Laser-Textured Dental Abutment Surface for Stronger Prosthesis Bonding

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing dental abutments, such as sandblasting, are time-consuming, risk damaging soft tissues, create discontinuities, darken the abutment color, and require a large surface area, limiting the use of inclined screw channels.

Innovation Solution

A method involving laser texturing of the abutment's receiving surface with grooves forming a grid, preferably square and oriented at 45°, to enhance bonding retention without sandblasting, accompanied by optional laser yellowing for aesthetic purposes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If sandblasting is used to increase bonding retention, then bonding retention is improved, but production time increases and soft tissue damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebonding retentionVSAvoidproduction time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical sandblasting process with a laser-based surface texturing process. The laser creates micro-grooves and roughness on the receiving surface through photothermal ablation, eliminating the need for abrasive media and lengthy production cycles while achieving superior bonding retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser texturing process utilizes phase transitions of material during laser ablation. The laser energy causes localized melting and vaporization of the titanium alloy surface, creating a textured morphology that enhances bonding retention without requiring mechanical abrasion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Strength

If sandblasting is used to increase bonding retention, then bonding retention is improved, but soft tissue inflammation risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebonding retentionVSAvoidsoft tissue inflammation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical sandblasting process with a laser-based surface texturing process. The laser creates micro-grooves and roughness on the receiving surface through photothermal ablation, eliminating the need for abrasive media and lengthy production cycles while achieving superior bonding retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of surface treatment into a beneficial outcome by using laser texturing to create a controlled micro-roughness that enhances bonding while avoiding the uncontrolled damage caused by sandblasting. The laser process allows precise control over the textured surface morphology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Strength

If sandblasting is used to increase bonding retention, then bonding retention is improved, but abutment color darkens affecting aesthetics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebonding retentionVSAvoidabutment color

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The laser texturing process utilizes phase transitions of material during laser ablation. The laser energy causes localized melting and vaporization of the titanium alloy surface, creating a textured morphology that enhances bonding retention without requiring mechanical abrasion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The patent addresses color changes by controlling the laser parameters to create a textured surface that maintains the original metallic luster of the titanium alloy. The micro-groove structure scatters light in a way that preserves the natural appearance of the abutment while providing enhanced bonding retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

4Strength

If sandblasting is used to increase bonding retention, then bonding retention is improved, but receiving surface area must be large limiting screw channel design

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebonding retentionVSAvoidreceiving surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from relying on large surface area to achieving bonding retention through three-dimensional micro-structure creation. The laser-generated micro-grooves and roughness provide increased surface area at the micro-scale, allowing for effective bonding on a compact receiving surface that accommodates inclined screw channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser texturing process segments the receiving surface into numerous micro-grooves and irregularities, creating a complex micro-structure that significantly increases the effective bonding area without increasing the macroscopic footprint of the receiving surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Laser texturing significantly increases bonding retention, reduces production time, minimizes tissue inflammation risk, maintains aesthetic appeal, and allows for a smaller abutment design with inclined screw channels.

Implementation Method 1

said receiving surface being at least partially texturized by laser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

said receiving surface being at least partially yellowed by laser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS12569320B2Method for manufacturing an abutment for receiving a dental prosthesis

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 ANTHOGYR SAS

AI summary

A method for manufacturing an abutment for receiving a dental prosthesis provides a strong bond which avoids the need for sandblasting. The abutment, which is made of titanium or titanium alloy, extends along a longitudinal direction between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is configured to be received in or on a dental implant. The distal end is configured to receive and support a dental prosthesis. The distal end has a receiving surface which receives the dental prosthesis by bonding. The method includes texturing at least part of the receiving surface with a laser.