Dental Implants with Radiopaque Markers for 3D Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental implant technologies lack precise three-dimensional imaging capabilities to determine the exact spatial position and orientation of implants within the jaw bone, leading to inefficiencies in prosthetic fabrication and multiple patient visits, as well as loss of natural gingival tissue aesthetics during tooth replacement procedures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating radiopaque markers on or within dental implants, which allow for precise imaging using techniques like CT, MRI, or ultrasound, enabling accurate modeling of implant position and interaction with surrounding tissues, and using customizable anatomical healing caps to preserve gingival tissue features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional dental implants without markers are used, then the implant structure remains simple, but the measurement precision of implant position and orientation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Radiopaque markers are introduced as intermediary elements on the implant surface to mediate between the implant structure and imaging systems. These markers serve as reference points that enhance the visibility and measurability of implant position and orientation without fundamentally altering the implant's core function or structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiopaque markers create contrast differences in imaging modalities, effectively changing the 'visual properties' of the implant surface. This contrast enhancement allows imaging systems to detect and measure implant characteristics that would otherwise be indistinguishable from surrounding bone and tissue structures.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple iterative procedures are performed to fabricate prosthetics, then the prosthetic fit can be improved, but the loss of time and materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiopaque markers enable preliminary and accurate three-dimensional positioning data to be obtained immediately after implant placement. This preliminary information allows the prosthetic fabrication process to begin with precise spatial parameters, eliminating the need for multiple iterative adjustments and reducing both time and material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The markers provide continuous feedback capability throughout the healing and prosthetic fabrication process. By enabling repeated precise measurements of implant position, the system allows for accurate planning and fabrication of prosthetics without requiring multiple trial procedures, thus reducing time loss and material consumption.
3Measurement precision
If traditional imaging techniques are used without markers, then the imaging process remains simple, but the measurement precision of implant position in subgingival environment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Radiopaque markers serve as intermediary reference objects that bridge the gap between standard imaging techniques and the need for precise implant positioning measurement. These markers work with existing imaging modalities (X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound) to enhance measurement capability without requiring fundamentally new or complex imaging systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient fabrication of prosthetics with reduced material and time requirements, minimizes patient visits, and effectively preserves the natural aesthetics of gingival tissue by providing precise spatial data and anatomically matched healing caps.
Implementation Method 1
imaging techniques like CT, MRI, or x-ray imaging
Implementation Method 2
radiopaque markers positioned on or within the implant body
Data Source
AI summary
Dental implants including radiopaque markers provided therein or thereon. The implant may also include customizable length characteristics. For example, a kit may include implants with different diameters (e.g., 3 diameters), where all of the implants are of a single (e.g., long) length. The appropriate diameter implant may be selected from the kit by the practitioner, and the long length implant may be cut (e.g., with a dental drill) to the appropriate length needed. The implants include radiopaque markers on or within the implant. For example, three series of markers may be provided on different “faces” of the implant, so that the three series of markers serve as reference points when scanning, allowing triangulation of the exact position of the implant in relation to the surrounding hard and soft oral tissues.