Angular abutment and kit

Abstract

An angular dental abutment system is provided in which a socket-headed, externally threaded abutment having a frustoconical neck with an obliquely oriented internally threaded prosthesis-fixation passage cooperates with optional faceting, blind-hole variants, opposite-handed multi-portion shank threading, projection geometries, and a connector sleeve configured to re-align the prosthesis-fixation axis, and further forms part of a kit that includes a measuring screw with circumferential indicators and axial markings enabling selection among abutments of differing rotational thread-start positions and head heights.

Description

[0001] ANGULAR ABUTMENT AND KIT

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of dental implants. In particular, the present invention relates to dental abutments. More particularly, the present invention relates to an angular dental abutment and kit that replaces traditional angular abutments.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In cases where the orientations of the denture and dental implant are not aligned, the dental practitioner uses an angled abutment. Known abutments are bulky and create aesthetic problems that are especially pronounced in the area of the anterior teeth. Specifically, the metal part of the angular abutment is not covered by the gum mucosa and is often visible when smiling or talking. Additionally, the height of existing abutments is noticeable especially when using beam prosthetics.

[0006] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide an angular abutment that overcomes the difficulties and drawbacks associated with the prior art as described in part herein above.

[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an angular abutment kit with components that enable the abutment to be installed most effectively.

[0008] It is an additional object of the present invention to provide an abutment- to-prosthesis attachment part that is compatible with the abutment.

[0009] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an angular abutment kit that is inexpensive to manufacture and uncomplicated to use.

[0010] Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, an angular abutment is disclosed, comprising a socket head having a projection and an externally threaded shank extending from the projection. The socket head further comprises a flange having a neck protruding outward from the flange in a direction opposite to the projection. A socket extends from the socket head within the projection coaxially with the shank. An internal passage extends from the neck into the head, wherein the central axis of the internal passage is inclined relative to the central axis of the neck. The internal passage is internally threaded.

[0013] The neck comprises preferably a frustoconical shape, and wherein the neck is coaxially aligned with the shank. The neck further preferably comprises an opening that is coaxially aligned with the shank. The neck has a wall, and the internal passage has an opening that extends from the wall.

[0014] In further accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, an angular abutment is disclosed, comprising a head having a projection and an externally threaded shank extending from the projection. The head further comprises a flange having a neck protruding outward from the flange in a direction opposite to the projection. A blind hole extends from the wall of the neck into the head, and wherein the central axis of the blind hole is inclined relative to the central axis of the neck. The blind hole is internally threaded. Preferably, the surface of the neck is faceted.

[0015] The angular abutment preferably further comprises an installation element. The installation element consists of a cap comprising a through passage having a stepped end portion, and further comprising a hex-socket at the top of the cap.

[0016] In further accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, an angular abutment is disclosed, comprising a head having a projection and an externally threaded shank extending from the projection. The head further comprises a flange having a neck protruding outward from the flange. A blind hole extends from the wall of the neck into the head, and wherein the central axis of the blind hole is inclined relative to the central axis of the neck. The planar surface of the flange is at an angle a relative to the central axis of the abutment, where a < 90 degrees. The blind hole is internally threaded.

[0017] In further accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, an angular abutment is disclosed, comprising a head having a faceted projection. The head comprises a flange having a neck. The neck has a frustoconical shape protruding outwardly from the flange in a direction opposite to the projection. The projection comprises a polyhedron exterior profile and a threaded through passage, wherein an internal passage passes through the neck into the head. The central axis of the through passage is inclined relative to the central axis of the neck. The internal passage has internal threading. The angular abutment further comprises a shank comprising a threaded proximal portion, a threaded distal portion and a non-threaded central portion separating the proximal and distal portions.

[0018] Preferably, the distal portion threading of the shank matches the threaded opening of a dental implant and the proximal portion threading matches the threading in the projection through passage, wherein the direction of threading along the distal portion is right-handed and opposite to that of the threading along the proximal portion, which is left-handed.

[0019] In further accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, an angular abutment is disclosed, comprising a head having a faceted projection, wherein the head comprises a flange having a neck, wherein the neck has a frustoconical shape protruding outwardly from the flange in a direction opposite to the projection, wherein the projection comprises a polyhedron exterior profile. An internal passage passes through the neck into the head, wherein the central axis of the internal passage is inclined relative to the central axis of the neck, and wherein the internal passage has an internal threading. The angular abutment further comprising a shank comprising a threaded distal portion and a screw head at the end of its proximal portion. The distal and proximal portions separated by a non-threaded central portion. The angular abutment further comprises a screw nut positioned along the non-threaded portion of the shank.

[0020] In further accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, a measuring screw is disclosed, comprising an externally threaded shank and a screw head. The screw head comprises a face having a plurality of indicators spaced equidistantly around the face, and a plurality of markings located at equal distances along the shank.

[0021] In further accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, a connector sleeve is disclosed, comprising an inlet, an outlet, and an internal through passage extending from the inlet to the outlet. The through passage comprises an internal profile having a tubular portion that opens to the inlet, a substantially frustoconical portion having a wide end that opens to the outlet, and a neck portion situated between the tubular portion and the narrow end of the frustoconical portion. The outlet comprises a base. When the base is affixed to a flange, the through passage is coaxially aligned with the second internal tubular passage. The outlet comprises a base oriented at an angle with respect to the central axis of the through passage such that when the base is affixed to the flange the through passage is coaxially aligned with the second internal tubular passage.

[0022] In further accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, an angular abutment kit is disclosed, comprising: a. An angular abutment comprising a socket head having a projection and an externally threaded shank extending from the projection. The socket head further comprises a flange having a neck protruding outward from the flange in a direction opposite to the projection. A socket extends from the socket head within the projection coaxially with the shank, and an internal passage extends from the neck into the head. The central axis of the internal passage is inclined relative to the central axis of the neck. The internal passage is internally threaded; b. A measuring screw comprising an externally threaded shank and a screw head. The screw head comprises a face having a plurality of indicators spaced equidistantly around the face and a plurality of markings located at equal distances along the shank; and, c. A connector sleeve comprising an inlet, an outlet, and an internal through passage extending from the inlet to the outlet. The through passage comprises an internal profile having a tubular portion that opens to the inlet, a substantially frustoconical portion having a wide end that opens to the outlet, and a neck portion situated between the tubular portion and the narrow end of the frustoconical portion. The outlet comprises a base. When the base is affixed to the flange, the through passage is coaxially aligned with the second internal tubular passage. When the outlet comprises a base oriented at an angle with respect to the central axis of the through passage such that when the base is affixed to the flange according to the first preferred embodiment, the through passage is coaxially aligned with the second internal tubular passage.

[0023] The angular abutment kit preferably comprises multiple angular abutments. The external threading on the shaft of each angular abutment starts at a different location from each other angular abutment. Each indicator on the face of the measuring screw corresponds to a different abutment. Each of the angular abutments has a different head height corresponding to the plurality of markings on the shaft of the measuring screw. To accomplish the above and related objects, the invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the figures in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the attached figures making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the partially cross-sectioned side view of the angular abutment of the present invention;

[0026] Fig. 2 shows a partially cross-sectioned side view of the connector sleeve of the present invention; Figs. 3a and 3b show FF abutment, a dental implant, connector sleeve, and a dental prosthesis in an assembled view (Fig. 3a) and in an exploded view (Fig. 3b);

[0027] Figs. 4a and 4b show measuring screw in a side view (Fig. 4a) and in a top view (Fig. 4b);

[0028] Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of the angular abutment of the present invention, without a socket and neck opening;

[0029] Fig. 6 shows the installation element for use in the second embodiment of the angular abutment of the present invention;

[0030] Fig. 7 shows the installation element in position secured to the angular abutment of the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figs. 8a and 8b shows an alternative aspect of the angular abutment of the second embodiment of the present invention (Fig. 8a) and a matching screwdriver Fig. 8b);

[0032] Figs. 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d show a third embodiment of an angular abutment and independent shank of the present invention in an assembled cross-sectional side view positioned within an implant (Fig. 9a), showing only abutment (Fig. 9b), showing only shank (Fig. 9c) and partially crosssectioned projection (Fig. 9d); Figs. 1 Oa, 1 Ob and 1 Oc show an alternative aspect of the third embodiment of the present invention showing the shank (Fig. 10a), a screw nut (Fig. 10b) and assembled with the angular abutment (Fig. 10c);

[0033] Fig. 11 shows an additional alternative aspect of the second embodiment;

[0034] Figs. 12a-12e shows the method of operation of the components of the kit of the present invention using the preferred aspect of the third embodiment of the angular abutment; and,

[0035] Fig. 13 shows a variant of the first step of the method of operation of the third embodiment.

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] A first preferred embodiment of the angular abutment of the present invention is shown schematically in Fig. 1 in a partially cross-sectioned side view designated generally by numeral (10). Angular abutment (10) comprises a socket head (12), a projection (13) and an externally threaded shank (14) extending from projection (13). Socket head (12) comprises a flange (16) having a neck (18) protruding outward from flange (16) in a direction opposite to projection (13). A socket (20) extends from socket head (12) within projection (13) coaxially with shank (14). Socket (20) is a multi-sided (typically hexagonal) socket for receiving a screwdriver tool (not shown in this figure) for tightening angular abutment (10) within a dental implant, as described below. Angular abutment (10) further comprises an internal passage (22) extending from neck (18) into head (12) having a central axis inclined relative to the central axis of neck (18). Internal passage (22) is internally threaded.

[0038] It is important to emphasize that internal passage (22) is inclined relative to neck (18) in contradistinction to prior art angled abutments in which the internal (or, fixing) passage for the prosthesis is coaxially aligned with neck (18). Additionally, it is important to emphasize that internal passage (22) extends into head (12) in contradistinction to prior art angled abutments. Since internal passage (22) extends into head (12), the connector screw (described below) that is inserted into internal passage (22) also extends into head (12). As such, the height of neck (18) can be reduced, which significantly simplifies the installation of the prosthesis, especially, but not limited to, when using a beam for prosthetics. These two features - the inclined internal passage relative to the neck and the internal passage extending into the head - appear in each embodiment described herein, mutatis mutandis. Neck (18) is designed in a frustoconical shape and has an opening (19), whereby both neck (18) and opening (19) are coaxially aligned with shank (14). The base of neck (18) can be a circular shape as shown or alternatively can be any closed shape.

[0039] Opening (19) enables a screwdriver tool to access socket (20) as described below.

[0040] Internal passage (22) has an opening (23) that is joined with the neck opening (19), thereby creating a single complex opening, of which a first portion opens to socket (20) and a second portion opens to internal passage (22).

[0041] According to all embodiments of the present invention there exist alternative aspects as to the positioning of opening (23) of internal passage (22) with respect to neck (18) and its opening (19). In the present aspect as shown in Fig. 1, opening (23) extends partially from the wall of neck (18) and partially from the neck opening (19), as described above. In other aspects (not shown in this embodiment), opening (23) extends entirely from the wall of neck (18), and in yet other aspects, opening (23) extends entirely from opening (19), i.e. overlapping completely. The positioning of opening (23) is dependent on factors such as the neck height and the desired angle of internal passage (22) relative to central axis (15). Thus, for instance, for a small angle relative to central axis and low-neck height, opening (23) extends entirely from opening (19), whereas for a large angle of inclination, opening (23) extends partially from the wall of neck (18) and partially from opening (19). For a large neck height, opening (23) extends entirely from the wall of neck (18).

[0042] With reference to Fig. 2, a connector sleeve (24) is shown in a partially cross-sectioned side view comprising an inlet (26), an outlet (28), and an internal through passage (30) extending from inlet (26) to outlet (28). Through passage (30) comprises an internal profile having a tubular portion (32) that opens at one end to inlet (26), and also comprises a substantially frustoconical portion (34) having a wide end (36) that opens to outlet (28). Through passage (30) also comprises a neck portion (38) situated between tubular portion (32) and the narrow end (40) of frustoconical portion (34). A step (41) is formed at the transition between tubular portion (32) and neck portion (38) for receiving the screw head (25) of a connector screw (27) (see Fig. 3a), where connector screw (27) is inserted within internal passage (22) to join connector sleeve (24) to angular abutment (10). Outlet end (28) comprises a base (42), for affixing to the planar face flange (16) (see Fig. 1) of angular abutment (10). When affixed, through passage (30) is coaxially aligned with internal passage (22) of abutment (10). The angle of base (42) relative to the central axis (29) of tubular portion (32) in connector sleeve (24) is the same as the angle of internal passage (22) in angular abutment (10) relative to the central axis (15) of shank (14). This desired angle is determined based on the orientation of the implant in the mouth.

[0043] Separated ribs (44) are formed on the external wall (46) of connector sleeve (24) for facilitating the gluing of connector sleeve (24) within the prosthesis, as best seen in Fig. 3 a.

[0044] Fig. 3a shows an assembled cross-sectional view of angular abutment (10) inserted into a dental implant (48), along with connector sleeve (24) affixed thereto, and a dental prosthesis (50) affixed to the connector sleeve (24). Connector sleeve (24) is joined together with angular abutment (10) via connector screw (27) as described above. An exploded view of angular abutment (10), dental implant (48), connector sleeve (24), connector screw (27) and dental prosthesis (50) is shown in Fig. 3b.

[0045] With reference to Figs. 1 and 3a, it is important to note that the diameter of socket (20) of angular abutment (10) of the present invention corresponds to the diameter of a standard screwdriver for dental abutments, typically 1.27mm, and is smaller than the hole required for the passage of a standard screw head, such as screw head (25) of connector screw (27), which is typically 2.2mm or more.

[0046] Similarly, according to the present invention opening (19) in neck (18) (see Fig. 1) comprises a diameter corresponding to the diameter of a standard screwdriver of 1.27 mm, unlike the larger hole in a standard prior art abutment neck, where the hole serves to pass a screw head with a diameter of 2.2 mm. Thus, sufficient material is available in neck (18) to create internal passage (22) without causing the wall of neck (18) to fissure or break. If the wall of neck (18) is too thin, there is a risk that the internal passage in the wall will result in breakage of the wall of neck (18).

[0047] A suitable angular abutment must be used for each specific dental implant to ensure that the opening (23) of internal passage (22) in neck (18) is oriented at the desired position in the mouth. Referring to Figs. 1 and 3a, a suitable angular abutment is one whose shaft threading starts at a location on the shaft (14) such that the mating rotations of shaft (14) within the internally threaded passage (47) of dental implant (48) will be completed precisely when opening (23) of internal passage (22) is oriented at the desired position, preferably perpendicular to the plane of the jaw. With reference to Figs. 4a and 4b, in order to determine whether an angular abutment is suitable for use with a specific dental implant, a measuring screw (52) having a screw head (54) and an externally threaded shank (56) extending therefrom is provided. Fig. 4a shows measuring screw (52) in a partially cross-sectional side view situated within dental implant (48), and Fig. 4b shows a top view of screw head (54). As seen in Fig. 4b, screw head (54) comprises a face (58) having a plurality of indicia (60) spaced equidistantly around face (58).

[0048] In operation, and with reference to Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b and Fig. 1 , for the purpose of determining which angular abutment to use, measuring screw (52) is first inserted into the threaded passage (47) of dental implant (48). After mating by rotating to a desired tightness, the dental practitioner takes note of the indicator that is oriented at the location where opening (23) of internal passage (22) is intended to be located in the mouth. Screw head (54) preferably has a ribbed side surface so rotation of measuring screw (52) may be done by hand. Additionally or alternatively, screw head (54) comprises a socket (63) for receiving a screwdriver to actuate the rotation of measuring screw (52). A plurality of angular abutments is provided with the present invention, typically corresponding to the number of indica markings that appear on face (58), wherein the desired location of opening (23) of internal passage (22) is different for each abutment and is determined by the position of the start of the thread entry of shank (14).

[0049] Additionally, according to a preferred aspect, measuring screw (52) has markings (61) (e.g. scratches) at set distances (e.g. 1 mm) along the length of shank (56) to determine the gingival height and to help select the appropriate abutment height.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, 2 - 6 alternative angular abutments are provided according to the present invention.

[0051] According to the present invention, indicia (60) are coded by one or more of the following: number, color, shape and any other form of an indicating sign that translates into a suitable angular abutment as described above.

[0052] According to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the angular abutment of the present invention is shown in Fig 5 in a partially cross-sectioned side view designated generally by numeral (100) comprising the same essential features as the first embodiment (10) with slight variations, mutatis mutandis, as described herein below. Second embodiment (100) comprises a head (112) having a projection (113) and a flange (116), and is lacking an opening in neck (118) as well as a socket, and comprises a blind hole (122) (instead of internal passage (22) of the first embodiment) extending from neck (118) into head (112), having a central axis inclined relative to the central axis of neck (118), thereby providing greater wall strength to the internally threaded blind hole (122).

[0053] In the second embodiment, an installation element (62) shown in Fig. 6 is provided in order to secure angular abutment (100) to a dental implant since the traditional method of rotating an abutment via a screwdriver tool in a socket is not possible. Installation element (62) consists of a cap for mounting on neck (118) of angular abutment (100).

[0054] Fig. 7 shows installation element (62) in a cross-sectional side view secured to angular abutment (100) of the second embodiment by passing connector screw (27) through passage (66) into the internal blind hole (not seen in this figure) in neck (118). Screw head (25) rests against the circular step (65) of installation element (62), preventing further insertion. A hex-socket (64) is located at the top of installation element (62) for a screwdriver tool (70) to turn and in doing so, rotate angular abutment (100) until it is secure within dental implant (48).

[0055] Installation element (62) can also serve as a scan abutment when using CAD / CAM technology since it is coaxial with the implant.

[0056] Fig. 8a shows an angular abutment (100a) in an alternative aspect of the second embodiment (100), in which the frustoconical surface of the neck (118a) is faceted, for example, a hexagon (120) shape. The faceted shape is shown in the figure along the base (119) of neck (118a) and upper portion (121), however, alternatively, only base (119) is faceted.

[0057] Referring to Fig. 8b, a socket wrench (123) for tightening angular abutment (100a) of Fig. 8a is shown in a partially cross-sectioned side view having a socket profile (124) corresponding to the faceted dimensions of neck (118a) and (119). The advantage of this aspect is that there is no need for an installation element in order to mate angular abutment (100a) with a dental implant.

[0058] Another angular abutment (100b) in an alternative aspect of the second embodiment (100) of the present invention is shown in Fig. 11, in which the planar surface (117b) of flange (116b) is at an angle a with respect to the central axis (115b) of abutment (100b) where a < 90 degrees. Additionally, as described herein above regarding the other embodiments of the present invention, the central axis of blind hole (122b) is inclined relative to the central axis of neck, as opposed to the prior art in which the hole is coaxially aligned with the neck. In this embodiment, the frontal section (108b) of flange (116b) is potentially visible from outside of the oral cavity since it faces outward from the oral cavity when installed in the therein. Nevertheless, in combination with the angled planar surface (117b) of flange (116b), the angle of internal passage (122b) with respect to the central axis (115b) is increased without significantly increasing frontal section (108b), thereby maintaining the aesthetics of the present invention for the user.

[0059] A third preferred embodiment of the angular abutment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 9a in a cross-sectional side view assembled as it would be when affixed to a dental implant (48), designated generally by the numeral (200), comprising the same essential features as the first embodiment (10) with slight variations, mutatis mutandis, as described herein below. Referring also to Fig. 9b, angular abutment (200) comprises a head (212) and a faceted projection (213). Head (212) comprises a flange (216) having a neck (218). Neck (218) has a frustoconical shape protruding outwardly from flange (216) in a direction opposite to projection (213), with an opening (219). Projection (213) comprises a polyhedron (usually a hexagon) exterior profile corresponding to the polyhedron seating socket of a standard dental implant. The internal passage (222) passes through neck (218) into head (212) at a desired angle of inclination relative to neck (218). Internal passage (222) has an internal thread for receiving and mating with a connector screw (not shown in these figures).

[0060] The opening (223) of internal passage (222) partially overlaps opening (219) of neck (218), thereby creating a single complex opening.

[0061] With reference specifically to Fig. 9a, a shank (214) extends from within head (212) through projection (213). In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, head (212) and shank (214) are two separate components, such that shank (214) is essentially a screw that is threaded with projection (213) as described in greater detail below.

[0062] Referring still to Fig. 9a, along with Fig. 9c showing shank (214) in a partially cross-sectioned side view and Fig. 9d showing shank (214) assembled with head (212) extending from partially crosssectioned projection (213) before installation in the implant, shank (214) comprises a distal portion (225) with threading that matches the threaded opening of the implant (not shown in the figure) and a proximal portion (227) with threading that matches the threading in through passage (224) of projection (213) (see Fig. 9b). The direction of the threading along distal portion (225) is right- handed and opposite to that of the threading along proximal portion (227) which is left-handed. Distal portion (225) and proximal portion (227) are separated by a non-threaded portion (226).

[0063] As best seen in Fig. 9c, shank (214) has a multifaceted socket (220) for receiving a screwdriver to enable its rotation. When assembling shank (214) with head (212), proximal portion (227) is inserted into projection (213) and is threaded into through passage (224).

[0064] The advantage of the third embodiment of the present invention is that the required orientation of the abutment is ensured by turning the multi-faceted projection (213) of the abutment in the corresponding multi-faceted socket of the implant, such that there is no need to have a set of implants with different thread entry points.

[0065] In an alternative aspect of the third embodiment, shank (214a) is shown in Fig. 10a comprising a screw head (228) at the end of its proximal portion (227a) in place of the threading of Fig. 9c. Screw head (228) comprises a socket (220a) for receiving a screwdriver.

[0066] With reference to Figs. 10b and 10c, a screw nut (240), shown alone in Fig. 10b in a side view partially cross-sectioned along its center line, and shown assembled within the multi-faceted projection (213) of head (212) partially cross-sectioned in Fig. 10c, is used to maintain shank (214a) securely fixed within head (212). Screw nut (240) is preferably provided to the user assembled along non-threaded portion (226) of shank (214a), and comprises external threading (242) that matches the internal threading (224) of projection (213), and internal threading (246) that matches the distal threading (225) of shank (214a). External threading (242) and internal threading (246) of screw nut (240) are oriented in different directions from each other.

[0067] An angular abutment kit is provided according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, for enabling the dental practitioner to be fully equipped with the components necessary to provide an aesthetic solution to angular abutment problems.

[0068] The kit preferably comprises at least two angular abutments (although even one is possible), a measuring screw and a connector sleeve. It is clear that each component of the kit described herein above is necessary in order to enable the angular abutment of the present invention to achieve its maximum advantage. The method of operation of the components of the kit using the first embodiment of angular abutment (10), with reference to Figs. 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b, comprises the following steps:

[0069] Step 1 : Screwing measuring screw (52) into dental implant (48) and determining which angular abutment to select based on the indicia (60) on the face of the measuring screw head and the markings (61) along the length of the shank, as described above;

[0070] Step 2: Removing measuring screw (52) from dental implant (48);

[0071] Step 3: Screwing selected angular abutment into dental implant (48) using a screwdriver;

[0072] Step 4: In a case of CAD / CAM manufacturing of a denture, installing and scanning a scan abutment and in a case of making a dental prosthesis using an impression, installing an impression transfer and taking an impression;

[0073] Step 5 : Selecting a connector sleeve with a base angle corresponding to the angle of second through hole (22) and gluing into the dental prosthesis (50); and,

[0074] Step 6: Positioning prosthesis on angular abutment and securing angular abutment in place with a screw inserted in second through passage (22).

[0075] The method of operation of the components of the kit using the second embodiment of angular abutment (100), with reference to Figs. 4a, 4b, 5, 6, 7 and 11, comprises the following steps:

[0076] Step 1 : Screwing measuring screw (52) into dental implant (48) and determine which angular abutment to select based on the indicia markings;

[0077] Step 2: Removing measuring screw (52) from dental implant (48);

[0078] Step 3: Affixing installation element (62) on the selected angular abutment and screwing the selected angular abutment into dental implant (48);

[0079] Step 4: In a case of CAD / CAM manufacturing of a denture, scanning the installation element (62) as a scan abutment;

[0080] Step 5: Removing installation element (62);

[0081] Step 6: Connector sleeve with a base angle corresponding to the angle of blind hole (122) is selected and glued into the dental prosthesis; and, Step 7: Prosthesis is positioned on angular abutment and secured in place with a screw inserted in blind hole (122).

[0082] In a case where the alternative aspect of angular abutment (100a) of the second embodiment (100) (see Fig. 8) is used, screwdriver (123) replaces installation element (62) in step 3.

[0083] The method of operation of the components of the kit using the third embodiment of angular abutment (200), with reference to Fig. 12a through 12c, comprises the following steps:

[0084] Step 1: Inserting shank (214) into through passage (224) in projection (213) and mating therewith by tightening shank (214) within through passage (224) via several thread turns (Fig. 12a) such that proximal end (227) is positioned within through passage (224). Note that this step is preferably performed at the manufacturing stage;

[0085] In an alternative Step 1, as seen in Fig. 13, proximal end (227) is positioned within head (212) and non-threaded portion (226) is positioned within through passage (224).

[0086] Step 2: Inserting multi-faced projection (213) in one of several possible positions into multifaceted socket (210) of dental implant (48) such that the internal passage (not seen in this figure) is oriented at the position most perpendicular to the plane of the jaw (Fig.12b);

[0087] Step 3: Tightening shaft (214) into dental implant (48) using screwdriver (70), while simultaneously tightening shaft (214) into projection (213) until head (212) is fully mated with implant (48) (Fig. 12c);

[0088] In an alternative Step 3, when using alternative Step 1 : Tightening shaft (214) into dental implant (48) using screwdriver (70).

[0089] Step 4: Selecting a connector sleeve (24) with a base angle corresponding to the angle of the internal passage (not shown in the figure) and gluing into the dental prosthesis (50) (Fig. 12d); and,

[0090] Step 5: Placing dental prosthesis (50) on angular abutment (200) and securing prosthesis (50) in place with a screw (27) inserted into the internal passage (not shown in the figure). (Fig. 12e).

[0091] It is understood that the above description of the embodiments of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form or forms disclosed, as many modifications and variations are possible. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims1. An angular abutment comprising a socket head having a projection and an externally threaded shank for fixing to a dental implant extending from said projection, said socket head further comprising a flange having a frustoconical shaped neck protruding outward from said flange in a direction opposite to said projection, wherein a socket adapted to receive a drive tool through a neck opening extends from said socket head within said projection coaxially with said shank, wherein said neck is coaxially aligned with said shank, and an internal passage adapted to affix a dental prosthesis to said abutment extends from a wall of said neck into said head, wherein the central axis of said internal passage is inclined relative to the central axis of said neck, wherein said internal passage is internally threaded.

2. The angular abutment according to claim 1, wherein the neck opening is coaxially aligned with the shank.

3. The angular abutment according to claim 1, wherein said internal passage has an opening that extends from said wall.

4. The angular abutment according to claim 1, wherein a blind hole adapted to affix a dental prosthesis to said abutment extends from a wall of said frustoconical shaped neck into said head, and wherein the central axis of said blind hole is inclined relative to the central axis of said neck, wherein said blind hole is internally threaded.

5. The angular abutment according to claim 4, further comprising an installation element, wherein said installation element consists of a cap comprising a through passage having a stepped end portion, and further comprising a hex-socket at the top of said cap.

6. The angular abutment according to claim 4, wherein the surface of the neck is faceted.

7. The angular abutment according to claim 4, wherein said blind hole extends from a wall of said neck into said head, and wherein a planar surface of said flange is at an angle a relative to the central axis of said abutment, where a < 90 degrees.

8. The angular abutment according to claim 1, wherein said projection comprises a polyhedron exterior profile and a threaded through passage, wherein an internal passage adapted to affix a dental prosthesis to said abutment passes through said neck into said head, wherein said angular abutment further comprising a shank comprising a threaded proximal portion, a threaded distal portion and a non-threaded central portion separating said proximal and distal portions.

9. The angular abutment according to claim 8, wherein said distal portion threading of the shank matches the threaded opening of a dental implant and said proximal portion threading matches the threading in the projection through passage, wherein the direction of threading along said distal portion is right-handed and opposite to that of the threading along said proximal portion, which is left-handed.

10. The angular abutment according to claim 8, further comprising a screw head at the end of said threaded proximal portion of said shank and a screw nut positioned along said nonthreaded portion of said shank.

11. A connector sleeve configured to be affixed to the flange the angular abutment of claim 1 , said sleeve comprising an inlet, an outlet, and an internal through passage extending from said inlet to said outlet, wherein said through passage comprises an internal profile having a tubular portion that opens to said inlet, a substantially frustoconical portion having a wide end that opens to said outlet, and a neck portion situated between said tubular portion and the narrow end of said frustoconical portion, and wherein said outlet comprises a base oriented at an angle with respect to the central axis of said through passage such that when said base is affixed to the flange of said abutment, said through passage is coaxially aligned with said internal passage of said abutment.

12. An angular abutment kit comprising: a. an angular abutment comprising a socket head having a proj ection and an externally threaded shank for fixing to a dental implant extending from said projection, said socket head further comprising a flange having a frustoconical shaped neckprotruding outward from said flange in a direction opposite to said projection, wherein a socket adapted to receive a drive tool through a neck opening extends from said socket head within said projection coaxially with said shank, wherein said neck is coaxially aligned with said shank, and an internal passage adapted to affix a dental prosthesis to said abutment extends from a wall of said neck into said head, wherein the central axis of said internal passage is inclined relative to the central axis of said neck, wherein said internal passage is internally threaded; b. a measuring screw comprising an externally threaded shank and a screw head, said screw head comprising a face having a plurality of indicators spaced equidistantly around said face and a plurality of markings located at equal distances along said shank; and, c. a connector sleeve, said sleeve comprising an inlet, an outlet, and an internal through passage extending from said inlet to said outlet, wherein said through passage comprises an internal profile having a tubular portion that opens to said inlet, a substantially frustoconical portion having a wide end that opens to said outlet, and a neck portion situated between said tubular portion and the narrow end of said frustoconical portion, and wherein said outlet comprises a base oriented at an angle with respect to the central axis of said through passage such that when said base is affixed to the flange of said abutment, said through passage is coaxially aligned with said internal passage of said abutment.

13. The angular abutment kit according to claim 12, comprising multiple angular abutments, wherein the external threading on said shaft of each angular abutment starts at a different location from each other angular abutment, wherein each indicator on said face of said measuring screw corresponds to a different abutment and wherein each of said angular abutments has a different head height corresponding to the plurality of markings on the shaft of said measuring screw.

Images