ABUTMENT FOR HOLDING A DENTURE TO A JAW IMPLANT

Description

[0001] The present invention is defined by the claims and relates to an abutment for holding a jaw implant, a display element for coupling to the abutment and a dental model system.

[0002] Abutments are used to secure individual artificial teeth, groups of individual teeth, or entire dentures (prostheses) in the patient's mouth. For this purpose, jaw implants are inserted (screwed) into the jawbone, to which the abutments (artificial tooth stumps) are attached. These can be multiple implants or abutments for an entire denture. An abutment acts as a kind of intermediate piece between a jaw implant and a custom-made denture and is usually connected to both the implant and the denture by screwing.

[0003] For the production of dentures, it is well known that the oral situation, or rather the upper and lower jaws (dentition), is captured three-dimensionally using digital scanners. From the resulting data sets, so-called print models (tooth or dentition models) can be created using 3D printers.

[0004] If an implant-supported artificial tooth structure (denture) is to be custom-made for a patient, a display element (also called a "ScanBody" or "ScanMarker") is screwed into an implant anchored in the patient's jaw for the scanning process. The ScanBody is designed, for example, as a post with one or more surfaces and is recognized when the dentition is scanned. It displays the exact position and orientation of the implant and thus serves for the subsequent precise positioning of an abutment in (or on) the printed model. The denture is then created on the abutment in the printed model and later screwed, together with the abutment, into the implant in the patient's jaw.

[0005] Depending on where in the mouth a denture is to be inserted and the shape of a person's jawbone, or where in the jaw the jaw implants are located and / or what angle differences exist between the jaw implants, it may be necessary to use angled abutments. Such angled abutments have an apical section facing the jaw that is at an angle to a coronal section facing the denture. This makes it possible to deal with different jaw shapes that require the insertion of implants in different directions. For jaw shapes and denture positions where only a few locations are suitable for inserting implants, the use of angled abutments can often prevent blockages when inserting the denture.

[0006] When using angled abutments, it is essential to coordinate the rotational and axial alignment of the individual abutments in their overall assembly in order to achieve a common axial direction (insertion direction) when the prosthesis is subsequently placed. However, the position and orientation of the coronal section of an abutment attached to an implant, which can be determined using the ScanBody during digital scanning, does not allow any conclusions to be drawn about the orientation of the apical section or the implant. This makes modeling of the denture more difficult, as data on the gum surrounding the jaw cannot normally be recorded during the scanning process. For this reason, inaccuracies in the fabrication of the denture or increased effort for adjustment, as manual intervention is required.When using angled abutments, manual modeling is often preferred over the use of a digital scan, which can result in greater effort and lower accuracy.

[0007] DE 10 2013 013 565 A1 discloses a superstructure support and a method for its production. An artificial crown or a composite consisting of an adhesive body and a crown is arranged on or at the superstructure support. The superstructure support has a first structure, at least in some areas, in the adhesive body and / or crown-bearing area. Furthermore, a second structure is arranged on the superstructure support in the area facing the implant body. Using the disclosed method, the superstructure support can be economically manufactured as part of a prosthetic dental restoration.

[0008] DE 20 2012 102 746 U1 discloses a dental implant abutment system. An abutment attachment for a jaw implant comprises a fastening section for securing the abutment attachment to the jaw implant and an adhesive base laterally offset from the fastening section for adhering a crown adhesive as a base for a dental crown or for adhering a healing cap adhesive.

[0009] WO 2018 / 007316 A1 discloses an abutment base for restorative dental treatment. The abutment base comprises an implant portion oriented around a first axis, which can be attached to a dental implant, and a crown portion oriented around a second axis, which can be attached to a dental prosthesis. The two axes of the implant portion and the crown portion are not aligned with each other. The stop base has a central opening extending over its entire length and is suitable for allowing the passage of a tool, such as a screwdriver.

[0010] Relevant prior art is also provided by US 2014 / 205969 A1, which, however, does not disclose that a second indexing element is formed as a recess in the circumference of a coronal section and a boundary surface of a first recess runs parallel to a second central axis and the boundary surface comprises a wave structure and is corrugated in a direction that runs perpendicular to and at a distance from the second central axis.

[0011] EP 3 363 406 A2, published on 18.10.2017, claims priority from 17.02.2017 and is prior art under Article 54(3) EPC and does not disclose a boundary surface of a recess which is corrugated in a direction perpendicular to and spaced from a second central axis.

[0012] Based on this, the problem arises of minimizing the effort required to produce the print model and improving the accuracy of denture production. When using angled abutments, a digital scanning process and (automated) 3D printing of a print model should be possible.

[0013] This problem is solved by an abutment according to claim 1.

[0014] The object is further achieved by a display element according to claim 8.

[0015] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a tooth model system according to claim 13.

[0016] Disclosed and not claimed is a method for producing a dental prosthesis.

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims. It is understood that the abutment, the display element, the dental model system, and the method can be designed according to the embodiments described for the abutment in the dependent claims.

[0018] According to the invention, an indexing element is provided in an angled abutment. The indexing element is located in the lateral surface of the coronal section. A lateral surface is understood to be the outer surface or the circumference of the body. The indexing element is located in this surface. In particular, the indexing element can be designed as a projection or a recess, so that the lateral surface has an irregular shape. In other words, the lateral surface can comprise a first part that corresponds to the lateral or outer surface of an original body, and a second part that corresponds to a surface that was created by removing (recess) or adding (projection) material from / to the original body. It is also possible for the indexing element to be designed as a geometric shape in a cross-section of the coronal section, for example as a hexagon, octagon, or square.

[0019] The indexing element interacts with a display element (ScanBody) and specifies the orientation of the apical section, i.e., the orientation of the jaw implant, to this display element. An orientation of the first central axis is understood here to mean, in particular, an angle specification with respect to the position and orientation of the second central axis, which corresponds to the orientation of the display element. The orientation preferably comprises the specification of an angle of a projection of the first central axis into a plane that runs perpendicular to the second central axis. Apart from specifying an angle, the orientation can also be determined in other ways. The orientation of the first central axis is unambiguously defined by means of such an angle and based on a known angle between the two central axes. The indexing element in the lateral surface of the coronal section is indexed relative to the apical section.

[0020] With conventional abutments or indicator elements, where the coronal section is usually conical, rotation of the indicator element around the second central axis is possible. Therefore, based on the detection of the indicator element, only the position of the abutment and the orientation of the second central axis can be determined, but not the orientation of the first central axis.

[0021] In contrast, according to the invention, in addition to the (three-dimensional) position in the mouth and the orientation of the second central axis, the orientation of the first central axis or the jaw implant can also be determined. A display element coupled to the abutment is aligned using the indexing element. The indexing element specifies a unique orientation of the display element on the abutment, so that the orientation of the first central axis can also be calculated based on the orientation of the display element.

[0022] For this purpose, the indexing element according to the invention can interact with a correspondingly designed indexing coupling on the display element. The indexing element and indexing coupling determine the orientation of the display element through positive engagement based on the orientation of the apical section or the first central axis. Based on the orientation of the display element, which can be determined during the scanning process, the orientation of the first central axis can be calculated.

[0023] This allows the jaw shape, or rather the course and alignment of the implants, to be deduced from the scan dataset. The corresponding adjustment of a denture can be made. In particular, appropriate flesh-colored veneers can be provided in the areas of the denture that are in direct contact with the gums. This allows the entire printed model to be created in a single 3D printing process based on the data captured in the digital scan. Furthermore, abutments can be removed from the model or the oral situation at any time and precisely repositioned in exactly the same alignment.

[0024] The invention allows for digital work. A digital scanning process can be used to automatically generate a print model. This minimizes the effort required to produce the print model or denture. High-quality dentures can be produced because it allows for precise adaptation of the veneers to the individual's jaw or gums.

[0025] According to the invention, the indexing element is designed as a first recess in the circumference of the coronal section. A recess is understood, in particular, as an indentation or dent in the circumferential surface. Positioning in the circumference means that a portion of an inherently rotationally symmetrical body is removed or removed. Thus, part of the original circumferential surface or material in the coronal region is missing. A particular advantage here is that compatibility with standard coupling points on a dental prosthesis is maintained, since material is only removed from the original shape, not added.

[0026] The abutment comprises a second indexing element, formed as a second recess in the circumference of the coronal section. The presence of two indexing elements ensures a high degree of positioning reliability when coupling the indicator element to the abutment. Typical abutments are in the range of a few millimeters in size. For example, a coronal section of a conventional abutment can have a diameter of approximately 5 mm in a plane perpendicular to the second central axis. To create a positive fit between the recess and the corresponding projection on the indicator element, it is advantageous to use two recesses. This increases stability while maintaining positional reliability.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the first recess and the second recess have a different size, a different shape, and / or are arranged at an angle other than 180° with respect to the second central axis to clearly specify the orientation of the connectable display element. To prevent twisting and thus an ambiguous alignment of the display element, the two recesses can be of different sizes, have different shapes, or be arranged at an angle other than 180° to each other. All options allow the display element to be coupled to the abutment only when the display element is placed in the predefined position. A clear coupling is achieved.

[0028] According to the invention, the coronal section comprises a frustoconical region that widens toward the apical section, in which the indexing element is arranged. So-called multi-unit abutments have now established themselves as a kind of industry standard in the field of abutments. In such a multi-unit, an interface for coupling to the denture is located in the coronal section. Preferably, a frustoconical or conical region that widens toward the apical section is provided for this purpose.

[0029] Such a truncated cone-shaped area ensures compatibility between the abutment and the denture. The truncated cone shape ensures a concentric alignment of the coronal portion and the protrusion in the denture when tightening a screw connection.

[0030] The positioning of the denture during screw-on attachment occurs automatically. According to the invention, the indexing element is located in the truncated cone-shaped area. This ensures a concentric arrangement of the indicator element and the coronal section even when the indicator element is coupled.

[0031] A boundary surface of the first and / or second recess runs parallel to the second central axis. A boundary surface is a part of the lateral surface of the abutment in the coronal section. The boundary surface delimits the recess from the coronal region of the abutment, thus forming the outer shape of the recess. Starting from an originally rotationally symmetrical coronal region, from which a part is removed to produce the indexing element, the boundary surface results from the surface or part of the lateral surface that is newly created by the recess. This boundary surface runs parallel to the second central axis. When coupling the indicator element to the abutment, the indicator element can therefore be plugged on. By using a boundary surface designed in this way, the recess has as little influence as possible on the stability of the abutment.As little material as possible is removed from the coronal section. The stability of the abutment, especially in its coronal section, is largely maintained. Furthermore, good manufacturability is ensured.

[0032] The boundary surface comprises a wave structure that is preferably symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry of the first and / or second recess. A wave structure is understood to be a regularly curved structure with multiple peaks and valleys. The parallel alignment of the boundary surface to the second central axis is maintained. The boundary surface is undulated in a direction that runs perpendicular to and at a distance from the second central axis. By using a wave structure, a good form fit between the recess and the corresponding projection on the display element can be ensured, insofar as the contact surface is enlarged and the unambiguous coupling is ensured. The plane of symmetry of the recess runs parallel to the second central axis.

[0033] In a further advantageous embodiment, the abutment comprises a stop surface, oriented perpendicular to the second central axis and extending around the second central axis, for attaching the denture. Such a stop surface ensures that the denture and the display element can be firmly connected to the abutment in a clear orientation during the digital scanning process. A correspondingly designed stop surface on the denture or on the display element rests against the stop surface of the abutment. This ensures stable anchoring of the denture and the display element.

[0034] The abutment also advantageously comprises a shoulder running parallel to the stop surface between the indexing element and the stop surface. The shoulder between the indexing element and the stop surface is particularly advantageous when a recess is provided as the indexing element, which is usually produced in a milling process. Such a milling process requires a tolerance during milling. To ensure that the stop surface is not damaged, a shoulder is maintained between the stop surface and the recess, which acts as a safety buffer for tolerances during the milling process of the recess. This ensures that the stop surface is not damaged or scratched. Manufacturing and scrap costs are minimized.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the abutment comprises a first bore extending along the first central axis through the coronal section and the apical section for receiving a fastening element for fastening the abutment to the jaw implant, wherein the first bore penetrates a circumferential surface of the coronal section; and preferably, a diameter of the first bore in the apical section is smaller than a diameter of the first bore in the coronal section. A fastening element, in particular a screw, for fastening the abutment to the jaw implant can be introduced through the first bore through the abutment. Since the abutment is angled, the bore penetrates the circumferential surface in the coronal section. Access is provided through this bore penetrating the circumferential surface both when inserting the screw and when screwing it tight.By using different diameters in the apical and coronal sections, the screw head can be seated within the abutment. Since the dimensions of the hole vary depending on the abutment type, the hole cannot be used as an indexing element. The indexing coupling in the indicator element is always the same, as the indicator element is to be manufactured in the same standardized shape. Furthermore, due to the small overall size of the abutment in the millimeter range, inaccuracies or even damage can occur when coupling the indicator element. The indexing element must therefore have a certain degree of stability. The hole penetrating the lateral surface creates edges on the circumference of the coronal section that do not provide this stability. Therefore, the hole cannot be used as an indexing element for stability reasons.

[0036] In an advantageous embodiment, a segment of the lateral surface of the coronal section interrupted by the first bore is smaller than a segment of the lateral surface of the coronal section interrupted by the first recess. This ensures unambiguous positioning of the display element. This prevents the indexing coupling from being received in the first bore, which could result in ambiguity.

[0037] Preferably, the abutment includes a second internally threaded hole extending along the second central axis through the coronal portion for screwing the denture. The denture is typically screwed directly into the second hole. The use of an internal thread can ensure easy installation of the denture.

[0038] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0039] The invention is described and explained in more detail below using selected embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. They show: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective side view of an abutment according to one aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a tooth model system according to the invention; Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective representation of a display element according to one aspect of the present invention; Figure 4 shows an abutment according to the invention in a view perpendicular to the first central axis; Figure 5a shows a representation of a first embodiment of an abutment according to the invention in a view perpendicular to the second central axis; Figure 5b shows a representation of a second embodiment of an abutment according to the invention in a view perpendicular to the second central axis; and Figure 6 shows a side view of an abutment according to the invention.

[0040] In the Figure 1An abutment 10 according to the invention for holding a dental prosthesis in a jaw implant is shown. The abutment 10 comprises an apical section 12, i.e., a section facing the jaw and which is attached to the jaw implant. The abutment 10 further comprises a coronal section 14, i.e., a section facing the tooth crown or dental prosthesis and to which the dental prosthesis is attached. The two sections 12, 14 of the abutment 10 are firmly connected to one another and form parts of one body.

[0041] The apical section 12 is essentially cylindrical, with several flat outer surfaces 16 being provided in the area of ​​coupling to the jaw implant in the illustrated embodiment. These surfaces interact with a correspondingly designed jaw implant to prevent rotation of the abutment 10 relative to the jaw implant. The apical section 12 is constructed along a first central axis 18. The first central axis 18 is vertical in the illustration shown.

[0042] The coronal section 14 comprises a truncated cone-shaped region 20, which, as a cone, engages into a correspondingly shaped bulge in the denture and can be attached to the denture. The coronal section 14 is constructed along a second central axis 22 that is at an angle to the first central axis 18. The angle between the central axes should be selected such that the two central axes 18, 22 do not run parallel to each other. Preferably, both central axes 18, 22 lie in one plane, so that an intersection of the central axes is present.

[0043] It is understood that both the apical section 12 and the coronal section 14 are not normally rotationally symmetrical to their central axes. Nevertheless, both sections are essentially cylindrical.

[0044] The present invention relates to angled abutments, i.e. abutments in which the first central axis 18 and the second central axis 22 are at an angle α to each other. Typical angles are, for example, 15°-45°, 20°-40°, 25°-35°, preferably 30°. It goes without saying that other angles are also possible and advantageous. The angular position of the two central axes 18, 22 enables the abutment 10 to be used even with jaw shapes that leave little room for maneuver with regard to the positioning and alignment of the jaw implant and where it is necessary to insert several jaw implants in different directions into the jaw. Angled abutments are also used when the size and type of the required dentures dictate the position of the jaw implants within narrow limits.

[0045] The illustrated embodiment of the abutment 10 according to the invention is designed as a so-called multi-unit abutment. This multi-unit has established itself as a quasi-standard, offered by various manufacturers, and is characterized in particular by the truncated cone-shaped region 20 in the coronal section 14. The corresponding connection points provided on the dental prosthesis are usually designed as recesses that accommodate the coronal section of the abutment and in which the coronal section is anchored.

[0046] The abutment 10 according to the invention comprises an indexing element 24 arranged in a lateral surface 26 of the coronal section 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the indexing element 24 is designed as a first recess in the circumference of the coronal section 14. A portion of the truncated cone is milled away parallel to the second central axis 22. Because the indexing element 24 is designed as such a recess, the coronal section 14 can still be fitted into the same opening in a dental prosthesis. A cavity is merely created within the opening in the dental prosthesis at the location of the first recess. However, adaptation of the dental prosthesis or the further manufacturing process is not required. Compatibility is ensured.

[0047] In the Figure 21 shows a dental model system 28 according to the invention. In addition to the abutment 10, the dental model system 28 also comprises a display element 30, which can be coupled to the coronal section 14 in a digital scanning process for the production of a printed model. In order to manufacture the dental prosthesis, it is usually necessary to create a model of the situation in the patient's jaw. For this purpose, an impression can be taken, and a model can be manually produced based on this. On the other hand, it is now possible and common practice to carry out a digital scanning process in which the situation is automatically scanned. A computer model is created, on the basis of which a 3D print can then be generated.

[0048] For this digital scanning process, a display element 30 (ScanBody) is coupled to the abutment 10. The display element 30 is scanned, recognized by a corresponding computer program, and can then serve as the basis for determining the position of the abutment and the alignment of the second central axis.

[0049] In previous dental model systems, it was not possible to determine the position or orientation of the first central axis 18 with respect to the second central axis 22 based on a scan of the display element 30. The second central axis 22 corresponds to a central axis of the display element 30. However, due to the conical design of the coupling, the display element could be rotated about the second central axis when coupled. It was not possible to deduce the orientation of the first central axis, and thus the position of the abutment or the position of the jaw implant, from the orientation and position of the coronal region or the second central axis captured during scanning. This rotation is prevented by the indexing element 24.

[0050] By using the indexing element 24, the position and orientation of the indicator element 30 relative to the abutment 10 or its second central axis 18 are unambiguous. Therefore, the orientation of the first central axis 18 can be deduced from the position and orientation of the first central axis 18, which corresponds to the position and axis of the indicator element 30. The orientation can be determined in the form of an angle in a plane perpendicular to the second central axis 22. The orientation can be specified in Cartesian or polar coordinates and corresponding reference systems. Processing is preferably automated. Consequently, the abutment 10 according to the invention can be used with standard prostheses that have indentations or a blind hole for connection to multi-unit abutments.

[0051] In the Figure 3A corresponding display element 30 is shown in perspective view. In particular, the display element 30 comprises a coupling region 32 in the form of an opening into which the coronal section of the abutment 10 can be received. Within this coupling region 32, an indexing coupling 34 is arranged, which corresponds to the indexing element 24 on the abutment. In this respect, the indexing coupling 34 preferably corresponds to a projection in a coupling region 32 of a display element 30.

[0052] In the Figure 4A view of the abutment 10 according to the invention is shown in the direction of the first central axis 18. Both the apical section 12 and the coronal section 14 are traversed by a first bore 36, which runs along the first central axis 18 and is arranged concentrically thereto. The first bore 36 serves to accommodate a fastening element through which the abutment 10 can be attached to the jaw implant. Detachable fastening is understood in particular to mean screwing. However, other types of fastening or coupling are also conceivable.

[0053] A screw is preferably used for attachment. The head of the screw is preferably received within the abutment 10 by ensuring that a diameter D1 of the first hole in the apical section of the abutment is smaller than a diameter D2 of the first hole in the coronal section. The screw head then rests on the resulting shoulder and is located within the abutment 10.

[0054] A second bore 38 is provided for attaching the abutment 10 to the denture, which runs along the second central axis 22. The second bore 38 includes an internal thread. A screw can engage in the internal thread, which fixes a denture or a display element to the abutment 10. It is understood that a different fastening means can also be used here.

[0055] As shown, the first bore 36 penetrates the lateral surface 26 of the coronal section. In the illustrated embodiment of the abutment 10, an indexing element 24 formed as a recess is provided. The recess is located in the truncated cone-shaped region 20 in the coronal section of the abutment 10. A portion of the truncated cone is missing, creating a boundary surface.

[0056] The indexing element 24 or the recess is dimensioned such that an interrupted segment S1 of the lateral surface 26 by the recess is larger than a segment S2 of the lateral surface 26 interrupted by the first bore 36, which in the illustrated example, in its maximum extent perpendicular to the first central axis 18, corresponds to the diameter D2 of the first bore 36 in the coronal section 14. The indexing element 24 is, so to speak, divided into two parts by the first bore 36. This size ratio ensures that the indexing coupling of the display element 30 cannot already engage the interruption in the lateral surface 26 of the coronal section formed by the first bore 36. This results in a clear positioning of the display element 30.

[0057] In the Figures 5a and 5bTwo embodiments of an abutment 10 according to the invention are shown, in each of which two indexing elements 24 are arranged in the lateral surface 26 of the coronal section. Figures 5a and 5b each a plan view of the coronal section 14 in the direction of the second central axis 22. For the sake of clarity, reference is made below to a first indexing element 24a and a second indexing element 24b, it being understood that these designations are interchangeable.

[0058] The use of two indexing elements ensures that it is not possible for a single indexing coupling to accidentally engage the first bore 36, which could result in an ambiguous coupling of the display element 30.

[0059] Both in the Figure 5a as well as in the Figure 5bThe indexing elements 24a, 24b are formed as recesses in the circumference of the coronal section 14 or in the lateral surface 26 of the coronal section 14. Such recesses can be produced by milling. The recesses have a boundary surface 40 running parallel to the second central axis 22. In both illustrated embodiments, the boundary surfaces 40 each have a wave structure in a view perpendicular to the second central axis 22, as in the Figures 5a and 5b The wave structure is preferably symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry spanned by the second central axis 22 and a center point of the recess.

[0060] In the Figure 5aThe first indexing element 24a is located in the region of the first bore 36. The indexing element 24a is formed as a recess in the circumference of the coronal section 14, wherein the recess is interrupted by the first bore 36 in the illustrated embodiment, so that the indexing element 24a is divided into two parts. Parts of the recess are located on either side of the first bore 36. The second indexing element 24b, which is also formed as a recess in the circumference of the coronal section 14, is located in another part of the lateral surface 26.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the two indexing elements 24a, 24b have different sizes. A different size means that different sized portions of the frustoconical region 20 have been removed. On the one hand, it is necessary for an indexing element to have a sufficiently large contact surface for engaging a corresponding indexing coupling in the indicator element 30 to ensure that wobbling or damage is avoided. On the other hand, it is necessary to maintain the stability of the abutment, so only as much material may be removed as is necessary to ensure stability is not compromised.

[0062] Furthermore, the rotationally secure and unambiguous attachment of the display element 30 must be ensured. To this end, the illustrated embodiment provides that the two indexing elements 24a, 24b are not arranged opposite one another with respect to the second central axis 22, but rather at an angle other than 180°. Furthermore, the two indexing elements 24a, 24b have different sizes from one another.

[0063] The differently sized indexing elements 24a, 24b, arranged at angles other than 180°, ensure that the indicator element 30 cannot be rotated when attached to the coronal section 14. The indicator function remains unambiguous. It is understood that, alternatively or additionally, it would also be possible to use different shapes (not shown).

[0064] In the Figure 5bAn alternative arrangement of the two indexing elements 24a, 24b is shown. The indexing elements 24a, 24b are also arranged at an angle different from 180° in the circumference or lateral surface of the coronal section 14. However, both indexing elements 24a, 24b are the same size. The arrangement at an angle different from 180° also ensures a rotationally secure coupling to the display element 30.

[0065] In the Figure 6 A side view of the abutment 10 is shown. A stop surface 42 surrounding the second central axis 22 is provided for connecting the abutment 10 to the denture. The second central axis 22 is perpendicular to the stop surface 42.

[0066] During the manufacture of the indexing element 24, a portion of the frustoconical region 20 of the coronal section 14 is milled off. To ensure that the stop surface 42 is not damaged during this milling process, a shoulder 44 running parallel to the stop surface 42 is provided between the indexing element 24 and the stop surface 42. This shoulder 44 has a height of a few micrometers above the stop surface 42. The shoulder 44 thus represents a remnant of the frustoconical region 20 in the area of ​​the indexing element 24.

[0067] Consequently, the denture can be placed against the stop surface 42 without interference from the shoulder 44. When designing the indicator element and the corresponding indexing coupling, the shoulder 44 must be taken into account and milled out accordingly. This ensures that the stop surface 42 is not damaged or scratched during the manufacture of the indexing element 24.

[0068] The invention has been comprehensively described and explained with reference to the drawings and the description. The description and explanation are to be understood as exemplary and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other embodiments or variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon use of the present invention and upon careful analysis of the drawings, the disclosure, and the following claims.

[0069] In the claims, the words "comprising" and "having" do not exclude the presence of further elements or steps. The undefined article "a" or "an" does not exclude the presence of a plurality. A single element or unit can perform the functions of several of the units recited in the claims. The mere reciting of some measures in several different dependent claims should not be understood to mean that a combination of these measures cannot also be used advantageously. Reference signs in the claims are not to be understood as limiting.

Claims

1. Abutment (10) for holding a dental prosthesis to a jaw implant, having: an apical section (12) for detachably fastening the abutment (10) to the jaw implant, the apical section being structured along a first central axis (18); a coronal section (14) for detachably fastening the dental prosthesis to the abutment (10), the coronal section being structured along a second central axis (22), wherein the second central axis (22) extends at an angle to the first central axis (18); a borehole (38) in the coronal portion (14) extending along the second central axis (22) and having an internal thread adapted to engage a screw for detachably fixing an indicator element (30) having an axial borehole to the abutment (10) or to engage a screw for detachably fixing a dental prosthesis to the abutment (10); a first indexing element (24a) in a shell surface (26) of the coronal section (14) for specifying an orientation of a display element (30) that is coupleable to the coronal section (14) for a digital scanning operation, based on a unique orientation of the first central axis (18); wherein the first indexing element (24a) is formed as a recess, so that the shell surface (26) has an irregular course, and the first indexing element (24a) interacts with the display element (30) in such a way that the orientation of the apical section (12) is predetermined for the display element (30) by positive locking of the first indexing element (24a) and an indexing coupling (34) of the display element (30); a second indexing element (24b), which is formed as a second recess in the circumference of the coronal portion (14); and wherein the coronal portion (14) surrounds a truncated cone-shaped area (20) which widens in the direction of the apical portion (12) and in which the indexing elements (24a, 24b) are arranged; the coronal section (14) is suitable and provided so that both a dental prosthesis is attachable to the coronal section (14) and the display element (30) is coupleable for a digital scanning operation; the first indexing element (24a) is formed as a first recess in the circumference of the coronal section (14); a delimiting surface (40) of the first recess or the first and second recesses extends parallel to the second central axis (22); and the delimiting surface (40) comprises an undulated structure which is preferably symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry of the first or the first and second recesses, wherein the delimiting surface is undulated in a direction which is perpendicular to and spaced from the second central axis.

2. Abutment (10) according to claim 1, wherein to unambiguously specify the orientation of the coupleable display element (30), the first recess and the second recess have a different size and / or a different shape, and / or are situated at an angle different from 180° with respect to the second central axis (22).

3. Abutment (10) according to one of the preceding claims, having a stop surface (42), which is oriented perpendicularly with respect to the second central axis (22) and circumferentially surrounds the second central axis, for applying the dental prosthesis.

4. Abutment (10) according to claim 3, having a shoulder (44), extending parallel to the stop surface (42), between the indexing element (24, 24a, 24b) and the stop surface.

5. Abutment (10) according to one of the preceding claims, having a first borehole (36), extending through the coronal section (14) and the apical section (12) along the first central axis (18), for receiving a fastening element for fastening the abutment to the jaw implant, wherein the first borehole penetrates a shell surface (26) of the coronal section; and a diameter (D1) of the first borehole in the apical section (12) is preferably smaller than a diameter (D2) of the first borehole in the coronal section.

6. Abutment (10) according to any one of claims 1 and 5, wherein a segment of the shell surface (26) of the coronal section (14) that is interrupted by the first borehole (36) is smaller than a segment of the shell surface of the coronal section that is interrupted by the first recess.

7. Abutment (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second borehole (38) extends through the coronal section (14) along the second central axis (22) and has an internal thread for screwing on the dental prosthesis.

8. Display element (30) for coupling to a coronal section (14) of an abutment (10) according to one of the preceding claims having: an indexing coupling (34), corresponding to the first indexing element (24a) of the abutment (10), for unambiguously specifying the orientation of the display element (30), wherein the indexing coupling (34) can be combined with the first corresponding indexing element (24a) in such a way that, when coupling the display element to the coronal section (14) of the abutment (10) by positive locking of the first indexing element (24a) and the indexing coupling (34), the orientation of the apical section (12) of the abutment (10) is unambiguously predetermined for the display element (30); the indexing coupling is designed as a protrusion corresponding to the recess in the circumference of the coronal section of the abutment (10), the delimiting surface (40) of which comprises the undulated structure, wherein the display element (30) is designed and configured to display an unambiguous position and unambiguous orientation of the angled abutment for a digital scanning operation, and the display element (30) is designed and configured to be fixed to the abutment (10) by means of a screw.

9. Display element (30) according to claim 8, characterized in that the display element has a coupling area (32) which corresponds to the indexing element of the abutment and in which the indexing coupling is arranged.

10. Display element (30) according to claim 9, characterized in that the display element (30) has outside the coupling area (32) a flattening on its cylindrical outer side, which is flattened and forms a flat scanning surface extending parallel to the central axis of the display element (30).

11. Display element (30) according to claim 10, characterized in that the flattening extends in axial direction on the outside of the display element in such a way that its extent extends over half of the axial longitudinal extent of the display element.

12. Display element (30) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the display element (30) has an axial borehole which is a through borehole for fixing the display element to the abutment by means of a screw.

13. Tooth model system (28), comprising an abutment (10) for holding a dental prosthesis on a jaw implant, according to any one of claims 1-7; and a display element (30) for coupling to a coronal portion (14) of an abutment (10), according to claim 8, wherein the abutment (10) comprises an apical portion (12) for releasably attaching the abutment (10) to the jaw implant, which is structured along a first central axis (18), and a coronal portion (14) for releasably attaching the dental prosthesis and the display element (30) to the abutment (10), which is structured along a second central axis (22), wherein the second central axis (22) extends at an angle to the first central axis (18) and the coronal section (14) comprises a truncated cone-shaped area (20) which widens in the direction of the apical section (12), wherein a borehole (38) in the coronal portion (14), which extends along the second central axis (22) and has an internal thread, which is designed to allow a screw to engage for releasably fixing the display element (30) in a position on the abutment (10); wherein the first indexing element (24a) is arranged in the truncated cone-shaped area (20) in a shell surface (26) of the coronal portion (14) for unambiguously predetermining an unambiguous orientation of the display element (30), which can be coupled to the coronal portion (14) for a digital scanning operation, based on an orientation of the first central axis (18), and wherein the first indexing element (24a) is designed as a protrusion, so that the shell surface (26) has an irregular course, and the first indexing element (24a) interacts with the display element (30) in such a way that the orientation of the apical section (12) is predetermined for the display element (30); and wherein the display element (30) is designed to define a unique orientation of the display element (30) by means of an indexing coupling (34) corresponding to the indexing element (24, 24a, 24b) for defining and to display an unambiguous position and unambiguous orientation of the abutment for a digital scanning operation when coupled to the coronal section (14), wherein the indexing coupling (34) interacts with the first corresponding indexing element (24, 24a, 24b) in such a way that the orientation of the apical section (12) of the abutment (10) is predetermined for the display element (30) by positive locking of the indexing element (24a) and the indexing coupling (34) when coupled to the coronal section (14) of the abutment (10), wherein the display element (30) can be fixed to the abutment for a digital scanning operation by means of a screw which engages with the internal thread in the borehole (38) in the coronal section (14) of the abutment.