Healing cap system for at least one implant or connector, in particular for the aforementioned healing cap system
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2024702677
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-01-19
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-16
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing healing cap systems for implants are not optimally designed for connection in the oral cavity, leading to difficulties in accessibility, increased risk of injury, and limitations in mass production due to the need for custom-fit healing caps for specific implants.
A healing cap system with a connector featuring a through opening and a retaining screw, allowing the healing cap to be connected outside the oral cavity, minimizing the risk of injury and enabling the use of identical caps on different implants, with a conical or hexagonal implant area for secure positioning and a compact, space-saving design.
The solution facilitates easier and safer connection of healing caps to implants, reduces the risk of injury, and allows for mass production of identical caps, enhancing flexibility and reducing manufacturing costs.
Smart Images
Figure EP2024050908_25072024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Healing cap system for at least one implant or connector, in particular for the aforementioned healing cap system
[0002] The invention relates to a healing cap system for at least one implant, according to the features of the preamble of claim 1, in particular with at least one healing cap and with at least one connection system. The invention further relates to a connector, in particular for the aforementioned healing cap system, according to the features of the preamble of claim 21.
[0003] Implants are primarily used to attach a crown or dental crown to a patient's jawbone. This is necessary or useful if, for example, a natural tooth had to be extracted due to tooth decay. The implant is first inserted without the crown into the jawbone in the area of the extracted tooth. The implant is then allowed to heal. The jawbone and the adjacent gums grow around the implant and the area surrounding the implant inserted in the jawbone must heal. In order to control this healing process, appropriate abutments are connected to the implant for the duration of the healing. Such abutments can have the healing caps mentioned above and / or so-called intermediate healing abutments. Once the implant has successfully healed into the jawbone, the abutments are removed and a crown or dental crown is inserted.The dental crown is then preferably connected to the implant using an intermediate abutment.
[0004] A healing cap system is known, for example, from EP 2 200 531 B1. A healing cap of the healing cap system can be connected to the implant or arranged on the implant with the help of a healing abutment head. The healing abutment thus forms a connection system, wherein the healing abutment can be screwed into the implant. The healing cap has a holding region and a vertical region that is only very short or slightly curved. The vertical region adjoins the holding region, forming a curve, so that the healing cap is at least partially umbrella-shaped. The healing cap or the holding region of the healing cap has an opening in a specific embodiment, wherein the healing cap can then be connected to an external thread of the healing abutment head by means of an internal thread.Alternatively, the healing cap can be attached to a connecting piece of the healing abutment by means of a screw, in which case the connecting piece can be screwed into the implant. The healing cap can therefore be arranged on the implant and / or effectively connected to the implant with the help of a specifically designed "healing abutment" and / or a "connecting piece". These elements (healing abutment / connecting piece, etc.) are initially referred to very generally below with the term "connector". The term "connector" can also be equated with the term "connecting element" or replaced by this term; this should also be noted. In the specific embodiment already known in the prior art, the healing abutment has a screw-shaped bolt that can be screwed into the implant.
[0005] However, with such a healing cap system, the connection or arrangement of the healing cap with or on the implant in the oral cavity of a patient is not yet optimally designed.
[0006] If the healing cap is connected to the external thread of the healing abutment head using the internal thread, the healing cap must be rotated adjacent to the implant in the oral cavity to create one of the screw connections. This applies both to the screw connection between the healing abutment and the implant if the healing cap was previously connected to the healing abutment outside the oral cavity, and to the screw connection between the healing cap and the healing abutment if only the healing abutment is first screwed into the implant and then the healing cap is screwed onto the healing abutment in the patient's oral cavity. The use of healing caps with a particularly long vertical section is not possible in this case, as rotating such a vertical section is not possible without damaging the gums.
[0007] If, in the further known alternative embodiment, the healing cap is then fastened to a connecting piece of the healing abutment by means of a screw and the connecting piece is screwed into the implant, the connecting piece is first screwed separately into the implant inserted into a jawbone in order to prevent the healing cap from rotating in the oral cavity. The healing cap is then placed onto the connecting piece in the oral cavity and fixed to the connecting piece by means of the screw. Both screw connections must be made in the patient's oral cavity, which takes a relatively long time due to the difficult accessibility of the components. Furthermore, there is always a certain risk of injury to the patient when working in the oral cavity. The healing cap system already known in the prior art (EP 2 200 531 B1), on which the invention is based, is therefore not yet optimally designed.
[0008] DE 101 38 374 A1 discloses another healing cap system for an implant with a healing cap, referred to here as a closure cap. The healing cap can be directly connected to the implant using a retaining screw. The healing cap has radially projecting portions, each of which is curved toward the implant. The healing caps of two adjacent implants overlap when used in the oral cavity.
[0009] DE 41 07 606 B4 discloses another healing cap for an implant, referred to here as a cover cap. The healing cap can be removably connected to the implant using a screw or a plug connection. The healing cap extends beyond the implant on all sides and thus has a protruding edge. The healing cap is preferably umbrella-shaped. By appropriately dimensioning the healing cap, it is possible to create a sealed space between the healing cap and the implant's penetration point, in which bone can form, allowing the implant to heal further.
[0010] DE 20 2009 007 352 U1 discloses a healing cap for implants, referred to here as a protective cap. The healing cap has a plug that can be inserted into a bore in the implant, so that a plug-in connection can be formed between the healing cap and the implant. The healing cap has a cap shield that covers the upper side of the implant and is integrally connected to the plug. The outer, thin-walled sections of the cap shield, i.e., the ends that cover the jawbone and, in particular, are to be pushed under the gums, can be adjusted in their dimensions as required. In a specific embodiment, tear lines are provided along which the ends of the cap shield could be severed in order to produce a correspondingly smaller cap shield.Of course, the ends can also be cut to any size and shape using scissors if this is individually desired or necessary for the respective patient.
[0011] As a result, the use of healing caps which are to be connected directly to the implant without an intermediate element such as a healing abutment is also very problematic because each healing cap must be adapted to the specific implant to which the healing cap is to be connected. Mass production of such healing caps is therefore not possible or problematic. The object of the invention is therefore to design and / or further develop the healing cap system known in the prior art and / or the connector known in the prior art in such a way that the aforementioned problems and / or problematic aspects are avoided and / or reduced, in particular the flexibility of use of the healing cap system and / or the connector is increased, and in particular the use and / or application and / or manufacture of a healing cap is facilitated.
[0012] This problem underlying the invention is now initially solved by a healing cap system having the features of patent claim 1.
[0013] One aspect of the invention is essentially that the connector has a through-opening, wherein the connection system additionally has a retaining screw, wherein the retaining screw, when assembled, penetrates the connector in the region of the through-opening, and wherein the connector can be effectively connected to the implant with the aid of the retaining screw. At this point, it should be pointed out again that the term "connector" then encompasses "connecting elements" and / or "connecting pieces" or, if appropriate, the term "connector" can be replaced by the term "connecting element" or equated with this term.
[0014] With this type of connection system, it is possible to first connect the healing cap to the connector outside the patient's oral cavity, where the healing cap and connector are easily accessible for the doctor treating the patient and where there is no risk of injury to the patient. The assembly consisting of the connector and the healing cap can then be inserted into the implant by moving this thus formed "unit" along the longitudinal axis of the implant. Only then is the retaining screw guided through the through-hole and connected to the implant, in particular screwed into an internal thread of the implant. Inside the patient's oral cavity, no rotation of the healing cap is necessary, thus minimizing the risk of injury to the areas of the jawbone and / or gums or gingiva adjacent to the healing cap.The jawbone and / or gums continue to be protected by the healing cap while the connection between the retaining screw and the implant is being created. A tool used to create the connection, but inadvertently guided imprecisely, will then initially touch the healing cap, but not the jawbone and / or gums or gingiva. By using the connector, identical healing caps can also be used on implants of different types. This also simplifies the production of the healing caps. In particular, mass production of such healing caps is conceivable, which has a positive effect on their manufacturing costs. The connector is, in particular, at least partially adapted in terms of its shape to a recess in the implant.
[0015] Such a connector is therefore also referred to by experts as a "connector," as explained above. It is also conceivable to use a different spelling of the term "connector." The "connector" could also be referred to as a "connector."
[0016] Advantageously, the connector has an implant region for arranging the connector on the implant and a head region for connecting the connector to the healing cap. In particular, the head region of the connector enables an at least partially force-fitting and / or positive-locking connection of the connector to the healing cap, or the head region of the connector enables the arrangement of the connector on the healing cap or the arrangement of the healing cap on the connector.
[0017] The implant area and the head area of the connector are at least partially adapted in their geometric shape, in particular the implant area to the implant and / or the head area to the healing cap.
[0018] The head region of the connector further preferably has a larger, in particular radial, extent perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector than the implant region.
[0019] This means that any gap that may appear between the implant and the connector when connected is also well protected from bacterial penetration. The head area is positioned above this gap.
[0020] The healing cap has a holding area with an opening for receiving and / or arranging the head area of the connector; in particular, the healing cap also has a vertical area adjoining the holding area, which will be explained in more detail below.
[0021] More preferably, the connector has an external thread in the head region, wherein the healing cap has an already mentioned opening with an internal thread in the holding region, wherein in particular the nominal diameter of the external thread corresponds to the nominal diameter of the internal thread. This provides a simple and quick way of creating the connection between the connector, in particular a one-piece one-piece design, and the healing cap. The connector is thus designed or can be designed in particular as a one-piece and / or one-piece construction. In such a one-piece and / or one-piece design, the connector consists in particular of a homogeneous material and therefore has no joints.Because the head area of the connector has an external thread, while the healing cap in the holding area has an opening with an internal thread corresponding to the head area of the connector, a compact and space-saving connection between the connector and the healing cap can be realized, in particular without the need for additional connecting elements. In particular, this allows the holding area of the healing cap to be designed to be flat and / or space-saving.
[0022] Advantageously, the connector is at least partially conical in the implant area.
[0023] Thanks to this conical design of the implant area, the connector can be connected to the implant or arranged on the implant in any conceivable angular position with respect to rotation around the longitudinal axis of the connector. However, prevention of rotation around this longitudinal axis when the connector and implant are connected is initially only achieved through friction between these components. This connector is used for implants with a conical recess. The conicity enables easy centering of the connector on the implant. Furthermore, the conicity allows for a particularly small gap to be achieved or realized between the implant and the connector.
[0024] Further preferably, the implant region of the connector is designed and / or configured for a positive arrangement and / or connection with the implant. This positive arrangement prevents rotation about the longitudinal axis of the connector when the connector and implant are connected. For precisely this positive arrangement and / or connection, the implant region of the connector is preferably hexagonal.
[0025] Such a hexagonal shape is easy to manufacture. Such a connector with a hexagonal implant area is used for implants with a hexagonal recess. Other multiple-edge shapes are also conceivable, such as a square or pentagonal shape. In addition to the positive arrangement and / or connection, the implant area of the connector particularly additionally or alternatively, but equally advantageously, has at least one notch, preferably several notches evenly distributed around the circumference.
[0026] Such notches are also easy to manufacture. The number of notches also determines, in particular, the number of different possible angular positions between the connector and the implant. Such a connector with at least one notch in the implant area is used with implants with at least one lug formed in the implant recess, adapted to the notch. If the connector has, in particular, several notches in its implant area, the implant recess has, in particular, several correspondingly formed lugs, which can then engage with the respective notches of the connector.
[0027] Preferably, a part of the implant region facing the head region is conical and a part of the implant region adjoining this conical part in the longitudinal direction has a constant cross-section with respect to the longitudinal axis of the connector.
[0028] Thus, the advantages of the good centring ability of the connector, the small gap between the connector and the implant (cone) and the prevention of rotation of the connector around its longitudinal axis in the connected state of the connector and implant (hexagon) are combined.
[0029] Advantageously, the through-hole is cylindrical. Such a cylindrical through-hole is particularly easy to manufacture. Furthermore, a particularly small gap can be achieved between the connector and the retaining screw.
[0030] The through-hole preferably has a support surface for the screw head of the retaining screw to allow a recessed arrangement of the screw head in the connector. This successfully avoids any disturbing edges between the retaining screw and the connector.
[0031] Particularly good healing or particularly good rebuilding of the gums and / or jawbone can be achieved if the healing cap is essentially umbrella-shaped. Advantageously, the healing cap then has at least one vertical region, wherein the holding region - when the healing cap is mounted on the implant - is aligned essentially perpendicular and / or radially to an implant axis, and wherein the vertical region then adjoins the holding region, forming an angle and / or a curve. When the implant is inserted in the jawbone and the healing cap is mounted and / or arranged on the implant, and the components are therefore located in the human oral cavity, the vertical region then extends, in particular starting from the outer peripheral regions of the holding region, from there from the holding region of the healing cap in the direction of the gingiva oris aligned towards the gingiva and / or curved accordingly.
[0032] In particular, on at least one side of the holding area, a vertical area adjoins the holding area of the healing cap. In particular, on two opposite sides of the holding area, a vertical area adjoins the holding area. If, in particular, two vertical areas are provided and / or present, the vertical length of one vertical area can be different from the vertical length of the other vertical area or can differ from one another. When the healing cap is mounted and / or arranged on the implant and the implant is arranged in the jawbone, the at least one vertical area is adjacent to one side of the jawbone, in particular the two vertical areas are then arranged adjacent to opposite sides of the jawbone. The healing process can therefore be further influenced in a very positive way. With the help of the vertical area orIn the vertical areas, if the implant is positioned in the jawbone and the healing cap is positioned on the implant, a space can be formed between the implant and the vertical area of the healing cap, in which the jawbone can then build up in a targeted manner and / or where adjacent gums can heal in a targeted manner.
[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the healing cap system, a healing cap and several different connection systems adapted to different, specific types of implants are present and / or provided in order to be able to connect the healing cap to an implant of a specific type with the connection system adapted to this specific type of implant.
[0034] The healing cap system offers particular flexibility in that this single healing cap can be connected to different types of implants using different connection systems. Preferably, this single healing cap is manufactured as a system with several different connection systems and / or associated different types of implants.
[0035] According to a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the healing cap system, several healing caps of identical type and several different connection systems at least partially adapted to different, specific types of implants are present and / or provided in order to be able to effectively connect any one of the healing caps to an implant of a specific type with the connection system adapted to this specific type of implant.
[0036] The healing cap system offers particular flexibility in that, for example, several healing caps of the same type can be connected to implants of different types using the respective connectors and / or the sometimes different connection systems. Preferably, several healing caps of the same type, for example, with several different connection systems and / or associated implants, are then manufactured as a system.
[0037] A particularly advantageous feature, however, is that identical, particularly structurally identical, healing caps can be mass-produced and / or manufactured. Such identical healing caps, particularly with slightly adapted connection systems, can then be easily connected to the respective implant type, particularly with the aid of slightly adapted connectors and / or retaining screws adapted / adapted to specific implant types. This allows for a high degree of flexibility in the application of such a healing cap system.
[0038] According to a further possible embodiment of the healing cap system, several healing caps of different types and / or several different connection systems at least partially adapted to different, specific types of implants are present and / or provided in order to be able to effectively connect a specific one of the healing caps of different types to an implant of a specific type with the connection system adapted to this specific type of implant.
[0039] A particular flexibility of the respective embodiments of the healing cap system is provided here by the fact that the respective specific healing cap, in particular also for example from the group of healing caps of different types, can be effectively connected to a specific implant, i.e. to a specific type of implant, in particular to a connection system adapted to this type of implant. The corresponding connection systems can then have at least partially differently designed connectors, in particular connectors in which the implant region is partially differently designed, in particular each adapted to a specific implant (e.g. at least partially conical or straight or cylindrical). In particular, the axial length of the respective connectors can also be designed differently.In particular, it can be designed such that no gap and / or only a small gap is created between the healing cap or between the connector and the implant after the healing cap and the implant are connected using the connector. In particular, the connectors can then have such an axial length and / or be designed such that contact between the head region of the connector and the implant is also possible.
[0040] It is therefore particularly advantageous that, even when healing caps of different types are used, which, for example, have differently designed vertical sections, these healing caps of different types are also designed in such a way that they can be connected to the respective head section of the connectors, which in particular also have partially differently designed ones. Or to put it another way: Even healing caps of different types have, in particular in the holding area, openings of the same size or shape (or a similar and / or equally dimensioned receiving area and / or fastening area) for receiving and / or fastening the head section of the respective connector. In this case, the connectors, which in particular have partially different designs, have, in particular, a similarly designed or identically designed head section, the dimensions of which are adapted accordingly to the openings of the healing caps.
[0041] As a result, in the particularly preferred embodiment, an extremely flexible system of identical and / or partially dissimilar healing caps and / or partially differently designed connection systems is enabled or realizable, since the connectors in particular have a consistently dimensioned head region which corresponds to a consistently dimensioned opening and / or a consistently dimensioned fastening region of the healing cap or the partially differently designed healing caps, so that the respective healing cap can then be effectively but easily connected to a respective connector, in particular with the aid of a retaining screw adapted to a specific type of implant, with the respective specific implant. For this purpose, the respective connectors, which are then partially differently designed, can then be partially different orhave appropriately dimensioned through holes for the respective adapted and appropriately dimensioned retaining screws.
[0042] Preferably, therefore, each of the different connection systems has in particular a connector adapted to a specific type of implant and / or a retaining screw adapted to this connector and to this specific type of implant, wherein healing caps of the same construction as well as partially differently designed ones can then be used, as explained above.
[0043] In particular, the connection systems are then designed and / or constructed in such a way that, although they can have multiple, partially different connectors, the connectors themselves each have a similar head region, in particular a similar and / or equally dimensioned external thread. The healing caps have corresponding openings, wherein the openings in turn have similar internal threads corresponding to the external thread of the head regions of the connectors. In particular, this makes it possible to produce healing caps that are structurally identical and / or at least partially (with the exception of the openings) differently designed in series and / or in large numbers, since the connectors, even if they may have a partially different design in their implant region and are thus adapted for different implants, then have corresponding similar head regions, which in turn correspond to the openings in the healing caps.It is conceivable that the connectors then have a uniformly dimensioned through-opening, so that retaining screws of different dimensions can also be arranged within these through-openings. However, it is also conceivable that the connectors then have different through-openings adapted to the different retaining screws and / or correspondingly dimensioned, in particular to again avoid the creation of unnecessary gaps. In particular, the healing caps and / or the connection system, in particular the connectors, can then be designed such that the healing cap and / or the head region of the connector has at least partial direct contact with the implant even when the healing cap is effectively connected to the implant by means of the connector.
[0044] As a result, however, the healing cap system according to the invention enables a very high degree of flexibility in use, while avoiding the problems previously known in the prior art and achieving corresponding advantages. The object underlying the invention is therefore also achieved by a connector having the features of patent claim 21.
[0045] One aspect of the invention then essentially lies in the fact that the connector can be effectively connected to the implant with the aid of a retaining screw, wherein the connector has a through-opening, wherein the retaining screw can be arranged penetrating the connector in the region of the through-opening for the effective connection of the connector to the implant and / or for the assembly and / or arrangement of the connector on the implant, and wherein the connector has an implant region for the arrangement of the connector on the implant and a head region for the effective, in particular force-fitting and / or form-fitting, connection of the connector to the healing cap and / or for the arrangement of the connector on the healing cap.
[0046] A connector designed in this way can be arranged and / or mounted on the implant and / or effectively connected to the healing cap particularly easily and quickly. During this assembly and / or arrangement process, the risk of injury to the patient is minimized. This minimization of the risk of injury is achieved in particular by the fact that the connector, in particular with the healing cap already arranged on the connector, can first be inserted into or arranged on the implant that has already been inserted into a jawbone, and only then can it be effectively connected to the implant with the aid of the retaining screw. In this case, the retaining screw, which is to be turned in the patient's oral cavity, does not come into direct contact with the patient's gums, but - on the contrary - the gums are protected by the then "fixed" connector.The use of the connector also allows identical healing caps to be used on implants of different types. In this case, the connector's shape is at least partially adapted to a recess in the implant, and the implant area of the connector is then adapted to a specific type of implant, as already explained above.
[0047] There are now numerous possibilities for advantageously designing and developing the healing cap system and connector according to the invention. Reference is made in this regard to the claims subordinate to claim 1 and to the claims subordinate to claim 21. A preferred embodiment of the healing cap system and connector according to the invention will now be explained and described in more detail with reference to the drawing and the accompanying description. The drawing shows:
[0048] Fig.1a shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the healing cap system, showing the healing cap, the implant and the connection system in a side view in section,
[0049] Fig.1b shows a schematic representation of a connector, in particular of the first
[0050] Example of the healing cap system, in a side view in section,
[0051] Fig.1c shows a schematic representation of the connector, in particular of the first
[0052] Embodiment of the healing cap system, in a sectional view along the line AA in Fig.1a,
[0053] Fig.2a shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the healing cap system, showing the healing cap, the implant and the connection system in a side view in section,
[0054] Fig.2b shows a schematic representation of a connector, in particular of the second
[0055] Example of the healing cap system, in a side view in section,
[0056] Fig.2c shows a schematic representation of the connector, in particular of the second
[0057] Embodiment of the healing cap system, in a sectional view along the line AA in Fig.2a,
[0058] Fig.ßa shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the healing cap system, showing the healing cap, the implant and the connection system in a side view in section,
[0059] Fig.3b shows a schematic representation of a connector, in particular of the third
[0060] Example of the healing cap system, in a side view in section,
[0061] Fig.3c shows a schematic representation of the connector, in particular of the third
[0062] Embodiment of the healing cap system, in a sectional view along the line AA in Fig.3a, Fig.4a in schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the healing cap system, with representation of the healing cap, the implant and the connection system in a side view in section,
[0063] Fig.4b shows a schematic representation of a connector, in particular of the fourth
[0064] Example of the healing cap system, in a side view in section,
[0065] Fig.4c shows a schematic representation of the connector, in particular of the fourth
[0066] Embodiment of the healing cap system, in a sectional view along the line A1-A1 in Fig.4a,
[0067] Fig.4d shows a schematic representation of the connector, in particular of the fourth embodiment of the healing cap system, in a sectional view along the line A2-A2 of Fig.4a,
[0068] Fig.5 shows a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of the healing cap system with a healing cap and several different connection systems adapted to different, specific types of implants in a side view in section, and
[0069] Fig.6 shows a schematic representation of a sixth embodiment of the healing cap system with several healing caps of the same type and several different connection systems adapted to different, specific types of implants in a side view in section.
[0070] Figures 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5 and 6 show various embodiments of a healing cap system 1 for at least one implant 2, with at least one healing cap 3 and with at least one connection system 4.
[0071] The healing cap 3 can be effectively connected to the implant 2 by means of the connection system 4. The connection system 4 has at least one connector 5. The healing cap 3 can be effectively connected to the implant 2 by means of the connector 5 and / or can be arranged on the implant 2 by means of the connector 5; the latter is shown in particular in Figs. 1a, 2a, 3a, and 4a. In the assembled state of the healing cap 3, connection system 4, and implant 2, the healing cap 3 contacts the connector 5, and the connector 5 contacts the implant 2. The healing cap systems 1 from Figs. 1a, 2a, 3a, and 4a differ in particular in the specific shape of the respective connector 5.
[0072] As is clearly evident from Figs. 1 to 6, the healing cap 3 has a holding area 3.1 for receiving and / or arranging the head area 5.3 of the connector 5. In particular, the healing cap 3 also has a vertical area 3.2. The vertical area 3.2 adjoins the holding area 3.1, forming an angle and / or a curve, as can be seen from Figs. 1 to 6. The following may now be stated with respect to Figs. 1 to 6:
[0073] The connector 5 has a through-opening 5.1. The connection system 4 additionally has a retaining screw 6. In the assembled state, the retaining screw 6 penetrates the connector 5 in the area of the through-opening 5.1, and the connector 5 can be effectively connected to the implant 2 or arranged and / or fastened thereto using the retaining screw 6.
[0074] The retaining screw 6 can be screwed into the implant 2, in particular into an internal thread of the implant 2. When assembled, the retaining screw 6 contacts the connector 5 and the implant 2, but not the healing cap 3. With the aid of the retaining screw 6, the healing cap 3 is then effectively connected to the implant 2 via the connector 5.
[0075] The connector 5 has an implant region 5.2 for arranging the connector 5 on the implant 2 and a head region 5.3 for connecting the connector 5 to the healing cap 3.
[0076] When the healing cap 3 and connector 5 are connected, a particularly smooth transition forms between the head region 5.3 and the healing cap 3. In particular, the connector 5 does not protrude from the holding region 3.1 of the healing cap 3 on the side facing away from the implant 2. In particular, the holding region 3.1 and the head region 5.3 have essentially the same extent in the direction of the longitudinal axis L shown in the figures, in particular an essentially the same thickness. The longitudinal axes L shown in particular in Figs. 1 to 6 are intended to represent the longitudinal axes or axes of rotation of the components shown there, in particular the longitudinal axis of the connector 5, the retaining screw 6 and / or the implant 2. In the assembled state, the corresponding longitudinal axes L of the various components correspond to one another, as can be seen in particular from Figs. 1a, 2a, 3a and 4a.
[0077] The head region 5.3 has a larger, particularly radial, extension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the connector 5 than the implant region 5.2.
[0078] According to the illustrations in Figures 1a, 2a, 3a, and 4a, a gap is formed between an end face of the implant 2 facing the connector 5 and the head region 5.3 of the connector 5 in the assembled state of the connector 5 and the implant 2. In contrast, it is also conceivable that the head region of the connector, in the assembled state of the connector and implant, rests on the end face of the implant facing the connector with a corresponding contact.
[0079] The connector 5 has, in particular, an external thread in the head area 5.3. The healing cap 3 has an opening with an internal thread in the holding area 3.1. The nominal diameter of the external thread corresponds to the nominal diameter of the internal thread.
[0080] The healing cap 3 constructed in this way is preferably screwed onto the connector 5 outside the patient's oral cavity. The connector 5 is designed to be inserted into the implant 2 located in the patient's jawbone in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. The "assembly" consisting of the healing cap 3 and the connector 5 can then be fixed to the implant 2 located in the patient's jawbone with the retaining screw 6.
[0081] The aforementioned insertion of the connector 5 into the implant 2 is made possible by means of the different versions of the connector 5 described below:
[0082] The connector 5 is at least partially conical in the implant region 5.2, particularly as shown in Figures 1a to 1c, 3a to 3c, and 4a to 4d. In the conical region, the cross-section of the connector 5 decreases toward the implant 2. Instead of the conical design, it would also be conceivable to design the connector with an inconsistent taper of the cross-section.
[0083] The implant region 5.2 of the connector 5 is designed, in particular according to Figures 2a to 2c, 3a to 3c and 4a to 4d, for at least partial form-fitting arrangement and / or connection with the implant 2, in particular also for preventing rotation about the longitudinal axis L of the connector 5.
[0084] Such a form fit can be achieved in various ways, two of which are shown below as examples.
[0085] The implant region 5.2 of the connector 5 is hexagonal, particularly as shown in Figs. 2a to 2c. Instead of the hexagonal shape, a four-, five-, or more than hexagonal cross-sectional shape would also be conceivable.
[0086] The implant region 5.2 of the connector 5 has, in particular according to Figures 3a to 3c, at least one notch 7, preferably several notches 7 distributed evenly around the circumference.
[0087] Here, the connector 5 has, for example, three notches 7 in the implant area 5.2. Instead of the three notches 7, it would also be conceivable to form one, two, or more than three notches in the connector. The notches 7 are incorporated into a conical basic shape of the implant area 5.2. Corresponding to the corresponding notch 7 or notches 7, the recess of the implant 2 can then have projections (not described in more detail here) engaging in the respective notches 7.
[0088] In particular, according to Figures 4a to 4d, a part of the implant region 5.2 facing the head region 5.3 is conical and a part of the implant region 5.2 adjoining this conical part in the longitudinal direction has a constant cross-section with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the connector 5.
[0089] The constant cross-section has a hexagonal shape, as shown in Fig. 4d. However, it could also be circular, for example.
[0090] The through opening 5.1 is cylindrical in shape as shown in Figures 1a to 6.
[0091] The retaining screw 6 is accordingly preferably designed as a cylinder head screw, so that only a small gap, if any, forms between the connector 5 and the retaining screw 6 when the components are assembled. In the part of the retaining screw 6 then arranged in the area of the through-opening 5.1, the retaining screw 6 preferably has a smooth outer circumference, so that the thread of the retaining screw 6 is only formed on the part of the retaining screw 6 protruding from the connector 5, which part can then be screwed to the implant 2. As can be seen from the figures, an effective connection, in particular a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection, is then produced or realized between the healing cap 3 and the implant 2 between the components, i.e. the healing cap 3 and the connector 5, with the aid of the retaining screw 6.
[0092] The through opening 5.1 has in particular a support surface for a screw head 6.1 of the retaining screw 6 in order to enable a lowered arrangement of the screw head 6.1 in the connector 5.
[0093] The screw head 6.1 and the associated recess formed in the connector 5 for forming the support surface are, for example - as shown in Figures 1 a to 6 - conical or cylindrical in shape and / or design.
[0094] The healing cap 3 is essentially umbrella-shaped.
[0095] The healing cap 3 is thus designed to at least partially enclose the connection system 4 and / or the implant 2.
[0096] For this purpose, the healing cap 3 has, in particular, the vertical region 3.2. The holding region 3.1 is aligned—when the healing cap 3 is mounted on the implant 2—essentially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis L of the implant 2. The vertical region 3.2 adjoins the holding region 3.1, forming an angle and / or a curve. The holding region 3.1 and the vertical region 3.2 form an umbrella-shaped healing cap 3, wherein the opening of the healing cap 3 (not further designated) is provided and / or formed in the holding region 3.1, and the head region 5.3 of the connector 5 can then be arranged here.
[0097] It should be noted that in Figs. 1 to 6 neither a jawbone, nor gums or gingiva and / or nor an oral cavity of the patient are shown in detail. However, as can be seen from Figs. 1 to 6, the healing of the implant 2 can be improved with a healing cap system 1 that is appropriately inserted or arranged in the oral cavity of a patient, in particular with the help of the then appropriately arranged healing cap 3, wherein the surrounding area of the implant 2 inserted in the jawbone can then be appropriately protected, in particular via the vertical regions 3.2 of the healing cap 3. A space is thus formed between the implant 2 and the healing cap 3, in which space, if the implant 2 is arranged in a jawbone, this jawbone can build up in a targeted manner and / or adjacent gums can heal in a targeted manner.
[0098] According to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the healing cap system 1 from Fig. 5, a single healing cap 3 and several different connection systems 4 adapted to different, specific types of implants 2 are present and / or provided in order to be able to connect the healing cap 3 to an implant 2 of a specific type with the connection system 4 adapted to this type of implant 2. The different connection systems 4 are characterized here in particular by at least partially differently designed connectors 5. Each of the connection systems 4 shown differently here in Fig. 5 therefore has partially differently designed connectors 5.
[0099] This fifth embodiment of the healing cap system 1 shows a connection system 4 according to Figures 1a, 2a, 3a and 4a.
[0100] According to the sixth embodiment of the healing cap system 1 from Fig. 6, several healing caps 3 of identical type and several different connection systems 4 adapted to different, specific types of implants 2 are present and / or provided in order to be able to connect any of the healing caps 3 to an implant 2 of a specific type with the connection system 4 adapted to this specific type of implant 2.
[0101] This sixth embodiment of the healing cap system 1 also shows a connection system 4 according to Figures 1a, 2a, 3a and 4a, each with partially differently designed connectors 5. In contrast to Figure 5, however, this sixth embodiment of the healing cap system 1 includes a healing cap 3 for each connection system 4, i.e. a total of four healing caps 3 of the same type.
[0102] Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 each show an assembly of components that can be sold, for example, as a salable unit, e.g., with common packaging. The assemblies are selected as examples. It would also be conceivable to provide several similar connection systems 4 in one assembly. Furthermore, it is also conceivable, in particular, for implants 2 associated with the connection systems 4 to be part of such an assembly. Such an assembly could furthermore also comprise connection systems 4 that are modified compared to the embodiments of Figs. 1a, 2a, 3a, and 4a.
[0103] Each of the different connection systems 4 according to Fig.5 and Fig.6 has a connector 5 adapted to a specific type of implant and a retaining screw 6 adapted to this connector 5 and / or to the specific type of implant.
[0104] The several different connectors 5 according to Fig.5 and Fig.6 each have in particular a similar head region 5.3, in particular a similar external thread.
[0105] However, the illustration in Figs. 5 and 6 also clearly shows that the healing caps 3, in particular, can be produced and / or manufactured in a variety of series and / or as mass-produced items, with such healing caps 3 then having, in particular, an opening in the holding area 3.1 (not further described here), which then corresponds to a corresponding head area 5.3 of at least partially differently designed connectors 5. Expressed another way:
[0106] For example, several identical or at least partially dissimilar healing caps 3 can be produced, which can be arranged on implants 2 and / or effectively connected to implants 2 with the aid of connectors 5. Although the connectors 5 are partially designed differently, namely in particular the respective implant region 5.2 of the connectors 5 is adapted for a specific type of implant 2, the connectors 5 in particular then have a similar head region 5.3, with the aid of which the respective healing caps 3 can then be assigned to and / or arranged on different types of implants 2. For this purpose, the healing caps 3, in particular all healing caps 3, have openings corresponding to the similarly designed head regions 5.3 of the connectors 5, which are not designated in more detail but then have the same dimensions.
[0107] As already described at the beginning, further possibilities are conceivable. For example, unequal healing caps can be produced which in particular have differently designed vertical sections, in particular two vertical sections which are of different vertical lengths, so that the attending physician can then select the most suitable healing cap for a patient from the multitude of available unequal healing caps and can then use it. Such unequal healing caps then also in particular have a similarly designed or equally dimensioned opening in the holding area, so that these unequal healing caps can then be easily and effectively connected to the aforementioned connectors, which can in some cases be differently designed but in particular have a similar head area. In particular, the unspecified opening provided or provided in the holding area of the healing cap isThe existing opening can also be referred to as the "receiving area for the head area of the connector" and / or as the "fastening area" for the head area of the connector. This applies to all of the above-mentioned embodiments.
[0108] Figures 1b, 1c, 2b, 2c, 3b, 3c, 4b and 4c each show the connector 5 separately, wherein this connector 5 can be used as described above in the respective healing cap systems 1 according to Figures 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5 and 6.
[0109] As a result, the healing cap system 1 and / or the connector 5 provided here provide or realize a particularly high degree of flexibility for a treating physician, in particular a cost-effective and flexibly applicable healing cap system 1 and / or a cost-effective and flexibly applicable connector 5 can be produced.
[0110] In particular, a healing cap system 1 with a plurality of healing caps 3 and / or a plurality of connectors 5 can therefore be realized, wherein on the one hand the healing caps 3 and / or on the other hand the connectors 5 can be designed at least partially differently. In particular, the respective healing caps 3 can then have differently designed vertical regions 3.2 and / or the respective connectors 5 can be designed and / or constructed such that a respective specific connector 5 can only be effectively connected to a respective implant of a particular type. However, the healing caps 3 then all have a similarly dimensioned opening with an internal thread in their respective holding region 3.1, and the respective connectors 5 all have a similarly designed head region 5.3, wherein the respective head region 5.3 has an external thread corresponding to the internal thread of the healing caps 3.This allows a healing cap desired for a specific application to be easily connected to a specific type of implant suitable for that application using a connector. The versatility of such a healing cap system is therefore correspondingly high. Different materials can be used for the healing caps 3, the connectors 5, and the retaining screws 6, such as ceramics, metals such as titanium, and / or plastics. The healing caps 3 and the connectors 5 are preferably made of a ceramic material, in particular a zirconium oxide ceramic, e.g., using a sintering process.
[0111] List of reference symbols
[0112] 1 healing cap system
[0113] 2 implants
[0114] 3 Healing Cap
[0115] 3.1 Holding area
[0116] 3.2 Vertical range
[0117] 4 Connection system
[0118] 5 Connector
[0119] 5.1 Passage opening
[0120] 5.2 Implant area
[0121] 5.3 Head area
[0122] 6 retaining screw
[0123] 6.1 Screw head
[0124] 7 notch
[0125] L Longitudinal axis
Claims
Patent claims 1. Healing cap system (1) for at least one implant (2), with at least one healing cap (3) and with at least one connection system (4), wherein the healing cap (3) can be effectively connected to the implant (2) with the aid of the connection system (4), wherein the connection system (4) has at least one connector (5), and wherein the healing cap (3) can be effectively connected to the implant (2) with the aid of the connector (5) and / or can be arranged on the implant (2) with the aid of the connector (5), characterized in that the connector (5) has a through-opening (5.1), wherein the connection system (4) additionally has a retaining screw (6), wherein the retaining screw (6) - in the assembled state - penetrates the connector (5) in the region of the through-opening (5.1), and wherein the connector (5) can be effectively connected to the implant (2) with the aid of the retaining screw (6).
2. Healing cap system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector (5) has an implant region (5.2) for arranging the connector (5) on the implant (2) and a head region (5.3) for the effective, in particular force-fitting and / or form-fitting, connection of the connector (5) to the healing cap (3) and / or for arranging the connector (5) on the healing cap (3).
3. Healing cap system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the head region (5.3) has a larger, in particular radial, extension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) of the connector (5) than the implant region (5.2).
4. Healing cap system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the healing cap (3) has a holding area (3.1) for receiving and / or arranging the head area (5.3) of the connector (5).
5. Healing cap system (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the connector (5) has an external thread in the head region (5.3), wherein the healing cap (3) has an opening with an internal thread in the holding region (3.1), in particular wherein the nominal diameter of the external thread corresponds to the nominal diameter of the internal thread.
6. Healing cap system (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the connector (5) in the implant area (5.2) is at least partially conical.
7. Healing cap system (1) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the implant region (5.2) of the connector (5) is designed and / or constructed for form-fitting arrangement and / or connection with the implant (2).
8. Healing cap system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the implant area (5.2) of the connector (5) is hexagonal in shape, in particular to avoid a possible rotation of the connector (5).
9. Healing cap system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connector (5), in particular the implant region (5.2) of the connector (5), has at least one notch (7), preferably a plurality of circumferentially evenly distributed notches (7).
10. Healing cap system (1) according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that a part of the implant region (5.2) facing the head region (5.3) is conical and / or that a part of the implant region (5.2) adjoining this conical part in the longitudinal direction has a constant cross-section with respect to the longitudinal axis (L) of the connector (5).
11. Healing cap system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the through opening (5.1) is cylindrical.
12. Healing cap system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the through-opening (5.1) has a support surface for a Screw head (6.1) of the retaining screw (6) in order to enable a lowered arrangement of the screw head (6.1) in and / or on the connector (5).
13. Healing cap system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the healing cap (3) is essentially umbrella-shaped.
14. Healing cap system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the healing cap (3) has at least one vertical region (3.2), wherein the holding region (3.1) - in the state of the healing cap (3) mounted on the implant (2) - is aligned substantially perpendicularly and / or radially to an implant axis (L), wherein the vertical region (3.2) extends forming an angle and / or a curvature adjoins the holding area (3.1), in particular the vertical area (3.2) - when the healing cap (3) is mounted on the implant (2) and then arranged in a human oral cavity - is aligned and / or curved starting from the holding area (3.1) in the direction of the gingiva.
15. Healing cap system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one healing cap (3) and several different connection systems (4) at least partially adapted to different, specific types of implants are present and / or provided in order to be able to effectively connect the healing cap (3) to an implant (2) of a specific type with the connection system (4) adapted to this specific type of implant (2).
16. Healing cap system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several healing caps (3), in particular of identical type with in particular similarly dimensioned openings, and several different connection systems (4) at least partially adapted to different, specific types of implants are present and / or provided in order to be able to effectively connect any one of the healing caps (3) to an implant (2) of a specific type with the connection system (4) adapted to this specific type of implant (2).
17. Healing cap system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several healing caps, in particular partly of different types, are provided and / or present, wherein the healing caps, however, have openings of similar dimensions, in particular for connection to connectors of partly differently designed, but which have a similarly designed head region.
18. Healing cap system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the different connection systems (4) has a connector (5) adapted to a specific type of implant and a retaining screw (6) adapted to this connector (5) and to this specific type of implant.
19. Healing cap system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of, in particular at least partially differently designed, connectors (5) each have a similar head region (5.3), in particular a similar and / or identically dimensioned external thread, and the plurality of, in particular partially differently designed, healing caps have similar openings, in particular have internal threads similar to the external thread of the head regions (5.3) of the connectors (5).
20. Healing cap system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of partly different connectors (5) each have different through-openings (5.1) which are adapted and / or dimensioned accordingly to the different retaining screws (6).
21. Connector (5), in particular for a healing cap system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 20, wherein a healing cap (3) can be effectively connected to an implant (2) with the aid of the connector (5) and / or can be arranged on the implant (2) with the aid of the connector (5), characterized in that the connector (5) can be effectively connected to the implant (2) with the aid of a retaining screw (6), wherein the connector (5) has a through-opening (5.1), wherein the retaining screw (6) can be arranged penetrating the connector (5) in the region of the through-opening (5.1) for the effective connection of the connector (5) to the implant (2) and / or for the assembly and / or arrangement of the connector (5) on the implant (2), and wherein the connector (5) has an implant region (5.2) for the arrangement of the connector (5) on the implant (2) and a head region (5.3) for the effective, in particular force-fitting and / or form-fitting, connection of the connector (5) to the healing cap (3) and / or for the arrangement of the connector (5) on the healing cap (3).
22. Connector (5) according to claim 21, characterized in that the head region (5.3) has a larger, in particular radial, extension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) of the connector (5) than the implant region (5.2).
23. Connector (5) according to one of claims 21 to 22, characterized in that the connector (5) has an external thread in the head region (5.3).
24. Connector (5) according to one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that the connector (5) is at least partially conical in the implant area (5.2).
25. Connector (5) according to one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that the implant region (5.2) of the connector (5) is designed and / or constructed for a form-fitting arrangement and / or for a form-fitting connection with the implant (2).
26. Connector (5) according to claim 25, characterized in that the implant region (5.2) of the connector (5) is hexagonal in shape, in particular also - when arranged on the implant (2) - to avoid a possible rotation of the connector (5).
27. Connector (5) according to one of claims 21 to 26, characterized in that the connector (5), in particular the implant region (5.2) of the connector (5), has at least one notch (7), preferably a plurality of circumferentially evenly distributed notches (7).
28. Connector (5) according to one of claims 21 to 27, characterized in that a part of the implant region (5.2) facing the head region (5.3) is conical and / or that a part of the implant region (5.2) adjoining this conical part in the longitudinal direction has a constant cross-section with respect to the longitudinal axis (L) of the connector (5).
29. Connector (5) according to one of claims 21 to 28, characterized in that the through opening (5.1) is cylindrical.
30. Connector (5) according to one of claims 21 to 29, characterized in that the through-opening (5.1) has a support surface for a screw head (6.1) of the retaining screw (6) in order to enable a lowered arrangement of the screw head (6.1) in and / or on the connector (5).