Anatomical Healing Abutment with Structured Cap for Gum Contouring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional healing abutments in dental implantology are often cylindrical and do not match the shape of the gum, making it difficult to achieve a natural emergence profile, especially in cases of immediate extraction-implantation where tissue health is compromised and bone resorption is a concern.
Innovation Solution
A method for creating an anatomical healing abutment using a structured cap that covers the implant head, allowing for the application of molding material to create a custom-fit pillar that conforms to the gum's shape, utilizing a removable cap with elastic fixation and structured surface features for improved adhesion and attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional cylindrical healing abutments are used, then the procedure is simple and standardized, but the emergence profile does not match the natural shape of the gum and tooth
Solution Approach 1:
The healing abutment transitions from a uniform cylindrical shape to a design with varying local geometries. The abutment features a wider cervical portion that matches the gum line and a narrower occlusal portion, creating different local shapes to achieve both natural emergence profile and functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The healing abutment design breaks the symmetry of conventional cylindrical shapes by creating an asymmetric profile with different diameters at different heights. This asymmetric geometry allows the abutment to conform to the natural contours of the gum and emerging tooth structure.
2Loss of time
If immediate extraction-implantation is performed, then treatment time is reduced, but tissue health is compromised and achieving natural emergence is more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wider cervical portion of the healing abutment is designed to preliminarily protect the compromised soft tissue environment created by immediate extraction-implantation. This protective geometry is established before the tissue fully heals, providing a framework for proper emergence development from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The healing abutment design changes the geometric parameters of the implant emergence area, specifically increasing the cervical diameter to provide better soft tissue support and containment. This parameter modification helps compensate for the compromised tissue conditions resulting from immediate implantation.
3Shape
If custom anatomical healing abutments are created, then aesthetic outcomes are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating entirely custom anatomical healing abutments for each patient, the design modifies key geometric parameters (cervical diameter, occlusal diameter, height) of a standardized abutment form. This allows anatomical conformity to be achieved through parameter adjustment rather than complete customization, simplifying manufacturing.
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 the rapid production of anatomical healing pillars directly in the patient's mouth, reducing treatment duration, morbidity, and improving aesthetic outcomes by matching the natural anatomy of the tooth emergence, thus optimizing implant healing and simplifying the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
a curable molding material is introduced into the cavity between the cap and the mold wall, the molding material thereby attaching to the cap and conforming to the mold cavity
Implementation Method 2
The cap comprises a side wall whose exterior surface is structured to promote the attachment of molding materials
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention proposes a method for manufacturing an anatomical healing abutment and a removable cap for manufacturing such an abutment. The cap (40) comprises a tubular body (42) closed at one end and open at the other, the tubular body being configured to be engaged, by clipping, by its open end onto a portion of the head of a dental implant. The outer surface of the tubular body is, at least over a portion of its circumference, structured to facilitate the adhesion of molding material, in particular by means of grooves (48). A kit of anatomical healing abutments is also presented.