Segmented Dental Implant Threads for Stable Bone Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental implants face challenges in securely integrating with jawbone structures due to limitations in thread design and engagement mechanisms, leading to potential cross-threading and instability during insertion.
Innovation Solution
The development of endosseous dental implants with a unique thread configuration featuring micro-grooved and micro-threaded regions, combined with a multi-sided adaptor-engaging surface, allows for secure engagement and stable insertion into the jawbone without cross-threading, utilizing a combination of micro-threads, body threads, and a self-tapping feature for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional thread designs are used in dental implants, then the implant structure is simple, but cross-threading and instability occur during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The thread configuration is divided into three distinct segments: a proximal micro-grooved region with shallow grooves, a middle micro-threaded region with fine threads, and a distal macro-threaded region with deeper, coarser threads. Each segment performs a specific function during insertion, with the proximal region guiding alignment, the middle region engaging bone, and the distal region providing anchoring strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the implant have different thread characteristics optimized for their specific functions. The proximal region has shallow grooves (10-60 microns deep) for guidance, the middle region has fine micro-threads (0.1-0.3 mm peak-to-valley) for initial engagement, and the distal region has deeper macro-threads (at least 0.4 mm peak-to-valley) for secure anchoring. This local differentiation prevents cross-threading while ensuring stable insertion.
2Strength
If deeper and wider spaced threads are used in the distal region, then anchoring strength is improved, but the transition region becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The thread parameters are systematically changed along the length of the implant. The distal macro-threads have greater depth (at least 0.4 mm peak-to-valley) and wider spacing compared to the middle micro-threads (0.1-0.3 mm peak-to-valley). The transition is designed with a gradual geometry change where the peak-to-valley depth of micro-threads is 25-50% of the macro-threads at the transition point, creating a smooth parameter transition that reduces stress concentration.
3Productivity
If multiple lead threads are used, then insertion speed is improved, but the risk of cross-threading increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lead threads are used only in the distal macro-threaded region, not in the proximal guidance region. The proximal region uses shallow grooves that engage bone lightly to guide alignment, while the distal region uses multiple lead macro-threads for rapid advancement. This segmentation allows fast insertion speed in the distal region without compromising alignment accuracy in the proximal region.
Data Source
AI summary
An externally-threaded, endosseous dental implant includes an elongated body that is straight or tapered, and that includes external, distal regular threads, external micro-threads proximal to the regular threads, and external micro-grooves proximal to the micro-threads, with an internal passage in the body of the implant, the passage including internal threads, or internal multi-sided adaptor-engaging surfaces, or both.