Improved dental implant system

Abstract

To provide an improved dental implant system.SOLUTION: A dental implant 1 includes: a coronal section including a coronal end of dental implant; a threaded region extending apically from the coronal section to an apical tip of the dental implant; and an internal blind bore for connection to a secondary part, the internal blind bore including a stabilization section 16 extending apically from the coronal end of the dental implant; and a drive and indexing section 17 extending apically from an apical end of the stabilizing section. The drive and indexing section is provided with a plurality of connection lobes 171 which each have a recessed shape and extend in a longitudinal direction. The connection lobes are interconnected by respective lobe linking regions 172 extending in the longitudinal direction, and each of the lobe linking regions includes two protrusions 174 extending in the longitudinal direction and adjacent to the respective connection lobes and a recess 175 extending in the longitudinal direction between the two protrusions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a dental implant with an improved coupling for an insertion tool and / or for a secondary part and / or other overlapping elements overlapping the dental implant, e.g. an abutment. The present invention also relates to a secondary part, e.g. an abutment, with an improved coupling with a dental implant. The present invention also relates to an insertion tool with an improved coupling with a dental implant. The present invention also relates to a dental implant system, in particular a multi-part dental implant system, with an improved coupling between a dental implant and a secondary part, e.g. an abutment, which coupling is suitable for cooperation with an insertion tool intended to place the dental implant in a recipient bone. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, multi-part dental implant systems are used in dental surgery to reconstruct parts of human teeth. Usually, a multi-part implant system consists of a dental implant, preferably a dental screw (which is inserted, for example, by screwing or press-fitting into a recipient prepared in bone tissue), and an abutment or secondary part that can be attached to an internal blind hole of the dental implant. The abutment or secondary part is configured, inter alia, to support a dental prosthesis or a dental bridge. The attachment of the abutment or secondary part to the dental implant is achieved by a connecting screw that is screwed into the internal thread of the internal blind hole of the dental implant.

[0003] A dental implant, in particular a dental implant system including a dental implant screw, a secondary part (i.e., an abutment) and a connecting screw, is known from US Publication No. 2005 / 0287497 A1. The internal blind bore of the known dental implant includes a stabilizing section extending from a coronal end of the dental implant, a drive and indexing section extending apically from an apical end of the stabilizing section, and an internally threaded section extending apically from the apex of the drive and indexing section. The known drive and indexing section is formed of alternating equally sized lobes with recesses interposed between the protrusions, so that a petal-like configuration is implemented. The abutment of the known dental implant system of U.S. Publication No. 2005 / 0287497 A1 is shaped at its apical end in a complementary manner to the stabilizing section and the driving indexing section of the dental implant, and further has a through hole through which a connecting screw can pass to engage with the female threaded section of the blind hole of the dental implant and to hold the abutment fixed in a predetermined angular position on the dental implant.

[0004] A problem that frequently occurs in the above multi-part implant system is the difficulty of accurate angular positioning and stability of the abutment or secondary part in the dental implant already placed in the bone tissue. Furthermore, since the same coupling means is used to position the secondary part on the dental implant and to couple it to the insertion tool used to place the dental implant in the bone tissue, the problem of sufficient torque resistance of the coupling means occurs. Yet another problem that occurs in the multi-part dental implant system is the sealing between the dental implant and the secondary part, which needs to minimize the infiltration of fluids into the internal blind holes of the dental implant through the coupling means for sterilization.

[0005] In U.S. Publication No. 2005 / 0287497A1, the problem of correct angular positioning of a secondary component on a dental implant is addressed by devising an internal connection between the dental implant and the secondary component (i.e., an abutment), which includes the above-mentioned lobe configuration for mounting the secondary component and a bevel (inclined) surface positioned proximally of the lobe configuration to provide stability between the dental implant and the corresponding secondary component. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Nevertheless, there remains a need in the dental arts to provide a dental implant, a secondary part, an insertion tool, and a dental implant system including a dental implant and a secondary part, where the above-mentioned problems of positioning and stability, as well as the problems of torsional strength and sealing, are solved in a satisfactory manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved dental implant, an improved secondary part, an improved insertion tool, and an improved dental implant system comprising a dental implant and a secondary part, which avoids the shortcomings of prior art devices and allows for a stable, sterile coupling between the dental implant and the secondary part in multiple angular positions, while at the same time the mechanical strength and torsional resistance of the coupling between the dental implant and the secondary part and / or the insertion tool is increased compared to conventional prior art approaches.

[0008] Within this objective, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved dental implant system including an improved dental implant, an improved secondary part, an improved insertion tool, and a dental implant that can be used in multiple dental applications to support a variety of superstructures.

[0009] Furthermore, within the scope of the above objectives, another object of the present invention is to provide an improved dental implant system including an improved dental implant, improved secondary parts, an improved insertion tool, and an improved dental implant that is easily manufactured, thus reducing the overall cost of production of the entire dental implant system and its individual components.

[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved coupling for a multi-piece dental implant system in which the number of parts is minimized.

[0011] This object, these objects as well as other objects which will become more apparent from the following description are achieved by a dental implant as defined in claim 1, a secondary part for a dental implant as defined in claim 24, an insertion tool as defined in claim 35 and a dental implant system as defined in claims 45 and 46.

[0012] Further advantageous aspects of the invention are defined in the attached dependent claims.

[0013] The present invention provides in certain embodiments thereof a dental implant for use in a dental implant system including a secondary part, The dental implant comprises a crown section including a coronal end of the dental implant; a threaded region extending apically from the crown section to the apical tip of the dental implant; an internal blind hole for connection with a secondary part, the internal blind hole including a stabilizing section extending apically from a coronal end of the dental implant, and a driven indexing section extending apically from an apical end of the stabilizing section; the drive index section is provided with a plurality of connecting lobes having a concave shape and extending longitudinally therethrough; the connecting lobes are interconnected by respective longitudinally extending lobe joining regions; Each of the lobe-connecting regions includes two longitudinally extending protruding portions adjacent a respective connecting lobe and a longitudinally extending recessed portion between the two protruding portions.

[0014] Preferably, the internal blind bore of the dental implant further includes an apical internal thread section extending apically from the apical end of the drive index section.

[0015] More preferably, in a dental implant according to the present invention, both the connecting lobe and the lobe joining region extend substantially along the entire axial extension of the drive index section.

[0016] Alternatively, each lobe connecting region may include an apical portion having a stepped configuration.

[0017] More preferably, the apical portion of the lobe connecting region has a lateral surface which is part of a lateral cylindrical surface having an axis coinciding with the axis of the dental implant, the lateral surface being provided with a ledge extending radially towards the axis of the dental implant. In a further alternative, the apical portion may have a lateral surface which is part of a coronally extending frustoconical surface having an axis coinciding with the axis of the dental implant, the lateral surface being provided with a ledge extending radially towards the axis of the dental implant. The radial extension of the ledge may be approximately perpendicular to the axis of the dental implant or may be inclined apically with respect to the axis of the dental implant.

[0018] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the dental implant of the present invention, the connecting lobes are parts of individual cylinders with side areas parallel to the axis of the dental implant, preferably the cylindrical parts are semi-cylinders. Furthermore, the convex and concave portions of the lobe connecting regions may be parts of individual cylinders with side areas parallel to the axis of the dental implant.

[0019] More advantageously, the dental implant includes a generally circular platform at a coronal end of the driven index section adjacent the apical end of the stabilizing section, the generally circular platform may be formed by a radially projecting coronal portion of the lobe connecting region.

[0020] According to an additional advantageous aspect of the dental implant according to the invention, its drive indexing region is formed by six connecting lobes and an equal number of lobe linking regions interposed between the connecting lobes.

[0021] In said dental implant, it is particularly advantageous if the stabilization section is shaped as a truncated cone extending in the coronal direction with a coronal opening having an angle of 5°-7.9°, more preferably 5°-7.7°, even more preferably 5°-7°, and most preferably 7° with respect to the axis of the dental implant. All ranges mentioned above are understood to be inclusive of the boundary values, and furthermore all values ​​mentioned above are understood to include deviations from the exact value within the engineering tolerances known to those skilled in the art. The same applies to all values, ranges of values, and ratios given in the following description and claims for any feature of the present application.

[0022] In the above dental implant, the crown section may preferably include a smooth section extending apically from the coronal end of the dental implant and a threaded section extending apically from the apical end of the smooth section to the coronal end of the threaded region, the threaded section configured to fix the secondary part to an outer portion of the dental implant and / or the threaded section includes a reverse thread and / or the threaded section is configured to promote osseointegration of the dental implant in bone tissue.

[0023] The smooth section of the crown section of the dental implant may preferably comprise a bevel portion proximate the coronal end of the crown section of the dental implant, the bevel portion being apically inclined about its periphery. It is particularly advantageous if the bevel portion forms an angle of 17-27 degrees, more preferably an angle of 20-24 degrees, most preferably an angle of 22.5 degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the dental implant.

[0024] The coronal end of the dental implant may be defined by an optional flat shoulder adjacent the bevel portion, the flat shoulder preferably being on a plane perpendicular to the axis of the dental implant, and more preferably along a radius extending from the axis of the dental implant, the ratio of the radial width of the flat shoulder to the radial width of the projection of the bevel portion on the radius is 1 / 5 to 1 / 3. If the flat shoulder is otherwise omitted, the bevel portion defines the coronal end of the dental implant.

[0025] According to a further preferred advantageous aspect of the invention, an undercut is provided at the apical end of the driving index section, more preferably between the apical end of the driving index section and the crown platform of the apical internally threaded section. Preferably, the undercut extends below the ledge of the apical part of the lobe connection region to the crown platform of the apical internally threaded section of the internal blind bore of the dental implant. The crown platform may extend on a plane perpendicular to the axis of the dental implant. Further preferably, the undercut has a reduced extension in the connecting lobe of the driving index section of the dental implant, or may be omitted in the connecting lobe, such that the undercut has an approximately petal-like configuration.

[0026] In the dental implant, the threaded region advantageously includes at least one flute, each flute preferably configured to crush bone, collect bone, condense bone, and disperse bone when the dental implant rotates in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.More preferably, the threads of the threaded region (14) of the dental implant may have a helical (spiral) shape.

[0027] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a secondary part for use in a dental implant or a dental implant system including a dental implant, the secondary part having a central bore extending along a longitudinal axis thereof, the longitudinal axis defining a longitudinal direction, the secondary part including a crown section including a coronal end of the secondary part, a stabilization section extending apically from an apical end of the crown section, the stabilization section preferably being generally shaped like a frustum extending in a coronal direction of the secondary part, at least at its apical end, and an indexing section extending apically from the apical end of the stabilization section, the indexing section being provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending connecting lobes having a concave shape, the connecting lobes being interconnected by respective longitudinally extending lobe connecting regions, each of the lobe connecting regions including two longitudinally extending convex portions adjacent to the respective connecting lobes and a longitudinally extending concave portion between the two convex portions.

[0028] Preferably, the secondary part is embodied as an abutment for supporting a single tooth or a dental bridge.

[0029] Preferably, in said secondary part, both the connecting lobe and the lobe joining region of the indexing section extend substantially along the entire axial extension of the indexing section.

[0030] More preferably, in the secondary part, the connecting lobes are parts of individual cylinders with lateral areas parallel to the axis of the secondary part, the cylindrical parts being more preferably semi-cylinders.

[0031] Also preferably, the recesses and protrusions of the lobe connecting regions are portions of individual cylinders with side regions parallel to the axis of the secondary part.

[0032] Conveniently, the number of connecting lobes and the number of lobe linking regions of the indexing section of the secondary part is equal to six.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment of said secondary part, the apical portion of the stabilization section is shaped as a truncated cone extending in the coronal direction with a coronal opening having an angle of 5 degrees to 7.9 degrees, more preferably 5 degrees to 7.7 degrees, even more preferably 5 degrees to 7 degrees and most preferably 7 degrees with respect to the axis of the secondary part.

[0034] The stabilization section may further advantageously include a crown portion having a larger outward flaring area compared to the apical portion of the stabilization section, for example to allow for the formation of a support ledge at the apical end of the crown section of the secondary part.

[0035] Additionally, according to any embodiment, the crown section of the secondary part further includes means for rotationally positioning a dental prosthesis thereon, which may include a single tooth or a dental bridge.

[0036] According to a further advantageous embodiment of said secondary part, the interface between the coronal portion of the stabilisation section and the apical portion of the stabilisation section is formed as a bevelled surface, the bevelled surface being inclined apically towards its periphery. The bevelled surface may form an angle of 17-27 degrees, more preferably an angle of 20-24 degrees, most preferably an angle of 22.5 degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis A of the secondary part.

[0037] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides an insertion tool for use with a dental implant or a dental implant system including a dental implant, the insertion tool having a longitudinal axis defining a longitudinal direction, the insertion tool including a crown section having a shank portion for connection to a rotation device and an apical section for engaging an inner bore of the dental implant, the apical section including, from the crown to the apex, a first stabilization section and a drive section, the drive section being provided with a plurality of connecting lobes having a convex shape and extending longitudinally, the connecting lobes being interconnected by respective lobe connecting regions extending longitudinally, each of the lobe connecting regions being substantially concave in shape.

[0038] Preferably, the lobe connection region of the drive section of the insertion tool includes two longitudinally extending recesses adjacent its respective connecting lobes and a protrusion extending longitudinally between the two protrusions.

[0039] Also preferably, in the above insertion tool, both the connecting lobe and the lobe joining region of the drive section extend substantially along the entire axial extension of the drive section.

[0040] The connecting lobes of the drive section of the aforementioned tool insertion are parts of individual cylinders with side areas parallel to the axis of the tool insertion, preferably the cylindrical parts are semi-cylinders.

[0041] Furthermore, preferably, the lobe connection regions of the drive section of said insertion tool are parts of individual cylinders with side regions parallel to the axis of the insertion tool, more preferably the cylindrical portions are semi-cylinders.

[0042] Alternatively, where the lobe connection region of the drive section of the insertion tool includes two longitudinally extending recesses adjacent to its respective connecting lobes and a protruding portion extending longitudinally between the two protruding portions, the recesses and protruding portions of the lobe connection region are portions of respective cylinders with side regions parallel to the axis of the insertion tool.

[0043] The number of connecting lobes and the number of lobe linking regions of the drive section of the insertion tool described above is preferably equal to six.

[0044] In the above-described insertion tool, the first stabilization section may be generally shaped as a coronally expanding truncated cone, and more preferably, the coronal opening of the first stabilization section has an angle of 5 degrees to 7.9 degrees, more preferably 5 degrees to 7.7 degrees, even more preferably 5 degrees to 7 degrees, and most preferably 7 degrees, relative to the axis of the insertion tool.

[0045] The insertion tool may further include a circular recess formed circumferentially about the axis of the insertion tool, the circular recess dividing the drive section into a crown portion and an apical portion, the circular recess configured to accommodate an elastic O-ring or a split C-ring.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the insertion tool includes a second stabilizing section disposed at the apical end of the drive section and defining the apical end of the insertion tool, the second stabilizing section preferably having a cylindrical shape dimensioned to match the female threaded section of the blind hole of the dental implant.

[0047] Further, the crown section of the dental implant may include an engagement element at its crown region configured to engage with a rotating machine, and / or the crown section of the insertion tool may include a manual tool engagement section at its apical region configured to engage with a manual torque application tool, preferably the manual tool engagement section is hexagonal along an axial cross section of the insertion tool, each side of the hexagon including a plurality of recesses, preferably substantially conical recesses.

[0048] In yet another embodiment, a dental implant system is provided, the dental implant system comprising a dental implant and a secondary part as described above. Preferably, the dental implant system further comprises an attachment tool as described above.

[0049] The dental system may further include healing caps, impression caps, and screwable secondary components that can be screwed onto the outside of the dental implant without the need for fixation screws that penetrate the internal blind holes of the dental implant.

[0050] Preferably, the threadable secondary part comprises an internal thread in the axially symmetrically shaped section, such that the threadable secondary part is threadable into the externally threaded section of the crown section of the dental implant. The threadable secondary part may further comprise an internal bevel surface having an inclination angle of 17-27 degrees, more preferably an angle of 20-24 degrees, most preferably an angle of 22.5 degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the threadable secondary part. Furthermore, the threadable secondary part may have an overall shape of an axisymmetric solid of revolution including a crown cylindrical section, a beveled frusto-conical section and an apical cylindrical section, preferably the crown cylindrical section of the threadable secondary part is smaller in diameter than the apical cylindrical section of the threadable secondary part and the beveled frusto-conical section forms an apposition surface for the superstructure therebetween, further preferably the beveled frusto-conical section forms an angle of 17-27 degrees with a plane perpendicular to the axis of the secondary part, more preferably an angle of 20-24 degrees and most preferably an angle of 22.5 degrees.

[0051] Preferably, the healing cap is shaped as a rotationally symmetrical body of revolution along its longitudinal axis, the healing cap has an enlarged head arranged at its coronal end, the enlarged head being provided with a wrench engagement means, and the enlarged head of the healing cap is further continued on the apical side by a stabilization section which exactly matches the stabilization section of the dental implant.

[0052] The healing cap may further optionally include, apically from the stabilizing section, an intermediate section and a threaded section configured to threadably mate with the female threads of the apical female threaded section of the internal blind hole of the dental implant.

[0053] According to a further preferred alternative, the healing cap further comprises an additional section apically from the stabilizing section which follows the contour of the driven indexing section of the dental implant.

[0054] Furthermore, in all embodiments, the healing cap may advantageously include an internal bevel surface that precisely follows the shape of the beveled portion of the smooth section of the crown section of the dental implant, such that the internal bevel surface of the healing cap has an angle of 17 degrees to 27 degrees, more preferably an angle of 20 degrees to 24 degrees, and most preferably an angle of 22.5 degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the healing cap. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0055] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of preferred, but non-exclusive, embodiments of an implant system according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0056] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a side view of a dental implant incorporating a coupling for a secondary part, the coupling being devised in accordance with the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cutaway cross-sectional perspective view of the dental implant of FIG. 1. [Figure 2A] 3 is an enlarged view of a section of the cutaway cross-sectional perspective view of the dental implant of FIG. 2. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a top view of the dental implant of FIG. 1. [Figure 3A] FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail of the top view of the dental implant according to FIG. 3. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a variation of an enlarged detail of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dental implant of FIG. 1. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5 is a side view of the dental implant of FIGS. 1-4 with a secondary part mounted thereon. [Figure 5B]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the dental implant of FIGS. 1 to 4 with a secondary part mounted thereon. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5B is an enlarged detail of FIG. 5B. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a dental implant with the secondary part of FIG. 5A fixed thereon by a connecting screw. [Figure 5E] FIG. 5B is a cutaway cross-sectional perspective view of the dental implant of FIG. 5A with a secondary part attached by a connecting screw. [Figure 6A] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a secondary part according to the present invention configured to be received in the dental implant shown in FIGS. 1-5E. [Figure 6B] FIG. 5C is a bottom view of a secondary part according to the present invention configured to be received in the dental implant shown in FIGS. 1-5E. [Figure 7A] FIG. 5B is a side view of a dental implant modified compared to the dental implant of FIGS. 1-4, with a secondary part different from that of FIGS. 5A-5E mounted thereon. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the dental implant of FIG. 7A with a secondary part mounted thereon. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the dental implant of FIG. 7A with a secondary part threadably fixed thereto using a connecting screw. [Figure 7D] FIG. 7B is a cutaway perspective cross-sectional view of the dental implant of FIG. 7A with a secondary part attached using a connecting screw. [Figure 7E] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the secondary part of FIGS. 7A-7D. [Figure 8A] FIG. 5 is a side view of the dental implant of FIGS. 1-4 with an insertion tool mounted thereon. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the dental implant of FIG. 8A with an insertion tool mounted thereon. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8B is a cutaway cross-sectional perspective view of the dental implant of FIG. 8A with an insertion tool mounted thereon. [Figure 8D] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the dental implant of FIG. 8A with an insertion tool mounted thereon. [Figure 9]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an insertion tool according to the present invention adapted to be received in the dental implant according to the previous figure; [Figure 10A] FIG. 5 is a side view of the dental implant of FIGS. 1 to 4 with further different secondary parts mounted thereon. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a partial cross-sectional view of the dental implant of FIG. 10A with further different secondary parts mounted thereon. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10B is a cutaway perspective cross-sectional view of the dental implant of FIG. 10A with further different secondary parts mounted thereon. [Figure 11A] FIG. 5 is a side view of the dental implant of FIGS. 1-4 with a healing cap installed. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the dental implant of FIG. 11A with a healing cap mounted thereon. [Figure 11C] FIG. 11B is a cutaway cross-sectional perspective view of the dental implant of FIG. 11A with a healing cap mounted thereon. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0057] Whenever reference is made herein to a connecting lobe or joining region having a concave or convex shape, such concave or convex surface is understood to refer to a cross-section of the dental implant, secondary part, insertion tool, healing cap along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the recited dental article.

[0058] With reference to the attached Figure 1, the reference number 1 designates a dental implant, in particular a dental implant screw having a crown section 11 and a threaded region 14 extending apically from the crown section 11 of the dental implant to an apical tip 15. The crown section 11 comprises, in its outer part, a smooth section 12 extending apically from the crown end of the dental implant 1 and a threaded section 13 extending apically from the apical end of the smooth section 12 to the crown end of the threaded region 14. The dental implant 1 has, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis A, as shown in Figure 1.

[0059] The thread section of the crown section of the dental implant 1 is an optional feature of the dental implant 1 and may be provided, for example, in the form of a micro-thread, to improve bone retention and osseointegration. Optionally, the thread section 13 of the crown section 11 may be configured to have a double lead, preferably with a pitch of 0.5 mm and a thread angle of 25 degrees to 45 degrees, more preferably 25 degrees to 35 degrees, most preferably 25 degrees. Optionally, the thread section 13 of the crown section 11 may be configured according to the configuration of the thread section 14 of the dental implant 1 and / or it may be configured to promote osseointegration of the dental implant 1 in bone. If desired, the thread section 13 of the crown section 11 of the dental implant 1 may be configured according to at least one or more thread parameters as known in the art, including, for example and without limitation, thread variables and / or parameters lead, pitch, thread angle, thickness, major diameter, minor diameter, taper angle, thread orientation, end position, start position, porosity, number of stops, number of starts, number of leads, number of cuts, lead-in angle, etc., or combinations thereof.

[0060] According to yet another preferred alternative, the thread section 13 of the crown section 11 of the dental implant 1 may be embodied as a reverse thread on the outer part of the dental implant 1 in order to facilitate removal of the dental implant 1 from the bone in which it is inserted. Such removal of the dental implant can be performed using instruments well known to those skilled in the art.

[0061] Furthermore, the thread section 13 of the crown section 11 of the dental implant 1 may be of the self-drilling, self-tapping, self-collecting bone and bone condensing type, as disclosed in detail in International Patent Application No. 2015 / 118543 A1 (Fromovich), the individual contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, together with the flutes described below. Thus, the thread section and flutes of the present invention provide a dynamic action during bone insertion. The implant according to the latter embodiment may be utilized in the healing site after bone growth or may be utilized in the extraction site.

[0062] According to yet another preferred alternative, the threaded section 13 of the crown section 11 of the dental implant 1 may be embodied as a thread for fixing a secondary part fixed to the outer part of the dental implant 1. In the context of the present invention, a secondary part is intended to refer to any superstructure that can be placed on a dental implant, for example a dental abutment configured to support a single tooth including a dental crown or to support a dental bridge. For a better understanding of this description, the generic term "secondary part" is used, unless it is intended to refer to a specific element, for example an abutment configured to support a single tooth including a dental crown or to support a dental bridge or to hold a healing cap, an impression cap.

[0063] The smooth section 12 of the crown section 11 of the dental implant 1 may further include a bevel 121 near its crown end, if desired. In this manner, the smooth section 12 of the crown section 11 of the dental implant 1 will generally have a cylindrical profile followed by a frustoconical profile from the crown to the apex. The bevel 121 advantageously provides a more stable connection with overlapping secondary components. Furthermore, as will be described below, the bevel 121 can advantageously provide good sealing with overlapping secondary components.

[0064] Preferably, the bevel portion 121 forms an angle of 17-27 degrees, more preferably an angle of 20-24 degrees, most preferably an angle of 22.5 degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis A of the dental implant 1. The latter most preferred inclination angle of the bevel portion 121 is particularly advantageous in terms of mechanical stability and sealing when the dental implant is connected with an overlapping secondary part (which may for example be embodied as an abutment configured for supporting a single tooth or for supporting a dental bridge).

[0065] The coronal end of the dental implant 1 is preferably defined by a flat shoulder 122 adjacent to the bevel portion 121. The flat shoulder 122 is preferably located on a plane perpendicular to the axis A of the dental implant 1. Furthermore, along a radius extending from the axis A of the dental implant 1, the preferred ratio between the radial width of the flat shoulder 122 and the radial width of the projection of the bevel portion 121 on the radius is 1 / 5 to 1 / 3.

[0066] The flat shoulder 122, in conjunction with the beveled portion 121, also advantageously provides a centering platform for a secondary part that overlaps the dental implant. Such an overlapping secondary part may comprise an abutment configured to support a single tooth, including a dental crown, or to support a dental bridge, as described above.

[0067] According to a further preferred option, the smooth section 12 below the bevel portion 121 may be machined, acid etched and / or provided with micro-grooves, as required, to improve osseointegration of the dental implant 1.

[0068] The threaded region 14 of the dental implant 1 is preferably provided with at least two flutes 141 arranged along its entire length. As disclosed in detail in International Patent Application No. 2015 / 118543 A1 (Fromovich: inventor of the present invention), the flutes 141 are preferably configured to crush bone, collect bone, condense bone and disperse bone when the dental implant is rotated both clockwise and counterclockwise, for example with a dental implant manipulation tool in the form of a dental handpiece. The thread of the threaded region 14 of the dental implant 1 is designated by reference number 142 and preferably has a helical shape.

[0069] 2 and 2A show an internal blind bore of dental implant 1 including a stabilization section 16 extending apically from the coronal end of dental implant 1 (said coronal end being defined by a shoulder 122 (if present) or a bevel 121), a drive index section 17 extending apically from the apical end of stabilization section 16, and an apical female thread section 18 extending apically from the apical end of drive index section 17.

[0070] The stabilization section 16 extends from a shoulder 122 that defines the coronal end of the dental implant 1, or from the bevel portion 121 if the shoulder 122 is omitted. The shoulder 122 is preferably substantially flat and lies on a plane perpendicular to the axis A of the dental implant 1, as explained. Otherwise, according to a variation of the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 2A, the shoulder 122 may have an inclination with respect to the plane perpendicular to the axis A of the dental implant 1 to match the shape of a secondary part (e.g. an abutment) to be placed on the dental implant 1. The shoulder 122 further preferably extends around the entire blind hole of the dental implant 1 and has a constant width therearound.

[0071] The stabilizing section 16 of the present invention is intended to provide a very stable connection between the dental implant and the secondary part. At the same time, the stabilizing section 16 is intended to provide a good sealing with a complementary shaped section of the secondary part that is received in the internal blind hole of the dental implant 1. Furthermore, the stabilizing section 16 provides a self-locking function with the complementary shaped section of the secondary part when the secondary part is inserted into the internal blind hole of the dental implant 1.

[0072] 4, the stabilization section 16 is shaped as a truncated cone widening in the coronal direction and having a coronal opening with an angle of 5 degrees to 7.9 degrees, more preferably 5 degrees to 7.7 degrees, even more preferably 5 degrees to 7 degrees, and most preferably 7 degrees with respect to the axis of the dental implant. The inventors of the present application have generally determined that said opening range of the stabilization section 16 and the preferred value of 7 degrees provide a very stable connection between the dental implant and the secondary part, in particular in combination with an optimal sealing between the dental implant and the secondary part, and provide an optimal self-locking effect of the secondary part within the internal blind hole of the dental implant.

[0073] 2, 2A, 3, 3A, 3B and 4, the driven indexing section 17 of the dental implant 1 will now be described in more detail.

[0074] In particular, according to the invention, the driving index section 17 of the dental implant 1 is provided with a number of connecting lobes 171 having a concave shape extending substantially along the entire axial extension of the driving index section 17. Preferably, the connecting lobes 171 are parts of individual cylinders with side areas parallel to the axis A of the dental implant 1. More preferably, the cylindrical parts defining the connecting lobes 171 may be embodied as semi-cylinders.

[0075] In the particular embodiment shown in Figures 2, 2A, 3, 3A, 3B and 4, the number of connecting lobes 171 is equal to six, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that the number of connecting lobes 171 can be varied according to the number of indexing sections of the secondary part on the dental implant and to provide sufficient torque coupling to rotate and place the dental implant in the patient's jawbone and also remove the dental implant if necessary. Indeed, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a greater number of connecting lobes 171 allows for more accurate indexing or rotational positioning of the secondary part on the dental implant. However, a greater number of connecting lobes 171 reduces the mechanical stability and thus the ability to withstand higher torques for placing or removing the dental implant. Furthermore, the provision of a greater number of connecting lobes 171 places a greater burden on the manufacturing process of the dental implant and, in essence, the manufacturing process of the secondary part and / or the insertion tool, which must provide complementary indexing sections to the driving indexing section 17 of the dental implant 1. Obviously, as mentioned above, the stabilization section 16 of the dental implant 1 also needs to be complementarily shaped to a corresponding section of the secondary part and / or the insertion tool, as will be explained below.

[0076] The present inventors have found that a number of six connecting lobes 171 is preferred to best balance constraints related to indexing, mechanical stability, torque resistance and manufacturing complexity, as shown in Figures 2, 2A, 3, 3A, 3B and 4. In particular, torque resistance and mechanical stability are relevant issues during the process of insertion or removal of the dental implant from the underlying bone with appropriate tools, the interaction of which with the dental implant being described below. Nevertheless, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, mechanical stability is also an issue throughout the use of the dental implant after insertion into the bone.

[0077] 2A, 3, 3A and 3B, it can be seen that the connecting lobes 171 are interconnected by individual lobe connecting regions, generally designated by reference numeral 172. Each of the lobe connecting regions 172 has the same axial extension as the connecting lobes 171. Nevertheless, in accordance with a preferred variation as shown in Figures 2A, 3, 3A and 3B, the apical portions 173 of the lobe connecting regions 172 have a stepped configuration.

[0078] In embodiments where the number of connecting lobes 171 is equal to six, the number of apical portions 173 of lobe joining regions 172 (obviously the number of lobe joining regions 172) is also equal to six. Obviously, when lobe joining regions 172 are interposed between connecting lobes 171, their respective numbers become equal.

[0079] In an embodiment with a stepped configuration, the respective side surface (indicated by reference number 1731) of the apical portion 173 of the lobe connecting region 172 is part of a lateral cylindrical surface having an axis coinciding with the axis A of the dental implant 1. However, according to the variant described above, the respective side surface 1731 of the apical portion 173 of the lobe connecting region 172 may be part of a frustum of a cone having an axis coinciding with the axis A of the dental implant 1. Each of the side surfaces 1731 of the apical portion 173 of the lobe connecting region 172 may be provided with a respective ledge (indicated by reference number 1732) extending radially towards the axis A of the dental implant 1. The ledge 1732 may extend in a radial direction that is substantially perpendicular to the axis A of the dental implant 1 or may have an inclination relative thereto, providing an additional centering function for a secondary part or an insertion tool when inserted into an internal blind hole of the dental implant, as described below.

[0080] All apical portions 173 of the lobe connection region 172 have an equal axial extension, and the stepped configuration defined by the side surfaces 1731 associated with the respective ledges 1732 advantageously provides a function for guiding the secondary part or insertion tool when it is connected to the dental implant 1. The guiding function is particularly advantageous when the secondary part or insertion tool is connected to the dental implant 1 by means of a click-in connection. It is also particularly advantageous in this context for the ledges 1732 to be inclined in the apical direction compared to a plane perpendicular to the axis A of the dental implant 1, providing a sliding surface for the click-in connection or for a general connection if there is no click-in structure. For example, advantageously the inclination relative to the plane perpendicular to the axis A of the dental implant 1 may be less than 30 degrees, more preferably less than 20 degrees, most preferably less than 10 degrees.

[0081] However, it should be noted that the main objective of the present invention is to maintain the axial extension of the lobe connecting region 172 as large as possible for high mechanical stability, high torque resistance, and for other reasons described below, and for this reason the individual apical portions 173 with stepped configurations (if present) should be maintained as short as possible. It is therefore preferred that the ratio of the axial extension of the apical portions 173 to the total axial extension of the lobe connecting region 172 is between 1 / 20 and 1 / 4, more preferably between 1 / 10 and 1 / 5, and most preferably between 1 / 8 and 1 / 5.

[0082] Each of the lobe connecting regions 172, in accordance with the present invention, is generally shaped to have a convex shape further including a central section having a concave shape. As such, for example, as seen in the top view of Figure 3, the overall profile defined by the connecting lobes 171 and the lobe connecting regions 172 resembles the profile of a torx® screw, but is modified due to the particular profile at the lobe connecting regions 172. The overall profile of the lobe connecting regions 172 and the connecting lobes 171 is also referred to as "modified torx" in the following description.

[0083] 2A, 3A and 3B, the concave portion of lobe connecting region 172 is designated by reference numeral 175 and the two adjacent convex portions of lobe connecting region 172 are designated by reference numeral 174. In general, the side regions of the sections of lobe connecting region 172 are parts of individual cylinders and extend parallel to axis A of dental implant 1, as do the side regions of connecting lobes 171.

[0084] With the shape of the lobe connection region 172 of the dental implant according to the invention, a larger contact surface with the secondary part or the insertion tool is provided, the lobe connection region 172 being able to achieve a particularly stable mechanical connection with the secondary part (e.g. abutment) and / or the insertion tool, while the driving index section 17 is able to withstand high torques without damage during the insertion of the dental implant into the patient's bone and during the use of the dental implant. Furthermore, the shape of the lobe connection region 172 of the dental implant according to the invention improves the rotational stability of the connection between the dental implant and the secondary part. Furthermore, a better sealing between the dental implant and the secondary part is achieved, which avoids the ingress of undesired materials or liquids into the cavity defined by the internal blind hole of the dental implant. The mechanical strength and tightness of the connection between the dental implant and the secondary part are further improved by the combination of the lobe connection region 172 and the connecting lobe 171 according to the invention. The same applies to the torque resistance and rotational stability of the driving index section 17 according to the invention.

[0085] Advantageously, the combined axial extension of the connecting lobes 171 and lobe joining regions 172 forming the drive indexing section 17 is greater than the axial extension of the stabilizing section 16 of the dental implant 1. In fact, the present inventors have found that preferably the ratio of the axial length of the indexing section 17 to the axial extension of the stabilizing section 16 is between 2 / 1.8 and 2 / 1, more preferably between 2 / 1.6 and 2 / 1.2, and most preferably between 2 / 1.5 and 2 / 1.3.

[0086] The shorter axial extension of the stabilization section 16 reduces the absolute constriction of the dental implant at its coronal end due to the taper resulting from the frustoconical shape of the stabilization section 16 as explained. The coronal end of the stabilization section 16 therefore has sufficient material strength. Such material strength facilitates the manufacture of the dental implant 1 and also provides better mechanical stability of secondary parts when they are inserted into the coronal opening of the stabilization section 16.

[0087] On the other hand, the larger axial extension of the drive index section 17 (combined with the matching axial extension of the corresponding section of the secondary part) provides a more stable retention of the secondary part (the "tube-in-tube" effect). The "tube-in-tube" effect is further improved by the additional concavity provided in the lobe connecting region 172. Also, the "tube-in-tube" effect is amplified by the arrangement of contact surfaces (concave (171), convex (174), concave (175) and again convex (174)) in one section defined by one connecting lobe 171 and one lobe connecting region 172. This applies to connections with secondary parts or insertion tools, and indeed to connections with other types of overlapping elements having a complementary connection geometry to the concave / convex sequence described above.

[0088] Furthermore, along the lines described in relation to the particular shape or contour of the lobe connecting region 172 of the drive indexing section 17 of the dental implant 1, a larger contact surface with the secondary part or insertion tool becomes available, which contact surface is further increased by the axial extension of the drive indexing section 17.

[0089] In the variation of FIG. 3A shown in FIG. 3B, the recess 175 of the lobe connecting region 172 may have a greater extension as viewed radially from the axis A of the dental implant 1 compared to FIG. 3A, and the adjacent protrusion 174 of the lobe connecting region 172 is correspondingly shortened.

[0090] Advantageously, in all embodiments of the present invention, the recess 175 of the lobe connecting region 172 extends along the side of a straight cylinder centered on the axis A of the dental implant 1, the cylinder being indicated by the dotted line C in FIG. 3B.

[0091] Alternatively, in accordance with the present invention, the recesses 175 of the lobe connecting regions 172 may have a more enhanced concavity, so that they extend outward beyond the side of a straight cylinder about the axis A of the dental implant 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the recesses 175 of the lobe connecting regions 172 have the same concavity, but it is also conceivable that the recesses 175 of the lobe connecting regions 172 have different concavities and extend to different degrees into the dental implant. This also applies to the connecting lobes 171.

[0092] That said, in all embodiments, the convex portions 174 of the lobe connecting regions 172 are still present even when shortened.

[0093] As shown in Fig. 2A, an undercut 176 is provided at the apical end of the drive index section 17. More precisely, the undercut 176 extends apically below the ledge 1732 of the apical part of the lobe connection region 172 to the crown platform of the apical internally threaded section 181 of the internal blind hole of the dental implant 1. The crown platform 181 preferably extends on a plane perpendicular to the axis A of the dental implant 1. In the connecting lobe 171 of the drive index section 17, the undercut 176 has a concave shape, preferably a reduced extension in terms of the semi-cylindrical shape of the connecting lobe 171. The undercut 176 is intended for the connection of a secondary part or an insertion tool, as described above, with a click-in connection as will be described later.

[0094] In accordance with a further advantageous aspect of the present invention, at the coronal end of the drive index section 17 adjacent the apical end of the stabilizing section 16, a generally circular platform 177 is formed by the unremoved material of the lobe connecting region 172 forming the modified Torx profile, as shown in Figures 2A, 3A and 3. This generally circular platform 177 may be advantageously used to hold and / or support an O-ring, the function of which will be described below.

[0095] 2, the apical female threaded section 18 further comprises an internal thread 182 extending apically from the crown platform 181 and an apical end 183 which is not threaded and preferably has a conical shape. The internal thread 182 is intended for threaded engagement with a connecting or fixing screw for holding the secondary part in place on the dental implant 1, as is well known in the art. Both the internal thread 182 and the apical end 183 of the apical female threaded section 18 are of conventional design (and therefore well known to those skilled in the art) and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0096] With reference to Figures 5A, 5B, 5D and 5E, a dental implant 1 is shown, which is equipped with a secondary part 2. As far as the dental implant 1 is concerned, its structure is the same as that of the dental implant of Figures 1 to 4 and therefore will not be described in further detail.

[0097] The illustrated secondary part 2 is embodied as an abutment, in particular as an abutment for supporting a single replacement tooth or a dental bridge, and includes a crown section 21 followed apically by a stabilization section 22 and an indexing section 23.

[0098] The secondary part 2 comprises a central through hole 211 that extends along the entire axial extension of the secondary part 2, preferably in a circularly symmetric manner (i.e. in the shape of a straight cylinder) about the axis A of the secondary part 2 of the axis A of the dental implant 1 when the secondary part 2 is assembled with the dental implant 1, as shown in Figures 5B and 5E. However, as is known in the art, the central through hole 211 of the secondary part 2 may have other configurations, such as being inclined with respect to the axis A, and / or may have other shapes, such as an elliptical cross section along a plane perpendicular to the axis A.

[0099] The crown section 21 of the secondary part 2 further includes means 212 for rotationally positioning a dental prosthesis, such as a dental crown or a dental bridge, which are not shown in the drawings of the present application, as needed. As known in the art, such means 212 may be configured to facilitate cementation of a dental prosthesis, such as a dental crown or a dental bridge, onto the crown section 21 of the secondary part 2.

[0100] Furthermore, the crown section 21 of the secondary part 2 also includes a support ledge, indicated with reference number 213, for the placement of a dental prosthesis, such as a dental crown or a dental bridge. The support ledge 213 may have a circular extension along the axis A of the secondary part, which coincides with the axis A of the dental implant 1 in the inserted state of the secondary part 2, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, and preferably has a constant radial width. Nevertheless, a person skilled in the art will understand that the width and shape of the support ledge 213 can be modified to fit the shape and extension of a dental prosthesis, such as a dental crown, to be placed on the crown section 21 of the secondary part. The width and shape of the support ledge 213 are also configured to ensure a good sealing with the dental prosthesis or dental bridge, which is essential to avoid the ingress of liquids into the gap between the secondary element and the dental prosthesis or dental bridge.

[0101] With further reference to Fig. 5B, the stabilizing section 22 of the secondary part 2 is shaped in its apical part (indicated by reference number 222) to be exactly complementary to the stabilizing section 16 of the dental implant 1. Thus, at least the apical part 222 of the stabilizing section 22 of the secondary part 2 is shaped as a truncated cone widening in the coronal direction of the secondary part 2, with a flare angle of 5 degrees to 7.9 degrees, more preferably 5 degrees to 7.7 degrees, even more preferably 5 degrees to 7 degrees, most preferably 7 degrees, relative to the axis A of the secondary part 2 (or the dental implant 1 if the secondary part 2 is inserted). Obviously, the exact complementarity of the shape of the apical part 222 of the stabilizing section 22 of the secondary part 2 to the stabilizing section 16 of the dental implant 1 needs to be maintained at least along the axial extension, corresponding to the fully inserted state of the secondary part 2 into the dental implant 1. The present invention therefore provides an extremely stable connection between the dental implant 1 and the secondary part 2 in combination with an optimal sealing between the dental implant 1 and the secondary part 2 and a self-locking effect of the secondary part 2 on the dental implant 1.

[0102] The crown portion 221 of the stabilization section 22 may extend outwardly compared to the frustum of the apical portion 222, for example, allowing the formation of the support ledge 213 with a greater radial extension, which is beneficial for the support function and stability of the dental prosthesis. Additionally, as previously mentioned, the greater radial extension of the support ledge 213 may improve sealing with the dental prosthesis.

[0103] At the apical end of the stabilization section 22, an O-ring may advantageously be provided, indicated by reference number 224. The O-ring 224 may also be arranged on the platform 177 at the coronal end of the drive index section 17, as shown in Figures 5B and 5C, and has the function of further improving the sealing between the stabilization section 22 of the secondary part 2 and the dental implant 1. As an alternative or in addition to the illustrated positions, an O-ring may also be arranged further coronally, at the stabilization section 16 of the dental implant 1 or at the stabilization section 22 of the secondary part 2. An alternative example of an O-ring arranged at the stabilization section 22 of the secondary part 2 is indicated by reference number 225 in Figure 5B.

[0104] O-ring 224 has a conventional design and is preferably manufactured from titanium, a titanium alloy, an elastomeric material, or a variety of other materials known to those skilled in the art.

[0105] An advantageous function of the O-ring 224 is to stop fluids, which may contain bacteria etc., from penetrating into the internal blind holes of the dental implant 1. Thus, by providing a barrier to the ingress of bacteria etc., the O-ring 224 minimizes the risk of infection or inflammation. Alternatively, in an embodiment not shown in FIG. 6A, the O-ring 224 can be placed between the apical portion of the stabilization section 22 and the stabilization section 16.

[0106] The indexing section 23 of the secondary part 2 has an axial profile with lobes that precisely match the lobes of the driving indexing section 17 of the internal blind bore of the dental implant 1. As shown in particular in Figures 6A and 6B, the indexing section 23 of the secondary part 2 is provided with a number of connecting lobes 271 that have a convex shape (complementary to the concave shape of the connecting lobes 171 of the driving indexing section 17 of the dental implant 1) and that extend substantially along the entire axial extension of the indexing section 23 of the secondary part 2. This extension corresponds to the extension of the connecting lobes 171 of the driving indexing section 17 of the internal blind bore of the dental implant 1. Preferably, the connecting lobes 271 are parts of individual cylinders with side areas that are parallel to the axis A of the secondary part 2 (or to the axis A of the dental implant 1 when the secondary part 2 is inserted in the dental implant 1). Furthermore, preferably, the cylindrical parts that define the connecting lobes 271 may be embodied as semi-cylinders.

[0107] In the particular embodiment shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the number of connecting lobes 271 is equal to six, but those skilled in the art will understand that the number of connecting lobes 271 can be changed according to the number of indexing positions of the secondary part 2 on the dental implant 1. Indeed, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, a greater number of connecting lobes 171 allows for a more accurate indexing or rotational positioning of the secondary part on the dental implant. However, the installation of a greater number of connecting lobes 171 places a greater burden on the manufacturing process of the secondary part 2. The inventors of the present application have found that a number of six connecting lobes 271, as shown for example in Figure 6B, is preferred because it best balances the constraints related to indexing, mechanical stability, torque resistance, and manufacturing complexity of the indexing section 23 of the secondary part 2 (and also obviously related to the complementary conceived driving index section 17 of the dental implant 1), as described in connection with the driving index section 17 of the internal blind hole of the dental implant.

[0108] 6A and 6B, it can be seen that the connecting lobes 271 of the indexing section 23 of the secondary part 2 are interconnected by individual lobe connecting regions, generally designated by the reference numeral 272. Each of the lobe connecting regions 272 has the same axial extension as the connecting lobes 271.

[0109] In the embodiment of the indexing section 23 of the secondary part 2 in which the number of connecting lobes 271 is equal to six, the number of intervening lobe joining regions 272 is also equal to six.

[0110] 6A and 6B, the apical portion of each lobe connecting region 272 may include an individual cutout that matches the stepped configuration of the individual apical portions 173 of the lobe connecting region 172 of the drive index section 17 of the dental implant 1. Thus, the shape of each cutout is preferably inverse stepped. In the latter preferred variation, the number of apical portions of the lobe connecting region 272 is also six, matching the number of lobe connecting regions 272 (and the number of connecting lobes 271) in the index section 23.

[0111] In the embodiment with cutouts in the lobe connection region 272 of the indexing section 23, the respective side surface of the apical portion is part of a lateral cylindrical surface having an axis coinciding with the axis A of the secondary part 2 or with the axis A of the dental implant 1 when the secondary part 2 is inserted in the dental implant 1. However, according to the above variant, the respective side surface of the apical portion may also be part of a truncated cone having an axis coinciding with the axis A of the secondary part 2 (or with the axis A of the dental implant 1 when the secondary part 2 is inserted in the dental implant 1). Each of the cutouts in the apical portion of the lobe connection region 272 of the indexing section 23 of the secondary part 2 extends radially towards the axis A of the secondary part 2 to receive a respective ledge 1732 of the drive indexing section 17 of the dental implant 1. The notch may extend in a radial direction approximately perpendicular to the axis A of the secondary part 2 (or to the axis A of the dental implant 1 when the secondary part 2 is inserted into the dental implant 1) or alternatively have an inclination relative thereto to match the shape of the individual ledges 1732 of the drive index section 17 of the dental implant 1.

[0112] Generally, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the axial extensions of the connecting lobe 271 and the lobe joining region 272 of the secondary part 2 are equal. This means that in the embodiment of the dental implant 1 with the stepped apical portion 173, the axial extensions of the connecting lobe 271 and the lobe joining region 272 of the secondary part 2 are shortened to match the axial extension of the lobe joining region 272 of the dental implant 1 up to the stepped apical portion 173 of the dental implant 1. Otherwise, if the stepped apical portion 173 is not present in the dental implant 1, the axial extensions 271 of the connecting lobe 271 and the lobe joining region 272 of the secondary part 2 may be equal to the axial extensions of the connecting lobe 171 and the lobe joining region 172 of the dental implant 1. Even so, even if the dental implant 1 does not have a stepped apical portion 173, the axial extension of the connecting lobe 271 and lobe connecting region 272 of the secondary part 2 may be shorter than the axial extension of the connecting lobe 171 and lobe connecting region 1 of the dental implant 1 to the extent that the stability of the connection between the dental implant 1 and the secondary part 2 is still ensured.

[0113] In embodiments of the secondary part 2 including a notch in the apical portion of the lobe connection region 272 of the indexing section 23 of the secondary part 2, the axial extension of the connecting lobe 171 of the driving indexing section 17 of the dental implant 1 and the axial extension of the connecting lobe 271 of the indexing section 23 of the secondary part 2 may be equal. In other words, in this case, the axial extension of the driving indexing section 17 of the dental implant 1 may be equal to the axial extension of the indexing section 23 of the secondary part 2.

[0114] Nevertheless, in all the above embodiments, regardless of the respective axial extensions, a hermetic sealing between the stabilizing section 16 of the dental implant 1 and the stabilizing section 22 of the secondary part 2 must be maintained.

[0115] The embodiment including a cutout in the lobe connection region 272 of the indexing section 23 of the secondary part 2 cooperating with the stepped apical portion 173 of the dental implant 1 advantageously provides a guiding function for the secondary part 2 when it is connected to the dental implant 1. This guiding function is particularly advantageous in the case of a click-in connection. In this context, it is also particularly advantageous if the cutout is inclined in the apical direction compared to a plane perpendicular to the axis A of the secondary part 2 (or the dental implant 1 in the inserted state of the secondary part 2), so that a sliding surface is provided for a click-in connection or a general connection in the absence of a click-in mechanism. For example, advantageously the inclination of the secondary part 2 (or the dental implant 1 in the inserted state of the secondary part 2) relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis A may be less than 30 degrees, more preferably less than 20 degrees, most preferably less than 10 degrees.

[0116] 6A and 6B, each of the lobe connecting regions 272 of the indexing section 23 of the secondary component 2 is, in accordance with the present invention, generally formed with a concave shape further including a central section having a convex shape. As can be seen, therefore, the overall profile defined by the connecting lobes 271 and the lobe connecting regions 272 of the indexing section portions 23 of the secondary component 2 has a "modified torx" as described in connection with the dental implant 1 of FIGS. 1-4.

[0117] 6A and 6B , the convex portion of lobe connecting region 272 of indexing section 23 of secondary part 2 is indicated with reference numeral 275, and two adjacent concave portions of lobe connecting region 272 of indexing section 23 of secondary part 2 are indicated with reference numeral 274. The contours and extensions of the convex and concave portions of lobe connecting region 272 of indexing section 23 of secondary part 2 exactly follow the contours and extensions of the corresponding sections of lobe connecting region 172 of dental implant 1.

[0118] Generally, the side areas of the sections of the lobe connecting regions 272 of the indexing section 23 of the secondary part 2 are also parts of individual cylinders and, like the side areas of the connecting lobes 271 of the indexing section 23 of the secondary part 2, extend parallel to the axis A of the secondary part 2 or, when the secondary part 2 is inserted into the dental implant 1, the axis A of the dental implant 1.

[0119] Otherwise, the same advantages and constructional details are applicable with respect to the connecting lobes 271 and lobe connecting regions 272 of the indexing section 23 of the secondary part 2 as those described with respect to the connecting lobes 171 and lobe connecting regions 172 of the driving indexing section 17 of the dental implant 1, except for the advantages described with respect to the interaction with the insertion tool.

[0120] 5B, 5C and 5E again, it can be seen that the secondary part 2 is fixed to the dental implant 1 by means of a connecting or fixing screw, indicated by reference number 3. The connecting screw 3 has an enlarged head 31, which interacts in a known manner with the internal thread 182 of the apical internal thread section 18 of the dental implant 1 and is dimensioned to engage in a screwed-in state with the frusto-conical internal section 24 of the secondary part 2. The enlarged head 31 of the connecting screw 3 is provided with a wrench engagement means 32 (embodied for example as an internal hexagonal, internal square or other driving surface) which can interact with an insertion tool or wrench (not shown) for screwing and fixing the connecting screw 3 to the dental implant 1, the second part 2 being held tightly in an internal blind hole of the dental implant 1. The wrench engagement means 32 is designed so that an insertion tool or wrench (not shown) can engage the connecting screw 3 along its longitudinal axis or inclined at an angle of 0 degrees to 25 degrees compared to the longitudinal axis of the connecting screw 3. In this locked state, the indexing section 23 of the secondary part 2 is fully inserted into the corresponding driving indexing section 17 of the dental implant 1. At the same locked state, the stabilizing section 22 of the secondary part 2 fits closely into the stabilizing section 16 of the dental implant 1 to seal the connection between the secondary part 2 and the dental implant 1. Additionally, an auxiliary O-ring (not shown in FIG. 5B ) may be fitted onto the connecting screw 3 to seal the secondary part 2. By thus providing a barrier against the ingress of bacteria and the like, the auxiliary O-ring minimizes the risk of infection and / or disease.

[0121] 7A-7D, a dental implant 1' is shown equipped with a secondary part 2', both of which differ from the implant and secondary part of Figures 1-6B, as will be explained in detail below. This secondary part 2' is also advantageously embodied as an abutment, in particular as an abutment for supporting a single replacement tooth or a dental bridge.

[0122] As far as the dental implant 1' is concerned, its structure is the same as the dental implant of figures 1 to 5E, except for the grooves 141', the number of which is equal to three. Therefore, a further detailed description of the dental implant 1' is omitted and the same reference numbers as in figures 1 to 5E are used for identical overlapping features. The increased number of grooves facilitates the insertion of the dental implant 1' into the patient's bone, and the additional grooves provide additional paths for the evacuation of bone material cut during the insertion of the dental implant into the bone tissue.

[0123] Referring now to the secondary part 2' of Figures 7A-7D, such a modified secondary part 2' can be used for single crown restorations of molar teeth and includes a crown section 21 and further apically followed by a stabilization section 2 and an indexing section 23 in a manner similar to the secondary parts of Figures 5A-5E and 6A-6B.

[0124] Otherwise, the secondary part 2' of Figures 7A-7E is identical to the secondary part of Figures 5A-5E and 6A-6B, except for the differences described below. Therefore, a further detailed description of the configuration of the secondary part 2' of Figures 7A-7D, which is identical to the configuration of the secondary part 2 of Figures 5A-5E and 6A-6B, will be omitted and the same reference numerals will be used to indicate said identical configuration.

[0125] The support ledge 213' of the secondary part 2' in the embodiment of Figures 7A-7D is wider than the support ledge 213 of the secondary part 2 in the embodiment of Figures 5A-5E and 6. In the embodiment of Figures 7A-7D, too, the ledge 213' is intended for placing a dental prosthesis thereon, for example a dental implant or a dental crown. The support ledge 213' may have a circular extension along the axis A of the secondary part 2' (or a dental implant if the secondary part is inserted), as shown in Figures 7A-7D, and preferably has a constant radial width. Nevertheless, the skilled person will understand that the width and shape of the support ledge 213' can be modified to fit the shape and extension of a dental prosthesis, for example a dental crown, etc., to be placed on the crown section 21 of the secondary part 2' in accordance with the criteria described in connection with the embodiment of Figures 1-5E.

[0126] 7B, the stabilizing section 22 of the secondary part 2' includes an apical portion 222 having the same shape as the apical portion 222 described in relation to Figures 5A-5E and 6A-6B. However, the crown portion 221' of the stabilizing section 22 of the secondary part 2' has a wider configuration and defines a wider support ledge 213' as compared to the crown portion 221 of the stabilizing section 22 of the secondary part 2 of Figures 5A-5E and 6A-6B.

[0127] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 7B, a bevel surface 223 is defined at the interface between the crown portion 221' of the stabilizing section 22 of the secondary part 2' and the apical portion 222 of the stabilizing section 22 of the secondary part 2', which has a generally frustoconical profile that follows the profile of the bevel portion 121 of the smooth section 12 of the crown section 11 of the dental implant 1. The bevel surface 223 of the stabilizing section 22 of the secondary part 2' advantageously provides a more stable connection between the dental implant (having a matching configuration) and the overlapping secondary part. Furthermore, the bevel surface 223 also provides a better sealing between the dental implant and the overlapping secondary part.

[0128] As explained with respect to the bevel portion 121 of the dental implant 1, the bevel surface 223 of the secondary part 2' has an angle of 17 to 27 degrees, more preferably an angle of 20 to 24 degrees, most preferably an angle of 22.5 degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis A of the secondary part 2' (or to the axis A of the dental implant 1' when the secondary part 2' is inserted in the dental implant 1'). The latter most preferred inclination angle of the bevel surface 223 of the secondary part 2' in relation to the matching inclination angle of the bevel portion 121 of the dental implant 1 is particularly advantageous in terms of mechanical stability and sealing when the dental implant is connected with an overlapping secondary part, which may for example be embodied as an abutment.

[0129] An additional O-ring (not shown) may be provided between the bevel portion 121 of the smooth section 12 of the crown section 11 of the dental implant 1 and the bevel surface 223 of the stabilizing section 22 of the secondary part 2'. The additional O-ring further improves the sealing between the dental implant and the overlapping secondary part. Advantageously, the additional O-ring is arranged on the flat shoulder 122 of the dental implant 1 adjacent to the bevel portion 121 of the dental implant 1. In a further alternative, the additional O-ring may be arranged on the bevel portion of the smooth section 12 of the crown section 11 of the dental implant 1, which provides additional sealing between the bevel portion 121 and the bevel surface 223 of the stabilizing section 22 of the secondary part 2'. In a further variation, the additional O-ring can be arranged on the secondary part (abutment) 2' at or near the interface between the crown portion 221' of the stabilizing section 22 of the secondary part 2' and the apical portion 222 of the stabilizing section 22 of the secondary part 2'. The latter alternative is shown in FIG. 7B at 225'. In certain embodiments, any combination of additional O-rings may be included. The additional O-rings may have a conventional design, be preferably fabricated from titanium, a titanium alloy, an elastomeric material, or a variety of other materials known to those skilled in the art, and function similarly to O-ring 224 described above. Additionally, in the embodiment of FIGS. 7A-7B, O-ring 224 may be included alone or in combination with additional O-rings.

[0130] Finally, with reference to the embodiment of Figures 7A to 7D, the connecting screw 3 is the same as the connecting screw shown in Figures 5A to 5E and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0131] A perspective view of the secondary part 2' of Figures 7A-7D is shown in Figure 7E. The secondary part 2' of Figure 7E is the same as the secondary part 2 of Figures 6A-6B, except for the support ledge 213' and the crown section 221' of the stabilization section 22 embodied as shown in Figures 7A-7D. Therefore, a detailed description of the secondary part 2' of Figure 7E is omitted.

[0132] 8A-8D show a dental implant with an insertion tool inserted, which can be used to drive the dental implant into the patient's bone, as is known in the art.

[0133] As far as the dental implant 1 is concerned, its structure is the same as the dental implant of Figs. 1 to 4, and therefore a further detailed description will be omitted.

[0134] The insertion tool is indicated by reference numeral 4 and includes a crown section 41 having a shank portion 411, which can be connected to a rotating machine (not shown) by means of a suitable engagement element 414. The engagement element 414 may have any suitable shape for engaging with a rotating machine or a manual drive for the tool, including a polygonal, e.g., hexagonal, configuration. The crown section 41 of the insertion tool 4 also includes a manual tool engagement section 412 configured for engagement with a manual torque application tool (e.g., a wrench), not shown. Preferably, the manual tool engagement section 412 is hexagonal, each side of the hexagon including a number of recesses 413, preferably of a generally conical shape, for engagement with a manual tool. The recesses 413 are further features for recognizing the angular position of the dental implant 1 during insertion into bone tissue. Furthermore, additional means, well known to those skilled in the art, may be provided on the insertion tool 4, allowing recognition of the angular position of the dental implant 1 in the bone tissue during its insertion.

[0135] The insertion tool 4 further includes an apical section 42 for engagement with the inner bore of the dental implant 1. The apical section 42 of the insertion tool 4 includes, from its crown to its apical end, a first stabilizing section 421, a drive section 422, and a second stabilizing section 423.

[0136] 8B, 8D and 9, the first stabilizing section 421 of the apical section 42 of the insertion tool 4 has a shape that is exactly complementary to the stabilizing section 16 of the dental implant 1. Thus, the first stabilizing section 421 of the apical section 42 of the insertion tool 4 is shaped as a truncated cone that flares outward in the coronal direction of the insertion tool 4 and has a flare angle of 5 degrees to 7.9 degrees with respect to the axis A of the insertion tool 4 (or of the dental implant 1 when the insertion tool 4 is inserted), more preferably 5 degrees to 7.7 degrees, even more preferably 5 degrees to 7 degrees, most preferably 7 degrees. Thus, the present invention provides an extremely stable connection between the dental implant 1 and the insertion tool 4 and an optimal self-locking effect of the insertion tool 4 with respect to the dental implant 1.

[0137] The drive section 422 of the apical part 42 of the insertion tool 4 has an axial profile with lobes that precisely match the contours of the lobes of the drive index section 17 of the internal blind bore of the dental implant 1. In particular, as shown in FIG. 9, the drive section 422 of the apical part 42 of the insertion tool 4 is provided with a number of connection lobes 471 that have a convex shape (complementary to the concave shape of the connection lobes 171 of the drive index section of the dental implant 1) and that extend substantially along the entire axial extension of the drive section 422 of the apical part 42 of the insertion tool 4. This extension substantially corresponds to the extension of the connection lobes 171 of the drive index section 17 of the internal blind bore of the dental implant 1. Preferably, the connection lobes 471 of the drive section 422 of the insertion tool 4 are also parts of individual cylinders with side areas that are parallel to the axis A of the insertion tool 4 (or to the axis A of the dental implant 1 when the insertion tool 4 is inserted into the dental implant 1). Furthermore, preferably, the cylindrical portion defining the connecting lobe 471 of the drive section 422 of the insertion tool 4 may be embodied as a semi-cylinder.

[0138] In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the number of connecting lobes 471 of the drive section 422 of the insertion tool 4 is equal to six, but one skilled in the art will understand that this can be changed according to the number of index sections of the insertion tool 4 on the dental implant 1. However, the provision of a larger number of connecting lobes 471 on the insertion tool 4 places a greater burden on the manufacturing process of the insertion tool 4. The inventors of the present application have found that a number of six connecting lobes 471 is preferred, for example, as illustrated with respect to the insertion tool in FIG. 9 (clearly related to the complementary devised drive index section 17 of the dental implant 1), in order to best balance the constraints related to the mechanical stability, torque resistance and manufacturing complexity of the drive section 422 of the insertion tool 4, as described in relation to the drive index section 17 of the internal blind hole of the dental implant 1.

[0139] 8A-8D as well as FIG. 9, it can be seen that the connecting lobes 471 of the drive section 422 of the insertion tool 4 are interconnected by individual lobe connecting regions generally designated by reference numeral 472. As with the drive index section 17, each of the lobe connecting regions 472 of the drive section 422 of the insertion tool 4 has the same axial extension as the connecting lobes 471. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, a circular recess 488 is preferably formed in the connecting lobes 471 and the lobe connecting regions 472. The circular recess 488 is formed around the axis A of the insertion tool 4 and divides the drive section 422 of the insertion tool 4 into a crown portion 4221 and an apical portion 4222. The circular recess 488 is configured to receive an elastic O-ring or split C-ring 489 (shown in FIG. 8B) for less forceful engagement with the dental implant 1 so that the insertion tool 4 can be easily removed from the dental implant 1 after insertion into the bone. On the other hand, the resilient O-ring or split C-ring 489 provides sufficient engagement force such that the dental implant 1 is retained in the insertion tool 4 by wedging it onto a corresponding section of the dental implant and does not fall off during transport to the patient's mouth. The resilient O-ring or split C-ring 489 has a conventional design and is preferably manufactured from titanium, a titanium alloy, an elastomeric material, or a variety of other materials known to those skilled in the art.

[0140] In a variant not shown in the drawings, the apical portion 4222 of the drive section 422 of the insertion tool 4 may be devised with a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shape may be replaced with any alternative geometric shape suitable for holding the elastic O-ring or split C-ring 489 in place on the insertion tool 4. Nevertheless, the configuration shown in FIG. 9 with the connecting lobe 471 and lobe joining region 472 in the apical portion 4222 of the drive section 422 of the insertion tool 4 is advantageous because it allows for the placement of the circular recess 488 at a higher coronal location in the drive section 422 of the insertion tool 4 while retaining a sufficient engagement surface of the drive section 422 of the insertion tool 4 with the drive index section 17 of the dental implant 1.

[0141] According to a further alternative embodiment of the insertion tool 4 (also not shown in FIG. 9 ), the elastic O-ring or split C-ring is omitted, in which case the connecting lobe 471 and the lobe joining region 472 may extend uninterrupted throughout the entire longitudinal extension of the drive section 422 of the insertion tool 4.

[0142] According to the latter preferred alternative (also not shown in FIG. 9 ), when the elastic O-ring or split C-ring is omitted, the apical portion of the lobe connection region 472 of the insertion tool 4 may have a cutout that matches the stepped configuration of the apical portion 173 of the lobe connection region 172 of the driving indexing section 17 of the dental implant 1. The shape of each cutout is preferably an inverse step. As in the case of the secondary part 2 including the cutout, the respective side of the apical portion of the lobe connection region 472 of the insertion tool 4 in the latter preferred embodiment may be a part of a cylindrical side having an axis that coincides with the axis A of the insertion tool 4 or with the axis A of the dental implant 1 when the insertion tool 4 is inserted into the dental implant 1. However, according to the above variant, the respective side of the apical portion of the lobe connection region 472 may be a part of a truncated cone having an axis that coincides with the axis A of the insertion tool 4 (or with the axis A of the dental implant 1 when the insertion tool 4 is inserted into the dental implant 1). In either case, the notch extends in a radial direction towards the axis A of the insertion tool 4 (or the axis A of the dental implant 1 when the insertion tool 4 is inserted into the dental implant 1). The notch may extend in a radial direction generally perpendicular to the axis A of the insertion tool 4 (or the axis A of the dental implant 1 when the insertion tool 4 is inserted into the dental implant 1) or with an inclination thereto, to match the shape of the individual ledges 1732 of the drive index section 17 of the dental implant 1. Obviously otherwise, in all the above embodiments, the apical portion of the drive section lobe connection region of the insertion tool may have a shape that is complementary to the shape of the apical portion 173 of the lobe connection region 172 of the drive index section 17 of the dental implant 1.

[0143] Moreover, according to the latter preferred alternative, if a cutout is provided, each of the apical parts of the lobe connection region 472 of the drive section 422 of the insertion tool 4 with the respective inverted step-shaped cutout advantageously provides a function for guiding the insertion tool 4 when inserted into the dental implant 1. This guiding function is particularly advantageous in the case of a click-in connection. In this context, it is also particularly advantageous for the cutout to be inclined in the apical direction compared to a plane perpendicular to the axis A of the insertion tool 4 (or of the dental implant 1 in the inserted state of the insertion tool), so that a sliding surface for a general connection is provided in the absence of a click-in connection or click-in function. For example, advantageously the inclination relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis A of the insertion tool 4 (or of the dental implant 1 in the inserted state of the insertion tool) may be less than 30 degrees, more preferably less than 20 degrees, most preferably less than 10 degrees.

[0144] The click-in connection of the dental implant 1 with the insertion tool 4 may be implemented by means of a radially expanding section provided at the apical end, in particular the apical portion 4222, of the drive section 422 of the insertion tool 4, which can engage in an undercut 176 of the drive index section 17 of the dental implant 1. The click-in connection of the secondary part 2 with the dental implant 1 can be implemented in a similar manner.

[0145] Furthermore, with respect to all embodiments of the insertion tool 4, the following should be noted.

[0146] In an embodiment of the drive section 422 in which the number of connecting lobes 471 is equal to six, the number of apical portions (if any) of the lobe connecting regions 471 (and obviously the number of lobe connecting regions 472) is also equal to six. Obviously, in the drive section 422 of the insertion tool 4, these respective numbers will also be equal since the lobe connecting regions 472 are interposed between the connecting lobes 471.

[0147] 9, each of the lobe connection regions 472 of the drive section 422 of the insertion tool 4 is formed with a generally concave shape, which may be sufficient in certain embodiments to cooperate with the drive index section 17 of the dental implant 1.

[0148] However, in an alternative example not shown in FIG. 9 , the lobe connecting region 472 of the drive section 422 of the insertion tool 4 may be shaped similarly to the lobe connecting region 272 of the index section 23 of the secondary part 2, for example including a central section having a convex shape and two adjacent concave portions so as to be exactly complementary to the shape of the lobe connecting region 172 of the drive index section 17 of the dental implant 1.

[0149] Although the latter details are not shown in Fig. 9, the overall contour defined by the connecting lobes 471 and lobe connecting regions 472 of the drive section 422 of the insertion tool 4 has a "modified torx" as described in connection with the dental implant 1 of Figs. 1-4. In particular, each lobe connecting region 472 of the drive section 422 of the insertion tool 4 has a central convexity and two adjacent concaves. As described, in the embodiment under consideration, the contours and extensions of the individual convexities and concaves of the lobe connecting regions 472 of the drive section 422 of the insertion tool 4 precisely follow the contours and extensions of the corresponding sections of the lobe connecting regions 172 of the dental implant 1.

[0150] Generally, the side areas of the sections of the lobe connecting regions 472 of the drive section 422 of the insertion tool 4 are also parts of an individual cylinder and extend parallel to the axis A of the insertion tool (or of the dental implant 1 if the insertion tool 4 is inserted into the dental implant 1), as do the side areas of the connecting lobes 471 of the drive section 422 of the secondary part 2.

[0151] Otherwise, the same advantages and construction details are applicable to the connecting lobes 471 and lobe connecting regions 472 of the drive section 422 of the insertion tool 4 as those described in relation to the connecting lobes 171 and lobe connecting regions 172 of the drive index section 17 of the dental implant, except for the interaction with secondary parts.

[0152] The second stabilizing section 423 of the apical section 42 of the insertion tool 4, as shown in Figures 8B-8C and 9, is a further preferred configuration in all its embodiments and is provided on the apical side of the drive section 422 of the apical section 42 of the insertion tool 4. The second stabilizing section 423 closely matching the outer shape of the internal thread 182 of the apical internally threaded section 18 of the dental implant 1 advantageously provides further stability of the connection between the dental implant 1 and the insertion tool 4. The second stabilizing section 423 of the apical section 42 of the insertion tool 4 preferably has a cylindrical shape (i.e. the shape of a straight cylinder), the axial extension of the second stabilizing section 423 along the axis A being preferably equal to at least 1 / 3 of the axial extension of the internal thread 182 of the apical internally threaded section 18 of the dental implant 1, more preferably equal to at least 1 / 2 of the axial extension of the internal thread 182, and most preferably equal to at least 2 / 3 of the axial extension of the internal thread 182.

[0153] 10A-10C are views of the dental implant 1 of FIG. 1 mounted with further different secondary parts. The secondary part in FIGS. 10A-10C is designated with reference number 5 and is characterized in that it is screwable into the threaded section 13 of the crown section 11 of the dental implant 1. The threaded section 13 is therefore absent in the embodiment of FIGS. 10A-10C, and the screwable secondary part 5 comprises an internal thread 51 which is screwable into the threaded section 13 of the crown section 11 of the dental implant 1. The screwable secondary part 5 of FIGS. 10A-10C is generally suitable for large implants, for example for single crown restorations of molar teeth or for supporting dental bridges. Obviously, the internal thread 51 is provided in a section of the screwable secondary part 5 which is axially symmetrical.

[0154] The dental implant of Figures 10A-10C is identical to the dental implant 1 of Figures 1-4 and therefore will not be described further here.

[0155] 10A-10C includes an internal bevel surface 52, which advantageously follows exactly the shape of the bevel portion 121 of the smooth section 12 of the crown section 11 of the dental implant 1. In particular, as explained with respect to the bevel portion 121 of the dental implant 1, the internal bevel surface 52 of the threadable secondary part 5 has an angle of 17-27 degrees, more preferably an angle of 20-24 degrees, and most preferably an angle of 22.5 degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis A of the threadable secondary part 5 (or to the axis A of the dental implant 1 when the threadable secondary part 5 is inserted into the dental implant 1). The latter most preferred inclination angle of the inner bevel surface 52 of the screwable secondary part 5 in relation to the matching inclination angle of the bevel portion 121 of the dental implant 1 is particularly advantageous from the standpoint of mechanical stability and sealing when the dental implant is connected to an overlapping screwable secondary part 5 which may be embodied, for example, as an abutment, in particular as an abutment for supporting a dental bridge. The angular orientation of the latter type of abutment is not mandatory.

[0156] Otherwise, the screwable secondary part 5 has the shape of an axisymmetric solid of revolution (around axis A) including a crown cylindrical section 53, a beveled frustoconical section 54 and an apical cylindrical section 55. As is evident from Figs. 10A-10C, the crown cylindrical section 53 of the screwable secondary part 5 has a smaller diameter than the apical cylindrical section 55 of the screwable secondary part 5, and the beveled frustoconical section 54 forms the apposition plane of the superstructure between them. Preferably, the beveled frustoconical section 54 forms an angle of 17-27 degrees, more preferably an angle of 20-24 degrees, most preferably an angle of 22.5 degrees with a plane perpendicular to the axis A of the secondary part 5 (or to the axis A of the dental implant 1 when the secondary part 5 is in place on the dental implant 1). Such an inclination angle is advantageous in terms of mechanical stability and sealing when the secondary part is to be connected to an overlying structure such as a dental bridge.

[0157] 11A-11C, a healing cap for use with a dental implant according to the present invention is shown. The healing cap is designated by reference numeral 6 and is shown on the dental implant 1 in Figures 1-4. Therefore, the dental implant 1 of Figures 11A-11C will not be described further here.

[0158] The healing cap 6 is generally shaped as a rotationally symmetric body of revolution along its longitudinal axis A.

[0159] The healing cap 6 has an enlarged head 62 arranged at its coronal end, which is provided with a wrench engagement means 61 embodied, for example, as an internal hexagon, internal square or other drive surface. However, advantageously, the wrench engagement means 61 can also be embodied to interact with the drive section 422 of the insertion tool 4 described above.

[0160] The enlarged head 62 of the healing cap 6 is followed apically by a stabilization section 63 which matches exactly with the stabilization section 16 of the dental implant 1. The stabilization section 63 of the healing cap 6 is further followed apically by an intermediate section 64 which in one preferred embodiment can be shaped as a rotationally symmetric solid of revolution.

[0161] The intermediate section 64 is further continued apically by a threaded section 65 which is configured to threadably mate with the internal threads 182 of the apical internal threaded portion 18 of the dental implant 1 .

[0162] In an alternative embodiment of the preferred mid-section 64 and threaded section 65 described above (not shown in the drawings of this application), the mid-section can also be formed with a "modified" Torx profile that follows the profile of the driving index section 17 of the dental implant 1. In an alternative embodiment of the mid-section 64 of the healing cap 6 having a "modified Torx" profile (and thus matching the profile of the driving index section 17 of the dental implant 1), the threaded section is omitted and replaced with a bulge shaped element positioned and dimensioned to seat in the undercut 176 of the dental implant.

[0163] The internal shape of the healing cap 6 of Figures 11A-11C comprises an internal bevel surface 66, which exactly follows the shape of the bevel portion 121 of the smooth section 12 of the crown section 11 of the dental implant 1. In particular, as explained with respect to the bevel portion 121 of the dental implant 1, the internal bevel surface 66 of the healing cap 6 has an angle of 17-27 degrees, more preferably 20-24 degrees, most preferably 22.5 degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the healing cap 6 (or to the axis A of the dental implant 1 when the healing cap 6 is inserted in the dental implant 1). The latter most preferred inclination angle of the internal bevel surface 66 of the healing cap 6 in conjunction with the matching inclination angle of the bevel portion 121 of the dental implant 1 is particularly advantageous in terms of mechanical stability and sealing. The sealing efficiency of the healing cap 6 with the dental implant 1 is further improved by the particular angular configuration of the stabilizing section 63 of the sealing cap 6, which closely matches the shape and contour of the stabilizing section 16 of the dental implant 1, as described above.

[0164] Further, the present invention provides an impression cap, similar to the healing cap described above, which is designed for connection to an internal blind hole of a dental implant.

[0165] Obviously, some modifications will be obvious to and can be easily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.The scope of the claims should therefore not be limited by the exemplary or preferred embodiments shown in the description by way of example, but rather should encompass all the patentable novel features present in the present invention, including all features that would be treated as equivalents by those skilled in the art.In this regard, it is emphasized that the dental implants and secondary parts of the present invention can be made of ceramics, metals (especially titanium) and combinations thereof.

[0166] Additionally, although the present invention has been described and illustrated with various combinations of dental implants and secondary elements, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that each of the dental implants can be combined with each of the secondary elements disclosed herein. Additionally, additional dental implants and secondary elements not shown and / or described herein are also contemplated as part of the present disclosure, so long as they have a stabilizing section and / or indexing section and / or driving index section as described herein. Similar considerations apply to dental implant and insertion tool combinations (not shown and / or described) with the specification that the drive section of the insertion tool should be provided with the "modified torx" configuration of the present invention.

[0167] Where technical features referred to in any claim are followed by reference signs, these reference signs are included only for the purpose of enhancing the comprehension of the claims, and thus such reference signs do not have a limiting effect on the scope of the respective elements identified by such reference signs, for example.

[0168] (List of reference symbols used in the description) A dental implant, secondary part, insertion tool, axis of screwable secondary part and healing cap 1,1' Dental Implant 11 Crown section of dental implant 12 Smooth section of the crown section of dental implant 121 Bevel of smooth section 122 Shoulder defining the crown end of a dental implant 13 Screw section of crown section of dental implant 14 Threaded area of ​​dental implants 141,141' Groove in threaded area of ​​dental implant 142 Threads in the Threaded Region of Dental Implants 15 Apical tip of dental implant 16 Stabilization section of the internal blind hole of dental implant 17 Driven indexing section for internal blind holes in dental implants 171 Connecting lobes of driven indexing section of dental implant 172 Lobe connection region interconnecting the lobes of the drive index section 173 Apical part of the lobe connection area 1731 Apical portion of the lobe connection area 1732 Apical Ledge 174 Convex part of the lobe connection region 175 Lobe connection area recess C. Extension of the recess in the lobe connection area to the implant 176 Undercut 177 Circular platform at the coronal end of the driven indexing section 18 Apical Female Thread Section of Internal Blind Hole of Dental Implant 181 Crown platform of apical thread section 182 Female thread of apical female thread section 183 Apical end of apical thread section 2 Secondary parts 21 Crown section of secondary part 211 Central through hole in the crown section of the secondary part 212 Means for Rotationally Positioning a Dental Crown or Dental Bridge 213,213' Support ledge for crown section of secondary part 22 Secondary component stabilization section 221,221' Crown portion of stabilization section of secondary component 222 Apical part of the stabilization section of the secondary component 223 Beveled surface at the interface between the coronal and apical parts of the stabilization section of the secondary component 224 O-ring at the apical end of the stabilization section of the secondary component 225,225' O-ring in stabilizing section of secondary part 23 Secondary Parts Indexing Section 271 Connecting lobes of indexing sections of secondary parts 272Lobe connection area of ​​index section of secondary part 274 Recesses in the lobe connection area of ​​secondary part indexing 275 Convex part of the lobe connection area of ​​the secondary part index 24 Secondary part frustum inner section 3 Connecting screw 31 Enlarged head of connecting screw 32 Wrench engagement means 4 Insert Tool 41 Crown section of insertion tool 411 Shank of the crown section of the insertion tool 412 manual tool engagement section of crown section of insertion tool 413 Recess in manual tool engagement section 414 Engagement element in shank for connection to rotating machinery 42 Apical section of insertion tool 421 First stabilization section of the apical section of the insertion tool 422 Drive section of the apical section of the insertion tool 4221 Crown part of drive section of insertion tool 4222 Apical part of the drive section of the insertion tool 423 Second stabilization section of the apical section of the insertion tool 471 Connecting lobe of drive section of insertion tool 472 Lobe connection area of ​​drive section of insertion tool 488 Circular recess in drive section of apical section of insertion tool 489 O-ring or C-ring in the drive section of the apical section of the insertion tool 5 Secondary parts that can be screwed in 51 Female thread of screwable secondary part 52 Internal bevel surface of a threadable secondary component 53 Screwable secondary part crown cylindrical section 54 Beveled conical section of a screwable secondary part 55 Apical cylindrical section of a threadable secondary component 6. Healing Cap 61 Wrench engagement means for heeling cap 62 Healing Cap Enlarged Head 63 Healing Cap Stabilizing Section 64 Healing Cap Mid Section 65 Healing Cap Thread Section 66 Inner bevel surface of healing cap

Claims

1. A dental implant (1, 1') having a generally cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis (A) defining a longitudinal direction, a crown section (11) comprising the crown end of the dental implant (1, 1'); a threaded region (14) extending apically from the crown section (11) to the apical tip (15) of the dental implant (1); an internal blind hole for connection with a secondary part, the internal blind hole including a stabilizing section (16) extending apically from a coronal end of the dental implant (1,1') and a drive indexing section (17) extending apically from an apical end of the stabilizing section (16); The drive index section (17) is provided with a plurality of connecting lobes (171) having a concave shape and extending in the longitudinal direction; The connecting lobes (171) are interconnected by respective longitudinally extending lobe joining regions (172); Each of the lobe connecting regions (172) includes two longitudinally extending protruding portions (174) adjacent to a respective connecting lobe (171) and a longitudinally extending recessed portion (175) between the two protruding portions (174); The recesses (175) of the lobe connecting regions (172) extend along the sides of a straight cylinder centered on the axis (A) of the dental implant (1,1').

2. Each lobe connecting region (172) includes an apical portion (173) having a stepped configuration, the apical portion (173) having a side surface (1731) which is a part of a lateral cylindrical surface having an axis coincident with the axis (A) of the dental implant (1,1'), the side surface (1731) being provided with a ledge (1732) extending radially towards the axis (A) of the dental implant (1,1'); or, A dental implant (1,1') as described in claim 1, wherein the apical portion (173) has a side surface (1731) extending toward the coronal side and being part of a frustum surface having an axis coinciding with the axis (A) of the dental implant (1,1'), the side surface (1731) being provided with a ledge (1732) extending radially toward the axis of the dental implant (1,1').

3. 3. A dental implant (1,1') according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting lobes (171) are parts of individual cylinders with side areas parallel to the axis (A) of the dental implant (1,1'), preferably the cylindrical parts being semi-cylinders.

4. A dental implant (1,1') according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the convex portions (174) of the lobe connecting regions (172) are parts of individual cylinders with side regions parallel to the axis (A) of the dental implant (1,1').

5. A dental implant (1,1') according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein a generally circular platform (177) is provided at the coronal end of the driven index section (17) adjacent to the apical end of the stabilisation section (16), preferably the generally circular platform (177) being formed by a radially projecting coronal portion of the lobe connecting region (172).

6. The coronal section (11) is in its outer part made up of a smooth section (12) extending apically from the coronal end of the dental implant (1, 1') and a threaded section (13) extending apically from an apical end of the smooth section (12) to a coronal end of the threaded region (14); A dental implant (1, 1') according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the threaded section (13) is configured to fix a secondary part to an outer part of the dental implant (1, 1') and / or the threaded section (13) comprises a reverse thread and / or the threaded section (13) is configured to promote osseointegration of the dental implant (1, 1').

7. the smooth section (12) of the crown section (11) of the dental implant (1,1') comprises a beveled portion (121) near the crown end of the dental implant (1,1'); Dental implant (1, 1') according to claim 6, wherein the bevel portion (121) is apically inclined at its periphery.

8. 8. Dental implant (1,1') according to claim 7, wherein the bevel portion (121) forms an angle of 17 to 27 degrees, more preferably an angle of 20 to 24 degrees, most preferably an angle of 22.5 degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis (A) of the dental implant (1,1').

9. Dental implant (1,1') according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the coronal end of the dental implant (1,1') is defined by a flat shoulder (122) adjacent to the bevel portion (121), the flat shoulder (122) preferably being on a plane perpendicular to the axis (A) of the dental implant (1,1') and more preferably along a radius extending from the axis (A) of the dental implant (1,1'), the ratio between the radial width of the flat shoulder (122) and the radial width of the projection of the bevel portion (121) on the radius is between 1 / 5 and 1 / 3.

10. the internal blind bore further comprises an apical internally threaded section (18) extending apically from the apical end of the drive index section (17), an undercut (176) being provided between the apical end of the drive index section (17) and a crown platform (181) of the apical internally threaded section (18), preferably the crown platform (181) extending in a plane perpendicular to the axis (A) of the dental implant (1,1'); or, A dental implant (1,1') according to any of claims 2 to 9, wherein the ledge (1732) extends in a radial direction inclined towards the apical side with respect to the axis (A) of the dental implant (1,1') and the undercut (176) extends below the ledge (1732) in the apical part of the lobe connection region (172) to a crown platform (181) of the apical internal thread section (18) of the internal blind hole of the dental implant (1,1'), preferably the crown platform (181) extending on a plane perpendicular to the axis (A) of the dental implant (1,1').

11. A dental implant (1,1') as described in any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the stabilization section (16) is shaped as a truncated cone extending in the coronal direction and having a coronal opening having an angle of 7 degrees relative to the axis (A) of the dental implant (1,1').

12. A secondary part (2, 2') for a dental implant (1, 1'), comprising the secondary part (2, 2') has a central bore (221) extending along its longitudinal axis (A), the longitudinal axis (A) defining a longitudinal direction; The secondary part (2, 2') comprises a crown section (21) which comprises the crown end of the secondary part (2, 2'); a stabilization section (22) extending apically from the apical end of the crown section (21); an indexing section (23) extending apically from the apical end of the stabilizing section (22); The indexing section (23) is provided with a plurality of connecting lobes (271) having a concave shape and extending in the longitudinal direction; The connecting lobes (271) are interconnected by respective longitudinally extending lobe joining regions (272); Each of the lobe connecting regions (272) includes two longitudinally extending recesses (274) adjacent to a respective connecting lobe (271) and a longitudinally extending protrusion (275) between the two recesses (274); The recesses (275) of the lobe connecting regions (272) extend along the sides of a straight cylinder centered on the axis (A) of the secondary parts (2, 2').

13. The secondary part (2, 2') according to claim 12, wherein the stabilisation section (22) further comprises a crown portion (221, 221') extending in the coronal direction, the crown portion (221, 221') having a larger outward flaring section compared to the outward flaring section of the apical portion (222) of the stabilisation section (22), e.g. allowing the formation of a support ledge (213, 213') at the apical end of the crown section (21) of the secondary part (2, 2').

14. A secondary part (2, 2') as described in claim 12 or 13, wherein the stabilization section (22) includes at least one apical portion (222) shaped as a truncated cone extending in the coronal direction, the coronal opening of the apical portion (222) having an angle of 7 degrees relative to the axis (A) of the secondary part (2, 2').

15. A dental implant according to any one of claims 1 to 11, A dental implant system comprising a secondary part according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

Images