Method and apparatus for dental implants

Abstract

A method of forming a dental implant is provided which uses powder metallurgy to form a first section having a rim and a side, the rim being located at an edge of the side, the edge having a contour, the rim defining a non-planar surface and a recessed area that, at the rim, substantially follows the contour of the edge, and a second section for anchoring the dental implant.

Description

CONTINUING APPLICATION INFORMATION [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 395,373, filed Mar. 24, 2003, entitled Method and Apparatus for Dental Implants, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,056,117, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 968,228, filed Oct. 1, 2001, entitled Method and Apparatus for Dental Implants, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,537,069.TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to dentistry, and in particular to a method and apparatus for dental implants. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] For a variety of reasons, the loss of human teeth and related bony support structures is often a very difficult experience. In addition to the functional problems that result from such loss, significant emotional and psychological stresses are associated with the concerns about physical appearance and the ability to live, eat, and smile as normal, that arise after tooth loss. [0004] In an effort to add...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a dental device and method of dental reconstruction are provided which eliminate or substantially reduce the problems associated with prior art systems.

[0015] Important technical advantages are provided by the present invention. In particular, the base serves as a platform to which a crown can be fabricated and affixed, and can be shaped as desired, and, as an example, can be shaped to match the profile that a natural tooth would make at the area that it passes into the jawbone region. This shaping, along with setting of the base into the jawbone, allows for broader distribution of oblique forces (into the implant and surrounding bone) generated during mastication than in typical prior art systems, where forces are concentrated on a much smaller concentric diameter of the prior art implant.

[0016] Another important technical advantage is that the platform of the base allows for a more anatomical emergence profile than is often available with prior art reconstruction systems. This enhances the aesthetic appearance of the reconstruction, and avoids many hygienic problems.

[0017] Another important technical advantage is achieved with the shoulders that provide underlying support for bone (which may be grafted) and gum growth around and in the interproximal space between implants (or implants and teeth) to fill in unsightly gaps that can arise from existing systems.

Problems solved by technology

For a variety of reasons, the loss of human teeth and related bony support structures is often a very difficult experience.

In addition to the functional problems that result from such loss, significant emotional and psychological stresses are associated with the concerns about physical appearance and the ability to live, eat, and smile as normal, that arise after tooth loss.

Unfortunately, in many cases compromises must be made to one or more of these considerations to accommodate another.

As another example, hygiene and aesthetics may be compromised to ensure adequate strength, such as when multiple implants are required.

And, this problem persists even if the jawbone is not resorbed, or is reconstructed to its original architecture, shown by dashed line 20. FIG. 1 also highlights an aesthetic limitation of the illustrated prior art: in many cases it is possible to see the some of the implant between the crown and the gum line.

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