Abutment Extractor

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an extractor for an abutment, comprising a tool section with a fastening section for releasably fastening the extractor to the abutment, a rotary handle and a pin-shaped section between the tool section and the rotary handle. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the fabrication of dental prostheses, current techniques typically involve screwing a dental crown to a jaw implant using an abutment. The crown often features an angled screw channel, particularly in the case of incisors, to facilitate its attachment to the implant. This angled screw channel frequently leads to the problem that, after the assembly is screwed onto the implant, chewing movements subject it to additional axial forces. This can cause minor deformations within the assembly, often forming conical surfaces, which can lead to jamming at the connection between the assembly and between the individual components of the prosthesis. Consequently, the assembly may become difficult or even impossible to remove.

[0003] For restorations with straight screw channels, the assembly can be easily pried out using a simple extractor (also called a screw extractor or screw puller) that has an external thread and connects to an internal thread in the base of the assembly. For angled screw channels, extractors adapted to the angle of the screw channel are required.

[0004] WO 2018 / 037250 A1 discloses a dental screwdriver for angled screw channels, with a shaft made of a shape-memory alloy that bends with little or no resistance along an arc-forming section, the screwdriver interacting with a screw of suitable size. The screwdriver disclosed in WO 2018 / 037250 A1 can be connected to an elastic extractor to allow removal of the abutment after the screw has been removed.

[0005] WO 2011 / 080104 A1 discloses a flexible dental screwdriver in which, unlike the screwdriver in WO 2018 / 037250 A1, the flexible shaft has a multitude of cylindrical shaft segments. Gaps between the segments allow the flexible shaft to bend. This flexible screwdriver can therefore be used to tighten and loosen screws in angled screw channels. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] While the screwdrivers or extractors according to WO 2011 / 080104 A1 and WO 2018 / 037250 A1 are generally suitable for extracting assemblies for straight and angled screw channels, these extractors are, according to the prior art, rather unwieldy and difficult to position. Furthermore, the use of shape memory alloys is very expensive.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an extractor in which the aforementioned disadvantages are reduced. In particular, the extractor should be easier to handle and be able to loosen tightly fitting abutments more easily.

[0008] This task is solved by an abutment extractor, encompassing a tool section with a fastening section for detachably fastening the extractor to the abutment, a preferably detachably fastened rotary handle and a pin-shaped section between the fastening section and the rotary handle, characterized in that the rotary handle is arranged on a shaft section, wherein the shaft section has a connecting projection, wherein the pin-shaped section is arranged on the tool section, wherein the tool section has a connecting sleeve, wherein the connecting projection is detachably and preferably positively connectable to the connecting sleeve, and wherein the pin-shaped section has a bendable section.

[0009] According to the invention, the extractor for an abutment is thus designed in at least two parts, wherein the shaft section with the rotary handle can be detachably connected to a connecting sleeve on the tool section via a connecting projection. This two-part design of the extractor allows the tool section to be inserted into an angled screw channel independently of the shaft section with the rotary handle. Preferably, the connecting projection is detachably and positively lockable to the connecting sleeve. This increases the accuracy of the connection between the shaft section and the tool section.

[0010] The pin-shaped section, which features a flexible portion, allows the tool section to adapt to the shape of the screw channel and be attached to the abutment with the mounting section. The shaft section with its connecting projection can then be inserted into the connecting sleeve and detachably connected. In this way—unlike the prior art with a one-piece extractor with a flexible section—it is possible to initially insert only a portion of the extractor, namely the tool section, into the angled screw channel and only then assemble it into the complete extractor by connecting it to the shaft section. The final extraction of the assembly only takes place after assembly.

[0011] This provided a way to make the extractor even more flexible, so that it can also be inserted into curved and angled channels, while also allowing the torque required for extracting the assemblies to be transmitted rotaryally.

[0012] According to the invention, a bendable section within the pin-shaped section is understood to be reversibly bendable. That is, the initially upright pin-shaped section is bendable so that it can adapt to the curvature in an angled screw channel. When it is removed from the screw channel, it returns to its upright position.

[0013] The pin-shaped section has a bendable section, allowing the pin-shaped section to be bent transversely to its longitudinal axis. The bendable section thus exhibits a degree of flexibility in this area. Preferably, the bendable section is designed to be restoring its shape, meaning that it bends when a force is applied and returns to its original (pin-shaped) position when the force is removed.

[0014] The flexible section can achieve its flexibility, for example, by incorporating a cylindrical sleeve with cutouts. Additionally or alternatively, the pin-shaped section can achieve its flexibility by incorporating a coil spring. Both a cylindrical sleeve with cutouts and a coil spring provide a simple way to achieve the desired restoring effect.

[0015] Preferably, the connecting projection extends into the connecting sleeve as far as the fastening section when connected. In this way, the outer surface of the fastening section is additionally pressed into the recess (with or without internal thread) of the abutment, wedging the extractor to the abutment.

[0016] In one embodiment, the fastening section comprises expansion elements or a sleeve, with the connecting sleeve extending into the fastening section. This allows the fastening section to engage with the recess in the abutment and form a connection with the abutment by expanding the expansion elements or the sleeve.

[0017] In addition to the tool section, the shaft section can also have a pin-shaped section which, in the connected state of the shaft section and tool section, is inserted into the connecting sleeve and extends at least as far as the fastening section.

[0018] For spreading sleeves or spreading elements, the pin-shaped projection can have a thickness that is greater than the inner diameter of the connecting sleeve in the area of ​​the fastening section.

[0019] Furthermore, it can be provided that the pin-shaped projection, when the shaft section and tool section are connected, protrudes through a recess in the tool section. The pin-shaped projection can then, in contact with the jaw implant, increase the leverage for prying the assembly out.

[0020] The connecting sleeve may have a retaining area. This retaining area allows for easier and more precise positioning of the tool section within the screw channel. It also facilitates easier relative movement between the shank section and the tool section.

[0021] The connecting projection of the shaft section can also have a flexible section. This further increases the flexibility of the extractor, making it easier to extract the assembly.

[0022] The flexible section of the connecting projection is preferably arranged at the level of the flexible section of the tool section when the shaft section and tool section are connected.

[0023] The connecting projection can be detachably connected to the connecting sleeve via a screw connection. This creates a kind of puller, allowing the shaft section to be rotated relative to the tool section. The pin-shaped projection, which rests against the jaw implant, allows the assembly to be unscrewed from the implant using leverage.

[0024] This screw connection can be formed by an external thread section on the shaft section and an internal thread section on the tool section.

[0025] Preferably, the external threaded section is arranged on the shaft section between the rotary handle and the pin-shaped section, preferably between the rotary handle and the flexible section of the shaft. This ensures that the assembly can be easily pried apart.

[0026] The internal thread section is ideally located on the tool section in the holding area, as this makes it easiest to coordinate the relative movement between the shaft section and the tool section.

[0027] To achieve the flexibility of the pin-shaped sections, there are various solutions, as already indicated above.

[0028] The flexible section of the pin-shaped section and / or the flexible section of the shaft section may comprise a cylindrical sleeve with recesses.

[0029] The flexible section of the pin-shaped section and / or the flexible section of the shaft section may include a coil spring.

[0030] The mounting section can, for example, include an external thread. With such an external thread, the tool section of the extractor can be screwed into a recess with an internal thread on the abutment to connect the tool section to the abutment.

[0031] The fastening section can, for example, include expansion elements. These expansion elements can be actuated, for example, by an actuator, so that after being inserted into a recess in the abutment, they create a positive-locking and preferably detachable connection with the abutment. This allows even an abutment without an internal thread, or with an unsuitable or damaged thread, to be connected to the extractor.

[0032] The connecting projection can be joined to the connecting sleeve in various ways. The preferred connection is via a clamping mandrel, which is inserted into the connecting sleeve in a form-fitting and detachable manner. The clamping mandrel presses against the inner wall of the connecting sleeve and additionally forms a friction-fit connection.

[0033] Another way to connect the connecting projection to the connecting sleeve is via a screw connection. Preferably, the thread on the connecting projection is opposite to the external thread for the screw connection.

[0034] The invention also includes a method for extracting an abutment from a dental restoration using an extractor of the aforementioned type. The method involves inserting the shaft section with the attachment section into a screw channel of a dental restoration, the attachment section being secured to an abutment via a recess, the shaft section being connected to the connecting projection on the tool section via the connecting sleeve, and the abutment then being extracted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Further advantages and details of the invention are explained in the accompanying figures and in the following figure description. Fig. 1 shows an extractor according to the invention shortly before the tool section is connected to the shaft section in an oblique view. Figs. 2a and 2b show an extractor according to the invention in an exploded view in two views, wherein Fig. 2a und 2b the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 1 Figs. 3a & 3b show another extractor according to the invention in exploded view in two views. Fig. 4 shows a variant embodiment of an extractor.

[0036] In the exemplary embodiments, the same components are designated with the same reference numerals. To avoid unnecessary repetition, not all components are explained in every figure description. Reference may be made to previously explained components / features in this regard.

[0037] Fig. 1 , 2a, 2b, 3a , 3b and4 show an extractor 1 for an abutment 2 (the abutment 2 is only shown in the figure for clarity). Fig. 4 (as shown). The extractor 1 is designed in multiple parts and comprises at least one tool section 3 and one shaft section 7. A pin-shaped section 6 is provided on the tool section 3, at the end of which the fastening section 4 is arranged. The tool section 3 of the extractor 1 can be detachably connected to an abutment 2 (only in the following) via the fastening section 4. Fig. 4 (shown) are attached by engaging the fastening section 4 with a recess 22 on the abutment 2. The tool section 3 has a retaining area 11 at the end opposite the fastening section 4.

[0038] The tool section 3 can be held in the holding area 11 by the user, who inserts the pin-shaped section 6, with the attachment section 4 leading, into a screw channel of a dental restoration. If the screw channel has an inclination or curvature, the pin-shaped section 6 can adapt to the inclination or curvature of the screw channel in the flexible section 16. The attachment section 4 is inserted into the screw channel until it engages in the recess 22 on the abutment 2.

[0039] To fasten the fastening section 4 to the recess 22 of the abutment 2, the fastening section 4 can include an external thread that is screwed into an internal thread on the abutment. Alternatively or additionally to an external thread, the fastening section 4 can also include expansion elements 14 or an expandable sleeve 14', which are pressed outwards, for example, like a mandrel. This creates a positive-locking connection between the fastening section 4 and the recess 22 on the abutment 2 (see [reference]). Fig. 4 ).

[0040] A connecting sleeve 9 is provided on tool section 3, allowing tool section 3 to be connected to shaft section 7. The shaft section 7 connected to tool section 3 is in Fig. 4 The diagram shows that a large part of the shaft section 7 is inserted into the connecting sleeve 9 of the tool section 3. On the one hand, the connecting sleeve 9 extends into the fastening section 4. On the other hand, the connecting projection 8, when connected, also extends into the connecting sleeve 9 at least as far as the fastening section 4.

[0041] The shaft section 7 has a pin-shaped projection 10. When the shaft section 7 and tool section 3 are connected, the projection 10 extends into the connecting sleeve 9, reaching into the fastening section 4 and beyond.

[0042] In the exemplary embodiments, the pin-shaped projection 10 has a thickness greater than the inner diameter of the connecting sleeve 9 in the area of ​​the fastening section 4. This causes the pin-shaped projection 10 to spread the expanding elements 14 or the sleeve 14' against the abutment 2 and act like a clamping mandrel (see three paragraphs above).

[0043] The connecting projection 8 can be detachably connected to the connecting sleeve 9 via a screw connection. This screw connection is formed by an external threaded section 17 on the shaft section 7 and an internal threaded section on the tool section 3.

[0044] The external threaded section 17 is located on the shaft section 7 between rotary handle 5 and pin-shaped section 10, more precisely, between rotary handle 5 and bendable section 18 of the shaft section 7.

[0045] In Fig. 4 It can be seen that the pin-shaped projection 10, when shaft section 7 and tool section 3 are connected, protrudes through a recess 31 in tool section 3. The end of the projection 10 rests against the jaw implant 30, so that when the rotary handle is turned, the projection 10 is unscrewed and levered out.

[0046] The connecting projection 8 of the shaft section 7 has a bendable section 18.

[0047] The bendable section 18 of the connecting projection 8 is arranged at the level of the bendable section 16 of the tool section 3 in the connected state of shaft section 7 and tool section 3.

[0048] Both the flexible section 16 of the pin-shaped section 6 and the flexible section 18 of the shaft section 7 comprise a cylindrical sleeve with recesses 13. The flexible section 16 of the pin-shaped section 6 and the flexible section 18 of the shaft section 7 could additionally or alternatively comprise a coil spring.

[0049] The shaft section 7 has a connecting projection 8 that can be inserted into the connecting sleeve 9 in a form-fitting and detachable manner. A rotary handle 5 is provided at the upper end of the shaft section 7 to rotate the shaft section 7 with the tool section 3. For clarity, the rotary handle 5 is only shown in Fig. 4 shown. In the remaining figures, a connection 15 for the actual rotary handle 5 is shown, with the rotary handle 5 being placed on the connection 15.

[0050] The connecting projection 8 can have a pin-shaped section 10. This pin-shaped section 10 forms a clamping mandrel that clamps the expanding elements 14 or the sleeve 14', so that the expanding elements 14 or the sleeve 14' can be positively and detachably connected to the connecting sleeve 9 via the clamping mandrel (see Fig. 4 The function of the pin-shaped section 10 as a clamping mandrel in engagement with the spreading elements 14 is described in Fig. 3a und 3b as well as Fig. 4 illustrated. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1 , 2a und 2b The pin-shaped section 10 also forms a clamping mandrel, which spreads the connecting section 4 over the outer sleeve 14', so that it is positively locked and detachable with the connecting sleeve 9 via a clamping mandrel.

[0051] The connecting projection 8 can be positively and detachably connected to the connecting sleeve 9 via a screw connection. For this purpose, an external threaded section 17 is provided above the flexible section 18, which is described in more detail below. This external threaded section can engage with an internal threaded section on the tool section 3 at the level of the retaining area 11. The combination of the screw connection and the clamping mandrel mechanism results in an even more stable connection between the shaft section 7, the tool section 3, and the abutment 2. Additionally, such a screw connection allows the abutment 2 to be pried out of the implant.

[0052] The pin-shaped section 6 has a cylindrical sleeve with recesses 13 that form the bendable section 16. Alternatively, the bendable section 16 can comprise a coil spring in the region of the pin-shaped section 6.

[0053] In the connected state, the connecting projection 8 extends into the connecting sleeve 9 as far as the fastening section 4. Therefore, it is advantageous if, in the state where shaft section 7 and tool section 3 are connected, the connecting projection 8 also has a flexible section 18 at the level of the flexible section of the tool section 3. For this purpose, the connecting projection 8 of the shaft section 7 is designed to be flexible, at least in part. Analogous to the flexible section 18 on the tool section 3, a cylindrical sleeve with recesses 13 can also be provided in the area of ​​the flexible section 18. A coil spring can also be provided in the flexible area 18.

[0054] While in the Fig. 1 bis 3 The extractor 1 is generated in an upright position of the pin-shaped section 6, as can be seen in Fig. 4 The state after installation with curved, bendable sections 16, 18. As long as a lateral force is exerted on the bendable sections 16, 18, the extractor 1 is bent. The force arises from the insertion of the extractor 1 into the inclined screw channel and the spring elements (formed by the openings 13 and the sleeve).

[0055] It is recognizable in Fig. 4 Furthermore, in the assembled state of the extractor 1, the pin-shaped section 10 of the shaft section 7 extends through the axial recess 31 of the tool section 3 to the implant 30. When the shaft section 7 is screwed into the tool section 3, the external threaded section 17 engages with the internal threaded section on the tool section 3 at the level of the retaining area 11 and moves the shaft section 7 towards the tool section 3 until the pin-shaped section 10 abuts the base of the jaw implant 30. With further rotation of the shaft section 7 into the tool section 3, the pin-shaped section 10 levers the entire assembly, consisting of the abutment 2 and, if applicable, the crown, etc., out of the jaw implant 30.

[0056] If the abutment 2 has no internal thread or a damaged internal thread in the area of ​​the recess 22, the fastening section 4 is axially expanded by the pin-shaped section 10 and clamped to the recess 22 in the procedure described in the previous paragraph. That is, the pin-shaped section 10 pushes expanding elements 14 outwards or expands the sleeve 14', for example, by being thicker than the diameter of the axial recess 31, so that the sleeve 14' is pushed outwards. Additionally or alternatively, the fastening section 4 can also have an external thread that engages in a corresponding internal thread in the area of ​​the recess 22 of the abutment 2. In this way, the fastening section 4 can be screwed to the abutment 2 and then pried out.

[0057] Additionally, in Fig. 4A half-open sleeve 24 is shown. The half-open sleeve sits on the abutment 2 and serves to protect the screw channel or the tooth crown (not shown) and the assembly.

Claims

1. Extractor (1) for an abutment (2), comprising a tool section (3) with a fastening section (4) for detachably fastening the extractor (1) to the abutment (2), a preferably detachably secured rotary handle (5) and a pin-shaped section (6) between the fastening section (4) and the rotary handle (5), wherein the rotary handle (5) is arranged on a shaft section (7), wherein the shaft section (7) has a connecting projection (8), wherein the pin-shaped section (6) is arranged on the tool section (3), characterised in that the tool section (3) comprises a connecting sleeve (9), wherein the connecting sleeve (9) preferably comprises a retaining portion (11), wherein the connecting projection (8) is detachably connectable to the connecting sleeve (9), wherein the pin-shaped section (6) comprises a bendable section (16).

2. Extractor according to claim 1, characterised in that, in the connected state, the connecting projection (8) extends into the connecting sleeve (9) at least as far as the fastening section (4).

3. Extractor according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the fastening section (4) comprises spreading elements (14) and / or a sleeve (14'), wherein the connecting sleeve (9) extends into the fastening section (4).

4. Extractor according to claim 3, characterised in that the shaft section (7) has a pin-shaped projection (10) which, when the shaft section (7) and tool section (3) are connected, is inserted into the connecting sleeve (9) and projects at least as far as the fastening section (4).

5. Extractor according to claim 4, characterised in that the pin-shaped projection (10) has a thickness greater than the internal diameter of the connecting sleeve (9) in the region of the fastening section (4).

6. An extractor according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterised in that, when the shaft section (7) and the tool section (3) are connected, the pin-shaped projection (10) protrudes through a recess (31) in the tool section (3).

7. Extractor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the connecting projection (8) of the shaft section (7) comprises a bendable section (18).

8. Extractor according to claim 7, characterised in that the bendable section (18) of the connecting projection (8) is arranged, when the shaft section (7) and the tool section (3) are connected, at the level of the bendable section (16) of the tool section (3).

9. Extractor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the connecting projection (8) can be detachably connected to the connecting sleeve (9) via a screw connection, wherein preferably the screw connection is formed by an external threaded section (17) on the shaft section (7) and an internal threaded section on the tool section (3).

10. Extractor according to claim 9, characterised in that the external threaded section (17) on the shaft section (7) is arranged between the rotary handle (5) and the pin-shaped section (10), preferably between the rotary handle (5) and the bendable section (18) of the shaft section (7).

11. Extractor according to claim 9 or claim 10, characterised in that the internal threaded section on the tool section (3) is arranged in the retaining area (11).

12. Extractor according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the bendable section (16) of the pin-shaped section (6) and / or the bendable section (18) of the shaft section (7) comprises a cylindrical sleeve with recesses (13).

13. Extractor according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the bendable section (16) of the pin-shaped section (6) and / or the bendable section (18) of the shaft section (7) comprises a coil spring.

14. An extractor according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the fastening section (4) comprises an external thread.

15. A method for extracting an abutment (2) from a dental restoration using an extractor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the shaft section (7) is inserted together with the fastening section (4) into a screw channel of a dental restoration, wherein the fastening section (4) is secured to a recess on an abutment (2), whereupon the shaft section (7) is connected to the connecting projection (8) via the connecting sleeve (9) on the tool section (3), whereupon the abutment (2) is extracted.