Dental Implant Retaining Ring for Easy Abutment Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endosteal dental implants require complex procedures for removal, involving cap removal or drilling, which complicates future assessments and adds time and debris, due to the use of filling materials that need to be removed and replaced.
Innovation Solution
A tooth implant system featuring a threaded insert with a retaining post and sleeve mechanism, allowing for easy installation and removal of the tooth insert without the need for cap removal or drilling, using a silicon sleeve and retaining post design that secures the tooth insert with an interference fit and adjustable gasket sleeve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the cap is permanently secured to the abutment using filling material, then the implant structure is stable and secure, but the removal procedure becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the implant system into separable components: the cap, the abutment, and the retaining ring. This segmentation allows the cap to be easily removed by simply unscrewing the retaining ring, eliminating the need to drill through or chemically remove filling material as in traditional permanent bonds. The cap can be independently removed and replaced without affecting other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the filling material entirely from the implant system, replacing it with a mechanical retaining ring mechanism. This extraction eliminates the harmful effects of filling material (debris, additional removal time, need for temporary fillings) while maintaining the secure attachment function through the retaining ring that simply unscrews to release the cap.
2Strength
If the cap is permanently secured with filling material, then the attachment is strong and durable, but the procedure generates additional debris and requires filling material removal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention completely removes the filling material from the system, replacing it with a mechanical retaining ring that holds the cap through friction and mechanical interference rather than chemical bonding. This extraction eliminates all debris-generation associated with filling material installation and removal, as the retaining ring simply unscrews without creating particulate waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring is designed as a simple, inexpensive mechanical component that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than using permanent filling materials that create debris and require complex removal procedures. The focus shifts from permanent chemical bonds to replaceable mechanical fasteners.
3Ease of repair
If drilling is required to access the abutment screw, then the implant can be accessed for repair, but the cap must be removed or repaired which is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the fastening function into a separate retaining ring component that can be independently accessed and removed. This allows the abutment screw to be accessed by simply unscrewing the retaining ring from the outside, without needing to drill through the cap or perform complex removal procedures. The cap itself remains intact and can be easily replaced by removing the retaining ring.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the implant uses traditional cap security methods, then the structure is stable, but the overall device complexity increases due to multiple removal procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the implant into distinct functional components (cap, abutment, retaining ring) with a clear hierarchical relationship. The retaining ring acts as an intermediate fastening component that simplifies the overall system by providing a single, simple unscrewing action for cap removal, rather than requiring multiple procedures like drilling, filling material removal, and cap reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the cap permanent and requiring destruction or complex removal to access the abutment, the invention inverts the approach by making the retaining ring the removable component. This allows easy access to the abutment screw by simply unscrewing the retaining ring from the exterior, reversing the traditional sequence where the cap must be destroyed or removed through drilling.
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
Facilitates easier installation and removal of dental implants, reducing procedural complexity and time, while maintaining a secure and adjustable fit, thus addressing the drawbacks of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
using a silicon sleeve and retaining post design that secures the tooth insert with an interference fit
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for replicating a tooth within a user's mouth comprises a threaded insert receivable with a bore in a wearer's jaw, the threaded insert having a first connector associated therewith and a tooth implant having a second connector. The first and second connectors are frictionally engageable with each other to retain the tooth implant within the user's mouth.