Abstract
The present invention relates to a customized or standardized bionic implant and its manufacturing, especially for dental applications. According to the first variant of the invention, the implant is characterized in that its single-component anchor possesses at least two bionic arms (2) tapering circumferentially, thereby creating at least one pointed (5) and/or linear (6) blade on each arm (2). According to the second variant of the implant, the single-component anchor possesses at least two bulging arms (2) forming at least one protrusion (4) on each of them. The manufacturing method depends on whether the implant is standardized, new and customized or is a modification of an implant selected from a digital library of standardized implants. Physical form of embodiments of the anchor may be printed in a 3D printer. In the case of customized implants, the process commonly comprise obtaining tomographic images of the biological target. In the case of designing a new implant, a panoramic curve/curves and panoramic surface are set and become the basis for the arms (2) of the implant's virtual anchor.
Claims
1. An bionic intraosseous implant comprising: at least one rounded core having a prosthetic platform; at least one anchor integrated with the core; the single-component anchor comprising at least two bionic arms being curved and tapering towards its distal end and having at least one bone cutting edge for bone penetration by the arm, said cutting edge extending at least partially along the arms longitudinal curvature, the longitudinal axis of any of the implant anchor arm running from the point on the core axis wherein the shape of each anchor and all its arms depend on the properties of the bone to which the anchor is dedicated.
2. A bionic implant as claimed in claim 1, wherein the implant is a dental implant.
3. A bionic implant as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one of those arms with cutting edge further comprises at least one pointed end.
4. A bionic implant as claimed in claim 1, wherein the implant is customized to a specific patient.
5. A bionic implant as claimed in claim 1, wherein for the cases of bone deficit where the bone cannot be prepared too deeply the anchor has at least three accordingly short arms with cutting edges.
6. A bionic implant as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two of any arms of the at least one anchor are interfused to form an integrated volume.
7. A bionic implant as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one arm without cutting edges comprises a pointed end which constitutes a central spike.
8. A bionic implant as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least two of any arms are branched to at least two arm branches.
9. A bionic implant as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one core having a curved axis.
10. A bionic implant as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of any arms having at least one protrusion extending therefrom.
11. A bionic implant as claimed in claim 1, wherein the prosthetic platform of the core comprises a concave dome suitable for filling with curable material.
Description
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0037] The summary above, and the following detailed description will be better understood in view of the enclosed drawings which depict details of certain preferred embodiments. It should however be noted that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement shown in the drawings and that the drawings are provided merely as examples.
[0038] FIG. 1 shows the first embodiment of a standard implant;
[0039] FIG. 2 shows the second embodiment of a standard implant;
[0040] FIG. 3 shows the dmbodiment of a standard implant;
[0041] FIG. 4 shows the fourth embodiment of both a standard implant and an individual implant;
[0042] FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d present different versions of a variation of a standard or individual implant;
[0043] FIG. 6a shows an example of an implant
[0044] FIGS. 6b, 6c, 6d and 6e show cross-sections of the anchor of FIG. 6a at different heights;
[0045] FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c show a view of sample arms of an implant anchor;
[0046] FIG. 8 shows an implant that uses the arms from FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c;
[0047] FIGS. 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, 9g, 9h, 9i, 9j, 9k shows sample views of cross-sections of implant anchors;
[0048] FIGS. 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f and 10g shows examples of different individual arms of implant anchors;
[0049] FIGS. 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 11g, 11h, 11i, 11j, 11k, 11l, 11m, 11n, 11o, 11p, 11r, 11s, 11t and 11u show cross sections of sample arms;
[0050] FIGS. 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 13a, 13b, 13c and 13d show implants with different forms of anchors;
[0051] FIGS. 14a and 14b show cross-sectional examples of the alveolar process with a drawn implant outline;
[0052] FIG. 15a shows a cross-section of the alveolar process by the maxillary sinus with the implant;
[0053] FIGS. 15b, 15c, 15d, 15e, 15f and 15g show different embodiments of an implant anchor suitable for implant of FIG. 15a;
[0054] FIG. 16a show a view of a maxilla with examples of anchors drawn in;
[0055] FIG. 16b, 16c, 16d show the views of implants placed in the maxilla of FIG. 16a;
[0056] FIG. 17a show a view of a mandible with examples of anchors drawn in;
[0057] FIGS. 17b, 17c show the views of implants placed in the mandible of FIG. 17a;
[0058] FIG. 18a, shows a view from above of a fragment of the mandible with a drawn implant anchor, while FIG. 18b shows a fragment of the mandible with implant anchor in perspective view.
[0059] FIG. 19 shows the view from above of a fragment of the mandible with implant anchor in another embodiment.
[0060] FIG. 20, shows a perspective view of an embodiment of one implant with two cores.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0061] FIGS. 1-3 show examples of standard implants, which can be calibrated to create a range of implants ready for placement. In FIG. 1 the anchor is constructed out of a row of arms 2 in the shape of short claws finished with point end 5 as well as cutting edges 6. This kind of implant can be anchored at a very shallow depth, e.g., at 2 mm. Even this slight embedding of many short arms in the bone suffices, on account of the largest possible anchor surface achieved in such conditions and the relatively large area of the implant base, thus ensuring a high level of primary stability. In FIG. 1 as well as FIG. 2 the core 11 of the implant possesses a dome-like concavity 1. This makes it possible to place different materials, such as elastomer and ferromagnetic materials, inside the implant. FIG. 2 shows an implant with a standard structure and a greatly simplified geometry. It has a spherical core 11 possessing a dome 1 and a central spike 3 as well as three sharp arms 2, which will pierce the bone like a thumbtack. In the case of this embodiment, implant placement ensures maximum simplicity. It is also suitable for temporary implant placement procedures, as the removal of such an implant would be simple, especially if fewer arms were used and the arms' surface is smooth.
[0062] The implants presented in FIGS. 1 and 2 are suitable for cases where the bone cannot be prepared too deeply, e.g. only at 2 mm. In the current state of the art, the problem has been to achieve stability, especially primary stability. Screw-type implants are not very well suited to cases where the insertion depth is less than 4 mm. In the current state of the art, screws with a large thread (disc) diameter are used, although they have a significantly smaller surface than that achieved by the anchor in accordance with the invention. In the same conditions, if we used the implant with the arms specified in the present invention we could achieve a much greater surface for the implant in the bone, which results in high primary and secondary stability parameters.
[0063] The anchor of the implant from FIG. 3 possesses side arms 2 in the form of claws and a much longer spike 3 which makes it possible to set the original axis of placement. The arms 2 are tapered to form an arch. It is not necessary for all the side arms 2 to be embedded in the bone. A large amount of space is left around the implant anchor with this aim in mind so that the bone can grow into the space between the arms of the anchor, and at the edges of the side arms 2 we achieve support against the bone. During the healing stage the bone will also be able to grow above the anchor.
[0064] FIG. 4 shows the anchor of the implant intended for the alveolus following extraction of a lower molar. An implant of this kind is designed for immediate implant placement procedures. Located between the roots of the molar is the interradicular septum. The implant anchor has a central spike 3, which after extraction of the tooth sinks into the interradicular septum. The central spike 3 does not damage the septum in the same way as a screw-type implant (in the current state of the art), which requires drilling a hole with a much greater diameter than the diameter of the hole formed after inserting the central spike 3. Penetration of the interradicular septum ensures primary stability and determines the trajectory of the implant placement axis. The other arms 2 that enter the alveolus are significantly more branched than the original natural tooth or any kind of traditional implant used in such cases. These branched arms 2 increase the surface of bone apposition and the internal volume of the body of the implant into which the bone grows. The arms 2 also possess cutting edges 6 directed towards the interior of the implant body. These cutting edges also add primary stability by encroaching from the outside into the interradicular septum stretched by the central spike 3. The sharpened tips of the arms 2—pointed ends 5—are anchored at the base of the alveolus. In the lower core 11 section the arms possess protrusions 4. These ensure that not too much pressure is placed on the bone in the zone where the bone is thinnest and the target loads are greatest. The complexity of the anchor surface in accordance with the specifications of the invention enables greater integration of the implant anchor with the bone than is the case with a traditional implant based on the current state of the art.
[0065] FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e and 8 show other examples of implant anchors that can be used in immediate implant placement. The anchor of the configured implant is to a certain extent modelled on the patient's own teeth, but differs from the original teeth in that it possesses arms 2, which form pointed ends 5 and cutting edges 6 at the root apex, and protrusions 4 in the cervical section. Each of the side arms 2 can branch out into, e.g. two more arms whose cutting edges can adjust the trajectory of implant placement. Moreover, if the anchor also has side arms 2 with cutting edges 6 at the edges, as in FIGS. 8 and 9, it can cut into the walls of the alveolus with these cutting edges 6, thereby creating additional stability. On the other hand, in the region where healing conditions should be as stable as possible there are no cutting edges, only smooth surfaces—protrusions 4, thereby resulting in reduced alveolar filling. During the course of remodelling, the bone tissue grows into the space between the arms 2 in the area of the largest secondary loads. In addition, in this area, the arms 2 remain immediately after implantation in gentle contact over a larger surface with bone tissue at the tops of the protrusions 4 spreading the alveolus below the bone itself, allowing tissue healing without compression while preserving their original outline. The elasticity of the bone ensures an even distribution of pressure along the circumference of the alveolus.
[0066] FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c shows examples of arms, which can be used in anchors of the type presented in FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e and 8. Visible protrusions 4 pass through the thickened section of the arm, thereby ensuring rigidity of the structure, while further on is part of the arm, which features cutting edge(s) 6. Protrusions 4 are responsible for taking the greatest secondary loads—here secondary stability will result from bone apposition. Cutting edge 6 in the examples presented in FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c is located either inside the body of the implant (towards the interradicular septum of the alveolus—example 7a), or directed outside the body of the implant towards the alveolus—example 7b) or one arm features two cutting edges pointed in opposite directions, connected with a cutting edge running through the apex of the arm (example 7c). For example, 8c shows a situation where the greater part of the cutting edge pointed towards the interior of the implant body connects with the core of the implant.
[0067] FIG. 8 shows an implant capable of replacing, for example, a two-rooted tooth or a single-rooted tooth with an elliptical cross-section of the root. The implant anchor possesses the arms from FIG. 7c. In this example, it is equipped with a central spike 3 situated on the axis of the implant core 11. Its role is to stabilise the implant path of insertion, giving the latter path a direction. In the example from FIG. 8 the arms interpenetrate, forming in this way a common area—we can see the exterior contour.
[0068] FIGS. 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, 9g, 9h, 9i, 9j, 9k presents views of cross-sections of implant anchors; these are cross-sections in relation to the axis of the implant core 11. The anchors of the implants are multi-armed. The cross-sections are at different heights and the side cutting edges 6 are visible, as are protrusions 4.
[0069] FIGS. 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f and 10g present examples of different individual arms with a variety of complex shapes. The arm profile can be convex, concave or convex-concave.
[0070] The arms of the implant anchors in accordance with the present invention vary greatly, just as the needs are different on account of differences in the structure of maxillary and mandibular bones. The arms of implants ensure optimal use of bone volume by maintaining low unit pressure as well as integration with the bone tissue, thereby allowing for its stimulation with even loads. When the implant is inserted some cutting edges 6 perform the role of fins the moment they come into contact with the bone—the movement of the whole implant will additionally be controlled and directed in accordance with the direction of these cutting edges. These cutting edges 6 can thus be used to control and correct the performance of the implant while it is being placed in the bone. The finite element method applied to these arms and to the anchor or implant as a whole ensure optimal configuration of the geometry of the arms and anchor from the viewpoint of structural analysis and bone tissue penetration dynamics.
[0071] FIGS. 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 11g, 11h, 11i, 11j, 11k, 11l, 11m, 11n, 11o, 11p, 11r, 11s, 11t and 11u show examples of cross-sectional shapes of particular arms, where some of these cross-sections may be cross-sections of the same arm at different heights. In other words, at one end an arm is sharp on one side and rounded on the other, and above it the cutting edge becomes increasingly blunt until the end is rounded on both sides. The arms can assume many different shapes.
[0072] FIGS. 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 13a, 13b, 13c and 13d show many different forms of implant anchors in accordance with the present invention. The different shapes of anchors are suitable for different cases of implant treatment, depending on the shape of the alveolar processes and accessible depth of implant penetration. FIG. 13a shows the anchor of an implant suitable for shallow embedding, FIG. 13b shows an implant anchor suitable for cases involving a narrow alveolar process. Both examples are used with the osteodistraction technique (arms placed in the distraction gap). FIG. 13c shows an implant designed for immediate application as a replacement for a single-rooted tooth. FIG. 13d shows an implant intended for immediate application as a replacement for an upper molar.
[0073] The examples shown in FIGS. 14a and 14b are cross-sections of bone tissue with an implant in place that is similar to the implant shown in FIG. 13b and they illustrate the possibility of optimally placing an anchor in the margin of a narrow alveolar process as well as the flexible position of the prosthetic platform with respect to the alveolar crest, depending on the shape of the implant core 11. The dotted line in FIG. 14a illustrates the original contour of the bone tissue. The prosthetic platform is placed in the optimal position for prosthetic reconstruction. Utilising the features of the present invention, the position of the prosthetic platform can be flexibly adjusted to the needs of the prosthetic restoration, while the anchor is maintained in the optimal position relative to the surrounding bone tissue. Prosthetic platform 7 is marked with a circle symbol. It allows for the most favourable distribution of forces in the bone—implant—prosthetic restoration complex. In accordance with the present invention, the anchor arms can be shaped in such a way as to maintain at all times an even margin of bone tissue around the anchor or an equal distance from the surface of the bone. The biggest loads are located close to the anchor's exit from the bone in the immediate vicinity of the points of force application. The anchors of the implant have cutting edges directed in such a way that they denote the trajectory of bone penetration. If a cutting edge is bent, the arm is inserted along the curvature of the cutting edge. The implant bed can be prepared for the placement of the anchor with an instrument identical in shape to the anchor and possessing cutting edges equipped with additional teeth—this instrument would be attached to a piezoelectric or sonic oscillation device used to prepare bone tissue. The implant bed will run through the external compact cortical layer of the bone, while further preparation will take place during implant placement, i.e. the anchor itself will be driven into the deeper layer of cortical bone with its cutting edges, thereby making it possible to control the propagation of the distraction gap through gradual expansion. It is important that the forces ultimately acting on the bone through the implant be transferred via a smooth surface so that even if overloading and resulting bone loss occurs, no sharp edges create traumatic nodes either for the bone or the soft tissue covering it, as happens in the case of threaded implants.
[0074] FIG. 15a shows a cross-section of the alveolar process with a placed implant, where the base of the maxillary sinus 8 and soft tissue 9 are also marked. This example is applicable when there is little space in the maxilla deep in the alveolar process on account of the danger of penetration into the maxillary sinus 8. Also shown are examples of cross-sections of anchors with arms 2 intended for application in such cases. They make it possible to utilise the volume of bone in each direction through various configurations of the arms, which can be inserted into the bone by increasing the implant anchor surface. One distinctive feature is that the implant core 11 itself remains at a distance from the sinus base, which is not possible with traditional screw-type implants and requires either additional procedures or runs a risk of the implant penetrating the sinus. Even if such screw-type implants do not break through during placement, but are set at a shallow depth under the base of the sinus, they cannot be subjected to significant loading before osseointegration.
[0075] FIG. 16a shows an example of the distribution of different forms of implants in an edentulous maxilla while FIG. 16b, 16c, 16d examples of possible forms that such implants can take. Similarly, FIG. 17a presents an example of the distribution of different forms of implants in an edentulous mandible while FIGS. 17b, 17c a view of such implants. The use of these forms together with their location allows us to optimise the distribution of forces under prosthetic restorations functioning as full dental arches.
[0076] FIG. 18a shows the view from above of a fragment of a mandible with an implant anchor in place, while FIG. 18b presents the same in a perspective view. It can be seen that the core 11 is located directly above the nerve canal 10, without, however, endangering it. The arms 2 of the anchor will run on both sides of the nerve canal 10 penetrating deeper in those places where the volume of bone is greater—just as the roots of a plant grow in soil while bypassing stones.
[0077] FIG. 19 presents in diagram form a projection of another sample implant on a plane perpendicular to the axis of the core against the background of the bone. Such an implant is suitable for cases of edentulism, even when there is extreme alveolar atrophy. The implant anchor possesses two arms that in turn branch out into three further arms, where the point on the axis of the core is the place where the axis of the arms begin.
[0078] FIG. 20 shows an embodiment where there is one implant with two cores 11.
[0079] Unless otherwise specified, relational terms used in these specifications should be construed to include certain tolerances that the skilled in the art would recognize as providing equivalent functionality. By way of example the term perpendicular is not necessarily limited to 90.0°, but also to any slight variation thereof that the skilled in the art would recognize as providing equivalent functionality for the purposes described for the relevant member or element. Terms such as “about” and “substantially” in the context of configuration relate generally to disposition, location, or configuration that is either exact or sufficiently close to the location, disposition, or configuration of the relevant element to preserve operability of the element within the invention which does not materially modifies the invention. Similarly, unless specifically specified or clear from its context, numerical values should be construed to include certain tolerances that the skilled in the art would recognize as having negligible importance as it does not materially change the operability of the invention.
[0080] In these specifications reference is often made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of the disclosure, and in which are shown by way of illustration and not of limitation, exemplary implementations and embodiments. Further, it should be noted that while the description provides various exemplary embodiments, as described below and as illustrated in the drawings, this disclosure is not limited to the implementations described and illustrated herein, but can extend to other embodiments as would be known or as would become known to those skilled in the art. Reference in the specification to “one embodiment”, “this embodiment”, “these embodiments”, “several embodiments”, “selected embodiments”, “some embodiments” “aspect”, “aspects”, “certain aspects”, “Some aspects” and the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment(s) and/or aspect(s) may be included in one or more implementations, and the appearances of these phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment(s). Additionally, in the description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough disclosure, guidance and/or to facilitate understanding of the invention or features thereof. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details may not all be needed in each implementation. In certain embodiments, well-known structures, materials, processes and interfaces have not been described in detail, and/or may be illustrated schematically, so as to not unnecessarily obscure the disclosure.
[0081] For clarity the directional terms such as ‘up’, ‘down’, ‘left’, ‘right’, and descriptive terms such as ‘upper’ and ‘lower’, ‘above’, ‘below’, ‘sideways’, ‘ inward’, ‘outward’, and the like, are applied according to their ordinary and customary meaning, to describe relative disposition, locations, and orientations of various components. When relating to the drawings, such directional and descriptive terms and words relate to the drawings to which reference is made. Notably, the relative positions are descriptive and relative to the above described orientation such as an upright orientation and modifying the orientation would not change the disclosed relative structure.
[0082] It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to what has been described hereinabove merely by way of example. While there have been described what are at present considered to be the preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other embodiments, changes, and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention and that it is, therefore, aimed to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention, for which letters patent is applied.
