A 3D-printed implant with an arc-shaped duct and a method for producing the same

Abstract

The application discloses a 3D-printed implant with arc-shaped pipelines and a preparation method thereof, which is used for being implanted into an alveolar bone implantation nest of a patient, and the implant comprises a dense core body and a bone bonding part wrapped outside the dense core body; the bone bonding part comprises a first porous part and a second porous part; the first porous part is connected with the top surface of the second porous part; a plurality of arc-shaped pipelines are arranged in the first porous part; the arc-shaped pipelines are provided with openings at two ends and are communicated with the outside through the openings; the arc-shaped pipelines are extended into a cleaning part through the openings to clean the interiors of the arc-shaped pipelines. The interiors of the arc-shaped pipelines can load drugs (such as BMP-2, VEGF, PDGF and the like) to induce the rapid growth of bone tissues. The implant has the characteristics of good strength, matched elastic modulus of the bone bonding part and the patient and easy cleaning. The implant has a wide indication and is suitable for various edentulous patients, especially for the cases of insufficient alveolar bone mass or bone density.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of dental implant technology, specifically to a 3D-printed implant with an arc-shaped channel and its preparation method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, dental implant restoration has become one of the routine methods for restoring missing teeth. Titanium and titanium alloys, as the most commonly used implant materials in clinical practice, have an elastic modulus (110 GPa) far exceeding that of human jawbone (cortical bone 3-30 GPa, cancellous bone 0.5-3 GPa). This can create a stress shielding effect, causing bone resorption and leading to implant loosening, subsidence, or even dislocation. Furthermore, some patients suffer from periodontal disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, tumors, or other conditions that result in insufficient alveolar bone volume or lower than normal cancellous bone density, placing even higher demands on the osseointegration of the implant.

[0003] In daily life, poor oral hygiene can lead to bacterial growth around dental implants, causing inflammation of the surrounding tissues and resulting in peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition initiated by plaque infection. When microorganisms, especially pathogenic bacteria, adhere to and colonize the implant surface, forming a biofilm, the virulence factors causing endogenous immune dysregulation become a potential risk factor for peri-implantitis. In severe cases of peri-implantitis, bone resorption occurs around the implant, meaning the bone volume gradually decreases, the bone surface height decreases, and the implant tip becomes exposed. This reduces the stability of the implant-alveolar bone integration, leading to implant failure. Moreover, once bone resorption occurs around the implant, it is difficult to reverse. Therefore, postoperative care of implants is particularly important, and prevention of peri-implantitis is more important than treatment. Currently, doctors typically use ultrasonic scalers (such as utility model: CN212140643U, an ultrasonic scaler; invention patent: CN112043443A, a visual scaler) to clean the implant surface, so that the working tip of the scaler gently touches the plaque and removes the plaque by ultrasonic vibration.

[0004] Existing implants often use porous structures to reduce the overall elastic modulus of the material, making their mechanical properties more compatible with human bone. However, when inflammation occurs in the soft tissue around the implant, the existing implant design makes it difficult to clean the holes, resulting in unsatisfactory anti-inflammatory treatment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to improve existing implants and provide a 3D-printed implant with an arc-shaped channel that is easy to clean internal plaque and a method for its preparation.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a 3D-printed implant with arc-shaped channels for implantation into a patient's alveolar bone implant socket. The implant includes a dense core and an osseointegration portion surrounding the dense core. The osseointegration portion includes a first porous portion and a second porous portion. The top surfaces of the first porous portion and the second porous portion are connected. A plurality of arc-shaped channels are formed within the first porous portion. The arc-shaped channels have openings at both ends and communicate with the outside through the openings. A cleaning component is inserted through the openings to clean the interior of the arc-shaped channels.

[0007] Optionally, the arc-shaped pipe bends toward the dense core and approaches the dense core.

[0008] Optionally, the arc-shaped pipe is semi-circular.

[0009] Optionally, the diameter of the arc-shaped pipe is 0.5mm-0.7mm.

[0010] Optionally, the second porous portion has a plurality of porous structures, and the average elastic modulus of the osseointegration portion as a whole is the same as the average elastic modulus of the patient's alveolar bone.

[0011] Optionally, the arc-shaped pipe is not connected to the porous structure.

[0012] Optionally, the internal load of the arcuate conduit and the porous structure is used for drugs that induce bone ingrowth.

[0013] Optionally, the bone junction further includes a connecting portion, which is connected to the top surface of the first porous portion, wherein the connecting portion has no pores inside, or the connecting portion has pores inside that are not in communication with the outside.

[0014] Optionally, the cleaning component is the working tip of a dental flosser.

[0015] Optionally, the method for preparing the 3D-printed implant with an arc-shaped channel includes the following steps:

[0016] (1) Determine the material of the implant, and then take a preoperative quantitative CT scan of the jawbone to calculate the average elastic modulus of the patient's alveolar bone; (2) Design the diameter and number of the arc-shaped tubes according to the patient's average elastic modulus; (3) Use 3D printing equipment to prepare the implant in a personalized manner.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0018] (1) In the case of bone resorption due to peri-implantitis, the working tip of the dental scaler can be inserted into the part of the arc-shaped channel near the dense core to clean the entire arc-shaped channel.

[0019] (2) Compared with straight pipes, the arc-shaped pipe of the present invention does not contain sharp edges, and the rinsing water inside the arc-shaped pipe is easier to flow out during the process of cleaning plaque with a dental irrigator.

[0020] (3) The present invention ensures the overall strength of the implant through the dense core structure and reduces the overall elastic modulus of the implant through the bone junction, which significantly reduces the stress shielding phenomenon.

[0021] (4) The present invention increases the bone integration area by external spiral of the side wall of the bone integration part, which is conducive to the close integration of the implant with the alveolar bone and the long-term stability of the implant. Even when the alveolar bone height is insufficient, it can bear more load.

[0022] (5) The present invention can load a variety of different drugs or bone-promoting factors at different positions inside a single arc-shaped pipe to achieve the effect of drug release in stages.

[0023] (6) The present invention can change the density, strength and elastic modulus of the implant by adjusting parameters such as the diameter, number and bending angle of the arc-shaped pipe, so as to meet the needs of different clinical locations and alveolar bone conditions.

[0024] (7) The present invention is prepared by 3D printing in an integrated manner, which is flexible, can achieve personalized design, and has a simple process and low cost. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the 3D-printed implant with an arc-shaped tube according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal section of the 3D-printed implant with an arc-shaped channel according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the 3D-printed implant with an arc-shaped tube according to the present invention.

[0028] In the figure: 10-head, 11-groove; 20-body, 21-dense core, 22-bone junction, 221-connecting part, 222-first porous part, 223-second porous part, 224-arc-shaped pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this invention discloses a 3D-printed implant with arc-shaped channels for implantation into a patient's alveolar bone implant socket. The top of the implant is connected to a prosthesis via an abutment to support the prosthesis. The implant includes a head 10 and a body 20 connected to the bottom surface of the head 10; the head 10 is the transgingival portion, and the body 20 is the osseointegration portion. The body 20 includes a dense core 21 and an osseointegration portion 22 enclosing the dense core 21; the osseointegration portion 22 includes a first porous portion 222 and a second porous portion 223; the top surfaces of the first porous portion 222 and the second porous portion 223 are connected; multiple arc-shaped channels 224 are formed inside the first porous portion 222; the arc-shaped channels 224 have openings at both ends, and the arc-shaped channels 224 communicate with the outside through the openings; the arc-shaped channels 224 are internally cleaned by a cleaning component, which extends into the interior of the arc-shaped channels 224 from the openings. Compared to porous structures, the 3D-printed implant with arc-shaped channels of the present invention allows the cleaning component to extend into the portion of the arc-shaped channel 224 near the dense core 21 during plaque removal, thus cleaning the entire arc-shaped channel 224.

[0031] After an implant is placed in the patient's alveolar bone, poor oral hygiene can sometimes lead to the growth of pathogenic bacteria around the implant, causing inflammation of the surrounding soft tissues, resulting in peri-implantitis. When peri-implantitis is severe, the inflammation can extend to the bone bed, causing bone resorption around the implant, resulting in a decrease in bone surface height and exposure of the first porous portion 222. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first porous portion 222 is 1 mm. During treatment, the dentist must first clean the surface and interior of the implant to remove pathogenic bacteria before proceeding with anti-inflammatory treatment. The internal plaque cleaning steps of the 3D-printed implant with curved channels of this invention are as follows:

[0032] First, turn on the ultrasonic scaler. Adjust the power according to the size of the plaque on the patient's implant to ensure the power is appropriate and does not damage the implant. Then, hold the handle and insert the working tip into the implant, gently touching the plaque with the tip. Use ultrasonic vibration to dislodge the plaque. Since the working tip will gradually heat up during ultrasonic vibration, simultaneously spray rinsing water into the implant to cool the tip and flush the implant, allowing the dislodged plaque to flow out.

[0033] The term "working tip" refers to an accessory installed at the end of the handle of an ultrasonic scaler, used for cleaning teeth or implants. During treatment, the dentist cleans the teeth or implants by contacting the tip of the working tip with the teeth or implants, performing operations such as scraping, grinding, drilling, and root canal cleaning.

[0034] The present invention sets the diameter of the arc-shaped pipe 224 to 0.5mm-0.7mm. Within this range, the working tip of the dental flosser can be inserted into the arc-shaped pipe 224 to clean the entire arc-shaped pipe 224.

[0035] Figure 3 In this embodiment, the middle part of the arc-shaped pipe 224 bends toward the dense core 21 and approaches the dense core 21. The arc-shaped pipe 224 has a symmetrical structure. After cleaning one end of the arc-shaped pipe 224, the doctor can use the same working tip to clean the other end of the arc-shaped pipe 224.

[0036] The arc-shaped pipe 224 of the present invention is disposed in the bone joint 22 in a horizontal or non-horizontal direction; in some embodiments, the angle between the line connecting the two openings of the arc-shaped pipe 224 and the horizontal plane is 0-15°.

[0037] During the implant design process, the arc-shaped channel 224 should occupy a suitable volume within the first porous portion 222. This ensures sufficient strength to stably support the prosthesis atop the implant while allowing surrounding bone tissue to ingrow into the implant, thus ensuring a stable integration between the implant and alveolar bone. In some embodiments, the arc-shaped channel 224 occupies 30%-90% of the volume of the first porous portion 222. Within this range, the arc-shaped channel 224 ensures that the first porous portion 222 has sufficient strength to support the prosthesis without making the implant too strong, which could hinder bone ingrowth.

[0038] To further promote the integration of alveolar bone and implants, the interior of the arc-shaped channel 224 of this invention can be loaded with active factors that promote bone tissue growth (such as BMP-2, VEGF, PDGF), elements (strontium, zinc, magnesium, calcium), and anti-infective drugs (silver ions, gentamicin), etc. Preferably, different drugs or bone-promoting factors can be loaded at different positions inside a single arc-shaped channel 224, allowing for a stepwise sustained release of the drugs. Applying different drugs at different stages of bone tissue growth achieves better osseointegration.

[0039] To better match the mechanical properties of the implant with those of human bone, the implant's elastic modulus needs to be further reduced. Therefore, in some preferred embodiments, the second porous portion 223 is provided with a porous structure, such as pores or channels. However, to prevent bacteria from the first porous portion 222 from growing into the second porous portion 223 along the pores or channels inside the implant, the arcuate channel 224 of the present invention is not connected to the pores or channels of the second porous portion 223.

[0040] like Figure 2As shown, to further reduce bacteria introduced into the implant, the bone-joint portion 22 of the present invention further includes a connecting portion 221, which is connected to the top surface of the first porous portion 222. The connecting portion 221 increases the distance between the first porous portion 222 and the patient's soft tissue, preventing pathogenic bacteria in the soft tissue from entering the interior of the arc-shaped channel 224. The interior of the connecting portion 221 of the present invention is not connected to the outside; its interior can be a solid structure or a porous structure; the thickness of the connecting portion 221 is approximately 1-2 mm.

[0041] Please continue reading. Figure 2 The implant with an arc-shaped tube 224, 3D printed according to the present invention, has a groove 11 inside for installing a base post. The groove 11 has an internal thread, through which the base post is screwed onto the implant. The top of the base post is connected to the prosthesis, serving to support, retain, and stabilize the prosthesis.

[0042] This invention ensures the overall strength of the implant through the dense core 21, thus providing stable support for the prosthesis; and reduces the overall elastic modulus of the implant through the bone junction 22, thereby reducing stress shielding. In some embodiments, the thickness ratio of the dense core 21 to the bone junction 22 is 1:1 to 1:2, and the total thickness of the two is 3.3mm to 4.8mm.

[0043] The bone-integration portion 22 of this invention has external threads on its sidewalls. These external threads are fine, serrated teeth distributed around the body portion 20. The thread type can be either ascending or fin-shaped, with a pitch of 0.8 mm and a major diameter of 6.5 mm. The bone-integration portion 22 of this invention increases the area for bone integration through the external threads, which is beneficial for a tighter integration between the implant and the alveolar bone, and for the long-term stability of the implant, allowing it to withstand greater loads even when alveolar bone height is insufficient. In some embodiments, this invention can be integrally fabricated by 3D printing and then screwed into the prepared implant socket via the external threads.

[0044] The 3D-printed implant with an arc-shaped tube of the present invention can be designed into various shapes commonly used in clinical practice, including conical, cylindrical, and modified conical shapes, and is made of pure titanium, titanium alloy, ceramic, and high-molecular organic materials, such as PEEK, which are dental implant materials that can be used for 3D printing.

[0045] This invention also provides a method for preparing a 3D-printed implant with an arc-shaped channel, comprising the following steps:

[0046] (1) Determine the implant material, which can be pure titanium, titanium alloy, ceramic, or high molecular organic material, such as PEEK, which can be used for 3D printing of dental implant materials.

[0047] (2) Before the operation, quantitative CT scans of the jawbone were performed on the patient. Based on the CT scan data, computer software was used to perform three-dimensional reconstruction of the patient's CT scan data. A cross-sectional CT scan image passing through the center of the edentulous area was selected. The position of the implant was designed on the cross-sectional image using computer software. The average elastic modulus of the patient's alveolar bone was calculated based on the patient's bone volume and bone density (for details, please refer to the invention patent: CN104352285B A method for designing and manufacturing an individualized 3D printed implant).

[0048] (3) The implant is prepared using 3D printing technology: The present invention can adjust the diameter, number, bending angle and other parameters of the arc-shaped tube 224 according to the patient's average bone elastic modulus, and design the position and size of the implant (such as 4.8mm*5mm or 4.1mm*10mm) so that the average elastic modulus of the bone junction 22 as a whole is the same as the patient's average bone elastic modulus, so as to achieve the best matching effect of bone elastic modulus.

[0049] Example 1

[0050] This embodiment provides a 3D-printed implant with an arc-shaped channel. The osseointegration portion 22 of the implant includes a first porous portion 222 and a second porous portion 223. Both the first porous portion 222 and the second porous portion 223 have channels: the first porous portion 222 has an arc-shaped channel 224 so that a cleaning component can be inserted for cleaning; the channel in the second porous portion 223 can be a straight channel or an arc-shaped channel, as long as it can reduce the elastic modulus of the osseointegration portion 22.

[0051] Example 2

[0052] The 3D-printed implant with an arc-shaped channel in this embodiment is similar to that in Embodiment 1, except that the second porous portion 223 contains pores; furthermore, the porosity of the portion of the second porous portion 223 near the dense core 21 is lower to provide stable support for the dense core; the porosity of the portion of the second porous portion 223 near the alveolar bone is higher to promote bone ingrowth. Furthermore, the porosity of the second porous portion 223 gradually increases in a gradient from the dense core 21 to the alveolar bone to effectively reduce stress concentration within the implant.

[0053] Example 3

[0054] This embodiment provides a 3D-printed implant with an arc-shaped channel. The bone-bonding portion 22 of the implant includes: a connecting portion 221, a first porous portion 222, and a second porous portion 223. The connecting portion 221 is connected to the top surface of the first porous portion 222, increasing the distance between the first porous portion 222 and the patient's soft tissue, thus preventing pathogenic bacteria in the soft tissue from entering the interior of the arc-shaped channel 224. The arc-shaped channel 224 is formed inside the first porous portion 222, and a porous structure is formed inside the second porous portion 223. The porous structure can be the same channel structure as the arc-shaped channel 224, or it can be a different hole structure than the arc-shaped channel 224. The porous structure and the arc-shaped channel 224 are not connected.

[0055] In summary, during plaque removal, the working tip of the dental scaler can extend into the curved channel near the dense core, effectively cleaning the entire curved channel. Furthermore, the implant is fabricated using 3D printing technology, offering high flexibility, allowing for personalized designs, and featuring a simple and low-cost process.

[0056] Although the present invention has been described in detail through the preferred embodiments above, it should be understood that the above description should not be considered as a limitation of the present invention. Various modifications and substitutions to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A 3D-printed implant with an arc-shaped tube for implantation into a patient's alveolar bone implant socket, characterized in that, The implant includes: a dense core and a bone-bonding portion surrounding the dense core; the bone-bonding portion includes a first porous portion and a second porous portion; the top surfaces of the first porous portion and the second porous portion are connected; a plurality of arc-shaped channels are formed within the first porous portion; The arc-shaped pipe has openings at both ends and is connected to the outside through the openings; the arc-shaped pipe extends into the cleaning component through the openings to clean the inside of the arc-shaped pipe.

2. The 3D-printed implant with an arc-shaped channel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The arc-shaped pipe bends toward the dense core and approaches the dense core.

3. The 3D-printed implant with an arc-shaped channel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The arc-shaped pipe is semi-circular.

4. The 3D-printed implant with an arc-shaped channel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the arc-shaped pipe is 0.5mm-0.7mm.

5. The 3D-printed implant with an arc-shaped channel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second porous portion has several porous structures, and the average elastic modulus of the entire osseointegration portion is the same as the average elastic modulus of the patient's alveolar bone.

6. The 3D-printed implant with an arc-shaped channel as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The arc-shaped pipe is not connected to the porous structure.

7. The 3D-printed implant with an arc-shaped channel as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The internal load of the arc-shaped channel and the porous structure is used for drugs that induce bone ingrowth.

8. The 3D-printed implant with an arc-shaped channel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bone junction further includes a connecting portion, which is connected to the top surface of the first porous portion. The connecting portion has no pores inside, or the connecting portion has pores inside that are not connected to the outside.

9. The 3D-printed implant with an arc-shaped channel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning component is the working tip of the dental flosser.

10. A method for preparing a 3D-printed implant with an arc-shaped channel according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: (1) Determine the material of the implant, and then take a preoperative quantitative CT scan of the jawbone to calculate the average elastic modulus of the patient's alveolar bone; (2) Design the diameter and number of the arc-shaped tubes according to the patient's average elastic modulus; (3) Use 3D printing equipment to prepare the implant in a personalized manner.

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