Dental implant with variable threaded crest diameter

Abstract

A dental implant has a body with a coronal end and an opposing apical end. A helical thread extends about the body having a minor diameter and a major diameter that varies between the minor diameter along a first axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a diameter greater than the minor diameter along a second axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the first axis.

Description

Atty. Dkt. No.: V130-107-PCTDENTAL IMPLANT WITH VARIABLE THREADED CREST DIAMETERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 755,995, filed on February 7, 2026, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates to a dental implant and to an orthopedic fastener and dental implant and fastener placement procedures, specifically when the hosting bone has a narrow dimension.SUMMARY

[0003] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a dental implant including: a body having a coronal end and an opposing apical end; the body having a first portion with a non-circular cylindrical shape including a helical thread extending about the first portion; the helical thread having: a minor diameter that is constant 360 degrees about a longitudinal axis of the body within any cross sectional plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body; and a major diameter having a value that varies between the minor diameter along a minor axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a diameter greater than the minor diameter along a major axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the minor axis.

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a dental implant including: a body having a coronal end and an opposing apical end, the body including an abutment receiving portion adjacent the coronal end of the body and a central region intermediate the abutment receiving portion and the apical end of the body, a helical thread extending about the central portion, the helical thread having a crest having a variable diameter about a longitudinal axis of the body and a root having a fixed diameter about the longitudinal axis of the body; wherein a radius ofAtty. Dkt. No.: V130-107-PCTthe crest is equal to the radius of the root along a fist axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the and is greater that the root along a second axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the first axis.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an implant including: a body having a coronal end and an opposing apical end; a helical thread extending about the body having a minor diameter and a major diameter that varies between the minor diameter along a first axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a diameter greater than the minor diameter along a second axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the first axis..BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG 1 is an isometric view of a dental implant.

[0007] FIG 1 A is a top plan view of the dental implant of FIG 1.

[0008] FIG 2 a schematic view of imaginary cylinders defined by the crest and root of a helical thread.

[0009] FIG 2A is a schematic cross section of the imaginary cylinders FIG 2 taken generally along line 2A-2A.

[0010] FIG 3 is a top isometric view of the dental implant of FIG 1 within the mandible.

[0011] FIG 4 is an isometric view of the dental implant within the mandible taken along two perpendicular planes.

[0012] FIG 4A is a close up of the implant within the mandible in the ZX plane.

[0013] FIG 4B is a close up of the implant within the mandible in the ZY plane.

[0014] FIG 4C is a plan view of the cross sectional view of implant and mandible taken along the ZX plane.

[0015] FIG 4D is a plan view of the cross sectional view of implant and mandible taken along the ZY plane.

[0016] FIG 4E is an isometric cross sectional view of implant and mandible taken along a first axis.Atty. Dkt. No.: V130-107-PCT

[0017] FIG 4F is an isometric cross sectional view of implant and mandible taken along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

[0018] FIG 4G is a top plan view of the dental implant and mandible.

[0019] FIG 4H is a close up view of FIG 4 with a partial cutaway of the insert to illustrate the contact between the jaw and the insert in an installed position along a first (Y -Axis) and second axis (X-axis).

[0020] FIG 5A is an isometric view of an implant with an indicia.

[0021] FIG 5B is an isometric view of an implant with another indicia.

[0022] FIG 6A is an another embodiment of an implant.

[0023] FIG 6B is a top plan view of the implant of FIG 6A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Dental implants for replacing missing teeth provide a number of benefits. Dental implants demonstrate high success rates and improve patients’ quality of life by restoring lost function and esthetics. Compared with removable and fixed partial dentures, dental implants offer a fixed reconstruction of edentulous spans with lower risk of biologic complications, such as caries, to natural teeth. Implant supported or retained prostheses have indications ranging from replacing a single tooth to restoring full -arch edentulous spans.

[0025] Despite the benefits of dental implants, their use is confined to areas with adequate bone volume. This serves as a limitation because bone remodeling after tooth loss frequently renders the edentulous site unsuitable for implant placement. Loss of horizontal ridge width occurs more frequently and to a greater extent compared with vertical bone loss after tooth extraction. Several options, such as advanced bone-grafting procedures before or simultaneously with implant placement and use of narrow implants, have been proposed to overcome this limitation.

[0026] Implant rehabilitations in the posterior jaw are influenced by many factors such as the condition of the remaining teeth, the force factors related to the patient, the quality of the bone, the maintenance of the hygiene, the limited bone height, the type and extent of edentulism, and the nature of the opposing arch. It is preferable toAtty. Dkt. No.: V130-107-PCTplace a regular diameter implant (>3.7 mm) to replace every missing molar.Unfortunately, due to limited bone width, this option is not always possible without lateral bone augmentation. In situations with limited bone width of the crest the use of a narrow diameter implant (NDI < 3.5 mm) could be the alternative to lateral bone augmentation procedures.

[0027] Narrow diameter implants are often used for ridges where the bone is too thin to accommodate standard implants. These implants typically range from 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm in diameter and are made to withstand the functional load while preserving as much bone as possible. They are particularly useful in the anterior region of the jaw, where esthetics is a priority, and for patients with limited bone density.

[0028] It is believed that a minimum bone thickness of 1.5 to 2.5 mm of peri -implant bone is necessary to avoid excessive bone resorption. This bone cushion allows for proper biological width formation, which is critical for peri-implant health. If the bone is too thin, resorption is more likely due to mechanical and biological factors.

[0029] The conflict between dental diameter and peri-implant bone width revolves around achieving a balance between implant stability, minimizing bone loss and ensuring long term predictability. A wider implant typically provides better primary stability because it engages a greater amount of bone surface area. Wider implants offer better primary stability but require sufficient peri-implant bone width. In areas with limited bone width (such as narrow ridges) a wider implant might require additional bone augmentation to ensure proper integration. In cases of reduced bone width, narrow implants can be placed without bone grafting. However, they may offer less initial stability.

[0030] The gap between a dental implant surface and the prepared hole in the jawbone occurs through a biological process called osseointegration. After the dental implant is placed a blood clot forms in this gap between implant surface and the surrounding bone. This clot serves as a scaffold for cell migration and the initiation of the healing process. Stem cells from the surrounding bone tissue migrate into the gap, differentiating into osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation

[0031] Referring to FIG 1 an implant 100 includes an implant body 102 having a coronal region 104, a first threaded region 106 and an apical region 108. ImplantAtty. Dkt. No.: V130-107-PCTbody 102 includes a coronal region 104, a first threaded region 106 and an apical region 108. First threaded region 106 being positioned between coronal region 104 and apical region 108. Implant body 102 has a longitudinal axis 110 extending from a coronal end 112 through an apical end 114 and is represented as the Z axis in FIG 1. In one coronal region 104 has a non-circular shape as taken in a plane perpendicular to longitudinal axis 110. Coronal region 104 has a first diameter 116 measured along a first axis (X axis in FIG 1) and a second diameter 118 measured along a second axis (Y axis in FIG 1) that is a direction generally perpendicular to the first axis. First diameter 116 defines the narrowest dimension of implant 100 and second diameter second diameter 118 defines the widest dimension of implant 100. First diameter 116 and second diameter 118 are measured within a plane that is perpendicular to longitudinal axis 110.

[0032] Referring to FIG 1A, in one implementation coronal region 104 has an oval or elliptical shape having a smallest diameter taken along a first axis 111 also referred to herein as the minor axis and a largest diameter taken along a second axis 113 also referred to herein as the major axis. The major axis being perpendicular to the minor axis. The major axis and minor axis being perpendicular to longitudinal axis 110. Coronal region 104 includes a cavity 120 for receiving an abutment that in one implementation receives a Prosthetic tooth crown (not shown). Cavity 120 is also referred to herein as an abutment receiving portion. Referring to FIG 1 and FIG 1A, in one implementation the radius of root 126 of helical thread 122 along first axis 111 is equal to or less than the radius of coronal region coronal region 104

[0033] First threaded region 106 includes a helical thread 122 extending about implant body 102. Helical thread 122 includes a crest 124 and a root 126. The outer edge of crest 124 is also referred to herein as the major diameter of helical thread 122 and the root is also referred to herein as the minor diameter of helical thread 122. The term root and minor diameter of helical thread 122 will be used interchangeably. Similarly, crest 124 and major diameter of helical thread 122 will be used interchangeably. The radius of the crest proximate coronal region 104 as measured from longitudinal axis 110 in the first threaded region 106 is tapered such that it becomes narrower from coronal region 104 towards the apical region 108. StatedAtty. Dkt. No.: V130-107-PCTanother way the radius of crest 124 as measured from longitudinal axis 110 in a given direction such as the Y axis is larger adjacent coronal region 104 than adjacent apical region 108. In one implementation first threaded region 106 is not tapered.

[0034] In one implementation the spacing between the distance between adjacent crests 124 of turns of helical thread 122 is referred to herein as the thread pitch. Referring to FIG 1, FIG 2 and FIG 2A the crests 124 define an imaginary non-circular tapered cylinder 128. In one implementation imaginary non-circular tapered cylinder 128 has a first geometric shape 129 as viewed in a cross sectional plane of imaginary non-circular tapered cylinder 128 taken perpendicular to longitudinal axis 110. In one implementation the first geometric shape 129 is an ellipse having a first radius ria taken along the first axis (x axis) and a second radius r2a taken along the second axis (y axis) perpendicular to the first axis. Wherein r2a is greater than ria. In one implementation second imaginary tapered circular cylinder 130 has a first taper angle 152 between 0 and 6 degrees. In one implementation first taper angle is greater than 0 degrees. In one implementation first taper angle is 0 degrees.

[0035] The roots 126 of helical thread 122 define a second imaginary tapered circular cylinder 130. In one implementation imaginary tapered circular cylinder 128 has a second geometric shape 131 as viewed in a cross sectional plane of imaginary tapered circular cylinder 128. In one implementation the second geometric shape 131 is a circle having a radius r3a. In one implementation r3a is equal to ria. In one implementation second imaginary tapered circular cylinder 130 has a second taper angle 154 that is the same as first taper angle 152, In one implementation the second taper angle is different than the first taper angle 152. In one implementation the second taper angle is greater than the first taper angle. In one implementation the second taper angle is less than the first taper angle. In one implementation first taper angle 152 is 0 degrees. In this case radius ria, rib and rlc has the same value. Stated another way when first taper angle 152 is 0 degrees, the radius of 130 at each cross section taken along the longitudinal axis 110 from the upper portion to the lower portion will be the same value. In one implementation where first taper angle 152 is 0 degrees, second taper angle 154 is a non 0 degree value. In one implementation when first taper angle 152 is 0 degrees, second taper angle is also 0 degrees.Atty. Dkt. No.: V130-107-PCT

[0036] In one implementation implant 100 has a coronal end 132 and an opposing apical end 134. Implant 100 has a body having a first threaded portion 106 with a non-circular tapered cylindrical shape including a helical thread 122 extending about the first threaded portion 106 with multiple turns. The helical thread 122 includes a minor diameter that is constant 360 degrees about a longitudinal axis 110 of the body 102 within any cross sectional plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 110 of the body 102. Helical thread 122 includes a major diameter having a value that varies between the minor diameter along a minor axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a diameter greater than the minor diameter along a major axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the minor axis. As a result, the distance 136 between crest 124 along varies between a minimum value at the narrowest dimension of implant 100 to a maximum value at the widest dimension of implant 100.

[0037] In one implementation the taper of crest 124 of the helical thread 122 is constant for first threaded region 106 and the taper of root 126 of helical thread 122 is constant for first threaded region 106. In one implementation the first taper and the second taper are the same for the taper taken along any plane that includes longitudinal axis 110.

[0038] Referring to FIG 3 and FIG 4A-4G, implant 100 is threadedly inserted into a hole or osteotomy within jaw 138. Jaw 138 has an inner surface 140 and opposite outer surface 142. Jaw 138 has a generally nonlinear shape following a nonlinear axis 144. Along nonlinear axis 144 jaw portion has a minimum thin dimension taken along a cross-jaw axis 145 perpendicular to nonlinear axis 144 extending between inner surface 140 and opposite outer surface 142. Implant 100 is implanted into jaw 138 such that the narrowest dimension of implant 100 is aligned with the narrowest dimension of jaw 138. The widest dimension of implant 100 is aligned with nonlinear axis 144 of jaw portion 138.

[0039] Implant 100 is threadedly received into jaw 138 such that crest 124 forms a helical tapered circular depression 146 within jaw 138 defined by the maximum value of crest 124. Implant 100 forms a helical tapered circular depression 148 within jaw 138. Referring to FIG 4A, when implant 100 is fully threaded into jaw 138 both crestAtty. Dkt. No.: V130-107-PCT124 and root 126 of helical thread 122 is contacting the walls of the bore within jaw 138 along a non-linear plane extending through nonlinear axis 144. Referring to FIG 4B when implant 100 is fully threaded into jaw 138 crest 124 of helical thread 122 is spaced from the wall of the bore within jaw 138 a distance 136 while the root 126 of helical thread 122 contacts the wall of the bore within jaw 138. Root 126 contacts the wall of the bore within jaw 138 360 degrees about the wall of the bore within jaw 138. Referring to FIG 4A, FIG 4B and FIG 4H a gap 150 is created between crest 124 of helical thread 122 and the wall of the bore formed within the jaw 138 taken along cross-jaw axis 145. The gap 150 between the wall of the bore formed within the jaw and root 126 of helical thread 122 tapers from a distance 136 to a distance of zero between cross-jaw axis 145 and nonlinear axis 144. Note that FIG 4A illustrates a line 150a within gap 150. Line 150a is a CAD line that reflects the thread line at the back of the gap or cavity 150. In contrast there is no gap between the wall of the bore formed within the jaw and root 126 of helical thread 122 extending 360 degrees about longitudinal axis 110 of implant 100. Referring to FIG 4B when implant 100 is secured in jaw 138 the minor diameter and the major diameter are in full contact with a bone of the jaw 138 along the cross-jaw direction (Y -axis) and the minor diameter is in partial contact with the bone of jaw 138 in the second direction (X-axis). In this manner there is no continuous gap between wraps of the helical thread as at least a portion of the implant is always in contact with the wall of the jaw osteotomy when implant 100 is secured to jaw 138. Stated another way in the first portion at least a portion of the implant body 102 is in contact with the bone of jaw 138 along the entire periphery of implant 100 between each adjacent crest of helical thread 122. Stated another way in one implementation root 126 of helical thread 122 follows a continuous uninterrupted helical path about longitudinal axis 110. Referring to FIG 1, and FIG 4, FIG 4A and FIG 4B, root 126 of helical thread 122 is continuous 360 degrees about implant body 102 of implant 100. This feature allows root 126 to be in contact with the wall of the osteotomy in the jaw 360 degrees about the implant body. Referring to FIG 4A, there is only a gap 150 at the crest 124 of helical thread 122 between the crest 124 and the osteotomy wall along cross-jaw axis 145. In one implementation first axis 111 of implant 100 is aligned with cross-jaw axis 145 whenAtty. Dkt. No.: V130-107-PCTimplant 100 is implanted into the jaw so that the narrowest dimension of implant 100 is aligned with the narrowest dimension of the jaw portion into which implant 100 is being inserted. Referring to FIG 4H, along the second direction (X-axis), insert 100 contacts the jaw between adjacent gaps 150 along portions 151. In one implementation the area of contact 151 to between the jaw and insert in the second direction (X-axis) is greater than the area of noncontact defined by gaps 150.

[0040] Unless otherwise indicated the major and minor diameters discussed herein refer to the thread 122. In one implementation 2 / 3 of the upper minor thread diameter is always under contact with the bone, 360 degrees, to support 360 degrees chewing forces while the major thread diameter is contact with the bone only along the jawbone arch when the implant is threadedly inserted into the jawbone.

[0041] Referring to FIG 5A and FIG 5B , cavity 120 of implant 100 includes an indicia 160 located on an a wall of cavity 120 a distance spaced from the coronal end of implant 100 toward the apical bottom of cavity 120. In one implementation, indicia 160 is located on an arcuate portion 164 between the terminal coronal end 162 of the implant 100 and the non-arcuate shaped abutment receiving portion 166. In one implementation arcuate portion 164 has a generally firusto conical shape. In one implementation non-arcuate shaped abutment receiving portion 166 includes a hexagonal shape to receive an abutment having a hexagonal post. However other non-arcuate shapes in abutment receiving portions 166 that mates with a matching shape are known in the art are also contemplated. In one implementation indicia 160 is positioned on arcuate portion 164 between upper coronal end of implant 100 and non-arcuate shaped abutment receiving portion 166. In one implementation indicia 160 can be seen by an operator and is located on axis 111 of implant 100 thereby providing a visual indication of the location of the so that the location of narrowest dimension of implant 100 within the jaw. This allows an operator to ensure the narrowest dimension is located in the jaw at the desired orientation. Referring to FIG 5A in one implementation indicia 160 is a recess located within arcuate portion 164. Referring to FIG 5B, in one implementation indicia 160 is a linear mark located on arcuate portion 164. However, other shapes are contemplated such as a curvilinear mark. In one implementation one implementation indicia 160 is located below theAtty. Dkt. No.: V130-107-PCTuppermost terminal surface of coronal end of implant 100. Stated another way the entire one implementation indicia 160 is located between the uppermost terminal surface of the coronal end and non-arcuate shaped abutment receiving portion 166. In one implementation indicia 160 is located on the uppermost terminal surface of the terminal end 162 of the coronal end of implant 100. Referring to FIG 5 A, CAD lines 168 do not represent a physical feature on implant 100 but rather are generated by the CAD software. In one implementation indicia 160 is a of a visual means.

[0042] Referring to FIG 6A and FIG 6B, a dental implant 200 includes a body having a coronal region and an apical region. The body features a substantially round cross-sectional profile interrupted by two opposed, longitudinal cutaways 202, positioned approximately 180 degrees apart to form a dual -flat, or "double-D," geometry when viewed in a cross-section taken perpendicular to the implant's longitudinal axis. The outer surface of the implant body is primarily provided with an external helical thread for primary bone engagement. The threaded surface terminates at the lateral boundaries of each cutaway, such that the cutaway surfaces themselves remain entirely non-threaded. A defining dimensional and functional relationship is established wherein the narrow dimension (DI), measured between the two parallel flats of the cutaways, is less than the minor diameter (Dmin) of the external thread. Consequently, at the implant's wider dimension, perpendicular to the flats, the crests of the external thread provide full, continuous circumferential contact with the surrounding bone. In contrast, along the narrower dimension defined by the flats, and at any radial curvature less than Dmin, a longitudinal space is maintained between the implant body and the osteotomy wall, ensuring no direct bone contact at these specific regions. Referring to FIG 5A the apical portion includes a self-tapping screw feature 204 that is known in the art. All of the embodiments of implant 100 as described herein above in one implementation includes a self-tapping screw feature on the apical portion of the implant.

[0043] Illustrative Embodiments:

[0044] Illustrative Embodiment 1. A dental implant including: a body having a coronal end and an opposing apical end; the body having a first portion with a noncircular cylindrical shape including a helical thread extending about the first portion;Atty. Dkt. No.: V130-107-PCTthe helical thread having: a minor diameter that is constant 360 degrees about a longitudinal axis of the body within any cross sectional plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body; and a major diameter having a value that varies between the minor diameter along a minor axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a diameter greater than the minor diameter along a major axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the minor axis.

[0045] Illustrative Embodiment 2. The dental implant of illustrative embodiment 1 wherein the non-circular cylindrical shape of the first portion is tapered.

[0046] Illustrative Embodiment 3. The dental implant of any one of illustrative embodiments 1-2, wherein the minor diameter is continuous and non-interrupted.

[0047] Illustrative Embodiment 4. The dental implant of any one of illustrative embodiments 1-3, wherein the coronal portion includes an elliptical or parabolic cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.

[0048] Illustrative Embodiment 5. The dental implant of any one of illustrative embodiments 1-4, wherein the body has a second portion between the first portion and the apical end having a second taper that is different than a first taper of the first portion.

[0049] Illustrative Embodiment 6. The dental implant of any one of illustrative embodiments 1-5, wherein the first portion has a taper angle between 0 and 6 degrees.

[0050] Illustrative Embodiment 7. A method of inserting the dental implant of any one of illustrative embodiments 1-6 into a jaw, including: forming an osteotomy in the jaw having an osteotomy longitudinal axis, wherein the jaw has first thickness in a first cross-jaw direction and a second thickness greater than the first thickness in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to the osteotomy longitudinal axis; rotatingly inserting the dental within into the osteotomy to a desired depth within the osteotomy and stopping rotation of the dental implant such that the minor axis is aligned with cross-jaw direction.

[0051] Illustrative Embodiment 8. The method of illustrative embodiment 7, wherein the minor diameter and the major diameter are in full contact with a bone of the jawAtty. Dkt. No.: V130-107-PCTalong the cross-jaw direction and the minor diameter is in partial contact with the bone of the jaw in the second direction.

[0052] Illustrative Embodiment 9. The dental implant of any one of illustrative embodiments 1-7, further including an abutment receiving cavity having an arcuate portion and a non-arcuate portion, and an indicia positioned on the arcuate portion.

[0053] Illustrative Embodiment 10, The dental implant of illustrative embodiment 9, wherein the indicia is a recess within the arcuate portion of the cavity.

[0054] Illustrative Embodiment 11. A dental implant including: a body having a coronal end and an opposing apical end, the body including an abutment receiving portion adjacent the coronal end of the body and a central region intermediate the abutment receiving portion and the apical end of the body, a helical thread extending about the central portion, the helical thread having a crest having a variable diameter about a longitudinal axis of the body and a root having a fixed diameter about the longitudinal axis of the body; wherein a radius of the crest is equal to the radius of the root along a fist axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the and is greater that the root along a second axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the first axis.

[0055] Illustrative Embodiment 12. An implant including: a body having a coronal end and an opposing apical end; a helical thread extending about the body having a minor diameter and a major diameter that varies between the minor diameter along a first axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a diameter greater than the minor diameter along a second axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the first axis.

[0056] Illustrative Embodiment 13. A dental implant comprising a body having a coronal region and an apical region; wherein the body has a round cross-sectional profile interrupted by two opposed, longitudinal cutaways positioned approximately 180 degrees apart, and wherein the longitudinal cutaways form spaced dual -flat regions, and the body includes an external helical thread for primary bone engagement, the helical thread terminates at the lateral boundaries of each longitudinal cutaway, the longitudinal cutaways are non-threaded.Atty. Dkt. No.: V130-107-PCT

[0057] While implant 100 has been described herein as a dental implant, the implant 100 could be used for an orthopedic implant in bones with a narrow dimension in other than the jaw.

[0058] In one implementation the dental implant systems discussed herein above includes an implant body with a non-circular, oval cross-section, defined by a major axis and a shorter minor axis. This design aids to resolve the clinical compromise between narrow implants that preserve bone but have limited load-bearing surface area and wide implants that offer mechanical strength but do so at the expense of the critical buccal and lingual bone plates, reducing the vital bone-implant interface . By surgically orienting the implant with its minor axis parallel to the thin buccal-lingual dimension of the alveolar ridge, the dental implant system achieves the biological benefit of maximal bone preservation for vital blood supply and aesthetics.Simultaneously, the elongated major axis, aligned along the dental arch, provides the mechanical advantage of a substantially increased bone-to-implant contact area to optimally withstand masticatory forces. The dental implant systems described herein combines the key advantages of both conventional narrow and wide-diameter circular implants into a single, anatomically-adapted device.

[0059] Direct contact between the implant body and the bone aids in the successful dental implant outcomes. Minimizing micromovements aids in a successful outcome. If initial stability is inadequate, excessive movement can lead to the formation of fibrous tissue (fibro integration) instead of direct bone contact, resulting in clinical failure. In one implementation the dental implant system described herein provides a monolithic, oval cross-section with full direct contact along the wide dimension and with partial contact with the bone at the clearance or stated another way at the intrinsic relief dimension at the minor thread dimension which extends along the body.

[0060] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the defined subject matter. For example, although different example embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it isAtty. Dkt. No.: V130-107-PCTcontemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the definitions reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.

Claims

Atty. Dkt. No.: V130-107-PCTWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A dental implant comprising:a body having a coronal end and an opposing apical end;the body having a first portion with a non-circular cylindrical shape including a helical thread extending about the first portion;the helical thread having:a minor diameter that is constant 360 degrees about a longitudinal axis of the body within any cross sectional plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body; anda major diameter having a value that varies between the minor diameter along a minor axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a diameter greater than the minor diameter along a major axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the minor axis.

2. The dental implant of claim 1, wherein the non-circular cylindrical shape of the first portion is tapered.

3. The dental implant of claim 1, wherein the minor diameter is continuous and non-interrupted.

4. The dental implant of claim 1, wherein the coronal portion includes an elliptical or parabolic cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.

5. The dental implant of claim 1, wherein the body has a second portion between the first portion and the apical end having a second taper that is different than a first taper of the first portion.

6. The dental implant of claim 1, wherein the first portion has a taper angle between 0 and 6 degrees.

7. A method of inserting the dental implant of claim 1 into a jaw, comprising:Atty. Dkt. No.: V130-107-PCTforming an osteotomy in the jaw having an osteotomy longitudinal axis, wherein the jaw has first thickness in a first cross-jaw direction and a second thickness greater than the first thickness in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to the osteotomy longitudinal axis;rotatingly inserting the dental within into the osteotomy to a desired depth within the osteotomy and stopping rotation of the dental implant such that the minor axis is aligned with cross-jaw direction.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the minor diameter and the major diameter are in full contact with a bone of the jaw along the cross-jaw direction and the minor diameter is in partial contact with the bone of the jaw in the second direction.

9. The dental implant of claim 1, further including an abutment receiving cavity having an arcuate portion and a non-arcuate portion, and an indicia positioned on the arcuate portion.

10. The dental implant of claim 9, wherein the indicia is a recess within the arcuate portion of the cavity.

11. A dental implant comprising:a body having a coronal end and an opposing apical end, the body including an abutment receiving portion adjacent the coronal end of the body and a central region intermediate the abutment receiving portion and the apical end of the body, a helical thread extending about the central portion, the helical thread having a crest having a variable diameter about a longitudinal axis of the body and a root having a fixed diameter about the longitudinal axis of the body;wherein a radius of the crest is equal to the radius of the root along a fist axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the and is greater that the root along a second axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the first axis.Atty. Dkt. No.: V130-107-PCT12. An implant comprising :a body having a coronal end and an opposing apical end;a helical thread extending about the body having a minor diameter and a major diameter that varies between the minor diameter along a first axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis and a diameter greater than the minor diameter along a second axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the first axis.

13. A dental implant comprising :a body having a coronal region and an apical region;the body has a round cross-sectional profile interrupted by two opposed, longitudinal cutaways positioned approximately 180 degrees apart,the longitudinal cutaways form spaced dual-flat regions, andthe body includes an external helical thread for primary bone engagement, the helical thread terminates at lateral boundaries of each longitudinal cutaway, the longitudinal cutaways are non-threaded.

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