM>) such that the first anti-rotation section (<NUM>) of the implant (<NUM>) engages the second anti-rotation section (<NUM>) of the dental component (<NUM>), wherein the retention component (<NUM>) is configured to rotate relative to the dental component (<NUM>) and the implant (<NUM>) to pull the dental component (<NUM>) apically via the engagement of the exterior threads (<NUM>) and interior threads (<NUM>) and engage the dental component (<NUM>) to couple the dental component (<NUM>) to the implant (<NUM>).