Angled Dental Tool Assembly for Abutment Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental prosthesis mounting tools are difficult for dentists to manipulate, especially in confined spaces, leading to challenges in securely fixing abutments and increasing the risk of tool parts being dislodged or lost.
Innovation Solution
A tool assembly with a first tool and a second tool, where the axes of elongation are offset by an angle between 10° and 40°, allowing easier manipulation and secure fixing of abutments without the need for a cut-out portion in the abutment, enabling the second tool to be grasped and turned more easily, especially when the implant is in the back of the mouth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a substantially straight tool is used to engage the implant screw through an inclined abutment bore, then the tool can be inserted along the longitudinal axis of the implant, but the tool becomes difficult to manipulate in the confined space of the dental surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The tool assembly is divided into two separate tools: a first tool with a substantially straight shaft for insertion through the abutment bore, and a second tool with an angled shaft for engaging the implant screw. This segmentation allows each tool to be optimized for its specific function, with the second tool being easier to manipulate since it doesn't need to pass through the confined space of the abutment bore.
Solution Approach 2:
The first tool acts as an intermediary carrier that holds the second tool. The first tool is inserted through the abutment bore to reach the implant screw, and the second tool is then engaged with the screw head. This intermediary mechanism allows the angled second tool to be positioned and manipulated without requiring direct access through the confined space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tool parts are made of small dimensions (up to 30mm) to fit through the abutment bore, then the tool can access the implant screw, but the risk of the tool part being dislodged or lost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the tool into two parts with different size requirements, the first tool can be made larger and more easily graspable while still allowing the second tool to pass through the abutment bore. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between needing small dimensions for access and large dimensions for reliable manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The second tool is nested within or attached to the first tool during the procedure. The first tool serves as a carrier that holds the second tool in place, ensuring that the smaller second tool doesn't get dislodged or lost while still allowing it to access the implant screw through the confined space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an inclined abutment is used to accommodate angled implant screws, then the abutment can be fixed to the implant, but it becomes difficult or impossible to access the screw head with a straight tool
Solution Approach 1:
The tool assembly is segmented into a first tool for insertion through the abutment and a second tool for engaging the screw. This allows the abutment to maintain its inclined configuration for versatility while the two-tools approach provides ease of operation by allowing the second tool to access the screw head without needing to pass through the confined space of the abutment bore.
Solution Approach 2:
The first tool serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the inclined abutment configuration and the need to access the screw head. It carries the second tool through the abutment bore and positions it for engagement with the screw, enabling the angled abutment design to work with standard straight tools.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool assembly for mounting a dental abutment is described which comprises: a first tool, the first tool having an axis of elongation, a first end configured to engage, in use, the abutment, and a second end. At least a first portion of the first tool at or near the first end has a peripheral wall and, opposite the wall, a first opening extending along all or part of the first portion. A second opening open in an axial direction is disposed at the first end. The tool assembly further comprises a second tool configured to releasably engage a fixing element. A contiguous space is defined between the first opening and the second opening whereby, in use, (i) the fixing element, or (ii) the fixing element attached to the second tool, may pass through the first opening and the second opening to permit secure fixing of the abutment to an implant or frame using the second tool. A method of mounting a dental abutment using the tool assembly is also disclosed.