Dental component with through hole

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a dental component (110) having an angled channel (170) for attachment to a dental implant is disclosed. The dental component has a coronal side (130) and an apical side (120). The method includes forming a first hole (140) and a second hole (150). The first hole extends substantially along a first axis (141) and is formed as a blind hole having an end region (143). The second hole extends substantially along a second axis (151), with an entrance to the second hole disposed coronally relative to the end region of the first hole and intersecting the end region of the first hole to form the angled channel. The first axis and the second axis are inclined relative to each other. At least a portion of the end region of the first hole is retained as part of the angled channel. A dental component manufactured by this method and a method for designing a dental component with an angled channel using CAD / CAM are also disclosed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a dental component having an angled channel, a dental component, and a method for forming a dental component using CAD / CAM. [Background technology]

[0002] A dental restoration of at least one tooth anchored in the patient's bone tissue via a dental implant represents an enhanced treatment available to the patient. This technology has been developed to such an extent that it provides durable and aesthetically pleasing results. To achieve these results, there are many product portfolios and systems available.

[0003] Despite these many systems, there are still challenges to overcome in order to improve manufacturing and make these processes available at lower cost. One of these challenges is the arrangement and manufacture of channels that extend through the dental component for fixing the dental component to a dental implant or abutment. These channels essentially have entrances that are exposed to the patient's oral cavity. These entrances are filled after the installation of the dental restoration, but it would be advantageous if these entrances were not visible or at least almost invisible when the patient's teeth are visible during everyday situations. This is particularly important when the dental restoration relates to the patient's anterior teeth.

[0004] A special challenge in this respect exists when the dental restoration is a one-piece ceramic restoration, because a channel must be made in the restoration for fixing the restoration. Moreover, such a channel should be angled in the case of anterior teeth, so that its inlet is positioned not visible on the lingual side. The creation of such angled channels remains a special challenge during manufacture, although there have been suggestions on how to address this issue.

[0005] For example, EP2053985B3 proposes a manufacturing method for a dental superstructure including a thread groove into which a screw member is to be inserted, and a screw member seat for providing support to the head of the screw member during the fixing of the dental superstructure to a spacer element or implant. The dental superstructure is provided with a central axis of the thread groove and a central axis of the second mouth, which are at least partially non-coincident. That is, the thread groove does not extend along a straight line through the dental superstructure. Another technique for providing angled channels is disclosed in EP3378434B1. Both techniques require highly specialized manufacturing equipment to form these channels. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In addition to the specialized tooling required to form the angled channels, it is also a challenge to design and manufacture such channels so that the fixation elements can be easily inserted and removed.

[0007] It was therefore an underlying object of the present disclosure to provide a dental component having an angled channel that addresses the aforementioned problems. A further object was a method of manufacturing such a dental component and a method of forming a dental component for manufacturing.

[0008] Yet another objective was to design and manufacture a dental component with an angled channel that is compact to avoid affecting the integrity and stability of the dental component.

[0009] The present disclosure therefore relates to a method of manufacturing a dental component having an angled channel for attachment to a dental implant, the dental component having a coronal side and an apical side, the method comprising forming a first hole extending substantially along a first axis, where the first hole has an end region, and forming a second hole extending substantially along a second axis, where the entrance to the second hole is disposed coronally relative to the end region of the first hole, the first hole and the second hole being formed to intersect each other to form the angled channel. In other words, the first axis and the second axis are inclined relative to each other. At least a portion of the end region of the first hole is retained as part of the angled channel.

[0010] In other words, at least a portion of the intersection between the first hole and the second hole is formed by the crown end region of the first hole (ie, results from forming the first hole).

[0011] Furthermore, the angled channel is particularly configured for the insertion of a fixation element, such as a dental screw.

[0012] A portion of the end region of the first hole is retained as part of the angled channel at the intersection between the first hole and the second hole, providing sufficient space for the fixation element to pass between the first hole and the second hole. The end region preferably allows the fixation element to pass through the transition from the second hole to the first hole, i.e., to change its orientation while being inserted.

[0013] The end region is preferably located essentially opposite the entrance to the second bore, in other words, when looking into the second bore in the apical direction of the second axis, at least a portion of the end region of the first bore is visible.

[0014] The first hole is in particular machined as a blind hole, so that the end region of the first hole itself (i.e. independently of and without taking into account a second hole machined before or after the first hole) is preferably dome-shaped.

[0015] The first hole and / or the second hole are preferably formed such that the hole(s) can be formed in a single processing step (i.e., the tool starts machining the dental component and only retracts when the hole(s) have been formed).

[0016] The dental component may be, inter alia, a dental restoration, an abutment, a crown, a bridge, or a spacer. The dental component may be directly or indirectly attached to the dental implant.

[0017] An end region of the first bore is preferably configured to be disposed coronally relative to the intersection between the first axis and the second axis.

[0018] The change in slope of the transition profile between the apical portion of the first hole and the end region of the first hole is preferably smaller than the change in slope of the transition profile between the end region of the first hole and the second hole.

[0019] In a cross section extending along the first axis, the profile of the end region in particular comprises at least one curved recess. At least a part of the at least one curved recess preferably forms part of the angled channel of the dental component. In the case of an end region comprising a plurality of (i.e. two or more) curved recesses, these parts in particular merge into one another. The first hole is preferably formed before the second hole. Nevertheless, it is also possible to form the second hole before the first hole.

[0020] The tilt angle between the first axis and the second axis is preferably greater than 0° or 5° and is equal to or less than 60°, 30°, or 20°.

[0021] The first and second holes may be formed by cutting or grinding, in particular by using a rotary tool.

[0022] Preferably, the rotating tool performs an oscillating movement while forming the first hole. The rotating tool is guided along at least one path around the first axis, the longitudinal axis of the rotating tool being preferably arranged at an angle, preferably at a constant angle, to the first axis.

[0023] Even more preferably, the first hole is formed by orbital milling along at least one path about the first axis, the rotating tool being in particular oriented parallel to the first axis.

[0024] The blank used to manufacture the dental component is preferably a molding made of a ceramic material.

[0025] The present disclosure further provides a dental component, preferably manufactured by the method described above. The dental component includes an apical side, a coronal side, a first hole extending substantially along a first axis (wherein the first hole has an end region), and a second hole extending substantially along a second axis (wherein the entrance to the second hole is disposed coronally relative to the end region of the first hole). The first hole and the second hole intersect with each other to form an angled channel (e.g., the first hole (first axis) and the second hole (second axis) are inclined relative to each other). At least a portion of the intersection between the first hole and the second hole is disposed within the end region of the first hole. In other words, the intersection line between the first hole and the second hole is disposed at least partially within the end region of the first hole.

[0026] The diameter of the first hole may be greater than or equal to the diameter of the second hole.

[0027] It is particularly preferred that the first axis and / or the second axis are straight.

[0028] An end region of the first bore may have a decreasing cross-section perpendicular to the first axis.

[0029] In a cross-section extending along the first axis, the profile of the end region may be curved (ie rounded), and the curved profile preferably includes a plurality of curved recesses.

[0030] The angled channel of the dental component may have a conical screw seat.

[0031] An end region of the first bore may be disposed coronally relative to an intersection between the first axis and the second axis.

[0032] The present disclosure further provides a method of designing a dental component using CAD (i.e., a CAD system). The method includes the steps of preparing geometric data of the dental component, providing a geometry of a first hole in the dental component, the first hole extending substantially along a first axis and having an end region, and forming a second hole extending substantially along a second axis in the dental component, the entrance to the second hole being disposed coronally relative to the coronal end region of the first hole. The first hole and the second hole are formed crossing each other to form an angled channel. In particular, the first axis and the second axis are inclined relative to each other. Furthermore, at least a portion of the end region of the first hole is retained as part of the angled channel.

[0033] An end region of the first bore is preferably configured to be disposed coronally relative to the intersection between the first axis and the second axis. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] The following figures illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. These embodiments should not be construed as limiting, but should be understood to merely enhance the understanding of the present invention in conjunction with the following description. In these figures, the same reference numerals refer to features having the same or equivalent functions and / or structures throughout the drawings. This applies in particular to reference numerals whose last two digits are the same, with the preceding digits indicating the embodiment. It should be noted that repeated descriptions of these components are generally omitted for reasons of brevity.

[0035] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a dental component including a first dome-shaped hole according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dental component of FIG. 1 further including a second hole, where the first and second holes form an angled channel. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a dental component including a dome-shaped first hole according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the dental component of FIG. 3 further including a second hole, where the first and second holes form an angled channel. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating various first holes of a dental component. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an angled channel of a dental component. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a dental component according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the dental component of FIG. 7 further including a second hole, where the first and second holes form an angled channel. [Figure 9A] 11A-11C are cross-sectional views that diagrammatically illustrate the formation of a dome-shaped end region of a first hole using a rotary tool with an oscillating motion; [Figure 9B] 11A-11C are cross-sectional views that diagrammatically illustrate the formation of a dome-shaped end region of a first hole using a rotary tool with an oscillating motion; [Figure 10]13A-13C illustrate the creation of a dental component having an angled channel using a software interface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following generally describes exemplary embodiments of dental components that include angled through-holes and are configured to be directly or indirectly attached to a dental implant.

[0037] 1 and 2 illustrate two manufacturing steps of a dental component 110 according to a first embodiment. With reference to FIG. 1, the dental component 110 comprises a first apical side 120 and a second coronal side .

[0038] At the apical side 120, the dental component 110 preferably comprises a first entrance (opening) 142. At this entrance 142, the first hole 140 extends substantially in a coronal direction (i.e., a direction that has a coronal component and may have a lateral component, i.e., a buccal component, a labial component, and / or a lingual component) along a first axis 141. The first axis 141 is preferably straight.

[0039] The first hole 140 is formed as a blind hole having an end region 143, i.e. it is formed as a hole that does not extend all the way through the dental component 110. During manufacture, a tool (preferably a rotating tool such as a milling or drilling tool) is guided along a first axis 141 from the apical side 120 to generate the first hole 140, in particular by cutting or grinding. However, before the tip of the tool guided into the material of the dental component 110 reaches the side or surface of the dental component opposite the apical side 120, the machining of the dental component 110 is stopped.

[0040] Within the dental component, the first bore 140 includes a dome-shaped end region 143. This dome-shaped end region is defined by a change in cross-section of the first bore 140. In particular, the end region 143 has a rounded or curved profile in cross-section along the first axis 141. Preferably, the rounded profile of the end region 143 includes at least one curved recess.

[0041] The dental component 110 is preferably configured for direct attachment to a dental implant (not shown) via its apical side 120. It may nevertheless be configured for indirect attachment to a dental implant via an intermediate dental component (not shown), such as a spacer.

[0042] For attachment, the first hole 140 may include an attachment region 160 for attachment to a dental implant that is located apically with respect to the end region 143. In other words, the optional attachment region 160 is located between the end region 143 and the first entrance 142 to the first hole 140 at the apical side 120. It may be part of the first entrance (e.g., Figures 1-4) or it may be at a distance to the first entrance 142 (e.g., the two lower views of Figure 5).

[0043] The attachment region 160 may include sections of various diameters 161, 162 along the first axis 141. The attachment region may include indexing means 163 that at least limits options for the relative orientation between the dental component 110 and another dental component (e.g., a dental implant or an intermediate dental component) to be attached thereto. The attachment region 160 may be designed as a universal attachment region 160 for various dental components.

[0044] The dental component 110 may be a dental restoration (see Figures 1-4, 7, 8, and 10) or an abutment (see Figure 6). In particular, in the case of a dental restoration, the dental component 110 is preferably formed of a ceramic material and more preferably manufactured according to the present disclosure as a green body, i.e. before at least a final sintering step is applied.

[0045] Referring to Figure 2, the dental component 110 of Figure 1 is shown, but now also including a second inlet 152 disposed coronally with respect to the first inlet 142, in particular coronally with respect to the end region 143 of the dental component 110. The second inlet 152 preferably faces in a coronal direction. The second inlet 152 forms an end of a second bore 150. The second bore extends substantially along a second axis 151.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the second inlet 152 is preferably located coronally relative to the intersection between the first bore 140 and the second bore 150 .

[0047] 2 shows the second holes 150 being formed after the formation of the first holes 140, this need not be the case. To the contrary, the first holes 140 may be made after or simultaneously with the second holes 150.

[0048] The second entrance 152 through which the second hole 150 extends may be formed on the coronal side 130 , the lingual side, or the buccal side of the dental component 110 .

[0049] The second bore 150 extends substantially along a second axis 151 that is inclined with respect to the first axis 141 of the first bore 140. The inclination angle between the first axis 141 and the second axis 151 is greater than 0° and less than or equal to 60°. Preferably, the inclination angle is less than 40°, or most preferably less than 30°. The first and second axes 141, 151 may be formed as straight lines and / or curves.

[0050] The first hole 140 and the second hole 150 intersect each other inside the dental component 110. In other words, the first axis 141 of the first hole 140 and the second axis 151 of the second hole 150 preferably intersect each other at the intersection point 111 such that the first hole 140 and the second hole 150 intersect each other. Nevertheless, the first hole 140 and the second hole 150 may be formed such that their respective axes do not intersect each other at the intersection point, as long as the first hole 140 and the second hole 150 intersect each other.

[0051] The first bore 140 and the second bore 150 are formed in such a way that at least a part of the end region 143 of the first bore 140 is retained. In other words, when the first and second bores are formed, a part of the end region 143 of the first bore 140 still extends radially from the second bore 150. In particular, the end region 143 is arranged in a first radial direction starting from the second axis 151. This end region 143 is essentially arranged on the side of the first bore 140 opposite to the side of the crown inlet 152 of the second bore 150. Furthermore, in a second radial direction opposite to said first radial direction, the apical end of the second bore 150 intersects with the first bore 140 away from the end region 143, in particular away from the cylindrical portion of the first bore 140 (see Figures 2, 4, 6, 8 and 9A).

[0052] The intersection between the first hole 140 and the second hole 150 is defined by an intersecting contour line or intersection line 153. The intersection line 153 is formed, at least in part, by at least a portion of the end region 143 of the first hole 140. The first hole 140 and the second hole 150 intersecting each other collectively form an angled channel 170 that extends throughout the dental component 110.

[0053] The intersection line 153 is preferably formed in the end region 143 such that starting from the most coronal point of this line, the two opposite directions of the intersection line 153 extending towards the apical side 120 of the dental component 110 move away from each other, i.e. such that the end region widens towards the apical side 120, in particular monotonically (e.g. monotonically non-decreasingly).

[0054] The inlet 152 of the second hole 150 allows the introduction of a fixation element (not shown), such as a dental screw, into the angled channel 170 and thus into the dental component 110. Fixation is for attaching said dental component 110 to a dental implant. For this attachment, the dental component may have a screw seat (see figures 5, 7 and 8). It is also possible that the angled channel serves to feed the fixation element into the screw seat. For example, the attachment areas 160 and 260 of the dental components 110 and 210, respectively, may serve for attachment (e.g. by adhesive or cement) to an abutment which itself includes a screw seat.

[0055] In the apical direction of the angled channel 170, the cross section of the angled channel 170 increases in size after the intersection line 153 due to the retention of a portion of the end region 143 of the first hole 140. This increase in size allows the fixation element (specifically, the head of the fixation element) to easily pass from the first hole 140 into the second hole 150 (during assembly) and vice versa (during removal).

[0056] Thus, the arrangement of the first and second holes 140, 150 is configured to provide sufficient space for the anchoring element to pass through the angled channel. The space formed at the intersection of the first hole 140 and the second hole 150 within the dental component 110 allows, among other things, rotational movement of the anchoring element about an axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis 141 and the second axis 151. This rotation allows and results in repositioning of the anchoring element to switch from movement along the second axis 151 to movement along the first axis 141 or vice versa.

[0057] The second holes 150 are preferably formed with the same diameter as the first holes 140. The second holes 150 may be formed with a smaller diameter than the diameter of the first holes 140. The latter results in a smaller entrance 152 to the angled channel 170, which is more easily hidden and less visible to an observer.

[0058] The dental component 110, more particularly the angled channel 170, is manufactured by forming a first hole 140 starting from a first, particularly apical side 120, of the dental component 110 and guiding a tool substantially along a first axis 141. Similarly, the second hole 150 is formed starting from a side of the dental component 110 facing in the opposite direction (i.e. a direction differing by more than 90°) and guiding a tool substantially along a second axis 151. The manufacturing of the dental component 110 is preferably performed using at least one rotary tool.

[0059] As mentioned above, the first hole 140 is formed as a blind hole having a crown end region 143 with a reduced cross section perpendicular to the first axis 141. The reduced cross section preferably results from a curved contour of the end region 143 of the first hole in a cross section extending along the first axis 141. This curved contour allows for an enhanced stress distribution and therefore strength of the dental component 110. Furthermore, the end region 143 with a curved contour represents an improved approximation to the insertion path of the anchoring element compared to other (e.g. linear) contours. Thus, less material is removed to achieve a smooth insertion process and the strength of the dental component 110 is less affected. Nevertheless, the end region 143 may include substantially the same cross section as the first hole 140 (see FIG. 6), especially in the case of non-ceramic materials such as metals.

[0060] The change in slope at the transition between the apical portion of the first hole 140 and the end region 143 of the first hole 140 is preferably less than the change in slope at the transition between the end region 143 of the first hole 140 and the second hole 150.

[0061] The first hole 140 and the second hole 150 are formed such that the holes intersect with one another to form the angled channel 170. In other words, the first hole 140 and the second hole 150 are formed such that the first axis 141 and the second axis 151 intersect with one another at the intersection point 111. However, the first hole 140 and the second hole 150 may be formed such that the axes do not intersect with one another at a defined point. The first hole and the second hole are formed relative to one another such that at least a portion of the end region of the first hole is retained as part of the angled channel.

[0062] The first axis 141 and the second axis 151 are inclined with respect to each other. The inclination angle may be greater than 0° or 5°, and may be less than 60°, 30°, or 20°. The first axis 141 and the second axis 151 may be straight and / or curved.

[0063] Forming the first and second holes 140, 150 is preferably done by grinding or cutting. The first and second holes 140, 150 may be formed by the same rotary tool. In a first embodiment, the first hole 140 is formed before forming the second hole 150. However, it may also be possible to form the second hole 150 before forming the first hole 140.

[0064] The diameter of the rotary tool is preferably smaller than the fixation element that is to pass through the angled channel 170. The first hole 140 and the second hole 150 may be formed with substantially the same diameter (in the case of the first hole 140, particularly without considering the presence of the attachment region 160, if any). In alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the first hole 140 and the second hole 150 may be formed with different diameters, preferably with the diameter of the first hole 140 being larger than the diameter of the second hole 150.

[0065] The attachment area 160 may be formed on the first apical side 120 of the dental component 110. The attachment area has a different cross section, perpendicular to the first axis 141, than the rest of the first bore 140, including the end area 143. The cross section may be larger (e.g., if indexing means are present) or smaller (e.g., in the case of an integrally formed screw seat such as the one shown in Figures 7 and 8). Between the attachment area 160 and the end area 143 of the dental first bore 140, the first bore 140 is preferably essentially cylindrical in shape. Similarly, the second bore 150 is preferably essentially cylindrical in shape along its extension (the area of ​​the intersection between the first bore 140 and the second bore 150 may not be cylindrical).

[0066] Advantageously, the cylindrical shape of the first and second holes 140, 150 allows the dental component 110 and the angled channel 170 to be formed on a three-axis machine using a simple cylindrical milling tool or drill. Thus, the channel 170 may be machined in a dental laboratory or even a dentist's office, since no special or expensive equipment or tools are required. Furthermore, a dental component with a complete angled channel may be more cost-effectively produced in a central manufacturing location.

[0067] Also, by using the same rotary tool during the manufacture of the dental component 110 according to one embodiment, time can be saved since tool changes and therefore minor machine downtimes are avoided.

[0068] The first and second holes 140, 150 forming the angled channel provide sufficient space to allow the passage of the fixation element. In this regard, flexibility in the positioning and dimensioning of the first and second holes 140, 150 allows for limited material removal due to the desired movement of the fixation element through the angled channel 170, thereby improving the stability of the dental component 110 and reducing the risk of failure of said component. Additionally, the manufacturing process of the dental component 110 may be more efficient as less material is wasted during manufacturing.

[0069] 3 and 4, which show another embodiment of a dental component according to the present disclosure. In the following figures, and with respect to these and subsequent figures, for the sake of brevity, the description will be directed primarily to features that differ from or are complementary to the previously described dental component 110. Nevertheless, the description of features of the previous embodiment generally also applies to features of the subsequent embodiments, as will be particularly appreciated by those skilled in the art from the figures.

[0070] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first hole 240 also starts from a first entrance 242 on a first, in particular apical side 220, of the dental component 210 and extends along a first axis 241. However, the dome-shaped end region 243 of the first hole 240 includes a plurality of curved recesses 245. More specifically, a cross section of the first hole 240 along the first axis 241 shows two or more curved recesses (see FIG. 1). As illustrated in FIG. 3, the plurality of curved recesses 245 are preferably arranged asymmetrically with respect to the first axis 241. As related to the previous embodiment, this allows sufficient space for the anchoring element to pass between the first hole 240 and the second hole 250, while at the same time preventing unnecessary removal of material. Furthermore, the plurality of curved recesses 245 allows a better approximation of the shape of the end region 243 with respect to the insertion path of the anchoring element.

[0071] As illustrated in Figures 3-9B, when the end region 243 includes multiple (i.e., two or more) curved recesses 245, these portions in particular transition from one to the other (i.e., they are directly adjacent to each other).

[0072] With reference to Fig. 4, the dental component 210 of Fig. 3 is supplemented by a second hole 250 extending from a second inlet 252 of the second coronal side 230 of the dental component 210 extending along a second axis 251. The first hole 240 and the second hole 250 intersect with each other to form an angled channel 270. As in the previous embodiment, at least a portion of at least one of the curved recesses 245 forms at least a portion of the angled channel 270. In other words, the intersection 253 of the first hole 240 and the second hole 250 is at least partially formed by at least a portion of at least one of the curved recesses 245.

[0073] The curved recess 245 provides a smoother, material-saving transition of the angled channel 270 between the first hole 240 and the second hole 250. The curved recess 245 in particular provides a smoother transition between the central axis of the end region 243 of the first hole 240 and the second axis 251 of the second hole 250, thus improving the transition between the first and second holes 240, 250. This results in a smoother insertion and removal of the fixation element moving through the angled channel 270. Furthermore, the handling of the fixation element is improved, since sharp edges between the end region 243 and the second hole 250 are reduced. In particular, the aforementioned rotational movement of the fixation element during movement between the direction along the first axis 241 and the direction along the second axis 251 is improved.

[0074] The first bore 240 is preferably formed by a rotating tool guided substantially along the first axis 241. A curved recess 245 is then formed by subsequent orbital movement of the tool along a path extending approximately halfway around the first axis (preferably about 90°-225°). The centre of the path is preferably located on the opposite side to the side where the second axis 251 extends to the second inlet 252. The subsequent path followed by the tool increases in distance relative to the first axis 241 in the apical direction of the end region 243 of the first bore 240.

[0075] By performing orbital milling, the cross-section of the first holes 240 may be manipulated from a substantially circular cross-section to an oval or elliptical cross-section.

[0076] The plurality of curved recesses 245 may be formed by an oscillating rotary tool, which is described in further detail below with reference to Figures 9A and 9B.

[0077] The formation of the first hole 240 and the formation of the curved recess 245 are preferably performed with the same rotating tool. Nevertheless, the rotating tool may be changed after forming the basic geometry of the first hole 240. Then, another rotating tool with a smaller diameter may be used to form the curved recess 245. The rotating tool may be displaced radially and substantially parallel to the first axis 241 and then translated along the radially displaced axis in multiple subsequent steps to follow the subsequent path described above.

[0078] The second holes 250 are preferably formed by the same rotary tool used to form the first holes 240. In alternative embodiments, the second holes 250 may be formed using other rotary tools, especially when they have different diameters. As previously mentioned, the second holes 250 may be formed with substantially the same diameter as the first holes 240 or with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first holes 240. It is also noted that in this embodiment, the first holes 240 may be formed before forming the second holes 250, the second holes 250 may be formed before forming the first holes 240, or the holes 240, 250 may be formed at least partially simultaneously.

[0079] This manufacturing step allows for a smoother transition of the angled channel 270 at the intersection between the first hole 240 and the second hole 250, since it approximates an ideal continuous transition between the first hole 240 and the second hole 250. Thus, the space required to move the fixation element through the angled channel 270 is optimized, resulting in less (unnecessary) removal of material. This further improves the stability of the dental component 210. As with the previous embodiment, manufacturing may again be performed on a 3-axis machine.

[0080] The top view in Figure 5 illustrates a first hole 340 along a first axis 341 that essentially corresponds to the first hole 140 shown in Figure 1. In this view, the first hole 340 is formed along the first axis 341 by a rotary tool and includes an attachment area.

[0081] Additionally, two views of the first hole 340 below the top view show two subsequent steps of forming a dome-shaped end region (shown as a negative, i.e., body) of the first hole 340 that includes a plurality of curved recesses 345 similar to the second embodiment of Figures 3 and 4. In the second (middle) view, the first recesses 345 are formed by a rotating tool, preferably by orbital milling. Thereby, the diameter of the first hole 340 is enlarged along a portion of the first axis 341. In the third (lowest) view, further curved recesses 345 are formed to approximate a continuous transition between the first hole 340 and the second hole (not shown).

[0082] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an angled channel 470 in an abutment including curved recesses 445 similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 3-5. As previously described, the second bore 450 is formed along a second axis 451 such that it intersects with the first bore 440 such that at least a portion of the end 443 of the first bore 440 is retained. As further illustrated in FIG. 6, at least a portion of at least one of the curved recesses 445 forms at least a portion of the angled channel 470. Additionally, the intersection 453 between the first bore 440 and the second bore 450 is at least partially formed by at least one of the curved recesses 445.

[0083] Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated with reference to Figures 7 and 8. According to Figure 7, a first hole 540 is formed starting from an inlet 542 on a first, in particular apical side 520, of the dental component 510 and is made substantially along a first axis 541.

[0084] 5, the first bore 540 includes a screw seat 546, i.e., a region along the first axis 541 of the first bore 540 that is created by a reduction in diameter. As illustrated, the screw seat 546 may be formed at substantially 90° to the first axis 541. The screw seat 546 may be formed by orbital milling. However, it may also be formed at an angle, i.e., in a conical shape, as will be described below in connection with FIG. 9.

[0085] Furthermore, in contrast to the two views of FIG. 5, the assembly area is arranged apically relative to the screw seat 546 along the first axis 541 .

[0086] As already described in more detail above, the first hole 540 is manufactured as a blind hole that includes an end region 543 that includes a curved recess 545 (see Figures 3-6).

[0087] In Fig. 8 a second hole 550 is machined in the dental component 510 of Fig. 7. As in the previous embodiment, the second hole 550 is formed starting from an inlet 552 on the side facing away from the apical side 520 and extends or is machined along a second axis 551 of the second hole 550.

[0088] Figure 9A illustrates yet another embodiment of a dental component 610. In general, the depth of the component 610 has a similar design to that shown in Figures 7 and 8. However, in contrast to the previous embodiment, the end region 643 of the first hole 640 is manufactured using a rotary tool with an oscillating movement. Due to the oscillating movement, the end region 643 is manufactured with a number of curved recesses 645.

[0089] As a result of the rocking motion, the first bore 640 also includes a conical portion disposed apically relative to the intersection between the first bore 640 and the second bore 650. The conical portion tapers along the first axis 641 of the first bore 640 and may serve as a conical screw seat 646.

[0090] 9B illustrates how a first hole 640 is formed using an oscillating rotary tool in three steps. During the oscillating motion, the rotary tool performs two superimposed movements, one of which is a rotational movement about the axis of the rotary tool, and the second movement is a rotation about an axis that is inclined with respect to the axis of the rotary tool and parallel to the first axis 641 of the first hole 640.

[0091] This differs from the previously mentioned orbital milling in which the rotating tool performs two superimposed movements: one is a rotation about the axis of the rotating tool, and the second is a rotational (circular, orbital) movement along a path around the orbital axis (e.g. the first axis).

[0092] The oscillating motion of the rotating tool causes the hole or bore to be formed with multiple diameters that vary along the orbital axis of the tool rather than a single diameter. The oscillating motion of the rotating tool allows machining areas that would otherwise be difficult to access.

[0093] 9B illustrates diagrammatically how the first hole 640 and a conical shape that may serve as a screw seat 646 are formed behind the opening with a decreasing diameter in the direction of insertion of the rotary tool. As shown, the rotary tool is inserted beyond the opening at the height of the optional screw seat 646 while moving about the aforementioned axis. This forms the optional screw seat 646 in a conical shape while machining the first hole 640 that extends substantially along the first axis 641. Furthermore, at least one curved recess 645 is also formed in the coronal end 643 of the first hole 640 by the tip of the oscillating rotary tool.

[0094] 10, a software or CAD software for designing dental components according to the present disclosure is illustrated. A virtual patient situation is provided within a virtual environment, and a user designs a dental component 710.

[0095] The shape, position and / or orientation of the first hole 740 with a crown end region having a dome shape or other previously described circular shape is calculated to appear at a precise location within the virtual dental component 710 .

[0096] Before or after this, the user may adjust the position and / or orientation of the second hole 750, for example by placing the second entrance 752 on the side of the dental component 710 with less visibility (coronal side in the figure). Starting from the second entrance, the second hole 750 extends along a second axis 751. The user may select the orientation of the second hole 750 around the first axis 741 (0-360° around the first axis 741). The second hole is formed such that at least a part of the end region of the first hole is retained as part of the (virtual) angled channel 770.

[0097] Depending on the position of the dental component (dental restoration in Fig. 10), the user may be offered different ways to design a solution customized for the patient in the virtual environment. For example, the user may have the option to adjust the position of the second hole 750 so that aesthetic aspects can be taken into account so that the second hole is at least less visible from outside the patient's mouth. The user may also be offered the possibility to design the dental component according to structural aspects starting from the dental implant.

[0098] The geometric information of the new dental component 710 is sent to a CAM system for manufacturing a dental component with the appropriate angled screw channels according to the present invention.

[0099] In the figures provided, the last two digits of a reference number refer to features having the same or equivalent function and / or structure throughout the figures, and the first digit refers to the embodiment, so the list of reference numbers refers only to the last two digits of the reference number. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 10 Dental Components 11 intersection 20 First apical side 30 2nd coronal 40 First Hole 41 First Axis 42 First entrance (opening) 43 End area 45 Curved recess 46 Screw seat 50 Second Hole 51 Second Axis 52 Second entrance (opening) 53 Intersecting or crossing contour lines 60 Mounting Area 61, 62 Varying diameter of mounting area 63 Indexing means 70 Angled Channel

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a dental component (110, 210, 410, 510) having an angled channel (170, 270, 470, 570) and for attachment to a dental implant, said dental component having a coronal side (130, 230, 430, 530) and an apical side (120, 220, 420, 520), said method comprising the steps of: forming a first hole (140, 240, 340, 440) extending substantially along a first axis (141, 241, 341, 441, 541), said first hole having an end region (143, 243, 343, 443, 543); forming a second bore (150, 250, 450, 550) extending substantially along a second axis (151, 251, 451, 551), with an inlet (152, 252, 452, 552) to said second bore being disposed coronally with respect to said end region of said first bore; the first hole and the second hole are formed to intersect with one another to form the angled channel; the first axis and the second axis are inclined with respect to each other; At least a portion of the end region of the first hole is retained as part of the angled channel.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the end region (143, 243, 343, 443, 543) of the first hole (140, 240, 340, 440) is formed to be positioned coronally with respect to an intersection (111, 211, 411, 511) between the first axis (141, 241, 341, 441, 541) and the second axis (151, 251, 451, 551).

3. In a cross section extending along said first axis (141, 241, 341, 441, 541), the profile of said end region (143, 243, 343, 443, 543) comprises at least one curved recess (145, 245, 345, 445, 545), The method of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the at least one curved recess preferably forms part of the angled channel (170, 270, 470, 570) of the dental component (110, 210, 410, 510).

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first holes (140, 240, 340, 440) are formed before the second holes (150, 250, 450, 550).

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the tilt angle between the first axis and the second axis is greater than 0° or 5° and is equal to or less than 60°, 30°, or 20°.

6. a rotary tool performs an oscillating motion while forming the first hole (140, 240, 340, 440) by guiding the rotary tool along at least one path around the first axis (141, 241, 341, 441, 541); The method according to claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal axis of the rotary tool is arranged at an angle, preferably a constant angle, relative to the first axis.

7. forming said first hole (140, 240, 340, 440) by orbital milling along at least one path about said first axis (141, 241, 341, 441, 541); The method of claim 1 , wherein the rotary tool is preferably oriented parallel to the first axis.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the blank used to manufacture the dental component (110, 210, 410, 510) is a green compact made of a ceramic material.

9. A dental component (110, 210, 410, 510) preferably manufactured by a method according to claim 1, said dental component comprising: Apical and coronal sides, a first bore (140, 240, 340, 440) extending substantially along a first axis (141, 241, 341, 441, 541), said first bore having an end region; a second bore (150, 250, 450, 550) extending substantially along a second axis (151, 251, 451, 551), the inlet to said second bore being disposed coronally relative to said end region of said first bore; Including, the first hole and the second hole are inclined relative to one another and intersect with one another to form an angled channel (170, 270, 470, 570); At least a portion of the intersection between the first hole and the second hole is within the end region of the first hole.

10. 10. The dental component (110, 210, 410, 510) of claim 9, wherein a diameter of the first hole (140, 240, 340, 440) is equal to or greater than a diameter of the second hole (150, 250, 450, 550).

11. Dental component according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the first axis (141, 241, 341, 441, 541) and / or the second axis (151, 251, 451, 551) are straight.

12. Dental component according to claim 9, wherein the end region (143, 243, 343, 443, 543) of the first hole (140, 240, 340, 440) has a decreasing cross section perpendicular to the first axis (141, 241, 341, 441, 541).

13. In a cross section extending along said first axis (141, 241, 341, 441, 541), the profile of said end region (143, 243, 343, 443, 543) is curved, A dental component according to claim 9, wherein the curved contour preferably comprises a plurality of curved recesses (245, 445, 545).

14. The dental component of claim 9 , wherein the angled channel (170, 270, 470, 570) of the dental component has a conical screw seat.

15. 10. The dental component of claim 9, wherein the end region (143, 243, 343, 443, 543) of the first hole (140, 240, 340, 440) is positioned coronally with respect to an intersection (111, 211, 411, 511) between the first axis (141, 241, 341, 441, 541) and the second axis (151, 251, 451, 551).

16. 1. A method of designing a virtual dental component (710) using CAD / CAM, the method comprising: Providing geometric data of a dental component; providing a first hole geometry (740) in said dental component, said first hole extending substantially along a first axis (741), said first hole having an end region; forming a second bore (750) extending substantially along a second axis (751), with an inlet (752) of said second bore being disposed coronally relative to said end region of said first bore; Including, the first hole and the second hole are formed to intersect with one another to form an angled channel; the first axis and the second axis are inclined with respect to each other; At least a portion of the end region of the first hole is retained as part of the angled channel.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the end region of the first hole is formed to be disposed coronally with respect to an intersection between the first axis (741) and the second axis (751).

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