SUPERSTRUCTURE, DENTAL IMPLANT AND DENTAL PROSTHESIS

Abstract

Superstructure and dental implant each with an interface that allows direct attachment of the superstructure to the dental implant without the use of an abutment and can be manufactured in a cost-effective manner.

Claims

1. A superstructure, comprising: an opening extending along a longitudinal axis of the superstructure; and an interface configured for attaching the superstructure to a dental implant; wherein the interface comprises as an extension disposed on a lower side of the superstructure, surrounding the opening and having a cylindrical or conical lateral surface that forms an outer surface of the extension, and wherein the lateral surface is interrupted by a recess that opens into the opening.

2. The superstructure according to claim 1, wherein the recess is arranged at a lower free end of the extension, and wherein the recess is open on its lower side toward the lower free end.

3. The superstructure according to claim 1, wherein the recess is a tunnel-like recess.

4. The superstructure according to claim 1, wherein the recess comprises two planar drive surfaces extending parallel to each other.

5. The superstructure according to claim 4, wherein each of the two planar drive surfaces extends parallel to a radial direction that is oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis.

6. The superstructure according to claim 1, wherein the recess comprises a concave abutment surface.

7. The superstructure according to claim 6, wherein the concave abutment surface extends parallel to a radial direction that is oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis.

8. The superstructure according to claim 4, wherein the concave abutment surface extends parallel to a radial direction that is oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the planar drive surfaces each adjoin the concave abutment surface and are arranged opposite to one another.

9. The superstructure according to claim 1, wherein the opening extends centrally through the extension.

10. The superstructure according to claim 1, wherein the lateral surface is, except for the recess, symmetrical about the longitudinal axis.

11. The superstructure according to claim 1, wherein the extension is mirror-symmetrical to a longitudinal sectional plane in which the longitudinal axis lies and which divides the recess into two equal halves.

12. The superstructure according to claim 1, wherein the extension comprises at its lower free end an annular bearing surface that is interrupted by the recess and oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis.

13. The superstructure according to claim 1, wherein the superstructure comprises an artificial denture that is integrally connected to the interface, wherein the opening extends through the extension into the artificial denture.

14. A dental implant, comprising: an external thread arranged on an outer side of the dental implant; an opening extending along a longitudinal axis of the dental implant, in which an internal thread is arranged; and an interface configured for attaching a superstructure to the dental implant, wherein the interface is arranged in a region of a front end of the dental implant; wherein the interface comprises a cylindrical or conical inner lateral surface arranged in the opening, at least partially surrounding the longitudinal axis and interrupted by an anti-rotation element that is configured to prevent rotation of the superstructure about the longitudinal axis relative to the dental implant, wherein the anti-rotation element projects radially inwards from the inner lateral surface.

15. The dental implant according to claim 14, wherein the anti-rotation element comprises two planar drive surfaces extending parallel to each other.

16. The dental implant according to claim 15, wherein each of the two planar drive surfaces extends parallel to a radial direction that is oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis.

17. The dental implant according to claim 14, wherein the anti-rotation element comprises a convex abutment surface.

18. The dental implant according to claim 17, wherein the convex abutment surface extends parallel to a radial direction that is oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis.

19. The dental implant according to claim 15, wherein the convex abutment surface extends parallel to a radial direction that is oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the planar drive surfaces each adjoin the convex abutment surface and are arranged opposite to one another.

20. The dental implant according to claim 14, wherein the cylindrical or conical inner lateral surface is directly adjacent the front end of the dental implant.

21. Dental implant according to claim 14, wherein the cylindrical or conical inner lateral surface is, except for the anti-rotation element, symmetrical about the longitudinal axis.

22. The dental implant according to claim 14, wherein the anti-rotation element is mirror-symmetrical to a longitudinal sectional plane in which the longitudinal axis lies and which divides the anti-rotation element into two equal halves.

23. The dental implant according to claim 14, wherein the interface has an outer lateral surface arranged in the region of the front end, wherein the outer lateral surface is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis, surrounds the opening and is annular when viewed in a plan view along the longitudinal axis.

24. The dental implant of claim 23, wherein the outer lateral surface is conical.

25. A dental prosthesis, comprising: a superstructure having an opening extending along a longitudinal axis of the superstructure, and having an interface configured for attaching the superstructure to a dental implant, wherein the interface comprises as an extension disposed on a lower side of the superstructure, surrounding the opening and having a cylindrical or conical lateral surface that forms an outer surface of the extension, and wherein the lateral surface is interrupted by a recess that opens into the opening; a dental implant, having an external thread arranged on an outer side of the dental implant, having an implant opening extending along a longitudinal axis of the dental implant, in which an internal thread is arranged; and having an implant interface configured for attaching the superstructure to the dental implant, wherein the implant interface is arranged in a region of a front end of the dental implant, wherein the implant interface comprises a cylindrical or conical inner lateral surface arranged in the opening, at least partially surrounding the longitudinal axis of the dental implant and interrupted by an anti-rotation element that is configured to prevent rotation of the superstructure relative to the dental implant about the longitudinal axis of the dental implant, wherein the anti-rotation element projects radially inwards from the inner lateral surface; and a fastening element configured to fasten the superstructure to the dental implant.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the dental implant;

[0049] FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the first embodiment of the dental implant shown in FIG. 1;

[0050] FIG. 3 shows a top view of the embodiment of the dental implant shown in FIG. 1;

[0051] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the superstructure;

[0052] FIG. 5 shows a plan view from below of the first embodiment of the superstructure shown in FIG. 4;

[0053] FIG. 6 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a dental prosthesis, with the dental implant and the superstructure according to the first embodiment;

[0054] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the dental implant;

[0055] FIG. 8 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the second embodiment of the dental implant shown in FIG. 7;

[0056] FIG. 9 shows a top view of the second embodiment of the dental implant shown in FIG. 7;

[0057] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the superstructure;

[0058] FIG. 11 shows a plan view from below of the second embodiment of the superstructure shown in FIG. 10; and

[0059] FIG. 12 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a dental prosthesis with the dental implant and the superstructure according to the second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0060] FIGS. 1-3 show a first embodiment of the dental implant in various views. The dental implant is designated therein in its entirety by reference numeral 10.

[0061] The dental implant 10 is typically made of titanium or zirconia. It comprises an external thread 12 on its outer surface, by means of which the dental implant 10 can be screwed into a jawbone of a patient. The dental implant 10 extends substantially along a longitudinal axis 14, which may also be drawn as a central axis. In its interior, the dental implant 10 comprises an opening 16 that extends along the longitudinal axis 14. Preferably, at least a portion of this opening 16 is configured as a bore, more preferably as a blind bore. An internal thread 18 is arranged in the opening 16. This internal thread 18 is used for fastening a superstructure 20 (artificial dental crown) to the dental implant 10. For fastening the superstructure 20 to the dental implant 10, preferably a screw 22 is used which engages in the internal thread 18 (see FIG. 6).

[0062] At the frontal, upper end, the dental implant 10 comprises an interface 24, which is shown in FIG. 3 in a top view from above. This interface 24 serves to attach the superstructure 20 to the dental implant 10. The interface 24 forms, so to speak, the abutment area with which the dental implant 10 abuts the superstructure 20 in the assembled state of the dental prosthesis 100.

[0063] The unique feature of the interface 24 is that, due to its shape and construction, it allows the superstructure to be attached directly to the dental implant 10 (without the use of an interposed abutment).

[0064] The interface 24 comprises an inner lateral surface 26 arranged within the opening 16. This inner lateral surface 26 at least partially surrounds the longitudinal axis 14 and preferably directly adjoins an upper, front end 27 of the dental implant 10. In the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the inner lateral surface 26 is configured as a conical lateral surface that is rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 14.

[0065] The interface 24 further comprises an anti-rotation element 28. In the assembled state of the dental prosthesis 100, this anti-rotation element 28 prevents the superstructure 20 from rotating relative to the dental implant 10. The anti-rotation element 28 protrudes radially inwardly from the inner lateral surface 26.

[0066] In the herein shown embodiment, the anti-rotation element 28 is integrally connected to the dental implant 10. In principle, however, anti-rotation element 28 can also be configured as a separate component that is fastened in the dental implant 10.

[0067] The anti-rotation element 28 comprises two drive surfaces 30a, 30b that are arranged opposite to one another. These two drive surfaces 30a, 30b are arranged on opposite sides of the anti-rotation element 28. The drive surfaces 30a, 30b are each configured as planar surfaces. Preferably, both planar drive surfaces 30a, 30b extend parallel to a radial direction 32 that is oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 14. Said radial direction 32 is drawn as an arrow in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. An imaginary longitudinal sectional plane E.sub.1 spanned by said radial direction 32 and said longitudinal axis 14 divides said anti-rotation element 28 into two equal halves. The anti-rotation element 28 is preferably mirror-symmetrical with respect to this longitudinal sectional plane E.sub.1.

[0068] The drive surfaces 30a, 30b serve as abutment surfaces for corresponding mating surfaces arranged on the superstructure and will be explained in detail below. The drive surfaces 30a, 30b essentially serve to absorb a torque acting about the longitudinal axis 14 between the superstructure 20 and the dental implant 10. They prevent rotation of the superstructure 20 relative to the dental implant 10 about the longitudinal axis 14. Due to the described arrangement of the drive surfaces 30a, 30b, they absorb forces acting substantially in the circumferential direction.

[0069] Furthermore, the anti-rotation element 28 comprises a convex abutment surface 34. This convex abutment surface 34 forms an upper side of the anti-rotation element 28 facing the frontal upper end 27 of the dental implant 10. The convex abutment surface 34 extends substantially parallel to the radial direction 32, and is also symmetrical with respect to the imaginary longitudinal sectional plane E.sub.1.

[0070] The planar drive surfaces 30a, 30b are adjacent the convex abutment surface 34 on opposite sides thereof. The first drive surface 30a is adjacent a first end of the convex abutment surface 34, and the second drive surface 30b is adjacent an opposite, second end of the convex abutment surface 34.

[0071] The convex abutment surface 34 serves as an abutment surface for a corresponding concave mating surface arranged on the superstructure 20, described in detail below. Forces parallel to the longitudinal axis 14 are essentially absorbed by the convex abutment surface 34. However, due to its convex shape, forces transverse thereto can be transmitted via the convex abutment surface 34 as well.

[0072] Inside the opening 16, the dental implant 10 further comprises an annular bearing surface 36. In the herein shown embodiment, this annular bearing surface 36 is locally arranged between the conical inner lateral surface 26 and the internal thread 18. It is directly adjacent to the conical inner lateral surface 26 and is oriented transversely, preferably orthogonally, to the longitudinal axis 14.

[0073] The annular bearing surface 36 can serve as an axial bearing surface for the superstructure 20, and accordingly can absorb forces parallel to the longitudinal axis 14. As can be seen from FIG. 6, in the assembled state of the dental prosthesis 100, it bears against a corresponding mating surface of the superstructure, which will be explained in detail below.

[0074] It should be noted, however, that the axial abutment of the superstructure 20 against the dental implant 10 does not necessarily need to be against the annular abutment surface 36. In particular, in the case of the convex design of the inner lateral surface 26, the inner lateral surface 26 can also serve as both a radial and axial abutment surface for the superstructure 20.

[0075] The dental implant 10 further comprises an outer lateral surface 38 disposed in the region of the front end 27. This outer lateral surface 38 is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis 14. It surrounds the opening 16 and, in the present embodiment, is conical in shape. When viewed in a plan view along the longitudinal axis 14, the conical outer lateral surface 34 is circular. As can be seen from FIG. 6, this outer lateral surface 38 forms an outer surface of the dental implant 10, which preferably does not abut the superstructure 20. In the herein shown embodiment, the outer lateral surface 38 is directly adjacent to the conical inner lateral surface 26 at the front end 27 of the dental implant 10.

[0076] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a first embodiment of the superstructure 20, which serves as a counterpart to the dental implant 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3. The superstructure 20 comprises an artificial denture 40, which is illustrated here as an artificial dental crown. An interface 42 is arranged on the lower side of this artificial dental crown 40, which serves to connect to the dental implant 10. The interface 42 is configured as an extension 43 that projects downwardly from the lower side of the artificial dental crown 40. This extension 43 forming the interface 42 is configured as a corresponding counterpart to the interface 24 arranged on the dental implant 10.

[0077] Internally, the superstructure 20 comprises an opening 44 which is preferably configured as a through hole. This opening 44 is closed at the upper, front end of the artificial dental crown 40 after the dental prosthesis 100 is mounted on the patient. The opening 44 extends substantially along a longitudinal axis 46 of the superstructure 20, which longitudinal axis 46 of the superstructure 20 coincides with the longitudinal axis 14 of the dental implant 10 in the mounted state of the dental prosthesis 100 (see FIG. 6).

[0078] The interface 42 provided on the superstructure 20 comprises a lateral surface 48 that forms an outer surface of the interface 42 and circumferentially surrounds the opening 44. In the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the lateral surface 48 is configured conical as a counterpart to the inner lateral surface 26 provided on the dental implant 10.

[0079] Further, the interface 42 comprises a recess 50 formed laterally in the extension 43 forming the interface 42. The recess 50 serves as a counterpart to the anti-rotation element 28. In the assembled state of the dental prosthesis 100, the anti-rotation element 28 engages this recess 50.

[0080] The recess 50 is open towards the bottom. Accordingly, it does not have a closed contour, but is open on one side towards the lower end 51 of the interface 42. The cross-section of the recess 50 is preferably U-shaped (i.e. the shape of an upside-down U). Accordingly, it can also be described as a tunnel-like recess without a bottom surface.

[0081] The recess 50 passes through the side wall of the extension 43 forming the interface 42, thus interrupting the lateral surface 48 and opening into the opening 44 extending inside the superstructure 20.

[0082] The recess 50 comprises, as counterparts to the two drive surfaces 30a, 30b, two drive surfaces 52a, 52b facing each other. The drive surfaces 52a, 52b extend, similarly to the drive surfaces 30a, 30b, parallel to each other and preferably parallel to a radial direction 54 that is oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 46 of the super-structure 20. In the assembled state of the dental prosthesis 100, the drive surface 52a abuts the drive surface 30a. Similarly, the drive surface 52b then abuts the drive surface 30b.

[0083] As a counterpart to the convex abutment surface 34 arranged on the anti-rotation element 28, the recess 50 comprises a concave abutment surface 56. This concave abutment surface 56 is preferably configured as a cylindrical surface, the cross-section of which is semicircular.

[0084] The concave abutment surface 56 adjoins the planar drive surface 52b on a first side and adjoins the planar drive surface 52a on a second, opposite side. Similar to the shape of the drive element 28, this results in a shape of the recess 50 that is mirror symmetrical to a longitudinal section plane E.sub.2 spanned by the radial direction 54 and the longitudinal axis 46

[0085] Apart from the recess 50, the interface 42 is (rotationally) symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis 46. Accordingly, the opening 44 preferably extends centrally through the extension 43 forming the interface 42. Thus, the entire interface 42 is preferably mirror-symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal sectional plane E.sub.2 as well (see FIG. 5).

[0086] At its lower, front end 51, the interface 42 comprises an annular support surface 58. This annular support surface 58 serves as a counterpart to the annular support surface 36 arranged on the dental implant 10. The annular support surface 58 does not form a closed annulus, since it is interrupted by the recess 50. It therefore only forms a circular ring segment.

[0087] FIGS. 7-12 show a second embodiment of the dental implant 10 (FIGS. 7-9), of the superstructure 20 (FIGS. 10 and 11) and of the dental prosthesis 100 (FIG. 12). Identical or corresponding components are identified therein with the same reference numerals as before. The basic structure of the dental implant 10 and of the superstructure 20 according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6. The main difference of the second embodiment is that the inner lateral surface 26 arranged on the dental implant 10 and the outer lateral surface 48 arranged on the superstructure 20 are not concave, but cylindrical in shape. Accordingly, the annular bearing surfaces 36, 58 at which the superstructure 20 axially bears against the dental implant 10 are of comparatively larger configuration. However, the latter does not necessarily need to be the case. In principle, a somewhat smaller design of the annular bearing surfaces 36, 58 is also sufficient in the case of cylindrical lateral surfaces 24, 48.

[0088] Finally, it should be noted that the two embodiments of the dental implant 10, the superstructure 20 and the dental prosthesis 100 shown herein represent only two of many possible embodiments. It will be understood that various features of these two embodiments can be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Similarly, it is understood that the two embodiments can also be combined without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, one portion of each of the lateral surfaces 24, 48 could be cylindrical in shape and another portion could be conical in shape.