Prosthetic fixation device, and parts and uses thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a female part (16) for forming a detachable connection between a prosthesis (13) and a counter-piece (2) which can be secured in the mouth, the female part (16) having a housing (12) and an insert (11). The housing (12) can be fixed to the prosthesis (13) and has a closed housing terminating face (21), on the edge of which a housing collar (18) is circumferentially provided, and the interior (17) has an inner thread (22) and, in an outer region facing the opening (55) of the interior (17), a conical contact inner surface (19). The insert (11) has an insert terminating face (42), on the edge of which an insert collar (33) is provided, the insert collar having an at least partly curved contact surface (41), which transitions into a free inner surface (40) via an undercut (58), and having at least one slot (43) extending in the axial direction, and the insert (11) has an outer thread (36) in the region of the insert terminating face (42), the outer thread being used to screw the insert (11) into the inner thread (22) of the housing (12).

Description

[0001] F07436 21.11.2025

[0002] 1

[0003] TITLE

[0004] PROSTHETIC FASTENING DEVICE AND PARTS AND USES THEREOF

[0005] TECHNICAL AREA

[0006] The present invention relates to a matrix part, as well as corresponding inserts and housings, as well as complete arrangements for connecting prostheses to abutments, and corresponding tools that are specially designed for this purpose.

[0007] STATE OF THE ART

[0008] Matrix components are used in dental prosthetics as connecting devices to allow removable dentures or other types of dental prostheses to be detachably attached in the mouth. Over time, the holding force with which the matrix component is attached to the male component can decrease, for example, due to wear.

[0009] The original holding force can be restored in simpler embodiments of the die parts, as they are known, by replacing the insert.

[0010] Activatable matrix components are also known, which allow the retention force to be adjusted. For example, EP-A-0 894 480 discloses a matrix component with a rotatable adjustment ring that acts on the insert. EP-A-1 021 999 discloses an anchorage for dental prosthetics that includes a male component with a ball head, which can be attached to a tooth, and a female component that can be connected to a dental prosthesis. The female component has an internal thread and a threaded lamellar insert that receives and retains the ball head. The retention force of the lamellar insert is continuously adjustable by rotating it. With such a matrix with a screwable lamellar insert, the retention of the male component can be finely adjusted and adapted to the specific circumstances. This type of matrix component is designed for stepless adjustability, which makes it difficult to set a specifically desired, defined force level.This allows for a precise adjustment of the retention force of the dentures in the mouth, tailored to the individual patient.

[0011] WO-A-2010025034 describes a dental anchoring device consisting of a one- or two-piece endosseous implant that can be fixed in a patient's mouth and a retention element that can be detachably connected to the implant. The implant has an abutment head and a threaded pin protruding from the head, designed for thread engagement in the jawbone, with the head having an external positioning surface section. The retention element is described in F07436 21.11.2025.

[0012] 2

[0013] The head is generally cup-shaped and has a first end and a circumferential rim extending from the first end to form a cavity, the rim having an inner positioning surface that engages over the outer positioning surface section of the head. The head may also have a socket into which a pin extending from an inner end of the retaining element engages when the parts are moved into a releasable snap engagement.

[0014] WO-A-2011027229 describes a connecting device for joining a prosthetic structure to an implant structure, comprising a retention shell and a retention insert. The retention insert has an end face and a substantially ring-shaped retention rim projecting from it. The retention shell also has an end face and a substantially ring-shaped retaining rim projecting from it. The retaining rim and the end face of the retention shell form a receptacle in which the retention insert can be positioned such that an outer surface of the retaining rim rests against an inner surface of the retaining rim. Furthermore, the outer surface of the retention rim is at least partially spaced from and rests against the inner surface of the retaining rim when the retention insert is positioned in the receptacle of the retention shell and substantially no radial forces act on the retaining rim and the retention rim.Because the adjacent outer surface of the retention rim and the inner surface of the retaining rim do not touch, but rather maintain a distance from each other when essentially no radial forces act on the retaining rim and the retention rim, it can be achieved, among other things, that the retention insert is relatively loosely connected to the retaining shell when the connecting device has not yet been placed on the implant structure. This loose connection allows the retention insert to be removed from and inserted into the retaining shell relatively easily without significant deformation or other stress. Thus, gentle insertion and removal of the retention insert is possible, which can improve the flexibility and lifespan of the connecting element.

[0015] WO-A-2013174738 describes a retention insert for connecting a prosthetic structure to a dental implant or capping structure, with a head designed for a press connection. The head has a substantially disc-shaped end face and a substantially annular retention rim projecting from the end face and having an outer surface. The end face has an opening (121), and a substantially axial slot extends from an end of the retention rim facing away from the end face through the retention rim and the end face to the opening of the end face. The slot connected to the end-face opening of F07436 21.11.2025

[0016] 3

[0017] The retention insert represents a relatively simple design that ensures the insert, and in particular its retention rim, possesses sufficient elasticity to snap onto the abutment head. Simultaneously, this allows a spring force to act from the snapped-on retention rim onto the abutment head, thus clamping the retention insert and its associated components firmly to the head. Furthermore, this retention rim and opening also compensate for positional inaccuracies in the implant structure, especially a lack of parallelism, as well as for forces acting from different directions, without significantly crushing or otherwise deforming the retention insert or any of its components.

[0018] WO-A-2018154610 describes a dental kit for connecting a dental prosthesis to bone tissue, comprising at least one shell that delineates a compartment which can be connected to a protruding head of a pin which can be anchored directly or indirectly in the bone tissue, and at least one receiving unit which can be stably inserted into a complementarily shaped recess which may be provided in the prosthesis, wherein an intermediate container inside delineates a receiving container whose shape is at least partially complementary to the shell;The container is to be received in a chamber of at least partially complementary shape provided in the receiving unit, until a fitting configuration is defined in which at least one curved surface hump of the container received in the chamber is in contact with at least one complementary curved surface area of ​​the unit in order to define at least in the fitting configuration a spherical fit between the container and the unit.

[0019] WO-A-2023014804 describes dental attachment devices for a patient's mouth. These devices may include an abutment and a retention element for attachment to the abutment. The retention element may include a top end and a continuous, uninterrupted rim projecting from the top end, providing a secure, non-removable engagement over an outer positioning surface of the abutment. The retention element may be made of a rigid material such as PEEK, providing a retention force of approximately 10 to 75 pounds. The abutment element may be configured for attachment to an implant and may include a top section comprising a threaded section configured to screw into a threaded recess of an abutment, and a bottom section comprising an angled platform and a threaded stud extending from the platform. F07436 11 / 21 / 2025

[0020] 4

[0021] EP-A-2997932 describes a matrix part for forming a detachable connection with a male part that can be attached in the mouth, comprising a housing that can be attached to a dental prosthesis, an insert that can be inserted into the housing and rotated relative to it, the insert having a recess in which a portion of the male part can be received, and adjusting means formed on the housing and the insert that, when the insert is rotated relative to the housing, cause the diameter of the insert to change. At least one projection and at least one indentation are provided to form the adjusting means. The matrix part has detent features designed to define discretely arranged detent positions between the housing and the insert, wherein at least one detent position compresses the insert more than at least one other detent position.

[0022] EP-A-2997931 describes an instrument for handling a dental component, e.g., a male part, which extends along a longitudinal axis between a handling end and a connecting end for joining with the dental component. The connecting end has a receiving opening for receiving the head of the dental component, which is open laterally so that the connecting end and the dental component can be joined by sliding them relative to each other transversely along the longitudinal axis. The male part comprises a head end that has at least one projection with which a stop formed on the instrument can be contacted to transmit a torque generated on the instrument.

[0023] From DE 10 2015 006146 and the associated WG-A-2016 / 180706, a friction element for fixing implant-anchored, removable dentures on implant retention elements or root caps is known, wherein the friction element is one piece, has an external thread and a central recess for receiving an implant retention element or a root cap.

[0024] From ES-A-2342955, an oscillating ball retainer for fixing dentures is known, which forms a connecting piece between the denture and the corresponding abutment of the ball head and consists of the functional combination of two parts: a Teflon cap with a housing for the aforementioned ball head and a metal cap that receives the aforementioned cap inside and is attached to the cap by means of complementary threads, which allow for easy disassembly. The aforementioned threads each leave smooth areas on the cap and the metal cap, and these surfaces have a certain amount of play, which in turn allows for a certain degree of elastic deformation of the cap. This ensures that the cap can be adjusted as needed, e.g.,In the event of a repair or replacement, it can be easily removed from the metal cap, which is immovably attached to the overdenture using a threading / unthreading maneuver, allowing for quick and F07436 21.11.2025.

[0025] 5. Simple unscrewing with the help of a key is possible, while a gap between the two parts allows the cap to deform elastically.

[0026] WO-A-2015055423 describes a device for the detachable attachment of a removable dental prosthesis to a head of an implant or an abutment anchorable in an implant, comprising a retention matrix with a receptacle that receives an annular retainer element having at least two clamping arms, which is slidably arranged along a central axis of the retention matrix, wherein the at least two clamping arms form a conically widening outer surface and wherein the receptacle for the retainer element has two sections with different inner diameters, at the junction of which the at least two clamping arms bear. The invention further relates to a dental implant system with such a device.

[0027] PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved system for the detachable connection between a prosthesis and a counterpart fixed in the mouth. The system should be adjustable for different retention forces by attaching differently designed inserts in a housing, and it should be robust over extended periods of use, easy to assemble, and exhibit improved properties with regard to cleaning, functionality, etc. Furthermore, the individual components should be easy to manufacture and suitable for long-term storage.

[0029] According to a first aspect of the present invention, this relates to a matrix part for forming a detachable connection between a prosthesis and a counterpart that can be fixed in the mouth.

[0030] The proposed matrix part has at least one housing and one insert.

[0031] The housing can be attached to the prosthesis; typically, the housing is polymerized into the prosthesis and / or glued in place.

[0032] The housing has a closed housing end surface, around the edge of which a circumferential housing collar extending in the axial direction is arranged. The resulting (cup-shaped) interior has an internal thread in an inner area facing the housing end surface, and a conical contact surface in an outer area facing the opening of the interior. The conical contact surface is a single, unstepped contact surface for contact with, or at a small, essentially parallel distance from, a circumferential contact surface of the insert, which tapers conically towards the opening. F07436 21.11.2025

[0033] 6. Expanding contact area of ​​the circumferential insert collar. When a small distance is mentioned here, this preferably refers to a distance in the radius in the range of 0.005 - 0.1 mm or 0.007 - 0.05 mm, or, considering the diameter, in the range of 0.01 - 0.2 mm or 0.015 - 0.1 mm.

[0034] The insert itself has an insert end surface, which need not be closed. An insert collar extending axially is arranged around the perimeter of the insert end surface. The resulting interior space has a contact surface that is at least partially curved, transitioning via an undercut to a free interior surface at the opening of the interior. In other words, the inner diameter in the area of ​​this undercut tapers from a maximum inner diameter in the curved section to a smaller inner diameter at the transition to the free interior surface.

[0035] The insert collar has at least one axially extending slot that reaches from the opening at least partially towards the insert's end surface, allowing a corresponding head section of the mating part to be detachably and forcefully engaged within the interior. The slot ensures, in particular, that the insert collar can expand slightly when the mating part (e.g., a head whose maximum outer diameter corresponds approximately to the maximum inner diameter of the insert's interior) is inserted. This expansion preferably occurs only in the area near the opening, but not in the contact area between the insert and the housing.

[0036] Furthermore, the insert has an external thread in the area of ​​its end face, allowing it to be screwed into the internal thread of the housing. The slot preferably does not extend into the area of ​​the external thread, but is only present below it. In particular, the slot preferably does not extend to the end face of the insert and thus also not into any recesses and / or through-holes that may be provided therein. This thread ensures a stable, force-fit, and form-fit connection between the housing and the insert, which can nevertheless be easily released for removal of the insert. Surprisingly, it turns out that for the detachable connection to function properly, the insert does not need to be rotatable in the housing after it has been screwed in.

[0037] Instead of threads, a snap connection or a bayonet fitting can also be used between the housing and the insert in the same area.

[0038] A first preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the external thread of the insert extends substantially over an axial height which F07436 21.11.2025

[0039] 7 corresponds to the thickness (D) of the insert end surface, wherein this thickness (D) is particularly preferably in the range of 0.5-1.5 mm, preferably in the range of 0.7-1.2 mm or 0.75-1.1 mm.

[0040] The external and internal threads are preferably formed at least 1.5, preferably at least 2.5 times circumferentially, and in particular, they preferably have only one thread pitch. The thread can further include means for preventing rotation, e.g., projections (mechanical detents), clamping (friction-fit) in the thread or in the bearing surface, or combinations thereof.

[0041] Between the internal thread and the closed end surface of the housing, there is preferably a circumferential thread relief and / or preferably adjacent to the closed end surface a cylindrical recess as a guide for a correspondingly complementary cylindrical centering section on the end surface of the insert.

[0042] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the at least one slot extends from the opening to at least half the axial height of the insert collar, measured from the inner surface of the insert end face facing the interior, preferably to the inner surface of the insert end face facing the interior, or to a remaining residual distance (R) of 0.01-1 mm, in particular to a residual distance in the range of preferably 0.04-0.5 mm or 0.1-0.3 mm, wherein only one such slot is provided, and the slot preferably has a width in the circumferential direction in the range of 0.3-1.5 mm, preferably in the range of 0.5-1 mm, and wherein it is particularly preferred that the end facing the insert end face is rounded.

[0043] Preferably, a contact surface that widens conically towards the opening is formed essentially adjacent to the external thread on the outside of the circumferential insert collar. When fully screwed in, this contact surface rests flat against the conical inner contact surface of the housing, or is arranged at least partially parallel to it. When a parallel distance is mentioned here, this preferably refers to a distance in radius in the range of 0.005 to 0.1 mm, or in diameter, preferably in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 mm.

[0044] Furthermore, the proposed die part is preferably characterized in that the insert end surface has at least one recess and / or a through-hole on the inner surface facing the interior for the engagement of an insert tool, which is suitable for transmitting a torque (typically in the range of 4-6 Ncm or even 6-8 Ncm), preferably in the form of a cross-shaped F07436 21.11.2025

[0045] 8

[0046] Passage opening.

[0047] When fully screwed in, the insert end surface preferably comes into full contact with the housing end surface, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the insert collar comes into full contact with the conical inner contact surface of the housing, or the aforementioned small gap remains between them.

[0048] An additional embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the housing has at least one, preferably at least two, circumferential extensions on the outside, of which preferably at least the sides facing away from the opening have chamfers, wherein structures are preferably excluded or formed in these extensions, particularly preferably in the form of tangential surfaces that prevent rotation of the housing in a recess in a prosthesis.

[0049] The counterpart is normally an abutment that can be screwed into a dental implant and has a head with a circumferential curvature in an upper area that lies at least partially behind the undercut.

[0050] To adjust the holding force of the releasable connection between the insert and the mating part, the radial depth of the undercut is preferably adjusted differently, typically by appropriate shaping during manufacturing, particularly during the injection molding process, and / or mechanical (post-)processing. Different shapes can be distinguished by characteristic colors to indicate different holding forces.

[0051] The insert is preferably made in one piece from a plastic material, for example in an injection molding process, preferably from a thermoplastic plastic material, in particular preferably from a high temperature resistant plastic material such as polyaryletherketone, especially preferably from polyetheretherketone.

[0052] The housing typically consists of a metallic material, preferably titanium or a titanium alloy, but can also be made of a plastic material such as PEEK.

[0053] The present invention further relates to an insert for a die part as described above, characterized in that it has an insert end surface, at the edge of which an insert collar extending axially is arranged, and the interior space formed thereby has an at least partially curved contact surface which transitions via an undercut to the opening of the interior space into a free inner surface, wherein the insert collar has at least one axially F07436 21.11.2025

[0054] 9

[0055] The insert has a slot running in the direction of the opening, which extends at least partially from the opening towards the insert end surface, so that a corresponding head area of ​​the counterpart can be detachably and force-fittedly received in the interior, and wherein the insert has an external thread in the area of ​​the insert end surface, with which the insert can be screwed into the internal thread of the housing.

[0056] Furthermore, the invention relates to a processing insert characterized in that the processing insert has an insert end surface, around the edge of which an axially extending insert collar is arranged, and the interior space thereby formed has an at least partially curved contact surface that transitions via an undercut towards the opening of the interior space into a free inner surface. In contrast to the final insert, the insert collar does not have an axially extending slot that extends at least partially from the opening towards the insert end surface, so that a corresponding head region of the mating part can be positively engaged in the interior space.Furthermore, the processing insert has an external thread in the area of ​​the insert end surface, with which the processing insert can be screwed into the internal thread of the housing. The processing insert also has a radially outwardly directed circumferential flange on the insert collar, which covers a front edge of the housing when screwed in. Preferably, the processing insert has radially inwardly projecting extensions, e.g., three distributed around the circumference, in the area of ​​the inner surface to enable a force-fit connection.

[0057] Further preferred embodiments of such an insert are designed as described above in connection with the die part. The preferred embodiments described therein are equally applicable to the insert alone.

[0058] The present invention further relates to a housing for a matrix part as described above, characterized in that it can be attached to the prosthesis and has a closed housing end surface, at the edge of which a housing collar extending in the axial direction is arranged circumferentially, and the interior space formed thereby has an internal thread in an inner area facing the housing end surface and a conical contact inner surface in an outer area facing the opening of the interior space.

[0059] Further preferred embodiments of such a housing are designed as described above in connection with the die part. The preferred embodiments described therein are, accordingly, equally applicable to the housing alone, insofar as they relate to the housing.

[0060] The present invention also relates to a connection set for a prosthesis with F07436 21.11.2025

[0061] 10 a matrix part as described above and a counterpart, in particular in the form of an abutment.

[0062] Finally, the invention also relates to an insertion tool for such a die part for fastening the insert in the housing, characterized in that the insert end surface for engagement of the insertion tool has at least one recess and / or a through-opening on the inner surface facing the interior, which is suitable for transmitting a torque, preferably in the form of a cross-shaped through-opening, and the insertion tool has an engagement structure for engagement in said recess and / or through-opening, so that the insert is preferably held on the tool essentially exclusively by frictional forces, wherein the insertion tool preferably has means for limiting the torque.

[0063] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0064] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which serve only for illustration and are not to be interpreted restrictively. The drawings show:

[0066] Fig. 1 shows an axial section through a dental implant with a screwed-in abutment and a prosthesis attached to it via an insert and a housing;

[0067] Fig. 2 shows different views of an insert screwed into the housing, with a) a perspective view from below, b) another perspective view into the interior of the insert, c) a perspective view from a top oblique angle, d) a side view, e) a view from below, f) a section along BB in d), and g) a section along CC in e);

[0068] Fig. 3 shows different views of a housing alone, wherein in a) a perspective view from below, in b) another perspective view into the interior of the housing, in c) a perspective view from obliquely above, in d) a side view, in e) a view from below, in f) a section along BB in d), and in g) a section along AA (axial and perpendicular to BB);

[0069] Fig. 4 different views of an insert alone, wherein in a) a perspective view from below, in b) another perspective view into the interior of the insert, in c) a perspective view from obliquely above, in d) a F07436 21.11.2025

[0070] 11

[0071] Side view, in e) a view from below, in f) a section along BB in d), and in g) a section along AA (axial and perpendicular to BB) and in h) a view from above are shown;

[0072] Fig. 5 shows different views of an insert screwed into the housing according to a second embodiment, wherein a) is a perspective view from below, b) is another perspective view into the interior of the insert, c) is a perspective view from an oblique angle above, d) is a side view, e) is a view from below, f) is a section along BB in d), and g) is a section along CC in e);

[0073] Fig. 6 shows different views of the housing according to the second embodiment only, wherein a) is a perspective view from below, b) is another perspective view into the interior of the housing, c) is a perspective view from an oblique angle above, d) is a side view, e) is a view from below, f) is a section along BB in d), and g) is a section along AA (axial and perpendicular to BB);

[0074] Fig. 7 shows different views of the insert according to the second embodiment only, wherein in a) a perspective view from below, in b) another perspective view into the interior of the insert, in c) a perspective view from obliquely above, in d) a side view, in e) a view from below, in f) a section along BB in d), and in g) a section along AA (axial and perpendicular to BB) and in h) a view from above;

[0075] Fig. 8 shows different views of the processing insert according to the second embodiment only, wherein a) is a perspective view from below, b) is another perspective view into the interior of the insert, c) is a perspective view from an oblique angle above, d) is a side view, e) is a view from below, f) is a section along BB in d), g) is a section along AA (axial and perpendicular to BB) and h) is a view from above;

[0076] Fig. 9 shows different views of the tool, wherein a) a side view of the tool without the insert attached is shown, b) the tip of the tool with the insert attached, c) an axial section through the representation according to b) as per AA, d) a front view of the tool and e) a perspective view of the tool;

[0077] Fig. 10 different views of the tool according to a second embodiment, wherein in a) a side view of the tool without F07436 21.11.2025

[0078] 12. The attached insert is shown in b), the tip of the tool with the attached insert is shown in c), an axial section through the representation according to b) corresponding to AA, a front view of the tool in d), and a perspective view of the tool in e).

[0079] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0080] Fig. 1 shows in an axial section through the connecting device, i.e., among other things through the matrix part 16, and how a prosthesis 13 is detachably attached to a dental implant 1, which is firmly fixed in the mouth of a patient or has grown into the bone area 15.

[0081] The prosthesis 13 has a recess 14 into which the housing 12 is polymerized or glued.

[0082] The housing 12 is shaped in a pot-like manner, i.e., it is closed at the top by a finishing surface or bottom 21 and has a circumferential, axial and downward-facing collar 18.

[0083] An insert 11 is attached to this housing 12 by means of a screw connection. The insert has an external thread 36 on the outside, and the housing has an internal thread 22 on the inside.

[0084] The insert 11 is also cup-shaped and has a receiving opening into which the head 6 of an abutment 2 is detachably snapped. The head 6 has a rounded, circumferential upper section 7 that aligns with a corresponding inner surface of the insert 11. The head 6 transitions via a lower edge 9 into a constriction 8, after which the abutment typically widens into a shoulder 5 that extends at least partially over a marginal area of ​​the dental implant 1. However, the shape of the abutment can also vary.

[0085] It is essential that the inner surface of the insert 11, as described below, has an undercut 58 behind which the head 6, or more precisely a corresponding transition area between the rounded circumferential area 7 and the lower edge 9, can be engaged. Depending on the specific design of this undercut 58 (see in particular Fig. 4), i.e., the force required to release the prosthesis 13 from the head, is adjusted, in particular, by selecting an insert 11 with a correspondingly larger or smaller undercut.

[0086] An insert 11 with a pronounced undercut, i.e., where the inner diameter of the inner surface of the insert tapers sharply below area 7, has a high retention force; that is, a great force must be applied to detach the prosthesis 13 with the housing 12 and the insert 11 from the abutment 2. In contrast, if F07436 21.11.2025

[0087] 13

[0088] Since the undercut 58 is only weakly pronounced, the prosthesis 13 can be removed with less force.

[0089] Different holding forces of different inserts 11 are typically determined on the one hand by the aforementioned shape, with typical holding forces ranging from 3 N to 25 or 30 N, and on the other hand by characteristic coloring. Different holding forces, i.e., shapes with different undercuts, are colored differently in the material before injection molding (production from bar stock is also possible), so that the user can ultimately recognize the holding force associated with a particular insert based on its color. The slight differences in the undercut are not easily discernible visually, as a typical undercut for a particularly low holding force is around 0.015 mm (radius-related), while the corresponding value for a particularly high holding force is around 0.07 mm.These values ​​apply, for example, to PEEK as the material for the insert, with a typical collar wall thickness of 0.22-0.28 mm.

[0090] The holding force can be adjusted not only via the aforementioned undercut, but also via the wall thickness of the collar above the undercut or the choice of material. A further adjustment of the force can be made via the width of the slot 43, described in detail below.

[0091] Fig. 2 shows, in different views, the die part 16, with the insert 11 screwed into the housing 12.

[0092] In particular, the sectional views show how the external thread 36 of the insert 11 is screwed into the internal thread 22 of the housing 12, whereby the insert is actually screwed in until the stop of the two end surfaces or bottoms 21 / 42.

[0093] This figure also shows how the circumferential axial insert collar 33 only contacts a corresponding internal contact surface 19 of the housing in its upper region 35. This contact is, for example, a planar contact in this conical area, or a gap 63 remains between the two surfaces, corresponding to the small gap defined above. The lower section, the area of ​​the collar 33 further back designated as the free area 34, is not in contact with the inner surface of the housing 12.

[0094] It is also evident how the front edge 37 of the insert 11 is positioned slightly inwards relative to the front edge 31 of the housing 12 when the insert is fully screwed in.

[0095] Fig. 3 shows Housing 12 from different perspectives. It can be seen how the F07436 21.11.2025

[0096] The closed end surface 21 forms, in a sense, the base or bottom of the pot-shaped structure. At the edge of this closed end surface 21, the circumferential axial housing collar 18 projects in the axial direction. On the outside, in the area of ​​surface 21, there is an upper extension 23, which forms a curved chamfer 24 upwards. This is followed, in the direction of the opening 55, by a circumferential upper taper 28, then a second extension 26, the middle extension, which in turn has a chamfer 27 upwards. This is followed by a shallower lower taper 30, and on the side of the opening, the lower extension 29 follows, which then also forms the lower edge 31 in the lower area.

[0097] The upper extension 23 has two opposing tangential planes 25 that prevent the housing from rotating when, for example, it is polymerized into the prosthesis 13. Such tangential surfaces, or other means such as ribs or similar features to prevent rotation, can also be provided in the other extensions.

[0098] These various beveled extensions result, in a sense, in a barbed-like fastening of the housing in the corresponding recess 14 in the prosthesis 13.

[0099] On the inside, the housing collar 18 encloses the interior 17, into which the insert 11 is placed.

[0100] Starting from the closed end surface 21, there is first a thread-free area with a low height, followed by the aforementioned internal thread 22. This internal thread 22 is followed by a conically widening area that forms an internal contact surface 19. At the transition to the aforementioned lower edge 31, which runs parallel to surface 21, there is a circumferential conical entry area 20, which further facilitates the insertion of the insert 11. A thread relief 32, forming a thread-free area, separates the internal thread 22 from the stop on surface 21.

[0101] Fig. 4 shows the insert in different views. The base of this cup-shaped component is formed by the end surface / base 42, which, unlike the end surface 21, is not a closed surface but has a through-opening 44. The through-opening 44 has radial extensions 45, creating a cross-shaped through-opening in the end surface 42. This through-opening 44 is designed to interact with the insertion tool 50 described below.

[0102] A circumferential insert collar 33 projects axially from the end surface 42. An external thread 36 is provided on the outer side, extending over the thickness D of the end surface 42, and is designed to be complementary to the internal thread 22. F07436 21.11.2025

[0103] 15

[0104] This is followed by a radially expanding area in the form of a contact area 35, which is also conically expanding, complementary to the surface 19 of the housing. This is followed by an axially cylindrical area as a free area 34, which is closed off by the lower edge 37 running parallel to the surface 42.

[0105] The insert collar 33 has a slot 43 that extends axially from the lower edge to the end surface, but does not reach the thread 36 or the surface 42. In fact, the slot 43 extends to a residual distance R, which is typically a few tenths of a millimeter below the inner surface of the end surface 42. The slot 43 typically has a circumferential width of approximately 0.8 mm and is rounded with a radius of 0.4 mm. These dimensions apply to an insert with an outer diameter in the thread area of ​​3.8 mm and an outer diameter in the area of ​​the leading edge 37 of 4.3 mm. The wall thickness of the collar 33 is typically in the range of 0.2–0.25 mm. To allow the thread 36 to have sufficient height, the end surface 42 typically has a diameter D in the range of 0.8–1.2 mm. It is a single-thread thread with three turns.

[0106] On the inside and bordering the interior 57, a curved contact area 41 follows, starting from the end surface 42, for contact with the upper area 7 of the head 6. With a smaller inner diameter than the maximum diameter of the curved area 41, a free area 40 follows, which is axially cylindrical. The aforementioned undercut 58 is formed in the transition between this free area 40 and the curved area 41.

[0107] A second embodiment for a connecting device or a die part, i.e. a combination of insert 11 and housing 12, is shown in Figs. 5-7, where analogous components or analogous elements thereof are indicated with the same reference numerals as in the corresponding Figs. 2-4 for the first embodiment.

[0108] The essential functional differences between the first embodiment according to Figs. 2-4 and the second embodiment according to Figs. 5-7 can be summarized as follows:

[0109] The overall axial height of the connecting device relative to the diameter is greater in the second embodiment than in the first. The thickness D of the end surface 42 is increased, with an additional area being provided as a centering section 62, a cylindrical section without threads located above the external thread 36 at the insert 11. This centering section 62 typically has an axial height in the range of 0.25–0.31 mm and provides better guidance when screwing into the stop, i.e., in the last section of the F07436 21.11.2025

[0110] 16

[0111] The insert is screwed in until the end surface 42 of the insert 11 is brought into contact with the underside of the closed end surface 21 of the housing 12. The cylindrical part, i.e., the free area 34, has been reduced in height compared to the first embodiment. This is due to the increased gap at the cone between the housing and the insert. When inserting and removing the insert from the abutment, areas 34 and 35 are pressed radially, thereby generating the holding force. Furthermore, there is a circumferential thread relief 32 at the upper end of the thread 22 in the housing 12, as well as a cylindrical recess 64, which serves as a clearance and guide for the centering section 62.

[0112] The relative dimensions of insert 11 and housing 12 are chosen such that, when fully screwed in, a slight gap 63 of at least 0.005–0.1 mm (or 0.01–0.2 mm in diameter) remains between the inner contact surface 19 of collar 18 and the contact area 35 of insert collar 33. This gap is chosen so that only the insert generates the required pull-out or press-in force; this applies to both variants, i.e., Figs. 2–4 and 5–7, and also to Fig. 8 (process insert). The relative dimensions of insert 11 and housing 12 in the axial direction are chosen such that the lower edge 37 of insert collar 33 lies at the same axial height as the lower edge 31 of collar 18 of housing 12 when the insert is fully screwed in, i.e., screwed in to the stop. The height of the housing is reduced in the axial direction to require less space in the prosthesis.

[0113] Fig. 8 shows a processing insert 11a designed for a housing 12 according to the second embodiment. The views shown in the figure are analogous to those in Fig. 7 for the standard insert 11, and the reference numerals also denote the corresponding elements. The processing insert 11a is first screwed into the housing (as is the retention insert). The assembled unit can then be attached to the abutment for impression taking in the laboratory or in the mouth.

[0114] Such a processing insert 11a, placed on the abutment, protects the housing from material entering it during polymerization. A circumferential flange effectively closes the gap between the insert and the housing, thus protecting the housing during polymerization.

[0115] Specifically, the following procedure is used when employing such a processing insert 11a: the insertion can be carried out in the laboratory or directly in the patient's mouth by the dentist.

[0116] For installation in the mouth, a blocking aid is used for sealing. This prevents plastic from flowing into the die housing.

[0117] In the laboratory, blockout is usually done exclusively with wax to prevent plastic from getting into F07436 21.11.2025

[0118] 17 the housing can flow.

[0119] First, the housing with the attached prosthesis insert is placed on the abutment. The prosthesis is then positioned correctly on the model in the laboratory and secured so that it cannot come loose. The matrix must be free within the prosthesis body. Liquid resin is applied without bubbles and allowed to cure.

[0120] In the mouth, some plastic is applied to the matrix housing, the prosthesis is inserted and allowed to harden.

[0121] After curing, the prosthesis can be easily removed. No plastic is visible in the matrix or on the abutment. The process insert is then removed. This is easily done. No plastic is visible between the housing and the inner surface of the process insert.

[0122] Such a processing insert 11a differs from the insert 11 for definitive use and for the production of a detachable connection in particular in the following features:

[0123] The wraparound collar 33 does not have a slit 43.

[0124] In the free area 40, there are radially inwardly projecting extensions 67 that generate a holding force on the abutment. At the lower edge 37 of the circumferential axial collar 33, there is a radially outwardly directed flange 65, the upper contact surface 66 of which is designed to come into contact with the surface 20, i.e., the circumferential conical entry area 20 of the housing 12, when screwed in.

[0125] Fig. 9 shows a suitable insert tool 50 for the present die part 16. The tool has a handle 46 and a transition part in the form of a torque limiter 47, followed towards the tip by the actual tip 48 with crosshead 49.

[0126] Unit 47 ensures that a rotation exerted via the handle 46 is effectively transmitted to the tip 48 only up to a maximum torque. Unit 47 can also be adjustable.

[0127] At the front tip, a radial extension is provided, which has a cross-shaped structure in the form of a crosshead 49 at the very front of the end face 53. The dimensions of the crosshead 49 are chosen such that the through-hole 44 described further forward, with its radial extensions 45, can be pushed onto this crosshead 49 by applying a certain force, so that when an insert is pushed onto the head of the tool and the crosshead 49 engages in the through-hole 44, it is held on the tool solely by friction.

[0128] The tip of the tool has an alignment mark 51 which can be used to position the slot 43 of the insert there, for example to insert the F07436 21.11.2025

[0129] 18

[0130] To optimally align the beginning of the thread. This could be a marking 51, or it could be a projection on the tool head at this point that engages in slot 43.

[0131] The tip of the tool 50 is optimally designed for the insertion of the insert and the processing insert by providing a conical contact surface 52, which is intended for contact with the surface 38 of the insert or the processing insert. This contact surface 52 transitions towards the end face via an axial transition surface 54 into a radially extending end face 53, to which the aforementioned crosshead 49 is attached or integrally formed.

[0132] If the insert is to be attached to the housing using this tool, the insert is first placed onto the tip of the tool by inserting the crosshead 49 into the engagement opening 44 of the insert, ensuring that the slot 43 is aligned with the alignment mark 51. The tool is then inserted into the housing, which is attached to the prosthesis, with its tip in place, and the insert is screwed into the housing using the handle 46. The torque limiter 47 ensures that the insert is screwed into the housing to precisely the correct extent, i.e., until the two end faces meet.

[0133] Conversely, the same procedure can be used if, for example, an insert needs to be replaced due to wear or defect, or if an insert with a different holding force is to be used; then the tool is inserted into the prosthesis with the insert already in place, without the insert attached, and the tool is used to unscrew the insert.

[0134] Fig. 10 shows an insert tool 50 according to a second embodiment, where again the same reference numerals indicate analogous components as in the first embodiment shown in Fig. 9. In this embodiment, the torque limiter 47 is no longer integrated into the actual handle 46 on the outside, but only partially protrudes and is otherwise concealed inside the handle area 46. In addition, there is a rotatable hand rest 59 in the rear area of ​​the handle and a surface 60 for roll protection. The tip 48 is secured in the torque limiter 47 with a snap ring and can be replaced with identical or different attachments. The alignment mark 51 for aligning the slot 43 when inserting the insert 11 is significantly longer and is, for example, designed as a laser marking.Furthermore, a chamfer 61 (edge ​​break) is formed around the circumferential front edge of the slightly taller crosshead 49, which facilitates the insertion of the head 49 into the access opening 44 in the insert 11. This is particularly useful when replacing the inserts in the prosthesis F07436 21.11.2025.

[0135] 19 helpful, as visibility is often limited.

[0136] REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0137] 1 dental implant

[0138] 2 Abutment

[0139] 3 external threads of 2

[0140] 4 cutouts in 1 for 2

[0141] 5 shoulders out of 2

[0142] 6 heads out of 2

[0143] 7 rounded circumferential area of ​​6

[0144] 8 Constriction of 6

[0145] 9 bottom edge of 6

[0146] 10 Head area of ​​6

[0147] 11 Insert

[0148] 11a Processing Insert

[0149] 12 Housing

[0150] 13 Prosthesis

[0151] 14 Recess in 13 for fastening 12

[0152] 15 Bone area

[0153] 16 Matrix part

[0154] 17 interior of 12

[0155] 18 circumferential axial housing collar of 12

[0156] 19 contact surface area of ​​18

[0157] 20 surrounding conical entrance area

[0158] 21 closed end surface / floor of 12

[0159] 22 internal threads

[0160] 23 upper extension

[0161] 24 curved chamfer of 23

[0162] 25 Tangential surface in 23

[0163] 26 medium expansion

[0164] 27 Bevel of 26

[0165] 28 upper taper

[0166] 29 lower extension

[0167] 30 lower taper

[0168] 31 bottom edge of 18

[0169] 32 thread-free area, thread relief F07436 21.11.2025

[0170] 20

[0171] 33 circumferential axial insert collar of 11

[0172] 34 free space out of 33

[0173] 35 contact area of ​​33

[0174] 36 external threads on 11

[0175] 37 Lower edge of 33

[0176] 38 surrounding conical entrance area of ​​11

[0177] 39 interior surface area of ​​33

[0178] 40 free space out of 39

[0179] 41 curved contact area of ​​39

[0180] 42 Finish area / floor of 11

[0181] 43 slots in 33

[0182] 44 Intervention opening in 42

[0183] 45 radial extensions of 44

[0184] 46 Handle

[0185] 47 Torque limiters

[0186] 48 Pointed with crosshead

[0187] 49 Crosshead

[0188] 50 tools

[0189] 51 Alignment marker, positioning aid for insert (43 on marker)

[0190] 52 m² of floor space for 38

[0191] 53 Front surface of 48

[0192] 54 axial transition surface

[0193] 55 Opening of 12

[0194] 56 Opening of 11

[0195] 57 interior of 11

[0196] 58 Undercut

[0197] 59 Rotatable hand rest

[0198] 60 Area for rolling protection

[0199] 61. Handling

[0200] 62 Centering section of 42

[0201] 63 Distance between 19 and 35 when fully screwed in

[0202] 64 Release for centering section 62

[0203] 65 circumferential outward-facing flange

[0204] 66 Plant area from 65 to 20

[0205] 67 radially inwardly projecting extensions F07436 21.11.2025

[0206] 21

[0207] Thickness of 42

[0208] R residual distance

Claims

F07436 21.11.2025 PATENT CLAIMS 1. Matrix part (16) for forming a detachable connection between a prosthesis (13) and a counterpart (2) that can be attached in the mouth, wherein the matrix part (16) has a housing (12) and an insert (11), wherein the housing (12) can be attached to the prosthesis (13), and has a closed housing end surface (21) at the edge of which an axially extending housing collar (18) is arranged circumferentially, and the interior space (17) formed thereby has an internal thread (22) in an inner region facing the housing end surface (21), and a conical contact inner surface (19) in an outer region facing the opening (55) of the interior space (17), wherein the insert (11) has an insert end surface (42) at the edge of which an axially extending insert collar (33) is arranged circumferentially, and the interior space formed thereby (57) has a contact surface (41) that is at least partially curved,which transitions via an undercut (58) to the opening (56) of the interior into a free interior surface (40), wherein the insert collar (33) has at least one axially extending slot (43) which extends from the opening (56) at least partially towards the insert end surface (42), so that a corresponding head region (6) of the counterpart (2) can be detachably and force-fittedly received in the interior (57), and wherein the insert (11) has an external thread (36) in the region of the insert end surface (42), with which the insert (11) can be screwed into the internal thread (22) of the housing (12).

2. Die part (16) according to claim 1, characterized in that the external thread (36) of the insert (11) extends substantially over an axial height corresponding to the thickness (D) of the insert end surface (42), wherein this thickness (D) is particularly preferably in the range of 0.5-1.5 mm, preferably in the range of 0.75-1.1 mm. F07436 21.11.2025 23 3. Die part (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external thread (36) and the internal thread (22) are formed at least 1.5, preferably at least 2.5 times circumferentially and in particular preferably have only one thread section.

4. Matrix part (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one slot (43) extends from the opening (56) to at least half the axial height of the insert collar (33), measured from the inner surface of the insert end surface (42) facing the interior (57), preferably to the inner surface of the insert end surface (42) facing the interior (57) or to a remaining residual distance (R) of 0.01-1 mm, in particular to a residual distance in the range of preferably 0.1-0.5 mm, wherein only one such slot is provided, and the slot (43) preferably has a width in the circumferential direction in the range of 0.3-1.5 mm, preferably in the range of 0.5-1 mm, and wherein in particular preferably the end facing the insert end surface (42) is rounded.

5. Die part (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a contact surface (35) is formed on the outside of the circumferential insert collar (33) substantially adjacent to the external thread (36), which expands conically towards the opening (57) in the fully screwed-in state, and which bears flat against the conical inner contact surface (19) of the housing or is arranged at least partially parallel to it at a distance of 0.005 - 0.1 mm.

6. Die part (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert end surface (42) for engagement of an insert tool (50) has at least one recess and / or a through-opening (44) on the inner surface facing the interior (57), preferably in the form of a cross-shaped through-opening.

7. Die part (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the fully screwed-in state, the insert end surface (42) comes into planar contact with the housing end surface (21), and at least a region (33) of the outer surface of the insert collar (33) comes into planar contact with the conical inner contact surface (19) of the housing or into at least partial F07436 21.11.2025 24 parallel distances of in the range of 0.005 - 0.1 mm are arranged accordingly.

8. Matrix part (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (12) has at least one, preferably at least two circumferential extensions (23, 26, 29) on the outside, of which preferably at least the side facing away from the opening (55) has chamfers (24, 27), wherein structures (25) are preferably excluded or formed in these extensions, particularly preferably in the form of tangential surfaces (25) that prevent rotation of the housing (12) in a recess (14) in a prosthesis (13).

9. Matrix part (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the counterpart (2) is an abutment (2) that can be screwed into a dental implant (1) and has a head 6) which has a circumferential curvature (7) in an upper area which lies at least partially behind the undercut (58).

10. Matrix part (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radial depth of the undercut (58) is adjusted differently for adjusting the holding force of the releasable connection between insert (11) and counterpart (2).

11. Matrix part (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert (11) is made in one piece from a plastic material, preferably from a thermoplastic plastic material, in particular preferably from a high temperature resistant plastic material such as polyaryletherketone, in particular preferably from polyetheretherketone, and / or that the housing (12) is made from a metallic material, in particular preferably from titanium or a titanium alloy.

12. Insert (11), in particular a die part (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert (11) has an insert end surface (42) at the edge of which an axially extending insert collar (33) is arranged circumferentially, and the interior space (57) formed thereby has an at least partially curved contact surface (41) which extends via an undercut (58) to the opening (56) of the interior space into a free inner surface (40) F07436 21.11.2025 25, wherein the insert collar (33) has at least one axially extending slot (43) which extends at least partially from the opening (56) towards the insert end surface (42), so that a corresponding head region (6) of the counterpart (2) can be detachably and force-fittedly received in the interior (57), and wherein the insert (11) has an external thread (36) in the region of the insert end surface (42) with which the insert can be screwed into the internal thread (22) of the housing (12), or as a processing insert characterized in that the processing insert (11a) has an insert end surface (42) at the edge of which an axially extending insert collar (33) is arranged circumferentially, and the interior space (57) thereby formed has an at least partially curved contact surface (41) which extends via an undercut (58) towards the opening (56) of the interior space into a free inner surface (40) transitions,wherein the insert collar (33) does not have an axially extending slot (43) that extends at least partially from the opening (56) towards the insert end surface (42), so that a corresponding head region (6) of the counterpart (2) can be received in the interior (57), preferably by means of radially inwardly projecting extensions (67) that generate a holding force on the counterpart (2), wherein the processing insert (11a) has an external thread (36) in the region of the insert end surface (42) with which the processing insert can be screwed into the internal thread (22) of the housing (12), and wherein the processing insert (11a) has a radially outwardly directed circumferential flange (65) on the insert collar (33) which, in the screwed-in state, covers a front edge (31) of the housing, wherein preferably its upper contact surface (66) is provided for this purpose,in the screwed-in state to come into a system with a circumferential conical entrance area (20) of the housing (12).

13. Housing (12), in particular of a matrix part (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (12) can be attached to the prosthesis (13) and has a closed housing end surface (21) at the edge of which a housing collar (18) extending axially is arranged around its perimeter, and the interior space (17) formed thereby has an internal thread (22) in an inner area facing the housing end surface (21) and a conical contact inner surface (19) in an outer area facing the opening (55) of the interior space (17).

14. Connection set for a prosthesis (13) comprising a matrix part (16) according to one of the preceding claims and a counterpart in the form of an abutment F07436 21.11.2025 26 (2) 15. Insert tool (50) for a die part (16) according to one of the preceding claims for fastening the insert (11) in the housing (12), characterized in that the insert end surface (42) for engagement of the insert tool (50) has at least one recess and / or a through-opening (44) on the inner surface facing the interior (57), preferably in the form of a cross-shaped through-opening, and the insert tool (50) has an engagement structure (49) for engagement in said recess and / or through-opening (44), so that the insert (11) is preferably held on the tool substantially exclusively by frictional forces, wherein the insert tool (50) preferably has means (47) for torque limitation.

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