Patent Grant
11723755
This application is the U.S. national phase of International Application No. PCT/CA2018/050430 filed on Apr. 6, 2018 which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional Patent Application No. 62/482,92.2 filed on Apr. 7, 2017, the disclosures of which are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein.
The present invention generally relates to implantology, and more particularly to a dental superstructure including a drop-shaped screw conduit and a method for conception thereof.
In the field of oral implantology, various ways of implanting alloplastic materials to replace endogenous teeth functions are provided with the objective of bio-integration. To replace a defective tooth, a dental restoration is retained proximate the jaw bone of a patient by a dental implant which can be an intra-ossal implant directly anchored in the bone.
In a first example, a dental restoration can be referred to as a dental superstructure which is fixed and implant-retained as a crown (one-tooth replacement) or a bridge (multiple-teeth replacement). In another example, a dental superstructure can be combined to natural abutment teeth which are connected to one or several implants.
Anchoring the dental superstructure to the dental implant to ensure bio-integration and fulfill esthetic requirements presents various challenges that still need to be addressed.
Implementations of a dental superstructure, and methods related thereto, respond to the above needs by providing a screw conduit being angulated to reduce visibility thereof from outside the oral cavity and having a drop-like shape to allow freedom of angulation for the screw during fixation thereof.
In one aspect, there is provided a dental superstructure securable to a protruding dental abutment. The dental superstructure includes an implant screw conduit defining an implant axis and a base structure mimicking a tooth and being perforated to create a path for a screw towards the protruding dental abutment. The path defines within the base structure a drop-shaped screw conduit having:
In some implementations, the dental superstructure includes a screw abutment seat extending from the drop-shaped screw conduit to receive the screw, the screw abutment seat being sized and configured to be abutted by an head of the screw inserted within the protruding dental abutment along the implant axis.
In some implementations, the dental superstructure includes a secondary screw conduit extending downwardly from the screw abutment seat along the implant axis. The secondary screw conduit is in communication with the implant screw conduit extending from a distal end of the protruding dental abutment downwardly towards a jaw bone of a patient.
In some implementations, the dental superstructure includes an abutment recess extending upwardly from a base portion of the base structure up to the secondary screw conduit and defining a secondary abutment seat offering an abutment surface to the protruding dental abutment, the abutment recess being substantially complementary in shape with a shape of the protruding dental abutment.
In some implementations, the insertion portion of the dental superstructure has a buccal surface which is outwardly arched with respect to the insertion axis to define an extended angulation space for angulation of the screw. Optionally, a distance R between a point of the buccal surface and the insertion axis has a maximum value in accordance with a head diameter of the screw. Further optionally, a location of the point of the buccal surface at which the distance R has the maximum value is in accordance with a length of the screw.
In some implementations, the insertion portion of the dental superstructure has a lingual surface which is inwardly arched with respect to the insertion axis to create an extended dental space for the dental superstructure. Optionally, a distance r between a point of the lingual surface and the insertion axis has a minimum value follows the equation:
rm=R1−0.05 mm
In some implementations, the base structure of the dental superstructure has a lingual external surface and the aperture of the inlet is located on the lingual external surface.
In some implementations, the insertion and the implant axes are aligned and the secondary and the implant screw conduits are concentric.
In another aspect, there is provided an assembly for a dental implant, the assembly including:
In another aspect, there is provided a method for designing a drop-shaped screw conduit of a dental superstructure securable to a protruding dental abutment with a screw having a head. The method includes:
In some implementations, the method further includes designing a screw abutment seat which is configured to receive the head of the screw in abutment when screwed in the protruding dental abutment along the implant axis.
In some implementations, designing the angulation portion comprises determining the second diameter according to the following equation (I):
D2=D1+x (I)
In some implementations, designing the angulation portion comprises positioning the angulation center at an angulation height which is greater that an abutment height at which the screw abuts to the screw abutment seat. Optionally, positioning the angulation center comprises determining the angulation height for a screw head having a flat seat according to the following equation (II):
Further optionally, positioning the angulation center comprises determining the angulation height for a screw head having a tapered seat according to the following equation (III):
In some implementations, designing the screw abutment seat comprises selecting an abutment shape of the screw abutment seat being substantially complementary with a shape of the head of the screw. Optionally, the method includes selecting a tapered shape to complement a tapered seat head of the screw. Alternatively, the method may include selecting a flattened shape to complement a flat seat head of the screw.
In some implementations, the method further includes adjusting a buccal surface of the insertion portion of the screw conduit, the adjustment comprising outwardly arching the buccal surface with respect to the insertion axis to obtain a distance R between a point of the buccal surface and the insertion axis which is higher than a radius R2 (D2/2) of the angulation portion.
In some implementations, the method further includes adjusting a lingual surface of the insertion portion of the screw conduit, the adjustment comprising inwardly arching the lingual surface with respect to the insertion axis to obtain a distance r between a point of the buccal surface (202) and the insertion axis (A) which is lower than a radius R1 (D1/2) of the insertion portion.
While the invention will be described in conjunction with example embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included as defined by the present description. The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent and be better understood upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of the invention, given with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Implementations of a drop-shaped screw conduit for a dental superstructure are represented in and will be further understood in connection with the following figures.
While the invention will be described in conjunction with example embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included as defined by the appended claims.
Dental implants are artificial roots that can be implemented into the jaw bone of a patient to offer support and a fixation point to a dental superstructure mountable thereon. The dental implant can be understood as including an implant substructure nested in the jawbone and an implant superstructure, also referred to as a protruding dental abutment, that connects to its implant substructure and which is protruding from the jawbone in place of the missing tooth.
A dental superstructure is a visible structure, such as an artificial tooth, that replaces and mimics natural teeth of a patient. The dental superstructure, having a dental shape, can be made of various material including alloys, composite resin, acrylic resin and ceramic.
The dental superstructure is mountable about the protruding dental abutment of the dental implant.
It should be noted that the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are optional, and are given for exemplification purposes only. Therefore, the descriptions, examples, methods and materials presented in the claims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting but rather as illustrative only.
Moreover, although the embodiments of the dental superstructure and corresponding parts thereof consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations, may be used for the dental superstructure as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art.
In the following description, the term “about” means within an acceptable error range for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which will depend in part on how the value is measured or determined, i.e. the limitations of the measurement system. It is commonly accepted that a 10% precision measure is acceptable and encompasses the term “about”.
In the above description, an embodiment is an example or implementation of the inventions. The various appearances of “one embodiment,” “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment.
It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not be construed that there is only one of that element. It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.
In a first implementation, and as illustrated on
It should be noted that the screw may refer to a dental abutment screw and may be available in various sizes tailored to the selected protruding dental abutment which has been previously anchored into the jaw bone of the patient. Implementations of the drop-shaped screw conduit of the dental superstructure can be adapted in shape and angle to receive all kinds of dental abutment screw available to one skilled in the art.
Still referring to
It should be noted that the screw conduit as defined herein has contours resembling to the ones of a drop (or truncated drop), thereby being referred to as a drop-shaped screw conduit. One skilled in the art will readily understand that the contours of the drop-shaped screw conduit may vary from those of a perfect drop to adapt to the mimicked tooth geometry and particularities of the oral cavity and/or screw. The substantial shape of a drop enables the screw conduit to have a conduit diameter which is increasing until adequate freedom of movement is given to the screw for an orientation change, whereas the inlet diameter is as small as possible for achieving a discrete and even hidden screw opening within the superstructure.
In the shown embodiment of
More particularly, referring to
It should be noted that the angle α may be selected in accordance with the nature of the tooth to be replaced by the corresponding dental superstructure. Indeed, depending on the positioning of the tooth within the jaw, different angles may be used to enable insertion of the screw without being blocked by adjacent teeth. The angle α may also vary to ensure that the inlet of the conduit is situated at a hidden location on an external surface of the base structure. It should be understood that a hidden location may refer to a discrete or non-visible part of the base structure from outside the oral cavity of a patient. In certain implementations, the insertion axis (A) and the implant axis (B) may also be substantially aligned such that the screw conduit (12) is concentrically arranged with respect to an aperture of the protruding dental abutment.
In some implementations, the drop-shaped screw conduit (12) includes first and second portions which are dedicated to insertion and angulation of the screw respectively.
Insertion Portion Implementations
Referring to
It should be further noted that
However, the insertion portion (20) of the screw conduit (12) may differ and include arched contours so as to define a more rounded drop shape along with the angulation portion (22) of the screw conduit (12), i.e. wherein the slope of the contours of the insertion portion (20) of the screw conduit (12) vary along their length. As readily understood by one skilled in the art, the geometry of the insertion portion (20) of the screw conduit (12) can differ from the exemplary embodiment of
Angulation Portion Implementations
Still referring to
It should be noted that angulating may therefore refer to the ability for the screw to pivot or rotate within the spherical space and according to the angle α, so as to transition from the insertion axis (A) to the implant axis (B). The angulation diameter D2 corresponds to the diameter of the sphere defining the angulation portion (22). The angulation diameter D2 may be chosen in accordance with the inlet diameter D1 and tailored to the size of the screw to be inserted in the drop-shaped screw conduit (12).
Optional Geometry Implementations
As above mentioned, the screw conduit (12) can have the general shape of a drop which is oriented along the insertion axis (A) for conducting a screw therealong and ultimately secure the corresponding dental superstructure (2) to the jawbone of a patient. In some implementations, the insertion portion (20) of the screw conduit (12) can have contours which depart from the truncated cone shape illustrated in
It should be understood that the term “lingual” is herein used in relation to any surface or location which is near, in contact with or oriented toward the tongue. The term “buccal” is herein used in relation to any surface or location which is near, in contact with or oriented towards the oral cavity (including inner surface of cheeks and mouth). In the embodiments shown of the dental superstructure (2), the aperture (18) of the drop shaped conduit (12) is located on the lingual side of the base structure (10).
In some implementations, the insertion portion (20) may be deformed to accommodate for a higher liberty of movement of the screw, while maintaining integrity of the dental superstructure (2). Deformation refers to a variation in the slope of the contours of the insertion portion (20) along its length, in contrast to an absence of slope variation leading to a perfect truncated cone shape. Deformation of the contours can be tailored to the screw advancement needs. For instance, at least a portion of a buccal surface (30) may deviate from a constant sloping to increase a distance with respect to the insertion axis (A).
Referring to
In some implementations, the insertion portion (20) may be deformed to reduce the dental superstructure mass loss while ensuring sufficient space for screw advancement. For instance, at least a portion of a lingual surface (32) may deviate from a constant sloping to increase a thickness of a buccal portion of the dental superstructure (2).
Referring to
It should be noted that the deformation of the lingual and/or buccal contour of the insertion portion may differ from the exemplary embodiments of
Secondary Screw Conduit Implementations
As seen on
More particularly, referring to
It should be noted that although certain above-mentioned features of the dental superstructure may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the same features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination of embodiments. Conversely, although certain above-mentioned features may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, these features may also be implemented in a single embodiment. For example, the inwardly arched lingual contour may be used in combination with the secondary screw conduit implementations described above.
Method Implementations
In another implementation, there is provided a method to create an adequate path for a screw from an external surface of the dental superstructure towards the protruding dental abutment. The method includes designing the drop-shaped screw conduit to allow guidance and angulation of the screw.
Referring to
Still referring to
Still referring to
The method further includes designing the angulation portion (22) of the drop-shaped screw conduit (12) which extends from the insertion portion (20) such that a diameter thereof, taken at a proximal end of the insertion portion (20), corresponds to the angulation diameter D2 of the substantially spherical angulation portion (22). As the angulation portion (22) is configured to define a spherical space enabling angulation of the screw, the angulation portion has a substantially spherical contour. The spherical space is defined by the angulation diameter D2, which is selected to be larger than the first diameter D1 to allow angulation of the screw from the insertion axis (A) to the implant axis (B). Optionally, the angulation diameter D2 may be selected in accordance with the first diameter D1. Further optionally, the angulation diameter may be determined by the following equation (I):
D2=D1+x (I)
x is between 0 and 1.5. Optionally, x=1. Further optionally, x=0.75.
It should be understood that the spherical space refers to any space or contour which is able to enclose a sphere. Therefore, the angulation portion of the conduit can have spherical contour or comprises multiple adjacent surfaces oriented at varying angles to define a substantially spherical space therein.
Still referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Given the geometry of the screw abutment seat, the angulation height H2 may be determined by different variations of a formula.
In some implementations, for a flat seat screw abutment seat as illustrated on
In other implementations, for a tapered seat screw abutment seat as illustrated on
In some implementations, the method may further include designing the screw abutment seat which is configured to receive the head of the screw in abutment thereto when inserted in the protruding dental abutment along the implant axis. Referring to
It should be understood that the design of the screw abutment seat may vary according to the screw head geometry and is not limited to the implementations illustrated on the Figures. Head geometries may include flat or tapered shapes.
In some implementations, referring to
In some implementations, referring to
In some implementations, referring to
In some implementations, referring to
For example, the minimal value of the distance r may be:
rm=(R2−R1)/2+R1−r2
wherein rm is the minimal distance r, R2 is the angulation radius, R1 is the inlet radius and r2 is a constant selected according to a size and shape of the screw. For example, r2 may be equal to 0.3 mm such that rm=R1−0.05 mm.
It should be understood that the design of the drop-shaped screw conduit and the creation of the whole path for the screw through the base structure may be implemented within a dental superstructure by any manufacturing means and methods available to one skilled in the art.
It should be further understood that the above-described implementations of the drop-shaped screw conduit are not limited to a base structure as defined and illustrated herein. The drop-shaped screw conduit may be implemented in other types of superstructures including a base structure made of several parts (metallic frame, spacers, etc.)
It should be further understood that any one of the above mentioned optional aspects of the dental superstructure may be combined with any other aspects of the method, unless two aspects clearly cannot be combined due to their mutually exclusivity. For example, the various design steps of the method may be combined and adapted to any of the structural elements of the dental superstructure appearing herein and/or in accordance with the appended claims.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/CA2018/050430 | 4/6/2018 | WO |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2018/184119 | 10/11/2018 | WO | A |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 20200038148 A1 | Feb 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 62482922 | Apr 2017 | US |
