BIO-FUNCTIONALIZED IMPLANT PART

Abstract

The present invention relates to a part (2) intended to be used in association with an implant (4) which is itself intended to be fixed in a jaw, this part comprising successively from its distal end (20) and in the direction of its proximal end (21), a distal portion (22) for fixing in the implant, an intermediate portion (23) for attachment to the epithelial and / or connective tissue and a proximal portion (24), this part also comprising at least two zones whose surfaces have a different structure, the structure of the surface of at least one of these two zones, located in said intermediate portion (23), called the first zone, being ordered and repetitive, adapted to the growth of the epithelial tissue and / or the connective tissue and having engravings forming undulations whose depth is less than 0.5 microns. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Bio-functionalized implant part

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of implants and more particularly to parts used in association with these implants, temporarily or permanently.

[0002] It is recalled that a dental implant comprises a threaded anchoring body which is put in place by screwing into a cavity of the jaw, in particular made by drilling. A healing screw is then put in place.

[0003] Subsequently, after integration of the implant into the bone, the healing screw is removed and a prosthetic abutment is fixed in the implant. This abutment compensates for the thickness of the mucosa and allows the fixing of a prosthetic element itself.

[0004] All elements are made of a bio-compatible material, for example Titanium or a Titanium alloy.

[0005] It is also possible to use implants secured to a prosthetic pillar, such as those described for example in document FR 2 943 242.

[0006] These implants have been improved over the years to improve their bone integration, in particular by etching the surface of the anchoring body.

[0007] The invention is based on the observation that good bone integration of the implant in the months following its placement does not prevent subsequent problems of loosening. This is due to degradation of the peri-implant bone, in particular due to the presence of bacteria which are introduced between the implant and the epithelial and connective tissues.

[0008] The importance of the attachment system of the mucosal structures at the periphery of the tooth will be recalled with reference to figure 1.

[0009] This figure is a sectional view of the gum allowing the situation of a natural tooth 10 (right side of the figure) to be compared with that of an implant 11 anchored in the bone (left side of the figure).

[0010] The implant 11 comprises a threaded anchoring body 110. A prosthetic abutment 111 is secured to the anchoring body.

[0011] A prosthetic element 112 is furthermore fixed to the pillar 111.

[0012] Tooth 10 has a root 100 and a crown 101.

[0013] The anchoring body 110 of the implant as well as the root 100 of the tooth are inserted into the bone 12 of the jaw.

[0014] In the case of a natural tooth, the root is fixed to the bone by means of a layer of cement 13 which extends to the crown 101 and by the alveolo-dental ligament 14.

[0015] Of course, the layer of cement that covers the root of the tooth is not present on the implant. This is also the case for the periodontal ligament.

[0016] Bone 12 is surrounded by a layer of connective tissue 15, itself covered with a layer of epithelium 16.

[0017] Figure 1 first shows that connective tissue has oriented fibers.

[0018] For a natural tooth, two types of fibers are distinguished: the fibers 170 which attach to the bone 12 and which are oriented at an angle of less than approximately 45° relative to the axis X-X' of the tooth or the implant and the fibers 171 which extend substantially radially and which attach to the layer of cement present on the tooth, beyond the bone 12.

[0019] It is therefore understood that these radial fibers 171 are not present on the implant since the latter does not contain cement.

[0020] Figure 1 confirms that, for an implant, only fibers 170 are present, all of these fibers attaching to the surface of the bone 12.

[0021] It is known that, for a tooth, these fibers 171 oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis of the tooth make it possible to ensure a watertight protective barrier, in combination with the junction epithelium 160 which is inserted at the interface between the root 100 and its crown 101.

[0022] For an implant, the junction epithelium 161 is indeed present but its attachment to the pillar 111 of the implant is not very strong, especially in the absence of fibers oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis of the implant.

[0023] Thus, healing around an implant leads to a connective tissue structure that is different from that observed with a natural tooth.

[0024] This also leads to disadvantages before the implant abutment is placed on the implant, i.e. in the presence of a healing screw. Indeed, the same phenomenon occurs with the healing screw, no fiber extending substantially radially being created at the level of this healing screw.

[0025] We can then observe, when removing this screw, a contraction of the elastic fibers which leads to the reduction of the access orifice to the connection with the implant and which therefore poses a problem when placing the implant abutment.

[0026] The main objective of the invention is to reduce the risks of an implant becoming loose over time by avoiding the introduction of bacteria.

[0027] All known solutions concern the implant and aim to differentiate the exterior surface of the latter by providing zones of different structures.

[0028] On the contrary, the invention is based on the observation that prosthetic pillars such as healing screws have been used until now only for their mechanical function and that it is possible and desirable to give them other functions, without their design being modified, in terms of general structure or dimensioning.

[0029] This is why the invention proposes to promote re-creation around the pro pillar thetic or a healing screw of epithelial and / or connective tissue which are as close as possible to the epithelial and / or connective tissue present around a natural tooth.

[0030] This makes it possible to recreate around the abutment and / or the healing screw a barrier against the introduction of bacteria which will ensure the protection of the peri-implant bone. The risks of loosening of the implant will therefore be considerably reduced.

[0031] The invention therefore relates to a part intended to be used in association with a dental implant, which is itself intended to be fixed in a jaw, this part comprising successively from its distal end and in the direction of its proximal end, a distal portion for fixing in the implant, an intermediate portion for attachment to the epithelial and / or connective tissue and a proximal portion, this part also comprising at least two zones whose surfaces have a structure different from each other, the structure of the surface of at least one of these two zones, located in the intermediate portion, being ordered and repetitive, adapted to the growth of the epithelial tissue and / or the connective tissue and having engravings forming undulations and whose depth is less than 0.5 microns.

[0032] This part may be a prosthetic pillar, integral with the implant or intended to be fixed in it, or a healing screw.

[0033] Preferably, said at least one zone, called the first zone, has a surface whose structure promotes the growth rate of the epithelial tissue as well as its attachment to the part, this first zone being located inside the intermediate portion.

[0034] Thus, the part makes it possible to create a first barrier for bacteria which will be the furthest from the bone in which the implant is anchored.

[0035] Furthermore, it is also preferred that in addition to this first zone, the part comprises a second zone whose surface has a structure different from that of the first zone and which, for its part, will promote the growth of connective tissue with fibers oriented substantially radially, this second zone also being located in the intermediate portion of the part, between the distal portion and the first zone of the intermediate portion.

[0036] These substantially radial fibers formed in the connective tissue thus form a reinforcement zone for the epithelial attachment, as is observed for a natural tooth.

[0037] It is also possible to provide, within this second zone, at least one other zone spaced from the first zone but having a surface whose structure has a function similar to that of the first zone.

[0038] This other zone makes it possible to create, within a region of the connective tissue opposite this second zone, an attachment point of the epithelial type, between the epithelial attachment itself and the bone.

[0039] The structure of said first zone and of said possible other zone may in particular comprise micro-columns covered by said engravings forming undulations.

[0040] Thus, the invention makes it possible to direct and control the attachments of the epithelial and connective tissues to this part, whether it is an implant abutment or a healing screw. This makes it possible to create a biological seal around the implant, similar to that which exists for a natural tooth, which protects the bone.

[0041] In other advantageous embodiments, one or other of the following arrangements is also used:

[0042] - the part comprises in its intermediate portion, a third zone whose surface has a structure limiting the attachment of dental plaque, in particular a structure making this surface hydrophobic, this third zone being located between said first zone and the proximal portion.

[0043] - the structure of said third zone may comprise nanopillars.

[0044] - For a part in the form of a pillar intended to be fixed in a implant, this abutment has in its distal portion a surface promoting sealing between the abutment and the implant.

[0045] - When the part is a prosthetic abutment, its proximal portion comprises a zone for fixing a prosthetic element, extending from the proximal end of the abutment, this area has a surface whose structure makes it possible to improve the fixing between the abutment and the prosthetic element.

[0046] Thus, with the invention, the parts of the prosthetic pillar or healing screw type are no longer passive parts but can play an active role both in tissue differentiation and proliferation but also in the prevention of dental plaque, and, in the more specific case of prosthetic pillars, for their fixation in an implant and to a prosthetic element.

[0047] Finally, the distal end of the part preferably has an engraved surface to ensure its traceability.

[0048] The invention will be better understood and other aims, advantages and characteristics thereof will appear more clearly on reading the description which is given with regard to the appended drawings, in which:

[0049] [fig. 1] (already described) is a sectional view of the gum with a natural tooth and an implant anchored in the bone.

[0050] [fig.2] is a perspective view of an example of a prosthetic abutment according to the invention.

[0051] [fig.3] is a perspective and partially sectional view showing the pillar of the Figure 2 placed on an implant intended to be fixed in the gum.

[0052] [fig.4] is an enlarged view of a detail of figure 2.

[0053] [fig.5] is a photograph of a structure of the MC-LIPSS type.

[0054] [fig.6] includes two diagrams illustrating the roughness profiles corresponding to an MC-LIPSS structure.

[0055] [fig.7] is a photograph of a LIPSS-type structure.

[0056] [fig.8] includes two diagrams illustrating the roughness profiles corresponding to a LIPSS-type structure.

[0057] [fig.9] is a photograph of an NP-type structure.

[0058] [fig.10] includes two diagrams illustrating the roughness profiles corresponding to an NP structure.

[0059] [fig.l 1] is a perspective view of an example of a healing screw according to the invention.

[0060] [fig.12] is a view of the screw illustrated in figure 11 placed in an implant fixed in the gum.

[0061] The elements common to the different figures will be assigned the same references.

[0062] Reference is first made to Figure 2 which illustrates an example of a prosthetic pillar according to the invention.

[0063] This pillar 2 comprises successively from its distal end 20 and in the direction of its proximal end 21, a distal portion 22 for fixing in an implant, an intermediate portion 23, as well as a proximal portion 24.

[0064] The height of the distal portion 22 may be approximately 3 mm, that of the intermediate or sulcular portion 23 may be between 0.7 and 7 mm and that of the proximal portion 24 may be between 4 and 12 mm.

[0065] This proximal portion 24 serves to fix a prosthetic element on the pillar while the intermediate portion 23 allows in particular the attachment of the pillar to the epithelial and connective tissues.

[0066] Figure 3 illustrates a pillar 2 of the type of that of Figure 2 placed in an implant 4 which is shown here in section.

[0067] The implant 4 is provided with a first blind internal bore 40 comprising on a distal end portion 42 a thread 41 and a truncated proximal end portion 43 for junction with the pillar 2.

[0068] The implant has a 44 thread on its outer face.

[0069] The distal portion 22 of the pillar comprises, from the distal end 20, a first part 220 and a second part 221.

[0070] In a known manner, the second part 221 is frustoconical and is designed to cooperate in friction with the proximal end portion 43 of the implant when the junction between the pillar and the implant is complete.

[0071] Furthermore, the first part 220 comprises cut sides and is designed to cooperate with a correspondingly shaped area of ​​the implant 4, located between the thread 41 and the frustoconical end portion 43.

[0072] Finally, the pillar 2 is fixed in the implant using a screw 5 which penetrates into a bore of the pillar to screw into the tapping 41 of the implant, using the thread present on a distal portion of the screw.

[0073] In the context of the invention, the structure of the surface of the intermediate portion 23 is defined so as to promote the attachment of the pillar to the epithelial and connective tissues.

[0074] Reference is now made to Figure 4 which illustrates in more detail the intermediate portion 23 of the pillar 2.

[0075] In practice, this intermediate portion can be broken down into three zones:

[0076] - a first zone 230 whose surface has a structure intended to promote the growth of epithelial tissue as well as its attachment to pillar 2, this first zone 230 being framed by

[0077] - a second zone 231 which extends between the first zone and the distal portion 22 of the pillar, this second zone having a surface whose structure favors the growth of connective tissue, with fibers oriented substantially radially and by

[0078] - a third zone 232 which extends between this first zone and the proximal portion 24 of the pillar, the surface of this third zone being hydrophobic, so as to limit the fixation of dental plaque.

[0079] It should be noted here that this intermediate portion 23 does not necessarily comprise three zones whose surface has a structure with a particular function, as stated above.

[0080] In practice, however, it is appropriate that at least one first zone be present, the surface of which has a structure promoting the growth of epithelial tissue, or a second zone, the surface of which has a structure promoting the growth of connective tissue with fibres oriented substantially radially.

[0081] If only one of these zones were to be present on the abutment, it is the first zone which would preferably be provided since it allows the creation of a biological seal around the abutment and therefore allows, as a result, the creation of a first barrier for the bacteria as close as possible to their entry route into the gum.

[0082] Of course, even greater efficiency is obtained when the first and second zones are present on the abutment. Indeed, the presence of the second zone makes it possible to obtain a connective tissue whose structure is close to that which exists with a natural tooth and which then constitutes an effective support structure for the epithelial attachment.

[0083] The abutment according to the invention thus makes it possible to reconstitute a cellular environment very close to that existing around a natural tooth.

[0084] Finally, the third zone 232, when present, further contributes to the efficiency of the biological seal thus created, limiting the fixation of dental plaque.

[0085] With reference to figures 7 to 10, examples of surface structures making it possible to fulfill the functions which have just been described will now be detailed.

[0086] Generally speaking, these structures are obtained using a femto-laser, that is to say a laser producing ultrashort pulses whose duration is between a few femtoseconds and a few hundred femtoseconds.

[0087] They then undergo a cleaning operation.

[0088] A laser of this type makes it possible to obtain engravings whose depth is of the order of a hundredth of a micron and which are ordered, that is to say non-random, repetitive, that is to say formed of a pattern repeated on this surface and reproducible. It is thus possible to give each surface and with certainty the desired function by appropriately parameterizing the laser.

[0089] In addition, laser treatment of the surface of the pillar, carried out with air, oxidizes this surface. This is notably due to the temperature level reached on the surface during this treatment.

[0090] Thus, when the pillar is made of titanium or a titanium alloy, the laser treatment creates a layer of titanium oxide which is a biocompatible surface and more resistant to corrosion than the initial constituent material. In addition, this oxide layer promotes mineralization.

[0091] Examples of structures for the surfaces of each of the three zones 230 to 232 will now be described.

[0092] At the level of the first zone 230, it will be possible to provide for texturing the pillar by femtosecond laser so as to obtain micro-columns covered with periodic surface structures forming undulations (or LIPSS, i.e. Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures, in English terminology). This particular structure is designated by the term MC-LIPSS in English terminology.

[0093] An example of such a surface is illustrated in Figure 5. Thus, this surface comprises micro-columns whose cross-section is substantially elliptical which are covered with structures forming undulations (LIPSS structures) whose periodicity is of the same order of magnitude as the radiation wavelength of the laser or a few hundred nanometers.

[0094] Figure 6 illustrates for two types of titanium, a commercially pure titanium (cp Ti) and for a titanium alloy (of the Ti6A14V type), two graphs illustrating the variation in the height of the roughness of the textured surface (in microns), according to a standardized measurement of the linear surface profile, as a function of the length of the sample (in microns).

[0095] The roughness parameters of such a surface were measured. It is recalled that the parameter Ra gives the arithmetic mean roughness of the profile, while the parameter Rz gives the maximum roughness of the profile.

[0096] The Ra parameter (expressed in microns) is of the order of 0.8 microns for a titanium substrate and of the order of 0.7 microns for a Ti6A14V substrate.

[0097] Furthermore, the Rz parameter (expressed in microns) is of the order of 5.3 for a titanium substrate and of the order of 5.4 for a Ti6A14V support.

[0098] In practice, texturing is obtained with micro-columns by treating, for example, in a first step, the surface with a laser generating 1069 pulses per second and with a fluence of 0.80 J / cm2 to obtain a micro-column structure.

[0099] The LIPSS structures which cover these columns are obtained in a second step, for example with a laser generating 192 pulses, with a fluence of 0.20 J / cm2.

[0100] These periodic surface structures appear in the form of substantially parallel undulations, the laser beam then having a right polarization.

[0101] This type of structure has been found to promote the differentiation and growth of epithelial tissue and is therefore provided in the first zone 230 of the intermediate portion 23.

[0102] As regards the second zone 231, it will be possible to provide for texturing its surface so that it has a LIPSS (Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures) type structure, i.e. a periodic surface structure obtained by laser treatment.

[0103] As indicated above, these structures consist of substantially parallel undulations.

[0104] A structure of this type is illustrated in Figure 7.

[0105] Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 6 which includes two graphs, the first corresponding to pure titanium and the second to a titanium alloy of the Ti6A14V type, illustrating the variation in the height of the surface roughness (in microns) according to a standardized measurement of the linear surface profile, as a function of the length (in microns) of the sample.

[0106] As previously, the roughness parameters Ra and Rz can be calculated for this type of structure. It can thus be measured that Ra is substantially equal to 0.3 microns for pure titanium and for an alloy of the Ti6A14V type and that Rz is equal to approximately 1.5 microns for pure titanium and 1.4 microns for an alloy of the Ti6A14V type.

[0107] In the context of the invention, a LIPSS type structure will be retained whose undulations are spaced approximately 500 nm apart.

[0108] It has been observed that a structure of this type makes it possible to promote the growth of connective tissue with fibers oriented substantially radially.

[0109] As explained previously, this second zone 231 is preferably provided in addition to the first zone 230 so as to constitute an effective support for the epithelial attachment, the formation of which is encouraged by the particular texturing of the first zone 230. However, this second zone 231 could be provided alone.

[0110] In this regard, it may be interesting to provide, within this second zone 231, a surface portion having a different texture and promoting the formation of epithelial tissue.

[0111] Thus, this surface portion may have, for example in an annular manner, a texturing identical to that of the first zone 230 or, in any event, a texturing fulfilling the same function.

[0112] The presence of this other differentiated zone inside the second zone makes it possible to create inside the latter an attachment point for the epithelial tissue, under the epithelial attachment itself, which creates an additional barrier against the introduction of bacteria.

[0113] It should be emphasized that the surface structures described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 constitute only examples of implementation of the invention and that the latter is not limited to these examples.

[0114] As regards now the third zone 232 of the intermediate portion 23, a nanopillar type (or NP in English terminology) texture may be provided on its surface.

[0115] This structure is illustrated in Figure 9.

[0116] Furthermore, figure 10, like figures 6 and 8 described previously, includes two graphs illustrating the roughness profiles of such texturing, on the one hand for pure titanium and on the other hand for a titanium alloy of the Ti6A14V type.

[0117] Each of these graphs gives the height of the roughness (in microns) according to a standardized measurement of the linear surface profile, as a function of the length of the sample (in microns).

[0118] The roughness parameters Ra and Rz were also calculated for this type of texturing. Thus, Ra is substantially equal to 0.3 microns for pure titanium and an alloy of the Ti6A14V type, while Rz is equal to approximately 1.6 microns for a pure titanium substrate and 1.3 microns for a titanium alloy substrate of the Ti6A14V type.

[0119] A nanopillar structure of this type is obtained using a femtosecond laser and in two steps.

[0120] In a first step, the surface of the substrate is treated to obtain periodic surface structures (of the LIPSS type) which appear in the form of substantially parallel undulations.

[0121] In this first step, the laser parameters are set to generate 192 pulses, with a fluence of 0.3 J / cm2. In this first step, the polarization of the laser beam is straight.

[0122] The second step of the surface treatment is still performed by a femtosecond laser but with a lower fluence and number of pulses. Thus, this second step can be performed with a laser set to generate 47 pulses, with a fluence of 0.10 J / cm2. In this second step, the polarization of the laser beam is still straight but its direction is rotated by 90° with respect to the direction of the polarization used in the first step of the surface treatment.

[0123] Thus, the undulations formed during the first stage of the treatment are partially destroyed by the second stage of the treatment so as to form these nanopillars.

[0124] It is noted that this surface structure makes it possible to limit the formation of biofilm, particularly compared to a polished surface.

[0125] This is why this type of texturing is advantageously used in the third zone 232.

[0126] However, the invention is not limited to this type of texturing.

[0127] In particular, it has been observed that a textured surface of the LIPSS type also has the particularity of preventing the formation of biofilm.

[0128] Finally, and in a non-limiting manner, any type of hydrophobic surface can be used for this third zone 232, in order to avoid the formation of biofilm.

[0129] It is thus understood that this third zone makes it possible to reinforce the effects of the first zone and / or the second zone by limiting the presence of bacteria above these two zones. It therefore reinforces the biological barrier function already fulfilled by one or other of these two zones.

[0130] In addition to the particular structures which are given to the surface of the pillar in its intermediate portion, the invention also provides for giving the other surfaces of the pillar particular structures in order to give them reinforced functions.

[0131] Reference is again made to Figure 2 which illustrates not only the intermediate portion 23 but also the distal portion and the proximal portion of the pillar.

[0132] As indicated previously, the distal portion 22 is the portion of the abutment which will be used for its fixation in the implant.

[0133] Preferably, the structure of the surface of this distal portion 22 is chosen so as to improve the sealing of the connection between the pillar 2 and the implant.

[0134] This structure can also be obtained by the action of a femtosecond laser. It may in particular be a structure having a micrometric grip aimed at increasing the mechanical retention of the connection (for example conical) between the abutment and the implant and at improving the sealing at the interface between the two parts.

[0135] Improving the sealing of the connection between the abutment and the implant also helps to avoid contamination by pathogenic bacteria present in mouth, which can lead to bone loss.

[0136] In this distal part and in particular in the first most distal part 220, it is possible to provide an engraving of the pillar, again using a nanosecond or femtosecond laser.

[0137] This engraving may consist of a 2D code, of the data Matrix type, allowing the unique identification of the pillar.

[0138] Thanks to this engraving, it is then possible to trace the abutment in an original and unique way, after its fixation in the implant.

[0139] Furthermore, the proximal portion 24 of the pillar is intended for fixing a prosthesis.

[0140] Here again, it can be provided that the surface of this proximal portion has a particular structure, in order to improve the fixing of the prosthesis on the pillar.

[0141] For example, this structure may be of greater roughness than the machined raw structure in order to increase the retention of the sealing or bonding of the prosthesis on the abutment.

[0142] It is thus understood that the invention proposes to give the surface of each part of the pillar a specific structure so as to give it a particular function or to improve the function already fulfilled.

[0143] These different parts of the pillar are therefore no longer passive but on the contrary active in relation to their environment, whether or not it is a living environment.

[0144] Reference will now be made to Figures 11 and 12 which illustrate a healing screw, in order to show how the invention can be adapted to such a screw.

[0145] On such a healing screw 3, three portions can also be defined from its distal end 30 to its proximal end 31.

[0146] Thus, the screw 3 comprises a distal portion 32 for fixing in the implant 4, this portion comprising a thread 35.

[0147] This distal portion 32 comprises, for example, a conical zone whose height is approximately 2 mm and a thread whose height is between 1 and 3 mm, for a diameter between 1.2 and 2 mm.

[0148] Towards its proximal end, an intermediate portion 33 extends, the height of which is between 0.7 and 7 mm and which is in particular equal to 3 mm. It is extended by a proximal portion 34, the height of which is between 1 and 5 mm and which is in particular equal to 3 mm. The latter corresponds to the part of the screw located partly outside the gum when the healing screw is screwed into the implant, itself being fixed in the jaw of a patient.

[0149] Inside the intermediate portion 33, three zones can be defined: a first zone 330, framed by a second zone 331 and a third zone 332. The second zone 331 extends between the first zone 330 and the distal portion 32 of the screw, while the third zone extends between the first zone and the proximal portion 34. of the screw.

[0150] As for a pillar according to the invention, the surface of each of these zones is chosen to present a particular function.

[0151] Thus, the structure of the surface of the first zone 330 will be chosen to promote the growth of epithelial tissue. As described previously, this structure may in particular be of the MC-LIPSS type. This structure has already been written for a pillar and will not be described again in detail.

[0152] Similarly, the structure of the surface of the second zone 331 will be chosen so as to promote the growth of connective tissue, with fibers oriented substantially radially.

[0153] This structure may in particular be of the LIPSS type, as described previously for a pillar.

[0154] Finally, the structure of the surface of the third zone 332 will be chosen so that this surface is hydrophobic and reference will again be made to the examples given previously for a pillar according to the invention.

[0155] Preferably, it is the first zone 330 which has a functionalized surface so as to create a barrier for the bacteria which is the furthest from the bone.

[0156] This barrier function is of course reinforced when the second zone 331 is itself functionalized in accordance with the invention.

[0157] Finally, the third zone 332, when it is hydrophobic, makes it possible to prevent the attachment of dental plaque, which further reinforces the barrier function provided by the first zone 330 and / or the second zone 331. The function of this third zone 332 is therefore complementary to that of the first zone and / or the second zone.

[0158] As described for pillar 2, inside the second zone 331, annular parts may be provided whose surface has a structure having the same function as the first zone, i.e. to promote the growth of epithelial tissue. This makes it possible to create, inside the second zone, epithelial attachments in addition to that already created at the level of the first zone 330.

[0159] Figure 12 shows the screw 3 in the implant 4, itself fixed in the bone 12.

[0160] Finally, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and other variants could be envisaged.

[0161] Thus, the constituent materials of a pillar or a healing screw according to the invention are typically titanium-based, whether commercially pure titanium or a titanium alloy. However, other biocompatible materials may be considered such as other metal alloys (titanium-nobium, titan-zireone, cobalt-chromium), ceramics (zirconia) or plastics (PEEK, polyethylene).

Claims

Claims

1. Part (2, 3) intended to be used in association with a dental implant (4) which is itself intended to be fixed in a jaw, this part comprising successively from its distal end (20, 30) and in the direction of its proximal end (21, 31), a distal portion (22, 32) for fixing in the implant, an intermediate portion (23, 33) for attachment to the epithelial and / or connective tissue and a proximal portion (24, 34), this part also comprising at least two zones whose surfaces have a different structure, the structure of the surface of at least one of these two zones, located in said intermediate portion (23, 33), called the first zone, being ordered and repetitive, adapted to the growth of the epithelial tissue and / or the connective tissue and having engravings forming undulations whose depth is less than 0.5 microns.

2. Part according to claim 1, in which said first zone (230, 330) has a surface comprising micro-columns covered by the engravings forming undulations so as to promote the growth of the epithelial tissue as well as its attachment to the part.

3. Part according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which in addition to this first zone, a second zone (231, 331) is provided whose surface has a structure different from that of the first zone (230, 330) and which promotes the growth of connective tissue with fibers oriented substantially radially, this second zone being located in the intermediate portion of the part, between the distal portion (22, 32) and the first zone (230, 330) of the intermediate portion (23, 33).

4. Part according to claim 3 in which, inside this second zone (231, 331), there is provided at least one other zone spaced from the first zone but having a surface whose structure has a texture different from that of the second zone, and which promotes the growth rate of the epithelial tissue as well as its attachment to the part.

5. Part according to claim 4 in which the structure of said other zone comprises micro-columns covered by the engravings forming undulations.

6. Part according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising in its intermediate portion, a third zone (232, 332) whose surface has a texturing designed to limit the attachment of dental plaque, this third zone being located between said first zone (230, 330) and the proximal portion (24, 34).

7. Part according to claim 6, in which the structure of said third zone (232, 332) is hydrophobic.

8. Part according to claim 6 or 7, in which the structure of said third zone (232, 332) comprises nanopillars.

9. Part according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in the form of a prosthetic pillar (2) intended to be fixed in an implant, this pillar comprising, in its distal portion (22), a surface having a micrometric grip to ensure mechanical retention or sealing between the pillar and the implant.

10. Part according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in the form of a prosthetic pillar (2), the proximal portion (24) of which comprises a zone for fixing a prosthetic element extending from the proximal end (21) of the pillar, this zone having a surface whose roughness is greater than that of the machined raw structure of the part to improve the fixing between the pillar and the prosthetic element.

11. Part according to any one of claims 1 to 8 in the form of a healing screw (3).

12. Part according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the distal portion (22, 32) of which has an area whose surface is engraved to ensure its traceability.

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