Cheekbone Dental Implants

Abstract

The jawbone implant has a longitudinal body including: a longitudinal distal portion for securing the implant to the patient's cheekbone, the distal portion having a central longitudinal axis; a coronal portion having an internal threaded hole for connecting the implant to an abutment; and an intermediate portion extending between the distal and coronal portions. The cross-sectional shape of the intermediate and / or coronal portions is ovoid when taken in a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[01] The present invention relates generally to the field of magnetic sensor devices, systems, and methods, and more particularly to magnetic sensor devices, systems, and methods in which the position of a magnet relative to a semiconductor substrate is indicative of at least two physical quantities, such as, for example, a component of a force, a tilt angle of a joystick, or a lateral position of a thumbstick.

[0002]

[02] The present disclosure relates to restorative dental implants, particularly zygomatic dental implants. [Background technology]

[0003] background

[03] Zygomatic dental implants are longer than traditional dental implants and are generally required for patients with resorbed or deteriorated jawbone.

[0004]

[04] Prior art zygomatic implants generally have a cylindrical body with the following features: a distal or apical portion for securing the implant to the patient's zygomatic bone, a proximal or coronal portion with an angled platform to which a structure such as an angled abutment can be secured, and an intermediate portion extending between the apical and coronal portions.

[0005]

[05] The bodies of some prior art buccal implants feature generally flat surfaces or sides designed to contact the patient's soft tissue, intended to reduce bulging and soft tissue thinning (leading to better aesthetics). However, the incorporation of flat surfaces results in sharp edges on the implant, particularly where the flat surfaces meet the angled platform. These sharp surfaces can penetrate and irritate the patient's soft tissue, potentially leading to gingival inflammation and subsequent gingival recession and infection, which can be difficult to treat. Additionally, the external threads on the apical portion can penetrate the patient's soft tissue.

[0006]

[06] To reduce the risk of gum recession and infection, surgeons may position and angle the buccal implant to avoid encroaching on the buccal tissue. However, this can lead to encroachment on internal spaces (e.g., the maxillary sinus or sublingual space), and the implant is placed on the inside (palatal) side of the dental arch, which can cause the following problems: (i) difficulty in cleaning and increased risk of infection; (ii) reduced restorative space, which increases the risk of fracture and reduces durability; and (iii) excessive thickness of the restoration, which can interfere with comfort and speech.

[0007]

[07] Angled abutments can help correct the angulation of buccal implants, but they are often bulky and can cause patient discomfort and soft tissue intrusion. Furthermore, combining an angled abutment with an angled platform can result in a sharp angle between the abutment and implant on one side, which can violate the biological width and increase the risk of gingival recession and infection.

[0008]

[08] There is a need to address the above-mentioned challenges or at least provide a useful alternative. One or more embodiments of the zygomatic dental implant of the present invention are intended to provide improved aesthetics, biostability, cleanability, durability, and / or patient comfort. Summary of the Invention

[0009] summary

[09] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a zygomatic dental implant having an elongate body, the body including:

[0010]

[0010] An elongated pointed portion for securing the implant to the patient's cheekbone, the pointed portion having a central longitudinal axis.

[0011]

[0011] A coronal portion having an internal threaded hole for connecting the abutment to the implant.

[0012]

[0012] An intermediate portion extending between the apical portion and the coronal portion.

[0013]

[0013] The cross-sectional shape of the intermediate portion and / or the coronal portion is oval when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis.

[0014]

[0014] The oval cross-sectional shape may be formed by the intersection of a first curve and a second curve of different lengths.

[0015] The first curve may include a first arc having a first diameter, and the second curve may include a second arc having a second diameter different from the first diameter. In certain embodiments, a majority of the perimeter of the oval cross-sectional shape is defined by the first arc.

[0016]

[0016] Moving in the coronal direction, the perimeter of the oval cross-sectional shape may be increasingly defined by a second arc.

[0017]

[0017] The oval cross-sectional shape is assumed to have an axis of symmetry passing through the center of each of the first arc and the second arc.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the central longitudinal axis lies in a plane that bisects the apical portion, and the axis of symmetry at the lower end of the intermediate portion is assumed to be generally perpendicular to that plane.

[0019]

[0019] As one moves coronally, the axis of symmetry may become increasingly acute with respect to the plane bisecting the apical portion. Furthermore, the center of the second arc may rotate up to 90 degrees about the central longitudinal axis.

[0020] The coronal portion may have a generally flat platform oriented at the upper end of the coronal portion to align with the center of the second arc. In at least one example, the platform is angled from a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. For example, the implant may be inclined at an angle of about 35 to 45 degrees from a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis.

[0021]

[0021] The internally threaded hole is generally envisioned to have a central hole axis that is approximately perpendicular to the flat platform.

[0022] In certain embodiments:

[0023]

[0023] The first arc forms a portion of a first circle having a first diameter.

[0024]

[0024] The second arc forms a portion of a second circle having a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter by a predetermined numerical factor.

[0025] In at least one example, the first and second arcs meet at an intersection point where there is a pair of identical third circles, the circles being spaced apart from one another, contained within the first circle, and having a third diameter equal to the square root of a predetermined numerical coefficient, and the third circles intersecting both the first and second circles tangentially.

[0026]

[0026] It is envisioned that the predetermined numerical factor is approximately in the range of 1 to 2. For example, the predetermined numerical factor may be approximately in the range of 1.5 to 1.7.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the pointed portion has external threads and includes a smooth, non-threaded portion at the tip. In at least one example, the upper end of the smooth tip portion slopes upwardly from a first side to an opposite second side along the circumference of the pointed portion to form an apex of the smooth tip portion.

[0028] The angle of inclination of the upper end of the smooth tip portion is contemplated to be in the range of approximately 10 to 60 degrees relative to the central longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments, the angle may be approximately 35 degrees. The apex of the smooth tip portion is contemplated to be aligned with the center of the second arc at the upper end of the crowned portion.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a zygomatic dental implant according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A]

[0031] FIG. 2A is a right side view of the implant shown in FIG. [Figure 2B]

[0032] FIG. 2B is a front view of the implant shown in FIG. [Figure 3A]

[0033] 3A is a left side view of the implant shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3B]

[0034] FIG. 3B is a rear view of the implant shown in FIG. [Figure 4A]

[0035] 4A is a top cross-sectional view of the implant shown in FIG. 1 along line AA. [Figure 4B]

[0036] FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram showing the shape of the implant shown in FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A]

[0037] 5A is a top cross-sectional view along line BB of the implant shown in FIG. [Figure 5B]

[0038] FIG. 5B is a top cross-sectional view along CC of the implant shown in FIG. [Figure 6]

[0039] FIG. 6 is a view aligned with the internal bore of the implant shown in FIG. [Figure 7]

[0040] FIG. 7 is a top view of the implant shown in FIG. [Figure 8]

[0041] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the angled platform of the implant shown in FIG. [Figure 9]

[0042] Figure 9 is the same view as Figure 6, showing that the apex of the smooth tip is aligned with the buccal surface at the top of the implant. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Detailed Description

[0043] 1-3A show various views of a zygomatic dental implant 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The implant 2 has a generally elongated, single-piece body 4 with a distal or apical portion 6 for securing the implant 2 to the patient's zygomatic bone. The elongated body 4 also includes a proximal or coronal portion 8, which defines a sloped, planar platform 10 through which a structure, such as an abutment, can be secured to the implant 2 via an internally threaded hole 12 formed in the upper end of the coronal portion 8. The elongated body 4 also includes an intermediate portion 14 located between the apical portion 6 and the coronal portion 8.

[0032]

[0044] The apical portion 6 may include external threads 16 and / or flutes 18 for fixation to the patient's cheekbone. The apical portion 6 may also include a polished, unthreaded, smooth tip portion 20 and may flare slightly outward (e.g., increase in diameter) moving toward the coronal portion 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the apical portion 6 is generally symmetrical about two planes and defines a central longitudinal axis extending along its length. This central longitudinal axis is shown as XA in FIGS. 2A-3B and 8. Although the apical portion 6 has two planes of symmetry, in the illustrated embodiment, these planes do not symmetrically bisect the intermediate portion 14 and / or the coronal portion 8. As described below, in certain embodiments of the implant 2 of the present invention, the intermediate portion 14 and / or the coronal portion 8 are not symmetrically disposed about the central longitudinal axis XA of the apical portion 6.

[0033]

[0045] The intermediate portion 14 is smoothly connected to the coronal portion 8 of the implant 2, and together these portions 8, 14 form first and second curved outer surfaces 22, 24 of the elongated implant 2. The second curved surface 24 is also referred to herein as the buccal surface 24 because the second curved surface 24 is configured to contact the patient's soft tissue during implantation.

[0034]

[0046] While conventional implants typically have a flat or planar surface that contacts the patient's soft tissue, the implant 2 of the present invention has a curved buccal surface 24. Compared to a conventional flat surface, the curved buccal surface 24 of the present invention can more smoothly and gently blend and contour with the angled platform 10 at the coronal portion 8 of the implant 2, thereby reducing the sharpness of the edges at the junction of the buccal surface 24 and the planar platform 10. By eliminating, or at least reducing, these rough or sharp edges, the implant 2 of the present invention can improve patient comfort and reduce the risk of irritation, infection, and the like.

[0035]

[0047] Referring also to FIG. 4A , the curvature of the buccal surface 24 is different from the curvature of the first curved surface 22 of the implant 2. Specifically, the curvature of the buccal surface 24 is smaller (i.e., more gently curved) and closer to flatter than the curvature of the first curved surface 22. FIG. 4A illustrates the cross-sectional shape OXA at ​​the lower end of the intermediate portion 14, taken along a plane AA (see FIG. 2A ) perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis XA of the apical portion 6. As shown, the cross-sectional shape OXA of the intermediate portion 14 is generally oval, formed by the confluence of a first curved line 26 and a second curved line 28 of unequal lengths. Unless otherwise specified herein, the term “oval” refers to a shape similar to an ellipse.

[0036]

[0048] Continuing with reference to FIG. 4A , a first curve 26 defines the curvature of the first curved surface 22 of the implant 2, and a second curve 28 defines the curvature of the buccal surface 24 of the implant 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first curve includes a first arc 26 having a diameter Di. Meanwhile, the second curve includes a second arc 28 having a diameter D2 greater than the first diameter Di. The ends of the arcs 26, 28 meet at a predetermined location, designated Mp in FIG. 4A , to form an oval cross-sectional shape OXA having an axis of symmetry, designated Xsym. The axis of symmetry Xsym is an axis passing through both the center 26c of the first arc 26 and the center 28c of the second arc 28. As illustrated, the buccal surface 24 is not flat but has a gentler curvature, though it bulges outward slightly, compared to the curvature of the first arc 26 of the oval cross-sectional shape OXA. FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram showing how the oval cross-sectional shape OXA in FIG. 4A is derived.

[0037]

[0049] 4B shows a first circle Ci having a diameter corresponding to the first diameter Di of the first arc 26 that defines the first curved surface 22 of the implant 2. FIG. 4B also shows a second circle C2 overlapping the first circle Ci. The diameter D2 of the second circle C2 is larger than the diameter of the first circle Ci by a predetermined numerical factor and corresponds to the second diameter D2 of the second arc 28, thereby determining the curvature of the buccal surface 24. Note that although the curvature of the buccal surface 24 is shown as an arc with a constant diameter, it may also be formed by an arc whose diameter varies along the length of the implant 2.

[0038]

[0050] In FIG. 4B, the second circle C2 is aligned with and overlaps the first circle Ci, with two intersections. These intersections define the confluence Mp of the first arc 26 and the second arc 28. Also shown in FIG. 4B is a pair of third circles C3, which are identical in size, spaced apart, and contained within the first circle Ci. The third circle C3 is proportionally smaller than the first circle Ci and the second circle C2. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the third circle C3 is smaller than the diameter of the first circle Ci by approximately the square root of the aforementioned numerical factor. The diameter of the third circle C3 is also smaller than the diameter of the second circle C2 by the cube root of this numerical factor. In this manner, the second circle C2 intersects with the first circle Ci at a point where each third circle C3 tangentially intersects both the first circle Ci and the second circle C2. Of course, the second circle C2 can intersect with the first circle Ci at a different location (e.g., by positioning the third circle C3 at a different range within the first circle Ci). For example, as shown in FIG. 4B , the third circle C3 can be moved further to the right or left within the first circle Ci to change the intersection location between the first circle Ci and the second circle C2 and adjust the shape of the buccal surface 24. In practice, the shape of the buccal surface 24 can be varied according to the patient's needs. It is particularly desirable to have a smooth transition between the first curved surface 22 and the buccal surface 24, eliminating or minimizing sharp edges.

[0039]

[0051] While FIG. 4B illustrates one example of determining the shape of the buccal surface 24, the curvature shape can, of course, be determined by other methods. Accordingly, the scope of this specification includes various shapes of buccal implants 2, each configured such that the intermediate and / or coronal portions 14, 8 have an oval cross-section OXA. This oval cross-section OXA is preferably formed by the confluence of two distinct curves or arcs. As shown in FIG. 4B, the predetermined numerical coefficient for the proportionality of the differently sized circles Ci, C2, and C3 is approximately 1.618 (also known as the golden ratio). However, other numerical coefficients (e.g., any coefficient between 1 and 2) can also be used. Furthermore, the predetermined numerical coefficient does not need to be consistent across all circles C1, C2, and C3. For example, the numerical coefficient applied to the first circle Ci and the second circle C2 does not need to be applied to the first circle C1' and the third circle C3; different coefficients can be used for each circle.

[0040]

[0052] While the depicted zygomatic implant 2 is generally asymmetric, the scope of this specification also includes zygomatic implants 2 having at least one plane of symmetry. For example, in certain implant embodiments, the medial and coronal portions 14, 8 may have a generally constant oval cross-section. In such implants, the oval cross-sectional shape remains relatively constant as one moves along the length of the implant 2 toward the coronal portion 8. However, as described below, the oval cross-section OX of the depicted implant 2 is not constant but rather varies along the length of the medial and coronal portions 14, 8.

[0041]

[0053] Referring to FIG. 2B, it can be seen that as one moves upward from the lower end of the intermediate portion 14 toward the coronal portion 8, the buccal surface 24 expands and becomes increasingly displaced from the central longitudinal axis XA. In other words, if one were to draw a horizontal line from one side of the curved buccal surface 24 to the other, the line would become longer and more displaced from the central longitudinal axis XA as one moves toward the coronal portion 8. This can be seen by comparing the horizontal lines LA and Lc shown in FIG. 2B. This shift or twist of the buccal surface 24 progresses along the length of the implant 2, and this change becomes even more apparent when comparing FIGS. 4A, 5A, and 5B.

[0042]

[0054] 4A, 5A, and 5B each show a vertically extending plane PB that bisects the apical end. As shown in FIG. 4A, the axis of symmetry Xsym, which passes through the oval cross-sectional shape OXA, is generally perpendicular to the bisecting plane PB.

[0043]

[0055] Figures 5A and 5B show the oval cross-sectional shapes OXB, OXC of the coronal portion 8 of the implant 2 along the BB and CC planes, respectively, of Figure 2A. Comparing Figure 5A with Figure 4A, it can be seen that the center 28c of the second arc 28, i.e., the axis of symmetry Xsym, in Figure 5A rotates or translates counterclockwise relative to the bisecting plane PB, forming an acute angle Qi therewith. Further along the coronal 8 direction, reaching the oval cross-sectional shape OXC obtained in the CC plane (Figure 5B), the center 28c of the second arc 28 and the axis of symmetry Xsym passing therethrough rotate or translate further counterclockwise, forming a more acute angle θ2 with the bisecting plane PB. In other words, as one moves along the coronal 8 direction, the second arc 28 becomes larger and its position gradually twists counterclockwise. Thus, the perimeter of the oval cross-sectional shape OX is primarily defined by the length of the first arc 26, but as one moves up the implant 2 along the coronal 8 direction, an increasing proportion of the perimeter is defined by the length of the second arc 28. That is, relative to the first curved surface 22 of the implant 2 , the buccal surface 24 increases in size in the direction of the coronal portion 8 .

[0044]

[0056] In the depicted embodiment, it is assumed that the axis of symmetry Xsym of the oval cross-sectional shape OX at or near the top of the coronal portion 8 (e.g., FIG. 5B) is twisted or rotated counterclockwise by approximately 22.5 degrees relative to its original orientation (e.g., FIG. 4A). Of course, rotations of up to 90 degrees are contemplated within the scope of this specification. This changing configuration of the curved buccal surface 24 and the resulting movement of the center 28c of the second arc 28 along the intermediate and coronal portions 14, 8 are indicated by the dashed line LB in FIG. 6. It can be seen that the dashed line LB is drawn to pass through both the center BA of the curved buccal surface 24 at the lower end of the intermediate portion (corresponding to the center of the second arc 28 at this location) and the center Bc of the curved buccal surface 24 at the upper end of the coronal portion 8, forming a slight angle relative to the vertical.

[0045]

[0057] Continuing with reference to FIG. 6 , the planar platform 10 of the coronal portion 8 and the associated internal threaded hole 12 are positioned to align with the center of the second arc 28 of the oval cross-sectional shape OX at or near the top of the coronal portion 8 (i.e., the location indicated by Bc). In other words, the threaded hole 12 is approximately aligned with the axis of symmetry Xsym of the buccal surface 24 near the top of the coronal portion 8. This alignment of the threaded hole 12 with the axis of symmetry Xsym is also shown in FIG. 7 . The resulting platform 10 and threaded hole 12 are slightly twisted counterclockwise to aid in angular correction or compensation of the buccal implant 2, ensuring that the threaded hole 12 properly mates with an attachment, such as an abutment, during implantation. The degree of twist of the buccal surface 24 and internal threaded hole 12 relative to the central longitudinal axis XA can be adjusted for each patient, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for angled abutments and allowing more compact abutments to be fitted to the present implant 2.

[0046]

[0058] 1-3B, 6, and 9, the illustrated implant 2 includes a smooth, unthreaded tip 20 that is not symmetrically disposed relative to the central longitudinal axis XA. In the illustrated embodiment, the smoothly polished tip 20 approximates the shape of a spheroid, specifically an elongated spheroid, with its upper end truncated by an imaginary inclined plane. This is shown in FIG. 3A, where it can be seen that the inclined plane Ps passes through an angle relative to the central longitudinal axis XA and defines the upper end of the smooth tip 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the plane Ps is inclined at approximately 35 degrees (0.3°) relative to the longitudinal axis XA, although this angle may, of course, vary. In this manner, the upper end of the smooth tip 20 has a first lower end coinciding with a first side of the apical portion 6, a second upper end coinciding with the opposite side of the apical portion 6, and the second upper end forming the apex or apex 20A of the smooth tip 20.

[0047]

[0059] 9, it can be seen that the apex or uppermost end 20A of the ground tip 20 is positioned so as to be aligned with the center of the second arc Bc at the top end of the coronal portion 8. In other words, the apex 20A of the ground tip 20 and the center of the second arc Bc at the top end of the coronal portion 8 lie on approximately the same vertical axis. It should be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, this vertical axis does not coincide with the central longitudinal axis XA of the apical portion 6, but is parallel to it. However, embodiments in which these axes coincide are certainly within the scope of this specification.

[0048]

[0060] The beveled smooth tip 20 disclosed and illustrated herein is configured to provide a larger abrasive surface area on the side corresponding to the apex 20A than on the opposite side. During implantation, this larger abrasive surface is positioned to contact the patient's soft tissue, reducing the likelihood that the external threads 16 at the apical end 6 will contact, interfere with, or irritate the patient's soft tissue. Advantageously, the implant 2 orients the apex 20A (and the resulting larger surface area of ​​the abrasive tip 20) with the center of the upper buccal surface 24, thereby ensuring proper contact between the smooth buccal surface 24 and the abrasive tip 20 and the patient's soft tissue, reducing the risk of irritation or infection.

[0049]

[0061] While the illustrated embodiment shows implant 2 with buccal surface 24 twisting, rotating, or tilting counterclockwise, buccal surface 24 could equally twist, rotate, or tilt clockwise. In this manner, the implant can be oriented left or right, making it more comfortable and suitable for the left or right side of a patient's face. For example, an implant with a buccal surface that twists counterclockwise may be suitable for the right side of a patient's face (when viewing the patient's face from the front) and may provide more comfortable contact with the soft tissue, while an implant with a buccal surface that twists clockwise may be suitable for the opposite side.

[0050]

[0062] In another embodiment, as previously discussed, the scope of this specification also includes implants 2 in which the oval cross-section Ox remains relatively constant along the length of the implant 2. In particular, if the implant 2 is designed to incorporate rotation of the coronal platform 10 and its associated screw holes 12, it is envisioned in such an example embodiment that the axis of symmetry Xsym maintains a relatively constant orientation along the length of the implant 2. However, near the top of the coronal portion 8, or near the top of the buccal surface 24, the axis of symmetry Xsym may twist about the longitudinal axis XA, as previously discussed, to allow for rotation of the coronal platform 10 and screw holes 12.

[0051]

[0063] Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the configuration of the curved buccal surface can be altered and customized to suit a particular patient's needs. Specifically, the buccal surface can be more or less curvatured, offset from the bisecting plane to different degrees, or twisted to different degrees (or even completely twisted). Fig. 8 illustrates how the planar platform 10 of the coronal portion 8 is inclined at an angle of approximately 45-55 degrees from the central longitudinal axis XA (or approximately 35-45 degrees from a plane perpendicular thereto). However, the angle of the platform 10 can be varied as needed. Fig. 8 also illustrates that the central axis Bx of the screw hole is generally perpendicular to the plane of the planar platform 10.

[0052]

[0064] Although the coronal portion 8 is shown with circumferentially extending grooves formed along the first curved surface 22 (i.e., the surface opposite the buccal surface), these grooves are not required and the surface could be completely smooth.

[0053]

[0065] Thus, embodiments of the present implants may have smoother buccal contours to more harmoniously fit the patient's bone anatomy. Additionally, the rotationally offset platform and internal bore may improve implant positioning and reduce reliance on angled abutments.

[0054]

[0066] Throughout this specification and the claims that follow, unless the context otherwise requires, the word "comprise" and variations thereof, such as "comprises" and "comprising," will be understood to mean the inclusion of certain elements or steps or groups thereof but not the exclusion of other elements or steps or groups thereof.

[0055]

[0067] Any reference in this specification to any prior document (or information derived therefrom) or to any publicly known matter should not be construed as an admission or suggestion that it forms part of the common general skill in the art to which this specification pertains.

Claims

1. A zygomatic dental implant comprising an elongated body and having an elongated tip for securing the implant to a patient's zygomatic bone, said tip having a central longitudinal axis; It has a coronal portion with an internal screw hole and an abutment that can be attached to the implant; and an intermediate portion extending between the distal portion and the coronal portion; A buccal dental implant, characterized in that the cross-sectional shape of said intermediate portion and / or said coronal portion is oval in a plane perpendicular to said central longitudinal axis.

2. 2. The implant of claim 1, wherein the oval cross-sectional shape is formed by the confluence of a first curve and a second curve of different lengths.

3. 3. The implant of claim 2, wherein the first curve comprises a first arc having a first diameter and the second curve comprises a second arc having a second diameter different from the first diameter.

4. 4. The implant of claim 3, wherein a majority of the circumference of the oval cross-sectional shape is defined by the first arc.

5. 5. The implant of claim 4, wherein the circumference of the oval cross-sectional shape is increasingly defined by the second arc as one moves in the coronal direction.

6. 6. The implant of claim 3, wherein the oval cross-sectional shape has an axis of symmetry passing through the center of each of the first arc and the second arc.

7. 7. The implant of claim 6, wherein the central longitudinal axis lies on a plane that bisects the apical portion and the axis of symmetry at the lower end of the intermediate portion is generally perpendicular to the plane.

8. 8. The implant of claim 7, wherein the axis of symmetry forms an increasingly acute angle with respect to the plane bisecting the apical end as one moves in the coronal direction.

9. 9. The zygomatic dental implant of claim 8, wherein the center of said second arc rotates up to 90 degrees about said central longitudinal axis as it moves in a coronal direction.

10. 10. The implant of claim 8 or 9, wherein the coronal portion includes a generally planar platform oriented in alignment with the center of the second arc at the upper end of the coronal portion.

11. 11. The zygomatic dental implant of claim 10, wherein the platform is inclined from a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis.

12. 12. The buccal dental implant of claim 11, wherein said implant is inclined at an angle of about 35 to 45 degrees from a plane perpendicular to said central longitudinal axis.

13. 13. An implant according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the internally threaded bore has a central bore axis that is generally perpendicular to the planar platform.

14. 14. The implant of any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein the first arc forms a part of a first circle having a first diameter and the second arc forms a part of a second circle having a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter by a predetermined numerical factor.

15. In the implant of claim 14, the first arc and the second arc meet at an intersection point, where there are a pair of identical third circles contained within the first circle and spaced apart from each other, each third circle having a diameter that is the square root of a predetermined numerical coefficient, and these third circles intersect tangentially with both the first circle and the second circle.

16. The implant of claim 14 or 15, wherein the predetermined numerical factor is between about 1 and 2.

17. An implant according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the predetermined numerical coefficient is between about 1.5 and 1.

7.

18. An implant according to any preceding claim, wherein the tip includes an external threaded structure and a smooth, unthreaded portion.

19. In the implant according to claim 18, the upper end of the smooth tip slopes upward from the first side to the opposite second side along the circumference of the tip to form an apex of the smooth tip.

20. 20. The implant of claim 19, wherein the tilt angle ranges from approximately 10 degrees to 60 degrees relative to the central longitudinal axis.

21. 21. An implant according to claim 19 or 20, added to any of claims 6 to 13, wherein the apex of the smooth tip portion is aligned with the center of the second arc in the upper coronal portion.

Images