Abutment for retaining a denture on a mandibular implant and method for manufacturing a denture

Abstract

The present invention relates to an abutment (10) for holding a denture on a mandibular implant, comprising: a top portion (12) for removably fixing the abutment (10) on the mandibular implant, the top portion being constructed along a first central axis (18); a coronal portion (14) for removably fixing the denture on the abutment (10), the coronal portion being constructed along a second central axis (22), wherein the second central axis (22) extends at a certain angle to the first central axis (18); and a graduation element (24, 24a, 24b) on a side (26) of the coronal portion (14), for specifying the orientation of a display element (30) that can be connected to the coronal portion (14) for a digital scanning process based on the orientation of the first central axis (18). The invention also relates to a display element (30), a tooth model system (28) having an abutment (10) and a display element (30), and a method for producing a denture, wherein the display element (30) is used to be connected to the coronal part (14) of the abutment (10) according to one of the preceding claims and to display the position and orientation of the abutment for a digital scanning process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an abutment for holding a mandibular implant, a display element for being coupled to the abutment, a tooth model system and a method for manufacturing a denture. Background Art

[0002] Abutments are used to fix artificial individual teeth and groups of individual teeth or complete artificial teeth (dentures) in the patient's mouth. For this purpose, a mandibular implant, to which the abutment (artificial tooth post) is fixed, is introduced (screwed) into the jawbone. This can be a number of implants or abutments for a complete denture. The abutment is, so to speak, a kind of intermediate piece between the mandibular implant and the separately produced denture and is usually connected not only to the implant but also to the denture by means of screws.

[0003] In order to manufacture a denture, it is known to detect the oral cavity or the upper and lower jaw (dentition) three-dimensionally by means of a digital scanner. From the data set thus obtained, a so-called printed model (tooth or dentition model) can be created with the aid of a 3D printer.

[0004] In order to produce an implant-supported artificial tooth structure (denture) individually for a patient, for the scanning process a display element (also called a "scan body" or "scan marker") is screwed into the implant fixed in the patient's jaw. The scan body is designed, for example, as a column with one or more faces and is identified during the scanning of the dentition. The scan body provides the exact position and orientation of the implant and is therefore used to subsequently precisely position the abutment in (or on) the printed model. The denture is then produced on the abutment in the printed model and then screwed together with the abutment into the implant in the patient's jaw.

[0005] Depending on the position of the denture to be introduced in the dentition and how the human mandible is formed, at which position in the mandible the mandibular implant is located and / or which angular differences exist between the mandibular implants, it is necessary to use an inclined abutment. Such an angled abutment has a top portion facing the mandible and which is angled with the coronal portion facing the denture. In this way, different jaw shapes that require the introduction of implants in different directions can be handled. For jaw shapes and denture positions in which only a few positions are suitable for the introduction of implants, blockages during the introduction of the denture can often be prevented by using an abutment with an angled construction.

[0006] When using angled abutments, the rotation and axial orientation of the individual abutments must be coordinated with one another as a whole in order to achieve a common axial direction (insertion direction) as far as possible when the denture is subsequently installed. However, the position and orientation of the coronal part of the abutment, which is fixed to the implant and can be determined by the scan volume during the digital scanning process, does not allow conclusions to be drawn about the apical part or the orientation of the implant. This complicates the modeling of the denture, since data on the surrounding gingival tissue of the mandible are usually not available during the scanning process. As a result, inaccuracies in adjustments or additional work may occur during the production of the denture due to the need for manual intervention. Therefore, when using angled abutments, manual modeling is usually preferred to the use of a digital scanning process, which may result in greater work and lower accuracy.

[0007] DE 10 2013 013 565 A1 discloses a superstructure support and a method for manufacturing the same. An artificial crown or a composite material made of an adhesive and a crown is located on or at the superstructure support. The superstructure support has a first structure at least partially in the region of the adhesive and / or the crown. In addition, a second structure is located on the superstructure support in the region facing the implant body. With the disclosed method, a superstructure support as a part of a denture can be produced economically.

[0008] DE 20 2012 102 746 U1 discloses a dental implant assembly system. The abutment attachment for a mandibular implant comprises: a fastening portion for fastening the abutment attachment to the mandibular implant; and a bonding base, which is laterally offset relative to the fastening portion and is used to bond a crown-shaped bonding body as a crown base or a healing cap bonding body.

[0009] WO 2018 / 007316 A1 discloses an abutment base for tooth restoration. The abutment base comprises an implant part oriented around a first axis and mountable on a dental implant and a crown part oriented around a second axis and fastenable to a denture. The two axes of the implant part and the crown part are not aligned, respectively. The stop base has a central opening extending over its entire length and adapted to allow a tool such as a screwdriver to pass through.

[0010] Based on this, the problem arises of reducing the effort for producing printed models to a minimum and improving the accuracy during the denture production process. The task is to allow the digital scanning process and (automated) 3D printing of printed models when using angled abutments. Summary of the invention

[0011] This object is achieved by an abutment for holding a denture on a mandibular implant, the abutment comprising: a top portion for removably fixing the abutment on the mandibular implant, the top portion being constructed along a first central axis; a crown portion for removably fixing the denture on the abutment, the crown portion being constructed along a second central axis, wherein the second central axis extends at a certain angle to the first central axis; and a dividing element on a side of the crown portion, for specifying an orientation of a display element based on the orientation of the first central axis, the display element being connectable to the crown portion for a digital scanning process.

[0012] The object is also achieved by a display element for coupling to a crown of such an abutment and displaying the position and orientation of the abutment for a digital scanning process, the display element having a graduated coupling corresponding to a graduated element for specifying the orientation of the display element, wherein the graduated coupling is preferably configured as a protrusion corresponding to a recess in the circumference of the crown.

[0013] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a dental model system having an abutment and a display element as described above.

[0014] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a denture, the method having the following steps: fastening an abutment as defined above to a mandibular implant; coupling a display element as defined above to the abutment; and performing a digital scanning process to detect the position and orientation of a first center axis of the abutment.

[0015] Preferred designs of the present invention are described in the dependent claims. It is easy to understand that the abutment, the display element, the tooth model system and the method can be implemented corresponding to the designs described for the abutment in the dependent claims.

[0016] According to the invention, the dividing element is arranged in an angled base. The dividing element is located on the side of the crown. The side is understood to mean the outer surface or circumference of the body. The dividing element is located in this surface. In particular, the dividing element can be configured as a protrusion or a recess, so that the side has an irregular direction. Therefore, it can be said that the side can include a first part and a second part, the first part corresponding to the side or outer surface of the original body surface, and the second part corresponding to the surface generated by removing material from the original body (recess) or adding material to the original body (protrusion). The dividing element can also be configured to be a geometric shape in the cross section of the crown, such as a hexagon, an octagon or a square.

[0017] The graduation element works together with the display element (scanning body) and specifies for the display element the orientation of the apical part, i.e. the orientation of the mandibular implant. Here, the orientation of the first center axis is to be understood in particular as an angular indication with respect to the position and orientation of the second center axis, which angular indication corresponds to the orientation of the display element. The orientation preferably comprises an indication of the projection angle of the first center axis into a plane extending perpendicularly relative to the second center axis. In addition to indicating the angle, the orientation can also be determined in other ways. The orientation of the first center axis is clearly determined by such an angle and based on the known angle between the two center axes. The graduation element on the side of the coronal part is graduated relative to the apical part.

[0018] In conventional bases or display elements, the crown is mostly configured as a cone, and the display element can rotate around the second central axis. Therefore, based on the detection of the display element, only the position of the base and the orientation of the second central axis can be determined, but the orientation of the first central axis cannot be determined.

[0019] In contrast, according to the invention, in addition to the (three-dimensional) position in the oral cavity and the orientation of the second center axis, the orientation of the first center axis or of the mandibular implant can also be determined. The display element coupled to the abutment is oriented with the aid of an indexing element. As a result of the indexing element, a clear orientation of the display element on the abutment is specified, so that the orientation of the first center axis can also be calculated based on the orientation of the display element.

[0020] For this purpose, the indexing element according to the invention can cooperate with a suitable, correspondingly configured indexing coupling on the display element. Due to the form fit, the indexing element and the indexing coupling specify the orientation of the display element based on the orientation of the top portion or the first center axis. The orientation of the first center axis can be calculated based on the orientation of the display element determined during the scanning process.

[0021] This has the effect that, based on the data set from the scanning process, conclusions can be drawn about the shape of the jaw and the course and orientation of the implant. A corresponding adaptation of the prosthesis can be carried out. In particular, a corresponding flesh-colored panel can be provided in the area of ​​the prosthesis, which is in direct contact with the gums. This allows the creation of an entire printed model in a 3D printing operation based on the data detected during the digital scanning process. Furthermore, the abutment can be removed from the model or the oral environment at any time and replaced precisely in exactly the same orientation.

[0022] The present invention allows digital manipulation. A digital scanning process can be used to automatically generate a printed model. Therefore, the cost in producing the printed model and the denture is reduced to a minimum. Since the panels can be accurately fitted to the person's jaw or gums, high-quality dentures can be produced.

[0023] The indexing element is preferably designed as a first recess on the circumference of the coronal part. A recess is to be understood in particular as a recess or depression on the side. Positioning on the circumference means withdrawing or removing a part of the body which is rotationally symmetrical. Thus, there is no part of the original side or material in the coronal area. It is particularly advantageous that compatibility with standard connection points on the prosthesis is maintained, because material is only removed and not added compared to the original shape.

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment, the base comprises a second indexing element which is configured as a second recess on the circumference of the crown. The presence of two indexing elements ensures a high degree of positioning certainty when the display element is coupled to the base. Typical base dimensions are in the range of a few millimeters. The crown of a conventional base may have, for example, a diameter of about 5 mm in a plane perpendicular to the second center axis. In order to establish a form fit between the recess and the corresponding protrusion on the display element, it is advantageous to use two recesses. This increases stability. And position reliability is ensured.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, in order to unambiguously determine the orientation of the connectable display element, the first cutout and the second cutout have different sizes and shapes and / or are arranged at an angle different from 180° relative to the second center axis. In order to prevent the display element from rotating and thus preventing an unambiguous orientation, the two cutouts can have different sizes or different shapes or can also be arranged at an angle different from 180° relative to each other. All options allow the display element to be connected to the base only when the display element is placed in a defined position. An unambiguous connection is achieved.

[0026] Further advantageously, the crown comprises a truncated conical region in which the dividing element is located and which widens in the direction of the apical portion. So-called multi-unit abutments have become an industrial standard in the field of abutments. In a multi-unit of this type, an interface for connecting to a denture is present in the crown. For this purpose, a truncated conical region is preferably provided, or a conical region widening in the direction of the apical portion can also be provided. Such a truncated conical region provides compatibility between the abutment and the denture. Due to the truncated conical configuration, a concentric arrangement of the crown and the protrusion on the denture can be achieved when tightening the screw connection.

[0027] The denture is automatically positioned by the screw during the fixing process. According to the invention, the indexing element is located in the frustoconical region. Thus, even during the coupling of the display element, a concentric arrangement of the display element and the crown can be ensured.

[0028] Further advantageously, the boundary surface of the first and / or second cutout extends parallel to the second center axis. The boundary surface is understood to mean a portion of the side surface of the abutment in the coronal portion. The boundary surface delimits the cutout from the coronal region of the abutment, thereby forming the outer shape of the cutout. Starting from the initially rotationally symmetrical coronal region, a portion is then removed from the coronal region to produce the indexing element, resulting in the boundary surface being a surface or a portion of the newly created side surface of the cutout. The boundary surface extends parallel to the second center axis. Thus, the display element can be mounted when it is coupled to the abutment. Due to the use of a boundary surface having such a configuration, the cutout preferably has little effect on the stability of the abutment. A small amount of material is removed in the coronal portion as much as possible. The stability of the abutment is maintained to a large extent, especially in its coronal portion. In addition, good manufacturability is ensured.

[0029] In a preferred design, the boundary surface comprises a wavy structure, which is preferably symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry of the first and / or second recess. A wavy structure is understood to mean a uniformly curved structure having a plurality of wave crests and wave troughs. As a result, the parallel orientation of the boundary surface relative to the second center axis is maintained. The boundary surface is wavy in a direction perpendicular to the second center axis and at a certain distance from the second center axis. By using a wavy structure, a good form fit between the recess and the corresponding protrusion on the display element can be ensured, because the contact surface is enlarged and the clarity of the connection is ensured. The plane of symmetry of the recess extends parallel to the second center axis.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment, the base comprises a stop surface which is oriented perpendicularly to the second center axis and circumferentially surrounds the second center axis for the placement of the prosthesis. Such a stop surface ensures that the prosthesis and the display element can be fixedly connected to the base in a well-defined orientation during the digital scanning process. The stop surface of the prosthesis or the stop surface on the display element with such a configuration abuts against the stop surface of the base. This ensures a stable anchoring of the prosthesis and the display element.

[0031] Advantageously, the base comprises a shoulder between the indexing element and the stop surface, extending parallel to the stop surface. A shoulder between the indexing element and the stop surface is advantageous in particular when the cutouts which are usually produced during milling are provided as indexing elements. Such milling operations require tolerances during the milling process. In order to ensure that the stop surface is not damaged, a shoulder remains between the stop surface and the cutout, which shoulder acts as a safety buffer for tolerances when the cutout is milled. This ensures that the stop surface is not damaged or scratched. Production costs and scrap costs are reduced to a minimum.

[0032] In another design, the base includes a first bore extending through the coronal portion and the apical portion along a first central axis for accommodating a fastening element for fastening the base to the mandibular implant, wherein the first bore penetrates the side of the coronal portion, and the diameter of the first bore at the apical portion is preferably smaller than the diameter of the first bore at the coronal portion. In order to fasten the base to the mandibular implant, a fastening element, especially a screw, can be introduced through the base through the first bore. Because the base is inclined, the bore penetrates the side in the coronal portion. A passage through the bore is provided through the side to insert and tighten the screw. Due to the different diameters of the apical portion and the coronal portion, the screw head can be located in the base. Since the bore has different sizes depending on the base type, the bore cannot be used as a graduation element. The graduation coupling in the display element is always the same, because the display element will be manufactured in a standardized manner to the same shape. In addition, since the overall size of the base is in the millimeter range, inaccuracy or even damage may occur during the connection of the display element. Therefore, the graduation element must have a certain stability. The drilling through the side leads to an edge on the circumference of the crown which cannot provide such stability. Therefore, for stability reasons, the drilling cannot be used as an indexing element either.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, the section of the side of the crown interrupted by the first bore is smaller than the section of the side of the crown interrupted by the first recess. This ensures a clear positioning of the display element. This prevents the indexing coupling from being accommodated in the first bore, which could lead to ambiguity.

[0034] The abutment preferably comprises a second bore extending through the coronal portion along the second central axis, the second bore having an internal thread for screwing onto the prosthesis. The prosthesis is usually screwed directly into the second bore. Simple mounting of the prosthesis can be ensured by using the internal thread.

[0035] It is readily understood that the features mentioned above and to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specifically stated but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The present invention will be described and illustrated in more detail below based on some selected embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0037] Figure 1 showing a schematic perspective side view of an abutment according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a tooth model system according to the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 A schematic perspective view showing a display element according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 The abutment according to the invention is shown in a view perpendicular to the first central axis;

[0041] Figure 5a A representation of a first embodiment of an abutment according to the invention is shown in a view perpendicular to the second center axis;

[0042] Figure 5b a diagram showing a second embodiment of an abutment according to the invention in a view perpendicular to a second central axis; and

[0043] Figure 6 A side view of an abutment according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Figure 1 An abutment 10 for holding a denture in a mandibular implant according to the invention is shown. The abutment 10 comprises an apical portion 12, i.e. the portion facing the mandible and fixed to the mandibular implant. The abutment 10 also comprises a coronal portion 14, i.e. the portion facing the crown or the denture and fixed to the denture. The two portions 12, 14 of the abutment 10 are fixedly connected to each other and represent portions of the body.

[0045] The top portion 12 has a substantially cylindrical configuration, wherein in the illustrated embodiment, in the region of connection with the mandibular implant, a plurality of flat outer surfaces 16 are provided which cooperate with the correspondingly configured mandibular implant to prevent the abutment 10 from rotating relative to the mandibular implant. The top portion 12 is configured along a first center axis 18. The first center axis 18 is a vertical line in the illustrated figure.

[0046] The crown 14 includes a frustoconical region 20 which, as a cone, engages with a correspondingly shaped protrusion in the denture and is securable to the denture. The crown 14 is formed along a second central axis 22 which is at an angle to the first central axis 18. The angle between the central axes can be selected so that the two central axes 18, 22 do not extend parallel to each other. The two central axes 18, 22 preferably lie in one plane so that there is an intersection of the central axes.

[0047] It is easy to understand that both the apical portion 12 and the coronal portion 14 are generally not configured rotationally symmetrically about their central axis. However, both portions have a substantially cylindrical configuration.

[0048] The invention relates to an inclined abutment, i.e. an abutment in which the first center axis 18 and the second center axis 22 are at an angle α relative to each other. Examples of typical angles are 15°-45°, 20°-40°, 25°-35°, preferably 30°. It is readily understood that other angles are also possible and advantageous. The angular position of the two center axes 18, 22 allows the abutment 10 to be used also for mandibular shapes which have little play with regard to the positioning and orientation of the mandibular implant and for which it is necessary to introduce a plurality of mandibular implants into the mandible in different directions. Angled abutments are also used when the position of the mandibular implant is dictated within narrow limits due to the size and type of the desired denture.

[0049] The illustrated embodiment of the abutment 10 according to the invention is designed as a so-called multi-unit abutment. Such multi-units have been established as a quasi-standard by various manufacturers and are characterized in particular by a frustoconical region 20 in the coronal part 14. The correspondingly provided connection part on the prosthesis is usually designed to receive the coronal part of the abutment and to fix the recess of the coronal part.

[0050] The abutment 10 according to the invention comprises an indexing element 24 in a side face 26 of the coronal part 14. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the indexing element 24 is configured as a first cutout in the circumference of the coronal part 14. A portion of the truncated cone is milled away parallel to the second center axis 22. Since the indexing element 24 is configured as such a cutout, the coronal part 14 can additionally be fitted into the same opening of the prosthesis. At the location of the first cutout, only a cavity is produced in the opening of the prosthesis. However, no adjustment of the fit of the prosthesis or further production processes is required. Compatibility is maintained.

[0051] Figure 2 A tooth model system 28 according to the invention is shown. In addition to the abutment 10, the tooth model system 28 also comprises a display element 30, which can be connected to the crown 14 during a digital scanning process for producing a printed model. In order to produce a denture, it is usually necessary to provide a model of the patient's mandibular condition. For this purpose, on the one hand, an impression can be taken, and on the basis of which a model can be produced manually. On the other hand, it is now possible and common to carry out a digital scanning process, in which the scan detection of the condition is automatically performed. A computer model is produced, based on which a 3D print can then be generated.

[0052] For the digital scanning process, a display element 30 (scanning volume) is attached to the base table 10. The display element 30 is scanned and identified by a suitable computer program and can then be used as a basis for determining the position of the base table and the orientation of the second central axis.

[0053] In the tooth model systems known to date, it is not possible to determine the position or orientation of the first center axis 18 relative to the second center axis 22 based on the scanning of the display element 30. The second center axis 22 corresponds to the center axis of the display element 30. However, due to the conical design of the coupling, it is already possible to rotate the display element about the second center axis in the coupled state. Based on the orientation and position of the coronal region or the second center axis that can be detected during the scanning, no conclusions can be drawn about the orientation of the first center axis and therefore the position of the abutment or the position of the mandibular implant. This rotation is prevented by the indexing element 24.

[0054] Due to the use of the indexing element 24, the position and orientation of the display element 30 relative to the abutment 10 or its second center axis 18 are unambiguous. Therefore, conclusions about the orientation of the first center axis 18 can be drawn based on the position and orientation of the first center axis 18, which corresponds to the position and orientation of the display element 30. The orientation can be determined in the form of an angle in a plane perpendicular to the second center axis 22. The orientation can be specified with Cartesian coordinates or polar coordinates and the corresponding reference system. The processing is preferably carried out in an automated manner. Therefore, the abutment 10 according to the invention can be used with standard dentures having indentations or blind holes for attachment to multi-unit abutments.

[0055] Figure 3 The corresponding display element 30 is shown in a perspective view. In particular, the display element 30 comprises a coupling region 32 in the form of an opening, in which the coronal part of the abutment 10 can be accommodated. An indexing coupling 34 is located within the coupling region 32, which corresponds to the indexing element 24 on the abutment. In this respect, the indexing coupling 34 preferably corresponds to a protrusion in the coupling region 32 of the display element 30.

[0056] Figure 4 The abutment 10 according to the invention is shown in a view in the direction of the first center axis 18. Both the apical part 12 and the coronal part 14 are penetrated by a first bore 36 which extends along the first center axis 18 and is positioned concentrically relative to the first center axis 18. The first bore 36 serves to receive a fastening element by means of which the abutment 10 can be fastened to the mandibular implant. Removable fastening is to be understood in particular as screwing. However, other types of fastening or coupling are also conceivable.

[0057] Preferably, a screw is used for fixation. The head of the screw is preferably housed in the abutment 10 in such a way that the diameter D1 of the first bore in the apical part of the abutment is smaller than the diameter D2 of the first bore in the coronal part. The screw head is then placed on the shoulder thus created and is located in the abutment 10.

[0058] A second bore 38 extending along the second central axis 22 is provided for fixing the base 10 to the prosthesis. The second bore 38 comprises an internal thread. A screw fixing the prosthesis or the display element to the base 10 can engage with the internal thread. It is readily understood that some other fastening means may also be used.

[0059] As shown, the first bore 36 passes through the side surface 26 of the coronal portion. In the embodiment of the abutment 10 shown, a graduation element 24 designed as a recess is provided. The recess is located in the frustoconical region 20 in the coronal portion of the abutment 10. Partial portions of the frustoconical portion are absent, so that a boundary surface is formed.

[0060] The indexing element 24 or the cutout is dimensioned such that the portion S1 of the side surface 26 interrupted by the cutout is larger than the portion S2 of the side surface 26 interrupted by the first hole 36; in the example shown, the interruption portion S2 corresponds to the diameter D2 of the first bore 36 in the crown 14 in its maximum extension perpendicular to the first center axis 18. The indexing element 24 is divided, so to speak, into two parts by the first bore 36. This dimensional relationship ensures that the indexing coupling of the display element 30 does not engage with the interruption in the side surface 26 of the crown formed by the first bore 36. This results in a clear positioning of the display element 30.

[0061] Figure 5a and Figure 5b Two embodiments of an abutment 10 according to the invention are shown, in which in each case two indexing elements 24 are located in the side faces 26 of the coronal part. Figure 5a and Figure 5b A top view of the crown 14 is shown in each case in the direction of the second center axis 22. For clarity of description, reference is made hereinafter to a first indexing element 24a and a second indexing element 24b, it being readily understood that these names are interchangeable.

[0062] Due to the use of two indexing elements, it is not possible for a single indexing coupling to inadvertently engage the first bore 36 , which could result in an indeterminate coupling of the display element 30 .

[0063] exist Figure 5a and Figure 5b In the embodiment shown, the dividing elements 24a, 24b are designed as recesses on the circumference of the crown 14 or in the side 26 of the crown 14. Such recesses can be produced by milling. The recesses have a boundary surface 40 extending parallel to the second center axis 22. In the two illustrated embodiments, as shown in FIG. Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown, each boundary surface 40 has a wave-like structure in a view perpendicular to the second center axis 22. The wave-like structure is preferably symmetrical about a symmetry plane spanned by the second center axis 22 and the midpoint of the recess.

[0064] exist Figure 5a 36. The first graduation element 24a is located in the region of the first bore 36. The graduation element 24a is designed as a recess on the circumference of the crown 14, which in the exemplary embodiment shown is interrupted by the first bore 36, so that the graduation element 24a is divided into two parts. The parts of the recess are located on both sides of the first bore 36. The second graduation element 24b, which is also designed as a recess in the circumference of the crown 14, is located in another part of the side 26.

[0065] In the embodiment shown, the two indexing elements 24a, 24b have different sizes. Different sizes in this case mean that parts of the frustoconical region 20 with different sizes have been extracted or removed in each case. On the one hand, the indexing elements must have a sufficiently large bearing surface to rest on the corresponding indexing coupling in the display element 30 to ensure that wobbling or damage is avoided. On the other hand, the stability of the base needs to be maintained so that only a certain amount of material is removed that does not endanger the stability.

[0066] In addition, a rotationally fixed, well-defined attachment capability of the display element 30 must be ensured. For this purpose, in the embodiment shown, two indexing elements 24a, 24b are provided that are not disposed opposite one another but at an angle different from 180° relative to the second center axis 22. In addition, the two indexing elements 24a, 24b have different sizes from one another.

[0067] The unequally large graduation elements 24a, 24b placed at an angle different from 180° ensure that the display element 30 cannot rotate when mounted on the crown 14. The display function remains clear. It is easy to understand that it would also be possible to use different shapes (not shown) alternatively or additionally.

[0068] Figure 5b An alternative arrangement of two indexing elements 24a, 24b is shown. The indexing elements 24a, 24b are also located at an angle different from 180° on the circumference or side of the crown 14. However, the two indexing elements 24a, 24b have the same size. Likewise, the non-rotatable connection with the display element 30 is ensured by the arrangement at an angle different from 180°.

[0069] Figure 6 A side view of the abutment 10 is shown. A stop surface 42 circumferentially surrounding the second center axis 22 is provided for attaching the abutment 10 to the denture. The second center axis 22 is perpendicular to the stop surface 42 .

[0070] When manufacturing the indexing element 24, a portion of the frustoconical region 20 of the crown 14 is milled away. In order to ensure that the stop surface 42 is not damaged during this milling process, a shoulder 44 extending parallel to the stop surface 42 is provided between the indexing element 24 and the stop surface 42. The height of this shoulder 44 is a few micrometers above the stop surface 42. In this regard, the shoulder 44 represents the remainder of the frustoconical region 20 in the region of the indexing element 24.

[0071] Thus, the prosthesis can be placed against the stop surface 42 without being damaged by the shoulder 44. When constructing the display element and the corresponding indexing coupling, the shoulder 44 must be considered and appropriately milled. This ensures that the stop surface 42 is not damaged or scratched during the manufacture of the indexing element 24.

[0072] The present invention has been explained in detail with reference to the drawings and description. The description and explanation should be understood as examples and should not be interpreted as limiting. The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other embodiments or variations of the present invention and other embodiments or variations of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from a precise analysis of the drawings, disclosure, and subsequent patent claims.

[0073] In the patent claims, the words "comprising" and "having" do not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. The indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude the presence of a plurality. A single element or a single unit may perform the functions of several units mentioned in the patent claims. The mere recitation of several measures in several different dependent patent claims shall not be interpreted as making it impossible to use a combination of these measures to advantage as well. Reference signs in the patent claims shall not be understood as restrictive.

Claims

1. An abutment (10) for retaining a denture on a mandibular implant, comprising: a top portion (12) for removably fixing the base (10) on the mandibular implant, the top portion being constructed along a first central axis (18); a coronal portion (14) for removably fixing the denture on the abutment (10) and for removably fixing a display element (30) for a digital scanning process, the coronal portion being constructed along a second central axis (22), wherein the second central axis (22) extends at a certain angle to the first central axis (18); a second bore (38) in the coronal portion (14), the second bore (38) extending along the second central axis (22) and having an internal thread adapted to engage a screw to releasably secure the display element (30) to the abutment (10); and a graduation element (24, 24a, 24b) on the side (26) of the crown (14) for specifying a definite orientation of the display element (30) based on the definite orientation of the first central axis (18), the display element (30) being connectable to the crown (14) for a digital scanning process, in, The indexing elements (24, 24a, 24b) are formed as protrusions or recesses so that the side surface (26) extends irregularly, and the indexing elements (24, 24a, 24b) cooperate with the display element (30) and specify the orientation of the top end (12) for the display element (30); The crown (14) comprises a frustoconical region (20) which widens in the direction of the apical portion (12) and in which the indexing elements (24, 24a, 24b) are arranged; In this context, conclusions can be drawn about the course and orientation of the implant based on the data set from the scanning process.

2. The base station (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The graduation element (24, 24a, 24b) is designed as a first recess on the circumference of the crown (14).

3. The abutment (10) according to claim 2, comprising a second graduation element (24, 24a, 24b), which is configured as a second recess on the circumference of the crown (14).

4. The base station (10) according to claim 3, wherein: In order to clearly specify the orientation of the display element (30), the first recess and the second recess have different sizes and different shapes and / or are arranged at an angle different from 180° with respect to the second center axis (22).

5. A base station (10) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The boundary surface (40) of the first and / or second recess extends parallel to the second center axis (22).

6. The base station (10) according to claim 5, wherein: The boundary surface (40) comprises a corrugated structure.

7. The base station (10) according to claim 6, wherein: The wave-like structure is symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry of the first and / or second recess.

8. The abutment (10) according to claim 1, comprising a stop surface (42) which is oriented vertically with respect to the second center axis (22) and circumferentially surrounds the second center axis for seating the artificial tooth.

9. Abutment (10) according to claim 8, comprising a shoulder (44) extending parallel to the stop surface (42) between the indexing element (24, 24a, 24b) and the stop surface.

10. The base station (10) according to claim 1, comprising: a first bore (36) extending through the coronal portion (14) and the apical portion (12) along the first central axis (18) for receiving a fastening element for fastening the abutment to the mandibular implant, wherein The first bore penetrates the side surface (26) of the crown.

11. The base station (10) according to claim 10, wherein: The diameter (D1) of the first borehole in the top portion (12) is smaller than the diameter (D2) of the first borehole in the coronal portion.

12. The base station (10) according to claim 10, wherein The section of the side surface (26) of the crown (14) interrupted by the first bore (36) is smaller than the section of the side surface of the crown interrupted by the graduation element (24, 24a, 24b), and the graduation element (24, 24a, 24b) is designed as a first recess in the circumference of the crown (14).

13. The abutment (10) according to claim 1, wherein the second bore (38) extends through the coronal portion (14) along the second central axis (22) and has an internal thread for screwing the artificial tooth.

14. A display element (30) for being coupled to the coronal portion (14) of an abutment (10) according to any one of the preceding claims and for displaying the position and orientation of the abutment for use in a digital scanning process, the display element having: A scale coupling (34) corresponding to the scale element (24, 24a, 24b) for specifying the orientation of the display element.

15. The display element (30) according to claim 14, wherein The indexing coupling is designed as a projection which corresponds to a recess in the circumference of the crown.

16. A tooth model system (28), the tooth model system (28) comprising: A base station (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13; and A display element (30) as claimed in claim 14 or 15.

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