Connector system for a dental implant

Abstract

A coupling part (3) for connecting a base (2) of a dental implant (1) to an abutment (4) of the dental implant (1) has a main body (30), an elongated hole (31) along a longitudinal axis (10) of the main body (30), at least one snap-in element (38, 38', 38'', 38''') which is suitable for engaging in a snap-in operational connection with a counter-snap-in element (56) of a connection part (5) that can be arranged in the elongated hole (31), and a contact portion (34) for sealingly contacting the coupling part (3) with the surface of the main base (2).

Description

[0001] CONNECTOR SYSTEM FOR A DENTAL IMPLANT

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The invention relates to a coupling part for a modular dental implant, an assembly for a modular dental implant, a kit for such an assembly, a modular dental implant, and a kit for such a modular dental implant.

[0004] Technological background

[0005] Dental implants can be single-piece or multi-piece. Multi-piece dental implants have generally prevailed due to their advantages over single-piece dental implants. Multi-piece dental implants can be better adapted to the specific intended use due to their modularity. They also allow for a sequential construction of the definitive implant, thus avoiding, for example, undesirable stresses during the healing process.

[0006] The multi-component dental implants known from the state of the art typically comprise a base body to be inserted into the jawbone, an abutment to be attached to the base body, and a superstructure to be placed on top of the abutment. The base body and abutment are connected by a connecting piece.

[0007] The connecting part is often designed as a threaded bolt, which, when screwed into an internal thread of the base body, positively connects the abutment part and the base body. The threaded bolt can have engagement means for rotating the threaded bolt at a coronal end facing away from the thread. A head part with a larger diameter serves to positively fix the abutment part. This head part can be molded onto the bolt. Alternatively, the connecting part can be constructed modularly from a threaded bolt to be screwed into the base body and a head piece that can be mounted on the coronal end, as disclosed, for example, in US 2008 / 0233538 A1. Connecting parts that are expanded in the base body to achieve a positive connection are also known. One such dental implant is disclosed, for example, in US 2013 / 0224689 A1.

[0008] The base body, also called the implant body, is intended to functionally replace the tooth root and is usually cylindrical or conical in shape. The base body usually has a thread, which allows it to be screwed into the jawbone.

[0009] The abutment, also called implant abutment, serves as an intermediate link between the base body and the superstructure and is usually connected to the base body in a form-fitting manner, for example by screwing and / or bonding.

[0010] The superstructure represents the actual dental replacement, in the form of a crown, bridge, or even a denture. It is also possible to design the abutment and superstructure as a single element, for example, a one-piece crown. A dental implant can also have two or more base bodies for anchoring a superstructure, for example, in bridges and dentures. In the latter case, so-called locators can be used as abutments, to which the corresponding attachment points of a denture are secured in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner.

[0011] In dental prosthetics, biocompatible and / or bioinert materials are preferred. Due to their biocompatibility, titanium or titanium alloys, as well as ceramic materials such as zirconium oxide ceramic, are frequently used. Both the material and the structure of the base body should enable a high degree of osseointegration and periointegration. The aforementioned requirements regarding high biocompatibility and bioinertness also apply to the abutment and superstructure. Furthermore, the forces occurring in the dentition place high mechanical demands on the material and construction. Dental implants must be able to absorb the high forces occurring during use of the dentition without breaking, cracking, or becoming loose.

[0012] Titanium has the advantage of being tough and not brittle. However, a disadvantage of titanium is that its dark gray color can cause it to be perceived as a foreign body in the oral cavity. Titanium is therefore preferred for those parts of a dental implant that are not visible in the oral cavity, for example, because they are embedded in the jaw or concealed by gums, or because they are located within the dental implant or superstructure. Typically, the base body is embedded in the jaw. The abutment part can be covered by gums and / or the superstructure.

[0013] Ceramic materials such as zirconium oxide have the advantage over titanium in that their coloration essentially matches the natural color of teeth, so that corresponding parts of a dental implant are not perceived as foreign bodies. Ceramic parts are preferred for tooth reconstruction and other visible parts in the oral cavity.

[0014] A poor connection between the abutment and the base body can lead to loosening or damage to the dental implant. For the long-term success of a dental implant, it is also important that the interior of the dental implant is well and permanently sealed from the outside. Leaky connections allow bacteria to penetrate the implant, which can lead to peri-implantitis and cause jawbone loss.

[0015] The modular design of dental implants can result in the individual parts, especially if they are made of comparatively brittle ceramic material, being mechanically less stable than one-piece implants, especially with respect to shear forces transverse to the implant axis.

[0016] The installation of modular implants can be difficult, especially in the confined space of the oral cavity, because two or more elements must be placed simultaneously.

[0017] US 2019 / 0223986 A1 discloses a modular dental implant comprising a base body and an abutment part, which are connected by a screw-like connecting part. The dental implant additionally has a cylindrical socket body provided with at least one locking element. The locking element is designed such that it can engage with a counter-locking element formed on the connecting part in order to at least temporarily and permanently connect the socket body and connecting part, and thus also an abutment part positively fixed between the socket body and connecting part. In the assembled state of the dental implant, the cylindrical socket body lies inside the implant and reinforces the dental implant in an upper region against shear forces transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0018] Typically, the base body and the attachment are designed as two separate components. This has the advantage that the base body and the attachment can be adapted to individual needs. Another advantage is that the attachment can be made of a different material than the base body.

[0019] A connecting piece, also called an adapter or coupling part, can be used to connect the base body and the superstructure.

[0020] EP1269932 discloses a ceramic post and a metal connecting piece connected thereto in a form-fitting manner, which can be attached to an implant by means of a screw. The screw passes centrally through the post and the connecting piece and rests with its head on an inner shoulder of the post. A form-fitting anti-twist device is provided between the post and the connecting piece, effective on both sides of a plane passing through the screw axis.

[0021] US5685714 discloses a support post for use with a dental implant that can support a dental prosthesis. The support post includes a region that, when mounted, is in contact with the dental implant. An intermediate element is attached to the post at least at a junction between the post and the implant. The intermediate element and the support post have different material properties.

[0022] There is a general need for improvements in this area.

[0023] Description of the invention

[0024] One object of the invention is to provide a modular dental implant system that allows for a more flexible construction of the individual components, particularly to easily adapt the dental implant to the specific conditions of the intended use. Dental implants according to the invention should be safe and reliable in use. They should also be cost-effective to manufacture.

[0025] The invention is further based on the consideration that, when providing a dental implant to a patient, the choice between different prosthetic abutments made of a wide variety of materials for attachment to a base body is advantageous. Furthermore, the manipulation of the selected abutment when combined with a suitable base body should remain manageable, particularly with regard to the potential loss of the abutment in the patient's oral cavity.

[0026] Thus, a further object of the invention is to provide a coupling part and an assembly comprising the coupling part, wherein the coupling part is designed as an interface. The coupling part is intended to allow the attachment of different prosthetic components made of different materials, preferably ceramic, to a base body. Furthermore, the coupling part and the components of the assembly are intended to allow for easy and safe handling.

[0027] According to the present invention, these objectives are achieved by the elements of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are also evident from the dependent claims and the description. The inventive solution can be further improved by various embodiments, each advantageous in itself and, unless otherwise stated, combinable with one another in any desired way.

[0028] These embodiments and the advantages associated with them are discussed below.

[0029] A first aspect of the invention relates to a coupling part for connecting a base body of a dental implant to a superstructure part of the dental implant.

[0030] Such a coupling part according to the invention comprises a base body, a longitudinal hole along a longitudinal axis of the base body, at least one locking element which is suitable for entering into a locking operative connection with at least one counter-locking element of a connecting part which can be arranged in the longitudinal hole, and a support section for the sealing support of the coupling part on the base body. The coupling part can provide a standardized connection between any base body of a dental implant and any abutment part of the dental implant. The abutment part can, for example, comprise a superstructure or the superconstruction, a dental crown, a denture, a locator, an abutment or a healing component such as a gingiva former. The abutment part and the base body can be connected to one another by a connecting part, e.g. a screw. To connect the parts, the connector orThe connecting part is guided through the abutment part and then through the longitudinal hole of the coupling part. When the dental implant is assembled, the connector is also connected to the base body, thus connecting the abutment part and the coupling part to the base body.

[0031] The connector can be guided through the longitudinal hole of the coupling part until at least one locking element of the coupling part engages with at least one counter-locking element of the connector, so that the connector and the coupling part are at least temporarily connected to one another. The locked operative connection holds the coupling part, the connector, and the abutment part together. This facilitates installation and increases safety when installing the parts in the oral cavity, particularly when the parts are to be installed in the area of ​​the lower jawbone, since otherwise the coupling part can simply slip off the connector due to gravity.

[0032] A tight fit of the coupling part on the base body ensures a permanently sealed seal between the interior of a fully assembled dental implant and the exterior, thus preventing germs from penetrating the implant. Likewise, foreign substances, such as abrasion debris, cannot penetrate from the dental implant into the exterior and thus into the body of the implant recipient.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, the coupling part rests on the outer circumference of the support section on the base body. An apical sealing surface of the support section is thus arranged radially as far away as possible from the longitudinal axis. Because the apical sealing surface is arranged in an outer region of the support section facing the oral cavity, contaminants and germs are prevented from entering and settling between the coupling part and the base body. This is advantageous for hygienic reasons. In an advantageous embodiment of a coupling part according to the invention, the support section on the base body of the coupling part is designed as a flat surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base body.

[0034] The surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis can effectively transfer compressive forces generated by chewing with the dental implant from the abutment and coupling part to the base body. With a larger or two-level flat surface, the contact point can be positioned as far away from the longitudinal axis as possible, toward the oral cavity. This prevents bacteria and food debris from penetrating the implant or parts of it.

[0035] In another advantageous embodiment of a coupling part according to the invention, the support section on the base body of the coupling part is designed as a lateral surface of a straight truncated cone aligned with the longitudinal axis.

[0036] In a further advantageous embodiment of a coupling part according to the invention, the support section on the base body of the coupling part is designed as a lateral surface of a curved truncated cone aligned with the longitudinal axis.

[0037] The conical or curved conical surface of the support section of the base body of such a coupling part is designed to be received in a correspondingly shaped straight conical or curved conical receptacle of a base body. The conical surface and the conical receptacle are dimensioned such that when the coupling part and the base body are clamped along the longitudinal axis, the two conical surfaces rest on one another. The support can be a flat or annular support. The coupling part is fixed radially in the base body. This support creates a bacteria-tight transition between the coupling part and the base body.

[0038] In yet another advantageous embodiment of a coupling part according to the invention, the support section on the base body of the coupling part is designed as the outer surface of a conical recess in the base body that is aligned with the longitudinal axis. The conical recess can in turn have the shape of a straight cone or a curved cone. The conical or curved conical outer surface of the support section of the base body of such a coupling part is intended to receive a correspondingly shaped straight truncated cone or curved truncated cone of a base body. The conical outer surface and the conical receptacle are dimensioned such that when the coupling part and the base body are clamped along the longitudinal axis, a flat support of the two conical outer surfaces results. The coupling part is radially fixed in the base body.

[0039] Advantageously, in a coupling part according to the invention, a support section designed in the form of a flat surface is arranged at an apical longitudinal end of the coupling part. This allows forces that occur when chewing with the implant to be diverted directly vertically into the base body.

[0040] It is also advantageous to position the support section as far away from the long axis of the dental implant as possible. The support section should be close to the outside of the implant, toward the oral cavity. This prevents bacteria and food debris from penetrating the implant or parts of it.

[0041] The coupling part according to the invention forms the interface between the base body and the abutment part of a dental implant. This has the advantage that no direct interface between the base body and the abutment part is necessary; instead, the coupling part according to the invention provides the appropriate interface to the base body or the abutment part. For example, it is possible to provide base bodies with two different outer diameters, whose conical receptacles have different dimensions. Accordingly, two coupling parts with the matching interfaces, i.e., correspondingly dimensioned support sections, must be provided. The interface between the coupling part and the abutment part, although there are usually different types of abutments, can always be the same regardless of the abutment part.This eliminates the need to store and provide different abutments with different interfaces to different sizes of base elements, and increases the number of possible combinations. Furthermore, coupling parts according to the invention make it possible to combine base bodies and abutments from different manufacturers, thus providing the best possible implant for a patient's specific needs. Furthermore, the connection between the coupling part and the abutment part can be made without adhesive, allowing assembly and disassembly at any time.

[0042] The base body of a coupling part according to the invention can be substantially rotationally symmetrical. This is particularly advantageous in machining processes, since the shaping can be achieved essentially by turning.

[0043] Furthermore, the base body of the dental implant is advantageously substantially rotationally symmetrical, allowing it to be screwed into the jawbone. To ensure that the forces generated during chewing with the dental implant are distributed as evenly as possible from the abutment via the coupling part into the base body, the coupling part and the abutment part are also advantageously designed to be substantially rotationally symmetrical. Furthermore, a substantially rotationally symmetrical interface between the various abutments and base body can be easily and cost-effectively produced.

[0044] In a coupling part according to the invention, the at least one locking element is advantageously designed as an elastic locking element.

[0045] The locking element allows a coupling part to form a locking operative connection with at least one counter-locking element of a connecting part that can be arranged in the elongated hole. The elasticity of the locking element prevents the locking element from being damaged or broken when the parts are joined or separated. Furthermore, the elasticity ensures a good operative connection between the parts, preventing them from being accidentally separated.

[0046] Advantageously, the coupling part can be reversibly connected to the connecting part. The locking elements and counter-locking elements allow for a completely reversible connection. The connection is made without adhesives, eliminating the need for additives that must meet strict approval requirements. Furthermore, the components can be separated after joining. Furthermore, the mounting part can be reversibly connected to the coupling part and / or the connecting part.

[0047] A coupling part according to the invention can additionally comprise at least one further locking element, which is suitable for establishing a locking operative connection with at least one further counter-locking element of a structural part. This allows the coupling part and the structural part to be additionally connected to each other, for example, before the connecting part is inserted into the longitudinal hole.

[0048] Advantageously, the at least one additional locking element is designed as an elastic locking element. Here, too, the elasticity of the at least one additional locking element prevents the locking element from being damaged or broken when the parts are joined or separated. Furthermore, the elasticity ensures a good operative connection between the parts, preventing them from being accidentally separated.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, in a coupling part according to the invention, at least one locking element can be provided at a coronal longitudinal end and / or at an apical longitudinal end of the base body. By arranging the locking element at one of the ends of the coupling part, the base body can, for example, rest against the connecting part, while the locking elements protrude beyond it and can be designed to be elastic due to the extension in the axial direction.

[0050] In a coupling part according to the invention, the at least one locking element is advantageously designed as a snap hook integrally formed on the base body parallel to the longitudinal axis. A snap hook can easily form a locking operative connection with the counter-locking element, for example, in the form of a locking groove. The alignment parallel to the longitudinal axis gives the locking element additional elasticity, particularly for deflection of the locking element perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0051] Such a locking element can then form a snap connection with a corresponding counter-locking element of a connecting part, for example a corresponding recess.

[0052] Particularly advantageously, in such a coupling part according to the invention, the snap hook has a spring-elastic lever arm aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0053] In such an embodiment, a locking lug aligned with the longitudinal axis is even more advantageously arranged at the end of the lever arm. In another advantageous embodiment, the locking lug comprises a locking lug extending obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the coupling part in the direction of the longitudinal hole. The oblique locking lug can extend from the distal end of the lever arm if the locking element comprises the lever arm and the locking lug. Alternatively, the locking lugs can also extend from another component of the coupling part if the locking element consists entirely of the locking lugs.

[0054] When connecting the locking element and counter-locking element, the elastic spring arm is temporarily deflected radially until the locking lug snaps into a corresponding recess in the counter-locking element.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the end of the at least one locking lug facing the connecting part has a convex curvature relative to a longitudinal axis of the connecting part, the radius of which corresponds to the radius of the connecting part. This results in a contact zone concentric to the longitudinal axis of the connecting part between the locking lug and the connecting part during engagement or disengagement, which keeps the connecting part centered in the assembled state.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the end of the at least one locking lug facing the connecting part has a rounded edge to enable easy locking or unlocking.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling part comprises a plurality of locking elements, which enable a better hold on the connecting part. Particularly preferably, the plurality of locking elements are equally spaced from one another in the circumferential direction in order to hold the connecting part symmetrically. Three locking elements form an embodiment that allows axial hold on the connecting part, so that the connecting part remains centered around the longitudinal axis of the coupling part. The number of locking elements can be selected to achieve a predetermined force when holding the connecting part. For example, six locking elements can be provided to ensure a tight and secure axial hold of the connecting part.

[0058] Furthermore, the plurality of locking elements can be designed identically to enable simple manufacturing. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of locking lugs are designed such that, in the assembled state, they remain in contact with the connecting part, in particular with a wall surface of the counter-locking element. Thus, the connecting part can be held centered around the longitudinal axis of the coupling part and, if necessary, a relative position of the components of the assembly can be maintained.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the end of the locking lugs facing the connecting part lies in a locking lug plane running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the coupling part. This ensures a symmetrical distribution of the spring forces of the locking lugs acting on the connecting part. In the assembled state, an axial movement of the locking lugs engaged in the counter-locking element can also be configured from a first axial position of the locking lug plane to a second axial position of the locking lug plane. This axial movement allows axial play of the coupling part relative to the connecting part and thus to the mounting part.

[0060] Furthermore, in a coupling part according to the invention, at least one guide element is advantageously provided at a coronal longitudinal end of the base body, which guide element is suitable for aligning the coupling part in alignment with the longitudinal axis relative to a mounting part of a dental implant.

[0061] This ensures correct alignment of the body part and the coupling part to each other.

[0062] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, in such a coupling part according to the invention, the at least one guide element is formed by a cylindrical projection protruding from the coronal longitudinal end of the base body and aligned with the longitudinal axis. The cylindrical projection can be continuous or interrupted.

[0063] In such an embodiment, the at least one locking element can protrude coronally from the guide element. In such an embodiment, the locking element preferably comprises a locking lug extending from the guide element in the coronal direction at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the coupling part. The locking lug can be arranged directly on the guide element or on an axially extending lever arm. In a preferred embodiment, the guide element is interrupted by a plurality of guide segments. If the guide element is formed by guide segments, the guide segments can form an imaginary hollow cylindrical guide element. Guide segments, each of which is formed by an interruption in the circumferential direction of the guide element and carries a locking lug, can advantageously be taken into account in the design of the locking lug, in particular its spring action.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the guide element, optionally the guide element interrupted by a plurality of guide segments, has a radially inner wall surface which, viewed in the radial direction, is offset radially outward from the wall surface of the longitudinal hole of the coupling part. The radially inner wall surface of the guide element thus delimits a circumferential inner space above the longitudinal hole, which interior space is intended to accommodate a preferably circumferential thickening of the connecting part when the at least one locking lug is engaged in the counter-locking element. The thickening can be in the form of a bead.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling part comprises a plurality of guide segments and a plurality of locking elements, each of which can protrude from a guide segment. Particularly preferred are guide segments that are equally spaced from one another in the circumferential direction and of identical design to enable simple production.

[0066] In further embodiments, the locking elements are arranged independently of the guide elements.

[0067] Alternatively, the at least one guide element can be designed as a circular recess arranged at the coronal longitudinal end of the base body and aligned with the longitudinal axis.

[0068] The guide elements align the mounting part and the coupling part during connection and guide them during assembly, preventing them from jamming. These guide elements can also transfer radial shear forces between the mounting part and the coupling part.

[0069] In an advantageous embodiment, a rotary undercut is formed at the coronal longitudinal end of the coupling part in the region of the guide element.

[0070] The rotary undercut can be located at the base of the guide element. The rotary undercut prevents a radial or right-angled transition at the level of the coronal sealing surface at the transition to the guide element. This ensures a good, bacteria-tight seal between the two components, as no radial transition between the guide element and the coronal sealing surface of the coupling part can impede the sealing contact of the apical sealing surface of the abutment part. Avoiding a right-angled transition also reduces the risk of crack formation. Furthermore, the rotary undercut allows the coronal sealing surface to be completely machined, for example, with a grinding wheel.

[0071] Furthermore, in an advantageous coupling part, a transition section can be connected to a support section of the base body designed in the form of a straight-conical lateral surface or curved-conical lateral surface.

[0072] Advantageously, the outer radius of the coupling part at the coronal end of the transition section is identical to the outer radius of the adjoining abutment part of the dental implant, so that no protruding edges are created in this transition area of ​​the dental implant.

[0073] Such a transition section is not located in the conical receptacle of the base body and therefore does not need to be conical. However, it is particularly advantageous if the angle of inclination of the outer surface of the coupling part at the coronal end of the transition section is identical to the adjacent outer surface of an attachment part, resulting in a smooth outer surface with identical outer radii.

[0074] Advantageously, the surface of the coupling part and / or the surface of the base body in the support section or in a contact area exhibits a geometric continuity G1 (tangential continuity). G1 continuity of the surfaces in the support section means, in particular, that none of the surfaces in the contact area contain edges (GO continuity) that could hook into the opposing surface and shear off material, or could themselves be sheared off particularly easily, in the event of even a small relative displacement of the components.

[0075] Particularly advantageously, the surface of the coupling part and / or the surface of the base body in the support section or in the contact area have a geometric continuity G2 (curvature continuity).

[0076] Such G2 continuity of the surfaces in the support section has the advantage that the contact pressure remains approximately constant even with a small relative displacement of the components. The uniformly acting forces lead to a reduced asymmetric mechanical force effect.

[0077] The coupling part advantageously includes a coronal sealing surface for the tight contact of the abutment part with the coupling part. The coronal sealing surface prevents contaminants and germs such as bacteria from penetrating the implant. This tight contact surface also allows forces acting on the abutment part during chewing to be effectively transferred to the coupling part. A wider contact surface reduces contact pressure and lowers stress in the parts. A narrow contact surface can increase contact pressure, creating a good seal between the parts. The coronal sealing surface can represent a second contact section of the coupling part.

[0078] In a further advantageous embodiment, a coronal sealing surface is provided at a coronal longitudinal end of the base body and is designed as a flat, annular surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base body.

[0079] In a coupling part according to the invention, a flat, annular coronal sealing surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base body is advantageously provided at a coronal longitudinal end of the base body.

[0080] Such a sealing surface lies in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis. An abutment component advantageously has a similar sealing surface at an apical longitudinal end, so that when the dental implant is assembled, the two sealing surfaces overlap flush, thus sealing the interior of the dental implant from the exterior.

[0081] Alternatively, the sealing surfaces can also be designed as conical surfaces, although this makes the production of the parts more complex.

[0082] In an advantageous embodiment, the coronal sealing surface is arranged on the outer circumference of the support section between the abutment part and the coupling part. The coronal sealing surface is thus positioned radially as far away from the longitudinal axis as possible. By locating the coronal sealing surface in an outer area of ​​the support section facing the oral cavity, contaminants and germs are prevented from entering and settling between the abutment part and the coupling part. This is advantageous for hygienic reasons.

[0083] In a further advantageous embodiment of a coupling part according to the invention, a rotation-locking section with a non-rotationally symmetrical outer contour is provided at a coronal longitudinal end and / or at an apical longitudinal end of the base body. The rotation-locking section can also have a rotationally symmetrical outer contour. A rotation-symmetrical rotation-locking section can, for example, be configured with n-fold rotational symmetrical configuration, for example, polygonal or oval.

[0084] Such an anti-rotation element or anti-rotation section can be designed, for example, as a section of the base body adjoining the conical support section, which has a square or hexagonal cross-section or an n-sided cross-section instead of a round cross-section. Together with an oppositely shaped receptacle in the base body or in the abutment part, this results in a positive locking of the corresponding components against rotation about the longitudinal axis. This is particularly advantageous for preventing the mutually resting surfaces of the components of a dental implant according to the invention from sliding over one another when screwing in a connecting part, thus avoiding abrasion and mechanical damage to the surfaces.

[0085] In a further advantageous embodiment of a coupling part according to the invention, the anti-rotation section is designed without rotational symmetry about the longitudinal axis. For example, an asymmetry in the outer contour can be provided at one point, so that the attachment part and the coupling part, or the coupling part and the base body, can only be mounted in a single, correct orientation relative to one another. Such an anti-rotation section without rotational symmetry is called an indexing section. Such an indexing section, when mounted, can interact with a complementary structure of the attachment part or the base body to allow a single position of the attachment part or the base body relative to the coupling part. The indexing section is free of axes about which rotations by an angle map the indexing section onto itself.In other words, the indexing section has no rotational symmetry around the longitudinal axis of the coupling part.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment, if the coupling part has a guide element, the guide element can form the rotation-securing section, wherein the guide element can have a non-rotationally symmetrical outer contour or an n-fold rotationally symmetrical outer contour.

[0087] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, in such a coupling part according to the invention, the guide element is formed protruding at the coronal longitudinal end of the base body and aligned with the longitudinal axis. The guide element has a non-rotationally symmetrical or n-fold rotationally symmetrical outer contour to fix the rotational alignment of the coupling part to the attachment part. In a preferred embodiment, the guide element extends along the longitudinal axis of the coupling part in a prism shape. For example, the guide element has a quadrangular or hexagonal polygonal outer contour. Alternatively, the guide element can include an indexing section.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment, the indexing section is formed by at least one flattened portion of the radially outer wall surface of the guide element, wherein the flattened portion runs in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coupling part. The geometry of the guide element is therefore designed such that the mounting part can only be placed on the coupling part in a defined position. For this purpose, the mounting part has a corresponding complementary structure, i.e. the wall surface of the receiving opening can be cylindrical and accordingly has at least one flattened portion in a plane running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coupling part. In the assembled state, both flattened portions can be brought into engagement. The positive locking simultaneously creates a rotationally secured connection.

[0089] In another preferred embodiment, the radially outer wall surface of the guide element has at least one radially extending cam that can be engaged with a groove in the wall surface of the receiving opening in the assembled state, thereby creating an indexing section. A rotationally secured connection between the coupling part and the mounting part is also established by positive locking.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, the radially outer wall surface of the guide element has a profile designed to interact, in the assembled state, with another complementary structure of the mounting part to form an anti-rotation feature between the mounting part and the coupling part. In this regard, similar structures to those used for the indexing section can be used, whereby the structures can be rotationally symmetrical.

[0091] In embodiments in which the guide element forms the rotation-locking section, the at least one locking element preferably extends in the coronal direction from the guide element.

[0092] In an advantageous embodiment, the apical sealing surface of the abutment rests on the coronal sealing surface of the coupling part when assembled, so that the dental implant is sealed at this contact point between the two components. This prevents bacteria and contaminants from penetrating the interior of the dental implant when assembled.

[0093] In a further advantageous embodiment, the apical sealing surface of the coupling part rests on the coronal sealing surface of the base body in the assembled state, so that the dental implant is sealed at this contact point between the two components. This also prevents bacteria and contaminants from penetrating the interior of the dental implant when the dental implant is assembled. A coupling part according to the invention can be made of a metal, in particular titanium, a metal alloy, in particular a titanium alloy, a ceramic material, in particular zirconium oxide, a polymer material, or a composite material.

[0094] Elastic yet stable materials are advantageous if the locking element is elastically deformable. However, it is also possible to manufacture a coupling part according to the invention from two different materials. For example, a first element, which carries the elastic locking elements, can be made of metal and joined to a second part made of less elastic ceramic material to form a coupling element.

[0095] Advantageously, a coupling part according to the invention is produced by a powder injection molding process.

[0096] In general, ceramic or metal parts, for example, can be produced using the powder injection molding process.

[0097] A coupling part manufactured using powder injection molding has the advantage that it can also be designed to be non-rotationally symmetrical without making production more complex, as would be the case with subtractive machining processes. The coupling part can be formed in a single step using injection molding. Subtractive machining processes, in particular machining processes such as milling, turning, or drilling, which place strain on the component's structure, are eliminated. The injection molding process also results in a significantly better structure of the component's surface than a machined component. If necessary, additional post-processing, for example, by vibratory grinding or polishing, can also be performed on coupling parts manufactured using injection molding. Furthermore, non-rotationally symmetrical shapes, which would otherwise be more complex to manufacture as milled parts, for example, are easier to manufacture.

[0098] Powder injection molding is particularly evident in the component's surface. The component's surface is defined by the smooth surfaces of the injection molds, eliminating any traces of subtractive machining processes. This reduces the risk of cracking or bacterial colonization. According to conventional dental terminology, "apical" refers to the direction toward the root tip and thus to the jawbone, and "coronal" refers to the direction toward the tooth crown.

[0099] A second aspect of the invention relates to an assembly for a modular dental implant.

[0100] Such an assembly according to the invention, also called a set, comprises a mounting part, a connecting part for positively connecting the mounting part to a base body intended for implantation in the bone tissue of a patient, and a coupling part according to the invention as explained above. The mounting part, the connecting part, and the coupling part are arranged in alignment along a common longitudinal axis. The connecting part can be arranged in a longitudinal hole of the coupling part and a longitudinal hole of the mounting part. The coupling part, the connecting part, and the mounting part can be connected or are connected to one another in a positively locking manner.

[0101] The abutment may, for example, comprise a superstructure, a dental crown, a denture, a locator, an abutment or even a healing component.

[0102] The at least temporary positive connection of the abutment part, the connecting part, and the coupling part according to the invention in an assembly according to the invention has the advantage that the assembly can be handled as an integrated part during assembly of the dental implant. For example, the assembly or the connecting part of the assembly can be easily placed in the patient's mouth in the bore of the base body already implanted in the jawbone during assembly of the dental implant. The connecting element can then be positively connected to the base body and clamped against it, whereby all components are ultimately positively connected to form a stable, finished dental implant.

[0103] The advantageous positive-locking operative connection of the three components is achieved by the at least one locking element of a coupling part according to the invention creating a locking connection with at least one corresponding counter-locking element of the connecting part arranged in the longitudinal hole of the coupling part. The mounting part, in turn, is positively fixed between the coupling part and the connecting part. No tools are required to create the operative connection. It is sufficient to push the components onto one another in a specific manner. Since the operative connection only holds the three components together during assembly and does not have to absorb any relevant forces, the locking connection is mechanically sufficiently stable. Depending on the design of the operative connection, the locking connection can also be released again without tools.

[0104] The superstructure may already be connected to a superstructure or may form a one-piece element with the superstructure.

[0105] Advantageously, in such an assembly according to the invention, the coupling part can be connected or is connected in a form-fitting manner to the connecting part via a snap connection or a locking operative connection comprising at least one locking element and a counter-locking element.

[0106] Various types of snap connections or locking operative connections are known. For the small sizes of dental implants, snap connections with elastically deformable lever arms are advantageous because they can be easily attached to the components. In addition, a snap connection can be easily brought into operative connection by axially sliding the connector relative to the coupling part, without the need for circumferential rotation, as is the case with a thread or bayonet lock, for example. A snap connection is sufficient for such connections because only low forces act between the components during pre-assembly.

[0107] In an advantageous variant of such an assembly according to the invention, the coupling part can be or is connected to the mounting part in a form-fitting manner via a further snap connection comprising at least one further locking element and a further counter-locking element.

[0108] Such an embodiment has the advantage that, during assembly of the inventive assembly, the coupling part can already be connected to the superstructure part before the connecting part is mounted to the coupling part. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide the coupling part and superstructure part in such a pre-assembled state. Advantageously, the connecting part of an inventive assembly has at least one counter-locking element, which is or can be operatively connected to at least one locking element of the coupling part. By connecting the at least one locking element of the coupling part to the at least one counter-locking element on the connecting part, a locking operative connection between the parts can be created.

[0109] In such an assembly, the at least one counter-locking element of the connecting part is particularly advantageously designed as a radial recess in a lateral surface of the connecting part.

[0110] The at least one counter-locking element of the connecting part of the assembly according to the invention can be designed as a circumferential locking groove.

[0111] Through a radial recess or a locking groove, the at least one locking element of the coupling part can engage the connecting part, creating an operative connection between the coupling part and the connecting part. For example, if the connecting part includes a thread for connecting the connecting part to the base body, the connecting part can be rotated about its own longitudinal axis without the operative connection between the locking element and the connecting part being released or interrupted.

[0112] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting part preferably has a circumferential thickening that apically delimits the counter-locking element. The formation of a counter-locking element is a flexible solution for accommodating the at least one locking lug and thus determining the axial position of the connecting part relative to the coupling part in which it is held.

[0113] The circumferential thickening has the advantage that a notch below the head of the connecting piece to form the counter-locking element is not necessary, which could represent a weak point in the connecting piece. This solution is therefore particularly advantageous when thin connecting pieces must be used.

[0114] Alternatively, a preferably circumferential notch below the head of the connecting part to form the counter-locking element can represent an advantageous solution if the connecting part has a larger diameter. The notch can be created, for example, by milling a circumferential area of ​​the connecting part below the head. Both solutions, the thickening or the notch, prevent the engaged locking lugs from moving apically. If the counter-locking element is circumferential, the at least one locking lug can engage in any rotational position of the connecting part, which simplifies the assembly of the module.

[0115] Further embodiments of an assembly in which the at least one counter-locking element of the connecting part is designed as a radial recess in a lateral surface of the connecting part are disclosed below.

[0116] In a further advantageous embodiment of an assembly according to the invention, the mounting part has at least one further counter-locking element which is in operative connection with at least one further locking element of the coupling part.

[0117] Advantageously, the at least one further counter-locking element of the mounting part of an assembly according to the invention is designed as a radial recess in the region of an apical longitudinal end of the mounting part.

[0118] In an assembly according to the invention, the at least one further counter-locking element of the mounting part is particularly advantageously designed as a circumferential locking groove.

[0119] In a coupling part according to the invention, the connecting part and / or the mounting part can be made of a metal, in particular titanium, of a metal alloy, of a ceramic material, in particular zirconium oxide, of a polymer material, or of a composite material.

[0120] The components, in particular those made of ceramic, can be manufactured using a powder injection molding process. However, it is also possible to produce metallic parts, for example titanium or titanium alloys, using an injection molding process. The components can be manufactured more cost-effectively using powder injection molding than using a machining process. Furthermore, non-rotationally symmetrical shapes, for example, can be manufactured more easily, which would otherwise be complex to produce as milled parts, for example. In a preferred embodiment, the structural part has an apically arranged receiving opening for receiving the guide element and the at least one locking element, wherein the receiving opening can have an axial wall surface complementary to the axially extending wall surface of the guide element.The guide element thus enables the prosthetic abutment component to be centered via its receiving opening during assembly of the assembly.

[0121] In a preferred embodiment, the mounting part has a complementary structure designed to interact with the indexing section of the coupling part when mounted. The indexing section is free of axes in order to map the indexing section onto itself for angular rotations. In other words, the indexing section has no rotational symmetry around the longitudinal axis of the coupling part. This geometry allows the mounting part to be mounted only in a defined position.

[0122] Preferred embodiments of the indexing section have been described above in connection with corresponding embodiments of the coupling part and can be used for the coupling part and the structural part of the assembly. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the complementary structure of the structural part has at least one flattened portion extending in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coupling part and designed to cooperate with the at least one flattened portion of the radially outer wall surface of the guide element.

[0123] In a preferred embodiment, the mounting part has a further complementary structure, which, when mounted, is designed to interact with the profile of the radially outer wall surface of the guide element to form an anti-rotation feature between the mounting part and the coupling part. In this regard, the same or similar structures as for the indexing section can be used, whereby the further complementary structures can be rotationally symmetrical.

[0124] Furthermore, the mounting part has a longitudinal hole, also called a through hole, for receiving the connecting part, wherein the longitudinal hole has an abutment for receiving the head piece of the connecting part. In the assembled state, the connecting part is inserted into the longitudinal hole of the mounting part and into the longitudinal hole of the coupling part. In the assembled state, the head piece rests against the abutment. Furthermore, in the assembled state, at least one locking lug or locking element is engaged with the counter-locking element of the connecting part.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment, an abutment surface of the abutment part and the wall surface of the receiving opening of the abutment part, viewed in longitudinal section, are free of curvatures with a radius of less than 0.3 mm. This geometry of the receiving opening to the coupling part is thus designed such that the geometry in the abutment part can be manufactured or adapted using a dental milling machine.

[0126] A third aspect of the invention relates to a modular dental implant.

[0127] Such a dental implant according to the invention comprises a base body for implantation in a patient's bone tissue and an assembly according to the invention as explained above.

[0128] The base body of a modular dental implant according to the invention is already implanted in the patient's bone tissue at the time of installation. Immediately after implantation of the base body, a healing element or gingiva former is typically used as the abutment. After the base body has healed, the abutment is dismantled and reconstructed for a temporary or definitive dental prosthesis. For this purpose, a different abutment is installed. The abutment can, for example, comprise an abutment and / or a superstructure such as a dental crown or denture.

[0129] Advantageously, in a dental implant according to the invention, the base body, the abutment part, the connecting part and the coupling part are arranged in alignment along a longitudinal axis of the dental implant and can be connected or connected to one another in a form-fitting manner by the connecting part.

[0130] In a dental implant according to the invention, the base body can be made of a metal, in particular titanium, a metal alloy, or a ceramic material, in particular zirconium oxide. The base body can be manufactured, in particular, using a powder injection molding process. The advantages of the powder injection molding process have already been mentioned. A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a kit for constructing an assembly.

[0131] Such an assembly kit according to the invention comprises at least one structural part, at least one connecting part and at least one coupling part according to the invention, as defined above in an assembly according to the invention.

[0132] Such a kit allows the flexible assembly and mounting of an assembly according to the invention for subsequent simple assembly with a base body to form a finished dental implant according to the invention.

[0133] The abutment may, for example, comprise a superstructure, a dental crown, a denture, a locator, an abutment or a healing component such as a gingiva former.

[0134] A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a kit for constructing a modular dental implant.

[0135] Such a dental implant kit according to the invention comprises at least one base body, at least one abutment part, at least one connecting part and at least one coupling part according to the invention, as defined in a dental implant according to the invention as above.

[0136] The abutment may, for example, comprise a superstructure, a dental crown, a denture, a locator, an abutment or a healing component such as a gingiva former.

[0137] Further aspects of the present invention will also become apparent from the following description.

[0138] Short description of the drawings

[0139] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made below to the figures. These merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the invention. The same or similar reference numerals are used throughout the figures and the accompanying description for identical or similarly functioning parts. Figure 1 schematically shows (a) a possible embodiment of a coupling part according to the invention, and (b) the same coupling part as part of a dental implant according to the invention.

[0140] Figure 2 shows schematically (a) another possible embodiment of a coupling part according to the invention, and (b) the same coupling part as part of a dental implant according to the invention.

[0141] Figure 3 shows schematically in longitudinal section another embodiment of a coupling part according to the invention as part of an assembly according to the invention.

[0142] Figure 4 shows a further possible embodiment of a coupling part according to the invention as part of a dental implant, with a support section of the coupling part in the form of an inverted cone.

[0143] Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of a coupling part according to the invention as part of a dental implant, with a flat surface as a support section of the coupling part.

[0144] Figure 6 shows schematically (a) a detachable snap connection, (b) a conditionally detachable snap connection, (c) a non-detachable bayonet connection and (d) a non-detachable snap connection between a connecting part and a coupling part according to the invention.

[0145] Figure 7 shows schematically a further embodiment of a coupling part according to the invention as part of a dental implant according to the invention, (a) in side view, (b) in a longitudinal section through the plane A - A, (c) in perspective view, and (d) as an exploded view.

[0146] Figure 8 shows schematically the connecting part from Figure 7, (a) in side view, (b) in plan view, (c) in a longitudinal section through the plane A — A, and (d) in a detailed view of the area D.

[0147] Figure 9 shows schematically the structural part from Figure 7, (a) in side view and (b) in a longitudinal section through the plane A - A. Figure 10 shows schematically yet another possible embodiment of a coupling part according to the invention, installed in an assembly according to the invention, (a) as an exploded view, and (b) in longitudinal section.

[0148] Figure 11 shows schematically the coupling part according to the invention from Figure 10, (a) in a perspective view, (b) in a plan view, (c) in a longitudinal section along AA, (d) in a detailed view of the area C, (e) in a longitudinal section along BB, and (f) in a detailed view of the area D.

[0149] Figure 12 schematically shows two further embodiments of an assembly for a dental implant according to the invention, (a) with a one-piece unit consisting of abutment part and crown, and (b) with a one-piece unit consisting of abutment part and gingiva former.

[0150] Figure 13 shows a longitudinal section through an assembly with a coupling part according to a first alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0151] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the coupling part shown in Figure 13.

[0152] Figure 15 shows a top view of the coupling part according to Figure 14.

[0153] Figure 16 shows a side view of the connecting part shown in Figure 13.

[0154] Figure 17 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the coupling part.

[0155] Ways to implement the invention

[0156] In the following discussion of the figures, whenever a structural part 4 is mentioned, a corresponding superstructure 6 is also meant alternatively, unless the two variants are explicitly distinguished. An advantageous embodiment of a coupling part 3 according to the invention, both alone and incorporated into a dental implant 1 according to the invention, is shown in Figure 1.

[0157] The coupling part 3 comprises a base body 30 in the shape of a straight truncated cone, whose transverse diameter decreases from a coronal longitudinal end 302 of the base body 30 to an apical longitudinal end 301. A longitudinal hole 31 extends along a longitudinal axis 10 through the base body 30. The base body 30 is essentially rotationally symmetrical.

[0158] A support section 34 of the coupling part 3 is defined by the lateral surface 342 of the, for example, straight truncated cone of the base body 30. The support section 34 is intended to rest flush in the assembled dental implant 1 on the lateral surface of a correspondingly shaped conical receptacle 25 of a base body 2 in order to seal the interior of the dental implant 1 at this contact point 29, 39 of the two parts.

[0159] At the coronal longitudinal end 302 of the base body 30, a coronal sealing surface 32 in the form of an annular, flat end face is formed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 10. This coronal sealing surface 32 is intended to lie flush with a corresponding flat, apical sealing surface 41 of an abutment part 4 (or a superstructure 6) in the assembled dental implant 1, thus sealingly closing the interior of the dental implant 1 at this contact point between the two components.

[0160] At the coronal end 302 of the coupling part 30, four locking elements are arranged around the opening of the longitudinal hole 31, which protrude from the base body 30 parallel to the longitudinal axis 10. Of the four locking elements, three locking elements 38, 38', 38" are visible. The locking elements are designed as snap hooks 380, which comprise a spring-elastic lever arm 382 and a locking lug 381 directed radially toward the inside.

[0161] On the front side at the coronal longitudinal end 302 of the coupling part 3, a guide element 35 is formed in the form of an annular recess aligned with the longitudinal axis 10. This guide element 35 serves, among other things, to align the abutment part in alignment with the longitudinal axis 10 through a positive-locking operative connection with a corresponding guide element 47 of an abutment part 4, thus facilitating the correct assembly of an inventive module or a dental implant according to the invention. Furthermore, in the dental implant 1, this positive-locking connection 35, 47 allows the coupling part 3 and the abutment part 4 to be supported against each other in the radial direction. Radial shear forces that occur during later use of the dental implant can thus be primarily transferred directly from the abutment part to the coupling part, so that the connecting part 5 is exposed to only minimal radial shear forces.

[0162] For the assembly of a dental implant 1 according to the invention, a first step involves creating an assembly 11 according to the invention, consisting of a coupling part 3, a mounting part 4, and a connecting part 5. In a second step, the assembly is connected to a base body 2 already anchored in the patient's jawbone to form the dental implant 1. The assembly can thus be assembled outside the oral cavity and subsequently inserted into the oral cavity as a single component, which greatly simplifies handling. The assembly itself can be assembled on-site directly prior to installation. However, the assembly can also be provided already assembled.

[0163] To construct the assembly according to the invention, the mounting part 4 is placed on the provided coupling part 3 so that an apical sealing surface 41 of the mounting part 4 rests on the coronal sealing surface 32 of the coupling part 3. A guide element 47 of the mounting part 4, which protrudes annularly at the apical end, is inserted into a guide element 35 designed as an annular groove at the coronal longitudinal end 302 of the coupling part 3. The two guide elements 32, 47 are in radially flush contact, ensuring correct alignment of the two components 3, 4 aligned with the longitudinal axis 10. A remaining gap is advantageously provided between the apical end face of the guide element 47 and the base of the groove 35 in order to have the axial contact pressure exclusively on the sealing surfaces 32, 41.

[0164] Subsequently, the connecting part 5, for example in the form of a cylindrical screw, is guided from an end of a longitudinal hole 42 of the mounting part 4 facing away from the mounting part 3, in alignment with the longitudinal axis, through the longitudinal hole 42 of the mounting part 4 and the adjoining longitudinal hole 31 of the coupling part 3. The elastic locking elements 38, 38', 38", 38"' are arranged on the coupling part 3, adapted to the dimensions of the connecting part 5, such that they are deflected radially outward upon passing the connecting part 5 through the cylindrical support section 53 of the connecting part 5. Finally, the locking elements 38, 38', 38", 38"' reach a counter-locking element 56 of the connecting part 5, which is arranged, for example, in the form of a circumferential radial locking groove 561 below the head piece 52 of the connecting part 5.The locking lugs 381, spring-loaded by the deflected snap hooks 380, move inward into the circumferential radial locking groove 561, resulting in a positive connection between the coupling part 3 and the connecting part 5. The connecting part 5 has a head piece 52 whose outer diameter is larger than at least parts of the inner diameter of the longitudinal hole 42 of the structural part 4. Since the structural part 4 is thereby positively fixed between the coupling part 3 and the head piece 52 of the connecting part 5, the coupling part 3, the structural part 4, and the connecting part 5 are thus positively connected to one another.

[0165] It is also possible to first guide the connecting part 5 from the coronal end of the abutment part 4, aligned with the longitudinal axis, through the longitudinal hole 42 of the abutment part 4 and then to guide the connecting part 5 from the coronal end of the coupling part 3, aligned with the longitudinal axis, through the longitudinal hole 31 of the coupling part 3 until the abutment part 4 and the coupling part 3 abut one another and the locking elements 38, 38', 38", 38'" connect positively with the counter-locking element 56 of the connecting part 5.

[0166] Advantageously, the locking elements 38, 38', 38", 38'" are designed such that the locking lugs 381 engage the notches of the thread of the apical threaded portion of the screw-shaped connecting part 5. Thus, the thread can be screwed in to pass through the threaded portion without the locking lugs having to slide over the thread. This avoids undesirable abrasion and possible damage to the components.

[0167] Alternatively, the outer diameter of the threaded section of the connecting part 5 can be selected such that it is at most equal to the free inner diameter of the locking elements 38, 38', 38", 38'", defined by the locking lugs 381, and advantageously smaller. When passing the apical threaded section, the locking elements 38, 38', 38", 38'" are then not deflected or are deflected only slightly. The aforementioned positive connection of the three components 3, 4, 5 of the assembly 11 does not yet have to absorb any external forces. Therefore, no force application in the longitudinal direction is necessary. If necessary, a slight play can or even must remain between the individual components 3, 4, 5. However, for more precise handling of an assembly 11 according to the invention, the spatial positions of the individual components of the assembly relative to one another are preferably fixed as far as possible.

[0168] The design of the counter-locking element 56 as a circumferential locking groove 561 has the advantage that the rotational orientation of the connecting part 5 relative to the coupling part 3 is irrelevant. This, in turn, facilitates handling. Furthermore, it allows the free rotation of the connecting part 5 relative to the coupling part 3 around the longitudinal axis 10, which is advantageous when the connecting part 5 is subsequently screwed into the base body 2, since the mounting part 4 does not rotate.

[0169] The pre-assembled assembly 11, consisting of coupling part 3, abutment part 4, and connecting part 5, can now be assembled with the base body 2 (of which only the upper, coronal part is shown in the figure) already attached to the patient's bone tissue to form the finished dental implant 1. For this purpose, the apical end of the screw-shaped connecting part 5 is inserted into the coronal opening of the blind hole of the base body 2 until the threaded portion of the connecting part 5 reaches the internal thread in the bore. Subsequently, using a suitable tool that engages with an engagement means 51 in the head piece 52 of the connecting part 5, the external thread of the screw-shaped connecting part 5 can be screwed into the internal thread of the bore of the base body 2.

[0170] When the connecting screw 5 is screwed in and the frustoconical support section 34 of the coupling part 3 reaches the conical receptacle 25 of the base body 2, the connecting part 5 must be screwed in further, despite the coupling part 3 now being fixed, until the specified tightening torque is reached. To do this, the connecting part 5 must still be able to move a certain distance in the longitudinal direction relative to the coupling part 3. This can be achieved by a correspondingly wide circumferential locking groove 561 of the counter-locking element 56, which allows the thread of the connecting part 5 to be screwed in further while simultaneously rotary decoupling. The locking groove 561 should advantageously be wide enough to accommodate the locking lugs 381 and for these to have sufficient remaining travel in the locking groove 561 in the longitudinal direction so that a connecting screw can be fully screwed in as the connecting part 5.Alternatively, the locking elements can be radially deflected again after reaching the coronal edge of the locking groove 561.

[0171] In the final position, a conical support section of the head piece 52 of the connecting part 5 rests on a corresponding conical support surface 43 in the longitudinal hole 42 of the abutment part 4, the apical sealing surface 41 of the abutment part 4 rests on the coronal sealing surface 32 of the coupling part 3, and the conical support section 34 of the coupling part 3, in the example shown, rests on the lateral surface of the conical receptacle 25 of the base body 2. The tensile force exerted on the connecting part 5 along the longitudinal axis 10 between the head piece 52 of the connecting part 5 and the internal thread (not shown) of the base body 2, the abutment part 4, the coupling part 3, and the base body 2 are clamped against one another. By pressing the base body 30, which is conical in the example shown, into the conical receptacle 25 of the base body 2, the coupling part 3 is radially and stably supported relative to the base body.Due to the coordinated shape of the contact surfaces of the adjacent components and the tensile force applied, the interior of the dental implant 1 is tightly sealed from the exterior.

[0172] The removal of assembly 11 takes place in the reverse order of the above-mentioned assembly steps. The adhesive forces between the various components that must be overcome may be greater than the deflection force of the locking elements 38, 38', 38", 38"', so that the connecting part 5 can be removed from the dental implant 1 first, before the remaining components 3, 4 are removed separately and manually.

[0173] Alternatively, when constructing a dental implant 1 according to the invention, the prior creation of an assembly 11 (3, 4, 5) can be omitted. In such a case, the coupling part 3 is first inserted into the corresponding receptacle 25 of the base body 2. In a second step, the abutment part 4 is placed on the coupling part 3. In a third step, the connecting part 5 is guided through the corresponding through holes 42, 31 of the abutment part 4 and the coupling part 3 and brought into operative connection with the base body.

[0174] Instead of a separate counter-locking element 56, the thread of the connecting part can also directly serve as the counter-locking element 56 in a screw-shaped connecting part 5. In such a case, during assembly of the assembly 11, the apical thread of the connecting part 5 is screwed onto the locking lugs 381 of the locking elements, which serve as the counter-thread. When the connecting part 5 is tightened at the end of the assembly process, in which the coupling part 3 is already fixed relative to the base body 2, the snap hooks 380 are then slightly deflected by the flanks of the thread notches.

[0175] In such an embodiment of an assembly, it is also possible to place the coupling part 3 at any position along the threaded portion of the connecting part 5.

[0176] A further advantageous embodiment of a coupling part 3 according to the invention is shown in Figure 2, both alone and installed in a dental implant 1 according to the invention.

[0177] The base body 30 of the illustrated coupling part 3 according to the invention is again designed as a straight truncated cone with a corresponding conical support section 34; and a longitudinal hole 31 extends along a longitudinal axis 10 through the base body 30. Four locking elements, of which three locking elements 38, 38', 38" are visible, are arranged around the opening of the longitudinal hole 31 at the apical longitudinal end 301 of the coupling part 3 and protrude parallel to the longitudinal axis 10 on and from the base body 30.

[0178] An annular collar protrudes from the coronal sealing surface 32 of the coupling part 3 and serves as a guide element 35. In the assembled state of the dental implant 1, the outer surface of the guide element 35 rests on a guide element 47, which is formed as a cylindrical section on the inside of the longitudinal hole 42 of the abutment part 4, so that radial shear forces are directly transmitted between the two components 3, 4.

[0179] The structure and function of the various elements of the illustrated dental implant 1 are analogous to the embodiment shown in Figure 1. The assembly of the subassembly 11 (3, 4, 5) and its installation in the base body 2 are also carried out analogously.

[0180] The counter-locking element 56 of the connecting part 5 must be arranged further away from the head piece 52 due to the position of the locking elements 38, 38', 38", 38'" of the coupling part 3, and is located within the base body 2 in the assembled dental implant 1. Again, only the coronal longitudinal end of the base body is shown.

[0181] Due to the alignment of the locking elements, the illustrated embodiment of a coupling part 3 is particularly well suited for screwing the threaded portion of the connecting part 5 into the locking lugs, as tilting is impossible. The thread can also be used directly as a counter-locking element.

[0182] A further embodiment of a coupling part 3 according to the invention is shown in Figure

[0183] 3 as part of an assembly 11 according to the invention.

[0184] The base body 30 of the coupling part 3 is designed as a straight truncated cone, with a conical support section 34. A longitudinal hole 31 runs along the longitudinal axis 10 through the base body 30. A group of locking elements 38 protrudes from the base body 30 at the apical longitudinal end 301 parallel to the longitudinal axis 10, analogous to the coupling part of Figure 2, and are locked into a counter-locking element 56 in the form of a circumferential locking groove 561 on the shaft of the connecting part 5.

[0185] At the coronal longitudinal end 302 of the coupling part 3, an annular recess is arranged, centered on the annular coronal sealing surface 32 and the longitudinal axis 10, which serves as a guide element 35. A guide element 47 of the abutment part 4 in the form of an annular projection protrudes at an apical end 401 of the abutment part.

[0186] 4 from the apical sealing surface 41. The radial surface of the projection 47 lies flush with the radial inner wall of the recess 35. The two components 3, 4 are aligned accordingly with respect to the common longitudinal axis 10. In the assembled dental implant, radial shear forces are also transmitted directly between the components.

[0187] In the recess 35 of the coupling part 3, a group of further locking elements 38a is arranged around the coronal opening of the longitudinal hole 31, which protrude from the bottom of the recess parallel to the longitudinal axis 10. The further locking elements 38a each comprise a snap hook with a spring-elastic lever arm and a radially outward-facing locking lug at the end of the lever arm. The further locking elements 38a are operatively connected to corresponding further counter-locking elements 46. The further counter-locking elements 46 are implemented as a common circumferential undercut locking groove 461 in the longitudinal hole 42 of the mounting part 4, into which the locking lugs of the further locking elements 38a are engaged. The further locking elements 38a and counter-locking elements 46, in conjunction with the guide elements 35, 47, form a positively connected connection between the coupling part 3 and the mounting part 4.

[0188] The locking lugs of the further locking elements 38a are round on both sides, so that in order to decouple the two components 3, 4 it is sufficient to exert a tensile force along the longitudinal axis 10, which presses the locking lugs at the edge of the locking groove 461 inwards and thus deflects the spring-elastic lever arms radially inwards.

[0189] To assemble the assembly 11, in a first step, a coupling part 3 and a mounting part 4 are placed on top of each other or plugged and locked, thus reversibly connecting them in a form-fitting manner. In a second step, a connecting part 5 is pushed from a coronal end 402 of the mounting part 4 along the longitudinal axis 10 through the longitudinal holes 31, 42 of the mounting part 4 and coupling part 3 until the locking lugs of the locking elements 38 engage the counter-locking element 56 of the connecting part 5 in the form of a circumferential locking groove 561.

[0190] In the illustrated embodiment, the additional locking elements 38a are arranged such that when the connecting part 5 is inserted into the longitudinal holes 31, 42, the inner side of the lever arms of the snap hooks of the additional locking elements 38a rest against the connecting part 5. Radial inward deflection of the additional locking elements 38a is no longer possible after the insertion of the connecting part 5. Accordingly, the coupling part 3 and the mounting part 4 can only be uncoupled again once the connecting part 5 has been removed.

[0191] The assembly of the assembly 11 according to the invention on a base body is analogous to the embodiments discussed so far.

[0192] Since the coupling part 3 and the abutment part 4 can be handled as a common component in the reversibly coupled state, the illustrated embodiment is particularly advantageous if an abutment part 4 is to be pre-equipped with a coupling part 3 that matches the intended base body. Another embodiment of a coupling part 3 according to the invention as part of a fully assembled dental implant 1 is shown in Figure 4.

[0193] The assembly of the assembly 11 according to the invention and the dental implant 1 is essentially analogous to the previously disclosed embodiments.

[0194] The coupling part 3 has a base body 30 with a longitudinal hole 31. The support section 34 of the coupling part 3 is formed by the conical-inverse lateral surface 344 of a straight-conical recess at an apical longitudinal end 301 of the coupling part 3. The support section 34 rests on the surface of a straight-conical support 27 at the coronal end of the base body 2, so that the interior of the dental implant 1 is sealed at this contact point 29, 39. The apical end of the base body is again not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0195] An annular sealing surface 32 is arranged at the coronal end 302 of the base body 30, and a guide element 35 in the form of an annular projection protrudes from the base body 30. A mounting part 4 has, on the apical side 401 facing the coupling part 3, an annular apical sealing surface 41, which rests on the coronal sealing surface 32 of the coupling part, so that the two components 3, 4 are sealingly connected to one another at this contact point. A cylindrical recess in the center of the apical sealing surface 41 serves as a guide element 47. The guide element 35 rests with its outer surface flush against the inside of the recess 47.As in the embodiments already discussed, the radially adjacent guide elements 35, 47 ensure, on the one hand, the correct alignment during assembly of the module and, on the other hand, transmit radial shear forces between the two components 3, 4 in the assembled dental implant 1.

[0196] Distributed around the coronal opening of the longitudinal hole 31 are a plurality of locking elements 38 in the form of snap hooks 380 aligned along the longitudinal axis 10. The locking lugs of the snap hooks are engaged in a counter-locking element 56 of the connecting part 5 in the form of a circumferential locking groove 561.

[0197] A threaded portion 54 of the shaft of the connecting part 5 is screwed into the internal thread (not shown) of the base body 2. The coupling part 3 and the mounting part 4 are positively fixed between the head piece 52 of the connecting part 5 and the conical support 27 of the base body 2 and are clamped against each other in the longitudinal direction 10 by the connecting part 5.

[0198] Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of a coupling part 3 according to the invention as part of a dental implant 1. The coupling part 3 is again suitable for connecting the base body 2 of the dental implant 1 with the superstructure part 4 of the dental implant

[0199] 1 to connect.

[0200] The coupling part 3 comprises, as in the previously described embodiments, the base body 30 with a longitudinal hole 31 along the longitudinal axis 10 of the base body 30. A plurality of locking elements 38 are arranged on the base body 30. The locking elements 38 are suitable for entering into a locking operative connection with the at least one counter-locking element 56 of the connecting part 5 that can be arranged in the longitudinal hole 31. The support section 34 on the base body 30 of the coupling part 3 for the tight support 29, 39 of the coupling part 3 on the base body 2 is designed in the embodiment as a flat surface 341 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 10 of the base body 30, which rests on an analogous flat support surface 341 at the coronal end of the base body

[0201] 2 rests.

[0202] As shown in the exemplary embodiment, several flat surfaces can be arranged in the axial direction. Preferably, the support section 34, on which the coupling part rests sealingly 29, 39 on the base body 2, is as close as possible to the oral cavity, or the support section 34 is radially as far away as possible from the longitudinal axis 10 of the base body 30. This prevents the penetration of bacteria into the dental implant 1 or parts of the implant as completely as possible.

[0203] The additional flat surfaces can be used to position or align the coupling part 3 relative to the base body 2. Through the flat surfaces 341 of the support section 34, forces that arise, for example, when chewing with the dental implant 1 and act along the longitudinal axis 10 of the dental implant 1 are transferred directly from the coupling part 3 to the base body 2, without generating radial transverse forces. This is particularly advantageous for ceramic components, as these can absorb compressive forces very well, but are less suitable for shear or tensile forces. The apical sealing surface 41 of the abutment part 4 rests, in the assembled or coupled state, on the coronal sealing surface 32 of the coupling part 3 and forms a coronal support section, so that the dental implant 1 is sealed at this contact point between the two components 3, 4. Likewise, the apical sealing surface 39 of the coupling part is in the assembled orcoupled state on the coronal sealing surface 29 of the base body 2 and form a support section 34, so that the dental implant 1 is sealed at this contact point of the two components 2, 3.

[0204] The previously described locking connection between the locking elements 38, 38', 38", 38"' of a coupling part and the counter-locking element 56 of a connecting part 5 or the further locking elements 38a, 38a' and the further counter-locking element 46 can be designed to be both reversible and irreversible. Various variants of such locking connections are shown in Figure 6.

[0205] A reversibly releasable locking connection is shown in Figure 6(a). A locking element 38 of a coupling part 3 is designed as a snap hook 380, with a spring-elastic lever arm 382 and a locking lug 381 attached to the free end of the lever arm. The locking lug 381 is engaged in a counter-locking element 56 of a connecting part 5, wherein the counter-locking element 56 is designed as a locking groove 561.

[0206] The locking lug 381 has, on a side facing the lever arm, a ramp inclined toward the lever arm axis, and, on the side facing away from the lever arm, a front surface perpendicular to the lever arm axis. Similarly, the locking groove 561 has a ramp 562 on one side and a vertical wall on the other. Such a locking connection can be released by applying a tensile force acting downward along the lever arm, sufficient to deflect the locking lug 381 outwardly along the ramp 562, overcoming the corresponding radial spring force of the lever arm 382.

[0207] Release of the connection can be prevented, for example, by blocking or preventing deflection of the locking element, for example, by not providing the space for radial deflection of the locking lug 381 from the locking groove 461, 561. This can be achieved, for example, by inserting a connecting part 5 into the longitudinal hole so that the locking elements are blocked in the radial direction. Thus, the connection between the coupling part 3 and the mounting part 4 can only be released after the connecting part 5 has been removed from the longitudinal hole 31.

[0208] A partially reversibly releasable locking connection is shown in Figure 6(b). Both the two end faces of the locking lug 381 of the locking element 38 and the two walls of the locking groove 561 of the counter-locking element 56 are aligned perpendicular to the axis of the lever arm. Such a locking connection does not necessarily release without damage, even under tension. However, it is possible, for example, to radially deflect the lever arm 382 using a suitable tool in order to lift the locking lug 381 out of the locking groove 561 and thus release the locking connection again.

[0209] Figure 6(c) shows a locking connection that is longitudinally non-detachable because it is constructed in the form of a bayonet lock. The lower wall of the locking groove 561 is undercut at an angle. The end face of the locking lug 381 on the side of the lever arm 382, ​​in turn, has an inverted ramp.

[0210] To close the grid connection, the connecting part 5 and the coupling part 3 are coupled, analogous to a bayonet lock, by a certain angle along the longitudinal axis, wherein a non-undercut locking recess (not shown) in the connecting part 5, analogous to Figure 6(b), for example, receives the locking lug 561. This recess is connected along the circumference to an undercut locking groove 561, so that by rotating the connecting part 5 relative to the coupling part 3 about the longitudinal axis, the locking lug 381 is screwed into the undercut locking groove 561.

[0211] When pulled, the locking lug 381 is deflected toward the connecting part. A non-destructive, reversible release of the locking connection is therefore not possible. Release of the locking connection by pressure is also not possible, because the locking lug 381 is held in a form-fitting manner in the undercut locking groove 561. The locking connection can only be released by unscrewing the locking lug 381 from the locking groove 561 into the non-undercut recess of the connecting part 5, which, however, requires targeted manipulation.

[0212] Finally, Figure 6(d) shows a locking connection that is also essentially non-releasable. The lower wall of the locking groove 561 is obliquely undercut. The end face of the locking lug 381 on the side of the lever arm 382 has a reverse ramp. When pulled, the locking lug 381 is deflected toward the connecting part. A non-destructive, reversible release of the locking connection is therefore not possible. Manual release of the locking connection is also not possible, because the locking lug 381 is held in the undercut locking groove 561 by a positive fit.

[0213] Non-detachable or conditionally detachable snap-in connections have the advantage that the components of the assembly do not accidentally separate from each other when removing an assembly 11 from the dental implant. A reversible snap-in connection, on the other hand, has the advantage that an assembly 11 can be more easily disassembled after assembly.

[0214] A further advantageous embodiment of a dental implant 1 according to the invention and its individual parts is described in Figures 7, 8 and 9.

[0215] A base body 2 of the dental implant 1 comprises a conical external thread 22 and, in an apical region, a cutting thread 21 for the external thread. The base body 2 is implanted into the bone tissue of a patient by screwing the cutting thread 21 and the subsequent external thread 22 into a prepared bore in the bone tissue. A blind hole 24 with a cylindrical internal thread 23 is arranged in the base body 2 along a longitudinal axis 10. A receptacle 25 in the shape of an inverted straight truncated cone is arranged in the region of the coronal opening of the blind hole. A rotation-locking section 28 can be arranged between the internal thread 23 and the conical receptacle 25, for example, as in the illustrated embodiment.

[0216] In the illustrated embodiment, the base body 30 of a coupling part 3 comprises, at its apical longitudinal end 301, a rotation-locking section 36, a central support section 34 in the shape of a straight truncated cone, and at its coronal longitudinal end 302, a transition section 304. A longitudinal hole 31 runs along the longitudinal axis 10. At the coronal longitudinal end 302 of the coupling part 3, an annular sealing surface 32 is arranged on the outer edge in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 10. Four locking elements 38, 38', 38", 38"' protrude parallel to the longitudinal axis on the coronal end face, in the form of a snap hook 380 with a lever arm 382 and a locking lug 381 directed toward the longitudinal axis 10. Alternatively, the support section 34 can also have the shape of a curved truncated cone. The receptacle 25 of the base body 2 can then also be designed with a corresponding conical curve.

[0217] Support section 34 and transition section 304 can also be formed as sections of a common straight or curved truncated cone.

[0218] A mounting part 4 has a longitudinal hole 42 with a first receptacle 44 at a coronal longitudinal end 402 of the mounting part 4, a second receptacle 45 at an apical longitudinal end 401, and a conical support surface 43 arranged therebetween. At the apical longitudinal end 401, an annular sealing surface 41 is present around the second receptacle 45 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 10. At the coronal longitudinal end 402, the mounting part 4 is designed as a locator of a locator fastening system, with an annular bead 48.

[0219] A connecting part 5 comprises a cylindrical shaft 57 and a head piece 52. The shaft 57 has a threaded portion 54 at an apical end, followed by a support portion 53. In the example shown, the head piece 52 has an engagement means 51 in the form of a recess with a star-shaped inner contour, into which a suitable turning tool can be engaged in order to exert a turning force about the longitudinal axis 10 of the connecting part 5. Between the support portion 53 and the head piece 52, a guide portion 58, a counter-locking element 56 in the form of a circumferential locking groove 561, and a conical support portion 59 are arranged.

[0220] In the assembled dental implant 1, the support section 34 of the coupling part 3 rests flush and seals on the surface of the, for example, conical receptacle 25 of the base body 2. This results in radial support of the two components 2, 3 and sealing of the interior of the dental implant 1 at the corresponding contact point of the components 2, 3. The outer contour of the anti-rotation section 36 of the coupling part 3 can interact positively with an inner contour of the anti-rotation section 28 of the base body 2, so that the rotational alignment of the coupling part 3 relative to the base body 2 is fixed. Depending on the design of the contours of the corresponding anti-rotation sections 28, 36, multiple alignments or even just one alignment are possible.The apical sealing surface 41 of the abutment part 4 rests on the coronal sealing surface 32 of the coupling part 3, so that the dental implant 1 is sealed at this contact point between the two components 3, 4. The transition section 304 of the coupling part 3 forms a substantially edgeless surface with the adjoining lateral surface of the abutment part 4. The snap hooks 380 of the four locking elements 38, 38', 38", 38"' are engaged in the locking groove 561 of the counter-locking element 56 of the connecting part 5.

[0221] In the assembled dental implant 1, the threaded portion 54 of the connecting part 5 is screwed into the internal thread 23 of the base body 2. The support portion 53 of the connecting part 5 rests on the inside of the longitudinal hole 31 of the coupling part 3. Likewise, the guide portion 58 of the connecting part 5 rests radially on the guide element 35 of the coupling part 3. The conical support portion 59 of the connecting part 5 rests on the support surface 43 of the abutment part 4. The abutment part 4 is thus radially supported on the connecting part 5. In contrast to the previously discussed embodiments of the invention, there is no radial support of the abutment part 4 directly on the coupling part 3. Instead, radial shear forces are transmitted from the abutment part 4 to the base body 2 indirectly via the connecting part 5.

[0222] Another advantageous embodiment of an assembly 11 according to the invention and its individual components is disclosed in Figure 10. The abutment part 4 of the dental implant 1 shown is identical to the abutment part 4 of Figure 9. This shows that a coupling part 3 according to the invention advantageously allows a superstructure 4 to be connected to different types of base bodies 2 by providing a coupling part adapted to the abutment part and the base body to be combined with it.

[0223] A coupling part 3 has a base body 30 with a longitudinal hole 31 along the longitudinal axis 10. The base body 30 comprises a support section 34 and a cylindrical support section 37 on the outside. The support section 34 has the shape of a curved truncated cone. At the coronal longitudinal end 302 of the coupling part 3, an annular coronal sealing surface 32 is arranged on the outer edge in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 10. Four locking elements 38, 38', 38", 38'" protrude from the coronal end face parallel to the longitudinal axis, in the form of a snap hook 380 with a lever arm 382 and an inwardly directed locking lug 381. The support section 34 of the coupling part 3 is intended to rest flush and seal on the surface of an analogously shaped curved-conical receptacle 25 of a base body 2 in an assembled dental implant.This results in radial support of the two components and a sealing of the interior of the dental implant at the corresponding contact point between the components. The support section 37 of the coupling part 3 is designed to be supported radially against an inner wall of a cylindrical support section of a base body 2.

[0224] With regard to the superstructure part 4, reference is made to the corresponding explanations in Figure 9.

[0225] A connecting part 5 comprises a cylindrical shaft 57 and a headpiece 52. The shaft 57 has a threaded portion 54 at its apical end, followed by a support portion 53. The headpiece 52 can, as in the illustrated embodiment, have an engagement means 51 in the form of a recess with a star-shaped inner contour, into which a suitable turning tool can engage. A counter-locking element 56 is arranged between the support portion 53 and the headpiece 52. This can be designed, as shown, in the form of a circumferential locking groove 561 and a conical support portion 59.

[0226] In the assembled assembly 11, the apical sealing surface 41 of the abutment part 4 rests in a support section on the coronal sealing surface 32 of the coupling part 3, so that in the fully assembled state, the dental implant 1 is sealed at this contact point between the two components 3, 4. The snap hooks 380 of the locking elements 38, 38', 38", 38"' are engaged in the locking groove 561 of the counter-locking element 56 of the connecting part 5. An upper part of the support section 53 of the connecting part 5 rests on the inside of the longitudinal hole 31 of the coupling part 3. The conical support section 59 of the connecting part 5 rests on the conical support surface 43 of the abutment part 4, which is thus radially supported on the connecting part 5.

[0227] The threaded portion 54 of the connecting part 5 is intended to be screwed into an internal thread of a base body 2. A lower part of the support portion 53 of the connecting part 5, which is not located within the coupling part 3, can be intended to lie flush with an unthreaded portion of the blind hole of a base body 2 on the inner wall. Figure 11 shows a further advantageous embodiment of a coupling part 3 according to the invention, which is suitable for being assembled with a connecting part 5 and a mounting part 4 according to the previously discussed Figures 8 and 9 to form an assembly according to the invention.

[0228] The base body 30 of the illustrated coupling part 3 comprises a curved-conical support section 34 and an adjoining cylindrical support section 37. The support section 34 and the cylindrical support section 37 are intended to be in operative connection with a curved-conical receptacle or with an adjoining support section of a base body, as discussed in the previous exemplary embodiment.

[0229] A longitudinal hole 31 runs along the longitudinal axis 10 from an apical longitudinal end 301 to a coronal longitudinal end 302. An annular sealing surface 32 runs along the outer edge of the coronal end face of the coupling part 3. Three guide elements 35, 35', 35" are formed from a cylindrical projection. These guide elements allow, on the one hand, the correct insertion of the coupling part 4 into a corresponding apical recess 45 of the abutment part 4. On the other hand, in an assembled dental implant, a guide section 58 of the connecting part 5 rests radially on the lower, continuous lateral surface 351 of the guide elements.

[0230] Three locking elements 38, 38', 38" are arranged between the guide elements. The locking elements in the form of a snap hook 380 each comprise a spring-elastic spring arm 382 and a locking lug 381 facing the inside, which is intended to lock into the locking groove 561 of the locking element 56 of the connecting part 5.

[0231] Like the coupling parts 3 according to the invention already discussed, the coupling part 3 shown is also preferably made of metal, in particular of titanium or a titanium alloy. The guide elements 35 and the locking elements 38, 38', 38" can be manufactured, for example, milled, from the cylindrical projection. If the transition between the guide element 35, 35', 35" and the coronal longitudinal end 302 of the coupling part 3 has a corner radius, the mounting part 4 cannot rest tightly on the coupling part 3. Such a corner radius can arise, for example, if the machining tool is not sharpened or is no longer sharpened. Since the inner walls of the longitudinal hole 42 of the abutment part 4 rest against the guide elements 35, 35', 35", the lower part of the longitudinal hole 42 rests on the corner radius. As a result, the apical sealing surface 41 of the abutment part 4 may not rest tightly on the coronal sealing surface 32 of the coupling part 3.In addition, the corner radius would shorten the centering length or the guide length of the abutment part 4 on the guide elements 35, 35', 35". A rotary undercut 303 is therefore preferably arranged at the base of the guide elements 35, 35', 35". The rotary undercut 303 on the coronal longitudinal end 302 of the coupling part 3 in the area of ​​the guide element 35, 35', 35" can prevent a radial transition between the guide element 35, 35', 35" and the coronal end 302 of the coupling part 3 from preventing the abutment part 4 from lying tightly on the coronal sealing surface 32 of the coupling part 3, which could allow bacteria, for example, to penetrate between the coupling part 3 and the abutment part 4. In addition, the guide element 35, 35', 35" serves over its entire height to guide and align the coupling part 3 and the superstructure part 4.The rotary undercut 303 also prevents a sharp right angle between the guide element 35 and the coronal sealing surface 32 (see Figure 11(f)). Right angles are unfavorable in terms of stress management, as they create a certain notch effect, which is prone to cracks, particularly hairline cracks, under load. Furthermore, the rotary undercut 303 allows the coronal sealing surface 32 to be completely machined, for example, with a grinding wheel. The rotary undercut 303 defines the boundary of the sealing surface.

[0232] Alternatively or in addition to the rotary undercut, a transition radius can be provided at the apical end of the abutment part 4 at the edge to the longitudinal hole 42 of the abutment part 4 so that the apical sealing surface 41 of the abutment part 4 can rest on the coronal sealing surface 32 of the coupling part 3. This ensures that the dental implant 1 is sealed at the contact point between the two components 3, 4 in the assembled state.

[0233] Instead of a superstructure 4, to which another component can optionally be attached, as in the previous exemplary embodiments, a superstructure 6 can also be directly connected to the coupling part 3. The superstructure 6 can thus also be viewed as a superstructure 4. For example, Figure 12(a) shows an assembly 11 comprising a superstructure 6 in the form of a single-tooth prosthesis or a crown, as well as a coupling part 3 as in Figure 11 and a connecting part 5 as shown in Figure 8. The superstructure 6 thus corresponds to an integral component with the superstructure and superstructure. The engagement means 51 of the connecting part 5 is accessible from above through a longitudinal hole 62. After final assembly, the longitudinal hole 62 can be closed.

[0234] Figure 12(b) shows an assembly 11 with a superstructure 6 in the form of a healing element, namely a gingiva former. Such a component is temporarily mounted on the base body after the implantation of a base body in the patient's bone tissue. This component serves to seal the interior of the dental implant and, on the other hand, to shape the gums as the base body heals, thus also serving as a placeholder for the definitive abutment.

[0235] Further embodiments of the present invention also emerge from the further figures 13 to 17 and their description.

[0236] Figure 13 shows an assembly 810, also called a set, in the assembled state comprising a mounting part 730, a connecting part 732, also called a retaining screw, and a coupling part 740, also called an adapter, for connection to a base body 720.

[0237] The base body 720 is designed to be permanently inserted and screwed into a jawbone and has an external thread with which the base body can be screwed into a previously drilled blind hole in the jawbone during implantation. The external thread is not shown in the purely schematic drawing in Figure 13.

[0238] Furthermore, the base body 720 has a cylindrical blind hole 742, which runs parallel to a longitudinal axis L of the base body and is open toward a conical receptacle 744, also called the coronal end of the base body. The blind hole 742 comprises an internal thread 746, which, in the assembled state of the assembly 810, engages with an apical threaded portion 748, also called the external thread of the connecting part 732. The blind hole 742 widens outward in the shape of a cone and thus forms a conical receptacle 744 of the base body.

[0239] As also shown in Figures 14 and 15, the coupling part 740 comprises a body 750 with a longitudinal hole 754, also called a cylindrical through-hole. The longitudinal hole 754 extends along a longitudinal axis A of the coupling part from a coronal end 756 to an apical end 758 of the coupling part and is intended to receive the connecting part 732. The coupling part 740 has an implant connection geometry for connecting the coupling part to the base body in the form of a frustoconical support section 760, also called an apical section, whose conical outer surface rests on a conical outer surface of the conical receptacle 744 in the assembled state.

[0240] Following the support section 760, the coupling part 740 comprises a frustoconical transition section 762, also called a coronal section, with a second cone angle which is smaller than a first cone angle of the support section 760.

[0241] The transition section 762 is delimited by a coronally aligned, circular coronal sealing surface, also called support surface 764, arranged at the coronal end 756 for receiving the abutment part 730, also called prosthetic abutment part, wherein the support surface extends in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the coupling part.

[0242] The coupling part is one-piece and integrally formed.

[0243] The base body 720, the connecting part 732, and the coupling part 740 are essentially rotationally symmetrical. In the embodiment of Figures 13 to 15, a superstructure connection geometry for connecting the coupling part to the superstructure part is also rotationally symmetrical. This is not the case in the embodiment of Figure 17, as explained below.

[0244] The abutment part 730 also has a longitudinal hole 770, also called a cylindrical through-hole, wherein the longitudinal hole 770 has a conical support surface 772, also called an abutment, in the form of a circumferential shoulder for receiving a head piece 774, also called the head region, of the connecting part 732. Coronally, the abutment part 730 is delimited by an interface intended to receive a superstructure, for example a crown. The conical support surface is arranged axially such that the head piece 774 does not protrude beyond the interface. Apically, the abutment part 730 has an apical longitudinal end, also called an end face 776, which runs complementarily to the coronal sealing surface 764 of the coupling part, in the assembled state, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the coupling part.The assembled state refers here to the state of the assembly in which the connecting part 732 is inserted into the longitudinal hole 770 of the mounting part 730 and into the longitudinal hole 754, also referred to as the through-hole of the coupling part, with at least one locking lug 790 of the coupling part being engaged in the counter-locking element 710, also referred to as the locking recess of the connecting part 732. This thus refers to the state of the assembly in which the connecting part 732, the mounting part 730, and the coupling part 740 are possibly loosely connected to one another and can be manipulated as an assembly.

[0245] In the assembled state, the longitudinal hole 770 of the abutment part and the longitudinal hole 754 of the coupling part are connected coaxially to each other. In this case, the longitudinal axis of the coupling part A, the longitudinal axis of the connecting part, and the longitudinal axis of the base body L coincide. Furthermore, the connecting part 732 can hold the abutment part 730, in particular the apical longitudinal end 776, secured against the coronal sealing surface 764 of the coupling part.

[0246] The connecting part 732 serves to secure the assembly 810 to the base body 720 in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner. The connecting part 732 in Figure 16 comprises a cylindrical shaft, also called a bolt 780, with the apical threaded portion 748 and the headpiece 774. In the example shown, the headpiece 774 has an engagement means 782, also called a concave recess, for a hexagon wrench, so that the connecting part 732 can be screwed in and out. Other possibilities for bringing a connecting part 732 into operative connection with a screwing tool are also known to those skilled in the art. The connecting part 732 is advantageously made of metal.

[0247] The inner diameter of the longitudinal hole 754 of the coupling part 740 is selected such that, when the assembly 810 is installed, a threadless section of the shaft 780 lies flush in the longitudinal hole 754. The connecting part 732 pulls the abutment part 730, the coupling part 740, and the base body 720 together with a certain tensile force, so that the apical longitudinal end 776 of the abutment part 730 is pressed against the coronal sealing surface 764 of the coupling part 740, and the conical support section 760 of the coupling part is pressed into the conical receptacle 744 of the base body. This results in a firm and force-locking connection between the mounting part 730, the coupling part 740 and the base body 720, which at the same time also seals the interior of the assembly consisting of the blind hole 742 and the longitudinal hole 754.The superstructure, for example a ceramic dental crown, can then be mounted on the abutment part 730, for example by bonding, on the assembly 810, which is positively and non-positively attached to the base body 720, as shown in Figure 13. This superstructure advantageously seals off the abutment part 730 to the outside, so that the connecting part 732 lies completely within the assembly 810.

[0248] The coupling part 740 comprises a plurality of locking elements 738, as also shown in Figures 14 and 15. The locking elements 738 comprise a locking lug 790, which extends obliquely from a guide element 792, also called a support element, toward the longitudinal hole. The plurality of locking lugs 790 are designed to engage the counter-locking element 710 of the connecting part below the head piece 774 when the connecting part 732 is inserted into the longitudinal hole.

[0249] The guide element 792 forms a cylindrical ring, which is arranged radially inwardly relative to the coronal sealing surface 764 of the coupling part 740, extends axially apically, and borders the longitudinal hole 754 of the coupling part. The guide or support element 792 acts as a guide element analogous to the guide elements 35 as described above. The guide elements 792 are of interrupted design and comprise guide segments 793. In the present case, six guide segments 793 are formed, which are equally spaced from one another in the circumferential direction and are of identical design. Thus, the guide element 792 has an interrupted, cylindrical radially inner wall surface 796, which, viewed in the radial direction, is offset radially outwardly relative to the wall surface 798 of the longitudinal hole 754 of the coupling part. Furthermore, the guide element 792 has an interrupted, radially outer wall surface 700.

[0250] The guide element 792 is intended to be inserted into a second receptacle 702, also called apically arranged receiving opening 702 of the mounting part 730, wherein the wall surface 704 of the second receptacle 702 is formed complementary to the radially outer wall surface 700 of the guide element 792.

[0251] A rotary undercut 794, also called a circular groove, surrounds the guide element 792 radially outward and extends, viewed in the radial direction, from the radially outer wall surface 700 of the guide element 792 to the coronal sealing surface 764 of the coupling part. The rotary undercut 794 has a rounded cross-section and forms a separation between the guide element 792 and the coronal sealing surface 764 of the coupling part.

[0252] The plurality of locking lugs 790, here six locking lugs, protrude from the guide element 792, in particular from a guide segment 793, and are equally spaced from one another in the circumferential direction.

[0253] In the present case, the complementary structure of the connecting part 732 is in the form of a counter-locking element 710, which runs circumferentially below the head piece 774. To limit the counter-locking element 710 apically, a guide section 712, also called a circumferential thickening of the connecting part, is provided in the form of a bead. The diameter of the connecting part can be the same in the area of ​​the counter-locking element 710 as in the area of ​​the shaft 780. The diameter of the connecting part is smaller in the area of ​​the counter-locking element and larger apical to the counter-locking element in the area of ​​the guide section 712 in order to prevent the engaged locking lugs 790 from moving apically. It should also be mentioned that the length of the locking lugs is dimensioned such that they remain in contact with the connecting part 732 in the assembled state.Furthermore, the end of the locking lugs 790 facing the connecting part 732 lies in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the coupling part.

[0254] Once the connecting part 732 is inserted into the longitudinal hole 770 of the body part, the connecting part 732 can be inserted into the longitudinal hole 754 of the coupling part until the plurality of locking lugs 790 engage the locking element 710. As a result, the body part 730 remains held between the head piece 774 of the connecting part 732 and the coupling part 740, so that the body part, connecting part, and coupling part form a unit.

[0255] For the features of the coupling part 740 of Figure 17, the same reference numerals are used as for the earlier embodiment, with only differences being discussed.

[0256] In the embodiment of Figure 17, the guide element 792 forms a continuous ring from which the plurality of locking lugs 790, here four locking lugs, protrude. Furthermore, the implant connection geometry is designed differently, with the support portion of the coupling part 760 being frustoconical and the support portion 766 being cylindrical.

[0257] In contrast to the previous embodiment, the body part connection geometry for connecting the coupling part to the body part in the embodiment of Figure 17 is not rotationally symmetrical.

[0258] The guide element has an indexing section 714 in the form of a first and a second flattened portion on the radially outer wall surface 700 of the guide element. The first and the second flattened portions extend in a first and second plane, respectively, parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the coupling part, wherein the first and the second planes are perpendicular to one another in this case. The wall surface of the receiving opening 704 of the mounting part 730 (not shown) has a structure complementary to the indexing section, which interacts in the assembled state. The indexing section 714 is intended to allow a single position of the mounting part 730 relative to the coupling part 760 in the assembled state and to form an anti-twist device between the mounting part and the coupling part.

[0259] Four locking elements 738 extend in the coronal direction from the guide element 792. The locking elements 738 comprise a snap hook 795 with a lever arm 797 and an inwardly directed locking lug 790.

[0260] Further points regarding revelation are listed below.

[0261] I. Coupling part for connection to a base body comprising an implant connection geometry for connecting the coupling part to the base body, a longitudinal hole which extends along a longitudinal axis of the coupling part from a coronal end to an apical end of the coupling part and is intended to receive a connecting part having a head piece, and an abutment part connection geometry arranged at the coronal end of the coupling part for receiving a prosthetic abutment part, characterized in that the coupling part has an axially projecting guide element arranged at the coronal end of the coupling part, adjacent to the longitudinal hole of the coupling part, which guide element is arranged radially inward to the abutment part connection geometry and has a radially outer wall surface,and comprises at least one locking lug extending coronally from the guide element obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the coupling part in the direction of the longitudinal hole of the coupling part, which locking lug is intended to engage with a counter-locking element of the connecting part arranged apically to the head piece when, in an assembled state, the connecting part is inserted into the longitudinal hole of the coupling part and into a longitudinal hole of the prosthetic abutment part extending along the longitudinal axis of the coupling part and the head piece is supported against an abutment arranged in the longitudinal hole of the prosthetic abutment part.

[0262] II. Coupling part according to point 1, characterized in that the guide element extends along the longitudinal axis of the coupling part in a prism-shaped or cylindrical manner.

[0263] III. Coupling part according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide element has a radially inner wall surface which, viewed in the radial direction, is offset radially outwardly from the wall surface of the longitudinal hole of the coupling part.

[0264] IV. Coupling part according to one of points 1 to 3, characterized in that the guide element is intended to be inserted into an apically arranged receiving opening of the prosthetic abutment part, wherein the radially outer wall surface of the guide element is continuous or interrupted and is complementary to a wall surface of the receiving opening.

[0265] V. Coupling part according to point 4, characterized in that the guide element has an indexing section which is intended to cooperate, in the assembled state, with a complementary structure of the prosthetic abutment part in order to allow a single position of the prosthetic abutment part relative to the coupling part.

[0266] VI. Coupling part according to item 5, characterized in that the indexing section is formed by at least one flattening of the radially outer wall surface of the guide element, which or wherein the flattening runs in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coupling part.

[0267] VII. Coupling part according to point 4, characterized in that the radially outer wall surface of the guide element has a profile which is intended to cooperate, in the assembled state, with a further complementary structure of the prosthetic abutment part in order to form an anti-twist device between the prosthetic abutment part relative to the coupling part.

[0268] VIII. Coupling part according to one of points 1 to 7, characterized in that the end of the at least one locking lug facing the connecting part has a curvature which is convex to a longitudinal axis of the connecting part and whose radius of curvature corresponds to the radius of the connecting part.

[0269] IX. Coupling part according to one of items 1 to 8, characterized by a rounded groove which surrounds the guide element radially outward and extends, viewed in the radial direction, from the radially outer wall surface of the guide element to the body part connection geometry of the coupling part.

[0270] X. Coupling part according to one of points 1 to 9, characterized in that the body part connection geometry is formed by a support surface, which preferably runs in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the coupling part. XI. Coupling part according to one of points 1 to 10, characterized by a plurality of locking lugs, which are preferably equally spaced from one another in the circumferential direction.

[0271] XII. Coupling part according to one of points 1 to 11, characterized in that the guide element is continuous.

[0272] XIII. Coupling part according to one of points 1 to 11, characterized in that the guide element is designed to be interrupted by a plurality of guide segments, which are preferably equally spaced from one another in the circumferential direction and of identical design, and comprises a plurality of locking lugs, wherein preferably one locking lug protrudes from each guide segment.

[0273] XIV. An assembly comprising a coupling part according to one of the preceding points for connection to a dental base body, an abutment part for connection to the coupling part, and a connecting part for fastening the abutment part and the coupling part to the base body, characterized in that the connecting part has a counter-locking element arranged apically to its head piece, which counter-locking element is intended to receive the at least one locking lug, if appropriate the plurality of locking lugs, the prosthetic abutment part has a longitudinal hole for receiving the connecting part, which or wherein the longitudinal hole has an abutment for receiving the head piece of the connecting part, wherein in the assembled state the connecting part is inserted into the longitudinal hole of the prosthetic abutment part and into the longitudinal hole of the coupling part, the head piece is supported against the abutment and the at least one locking lug is engaged in the counter-locking element.

[0274] XV. Assembly according to item 14, characterized in that the connecting part has a circumferential thickening which delimits the counter-locking element apically.

[0275] XVI. Assembly according to one of points 14 to 15, characterized in that the counter-locking element has an axial length which allows an axial movement of the engaged locking lug towards the connecting part, wherein the axial movement is smaller than the axial height of the guide element, measured from the coronal end of the coupling part.

[0276] XVII. Assembly according to one of points 14 to 16, characterized in that the structural part has an apically arranged receiving opening for receiving the guide element and the at least one locking lug, which or wherein the receiving opening has a wall surface complementary to the radially outer wall surface of the guide element.

[0277] XVIII. Assembly according to item 17, characterized in that a surface of the abutment and the wall surface of the receiving opening of the prosthetic abutment part, seen in longitudinal section, are free of curvatures having a radius of less than 0.3 mm.

[0278] XIX. Assembly according to one of items 14 to 18, characterized in that the prosthetic abutment part has a complementary structure which, in the assembled state, is intended to cooperate with an indexing portion of the coupling part.

[0279] XX. Assembly according to item 19, characterized in that the complementary structure has at least one flattening extending in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coupling part and intended to cooperate with at least one flattening of the radially outer wall surface of the guide element forming the indexing section.

[0280] XXI. Assembly according to one of items 14 to 20, characterized in that the prosthetic abutment part has a further complementary structure which, in the assembled state, is intended to cooperate with the profile of the radially outer wall surface of the guide element in order to form an anti-rotation device between the prosthetic abutment part relative to the coupling part.

[0281] XXII. Assembly according to one of the items 14 to 21 comprising the dental base body.

[0282] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Rather, various further modifications of the present invention, in addition to the examples disclosed herein, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying figures, which modifications also fall within the scope of the claims. In addition, various references are cited in the description, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0283] List of reference symbols

[0284] 1 dental implant

[0285] 10 Longitudinal axis

[0286] 11 Assembly

[0287] 2 base bodies

[0288] 21 cutting threads

[0289] 22 external threads

[0290] 23 internal threads

[0291] 24 Hole, blind hole

[0292] 25 conical mount

[0293] 26 Support section 26a Support section

[0294] 27 conical support

[0295] 28 Anti-rotation section

[0296] 29 coronal sealing surface

[0297] 3 Coupling part

[0298] 30 basic bodies

[0299] 301 apical longitudinal end

[0300] 302 coronal longitudinal end

[0301] 303 Rotary undercut

[0302] 304 Transition section

[0303] 31 Longitudinal hole

[0304] 311 support section

[0305] 32 coronal sealing surface

[0306] 33 upper section 34 support section

[0307] 341 flat support surface

[0308] 342 straight-conical surface

[0309] 343 curved-conical surface

[0310] 344 inverted-conical surface

[0311] 35, 35', 35" guide element

[0312] 351 Surface of the guide elements

[0313] 35a Guide element

[0314] 36 Anti-rotation section

[0315] 37 support section

[0316] 38, 38', 38", 38"' locking element

[0317] 38a, 38a' additional locking element

[0318] 380 snap hooks

[0319] 381 locking lug

[0320] 382 spring-elastic lever arm

[0321] 39 apical sealing surface

[0322] 4 Body part

[0323] 401 apical longitudinal end

[0324] 402 coronal longitudinal end

[0325] 41 apical sealing surface

[0326] 42 Longitudinal hole

[0327] 43 conical support surface

[0328] 44 first recording

[0329] 45 second shot

[0330] 46 additional counter-locking element

[0331] 461 additional locking groove

[0332] 47 Guide element

[0333] 48 annular bead

[0334] 5 Connecting part

[0335] 51 interventional means

[0336] 52 headpiece

[0337] 53 support section

[0338] 54 apical thread section

[0339] 55 apical end

[0340] 56 Counter-locking element

[0341] 561 locking groove

[0342] 562 Ramp

[0343] 57 shaft

[0344] 58 Guide Section

[0345] 59 conical support section

[0346] 6 Superstructure

[0347] 61a Dentures, crown

[0348] 61b Gingiva former, healing element

[0349] 62 Longitudinal hole

[0350] 810 assembly, set

[0351] 720 base body, dental implant body

[0352] 730 abutment, prosthetic abutment

[0353] 732 connecting part, retaining screw

[0354] 738 locking element

[0355] 740 coupling part, adapter

[0356] 742 blind hole

[0357] 744 conical receptacle, coronal end of the implant 746 internal thread of the blind hole

[0358] 748 apical thread section, external thread of the retaining screw

[0359] 750 body of the adapter

[0360] 754 Longitudinal hole, through hole of the adapter 756 Coronal end of the adapter

[0361] 758 apical end of the adapter

[0362] 760 support section, apical section of the adapter

[0363] 762 Transition section, coronal section of the adapter

[0364] 764 coronal sealing surface, bearing surface 766 support section

[0365] 770 Longitudinal hole, through hole of the body part

[0366] 772 Conical support surface, abutment in the through hole of the abutment part 774 Head piece, head area of ​​the retaining screw 776 Apical longitudinal end, front surface of the abutment part

[0367] 780 shaft, bolt

[0368] 782 engagement means, recess for a hexagon wrench

[0369] 790 locking lugs

[0370] 792 Guide element, support element 793 Guide segment, support segment

[0371] 794 Rotary undercut, groove

[0372] 795 snap hooks

[0373] 796 Radial inner wall surface of the support element

[0374] 797 Lever arm 798 Wall surface of the adapter through hole

[0375] 700 Radial outer wall surface of the support element

[0376] 702 Second receptacle, receiving opening of the prosthetic abutment part

[0377] 704 Wall surface of the receiving opening

[0378] 710 Counter-locking element, locking recess 712 Guide section, thickening

[0379] 714 Indexing section

Claims

Patent claims 1. Coupling part (3) for connecting a base body (2) of a dental implant (1) with an abutment part (4) of the dental implant (1), comprising a base body (30), a longitudinal hole (31) along a longitudinal axis (10) of the base body (30), at least one locking element (38, 38', 38", 38'') which is suitable for forming a locking operative connection with at least one counter-locking element (56) of a connecting part (5) which can be arranged in the longitudinal hole (31), and a bearing section (34) for sealing bearing of the coupling part (3) on the base body (2).

2. Coupling part (3) according to claim 1, wherein the support section (34) on the base body (30) of the coupling part (3) is designed as a planar surface (341) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (10) of the base body (30) or as a lateral surface (342) of a straight truncated cone aligned with the longitudinal axis (10) or as a lateral surface (343) of a curved truncated cone aligned with the longitudinal axis (10) or as a lateral surface of a conical recess in the base body (30) aligned with the longitudinal axis (10).

3. Coupling part (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one locking element (38, 38', 38", 38'") is designed as an elastic locking element.

4. Coupling part (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one locking element (38, 38', 38", 38'") is provided at a coronal longitudinal end (302) and / or at an apical longitudinal end (301) of the base body (30).

5. Coupling part (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one locking element (38, 38', 38", 38'") is designed as a snap hook (380) molded parallel to the longitudinal axis (10) on the base body (30).

6. Coupling part (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one guide element (35, 35', 35") is provided at a coronal longitudinal end (302) of the base body (30), which is suitable for aligning the coupling part (3) with respect to an attachment part (4) of a dental implant (1) in a manner aligned with the longitudinal axis (10). Coupling part (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a rotational relief groove (303) is formed at the coronal longitudinal end (302) of the coupling part (3) in the region of the guide element (35, 35', 35"). Coupling part (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surfaces of the coupling part (3) in the bearing section (34) have G1 continuity, and advantageously G2 continuity. Coupling part (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling part (3) comprises a coronal sealing surface (32) for a tight bearing of the superstructure (4, 6) on the coupling part (3). Coupling part (3) according to claim 9, wherein the coronal sealing surface (32) is provided at a coronal longitudinal end (302) of the base body (30) and is a planar, annular surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (10) of the base body (30). is trained.Coupling part (3) according to claim 9, wherein the coronal sealing surface (32) is arranged on the outer circumference of the support section between the abutment (4, 6) and the coupling part (3). Coupling part (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a rotation-locking section (36) is provided at a coronal longitudinal end (302) and / or at an apical longitudinal end (301) of the base body (30). Coupling part (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation-locking section (36) has a non-rotationally symmetrical outer contour. Assembly (11) for a modular dental implant (1), comprising an abutment (4), a connecting part (5) for positively locking the abutment (4) to a base body (2) intended for implantation in the bone tissue of a patient, and a coupling part (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. wherein the superstructure part (4), the connecting part (5) and the coupling part (3) are arranged in alignment along a common longitudinal axis (10), wherein the connecting part (5) can be arranged in a longitudinal hole (31) of the coupling part (3) and a longitudinal hole (42, 63) of the superstructure part (4), and wherein the coupling part (3), the connecting part (5) and the superstructure part (4) can be positively connected or joined to each other.

15. Assembly (11) according to claim 14, wherein the connecting part (5) has at least one counter-locking element (56) which is operatively connected or can be brought into operative contact with at least one locking element (38, 38', 38", 38'') of the coupling part (3).

16. Assembly (11) according to claim 14, wherein the connecting part (5) is reversibly connectable to the coupling part (3).

17. Modular dental implant (1) comprising a base body (2) for implantation in bone tissue of a patient and an assembly (11) according to one of claims 14 to 16.

18. Modular dental implant (1) according to claim 17, wherein the apical sealing surface (41) of the superstructure (4) rests on the coronal sealing surface (32) of the coupling part (3) in the assembled state, so that the dental implant (1) is sealed at this contact point of the two components (3 ,4).

19. Modular dental implant (1) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the apical sealing surface (39) of the coupling part (3) rests on the coronal sealing surface (29) of the base body (2) in the assembled state, so that the dental implant (1) is sealed at this contact point of the two components (3, 2).

20. Kit for the assembly of a module (11) comprising at least one assembly part (4), at least one connecting part (5) and at least one coupling part (3) as defined in a module (11) according to any one of claims 14 to 16.

21. Kit for the assembly of a modular dental implant (1), comprising at least one base body (2), at least one superstructure (4), at least one connecting part (5) and at least one coupling part (3), as defined in a dental implant (1) according to any one of claims 17 to 19.