A healing cap with increased compliancy to gingiva for use in implant treatment

Abstract

The invention relates to a healing cap (1) to ensure the gingiva to have a form compliant to a dental prosthesis for the dental implant treatment. The invention is characterized by comprising at least one platform (10) which may be positioned on a dental implant, at least one body (20) having a form compliant to an area in contact with the gingiva of a real tooth on a side facing the gingiva to be connected to said platform (10), and at least one cover screw (30) for fixing the platform (10) and the body (20) onto the dental implant.

Description

[0001] A HEALING CAP WITH INCREASED COMPLIANCY TO GINGIVA FOR USE IN IMPLANT TREATMENT

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a healing cap to ensure the gingiva to have a form compliant to a dental prosthesis for the dental implant treatment.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] A dental implant is screws made of a titanium-based material used in the treatment of missing teeth and placed inside the jawbone. A dental prosthesis is placed onto these screws. The advantage of an implant treatment over the other treatments is that the neighboring teeth are not damaged. That is, the neighboring teeth do not need to be cut. An implant tooth acts as a root and may be used easily like a natural tooth. The implant treatment is performed by administering a minimal sedation to the patient. The impression of the jaw bones and the remaining teeth are taken. During the one-step procedure, a temporary healing cap is attached after the implant is placed.

[0006] An implant healing cap is the parts which are often made of titanium and help form healthy gingivae around a prosthetic tooth attached to the implant and make the prosthetic tooth appear to emerge from the gingiva like a real tooth. Especially during the incisor implant applications where an aesthetic appearance is very important, shaping the gingiva around this cap and adjusting its contour is very important.

[0007] The standard procedure in implant surgery is to screw the implant into the jawbone and cover the gingiva thereon. In this approach, the implant is not visible from inside the mouth, and the screw heals under the gingiva and fuses with the jawbone. In such cases, a former is installed just before the implant- supported prosthesis step. This is a two-step application. In a single-step applications such as immediate implants, the implant and the cap are placed at the same time, and healing takes place around this part. The implant healing cap is installed completely under local anesthesia. With a simple surgical procedure, your dentist opens a small hole through the gingiva and reaches the implant screw. The cover screw attached to the screw during the placement is removed, and a healing cap is placed in its place.

[0008] The application no. US6257890 known in the literature relates to a healing cap. At least one opening is located at the cap to insert a tool to fix the gingiva. The opening is preferably designed as a slit or through hole leading to a central hole into which the normal dental materials can be inserted, in particular for suturing suitably prepared mucosal flaps. healing caps known in the present art are manufactured in a cylindrical shape. As these healing caps are cylindrical in shape, the gingivae are formed in a cylindrical shape during the treatment process. Additionally, no adjustment can be done according to the angle, position and location of an implant. After the healing cap is removed during the implant treatment, the cylindrical shape, angle and position are not completely compatible with the form of the tooth during the placement of an abutment. In this case, situations such as aesthetic problems and the prolongation of the treatment process are encountered. In addition, custom healing caps have been available for about ten years. It is produced from blocks such as zircon, PMMA and metal by using a premill or block milling method, like the method used in making custom abutments. However, in this way, labor and costs are incurred as much as a custom abutment. And once this custom healing cap, abutment and prosthesis are made, they cannot be reused and are thrown away. Additionally, impression cannot be made over these healing caps.

[0009] Consequently, all the above-mentioned problems have made it necessary to make an innovation in the relevant technical field. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention relates to a healing cap in order to eliminate the above mentioned disadvantages and provide the related technical field with new advantages.

[0011] An object of the invention is to produce a healing cap shaped in accordance with a form in a junction site of the tooth and the gingiva, which is applied during the dental implant treatment.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a healing cap on which an impression post may be attached during the dental implant treatment.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to produce a healing cap with a reduced cost and a shorter treatment period, which may be shaped in a patient-specific manner during the dental implant treatment.

[0014] In order to achieve all the objects which have been mentioned above and will be appreciated from the detailed description below, the present invention is a healing cap to ensure the formation of the gingiva in compliance with the dental prosthesis in the dental implant treatment. Accordingly, the innovation is that it comprises at least one platform which may be positioned on a dental implant, at least one body having a form compliant to an area in contact with the gingiva of a real tooth on a side facing the gingiva to be connected to said platform, and at least one cover screw for fixing the platform and the body onto the dental implant. Thus, a healing cap configuration is obtained which provides a gingiva form compliant to an individual's treated tooth.

[0015] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it includes at least one carrying element for placing the body on the platform. Thus, the body is easily placed in a predetermined position on the platform. A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the platform contains at least one through hole for fixing the platform and the body onto the implant by the cover screw. Thus, the cover screw is passed through the open hole, and the body and platform are fixed on the implant.

[0016] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the platform is made of a titanium-based material, and the body is made of at least one of peek, a composite and a temporary resin. In this way, the body is made disposable as the cost thereof is reduced, and the platform may be reused.

[0017] A further possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the body comprises an initial emergence profile on a side facing the platform and a root tooth profile on the opposite side, the initial emergence profile of the body is in elliptical form to be compatible with an individual's incisors, and the root tooth profile is in a form on which the recesses and protrusions similar to the root tooth structure pass organically. Thus, the body is formed compliant to an individual's tooth structure.

[0018] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the platform includes at least one implant connecting portion on a side facing the dental implant and at least one cover screw connecting portion on a side of the platform facing the cover screw. Thus, the platform may be properly connected to the implant on one side and the cover screw on the other side.

[0019] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one fixing protrusion to fix the body which is formed in accordance with the tooth structure of an individual, on the platform in a position suitable for the tooth form. Thus, the body is prevented from rotating relative to the platform and is fixed in a desired position. Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it includes at least one chamfered portion for fixing the cover screw to the implant. Thus, the cover screw is rotated around itself and fixed on the implant.

[0020] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one centering stage for centering the cover screw on the body. Thus, the body is fixed in a desired direction relative to the platform.

[0021] A further possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the cover screw comprises at least one head to cover and tighten the body and the root tooth profile. Thus, the open upper part of the body is covered with the cover screw.

[0022] A further possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one impression post or scan body to be positioned on the body. Thus, impression may be made without removing the healing cap.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

[0024] Figure 1 shows a representative exploded view of the healing cap of the invention.

[0025] Figure 2 shows a representative exploded view of the platform in the healing cap of the invention.

[0026] Figure 3 shows a representative exploded view of the cover screw in the healing cap of the invention.

[0027] Figure 4 shows a representative top and side view of the platform in the healing head of the invention. Figure 5 shows a representative perspective view wherein the impression post is positioned on the healing cap of the invention.

[0028] Figure 6 shows a representative perspective view of the healing cap of the invention.

[0029] Figure 7 shows a representative exploded view of the healing cap of the invention.

[0030] Figure 8 shows a representative view of the healing cap of the invention before the manufacture thereof.

[0031] Figure 9 shows another representative view of the healing cap of the invention before the manufacture thereof.

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] In this detailed description the subject matter of the invention are described with examples only for a better understanding of the subject in a non-limiting sense.

[0034] Figures 1 to 3 shows a representative view of the healing cap (1) of the invention. A healing cap (1 ) is a part which helps form healthy gingivae around a prosthetic tooth attached to the implant and makes a tooth appear to emerge from the gingiva. The healing cap (1 ) essentially has at least one platform (10), at least one body (20), and at least one cover screw (30). Said platform (10) is positioned to be embedded in the gingiva on the implant. Said body (20) is the part of the healing cap (1 ), which forms the gingiva. Said cover screw (30) allows the platform (10) to be held fixedly on the implant. After healing, the healing cap (1 ) is removed, and the abutment and dental prosthesis are placed in this site. In the healing cap (1), the platform (10) is configured to be connected to the implant on one side and to the cover screw (30) on the other side. To this end, the platform (10) has at least one implant connecting portion (11 ) and at least one cover screw connecting portion (12) on the other side thereof. Said implant connecting portion (11 ) is a region which allows the platform (10) to enter at least partially and placed in the implant. Said cover screw is connected to the implant by passing the cover screw (30) through said cover screw connecting portion (12). For this purpose, there is a through hole (14) extending within the platform (10). In addition, there is at least one fixing protrusion (13) on the platform (10). Said fixing protrusion (13) may be formed as an outward extension or an inward recess in order to prevent the custom body (20) which will rest thereon from rotating.

[0035] The cover screw (30) is passed through the through hole (14) in the platform (10) and screwed onto the implant. To this end, the cover screw (30) has at least one chamfered portion part (31) thereon. Said chamfered portion (31 ) is formed in a threaded structure to be fixed on the implant by rotating the cover screw (30) around itself. For this purpose, there is a structure on the implant through which the chamfered portion (31 ) may pass and be fixed. The cover screw (30) has a centering stage (32) and a head (33) thereon. Said centering stage (32) is formed in such a way that it fits into the cover screw connecting portion (12) of the platform (10) and into a slot suitable for the opening in the body (20) formed in a printer, without any play. In this way, the cover screw (30) is centered and fixed relative to the platform (10) and the body (20). The head (33) serves to completely cover the upper part of the platform (10). In addition, by making it wider than the platform (10), or positioning it higher than the platform (10), it allows the custom body (20) which will fitted on the platform (10) to be fixed to both the platform (10) and the implant by tightening. In addition, there is no need to bond the custom body (20) to the platform (10). Thus, when the cover screw (30) is unscrewed, the custom body (20) which is fixed by tightening is easily detached from the platform (10). And then the body (20) is no longer needed and becomes a waste. The platform (10) can be reused as it is not damaged during these operations.

[0036] Figure 4 shows a representative top and side view of the platform (10) in the healing head (1 ) of the invention. Accordingly, the platform (10) may be manufactured in different shapes depending on the tooth to which the dental implant treatment will be applied. The platform (10) has a carrying platform (15). Said carrying platform (15) is essentially the initial shape of the piece where the treated tooth is embedded in the gingiva. The carrying platform (15) is essentially the outwardly protruding part of the platform (10). The fact that the platform (10) has a carrying platform (15) ensures its integration with the custom body (20) form that will fitted thereon. The carrying platform (15) on the platform (10) and the custom body (20) are connected to each other integrally. Thus, a hygienic area for the implant is ensured and the compliance of the prosthetic tooth to the gingiva is facilitated during the treatment process.

[0037] The body (20) is formed in different ways according to the structure and type of an individual's teeth. There is at least one initial emergence profile (21 ) and at least one root tooth profile (22) on the body (20). Said initial emergence profile (21 ) is located on a side of the body (20) facing the carrying platform (15). Said root tooth profile (22) is located in the opposite direction, on a side facing inside of the individual's mouth. The initial emergence profile (21 ) on the body (20) is essentially formed in similar, compatible shapes with the carrying platform (15). In a possible embodiment of the invention, the initial emergence profile (21 ) of the body (20) may be manufactured in an elliptical form to be compatible with the individual's incisors. Said root tooth profile (22) is in a form on which the recesses and protrusions similar to the root tooth structure pass organically.

[0038] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the initial emergence profile (21) and root tooth profile (22) on the body (20) may be in the form of the individual's root tooth. Said root tooth profile (22) and initial emergence profile (21 ) are essentially the form between the beginning part of the gingiva of the root parts of the individual's teeth and the bone or implant. By so forming the body (20) of the healing cap (1 ), the gingivae are formed compliant to the form of the prosthetic tooth to be placed on the gingivae. Thus, the duration of implant treatment may be shortened, and better results may be achieved.

[0039] Figure 5 shows a representative perspective view wherein the impression post (40) is positioned on the healing cap (1 ) of the invention. Accordingly, the impression post (40) is used to transfer the correct positions of the dental implants in the mouth to a model during the implant-supported prosthesis step. Artificial implants, called analogs, are attached to the impressions taken with the impression post (40) attached to the implant, and a plaster model is obtained. Therefore, the impression post (40) is positioned on the body (20) to enable the desired medical study to be performed. Digital impressions may also be made by attaching a scan body instead of the impression post (40) to the healing cap (1 ) of the invention. The field where the invention will be most successful and used the most are the impressions to be taken in a digital environment, custom implant prosthetic parts and prostheses.

[0040] Figures 6 and 7 show a representative view of the healing cap (1 ) of the invention. Accordingly, the body (20) has an initial emergence profile (21 ) and a root tooth profile (22). The root tooth profile (22) is a form located in a site where the individual's natural teeth are in contact with the gingivae. The root tooth profile (22) may essentially be described as a form which is located between the crown part of the tooth on the gingiva and the bone or implant. This body (20) form is used for the implant treatment of the individual's root teeth and contributes to the gingivae taking a form as suitable for the dental prosthesis as possible.

[0041] Figures 8 and 9 show a representative view of the healing cap (1 ) of the invention before the manufacture thereof. In a possible embodiment of the invention, the healing cap (1 ) may contain an initial emergence profile (21 ) at different heights depending on the tooth structure of the patient for whom it will be used and compliant to the patient's gingiva height and may be produced by adding a fixing protrusion (13) or recess in length and diameter appropriate to the profile of the tooth to be used. The healing cap (1) is loaded into a dental CAD program (e.g., Exocad) together with the special cover screws (30), and a custom body (20) is designed on the healing cap (1 ) of the invention. The custom body (20) may be manufactured from various materials, such as peek, a composite and a temporary resin, using 3D printers. This body (20) is attached to the platform (10) and covered with the cover screw (30). After a gingiva emergence profile suitable for the prosthetic tooth is formed with this healing cap (1 ), only the cover screw (30) is removed and the impression post (40) or scan body is installed. Then, this cavity and emergence profile formed is matched with the form and emergence profile of the healing cap (1) previously made by taking impression either digitally or classically, and a custom abutment or multiunit abutment with this emergence profile may be produced. Many compatibility problems related to the abutment and prosthesis in implantology are solved by means of the healing cap (1 ) of the invention. In addition, another important issue is that the healing cap (1 ) consists of two parts, the platform (10) and the body (20). The first part, i.e., the platform (10), is made of titanium. The body (20), which is manufactured with a 3D printer using at least one of the peek, a composite and a temporary resin, may be detached and discarded from the titanium platform (10) after the cavity is formed and the custom abutment, multiunit abutment and prosthetic tooth are made and installed in the mouth. The platform (10) made of a titanium-based material, may be washed and reused for the other patients. By shaping the body (20) of the healing cap (1 ) depending on the tooth type, the healing time of the gingiva is reduced, the treatment efficiency is increased, and an aesthetic appearance is provided.

[0042] The scope of protection of the invention is specified in the attached claims and cannot be limited to what is explained in this detailed description for the exemplary purposes. That is because it is clear that a person skilled in the art may represent similar embodiments in the light of what has been explained above without departing from the main spirit of the invention. REFERENCE NUMBERS IN THE FIGURES

[0043] I Healing cap

[0044] 10 Platform

[0045] I I Implant Connecting Portion

[0046] 12 Cover Screw Connecting Portion

[0047] 13 Fixing Protrusion

[0048] 14 Through Hole

[0049] 15 Carrying platform

[0050] 20 Body

[0051] 21 Initial Emergence Profile

[0052] 22 Root Tooth Profile

[0053] 30 Cover Screw

[0054] 31 Chamfered Portion

[0055] 32 Centering Stage

[0056] 33 Head

[0057] 40 Impression Post

Claims

CLAIMS1. A healing cap (1) to allow the gingiva to have a form compliant to a dental prothesis in the dental implant treatment, characterized in that it comprises at least one platform (10) which may be positioned on a dental implant, at least one body (20) having a form compliant to an area in contact with the gingiva of a real tooth on a side facing the gingiva to be connected to said platform (10), and at least one cover screw (30) for fixing the platform (10) and the body (20) onto the dental implant.

2. A healing cap (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one carrying platform (15) for placing the body (20) on the platform (10).

3. A healing cap (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the platform (10) contains at least one through hole (14) for fixing the platform (10) and the body (20) onto the implant by the cover screw (30).

4. A healing cap (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the platform (10) is made of a titanium based material.

5. A healing cap (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the body (20) is made of at least one of peek, a composite and a temporary resin.

6. A healing cap (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises an initial emergence profile (21 ) on a side of the body (20) facing the platform (10) and a root tooth profile (22) on the opposite side.

7. A healing cap (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the initial emergence profile (21 ) of the body (20) has an elliptical form to be compliant to the incisors of an individual.

8. A healing cap (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the root tooth profile (22) is in a form on which the recesses and protrusions similar to the root tooth structure pass organically.

9. A healing cap (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one implant connecting portion (11 ) on a side of the platform (10) facing the dental implant.

10. A healing cap (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one cover screw connecting portion (12) on a side of the platform (10) facing the cover screw (30).

11. A healing cap (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one fixing protrusion (13) to fix the body (20) which is formed in accordance with the tooth structure of an individual, on the platform (10) in a position suitable for the tooth form.

12. A healing cap (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one chamfered portion (31 ) for fixing the cover screw (30) to the implant.

13. A healing cap (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one centering stage (32) for centering the cover screw (30) on the body (20).

14. A healing cap (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the cover screw (30) comprises at least one head (33) to cover and tighten the body (20) and the root tooth profile (22).

15. A healing cap (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one impression post (40) or scan body to be positioned on the body (20).

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