The present invention includes apparatuses and methods for making a final hybrid prosthesis to be attached to one or more dental implants. One preferred method includes the step of making a temporary hybrid prosthesis and at about the same time also making a duplicate temporary hybrid prosthesis. The duplicate temporary hybrid prosthesis permits the final hybrid prosthesis to be made with fewer visits to a restorative dentist and with less dental laboratory time than is currently needed when making a final hybrid prosthesis.

A dental device comprises: a dental implant comprising a core enveloped by an expandable anchor comprising a plurality of joined segments. Prior to insertion of the core into the expandable anchor a carrier apically displaces within the expandable anchor, generating an expansion force causing the plurality of joined segments to be displaced linearly away from the central axis of the implant where the coronal and apical ends of each joined segment are displaced in parallel paths normal to the central axis of the implant. The core inserts into the expandable anchor to lock the plurality of joined segments in their expanded configuration. At least a first rail on the core is received by a corresponding expandable anchor slot to align the core and expandable anchor and at least a first core and expandable locking lodge engage to lock the core into the expandable anchor.

Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations via an electronic and/or transducer assembly through a tooth or teeth are disclosed herein. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such an oral appliance may be a custom-made device. The electronic and transducer assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element coupled to a tooth or other bone structure, such as the maxillary, mandibular, or palatine bone structure.

A dental implant supported on the cortical bone is implanted in the socket from which the tooth was extracted, if this hole still exists, or in the remaining socket when the tooth was extracted some time before, or alternatively in a hole made for placement of the implant, at cortical bone level, and externally, between the cortical bone and the gingiva, slightly embracing the mandible and the maxilla.

In one embodiment, in order to enhance the fixation and implant lifetime vascularization, the implant of the present disclosure for fitting in an intraosseous zone of a dental socket includes a plurality of raised platforms with a flat top such that said tops form an external surface of the implant for contacting with the intraosseous zone and the spaces between said platforms form a network of channels for revascularisation fluid flow with capillarity properties.

Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations via an electronic and/or transducer assembly through a tooth or teeth are disclosed herein. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such an oral appliance may be a custom-made device. The electronic and transducer assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element coupled to a tooth or other bone structure, such as the maxillary, mandibular, or palatine bone structure.

A tissue level one-time abutment system for use in a dental zone to reduce a chair time, the system comprising: an abutment supporting a superstructure, the abutment comprising: an implant; a healing cap mechanically fixed to the implant by a threaded bolt extending axially through the healing cap and secured into a matching tapped socket in the implant; and a driving tool having a cross sectional shape matching an axial depression in the healing cap and the driving tool attached to the threaded bolt and having a detachable connection to the threaded bolt; wherein the abutment is configured to be inserted in an initial procedure, with the healing cap retained in place upon the implant, following the initial procedure.

Various methods and apparatus for processing audio signals are disclosed herein. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such an oral appliance may be a custom-made device which can enhance and/or optimize received audio signals for vibrational conduction to the user. Received audio signals may be processed to cancel acoustic echo such that undesired sounds received by one or more intra-buccal and/or extra-buccal microphones are eliminated or mitigated. Additionally, a multiband actuation system may be used where two or more transducers each deliver sounds within certain frequencies. Also, the assembly may also utilize the sensation of directionality via the conducted vibrations to emulate directional perception of audio signals received by the user. Another feature may include the ability to vibrationally conduct ancillary audio signals to the user along with primary audio signals.

A dental device comprises: a dental implant comprising a core enveloped by an expandable anchor comprising a plurality of joined segments. Prior to insertion of the core into the expandable anchor a carrier apically displaces within the expandable anchor, generating an expansion force causing the plurality of joined segments to be displaced linearly away from the central axis of the implant where the coronal and apical ends of each joined segment are displaced in parallel paths normal to the central axis of the implant. The core inserts into the expandable anchor to lock the plurality of joined segments in their expanded configuration. At least a first rail on the core is received by a corresponding expandable anchor slot to align the core and expandable anchor and at least a first core and expandable locking lodge engage to lock the core into the expandable anchor.

Various methods and apparatus for processing audio signals are disclosed herein. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such an oral appliance may be a custom-made device which can enhance and/or optimize received audio signals for vibrational conduction to the user. Received audio signals may be processed to cancel acoustic echo such that undesired sounds received by one or more intra-buccal and/or extra-buccal microphones are eliminated or mitigated. Additionally, a multiband actuation system may be used where two or more transducers each deliver sounds within certain frequencies. Also, the assembly may also utilize the sensation of directionality via the conducted vibrations to emulate directional perception of audio signals received by the user. Another feature may include the ability to vibrationally conduct ancillary audio signals to the user along with primary audio signals.

The present invention includes apparatuses and methods for making a final hybrid prosthesis to be attached to one or more dental implants. One preferred method includes the step of making a temporary hybrid prosthesis and at about the same time also making a duplicate temporary hybrid prosthesis. The duplicate temporary hybrid prosthesis permits the final hybrid prosthesis to be made with fewer visits to a restorative dentist and with less dental laboratory time than is currently needed when making a final hybrid prosthesis.