Root analog dental implants and systems, devices, and methods for designing and manufacturing root analog dental implants - Patents.com

Abstract

The root portion of the root analog dental implant may include a core located approximately in the center of the root portion of the dental implant. The core may provide mechanical strength and / or support to the dental implant and may include one or more posts. The root analog dental implant may further include a porous surface located on a portion of the vertically oriented outer surface of the core. The posts may be configured and arranged to provide mechanical strength and / or support to the root analog dental implant.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Related Applications This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 573,606, filed on January 11, 2022, entitled "Root-Analog Dental Implants and Systems, Devices, and Methods for Designing and Manufacturing Same," U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63 / 213,192, filed on June 21, 2021, entitled "Systems, Devices, and Methods for Designing and Manufacturing a Dental Implant Using Additive Manufacturing Techniques," and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63 / 213,192, filed on October 2, 2021, entitled "Systems, Devices, and Methods for Designing and Manufacturing a Dental Implant with an Additive Manufacturing Technique." This application claims priority from and is an international patent application based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 251,623 entitled "CORE," all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of dentistry, and more particularly to the field of dental implants. The present invention further relates to the field of using computer-aided design and / or additive manufacturing techniques to design and manufacture dental implants. [Background technology]

[0003] Historically, conventional dental implants have been placed into the site vacated by the extracted tooth after a lengthy healing period following the initial extraction. During this healing period, the bone structure of the tooth alveolar socket (hereinafter referred to as the "alveolar socket") is resorbed by the body and replaced with a layer of bone and soft tissue covering the extraction site. These conventional dental implants are provided in standard shapes and sizes, and a drill must be used to create an appropriately sized hole in the healed bone to accommodate the dental implant (i.e., osteotomy). Unfortunately, the natural hard and soft tissues surrounding the alveolar socket are unsupported during this drilling process, often resulting in bone and gum line defects that commonly affect the aesthetic and functional aspects of the gum line. This methodology also requires placement of the dental implant into soft medullary bone, which requires a significant amount of time for the dental implant to fully integrate (i.e., osseointegrate) and provide the strength and stability required for normal function. The placement of a conventional dental implant can be accomplished by threading or press-fitting the dental implant into the drilled osteotomy. Following osseointegration, a permanent crown is attached to the dental implant via an attachable abutment.

[0004] This methodology can require a long wait and healing time between extraction of the damaged tooth, performance of the osteotomy, placement of the dental implant, and placement of a permanent crown on the patient. Also, nerve damage is an inherent risk associated with drilling the required osteotomy. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Described herein are several dental implant systems, dental implant devices, and methods for making the same, each of which may employ the use of additive manufacturing, for example, via three-dimensional (3D) printing, to enable the fabrication of these designs.

[0006] The dental implant can be designed using a three-dimensional scan of the atraumatically extracted tooth / root. The surface of some root sections of the dental implant can be designed and fabricated with a porous lattice structure. The porous lattice structure can be configured, for example, to facilitate dental implant insertion, reduce stress on the bone surrounding the alveolar socket during insertion and / or while the root portion of the dental implant resides in the alveolar socket, and / or provide better engagement between the bone and the dental implant after healing.

[0007] In some embodiments, the processes described herein may be used to design multiple dental implants for replacing extracted teeth, each having different features. A dental implant dentist may then select an appropriate dental implant from the multiple virtually designed dental implants, which may be displayed to the dentist, for example, on a display device (e.g., a computer monitor).

[0008] In some cases, dental implants may be designed and fabricated such that they contain a hollow interior section positioned within the dental implant to relieve stress concentrations and / or provide a mechanism for injection of drugs, bone growth factors, antibiotics, etc. The hollow section may be completely enclosed within the dental implant or may have holes that communicate with the surface of the root portion of the dental implant.

[0009] In some embodiments, the root portion of the disclosed root analog dental implant (also referred to herein as "root analog dental implant") can be designed and fabricated in two parts. When the two parts are connected, the portion of the dental implant in the root socket can expand outward to directly engage the alveolar socket, which can help provide fixation of the dental implant in the root socket.

[0010] In some embodiments, the root portion of the implant (i.e., the portion of the implant positioned at or below the edge of the alveolar socket) may have three sections: a coronal section positioned near the edge of the alveolar socket from which the tooth was extracted, an apical section positioned at the apex of the alveolar socket, and a diaphyseal section positioned between the coronal and apical sections.

[0011] Sometimes, the coronal sections may have a size and shape tailored to the 3D scan, resulting in a reduction in cross-sectional diameter in the buccolingual direction, for example, by 0.01 mm to 1.5 mm, although this reduction may occur on the buccal surface, the lingual surface, or both. In some cases, the reduction in cross-sectional diameter may be responsive to, for example, alveolar socket geometry, bone morphology, and / or tooth position within the jaw. The purpose of the cross-sectional diameter may be to reduce stress shielding along a thin buccal or lingual plate. The buccolingual reduction in cross-sectional diameter may decrease gradually, linearly, or more abruptly from the maximum buccolingual reduction around the surface of the implant, depending on the morphology of the bone in which the implant is placed.

[0012] The diaphyseal and apical sections may also have a reduction in cross-sectional area along the buccal and / or lingual surfaces of the implant's root section. In some cases, the apical section of the implant, which may have a cross-sectional diameter reduced by approximately 1.0-3.0 mm from the apex, may not follow the same expansion / reduction scheme but may be designed to mimic the shape of the root or have a slight reduction in all orientations, allowing the implant to sit adjacent to the bone upon placement.

[0013] A surface or a portion of a surface can be designed with macrofeatures to create a macroporous surface (e.g., lattices, holes, divots, etc.) that promotes osseointegration and / or stability of the implant. The depth of this porous surface can range from 0.25 mm to 2.0 mm thick. In some cases, some or all surfaces of the macrofeatures can have smaller surface features, which can serve, for example, to increase friction between the implant root section and the bone of the alveolar socket during implant placement and / or to increase the surface area of ​​the implant root section for improved osseointegration. These features can include small divots or raised bumps or edges, and on a smaller scale, can include various levels of surface roughness. The size of these features can be limited by the resolution of additive manufacturing techniques, but can potentially be reduced to the submicron scale.

[0014] In some cases, the diaphyseal section and / or apical section of the root section of the implant may have a central core configured to provide mechanical strength to the implant and / or the root section of the implant so that the implant will not fail once the implant is placed into functional use. The core may be designed to have sufficient mechanical strength to withstand the repetitive loads from functional use (i.e., chewing and / or biting).

[0015] Sometimes, the central core may have solid, mostly solid, and / or densely spaced material, resulting in a lack of or few voids in its structure, thereby improving material strength. The size, shape, location, and / or configuration of the solid or mostly solid core may depend on the shape of the implant and the amount of porous surface (e.g., lattice) surrounding the implant and / or struts present in the root section.

[0016] In some embodiments, the core can have a curvature that is different from the curvature of the outer surface of the root portion. In other words, the thickness of the porous shell in the diaphyseal and apical sections of the root portion can vary circumferentially and / or vertically.

[0017] Sometimes the core may be designed and fabricated with varying levels of rigidity, for example, the core may have a solid circumferential "shell" with less rigidity (more voids) in the central core section, or vice versa (i.e., increased rigidity in the central core section, with an increasing number / volume of voids in the core as it radiates outward to the outer surface of the root section of the implant).

[0018] The exterior of the core may include features such as struts or ribs to improve the mechanical strength of the implant root section. These features (referred to herein as "struts" for simplicity) may be of any suitable cross-sectional shape, including, but not limited to, I-beam, triangular, or other protruding features, and may be vertically, horizontally, helically, zigzag, or wavy to improve mechanical strength. In some cases, these features may protrude to or even beyond the outer surface of the porous shell into the porous shell / outer surface of the root section. Depending on the mechanical strength requirements for the implant root section at any given height, the protruding features may be designed to have the greatest degree of protrusion nearest the coronal section of the root section, with the height or level of protrusion decreasing further downward toward the apex. The protrusions may conform to the anatomical shape of the alveolar socket, engaging the entirety of the alveolar socket during implantation and during residency therein, while also relieving stress on the bone surrounding the socket.

[0019] The root portion of the root analog dental implant as disclosed herein may include a core, a porous surface, and one or more posts. The core may be positioned approximately at the center of the root portion of the dental implant and may be configured to provide mechanical strength and / or support to the root analog dental implant. The core may be positioned approximately at the center of the vertical orientation of the dental implant. In some embodiments, the density of the core may vary across the horizontal cross section of the core.

[0020] The porous surface may be located on a portion of the vertically oriented outer surface of the core. The outer surface of the porous surface may be configured to fit within an alveolar cavity from which a root has been removed. Sometimes, the porous surface may include multiple overlapping elements, and in some embodiments, at least some of the multiple overlapping elements may be interconnected and / or textured. Exemplary texturing includes multiple depressions and / or multiple pores.

[0021] The post may extend from the outer surface of the core to the porous surface along a portion of the length of the core. Sometimes, the root analog dental implant may include multiple posts, which may be arranged around the periphery of the core. In some embodiments, the porous surface may cover the post. The post may have, for example, a triangular cross-section, a square cross-section, a curved cross-section, a hexagonal cross-section, and / or a pentagonal cross-section.

[0022] In some embodiments, the root portion of the root analog dental implant may include a core, a vertically oriented post, and an outer surface. The core may be positioned approximately in the center of the root portion of the dental implant and may be configured to provide mechanical strength and / or support to the dental implant. The core may be positioned approximately in the center of the vertical orientation of the dental implant and may include a coronal section, an apical section, and a diaphyseal section positioned between the coronal and apical sections. Sometimes, the density of the core may vary across a horizontal cross-section of the core.

[0023] One or more vertically oriented struts may extend from the outer surface of the diaphyseal section of the core along a portion of the length of the diaphyseal section. The vertically oriented struts may have, for example, triangular, square, curved, hexagonal, and / or pentagonal cross-sections.

[0024] The outer surface may be configured and positioned to cover a portion of the diaphyseal and apical sections of the core, and the outer surface may be configured to provide an outer surface for the root analog dental implant that approximates the shape of the corresponding diaphyseal and apical sections of the extracted tooth root. In some embodiments, the outer surface may be porous and / or may be further arranged and positioned to cover the vertical posts.

[0025] In some embodiments, the root portion of the root analog dental implant may include a core and a porous surface. The core may be positioned approximately in the center of the root portion of the dental implant, may provide mechanical strength and / or support to the root analog dental implant, and may be positioned approximately in the center of the vertical orientation of the dental implant.

[0026] The porous surface may be located on a portion of the vertically oriented outer surface of the core and may be configured to fit within an alveolar socket from which a tooth root has been removed. The porous surface may include multiple overlapping elements, some of which may be interconnected and / or textured.

[0027] In some embodiments, the root portion of the root analog dental implant can be configured to fit within the alveolar socket of an extracted tooth. Sometimes, the alveolar socket may not be modified (e.g., no osteotomy) prior to insertion of the root portion of the root analog dental implant into the alveolar socket. The root portion of the root analog dental implant may be manufactured, for example, via an additive manufacturing process, such that, for example, the root portion of the root analog dental implant is constructed as a single unit. In some embodiments, the root portion may include a coronal section that may optionally have surface texturing (e.g., grooves) configured to engage the ridge of the alveolar socket. Sometimes, the root analog dental implant may also include a transgingival section configured to fit within the patient's gums but at or below the gingival crest. The root analog dental implant may also include an abutment configured to cooperate with a crown positioned thereon.

[0028] The root portion of the root analog dental implant disclosed herein may include a core, a porous surface, and a post. The core may be configured to provide mechanical strength and / or support to the root analog dental implant, and the curvature of the centerline of the core may be configured to follow the curvature of the centerline of an extracted tooth root, so that, for example, the root portion of the root analog dental implant may fit into the alveolar socket in a manner similar to a tooth extracted from the socket. In some cases, the cross-sectional area of ​​the core varies along the centerline of the core, for example, such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the core is larger near the coronal section of the root section and smaller near the apex of the root section.

[0029] The porous surface may be positioned on a portion of the core (e.g., the diaphyseal section and / or the apical section), and the outer surface of the porous surface may be configured, sized, and shaped to fit within the alveolar cavity. The porosity of the porous surface may be configured to promote osseointegration of the root portion of the root analog dental implant into the alveolar cavity. In some cases, the porous surface may include multiple cavities configured to allow bone growth therein. Sometimes, the porous surface may include multiple overlapping elements, and in some cases, these overlapping elements may be interconnected and / or textured. In some embodiments, the porous surface covers the post. In some embodiments, the thickness of the porous surface may vary along the length of the core, for example, so that the porous surface is thicker near the coronal section of the root section and thinner near the apex of the root section.

[0030] The post may be configured to provide mechanical strength and / or support to the root analog dental implant and may extend from the outer surface of the core to the porous surface and along a portion of the length of the core. In some embodiments, the root section may include multiple post arranged around the periphery of the core. The post may have any shape, including, but not limited to, irregular cross-section, curved cross-section, triangular cross-section, square cross-section, curved cross-section, hexagonal cross-section, and pentagonal cross-section.

[0031] In some embodiments, the root portion of the root analog dental implant can be configured to fit within the alveolar socket of an extracted tooth root. Sometimes, the alveolar socket may not be modified following root extraction. The root portion may include a core, a porous surface, and one or more posts. The core may be configured to provide mechanical strength to the root analog dental implant. The curvature of the centerline of the core may be configured to follow the curvature of the centerline of the extracted tooth root. The centerline of the core may be positioned at the center of the approximately vertical orientation of the core, and the centerline of the extracted tooth root may be positioned at the center of the approximately vertical orientation of the tooth root. In some cases, the core may be designed using a template, or a pre-designed core, and / or a core base design.

[0032] The porous surface may be positioned on a portion of the core, and the shape and / or external geometry of the porous surface may be configured to fit within the alveolar cavity. Sometimes, the porous surface may include multiple interconnected overlapping elements. In some situations, the porous surface may include multiple interconnected overlapping elements, some of which have surface roughness and / or texture. In some embodiments, the porous surface may include multiple protrusions and / or cavities. Sometimes, the thickness of the porous surface may vary along the length of the core. In some embodiments, the thickness of the porous surface may respond to the shape of the curvature of the centerline of the core.

[0033] One or more posts may be configured to provide mechanical strength to the root analog dental implant. The posts may extend from the outer surface of the core to the porous surface along a portion of the core's length. Sometimes, the outer surface of the post fits within the outer geometry of the porous surface. In some situations, the thickness and / or width of the post may vary along the length of the core, for example, so that the post is thicker near the coronal portion of the root analog dental implant. In some embodiments, the shape of the post may correspond to the shape of the curvature of the centerline of the core. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the root portion of the root analog dental implant may include multiple posts, and the core may have a lingual side, a buccal side, a mesial side, and a distal side. In these embodiments, more of the posts may extend from the lingual and / or labial side than from the mesial and / or distal side.

[0034] In some embodiments, the root portion may further include a coronal section positioned proximate the core, and in some circumstances, the coronal section may have surface texturing (e.g., protrusions, cavities, and / or roughness).

[0035] The present invention and embodiments thereof are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system that may be used to design and manufacture dental implants using additive manufacturing techniques, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary processor-based system that may store data and / or execute instructions for the processes disclosed herein, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is an x-ray image of a patient's mandible showing the roots of teeth in the patient's mandible, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 provides a first portion of a flowchart illustrating a process for designing a dental implant, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B provides a second part, or continuation, of the flowchart illustrating a process for designing the dental implant of FIG. 3A, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a side view of a tooth to be extracted from its alveolar socket, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a side view of the tooth of FIG. 4A that has just been extracted from its alveolar socket, illustrating the cavity or void in the alveolar socket, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5A1] FIG. 1 is a mesial / distal view of a first model of an extracted tooth, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5A2] FIG. 5A is a buccal / lingual view of a first model of the extracted tooth of FIG. 5A1, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5B1] FIG. 5A provides mesial / distal view measurements of the first model of FIG. 5A1, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5B2] FIG. 5A is a buccal / lingual view of the first model of FIG. 5A1 with annotations representing buccal lines and lingual angle lines superimposed on the first model, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5B3] 5A1 is a mesial / distal view of the first model of FIG. 5A1 with annotations representing the overall length, modeled root length, and modeled mesial / distal width of the modeled tooth superimposed on the first model, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5B4] FIG. 5A is a buccal / lingual view of the first model of FIG. 5A1 with annotations representing the modeled buccal / lingual widths superimposed on the first model, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5C1] FIG. 10 provides an illustration of a second model, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5C2]FIG. 10 provides an illustration of a third model, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5D1] FIG. 10 is a mesial / distal lateral view of a fourth model, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5D2] FIG. 5D1 is a buccal / lingual side view of the fourth model of FIG. 5D1 superimposed on the third model of FIG. 5C2, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5D3] FIG. 5D2 illustrates an irregular shape of the cross section of the fourth model of FIG. 5D1, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5E1] FIG. 5B is a buccal / lingual side view of a fifth model 507 superimposed on a fourth model, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5E2] FIG. 10 provides a cross-section of a fifth model overlaid on a fourth model, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary core base structure consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6B] 6B is a cross-sectional view of the core-based structure of FIG. 6A, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6C] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary core base structure including four support columns, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6D] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary core base structure including two support posts, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6E] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary core base structure without struts, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary root analog dental implant model overlaid on a core base structure, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7B] 7B is a cross-sectional view of a root analog dental implant model overlaid on the core base structure of FIG. 7A, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7C]FIG. 12 is a side view of a modeled integrated core overlaid on the contour of a root analog dental implant model, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7D] 7D is a cross-sectional view of a modeled integrated core overlaid on the contour of the root analog dental implant model of FIG. 7C, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7E] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary root analog dental implant model having a porous surface, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7F] FIG. 7F is a top cross-sectional view of the exemplary root analog dental implant model of FIG. 7E, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7G] FIG. 7F is a vertical cross-sectional view of the exemplary root analog dental implant model of FIG. 7E, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7H] FIG. 10 is a side view of an exemplary root analog dental implant model having multiple circumferential grooves added to the coronal section, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7I] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary root analog dental implant model including a transgingival portion positioned above a grooved coronal section, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7J] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary model of a complete dental root analog dental implant model including an abutment, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 is a mesial-distal side view of an exemplary root analog dental implant fabricated using one or more design processes and / or design process features described herein. [Figure 8B] 8B is a mesial-distal side view of the integrated core of the exemplary root analog dental implant of FIG. 8A without a porous surface positioned thereon, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 8C] 8C is a cross-sectional view of the integrated core of FIG. 8B, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 8D] 8B is a mesial-distal side view of the root analog dental implant of FIG. 8A partially inserted into the alveolar socket, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 8E] 8D is a mesial-distal side view of the root analog dental implant of FIG. 8A fully inserted into the alveolar socket of FIG. 8D, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 8F] 8D is a buccal / lingual side view of the root analog dental implant of FIG. 8A fully inserted into the alveolar socket of FIG. 8D, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 8G] FIG. 8F is a close-up detail view of a portion of FIG. 8F, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 8H] 8B is a mesial / distal cross-sectional view of the coronal and diaphyseal / apical sections of the root analog dental implant of FIG. 8A, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 8I] 8B is a buccal / lingual cross-sectional view of the coronal and diaphyseal / apical sections of the root analog dental implant of FIG. 8A, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 8J] 8B is a cross-sectional image of the root analog dental implant of FIG. 8A, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 9A1] FIG. 1 is a mesial / distal view of a first curved tooth model with an exemplary curved root, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 9A2] FIG. 9A is a buccal / lingual view of the first curved tooth model of FIG. 9A1, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 10A1] FIG. 10 is a mesial / distal view of a second curved tooth model, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 10A2] FIG. 10A is a buccal / lingual view of the second curved tooth model of FIG. 10A1, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 10A3] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of a first section of the second curved tooth model of FIG. 10A1, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 10A4] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of a second cross section of the second curved tooth model of FIG. 10A1, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 10A5] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of a third section of the second curved tooth model of FIG. 10A1, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 10A6] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of a fourth cross section of the second curved tooth model of FIG. 10A1, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 10B1] FIG. 10 is a mesial / distal view of a third curved tooth model, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 10B2] FIG. 10B2 is a buccal / lingual view of the third curved tooth model of FIG. 10B1, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 11A] FIG. 10 is a mesial-distal view of a core base model with a curved buccal / lingual centerline, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a buccal / lingual view of the core base model of FIG. 11A, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 11C] FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view of a first cross section of the core model of FIGS. 11A and 11B, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 11D] FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view of a second cross section of the core model of FIGS. 11A and 11B, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 11E] FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view of a third cross section of the core model of FIGS. 11A and 11B, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 11F] FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view of a fourth cross section of the core model of FIGS. 11A and 11B, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 12A1] FIG. 10 is a mesial / distal view of an integrated core consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 12A2] FIG. 12A is a buccal / lingual view of the integrated core of FIG. 12A1, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 13A1]1A-1C are exemplary mesial / distal views of a complete implant model including a porous surface, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 13A2] FIG. 13A is a buccal / lingual view of the complete implant model of FIG. 13A1, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 14A1] 13A1 and 13A2 and a mesial / distal view of a system including the complete implant model of FIGS. 13A1 and 13A2 and a modeled crown positioned on top of the abutment, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 14A2] FIG. 14A2 is a mesial / distal view of the system of FIG. 14A1, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 15A] FIG. 1 is a buccal / lingual side view of an exemplary root analog dental implant fabricated using one or more design processes and / or design process features described herein, consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 15B] 15B is a mesial-distal side view of the exemplary root analog dental implant of FIG. 15A, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals and characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to refer to like features, elements, components, or portions of the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, while the subject invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, it is done so in connection with the illustrative embodiments. It is intended that changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the subject invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0038] Root analog dental implants as disclosed herein can be designed using three-dimensional scans, CT scans, intraoral scans, and / or other images of the tooth prior to extraction and / or the extracted tooth and / or root. To preserve shape and size information about the extracted tooth, it may be advantageous to extract the tooth atraumatically so that the root is extracted from the jaw in one (or a few) pieces, which can then be scanned or otherwise imaged and used as a model for designing an implant to replace the extracted tooth. The implant design process can use the three-dimensional scans or other images and information of the extracted tooth root as a basis for designing a three-dimensional model of a dental implant to replace the extracted tooth, which can then be fabricated using an additive manufacturing process such as three-dimensional printing. Once fabricated, a root analog dental implant designed using one or more processes described herein can be inserted directly into the original, unaltered alveolar socket from which the scanned and / or imaged tooth / root was extracted, prior to the jawbone reforming itself to fill the vacant socket. Thus, a root analog dental implant described herein can be placed into the unaltered socket, thereby eliminating the need to alter the socket with an apical osteotomy, as may be done for immediate implants, or to wait for bone to grow into the vacant socket and create a subsequent osteotomy to insert a conventional screw or press-fit cylindrical implant.

[0039] Historically, dental implants have been manufactured from solid material using subtractive means, or the removal of material until the final desired shape is achieved. This method removes material using a mill, lathe, or other machine or method. These methods are advantageous, especially when large quantities of identical products are produced. However, one drawback to subtractive methods of manufacturing dental implants is the difficulty of adapting these processes to produce customized or personalized root analog dental implants. This is because doing so would require reconfiguring subtractive implant fabrication equipment for each customized implant so that each dental implant can have its own shape and specifications, which requires the machine to be individually set up for each part, thus increasing the cost of each dental implant. These reconfiguration efforts increase the time required to manufacture the implants and increase the cost to manufacture them.

[0040] Another drawback to subtractive manufacturing of dental implants is the inherent limitation of features that can be included on the dental implant. For example, there are potentially desirable features (e.g., a porous exterior to promote bone growth, or structural features to aid in the durability and / or strength of the implant) that are difficult or impossible to create by subtractive means because of the difficulty of cutting out or customizing features that may be on the interior of the dental implant (e.g., that may not be on the surface of the dental implant).

[0041] Additive manufacturing techniques, in which raw materials are in powder form and fused into a solid part using a highly concentrated heat source, offer an alternative means of forming dental implants that can be an advantageous manufacturing method over subtractive manufacturing in situations where the dental implant design is customized for a particular patient and / or a particular tooth, or when there are features desired for the dental implant that are difficult or impossible to achieve using subtractive manufacturing methods.

[0042] In some embodiments, one or more of the dental implants described herein may include one or more mechanical strength and / or support features, i.e., posts, configured to provide mechanical and / or structural strength and / or support to the dental implant after insertion, so that the inserted dental implant can withstand various forces, such as forces and / or loads applied to the inserted dental implant from chewing and / or extraction. In some embodiments, the posts may extend perpendicularly from the axis and / or centerline of the dental implant body to the surface of the implant body. Additionally or alternatively, the posts may extend from the center of the dental implant body toward the apex, but not to the surface of the implant body; in these embodiments, the posts may be covered by another portion of the dental implant, such as a porous surface and / or lattice structure as described herein.

[0043] The post may be designed and / or configured to provide strength and stability to the implant, for example, under loads that are not coaxial with the root centerline and therefore create bending moments that may be exerted on the implant during mastication. In some embodiments, the post design (e.g., size, shape, and location on or within the implant) may be configured to comply with the strength and load requirements for the dental implant, for example, using computer-aided design software and / or more processes described herein.

[0044] In some cases, the implant design process may incorporate numerous factors and / or features for the implant, which may be based on one or more characteristics of the extracted tooth, the alveolar socket, and / or the patient. For example, the implant and / or post design and / or configuration may be based on the root shape (curvature, length, amount of taper, etc.), where the tooth is positioned in the patient's jaw, and / or the degree of shear / compression strain the tooth is expected to experience during its lifetime. Other factors that may be incorporated into the implant design and / or configuration include the expected rate of osseointegration of the implant within the alveolar socket and / or whether and to what extent bone grafting may be required. Additionally or alternatively, the implant and / or post design may be customized to accommodate one or more clinician preferences and / or to provide the most appropriate design for that particular case based on scientific evidence. For example, if a dentist or oral surgeon has a particular preferred design for a job, that preference may be incorporated into the implant design. In another example, if a clinician observes that a patient has fragile or relatively thin bone surrounding the alveolar socket, such observation can be factored into the design of the implant so that the implant will fit properly within the alveolar socket and not unduly strain certain areas of the bone surrounding the socket. Additionally or alternatively, the dentist or clinician may have variable preferences regarding the surface texture of portions of the root analog implant (e.g., polished, highly polished, rough, microtextured, rough, etc.), the shape, size, and / or number of coronal grooves, the shape, size, position, and / or crown-engaging mechanism of the abutment, and / or the shape, size, position, and / or surface texturing of the transgingival section of the root analog dental implant.

[0045] In some embodiments, the post design and / or configuration may be responsive to, for example, an analysis of the shape and / or size of the extracted tooth and / or root as shown on, for example, a three-dimensional scan of the extracted root, an x-ray, an intraoral scan of the tooth and / or alveolar socket, and / or an external scan such as a CT scan or MRI scan.

[0046] The struts may be of any cross-sectional size, shape, or combination of shapes, including, but not limited to, square, rectangular, star, hexagonal, round, triangular, multiple curved extensions, and I-beam shapes. In some cases, the size and / or orientation of the struts may vary along the length of the implant root section. For example, the struts may be thinner near the apex of the root section and gradually increase in thickness to a maximum thickness at or near the coronal section. Additionally or alternatively, the dimensions (e.g., thickness, width, or height) may be proportional to the overall size of the implant root section, such that as the cross-sectional area of ​​the root section decreases from the coronal section to the apex section, the dimensions of the struts vary in size depending on the strength requirements of the implant root.

[0047] In embodiments in which both struts and porous surfaces are used in the design of a root analog dental implant, the struts can provide the microgeometry of the implant. Sometimes, when the struts extend to the outer surface of the implant, the surface of the struts that matches the outer surface of the implant can include small or nanosurface features (e.g., indentations or cross-hatching) that can be configured to provide a surface for bone growth. Sometimes, the struts can provide the macrogeometry and the lattice and / or porous structure can provide the microgeometry, and additional, even smaller features, such as nanosurfaces, spikes, and / or extensions, can be applied to and / or designed into one or more struts and / or portions of the lattice and / or porous structure. In some embodiments, the design of the post and / or lattice for the implant may be responsive to, for example, clinical considerations and / or preferences, tooth type, tooth position in the mouth, anatomical variations, patient preferences and / or characteristics, crown characteristics, tooth orientation, and / or characteristics of the extracted tooth and / or teeth surrounding the implant.

[0048] Sometimes, the shape, size, orientation, and / or configuration of one or more posts may respond, for example, to the characteristics of the extracted tooth root and / or the alveolar socket from which the tooth was extracted, and / or the location within the root analog implant where the post is placed. For example, in some cases, a post positioned on the buccal and / or lingual aspect of the outer surface of the core of a root analog implant may extend a relatively large lateral or vertical distance from the implant core and / or to the porous surface covering the core (i.e., which may be shallow), providing greater mechanical strength in this embodiment. Additionally or alternatively, a post positioned on the mesial and / or distal aspect of the core of a root analog dental implant may extend a relatively small lateral or vertical distance from the outer surface of the core because the bending moment in this embodiment is relatively smaller.

[0049] In some embodiments, the posts may be positioned equidistantly around the circumference of the root analog dental implant core. Alternatively, the posts may be positioned in an irregular manner around the circumference of the root analog dental implant core. In these cases, the positioning of one or more posts may correspond to, for example, the characteristics of the tooth root and / or the root analog dental implant. For example, more posts may be positioned on the buccal and / or lingual side of the root analog dental implant than on the mesial and / or distal side because the buccal and / or lingual side of the root analog dental implant require greater mechanical resistance to the loads imparted to a functioning implant. Positioning more posts on the buccal and / or lingual side of the root analog dental implant may provide mechanical strength to the implant and / or aid in the distribution of forces along the relatively wider buccal and / or lingual side of the root analog dental implant.

[0050]

[0003] In many cases, a primary requirement for dental implants is that they must withstand the forces imparted to them by chewing to ensure that they do not suffer mechanical failure under expected maximum loads (tensile strength / compressive strength / shear strength) or repeated loads over time (fatigue). This includes not only the cyclic forces of repeated chewing over the expected life of the dental implant, but also the maximum bite force from a single chew. Typically, dental implant manufacturers test their products based on average and maximum forces over millions of cycles to ensure that the dental implant can withstand both the maximum bite force and the repeated loads without fracture.

[0051] The loads exerted on a dental implant tend to be greatest at or near the top of the root portion of the dental implant (e.g., the portion of the dental implant corresponding to the coronal section) and least at or near the root portion or apex of the dental implant. For this reason, there is an opportunity to remove material at or near the apex of the dental implant because that material does not contribute to the function or performance of the dental implant.

[0052] Referring now to the figures, Figure 1A is a block diagram of a system 100 that may be used to design and manufacture dental implants using additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D laser printing. System 100 may include a clinician device 110, one or more imaging devices 115, a communications network 120, a computer / processor / memory 125, a dental implant fabrication tool 130, and / or a three-dimensional scanner 135. Communications network 120 may be any network configured to support communication between two or more components of system 100. An exemplary communications network 120 includes the Internet.

[0053] Clinician device 110 may be any device, such as a computer, tablet computer, and / or smartphone, present in a clinician's office (e.g., a dentist's office) configured to communicate with one or more devices of system 100. Clinician device 110 may be configured to communicate patient information and / or tooth extraction information, for example, to computer / processor / memory 125. In some embodiments, clinician device 110 may communicate with imaging device 115, for example, to view or obtain information regarding one or more images, such as x-rays or scans, of the patient's mouth, jaw, and / or teeth. In some cases, imaging device 115 may be present in the clinician's office. Additionally or alternatively, imaging device 115 may be present in a separate facility (e.g., a hospital or medical clinic). Exemplary imaging devices 115 include, but are not limited to, x-ray machines, intraoral scanners, and CT scan devices.

[0054] The computer / processor / memory 125 may be configured to design a dental implant using additive manufacturing, for example, according to one or more of the methods disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the computer / processor / memory 125 may communicate with a processor-based system 102, such as that shown in FIG. 1B and described below, via a communications network 120, for example. In some embodiments, the computer / processor / memory 125 may be distributed and / or reside in multiple pieces of hardware that communicate with each other via wired and / or wireless connections (e.g., the communications network 120). In some embodiments, the computer / processor / memory 125 may be configured as a deep neural network capable of performing one or more operations, for example, using artificial intelligence and / or machine learning.

[0055] The three-dimensional scanner 135 may be configured to scan the extracted tooth root in three dimensions and communicate the three-dimensional scan to the clinician device 110 and / or computer / processor / memory 125 via the communications network 120.

[0056] The dental implant fabrication tool 130 may be configured to receive instructions for fabricating one or more of the dental implants and / or dental implant components disclosed herein. The dental implant fabrication tool 130 may be, for example, a 3D printer, a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) module, and / or a milling machine.

[0057] In some embodiments, all components of system 100 may not be co-located. For example, 3D scanner 135 may reside in a dentist's office and communicate 3D scans of extracted tooth roots to other components of system 100 via communications network 120.

[0058] 1B provides an example of a processor-based system 102 that may store and / or execute instructions for one or more of the processes described herein. The processor-based system 102 may reside, for example, in the clinician device 110 and / or in the computer / processor / memory 125. It should be noted that not all of the various processor-based systems that may be employed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention have all of the features of the system 102. For example, certain processor-based systems may not include a display, as the display functionality may be provided by a client computer communicatively coupled to the processor-based system, or as the display functionality may not be necessary. Such details are not important to the present invention.

[0059] System 102 includes a bus 103 or other communication mechanism for communicating information and a processor 104 coupled to bus 103 for processing information. System 102 also includes a main memory 106, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to bus 103 for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor 104. Main memory 106 may also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor 104. System 102 further includes a read-only memory (ROM) 108 or other static storage device coupled to bus 103 for storing static information and instructions for processor 104. Storage device 111, which may be one or more of a hard disk, flash memory-based storage medium, magnetic storage medium, optical storage medium (e.g., Blu-ray Disc, Digital Versatile Disc (DVD)-ROM), or any other storage medium readable by processor 104, is provided and coupled to bus 102 for storing information and instructions (e.g., an operating system, application programs, etc.).

[0060] System 102 may be coupled via bus 103 to a display 112, such as a flat panel display, for displaying information to a user. An input device 114, such as a keyboard including alphanumeric and other keys, may be coupled to bus 103 for communicating information and command selections to processor 104. Another type of user input device is a cursor control device 116, such as a mouse, trackball, or cursor direction keys, for communicating directional information and command selections to processor 104 and for controlling cursor movement on display 112. Other user interface devices, such as a microphone, speaker, etc., are not shown in detail but may be involved in receiving user input and / or presenting output.

[0061] The processes referred to herein may be implemented by processor 104 executing appropriate sequences of processor-readable instructions stored in main memory 106. Such instructions may be read into main memory 106 from another processor-readable medium, such as storage device 111, and execution of the sequences of instructions contained in main memory 106 causes processor 104 to perform the associated actions. In alternative embodiments, hardwired circuitry or firmware-controlled processing units (e.g., field programmable gate arrays) may be used in place of, or in combination with, processor 104 and its associated computer software instructions to implement the invention. Processor-readable instructions may be rendered in any computer language.

[0062] The system 102 may also include a communications interface 118 coupled to the bus 103. The communications interface 118 may provide a bidirectional data communications channel with a computer network, which provides connectivity to the plasma processing system discussed above. For example, the communications interface 118 may be a local area network (LAN) card for providing a data communications connection to a compatible LAN, which is itself communicatively coupled to another computer system. The exact details of such communications paths are not important to the present invention. What is important is that the system 102 can send and receive messages and data through the communications interface 118, and thus communicate with other controllers, etc.

[0063] 2 is an x-ray image 200 of a patient's mandible showing the roots of the teeth in the patient's mandible, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. In particular, x-ray image 200 shows varying mesial-distal widths between the roots of the teeth in the patient's jaw, with a first tooth 201 having a larger mesial-distal width at the mesial and distal aspects than a second tooth 202, which is positioned anteriorly, or at the apex, of the jawline.

[0064] 3A and 3B provide a flowchart illustrating a process 300 for designing a dental implant. Process 300 may be performed, for example, by a processor or computer executing a set of instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 106) in communication with a processor (e.g., computer / processor / memory 125 and / or processor 104). In some embodiments, process 300 may be performed using one or more specially designed and / or proprietary software packages configured to perform process 300 or portions thereof. In some cases, one or more steps of 300 may be performed automatically through the execution of a machine learning process, for example, through the application of an algorithm developed through a machine learning process that analyzed data from multiple extracted dental roots, or through inputting information into a deep neural network configured to perform one or more steps of process 300. Sometimes, one or more steps of process 300 may be performed via a distributed computing network and / or a local computer interfacing with a dental implant design professional. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, one or more steps of process 300 may be performed using a computer-aided drawing software program. Figures 4A, 4B, and 5A-5G provide a series of drawings depicting extracted teeth and a series of iterations on a model of a dental implant, as may occur during the performance of a dental implant design process such as process 300, and will be discussed below with respect to exemplary relevant steps of process 300.

[0065] In step 305, information regarding the extracted tooth, the extracted root, and / or the patient from whom the tooth was extracted may be received, for example, by a processor-based system, which in some embodiments may include a processor configured to incorporate a computer-aided design (CAD) module, such as computer / processor / memory 125. In many cases, the information received in step 305 includes one or more two-dimensional or three-dimensional images and / or scans of the extracted root, the extracted root fragment, and / or the alveolar socket from which the tooth was extracted. This information may be received, for example, from / via an intraoral scanner, an X-ray image, a CT scan image, a three-dimensional scanner such as three-dimensional scanner 135, and / or a clinician device such as clinician device 110. Additionally or alternatively, the information received in step 305 may be a pre- or post-extraction scan of the patient, the tooth, and / or root, and / or a scan of the tooth / root of interest and the adjacent teeth and / or opposing dentition. These scans may be, for example, CT scans, X-rays, and / or intraoral scans. Additionally or alternatively, the information received in step 305 may be one or more patient characteristics, such as gender, age, bone health, expected healing rate, bone thickness, bone density, and / or aesthetic considerations.

[0066] Optionally, in some embodiments, one or more patient characteristics (e.g., age, sex, bone quality, bone dimensions, bone density, general health, and / or whether the patient is immunocompromised) and / or clinician preferences (e.g., occlusion, and / or functional, aesthetic, and / or prosthetic requirements) may be received in step 305. These characteristics and / or preferences may be used to design the root analog dental implant model and / or its features in process 300. In one example of patient characteristics, if the patient has relatively low bone density, thickness, and / or quality, the implant may be designed to exert relatively minimal force against the buccal and / or lingual aspects of the alveolar socket. In another example, if the patient is relatively young, the implant may be designed for maximum longevity with enhanced mechanical strength and / or support and / or support to withstand masticatory loads applied to the implant over many years.

[0067] The clinician's preferences that may be received in step 305 may be used, for example, to design an implant that can accommodate the clinician's preferences for implant insertion and / or preferences for implant design, function, operation, durability, and / or aesthetics. Additionally or alternatively, the clinician's preferences may include preferences for the shape and / or design of the final root implant. In some embodiments, information from the clinician and / or dentist regarding the patient and / or the clinician's preferences may be received in step 305, for example, as part of a prescription for the implant. The prescription may also include, for example, aesthetic requirements for the patient and / or the clinician's preferences for implant design, some examples of which are provided in the discussion of process 300 below.

[0068] FIG. 4A provides an illustration of a tooth 400 to be extracted from its alveolar socket 425. The tooth 400 includes a crown 405, a root 410, and a root mark 415 that indicates a location on the tooth that coincides with the edge or ridge of the alveolar socket 425 for the tooth 400. The root mark 415 demarcates the crown 405 from the root 410. FIG. 4A also shows how the tooth 400 fits within the gingival layer 422 in the patient's mouth, with the upper gingival edge (margin) 412 positioned above the patient's jawbone 420 and proximate the wall of the alveolar socket 425. FIG. 4B shows the tooth 400 being extracted from its alveolar socket 425, revealing the cavity, or void, in the alveolar socket 425.

[0069] Next, in step 310, a first model of the extracted tooth root may be generated. The first model may be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional rendering of the extracted tooth (e.g., extracted tooth 400) generated using the data received in step 305 and may closely or exactly match the size, shape, and / or dimensions of the extracted tooth root. In some embodiments, performing step 310 may include determining a portion of the three-dimensional image and / or scan received in step 305 that relates to the crown and root of the extracted tooth. This determination may be made through an analysis of the location of root marks, such as root mark 415, on the first model, such that the portion of the extracted tooth located on a first side (e.g., the side of the tooth that extends away from the jawbone and into the patient's mouth) is determined to be the crown (e.g., crown 405), and the portion of the extracted tooth located on a second side (e.g., the side of the tooth that extends into the jawbone) is determined to be the root (e.g., root 410).

[0070] 5A1 provides a mesial / distal view of a first model 501 of tooth 400, and FIG. 5A2 provides a buccal / lingual view of the first model 501 of tooth 400, which may be generated in step 310 using, for example, a three-dimensional scan of the extracted tooth 400, a CT scan of the extracted tooth 400, an intraoral scan of the extracted tooth 400, and / or an X-ray image of the extracted tooth 400, which may be received in step 305. The first model 501 may be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional rendering of the undeformed tooth 400 (i.e., a model that replicates the contours, dimensions, and / or shape of the tooth 400). First model 501 includes modeled root mark 511 corresponding to the location of root mark 415, root line 513 extending root mark 511 around the circumference of first model 501, modeled supragingival edge 512 which may correspond to supragingival edge 412, and gingival layer 522 which may correspond to gingival layer 422. In the embodiment of Figure 5A, root line 513 is extended to the left and right (as oriented in the figure) by dashed lines indicating the root line across the circumference of first model 501.

[0071] Optionally, in step 312, a preliminary design check may be performed to determine whether the extracted tooth root is suitable and / or compatible with implant design process 300. In some embodiments, step 312 may be performed by comparing a first model of the extracted tooth root with one or more pre-generated and / or template implant designs and / or a design envelope for the implant designed using process 300 to verify whether the parameters for designing the implant to replace the extracted tooth are compatible with (e.g., fit within) the design parameters required for the implant designed using process 300. The design envelope parameters may include, for example, the length, width, circumference, shape, and / or angle of the root in one or more directions (e.g., mesial, distal, buccal, and / or lingual).

[0072] 5B1-5B4 provide mesial / distal and buccal / lingual views of first model 501 that provide annotations for various measurements of the first model that may be used throughout the execution of process 300 and / or incorporated into the preliminary design checks performed in step 312. For example, FIG. 5B1 provides a mesial / distal view of first model 501 with annotations representing mesial angle line 590 and distal angle line 591 superimposed on first model 501. Mesial angle line 590 and distal angle line 591 may each be a single line that best fits the outer edge of the mesial or distal side of first model 501, respectively. In some embodiments, the mesial angle line 590 and / or the distal angle line 591 can be a line drawn between one or more points on the crest of the tooth contour (e.g., the top of the crown) through a point 1.5 to 2 mm from the root apex, aligned with the mesial or distal side of each extracted tooth. The mesial angle line 590 and the distal angle line 591 can be used to establish an angle 592 between the mesial and / or distal sides of the first model 501 relative to one another. An exemplary angle 592 can fall within an exemplary range of 15 to 45 degrees. Once the angle 592 is determined, it can be compared to the minimum angle required for the design envelope for a root analog dental implant designed using process 300. The results of this comparison can be used to determine whether a root analog implant for the extracted tooth can be designed using process 300 that meets the minimum design requirements.

[0073] 5B2 provides a buccal / lingual view of first model 501 with annotations representing buccal angle line 593 and lingual angle line 594 superimposed on first model 501. Buccal angle line 593 and lingual angle line 594 can each be a single line that best fits the outer edge of the buccal or lingual side, respectively, of first model 501. In some embodiments, buccal angle line 593 and / or lingual angle line 594 can be a line drawn between one or more points on the crest of the tooth contour (e.g., the top of the crown) through a point 1.5 to 2 mm from the apex of the root, aligned with the mesial or distal side of each extracted tooth.

[0074] The buccal angle line 593 and the lingual angle line 594 may be used to establish an angle 595 between the buccal and / or lingual sides of the first model 501 relative to one another. Once the buccal / lingual angle 595 is determined, the angle may be compared to the minimum angle required for the design envelope for a root analog dental implant designed using process 300. The results of this comparison may be used to determine whether a root analog implant for an extracted tooth can be designed using process 300 that meets the minimum design requirements for angulation. An exemplary minimum design requirement for angulation is between 5 and 40 degrees.

[0075] Figure 5B3 provides a mesial / distal view of the first model 501, with a modeled tooth overall length 596, a modeled root length 597, and a modeled mesial / distal width 598 superimposed on the first model 501. Figure 5B4 provides a buccal / lingual view of the first model 501, with a modeled buccal / lingual width 599 superimposed on the first model 501. The buccal / lingual width 598 and / or the mesial / distal width 598 may also be measured at the crown ridge and / or at an inferior location (as shown in the figure). The modeled tooth overall length 596 may be a measured and / or calculated value of the overall length of the model 501 from the apex of the modeled root to the apex of the modeled crown. The modeled root length 597 may be a measured and / or calculated total length of the root section of the model 501 from the apex of the modeled root to the root mark 511 and / or root line 513. The modeled mesial / distal width 598 may be a measured and / or calculated total width of the model 501 from the mesial side to the distal side of the modeled root. The modeled buccal / lingual width 599 may be a measured and / or calculated total width of the model 501 from the buccal side to the lingual side of the modeled root. In some embodiments, the modeled mesial / distal width 598 may be measured and / or calculated at or near the root mark 511 and / or root line 513 of the modeled root. Once the total modeled tooth length 596, modeled root length 597, modeled mesial / distal width 598, and / or buccal / lingual width 599 are determined, each respective value can be compared to the minimum modeled tooth length, minimum modeled root length, minimum modeled mesial / distal width, and / or minimum buccal / lingual width required for the design envelope for a root analog dental implant designed using process 300. The results of this comparison can be used to determine whether a root analog implant for the extracted tooth can be designed using process 300 that meets the minimum design requirements.

[0076] In step 315, the first model of the extracted tooth root of step 310 may be modified to remove any or all portions of the first model that are not related to the root (i.e., remove portions of the first model that are above the root, related to the portion of the tooth above the root), thereby generating a modified model of the root. In some embodiments, performing step 315 may include removing irregularities in the shape of the three-dimensional model (e.g., tissue debris, irregularities in the tooth surface, hooks in the root, etc.) so that, for example, the root portion of the model has a smooth or nearly smooth outer surface prior to completion of the design process.

[0077] In step 320, aspects, sides, and / or portions of the second model may be identified and / or determined. In some embodiments, performing step 320 may include, for example, identifying the buccal, lingual, mesial, distal, coronal portion, diaphyseal portion, and / or root tip / apical region of the deformed model of the root.

[0078] 5C1 provides an illustration of an exemplary second model 504 that is a modified version of first model 501, in which the portion of the three-dimensional scan corresponding to the crown of tooth 400 (i.e., the portion of the three-dimensional scan located above root line 513) has been removed, for example, via performance of step 315. FIG. 5C1 also shows the complete coronal section 515′, diaphyseal section 520, and apical section 525 of second model 504, as may be determined and / or identified via performance of step 320. In the embodiment of FIG. 5C1 , the full coronal section 515′ corresponds to the portion of the extracted root 415 proximal and / or abutting the root mark 415, the apical section 525 corresponds to the apex of the extracted root (i.e., the bottom of the root in the orientation of FIGS. 4A and 4B ), and the diaphyseal section 520 corresponds to the middle portion of the extracted root and is located between the full coronal section 515′ and the apical section 525 of the second model 504. Exemplary dimensions for the sections of the second model 504 are as follows: the full coronal section 515′ may be 1 to 4 mm in length, the diaphyseal section 520 may be 3 to 10 mm in length, and the apical section 525 may be 1.5 to 4 mm in length.

[0079] Optionally, in step 325, the length of the second model of the root of step 315 (i.e., the distance from the bottom to the top of the root) may be adjusted, thereby generating a third model. The adjustment performed in step 325 may include, for example, shortening the height of the transformed model of the root by, for example, removing 0.15 mm to 0.7 mm from the edge of the model proximal to the root line. In some embodiments, performing step 325 may include determining expected changes in the shape and / or size of the alveolar socket (e.g., a decrease in depth and / or an expansion in circumference), which may be caused by bone loss and / or resorption due to natural healing processes, for example, when the body / alveolar socket recovers from tooth extraction and / or placement of a root analog dental implant as described herein. In some embodiments, the expected changes may be due to bone loss at the upper edge or margin of the alveolar socket, which may be caused by, for example, the body's inflammatory response after root extraction. The size and shape of the root portion of the dental implant may be responsive (e.g., shortened) to expected changes in the size and / or shape of the alveolar socket. Sometimes, determining the expected changes in the size and / or shape of the alveolar socket as a function of the healing process may be responsive, for example, to patient characteristics, tooth positioning, jawbone characteristics, etc.

[0080] Figure 5C2 provides an illustration of a third model 505 in which an upper portion (in the orientation shown) of third model 504 has been removed in response to expected changes in the height of alveolar socket 425 during the tooth extraction healing process, thereby reducing the height of complete coronal section 515' by, for example, 0.15-0.7 mm to create the modified coronal section 515 (which may also be referred to herein as "coronal section 515") seen in Figure 5C2. Figure 5C2 provides an illustration of third model 505 overlaid on second model 504 so that the difference therebetween (illustrated as height difference 527 in Figure 5C2) can be visualized.

[0081] In step 330, the size, cross-sectional area, and / or volume of the second (or third, if step 325 is performed) model of the root of step 325 may be further modified to reduce the width and / or cross-sectional diameter of the deformed model of the root of step 325, e.g., by narrowing and / or reducing the width of the deformed model of the root of step 325, e.g., by removing 0.3-0.7 mm from the buccal and / or lingual edges in the coronal section 515 and / or diaphyseal section 520 and / or apical section 525 along the length of the coronal section 515 and / or diaphyseal section 520 and / or apical section 525, thereby generating a fourth model. In some embodiments, this adjustment may be made, for example, by moving the buccal and / or lingual edges of the model of step 325 inward, e.g., by 0.3-0.7 mm along the length of the model, thereby reducing the overall volume, width, and cross-sectional area of ​​the root model.

[0082] Additionally or alternatively, performing step 330 may include expanding the horizontal cross-sectional area or circumference of the mesial and / or distal sides (along their lengths) of the second or third model, thereby creating mesial and / or distal extensions. In these embodiments, for example, the mesial and / or distal extensions may be configured to abut and / or press against the adjacent mesial and / or distal bony walls of the alveolar cavity to increase the amount of friction and / or compression applied against the mesial and / or distal walls of the alveolar cavity when a corresponding implant (e.g., implants 800 or 1500, as discussed below with respect to FIGS. 8D-8J, 15A, and 15B, respectively) is present in the alveolar cavity. The external shape or contour of the mesial and / or distal extensions may have a curved and / or parabolic cross-section, such that the apex of the extension is positioned at or near the longitudinal center of the fourth model on the mesial and / or distal side. In some cases, the shape and / or size of the mesial and / or distal extensions may be mirror images of each other, while in other cases, the size and / or shape (e.g., apex location, degree of curvature, etc.) may vary between the mesial and / or distal projections 564 and 566. An exemplary dimension for the width of the mesial and / or distal projections is 0.1-0.75 mm along the mesial and / or distal lengths of the model. In some cases, the width of the mesial and / or distal projections may vary along their lengths, such that the width of the mesial and / or distal projections is 0.05-0.2 mm in the coronal section of the model, 0.02-0.3 mm in the diaphyseal section, and 0.01-0.35 mm in the apical section of the root portion.

[0083] FIG. 5D1 provides a mesial / distal side view of an exemplary fourth model 506 (shown in solid lines) having a mesial side 526 and a distal side 528 with the third model 505 superimposed thereon so that the differences between the third model 505 and the fourth model 506 can be visualized. A fourth model 506 may be generated via performance of step 330, in which the width of the fourth model 506 is varied along the length of the mesial and / or distal root portions of the implant such that the mesial and / or distal sides 526 and 528 of the third model 505 push the fourth model 506 outward, thereby forming mesial protrusions 564 and distal protrusions 566, which provide the fourth model 506 with increased cross-sectional circumferences compared to the corresponding cross-sectional circumferences of the third model 505, an example of which is shown in cross-section in FIG. 5D3, which illustrates the irregular shape of the cross-section of the third model 505. The shape (e.g., width, volume, or cross-sectional area) of the mesial and / or distal protrusions 564 and 566 may vary along the length of the respective mesial and distal sides 526 and 528. An exemplary mesial width 565 of the mesial projection 564 and / or an exemplary distal width 567 of the distal projection 566 can vary, for example, from 0.1 mm to 3 mm along the length of the root section of the implant.

[0084] 5D2 provides a buccal / lingual side view of fourth model 506 (shown in solid lines) with buccal side 572 and lingual side 574 superimposed on third model 505 (shown in dashed lines) so that the differences therebetween may be visualized. As discussed above, fourth model 506 may be generated through performance of step 330, such that the width of fourth model 506 is deformed along its length so that the buccal and lingual sides of fourth model 506 are recessed or pushed inward compared to the corresponding buccal and lingual sides of third model 505, thereby producing recessed buccal side 526 and recessed lingual side 529 for fourth model 506. The shape (e.g., width, volume, or cross-sectional area) of the concave buccal side 526 and the concave lingual side 529 may vary along the length of the respective lingual side 574 and buccal side 572, and the shape of the concave space 582 in the buccal side (i.e., the difference between the buccal side of the third model 505 and the concave buccal side 526 of the fourth model 506) and / or the shape of the concave space 531 in the lingual side (i.e., the difference between the lingual side of the third model 505 and the concave lingual side 529 of the fourth model 506) may vary, for example, by 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm along the length of the root section of the implant.

[0085] 5D3 provides a cross-sectional image of the superposition of the third (shown as dashed lines) and fourth (shown as solid lines) models 505 and 506 shown in FIGS. 5D1 and 5D2 along section line AA, with horizontal axis 575 and vertical axis 573 superimposed, where horizontal axis 575 corresponds to the mesial / distal axis and vertical axis 573 corresponds to the buccal / lingual axis. Horizontal axis 575 and vertical axis 573 intersect at a center point. The cross section in Figure 5D3 shows a reduction in volume along the buccal side 572 and lingual side 574 of the fourth model 506 compared to the third model 505, the dimensions of the buccal side recessed space 582 represent the change in the shape of the buccal side between the third model 505 and the fourth model 506, and the dimensions of the lingual side recessed space 531 represent the change in the shape of the lingual side between the third model 505 and the fourth model 506. The cross section in Figure 5D3 also shows an increase in volume along the mesial side 526 and distal side 528 of the fourth model 506 compared to the third model 505, as mesial protrusion 564 and distal protrusion 566, respectively. The shapes of the mesial and distal protrusions 564, 566 vary along the horizontal cross section, with the maximum widths of the mesial and distal protrusions 564, 566 occurring approximately along the horizontal axis 575 of the third and fourth models 505, 506.

[0086] Dental implants designed with a reduced overall volume in the diaphyseal and / or apical sections can be useful for reducing pressure on the alveolar cavity overall, particularly in the region of the cavity corresponding to the reduced volume side (e.g., the facial / buccal aspect). For example, the bone density and / or thickness of the jawbone may be less on the mesial and / or distal aspects, and because the dental implant presses against the bone within the alveolar cavity, the prolonged application of force (such as that generated by the presence of the dental implant) can exacerbate bone resorption through stress shielding. Reducing the volume of the dental implant on the mesial and / or distal aspects can help prevent or mitigate this effect, thereby reducing the risk associated with poor osseointegration and / or bone loss in / near the alveolar cavity.

[0087] In some embodiments, the degree of concavity of the buccal and / or lingual sides of fourth model 506 and / or the degree of expansion of the mesial and distal sides of fourth model 506 (e.g., the size and / or shape of mesial protrusion 564 and / or distal protrusion 566) may be responsive to, for example, the size of the extracted root, the location of the extracted root, the characteristics of the alveolar socket from which the tooth was extracted, patient characteristics, patient preferences, and / or clinician preferences and / or requirements (all of which may be received in step 305). For example, if a patient has relatively thin buccal walls (e.g., information that may be received in step 305), fourth model 506 may be generated, and / or step 330 may be performed, by recessing the buccal and / or lingual sides of the third model to a greater extent than those sides would have been recessed (e.g., the amount of recession applied to a root model for a patient with a greater buccal wall thickness) to generate a fourth model, resulting in less stress being applied to the relatively thin buccal and / or lingual sides of the patient's alveolar socket. Increasing the recession in the buccal and / or lingual sides of the third model to generate the fourth model in this manner may result in the implant exerting less stress on the buccal and / or lingual sides of the alveolar socket, which may help minimize bone loss due to stress on the bone caused by the implant when present in the socket, which may be helpful for patients with thin buccal plates. Continuing with this example, performing step 330 may also include increasing the size and / or cross-sectional area of ​​the mesial and / or distal extensions of fourth model 506, for example, to increase friction between and / or compression against the mesial and / or distal aspects of the alveolar socket, which may assist in retaining the root portion of the implant within the alveolar socket, particularly when contact with and / or pressure against the buccal and / or lingual aspects of the patient's alveolar socket is reduced.

[0088] In step 335, the external volume of the diaphyseal and apical sections of the transformed root model of step 330 may be reduced, for example, to provide space for applying an external porous outer layer, thereby generating a fifth model. Execution of step 335 may be accomplished, for example, by shifting the external edges of the diaphyseal and / or apical sections of the root model of step 330 inward, for example, by 0.1 to 1.0 mm, thereby reducing the volume of the remaining diaphyseal and apical sections of the root analog dental implant model, for example, by 3-5%. Figures 5E1 and 5E2 provide an example of how step 335 may be performed. Figure 5E1 provides a buccal / lingual side view of the fifth model 507, including the coronal section 515 and the combined diaphyseal and apical section 524. In FIG. 5E1 , the size and / or volume of the combined diaphyseal and apical sections 524 may be deformed and / or reduced, for example, as a result of performing step 335, to produce the diaphyseal / apical core 542 as shown in FIG. 5E1 . FIG. 5E1 also shows a fifth model 507 overlaid on the fourth model 506 to show a porous surface space 544 configured for reception of a porous surface. The inner boundary of the porous surface space 544 is defined by the diaphyseal / apical core 542, and the outer boundary of the porous surface space 544 is defined by the outer boundary 536 of the fourth model 506. The porous surface space 544 may represent a reduction in the external volume of the diaphyseal and apical sections achieved via performance of step 335. Figure 5E2 provides a cross-section of the superposition of fourth model 506 and fifth model 507 shown in Figure 5E1 along line BB, with diaphyseal / apical core 542 surrounded by porous surface space 544 as shown. Figure 5E2 also shows the cross-sectional shape of diaphyseal / apical core 542, which is irregular in the embodiment of Figure 5E2. The irregular shape of core 542 may be similar to, but smaller than, the shape of the cross-section of first model 501 along a location corresponding to line BB.

[0089] In step 340, a root core base structure (also referred to herein as a "core base") may be designed and / or selected from multiple root core base structures for use in designing a core structure for the tooth for which information was received in step 305. The root core base structure may be configured to comply with minimum mechanical and / or structural (e.g., stiffness, durability, load requirements, etc.) strength standards for a dental implant that may be used to replace an extracted tooth. In some embodiments, multiple core base structures may be designed prior to performance of process 300, e.g., to facilitate more rapid performance of step 340 and / or the entire implant design process. Each of the multiple core base structures may be designed and / or configured for use in different applications and / or different situations based, for example, on tooth type, tooth size, root size, root shape, tooth position, patient characteristics, and / or clinician preferences.

[0090] In many cases, the core base structure may have a coronal section and a combined diaphyseal / apical section. The circumference of the coronal section may have a solid, generally flat, or smooth outer surface. The outer surface of the diaphyseal section of the core base structure may have one or more struts or other mechanical strength and / or support features (e.g., helical extensions, concentric circular, curved extensions, extensions, etc.) extending from its outer surface along a portion of the length of the diaphyseal section. Once the core base structure is designed and / or selected, it may be merged and / or overlaid with the fifth model, thereby generating a sixth model of the root portion of the dental implant.

[0091] Figure 6A provides a side view of an exemplary core base structural model 601, and Figure 6B provides a cross-sectional view of the core base structural model 601 along line CC. The core base structural model 601 includes a coronal section 615 having a solid / smooth outer surface and six optional struts 620A, 620B, 620C, 620D, 620E, and 620F (620D, 620E, and 620F are only shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 6B) extending from the outer surface of the core center 630. Struts 620A, 620B, 620C, 620D, 620E, and 620F extend from the lower edge (in the orientation of Figure 6A) of the coronal section 615 along the length of a portion of the diaphyseal section of the core base structure to approximately the midpoint of the combined diaphyseal / apical section 624. The cross-sectional shape of the core base structural model 601 is regular and circular with extensions (struts) extending symmetrically therefrom, although this need not be the case. In some embodiments, the core base structural model 601 may sometimes have a non-circular (e.g., elliptical or irregular) cross-sectional shape that can be configured to map to the cross-sectional shape of an extracted tooth root.

[0092] Figure 6C provides a cross section of another exemplary core base structural model 602 including four struts 620G, 620H, 6201, and 620J spaced approximately equidistantly around the circumference of the core base structural model 602. Figure 6D provides a cross section of another exemplary core base structural model 602 including two struts 620K and 620L spaced approximately equidistantly around the circumference of the core base structure 603. Figure 6E provides a cross section of yet another exemplary core base structural model 604 having an elliptical shape and no struts.

[0093] Once the core base structural model is selected and / or designed, it may be compared to the fifth model of step 335 to determine, for example, whether the fifth model fits within one or more mechanical, structural, and / or size requirements established by the core base (step 342). In some embodiments, performing step 342 may include determining whether the core base structure fits within the outer surfaces of models of extracted teeth and / or root analog dental implants, such as models 501, 504, 505, 506, and / or 507. If the fifth model does not fit within the requirements, another core base structure may be selected for comparison with the fifth model (i.e., step 340 may be repeated), and / or process 300 may end, because the implant may not be able to be manufactured in a manner that complies with the mechanical and / or structural requirements for the implant. If the fifth model is mechanically and / or structurally compliant, process 300 may continue to step 345 (shown in FIG. 3B).

[0094] A visual example of how step 342 may be performed is provided via Figure 7A (side view) and Figure 7B (cross-sectional view along line DD), which show an example of fifth model 507 overlaid on a core base structure, such as core base structural model 601, selected and / or designed in step 340. As shown in Figure 7A, the coronal section 615 of core base structural model 601 fits within the coronal section 515 of fifth model 507, indicating that the coronal section 515 of fifth model 507 fits within the mechanical and / or structural requirements established by the coronal section 615 of core base structural model 601. The core center 630 of the combined diaphyseal and apical section 624 of the core base structural model 601 also fits within the combined diaphyseal and apical section 524 of the fifth model 507, indicating that the combined diaphyseal and apical section 524 of the fifth model 507 complies with the mechanical and / or structural requirements of the combined diaphyseal and apical section 624. If the core center 630 extends beyond the boundary of the combined diaphyseal and apical sections 524 and / or the volume of the core base 601 does not fit completely within the outer surface of the fifth model 507, it may indicate that the implant designed using process 300 may not have a sufficiently large / rigid core structure to meet the mechanical and / or structural requirements.

[0095] Additionally, the outer surfaces of struts 620A, 620B, and 620C fit within the contours of the outer surface of the implant designed using process 300. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, portions of struts 620A, 620C, 620D, and 620F may extend beyond the contours, or boundaries, of the corresponding portions of fifth model 507 and protrude into additional porous surfaces on the exterior of combined diaphyseal and apical section 524, as discussed below with respect to Figures 7C and 7D.

[0096] Figure 7C provides a side view of the integrated core or sixth model 702 superimposed on the outline of the fifth model 507 (shown in dashed lines), and Figure 7D provides a cross-sectional view thereof (along line E-E). Figures 7C and 7D show the protrusion of struts 620A, 620C, 620D, and 620F from the diaphyseal / apical core 542 and how these struts do not extend beyond the outline of the fifth model 507. Struts 620B and 620E do not extend beyond the outline of the fifth model 507 and are therefore covered by the diaphyseal / apical core 542.

[0097] In step 345, a porous surface may be added to the outer surface of a portion of the sixth model, such as the diaphyseal section 520 and / or the apical section 525, thereby generating a seventh model, an example of which is shown in FIGS. 7E and 7F. In most embodiments, the outer edges of the porous surface added in step 345 do not extend beyond the contours of the diaphyseal section 520 and / or the apical section 525 of the fifth model. The porous surface may be 0-2.0 mm deep and may include one or more pores or spaces into which bone may grow when an implant manufactured using the model developed through execution of process 300 is placed into the alveolar socket. Exemplary specifications for the porous coating and / or lattice network are as follows: porosity in the range of 40-85%, surface thickness in the nominal range of 0-2 mm or 0.5-0.65 mm, and average pore size in the range of 200-600 micrometers.

[0098] In some embodiments, the porous surface may be a series of overlapping and / or interconnected structures or strands and / or a matrix or mesh of material. The porous surface structure may be achieved, for example, by fusing powdered biocompatible materials (e.g., titanium and / or ceramic) into a specific solid form using additive manufacturing, such as laser-based 3D printing, selective laser sintering, E-beam, or other focused energy, to manufacture the dental implant, where the porous structure / lattice is overlaid on the base for the portion of the diaphyseal section 520 and / or apical section 525 of the model to be covered by the porous structure / lattice. In some embodiments, the porous surface may be configured to be manufactured layer by layer simultaneously with the core or internal components of the root analog dental implant. In some cases, the porous surface may be added in a uniform manner (e.g., the thickness of the porous coating and / or lattice network may be uniform throughout) or in a non-uniform manner (e.g., the thickness of the porous surface may not be uniform throughout).

[0099] In some cases, one or more characteristics of the porous surface (e.g., density, diameter, thickness, degree of interconnection, overlap pattern, width, length, etc.) can be configured to respond to, for example, strength requirements and / or application requirements for a dental implant. In some embodiments, one or more porous surface characteristics can be configured to match and / or be compatible with the bone characteristics of the alveolar socket and / or the characteristics of the extracted tooth. Exemplary bone and / or tooth characteristics include, but are not limited to, density, tissue type, and whether disease is present. In some embodiments, the porous surface, or portions thereof, can include one or more protrusions extending from the outer edge of the lattice. The protrusions can be configured to engage the bone of the alveolar socket and improve retention within the socket. Exemplary shapes of the protrusions include spikes and knobs.

[0100] In some embodiments, the porous surface may include small or nano-surface features (e.g., texturing, dimples, or cross-hatching) that may be configured to provide a surface texture to the outer surface of the lattice struts or other porous surface elements that may favor osseointegration. Sometimes these features may be present throughout the entire lattice, and other times, the micro- or nano-surface texture may be present only on or toward the outer surface of the root section of the implant.

[0101] In some embodiments, performing step 345 may include analyzing the alveolar socket (e.g., alveolar socket 425) and / or imaging the socket, for example, to determine the dimensions of the opening or top of the socket (e.g., diameter, radius, circumference, location of any irregularities within the opening, etc.), so that dimensions and / or configurations can be selected for addition to the surface of fifth model 507, for example, in a manner that accommodates the size and shape of the opening at the top of the socket, so that, for example, a dental implant having a porous coating and / or lattice network can pass through the opening in the socket without damaging the bone at the edges of the socket.

[0102] 7E provides a side view of exemplary seventh model 703, which may be generated via performance of step 345, in which a porous surface 730 has been added to the outer surface of the combined diaphyseal / apical section 524 / 624 of sixth model 702 to create a porous-surface-coated diaphyseal / apical section 724. In some cases, porous surface 730 may occupy the space between the diaphyseal / apical surface of sixth model 702 and the corresponding diaphyseal / apical surface of fifth model 507. The outer surface and / or outer geometry of porous surface 730 may be designed to fit within an alveolar socket from which a tooth has been extracted, such that a close fit between an implant manufactured using, for example, seventh model 703 and the alveolar socket may be achieved, often without deformation of the socket, by a dentist or other clinician during and / or prior to installation of the implant in a patient's mouth. Sometimes, the external geometry of the porous surface 730 may be designed to further extend the mesial extension portion 564 and / or the distal extension portion 566, so that when a root analog dental implant based on the seventh model 703 is manufactured, the mesial and / or distal sides of the porous surface of the root analog dental implant may extend into and / or retract the corresponding portions of the alveolar socket. Additionally or alternatively, the external geometry of the porous surface 730 may be designed such that the concavity of the concave buccal side surface 526 and / or the concave lingual side surface 529 is maintained, so that the buccal and / or lingual sides of the porous surface 730 are also retracted in a manner similar to the concave buccal and / or lingual side surfaces 526 and / or the concave lingual side surfaces 529. In this way, the buccal and / or lingual sides of the porous surface of the root analog dental implant may not extend into and / or retract the corresponding portions of the alveolar socket.

[0103] FIG. 7F provides a horizontal cross-sectional view of the seventh model 703 of the root analog along line GG, showing how the porous surface 730 occupies the porous surface space 544.

[0104] 7G provides a vertical cross-sectional view of seventh model 703 along line GG, illustrating how porous surface 730 occupies porous surface space 544. FIG. 7G illustrates a first exemplary thickness 782 of porous surface 730 on the mesial side of seventh model 703 positioned proximal to the coronal section of model 515 / 615, a second exemplary thickness 784 of porous surface 730 on the mesial side of seventh model 703 positioned on the mesial side of the diaphyseal / apical section, approximately two-thirds of the way between coronal section 515 / 615 and the apex of seventh model 703, and a third exemplary thickness 785 of porous surface 730 on the mesial side of seventh model 703 positioned proximal to the coronal section of model 515 / 615. Also shown are a third exemplary thickness 786 of porous surface 730 located at the apex of seventh model 703, a fourth exemplary thickness 788 of porous surface 730 on the distal side of seventh model 703 proximate the apex of seventh model 703, and a fifth exemplary thickness 789 of porous surface 730 located on the distal side of the diaphyseal / apical section approximately one-third of the way between coronal section 515 / 615 and the apex of seventh model 703.

[0105] In step 350, one or more circumferential grooves may be added to the coronal section 515 of the seventh model in step 345, thereby generating an eighth model, an example of which is provided by FIG. 7H and discussed below. For example, the circumferential grooves may be configured to engage cortical bone present in the alveolar socket to facilitate retention of a dental implant fabricated using the model generated via performance of step 350 within the alveolar socket, osseointegration of the implant within the alveolar socket, and / or prevention of ingress of foreign matter (e.g., fluids and / or bacteria) into the alveolar socket following insertion of the implant. FIG. 7H provides a side view of an exemplary root analog dental implant model 704 in which multiple circumferential grooves 735 have been added to the coronal section 515 of the seventh model 703, thereby generating a grooved coronal section 717 of the eighth model 704.

[0106] In step 355, a transgingival portion may be added to the eighth model proximate the root line, thereby generating a ninth model. If the manufactured dental implant is to be inserted into the alveolar socket but below / above the gum line, the transgingival portion may be configured to reside above (for teeth in the mandible) or below (for teeth in the maxilla) the edge of the alveolar socket. The height of the transgingival portion may be configured so that it does not extend beyond the gingival height of the patient's mouth proximate the alveolar socket. In some embodiments, the transgingival portion may be configured to enable a "platform switching" effect. Alternatively, the transgingival portion may be designed by extending the top of the three-dimensional image and / or scan of the extracted tooth root into a cylinder, e.g., by 1-3 mm, and then shrinking the portion of the cylinder between the top and bottom of the cylinder (e.g., to create a sideways "v" shape).

[0107] In some cases, the surface profile design of the transgingival portion of the implant may be modeled using, for example, from inputs received in step 305 of process 300. These inputs may include the surface profile of the teeth in this region, the gingival margin (a circumferential line that depicts the top of the gingiva relative to the tooth), practitioner preferences such as the presence or degree of platform switching, margin height reduction, etc. Practitioner preferences for the transgingival design may include listed preferences or selection of preferences from a list of available options.

[0108] FIG. 7I provides a side view of an exemplary ninth model 705, including a transgingival portion 740 positioned above (in the orientation in FIG. 7I) the grooved coronal section 717. The transgingival portion 740 extends from the underlying grooved coronal section to a specified height, which may match the gingival margin or be slightly reduced depending on the implant surgeon's preference and other patient characteristics, such as gingival tissue thickness, the patient's health, age, and tooth position. The transgingival portion 740 also has an exemplary circumferential "V"-shaped indentation or notch 719 configured to enable a platform switching effect.

[0109] In step 360, an abutment configured to cooperate with the crown may be added to the top (for teeth in the mandible) or bottom (for teeth in the maxilla) of the transgingival portion of the ninth model, thereby generating a tenth model. In some embodiments, the size and / or shape of the abutment may be configured to cooperate with the crown so that the crown can be securely attached to the abutment and so that the crown fits and / or cooperates appropriately with other teeth in the patient's mouth. Sometimes, this may be achieved through the use of preoperative intraoral and / or CT scans of the patient's tooth to be extracted and surrounding teeth, so that features (e.g., height, width, ridge depth, angle, etc.) can be incorporated into the design and / or selection of the abutment. In some cases, the abutment may be a pre-designed chamfered shape of appropriate size (e.g., cross-sectional area, height, etc.). In some cases, the abutment height may be selected using information provided by a dental professional (e.g., the dental professional who extracted the tooth) (e.g., the height of the teeth adjacent to the extracted tooth, the chewing habits of the patient whose tooth was extracted, the strength or thickness of the bone comprising the alveolar socket, and / or whether the patient has periodontal disease). Additionally or alternatively, the abutment height may be selected using a model, impression, and / or scan of the patient's full mouth prior to the tooth extraction. FIG. 7J provides a side view of exemplary tenth model 706, which corresponds to a complete dental root analog dental implant model 706 including abutment 745.

[0110] In some embodiments, the transgingival portions and / or abutments of steps 350 and 355 may be designed to be at an angle relative to a root line, such as root line 513, so that, for example, the angle of orientation of the crown fitted to the abutment may be oriented to match the orientation of the extracted tooth root and / or to cooperate well with other teeth in the patient's mouth.

[0111] Optionally, in step 365, the tenth model of step 360 may be finalized, thereby generating a final model of the dental implant. Performance of step 365 may include performance of one or more additional finalization steps to generate a complete model of the dental implant (e.g., converting the deformed model into an appropriate format for fabrication). In some embodiments, step 365 may be optional, and the method may skip steps 360 through 370, such that the model of step 360 is the final dental root analog dental implant model.

[0112] In step 370, a design check of the tenth and / or final dental root analog dental implant model may be performed to determine whether the dental root analog dental implant model is properly designed and meets all dental implant, patient, and / or clinician requirements, for example. Performing a design check may include, for example, comparing the final model of the dental implant to original three-dimensional images and / or scans of the extracted tooth root, comparing the final model of the dental implant to design parameters for the dental implant, and / or comparing the final model dental implant to images, three-dimensional scans, and / or impressions of the alveolar socket from which the root was extracted. In some embodiments, the design check may involve performing steps to determine whether the dental implant will function properly, for example, whether it has sufficient surface area for osteointegration and / or sufficient strength (e.g., for durability and functionality). For example, design check 370 may include, for example, comparing parameters of the final model to predetermined root analog dental implant design specifications. For example, design check 370 may include comparing the surface area of ​​the root portion of the final model and / or the strength of the dental implant at different points (which may, for example, be mathematically modeled) against specified regulatory standards, such as those set forth by government agencies (e.g., the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and / or the European Medicines Agency) and / or medical and / or dental review organizations or associations (e.g., the American Dental Association (ADA) in the United States and / or the European Association for Dental Public Health (EADPH)).

[0113] If the tenth and / or final model does not pass the design check (step 375), an error analysis of the final dental root analog dental implant model may be performed, and as a result, adjustments may be made to the tenth and / or final dental root analog dental implant model (step 380), and step 370 may be performed again. If the tenth and / or final dental root analog dental implant model passes the design check (step 375), the final dental root analog dental implant model may be formatted for manufacturing (step 385). In some embodiments, performing step 385 may also include generating one or more instructions for manufacturing a dental implant based on the final model. In some cases, performing step 385 includes converting the final model to CAM software for communication to a manufacturing device (e.g., a three-dimensional printer). In some embodiments, performing step 385 may include receiving or adapting instructions for generating a dental implant based on a material (e.g., titanium or other biocompatible material) and / or an additive manufacturing process used to manufacture the dental implant. In step 390, the formatted tenth and / or final model and / or instructions for manufacturing a root analog dental implant based on the tenth and / or final root analog dental implant model may be communicated to an implant fabrication tool, such as a 3D printer.

[0114] 8A provides a mesial-distal side view of a root analog dental implant 800 fabricated using one or more design processes, design process features, and / or models described herein, such as process 300 or portions thereof. Root analog dental implant 800 includes an abutment 845, a transgingival section 840, a "V"-shaped indent or notch 819, a coronal section 817 including multiple circumferential grooves 835, and a diaphyseal / apical section 824 including a porous surface 830 covering a core 842 having two struts 820A and 820C extending from the core 842. Further details regarding core 842 and struts 820A and 820C are provided below with respect to FIG. 8B. Root analog implant 800 can be fabricated using an additive manufacturing process (e.g., three-dimensional printing), such as, for example, laser sintering of metal (e.g., titanium) powder.

[0115] In the embodiment of FIG. 8A , the abutment 845 can be configured and / or manufactured to allow attachment to and cooperation with a crown (not shown) that extends above the margin or ridge of the patient's alveolar socket. In some cases, the abutment 845 can correspond to the modeled abutment 745. The transgingival section 840 can be positioned within the root analog dental implant 800 to be located between the abutment 845 and the horizontally oriented edge of the coronal section 817. The transgingival section 840 can be configured to be manufactured according to the designed or modeled transgingival section 740. The coronal section 817 can be positioned within the root analog dental implant 800 to be located between the transgingival section 840 and the combined diaphyseal / apical section 824. The coronal section 817 can be configured to be manufactured according to the designed or modeled coronal section 717. 8A , the coronal section 817 includes six circumferential grooves 835 that surround a portion of the coronal section 817 and are configured to provide engagement with corresponding coronal sections of the patient's alveolar socket upon implantation of the root analog dental implant 800. The porous surface 830 may be fabricated, for example, via an additive manufacturing process, to have one or more pores, openings, interconnected and / or overlapping structures into and / or onto which bone from the alveolar socket may grow to promote osseointegration of the root analog dental implant 800 into the alveolar socket, as discussed above with respect to the modeled porous surface 730.

[0116] The porous surface 830 may cover the diaphyseal / apical section 824 of the core 802 as well as the posts 820A and 820C, which is also shown in FIG. 8B . FIG. 8B provides a mesial-distal side view of the core 802 of an exemplary root analog dental implant without the porous surface positioned thereon so that the integrated core features can be more clearly seen. The core 802 may correspond to the modeled one discussed above with respect to the sixth model 702, for example, and the posts 820A and 820C may correspond to the modeled posts 620A and 620C as discussed herein. The core 802 also shows a porous surface contour 836, which may correspond to the modeled porous surface 536 and porous surface space 844 within and / or over which the porous surface 830 may be applied. The porous surface space 844 may correspond to the modeled porous surface space 544.

[0117] Figure 8C provides a cross-sectional view (along line HH) of core 802 as shown in Figure 8B. The cross-section of Figure 8C shows the circumference of core 802 with four struts 820A, 820C, 820D, and 820F extending from the diaphyseal / apical 824 section of core 802 into porous surface space 844 as shown.

[0118] In some embodiments, the process of manufacturing the root analog dental implant 800 may involve a two (or more) step process, for example, where the integrated core 842 is first manufactured, and then the porous surface 830, circumferential groove 835, transgingival portion 840, and abutment 845 are added onto the manufactured integrated core 842. However, in most cases, the entire root analog dental implant 800 is manufactured simultaneously (i.e., during processing or printing) via an additive manufacturing process.

[0119] FIG. 8D provides a mesial-distal side view of a root analog dental implant 800 partially inserted through the gingival layer 422 into an alveolar socket 425 positioned in a patient's jawbone 420, FIG. 8E provides a mesial-distal side view of the root analog dental implant 800 fully inserted through the gingival layer 422 into the alveolar socket 425, and FIG. 8F provides a buccal / lingual side view of the root analog dental implant 800 fully inserted into the alveolar socket 425. The root analog dental implant 800 can be inserted into the alveolar socket 425 by a dentist or other clinician using their own hands and / or an implant seating device (e.g., an ultrasonic vibrating device and / or a mechanical force transmission device (e.g., a mallet)). As can be seen in FIG. 8E, the root analog dental implant 800 is slightly larger than the alveolar socket 425 in the mesial and distal directions according to the design process described herein. This expansion is due to mesial and distal expansion of the root analog dental implant 800, which is modeled in the execution of process 300 and shown in FIGS. 5D1 and 5D3 and translated into instructions used to manufacture the root analog dental implant 800. FIG. 8F provides a buccal / lingual side view of the root analog dental implant 800 fully inserted into the alveolar socket 425. As explained above, the root analog dental implant 800 can be configured so as not to press directly into the alveolar socket 425. FIG. 8G provides a close-up detail view of a portion of FIG. 8F labeled "A." As can be seen in FIG. 8G, the buccal side of the implant 800 does not directly engage or contact the wall of the socket site 425, which is consistent with the modeled narrowing of the width of the implant 800 in the buccal / lingual direction as disclosed herein, for example, as shown in FIGS. 5D2 and 5D3.

[0120] 8H provides a vertical cross-sectional view of the mesial / distal aspects of the coronal section 817 and diaphyseal / apical 824 sections of a root analog dental implant 800 (shown in solid lines) with the mesial and distal aspects seated within the socket site 425, for example, as shown in FIG. 8E. FIG. 8H illustrates how the root analog dental implant 800 is configured and shaped to include mesial extensions 864 and distal extensions 866, which may correspond to and / or match the modeled / designed mesial protuberances 564 and distal protuberances 566 disclosed herein. The mesial extensions 864 and distal extensions 866 provide the root analog dental implant 800 with an increased cross-sectional circumference compared to the corresponding cross-sectional circumference of the socket site 425. The shape (e.g., width, volume, or cross-sectional area) of the mesial protrusion 864 and / or the distal protrusion 866 may vary along the length of the respective mesial and distal sides of the root analog dental implant 800. An exemplary mesial width 865 of the mesial protrusion 864 and / or an exemplary distal width 867 of the distal protrusion 866 may vary by 0.1 mm to 3 mm, for example, along the length of the root section of the implant.

[0121] 8I provides a buccal / lingual cross-sectional view of the coronal and diaphyseal / apical sections of root analog dental implant 800 (shown in solid lines) with buccal side 832 and lingual side 829 seated within socket site 425, for example, as shown in FIG. 8E. As shown in FIG. 8I, buccal side 832 and lingual side 829 do not directly abut corresponding portions of socket site 425, which may reduce the force applied against the buccal and / or lingual sides of socket site 425. The shape (e.g., width, volume, or cross-sectional area) of buccal side 826 and lingual side 829 may vary along the length of the respective lingual and buccal sides, and the shape of buccal side recessed space 882 (i.e., the difference between buccal side 826 and the buccal side of socket site 425) and / or the shape of lingual side recessed space 831 (i.e., the difference between lingual side 829 and the lingual side of socket site 425) may vary by, for example, 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm along the length of the root section of the implant.

[0122] 8J provides a cross-sectional view of the root analog dental implant 800 along section line AA (shown in FIG. 8H ) with a grid overlaid, where horizontal axis 875 corresponds to the mesial / distal axis and vertical axis 873 corresponds to the buccal / lingual axis. The cross section in FIG. 8J shows the reduction in volume along the buccal and lingual sides of the root analog dental implant 800 as buccal side 826 and lingual side 829, with the dimension of buccal side space 882 representing the change in shape of the buccal side between the root analog dental implant 800 and the socket site 425 and the dimension of lingual side recessed space 831 representing the change in shape of the lingual side between the root analog dental implant 800 and the socket site 425.

[0123] In some cases, teeth and / or roots are curved and / or have a non-linear (e.g., curved) centerline or a centerline that is not perfectly perpendicular to the patient's jawbone, and a process for designing and / or manufacturing a root analog implant to replace the non-linear and / or curved tooth and / or root may be similar to process 300, with one or additional steps as disclosed below. Once such an exemplary curved tooth is modeled using a first curved tooth model 901, the first curved tooth model 901 is shown in Figures 9A and 9B, where Figure 9A provides a mesial / distal view of the first curved tooth model 901 and Figure 9A2 provides a buccal / lingual view of the first curved tooth model 901. The first curved tooth model 901 may be generated, for example, via performance of step 310, using information received in step 305, such as, for example, a 3D scan, CT scan, intraoral scan, and / or X-ray image of the extracted tooth, which may be received in step 305 of process 300 described above. The first curved tooth model 901 includes a root line 913 that indicates where the ridge of the alveolar socket from which the tooth was extracted is located on the first curved tooth model 901. The first curved tooth model 901 also includes a modeled supragingival edge 512 that may correspond to the supragingival edge of the patient's mouth proximate the alveolar socket from which the tooth was extracted.

[0124] 10A1 provides a mesial / distal view, and FIG. 10A2 provides a buccal / lingual view of a second curved tooth model 1001 of an extracted tooth root, including a coronal portion 1015 and a combined diaphyseal / apical section 1024A. The second curved tooth model 1001 may be generated, for example, following step 315, in which the first curved tooth model 901 is deformed to remove its crown portion and remove one or more protrusions from the outer surface of the first curved tooth model 901 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to step 315. FIG. 10A1 also provides a mesial / distal view of a centerline 1090 illustrating or defining the curvature or nonlinearity of the second curved tooth model 1001 in the mesial / distal direction. At times, tooth centerline 1090 may approximate the shape and / or degree of curvature of the extracted tooth and / or extracted tooth root used to generate first curved tooth model 1000. FIG. 10A2 also provides a buccal / lingual side view of centerline 1090, which depicts or indicates the curvature of extracted tooth / second curved tooth model 1001 in the buccal / lingual direction. As shown in FIGS. 10A1 and 10A2, centerline 1090 is more curved when viewed from the buccal / lingual side than when viewed from the mesial / distal side. In some cases, the tooth centerline 1090 may represent a central axis or midline extending through the center of the second curved tooth model 1001, and the position and / or curvature of the tooth centerline 1090 may be determined at multiple points along its length by measuring or otherwise calculating the midpoint between the buccal and lingual sides of the second curved tooth model 1001, and by measuring or otherwise calculating the midpoint between the mesial and distal sides of the second curved tooth model 1001. Additionally or alternatively, the center point of the second curved tooth root model may be determined at multiple points along its length by determining where the buccal / lingual axis and the mesial / distal axis may intersect or overlap, for example, as shown in FIG.In some embodiments, these buccal / lingual midpoints and mesial / distal midpoints are calculated every 0.1 to 10 mm along the length of the preliminary model 1001, thereby producing a series of buccal / lingual midpoints and mesial / distal midpoints that can be used to define or model the curvature of the extracted tooth root, for example, using one or more mathematical processes (e.g., regression analysis, best fit analysis, and / or standard deviation analysis of one or more locations of the buccal / lingual midpoints and / or mesial / distal midpoints).

[0125] Figures 10A1 and 10A2 also show four horizontal cross-sectional lines AA, BB, CC, and DD positioned along the length of the second model 1001 as shown in Figures 10A and 10B. Figure 10A3 is a cross-sectional view showing a first horizontal cross-section 1001A along line AA, Figure 10A4 corresponds to a second horizontal cross-section 1001B along line BB, Figure 10A5 corresponds to a third horizontal cross-section 1001C along line CC, and Figure 10A6 corresponds to a fourth horizontal cross-section 1001D along line DD. Each of Figures 10A3 to 10A6 shows the approximate geometric center point 1040 of the cross section of a respective portion of the second model 1001, where the approximate geometric center point, midpoint, or center of gravity 1040A corresponds to the approximate geometric center point of the first cross section 1001A, the approximate geometric center point 1040B corresponds to the approximate geometric center point of the second cross section 1001B, the approximate geometric center point 1040C corresponds to the approximate geometric center point of the third cross section 1001C, and the approximate geometric center point 1040D corresponds to the approximate geometric center point of the fourth cross section 1001D.

[0126] 10A3-10A6 also show polar grids superimposed on the horizontal cross sections 1001A-1001D, respectively, with the midpoints of the polar grids (i.e., where the grid lines on the polar grids intersect) aligned with the approximate geometric center point 1040 of the respective cross sections. Each of the polar grids in FIGS. 10A3-10A6 includes four grid lines 1035, each positioned at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to adjacent grid lines 1035, thereby dividing the volume of the respective cross sections into eight portions. The dimension, length, or size of each grid line 1035 may indicate the length of the diameter of the second model of the extracted tooth root along the respective grid line 1035. For example, FIG. 10A3 provides a first grid having first grid lines 1035A1 of a first length (e.g., 6-10 mm), second grid lines 1035A2 of a second length (e.g., 4.5-9 mm), third grid lines 1035A3 of a third length (e.g., 3-8.5 mm), and fourth grid lines 1035A4 of a fourth length (e.g., 4.5-8 mm). FIG. 10A4 provides a second grid having first grid lines 1035B1 of a first length (e.g., 5-10 mm), second grid lines 1035B2 of a second length (e.g., 3.5-9 mm), third grid lines 1035B3 of a third length (e.g., 1.5-8 mm), and fourth grid lines 1035B4 of a fourth length (e.g., 3.5-8 mm). FIG. 10A5 provides a third grid having first grid lines 1035C1 of a first length (e.g., 5-9 mm), second grid lines 1035C2 of a second length (e.g., 3-8 mm), third grid lines 1035C3 of a third length, and fourth grid lines 1035C4 of a fourth length (e.g., 4-7 mm), and FIG. 10A6 provides a fourth grid having first grid lines 1035D1 of a first length (e.g., 4-7 mm), second grid lines 1035D2 of a second length (e.g., 3-7 mm), third grid lines 1035D3 of a third length (e.g., 2.5-7.5 mm), and fourth grid lines 1035D4 of a fourth length (e.g., 3.5-7.5 mm).One or more of the lengths of the grid lines 1035 may be used to determine one or more dimensions of the extracted tooth and / or the shape and / or size of the outer edge or contour of the extracted tooth and / or each cross section.

[0127] Center line 1090 may be determined, for example, using regression analysis and / or best-fit analysis, by drawing a line (e.g., a best-fit line) and / or curve (e.g., a best-fit curve) between approximate geometric center points 1040A, 1040B, 1040C, and 1040D from the top of the coronal section to the apex of preliminary model 1001. Also, each of Figures 10A3-10A6 shows the approximate outer shape or contour of the preliminary extracted root model at a respective cross-sectional point of the preliminary extracted root model.

[0128] In some embodiments, the tooth centerline 1090 may be a curve (e.g., a nonlinear line, a line that deviates from a straight line along its length, and / or a line that deviates from straightness in a smooth, continuous manner) or a portion of a curve (e.g., an arc). In some embodiments, the shape of the curve of the tooth centerline 1090 (e.g., the degree of deviation from straightness along its length) may be defined by a function or equation, which may be developed, for example, through the performance of a mathematical process performed using position information for the approximate geometric center points 1040A, 1040B, 1040C, and / or 1040D. Exemplary mathematical processes that may be performed include, but are not limited to, regression analysis of position information for approximate geometric center points 1040A, 1040B, 1040C, and / or 1040D to generate a function that defines the shape and / or degree of curvature of tooth center line 1090 such that tooth center line 1090 closely aligns with or overlaps the positions of approximate geometric center points 1040A, 1040B, 1040C, and / or 1040D along its length.

[0129] FIG. 10B1 provides a mesial / distal view of the third curved tooth model 1002, and FIG. 11B2 provides a buccal / lingual view of the third curved tooth model 1002. The curved tooth model 1002 shows how the combined diaphyseal / apical section 1024A has been deformed to reduce its circumference / width along its length, for example, to accommodate application of a porous surface in a manner similar to the porous surface space 544 shown in FIG. 5E1 and / or FIG. 5E2, to create the deformed combined diaphyseal / apical section 1024B. The second curved tooth model 1001 can be converted to the third curved tooth model 1002, for example, via performing step 335 described above with respect to process 300 and generating the fifth model 507. In some embodiments, converting the second curved tooth model 1001 into the third curved tooth model 1002 may also include performing steps 320, 325, and / or 330.

[0130] Figure 11A provides a mesial / distal view and Figure 11B provides a buccal / lingual view of the core base model 1100 having a core centerline 1092 that is coincident with and / or defined by the tooth centerline 1090. Additionally or alternatively, the shape of the core centerline 1092 may be defined and / or parameterized using other factors, including, but not limited to, structural considerations, to have a degree of implant curvature that does not potentially cause damage to the alveolar socket upon implantation.

[0131] Core base model 1100 has a coronal section 1115 and a combined diaphyseal / apical section 1124. Core base model 1100 may be similar to core base model 601 and may include multiple struts 1120A, 1120B, and 1120C (as shown in FIG. 11A ) and 1120D (as shown in FIG. 11B ) arranged around the circumference of a core center 1130 and extending vertically downward (in the orientation of FIGS. 11A and 11B ) to the core center 1130. Struts 1120A, 1120B, 1120C, and / or 1120D may be similar to struts 620A, 620B, 620C, 620D, 620E, and / or 620F.

[0132] 11A and 11B also provide four horizontal cross-sectional lines AA, BB, CC, and DD positioned along the length of the core base model 1100 as shown in Figures 11A and 11B. Figure 11A3 is a cross-sectional view showing a first horizontal cross-section 1101A along line AA, Figure 11A4 corresponds to a second horizontal cross-section 1101B along line BB, Figure 11A5 corresponds to a third horizontal cross-section 1101C along line CC, and Figure 11A6 corresponds to a fourth horizontal cross-section 1101D along line DD. Each of Figures 11A3 to 11A6 shows the approximate geometric center point 1140 of the cross section of the first model, where the approximate geometric center point, midpoint, or center of gravity 1140A corresponds to the approximate geometric center point of the first cross section 1101A, the approximate geometric center point 1140B corresponds to the approximate geometric center point of the second cross section 1101B, the approximate geometric center point 1140C corresponds to the approximate geometric center point of the third cross section 1101C, and the approximate geometric center point 1140D corresponds to the approximate geometric center point of the fourth cross section 1101D. The buccal / lingual centerline 1190 and / or mesial / distal centerline 1191 may be determined by drawing lines (e.g., best fit lines) and / or curves (e.g., best fit curves) between the approximate geometric center points 1140A, 1140B, 1140C, and 1140D from the top of the coronal section to the apex of the first model 1101.

[0133] 11A3-11A6 also show polar grids superimposed on the horizontal cross sections 1101A-1101D, respectively, with the midpoints of the polar grids (i.e., where the grid lines on the polar grids intersect) aligned with the approximate geometric center point 1140 of the respective cross sections. The polar grids of FIGS. 11C-11F each include four grid lines 1135, with each grid line 1135 positioned at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to an adjacent grid line. The dimension, length, or size of each grid line 1135 may indicate the diametric length of the second model of the extracted tooth root along the respective grid line 1135. For example, FIG. 11C provides a first grid having first grid lines 1135A1 of a first length (e.g., 6-10 mm), second grid lines 1135A2 of a second length (e.g., 4.5-9 mm), third grid lines 1135A3 of a third length (e.g., 3-8.5 mm), and fourth grid lines 1135A4 of a fourth length (e.g., 4.5-8 mm), and FIG. 11D provides a second grid having first grid lines 1135B1 of a first length (e.g., 5-10 mm), second grid lines 1135B2 of a second length (e.g., 3.5-9 mm), third grid lines 1135B3 of a third length (e.g., 1.5-8 mm), and fourth grid lines 1135B4 of a fourth length (e.g., 3.5-8 mm). FIG. 11E provides a third grid having first grid lines 1135C1 of a first length (e.g., 5 to 9 mm), second grid lines 1135C2 of a second length (e.g., 2 to 7 mm), third grid lines 1135C3 of a third length (e.g., 1 to 6 mm), and fourth grid lines 1135C4 of a fourth length (e.g., 2 to 5.5 mm), and FIG. 11F provides a fourth grid having first grid lines 1135D1 of a first length (e.g., 2 to 5 mm), second grid lines 1135D2 of a second length (e.g., 3 to 5.5 mm), third grid lines 1135D3 of a third length (e.g., 2 to 7 mm), and fourth grid lines 1135D4 of a fourth length (e.g., 2 to 7 mm).

[0134] One or more lengths of grid lines 1135 may be used to define one or more dimensions of core base model 1100 and / or the shape and / or size of the exterior edges or contours of core base model 1100 and / or its cross sections. In some embodiments, the exterior shapes of cross sections 1101A and 1101B and the size of the grid lines of the first and second grids of the second model (shown in FIGS. 10A3 and 10A4) may be similar to the exterior shapes of first cross sections 1101A and second cross sections 1101B and the size of the grid lines of the first and second grids of core base model 1100 shown in FIGS. 11C and 11D, and sometimes the size and shape of core base model 1100 at locations corresponding to first cross section 1101A and / or second cross section 1101B.

[0135] The exterior shape of the third cross-section 1101C shows the shape and position of six posts 1120A, 1120B, 1120C, 1120D, 1120E, and 1120F as positioned around the exterior edge of the core base model 1100, along with the shape and contour of the portion of the core base model 1100 that does not have posts 1120 protruding from the core base model 1100. The length of some of the grid lines 1135 of the third grid of the third cross-section 1101C may be smaller than the corresponding shape and / or length of the grid lines 1035 of the third grid of the third cross-section 1001C of the second model 1000, such that the core model 1100 may provide a recessed space into which a porous layer may be applied and / or added to the model, while maintaining the exterior profile of the implant model within the exterior profile or geometry of the extracted tooth root that the implant model is designed to replace (see, e.g., FIGS. 7C-8C and associated discussion). In this manner, an implant manufactured by incorporating core base model 1100 (or a modified version thereof), as disclosed herein, can fit within the wall of the alveolar socket where the tooth it replaces was extracted. In particular, the first grid line 1135C1 of third cross section 1101C of core base model 1100 corresponds to posts 1120B and 1120E and has a length approximately equal to that of first grid line 1035C1, the second grid line 1135C2 and the third grid line 1135C4 have lengths (e.g., 0.3 to 3.5 mm) shorter than those of second grid line 1035C2 and third grid line 1035C3, respectively, and the fourth grid line 1135C4 intersects only one (post 1120A) and has a length (e.g., 0.2 to 3 mm) shorter than that of fourth grid line 1035C4.Struts 1120A, 1120B, 1120C, 1120D, 1120E, and / or 1120F may extend into the contour of third cross section 1001C (e.g., as shown for struts 1120A and 1120C in FIG. 12A1 and struts 1120B and 1120D in FIG. 12A2, discussed below) and / or may extend only partially into the contour of third cross section 1001C (e.g., may be covered by integrated core 1200 in FIG. 12A1, like strut 1120B).

[0136] The outer contour of fourth cross section 1101D of core base model 1100 is smaller (eg, 0.5 to 3.5 mm) than the corresponding fourth outer contour of fourth cross section 1001D of the second model.

[0137] In some embodiments, core centerline 1190 may be a curve (e.g., a nonlinear line, a line that deviates from a straight line along its length, and / or a line that deviates from straightness in a smooth, continuous manner) or a portion of a curve (e.g., an arc). The shape of the curve of centerline 1190 (e.g., the degree of deviation from straightness along its length) may be defined by a function or equation, which may be developed, for example, through the performance of a mathematical process performed using position information for approximate geometric center points 1140A, 1140B, 1140C, and / or 1140D. Exemplary mathematical processes that may be performed include, but are not limited to, regression analysis of position information for approximate geometric center points 1140A, 1140B, 1140C, and / or 1140D to generate a function that defines the shape and / or degree of curvature of center line 1190 so that center line 1190 closely aligns with or overlaps the positions of approximate geometric center points 1140A, 1140B, 1140C, and / or 1140D along its length.

[0138] Additionally or alternatively, the shape and / or curvature of the core centerline 1092 may be based on the shape and / or curvature of the tooth centerline 1092.

[0139] FIG. 12A1 provides a buccal / lingual view, and FIG. 12A2 provides a mesial / distal view of an integrated implant model and core base 1200 (also known as an "integrated core"), which is a model of the integration between the deformed model 1002 and the core base model 1100. The integrated core 1200 also shows the protruding portions of the struts 1120A and 1120C (in FIG. 12D1) and struts 1120B and 1120D (in FIG. 12D2) within the diaphyseal / apical section 1224 of the integrated core. The integrated core 1200 also has a coronal section 1215. One or more features of the integrated core 1200 may be similar to one or more features of the sixth model 702.

[0140] 13A1 provides a mesial / distal view and FIG. 13A2 provides a buccal / lingual view of the completed implant model 1300, including a porous surface 1330 positioned on the combined diaphyseal / apical section 1224 of the integrated core 1200 at the combined diaphyseal / apical section 1324 of the completed implant model 1300. The completed implant model 1300 also includes a modeled abutment 1345 similar to the modeled abutment 745, a coronal section 1315 including an array of coronal rings 1335 that may be similar to the modeled coronal ring 735, and a transgingival section 1340 that may be similar to the transgingival section 740.

[0141] 14A1 provides a mesial / distal view and FIG. 14A2 provides a buccal / lingual view of a modeled system 1400 including the completed implant model 1300 and a modeled crown 1414 positioned on top of an abutment 1345. The completed implant model 1300 and / or the modeled system 1400 can be converted into a set of instructions used for manufacturing a root analog dental implant, for example, as disclosed herein and / or via performance of step 390. An example of how the instructions for manufacturing a root analog dental implant can be used to manufacture a root analog dental implant is shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, where FIG. 15A provides a buccal / lingual view of a root analog dental implant 1500 and FIG. 15B provides a mesial / distal view of a root analog dental implant 1500 manufactured using the instructions based on the completed implant model 1300. The root analog dental implant 1500 includes a porous surface 1530 (which corresponds to porous surface 1330) in the combined diaphyseal / apical section 1524 of the root analog dental implant 1500. The root analog dental implant 1500 also includes an abutment 1545 corresponding to the modeled abutment 1345, a coronal section 1515 corresponding to the coronal section 1315 including an array of coronal rings 1535 corresponding to the array of coronal rings 1335. The root analog dental implant 1500 also includes a transgingival section 1540 corresponding to the transgingival section 1340.

[0142] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, one or more of the cores disclosed herein may have horizontal cross-sections with an irregular shape similar to, but smaller than, the irregular shape of the corresponding horizontal cross-section of the extracted root. The irregular shape of the core may be similar to the anatomical shape of the extracted root in the corresponding horizontal cross-section of the extracted root. In some embodiments, all horizontal cross-sections of the core will have an irregular shape corresponding to the irregular shape of the corresponding horizontal cross-section of the extracted root. In some cases, the core may be designed and / or manufactured such that the vertical length of the core is divided into a first series of horizontal cross-sections and the vertical length of the extracted root is divided into a second series of horizontal cross-sections, each horizontal cross-section of the first series having a shape similar to, but smaller than, the corresponding horizontal cross-section of the second series of horizontal cross-sections.

[0143] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, one or more of the cores disclosed herein may have a centerline that is configured, arranged, and / or defined to follow and / or correspond to the centerline of the extracted tooth root. The centerline of the core may be oriented approximately vertically, have a curvature (or degree of curvature) similar to that of the extracted tooth, and / or be similar to the anatomical centerline of the extracted tooth root. In some cases, the curvature may be nonlinear.

[0144] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, one or more of the cores disclosed herein may have a central nonlinear line of curvature that may be configured, designed, and / or defined to follow and / or correspond to the central nonlinear line of curvature of the extracted tooth root. The central nonlinear line of curvature of the core may be oriented approximately vertically, and the central nonlinear line of curvature of the extracted tooth root may also be oriented approximately vertically. In some cases, the curvature of the core may be defined by a series of intermediate points disposed along the vertical length of the core, each intermediate point corresponding to a midpoint of a horizontal cross-section of the core at a different location along the vertical length of the core, and the curvature of the extracted tooth root may be defined by a series of intermediate points disposed along the vertical length of the extracted tooth root, each intermediate point of the core corresponding to a midpoint of a horizontal cross-section of the extracted tooth root positioned along the vertical length of the core and the extracted tooth root.

[0145] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, one or more of the cores disclosed herein may have a curvature that may be configured, designed, and / or defined to correspond to and / or follow the curvature of the extracted tooth root, and the curvature of the core may be oriented approximately vertically, and the curvature of the extracted tooth root may be oriented approximately vertically.

[0146] Thus, root analog dental implants and methods for designing and manufacturing root analog dental implants have been disclosed herein. The methods for designing and manufacturing root analog dental implants can be adapted to accommodate many situations and extracted tooth root types and geometries, such that root analog dental implants designed and manufactured as disclosed herein can be customized to the individual situation regarding the extracted tooth and clinician and / or patient preferences for, for example, implant type and / or its configuration. Examples of the present invention are as follows. [Example 1] A root portion of a root analog dental implant, the root portion of the root analog dental implant configured to fit within the alveolar cavity of an extracted tooth root, the root portion comprising: a core configured to provide mechanical strength to the root analog dental implant, wherein the curvature of a centerline of the core is configured to follow the curvature of a centerline of the extracted tooth root, the centerline of the core being positioned at the center of a substantially vertical orientation of the core, and the centerline of the extracted tooth root being positioned at the center of a substantially vertical orientation of the tooth root; a porous surface positioned on a portion of the core, the outer geometry of the porous surface being configured to fit within the alveolar cavity; a post configured to provide mechanical strength to the root analog dental implant, the post extending from an outer surface of the core into the porous surface and along a portion of the length of the core; A root portion of a root analog dental implant comprising: [Example 2] The root portion of a root analog dental implant described in Example 1, wherein the outer surface of the post fits within the outer geometry of the porous surface. [Example 3] The root portion of the root analog dental implant of Example 1 or 2, wherein the porous surface comprises a plurality of interconnected overlapping elements. [Example 4] The root portion of a root analog dental implant described in Example 1 or 2, wherein the porous surface comprises a plurality of interconnected overlapping elements, and at least some of the plurality of interconnected overlapping elements comprise surface roughness. [Example 5] The root portion of the root analog dental implant of Example 1 or 2, wherein the porous surface comprises a plurality of protrusions. [Example 6] The root portion of the root analog dental implant of Example 1 or 2, wherein the porous surface comprises a plurality of cavities. [Example 7] 3. The root portion of a root analog dental implant according to any one of Examples 1 to 2, wherein the thickness of the porous surface varies along the length of the core. [Example 8] 3. The root portion of the root analog dental implant of Example 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the post is variable along the length of the core. [Example 9] The root portion of the root analog dental implant of Example 1 or 2, further comprising a plurality of posts. [Example 10] The root portion of the root analog dental implant according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the shape of the post corresponds to the shape of the curvature of the centerline of the core. [Example 11] 3. The root portion of the root analog dental implant of claim 1 or 2, wherein the root portion of the root analog dental implant includes a plurality of posts, the core having a lingual side, a buccal side, a mesial side, and a distal side, and further wherein more of the plurality of posts extend from the lingual side and the labial side than from the mesial side and the distal side. [Example 12] The root portion of the root analog dental implant according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the alveolar cavity is not deformed when the root analog dental implant is inserted into the alveolar cavity. [Example 13] The root portion of a root analog dental implant according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the core is designed using a template core. [Example 14] 3. The root portion of a root analog dental implant according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the implant is manufactured using an additive manufacturing process. [Example 15] The root portion of a root analog dental implant described in Example 1 or 2, further comprising a coronal section positioned adjacent to the core, the coronal section having surface texturing configured to engage the ridge of the alveolar socket. [Example 16] 1. A root portion of a root analog dental implant configured to fit within an alveolar cavity of an extracted tooth root, said root portion comprising: a core configured to provide structural and mechanical support to the root analog dental implant, wherein the curvature of a centerline of the core is configured to follow the curvature of a centerline of the extracted tooth root, the centerline of the core being positioned at the center of a substantially vertical orientation of the core, and the centerline of the extracted tooth root being positioned at the center of a substantially vertical orientation of the tooth root; a porous surface positioned on a portion of the core, the outer geometry of the porous surface being configured to fit within an undeformed alveolar cavity; A root portion of a root analog dental implant comprising: [Example 17] The root portion of the root analog dental implant of Example 16, further comprising a plurality of vertically oriented struts extending from the core into the porous surface. [Example 18] The root portion of a root analog dental implant according to Example 16 or 17, wherein the porous surface comprises a plurality of interconnected overlapping elements. [Example 19] The root portion of the root analog dental implant of Example 16 or 17, wherein the porous surface comprises a plurality of cavities. [Example 20] 18. The root portion of a root analog dental implant according to Example 16 or 17, wherein the thickness of the porous surface varies circumferentially and along the centerline of the core. [Example 21] The root portion of the root analog dental implant according to Example 16 or 17, wherein the thickness of the porous surface corresponds to the shape of the curvature of the centerline of the core.

Claims

1. A root portion of a root analog dental implant, the root portion of the root analog dental implant configured to fit within the alveolar cavity of an extracted tooth root, the root portion comprising: a core configured to provide mechanical strength to the root analog dental implant, wherein the curvature of a centerline of the core is configured to follow the curvature of a centerline of the extracted tooth root, the centerline of the core being positioned at the center of a substantially vertical orientation of the core, and the centerline of the extracted tooth root being positioned at the center of a substantially vertical orientation of the tooth root; a porous surface positioned on a portion of the core, the outer geometry of the porous surface being configured to fit within the alveolar cavity; a post configured to provide mechanical strength to the root analog dental implant, the post extending from an outer surface of the core into the porous surface and along a portion of the length of the core; A root portion of a root analog dental implant comprising:

2. The root portion of a root analog dental implant according to claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the post fits within the outer geometry of the porous surface.

3. The root portion of a root analog dental implant according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the porous surface comprises a plurality of interconnected overlapping elements.

4. The root portion of a root analog dental implant according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the porous surface comprises a plurality of interconnected overlapping elements, at least some of the plurality of interconnected overlapping elements comprising surface roughness.

5. The root portion of a root analog dental implant according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the porous surface comprises a plurality of protrusions.

6. The root portion of a root analog dental implant according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the porous surface comprises a plurality of cavities.

7. The root portion of a root analog dental implant according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the porous surface varies along the length of the core.

8. The root portion of a root analog dental implant according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the post is variable along the length of the core.

9. The root portion of the root analog dental implant according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a plurality of posts.

10. The root portion of a root analog dental implant according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shape of the post corresponds to the shape of the curvature of the centerline of the core.

11. 3. The root portion of claim 1, wherein the root portion of the root analog dental implant includes a plurality of posts, the core having a lingual side, a buccal side, a mesial side, and a distal side, and further wherein more of the plurality of posts extend from the lingual side and the buccal side than from the mesial side and the distal side.

12. The root portion of a root analog dental implant according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the alveolar cavity is not deformed when the root analog dental implant is inserted into the alveolar cavity.

13. 3. The root portion of a root analog dental implant according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a coronal section positioned adjacent to the core, the coronal section having surface texturing configured to engage the ridge of the alveolar cavity.

14. 1. A root portion of a root analog dental implant configured to fit within an alveolar cavity of an extracted tooth root, said root portion comprising: a core configured to provide structural and mechanical support to the root analog dental implant, wherein the curvature of a centerline of the core is configured to follow the curvature of a centerline of the extracted tooth root, the centerline of the core being positioned at the center of a substantially vertical orientation of the core, and the centerline of the extracted tooth root being positioned at the center of a substantially vertical orientation of the tooth root; a porous surface positioned on a portion of the core, the outer geometry of the porous surface being configured to fit within an undeformed alveolar cavity; It is equipped with The root portion of the root analog dental implant further comprising a plurality of vertically oriented struts extending from said core into said porous surface.

15. The root portion of a root analog dental implant according to claim 14 , wherein the porous surface comprises a plurality of interconnected overlapping elements.

16. The root portion of a root analog dental implant according to claim 14 , wherein the porous surface comprises a plurality of cavities.

17. The root portion of claim 14, wherein the thickness of the porous surface varies circumferentially and along the centerline of the core.

18. The root portion of a root analog dental implant according to claim 14, wherein the thickness of the porous surface corresponds to the shape of the curvature of the centerline of the core.

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