MULTI-PART IMPLANT

Abstract

The present invention relates to an implant system for implantation into a zygomatic bone. The implant system forms a dental substructure and comprises an apical system end and a coronal system end. The coronal system end includes a coronal superstructure interface along a superstructure interface axis for supporting a dental superstructure, wherein the implant system has a length in a range of 30 mm to 60 mm and includes at least two components. The invention further relates to a zygoma implant extension to be connected to an implant for implantation into a zygomatic bone, a handling tool and to a method for implanting a zygoma implant of a zygoma implant system as well as to a method for a partial implant system revision

Claims

1. An implant system configured to be implanted into a zygomatic bone, the implant system forming a dental substructure and comprising an apical system end and a coronal system end, the coronal system end including a coronal superstructure interface along a superstructure interface axis configured to support a dental superstructure, wherein the implant system has a length in a range of 30 mm to 60 mm and includes at least two components.

2. The implant system of claim 1, comprising a first component with a longitudinal axis, wherein the first component is an implant configured to be implanted into the zygomatic bone, forms the apical system end of the implant system, and includes a coronal implant interface along an implant interface axis.

3. The implant system of claim 2, wherein the superstructure interface axis is inclined at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the first component.

4. The implant system of claim 2, further comprising a second component, wherein the second component is an implant extension configured to bridge the distance between a zygomatic bone and a maxilla of a patient, includes an elongated section with a longitudinal axis, an apical implant interface along the implant interface axis configured for an assembly to the first component, and forms the coronal superstructure interface of the implant system.

5. The implant system of claim 4, wherein the elongated section comprises a first part and a second part that are joined by a press-fit, a threaded connection and/or a weld.

6. The implant system of claim 4, wherein the second component further comprises a through hole.

7. The implant system of claim 4, wherein the superstructure interface axis is inclined at an angle and/or the implant interface axis is inclined at an angle in relation to the second component's longitudinal axis.

8. The implant system of claim 4, wherein the second component further comprises: an apical intermediate interface along an intermediate interface axis, and an apical subcomponent, the apical subcomponent including a coronal intermediate interface configured to mount the apical subcomponent to the apical intermediate interface and a through hole, wherein the apical implant interface of the second component is formed at the apical end of the apical subcomponent, and the intermediate interface axis of the subcomponent being parallel to or at an angle to the implant interface axis, wherein the angle is greater than 0°.

9. The implant system of claim 8, wherein the coronal intermediate interface of the apical subcomponent and the apical intermediate interface of the elongated section are configured to be in face-to-face contact or in contact by a conical connection.

10. The implant system of claim 8, wherein the coronal intermediate interface of apical subcomponent and the apical intermediate interface of the elongated section are fixed to each other by an assembly screw, a superstructure screw, or a thread of the apical intermediate interface of the elongated section.

11. The implant system of claim 4, wherein the apical implant interface of the second component comprises an implant screw hole configured to fix the apical implant interface of the second component to the coronal implant interface of the first component with an implant screw, wherein the implant screw hole comprises a thread and/or a screw seat.

12. The implant system of claim 11, wherein the implant screw hole forms a portion of a through hole extending along the longitudinal axis of the second component.

13. The implant system of claim 8, wherein the apical subcomponent is integrally formed or includes a first part and a second part, the first part and the second part forming a portion within the through hole configured to capture a head of an implant screw when being attached to each other.

14. The implant system of claim 8, wherein the apical implant interface of the second component and the coronal implant interface of the first component and/or the apical intermediate interface of the elongated section and the coronal intermediate interface of the apical subcomponent are configured as a threaded connection.

15. The implant system of claim 4, wherein the second component is longer than the first component.

16. The implant system of claim 1, wherein the coronal superstructure interface comprises a superstructure screw hole including a thread configured to fix a dental superstructure to the coronal superstructure interface.

17. The implant system of claim 16, wherein the second component further comprises a through hole, and wherein the superstructure screw hole is a separate screw hole or forms a portion of the through hole.

18. The implant system of claim 4, wherein at least the elongated section of the second component is straight and/or curved.

19. The implant system of claim 4, wherein the coronal implant interface of the first component and the apical implant interface of the second component are configured as a ball joint, wherein the ball joint comprises a locking mechanism configured to lock the ball joint in a predetermined angular position.

20. The implant system of claim 19, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to lock a pair of joint surfaces of the ball joint by a friction force in the ball joint.

21. The implant system of claim 4, wherein the second component comprises the apical implant interface and forks to at least two coronal superstructure interfaces.

22. The implant system of claim 1, wherein the coronal superstructure interface is arranged at the coronal end of an integrally formed abutment section configured to attach a dental superstructure.

23. Set of an implant system of claim 1 and a dental superstructure.

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. (canceled)

28. (canceled)

29. (canceled)

Description

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0089] The following figures illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention. In these figures, same reference signs refer to features throughout the drawings that have the same or an equivalent function and/or structure. It is to be noted that a repetitive description of these features may be omitted. In the accompanying figures:

[0090] FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional side view of multi-component implant system according to a first embodiment that comprises an implant as a first component and an implant extension including an angled superstructure interface as a second component;

[0091] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a multi-component implant system that is similar to the implant system of FIG. 1, with a part of a superstructure in form of an abutment installed thereon;

[0092] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of a multi-component zygoma implant system according to a third embodiment with an angularity between the implant and the superstructure interface;

[0093] FIG. 4 shows a three-dimensional side view of a multi-component zygoma implant system with an angled superstructure interface and an angled apical subcomponent forming the apical end of the implant extension or second component according to a fourth embodiment;

[0094] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-component zygoma implant system according to a fifth embodiment with a different angular configuration than the fourth embodiment and an abutment mounted to its superstructure interface;

[0095] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-component zygoma implant system according to a sixth embodiment;

[0096] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a seventh embodiment with another interface configuration at the level of the subcomponent than the sixth embodiment;

[0097] FIG. 8 illustrates yet another interface configuration of a subcomponent in cross-section according to an eighth embodiment of a multi-component zygoma implant system;

[0098] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-component zygoma implant system according to a ninth embodiment with an alternative interface structure of the subcomponent between the elongated section of an implant extension and an implant;

[0099] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an integral two-part implant extension with yet another interface configuration for the subcomponent according to a tenth embodiment of a multi-component zygoma implant system;

[0100] FIG. 11 shows an eleventh embodiment of a multi-component zygoma implant system with another integrally formed two-part implant extension and an integrally formed abutment that allows for a direct placement of a dental restoration;

[0101] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional illustration of a twelfth embodiment of a multi-component zygoma implant system using a superstructure screw for the assembly of an elongated section, a subcomponent, and an abutment;

[0102] FIG. 13 is an illustration along the length of a multi-component zygoma implant system with an integrally formed abutment section according to a thirteenth embodiment;

[0103] FIG. 14 shows a cross-section of a multi-component zygoma implant system of a fourteenth embodiment;

[0104] FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-section along a multi-component zygoma implant system according to a fifteenth embodiment with an implant interface formed as a ball joint;

[0105] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-component zygoma implant system with a ball joint implant interface according to a sixteenth embodiment;

[0106] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-component zygoma implant system in accordance with a seventeenth embodiment comprising yet another arrangement of a ball joint implant interface;

[0107] FIG. 18 is a three-dimensional view of an eighteenth embodiment of a multi-component zygoma implant system, which has a fork configuration;

[0108] FIG. 19 is a three-dimensional illustration of another fork configuration for a multi-component zygoma implant system according to a nineteenth embodiment;

[0109] FIG. 20 is a three-dimensional view of a third example of a multi-component zygoma implant system having a fork configuration for the attachment of a superstructure to support a dental restoration that replaces more than one tooth;

[0110] FIG. 21 shows a first step of an assembly of an exemplary multi-component zygoma implant system in a cross-¬sectional view, in which an apical subcomponent is assembled to an implant;

[0111] FIG. 22 shows a cross-sectional view of a second step in a procedure of assembling the multi-component zygoma implant system of FIG. 21, in which an elongated section is assembled to the apical subcomponent; and

[0112] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a third step in the procedure of assembling the multi-component zygoma implant system of FIGS. 21 and 22, in which a superstructure in form of an abutment is attached to the multi-component zygoma implant system.

[0113] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional detailed view of an interface configuration of a first component and a second component's subcomponent of a multi-component zygoma implant system.

[0114] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional detailed view of another interface configuration of a first component and a second component of a multi-component zygoma implant system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0115] In the following, multiple preferred embodiments and modifications are described under reference to the attached figures. These exemplary embodiments serve for a better understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection as defined by the appended claims.

[0116] FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a multicomponent zygomatic implant system 1 that forms a dental substructure for supporting a dental superstructure in order to restore or treat a dental situation of a patient. The implant system 1 comprises a first component 10 and a second component 20. At the coronal system end 3, the implant system 1 comprises a coronal superstructure interface 4. The superstructure interface 4 is arranged along a superstructure interface axis FS. The apical end of the first component 10 forms the apical system end 2. This apical system end is the leading end during implantation of the first component 10 and is configured to be arranged within the bone tissue.

[0117] The first component 10 is an implant for implantation into the zygomatic bone of a patient. The implant has a longitudinal axis L.sub.1 and comprises at least one external outer thread (cf. FIG. 2) that enables the first component 10 to be screwed into the zygomatic bone. Preferably the implant is screwed into a hole within the zygomatic bone that has been previously prepared for this purpose.

[0118] The first component 10 and the second component 20 are coupled by a coronal implant interface 12 at the coronal end of the first component 10 and an apical implant interface 21 at the apical end of the second component 20. The implant interfaces are formed along a straight implant axis FI that is preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis L.sub.1 of the first dental component 10.

[0119] The second component 20 comprises coronally of its apical implant interface 21 an elongated section 24. The elongated section 24 is formed as an elongated body having a longitudinal axis L.sub.2. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the superstructure interface axis FS is inclined at an angle α.sub.1 in relation to the longitudinal axis L.sub.2 of the elongated section 24. Further, the implant interface axis FI is parallel to the longitudinal axis L.sub.2. Consequently, the angle α.sub.1 represents the angle α between the superstructure interface axis FS and the implant axis L.sub.1. As will be described below in relation to further embodiments, the implant interface axis FI may also be configured at an angle α.sub.2 in relation to the longitudinal axis L.sub.2. Likewise, the superstructure interface axis FS may also be parallel to the longitudinal axis L.sub.2.

[0120] Turning to FIG. 2, a cross-section of another embodiment of a zygomatic implant system 1 is shown that differs from the embodiment of FIG. 1 in that an implant screw 51 is shown that extends above the coronal end of the elongated section 24. Further, an abutment 40 is assembled to the second component 20 by bringing an apical superstructure interface 44 of the abutment 40 into engagement with the coronal superstructure interface 4 of the zygomatic implant system 1. In particular, the apical superstructure interface 44 of the abutment 40 comprises threads that engage a coronal superstructure interface 4 of the zygomatic implant system 1. In particular, the apical superstructure interface 44 of the abutment 40 comprises threads that engage a superstructure thread 5a formed within a superstructure screw hole 5 of the coronal superstructure interface 4.

[0121] The first component 10 comprises a coronal implant interface 12 that is in engagement with a corresponding apical implant interface 21 of the second component 20. As illustrated in FIG. 2, both implant interfaces extend along the implant interface axis FI.

[0122] The second component 20 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 further comprises an implant screw hole 26 that is formed as a through hole and extends along the longitudinal axis L2 through the second component 20. At the coronal end of the implant screw hole 26 is a screw seat 26b. The head of an implant screw 51 rests on this screw seat 26b when the implant screw 51 is brought into threaded engagement with a thread of the coronal implant interface 12 of the first component 10 and is tightened in order to fixedly mount the first component 10 via the implant interfaces 12, 21 to the second component 20. Further, the implant screw hole may also comprise a thread 26b for capturing the implant screw 51 prior assembly. This prevents the implant screw 51 from getting lost and may ensure that the proper implant screw 51 is used.

[0123] The implant interface in FIG. 2 has a face-to-face configuration, i.e. in an assembled state, a face of the apical implant interface 21 is in contact with the coronal implant interface 12. The faces of the apical implant interface 21 and the coronal implant interface 12 are lying in a plane that is at an angle in relation to the longitudinal axes L.sub.1 and L.sub.2. Preferably, this angle is substantially 90°. As described above, the face-to-face configuration initially allows for a predetermined amount of play along the plane which assists in adjusting the structure of the zygomatic implant system 1 during assembly in the mouth of a patient.

[0124] The apical implant interface 21 further comprises a conical protrusion at the apical end of the apical implant interface 21 that extends in an apical direction and is inserted into a hole of the coronal implant interface 12 of the first component 10. The hole of the coronal implant interface 12 for receiving the conical protrusion is less conical than the protrusion of the apical implant interface 21. As a result, these features of the implant interfaces 12, 21 primarily assist by providing guidance for an engagement. At the tip of the conical protrusion is the exit of the through hole 23 or implant screw hole 26.

[0125] Like in the previous embodiment, the superstructure interface axis FS is arranged at an angle α.sub.1 in relation to the longitudinal axis L.sub.2. Since the longitudinal axis L.sub.2 and the longitudinal axis L.sub.1 are parallel to each other, this angle α.sub.1 represents the angularity α of the implant system 1.

[0126] FIG. 3 shows yet another embodiment of a zygomatic implant system 1. This embodiment also forms a dental substructure for supporting a dental restoration. Accordingly, FIG. 3 illustrates an abutment 40 of a dental superstructure. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the abutment 40 is attached to the coronal superstructure interface 4 at the coronal system end 3 of the implant system 1. However, in contrast to the previous embodiment, the abutment 40 is mounted to the coronal superstructure interface by means of a superstructure screw 53 that is brought into threaded engagement with the superstructure thread 5a of the superstructure screw hole 5. Like in FIG. 2, the superstructure screw hole 5 is formed as a blind hole. This prevents any substances entering at the coronal side from passing through the second component 20. Although the abutment is shown as an angled abutment 40, the skilled person will appreciate that alternatively a straight abutment may be mounted to the superstructure interface 4.

[0127] Further, the superstructure interface axis FS is parallel to the longitudinal axis L.sub.2 of the elongated section 24. In other words, the angle α.sub.1 is 0° (cf. FIGS. 1 and 2). In contrast to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the longitudinal axis L.sub.2 is inclined at an angle α.sub.2 in relation to the implant interface axis FI and the longitudinal axis L.sub.1, wherein the latter two are parallel to each other. Thus, the angularity a of the implant system 1 is defined by this inclination between the longitudinal axis L.sub.2 and the implant interface axis FI.

[0128] The second component 20 further comprises an implant screw hole that is formed as a through hole 23 which extends along the implant interface axis FI. It does not extend along the longitudinal axis L.sub.2. As a result, the implant screw 51 is shorter than the implant screw of the second embodiment since it does not extend along the elongated section 24. Also, there is no connection through the second component 20 between the superstructure screw hole 5 and the implant screw hole 26. The implant interfaces 12 and 21 of the third embodiment are in contact by means of a face-to-face configuration.

[0129] As will be described in more detail further down below, the zygoma implant system 1 of all embodiments allows for a placement rather along the sinus cavity instead of through the sinus cavity due to its multi-component configuration. More specifically, the multi-component configuration allows for an adjustment of the angularity of the substructure established by the implant system 1. For example, the angularity of the second component 20 illustrated in FIG. 2 may be chosen so that the distance between the first component implanted into the zygomatic bone and the maxilla's ridge may be bridged without severing the mucous membrane of the sinus cavity. Depending on the anatomy of a patient, it may even be possible to provide a bone tissue barrier between the sinus cavity and the implant system 1.

[0130] FIG. 4 illustrates a fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the first component 10 basically corresponds to the first component of the embodiment of FIG. 1. The second component 20 basically corresponds to the second component of the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. Nonetheless, in contrast to the first embodiment, the first component 10 and the second component 20 are not directly connected to each other but instead via an apical subcomponent 30 that forms the apical portion of the second component 20.

[0131] The apical subcomponent 30 is mounted to the elongated section 24 by means of an intermediate interface along an intermediate interface axis FM. At the apical end, the subcomponent 30 comprises the apical implant interface 21 of the second component 20 formed along the implant interface axis FI. In this exemplary embodiment, the intermediate interface axis FM that is parallel to the longitudinal axis L.sub.2 and the implant interface axis FI that is parallel to the longitudinal axis L.sub.1 are inclined in relation to each other by an angle α.sub.2. This angle α.sub.2 and the angle α.sub.1 between the superstructure interface axis FS and the longitudinal axis L.sub.2 together define the angularity of the multi-component zygomatic implant system 1, i.e. the angle α between the superstructure interface axis FS and the longitudinal axis L.sub.1.

[0132] In FIG. 5, another embodiment of the apical subcomponent 30 is shown in more detail. In this exemplary embodiment, the part of the second component 20 comprising the elongated section 24 is configured similar to the one of the second component 20 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2. The apical subcomponent 30 illustrated in FIG. 5 comprises a coronal intermediate interface 32 for assembly to the elongated section 24 and an apical implant interface 21 for assembly to the coronal implant interface 12 of the first component 10. In this exemplary embodiment, the intermediate interfaces 25, 32 and the implant interfaces 12, 21 are both configured for a face-to-face contact.

[0133] The apical subcomponent 30 of the fifth embodiment comprises a first part 33 and a second part 34. The first part 33 and the second part 34 are preassembled using a threaded connection, a press-fit, a snap fit, a weld, in particular a laser weld, or a combination thereof. For example, the first part 33 and the second part 34 may initially be assembled using a threaded connection, a press-fit or a snap fit for a preliminary fixation. This preliminary fixation facilitates welding in order to integrally join the first and second parts 33, 34. The first part 33 and the second part 34 are inclined in relation to each other so that the implant interface axis FI of the apical implant interface 21 is arranged at an angle α.sub.2 to the intermediate interface axis FM of the coronal intermediate interface 32 at the coronal end of the apical subcomponent 30.

[0134] Like in the previous embodiment, the angles α.sub.1 and α.sub.2 define together the angle α of the zygomatic implant system 1. In difference to the embodiment of FIG. 4, the angles α.sub.1 and a.sub.2 incline their respective components towards opposite directions so that the system angle α is smaller than the sum of the absolute values of these two angles.

[0135] The system angle α between the superstructure interface axis FS and the longitudinal axis L.sub.1 of the implant in a plane defined by these two axes is preferably in a range of 25-65°.

[0136] In an assembled state, the apical intermediate interface 25 of the second component 20 engages the coronal intermediate interface 32 of the apical subcomponent 30 and an assembly screw 52 extending through the elongated section 24 engages a thread 32a of the coronal intermediate interface 32 in order to fasten the two components 20 and 30 to each other.

[0137] Similar to the implant screw hole 26 of FIG. 2, the through hole 23 of the elongated section 24 may further comprise a thread 23b for capturing the assembly screw 52 prior assembly.

[0138] In a joined state of the first part 33 and the second part 34, the first part 33 and the second part 34 form a through hole 37 with a portion that is dimensioned to capture the head of the implant screw 51. During assembly, the implant screw 51 is inserted into the part of the through hole 37 formed by the first part 33 of the apical subcomponent 30. Then the second part 34 is joined with the first part 33 as described above. As a result, the implant screw 51 is captured on the side of the first part 33 by a screw seat and on the side of the second part 34 by the threaded hole 32a having a smaller diameter than the diameter of the head of the implant screw 51. Although captured, the implant screw 51 is not fixed along the implant interface axis FI to allow for a rotation of the implant screw 51 that fastens the subcomponent 30 to the first component 10.

[0139] The next exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 is similar to the embodiment of a zygomatic implant system 1 illustrated in FIG. 5. However, in comparison to the embodiment of FIG. 5, the zygomatic implant system 1 of FIG. 6 further comprises a cover 54 that covers the through hole 23 at the coronal end of the second component 20. For this reason, the through hole 23 includes coronally of the screw seat 23a a thread 23b for a threaded connection with the cover 54. In the exemplary embodiment, the cover 54 is a cover screw but may also be a sealing plug, lid, etc., preferably without the need for a thread 23b. The cover 54 prevents ingress of any substances that may contaminate the inside of the zygomatic implant system 1 defined by the through hole of the second component 20 formed by the through hole 23 of the elongated section 24 and the through hole 37 of the apical subcomponent 30 as well as the blind hole 13 of the first component 10.

[0140] The intermediate interfaces 25, 32 and the implant interfaces 12, 21 are configured for a face-to-face contact and further may include indexing for preventing any unintended relative rotation between the components 10, 20, and 30 of the implant system 1. The skilled person will appreciate that it is also possible to only provide indexing to one or none of these interfaces (cf. embodiment of FIG. 5). Further, an interface configured for face-to-face contact allows for a more compact design in comparison to a conical interface.

[0141] For indexing, the coronal intermediate interface 32 of the apical subcomponent 30 comprises coronal indexing means 32c for engaging apical indexing means 25c of the apical intermediate interface 25. The indexing means 25c, 32c have corresponding non-rotationally symmetric cross-sections perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.sub.2 in order to prevent a relative rotation between components. Similarly, the apical implant interface 21 of the second component 20 comprises indexing means 21c for engaging indexing means 12c of the coronal implant interface 12 of the first component 10.

[0142] Turning to the next exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, this embodiment particularly differs from the previous embodiments at the intermediate interface 25, 32 and the implant interface 12, 21. More specifically, the apical intermediate interface 25 of the elongated section 24 comprises a male apical conical portion 25d that engages a complementary female coronal conical portion 32d of the coronal intermediate interface 32. Thus, the connection between the elongated section 24 and the subcomponent 30 is established by the conical surface of the apical conical portion 25d and the conical surface of the coronal conical portion 32d.

[0143] Preferably, the conical angle of the intermediate interface's conical shape is chosen so that the established connection is not self-locking in order to allow for an easy disassembly of the second component 20 in case this part of the second component, i.e. the elongated section 24 and the coronal system interface 4, has to at least temporarily be removed or be replaced.

[0144] Nonetheless, it is also possible to provide a self-locking conical connection in order to connect the elongated section 24 more tightly to the apical subcomponent 30. In both cases the subcomponent 30 of the second component 20 is assembled using an assembly screw 52.

[0145] The conical contact within the intermediate interfaces 25, 32 provides on the one hand guidance during assembly and on the other hand fixation in the direction of the longitudinal axis L.sub.2 at least in case of compression and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.sub.2. Further, a conical connection forms an effective seal between the two components.

[0146] As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, the configuration of the contact between the implant interfaces 12, 21 is also conical. Similar to the intermediate interface, the coronal implant interface 12 comprises a conical portion 12d formed as conical recess and the apical implant interface 21 of the second component comprises a conical portion 21d formed as a conical protrusion that establish a conical connection between the apical subcomponent 30 and the first component 10.

[0147] The skilled person will appreciate that the implant interface may be configured like the intermediate interface or may differ. For example, one of the implant interfaces 12, 21 and the intermediate interfaces 25, 32 may have a face-to-face configuration whereas the other one may be configured as a conical connection. Further, either or both of the implant interfaces or the intermediate interfaces may include indexing.

[0148] As illustrated in the eighth exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8, the intermediate interfaces 25, 32 may be configured for a connection established by a conical contact, whereas the implant interfaces 12, 21 is provided with a configuration that establishes a face-to-face contact. Although the apical implant interface 21 includes a conical portion 21d formed as a protrusion, this conical portion 21d in combination with the conical portion 12d formed as a recess are configured so that they do not engage when being assembled. This may be achieved by using a different cone angle and/or a different size of the conical shape in order to allow for play along the plane defined by the face-to-face configuration of the implant interfaces 12, 21. In this configuration, the conical part of the implant interface serves for guiding the apical implant interface 21 into engagement with the coronal implant interface 12. The skilled person will appreciate that the arrangement of the conical recess and conical protrusion may be swapped or reversed for any of the described embodiments.

[0149] Yet another type of interface is shown as part of the ninth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9. In this embodiment, the intermediate interface 25, 32 has a threaded configuration. More specifically, the apical intermediate interface 25 of the elongated section 24 comprises a thread 25a that engages a corresponding thread 32a of the apical intermediate interface 32. During assembly, the elongated section 24 is screwed to the apical subcomponent 30 establishing a tight and releasable connection between these two components. As described above, this configuration prevents the ingress of any substances into the interior of the second component 20 since the second component 20 does not comprise a through hole 23. Instead, the coronal superstructure interface 4 of the ninth embodiment is configured with a superstructure screw hole 5 that is formed as a blind hole. Another advantage is the increased strength of the elongated section 24 due to its solid configuration.

[0150] The implant interface of the ninth embodiment has a face-to-face configuration with a conical guidance portion as described above in relation to the eighth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the elongated section 24 may comprise a first part 24a and a second part 24b. The second part 24b is joined to the first part 24a at the apical end of the elongated section 24 by any of the techniques already described above.

[0151] In contrast to the ninth embodiment, the tenth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 comprises a through hole 23 that extends along the longitudinal axis L.sub.2. A coronal portion of the through hole 23 is formed within a first part 24a of the elongated section 24, a middle portion of the through hole 23 is formed by a second part 24b of the elongated section 24, and an apical portion of the through hole is formed by the through hole 37 of the apical subcomponent 30.

[0152] The coronal portion of the through hole may, as illustrated in FIG. 10, form a superstructure screw hole 5 with a superstructure thread 5a in order to fasten a dental superstructure such as the abutment 40. In this exemplary embodiment, the abutment 40 is fastened to the zygomatic implant system 1 or more specifically the coronal superstructure interface 4 at the coronal system end 3 of the first part 24a by using a superstructure screw 53. The first part 24a and the second part 24b of the elongated section may be joined by any of the afore-described techniques. The part 24b preferably has a standard length that is extended by part 24a in order to match the needs of an individual patient. In other words, this design may be used to adapt the length of the implant system 1 to a patient.

[0153] Further, the through hole 23 comprises at the apical intermediate interface 25 a screw seat 25b for an assembly screw 52 that fastens the elongated section 24 to the apical subcomponent 30. The through hole 23 continues as through hole 37 that extends in an apical-coronal direction through the apical subcomponent 30. The second component 20 at the apical subcomponent 30 and the first component 10 are assembled at the implant interface using an implant screw 51 that is captured within a portion of the through hole 37 of the apical subcomponent 30.

[0154] The eleventh embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 differs from the previously described tenth embodiment particularly in the configuration of the coronal superstructure interface 4 at the coronal system end 3 of the implant system 1. More specifically, the coronal superstructure interface 4 comprises a superstructure interface axis FS at an angle α.sub.1 in relation to the longitudinal axis L.sub.2 of the elongated section 24. Further, the coronal superstructure interface 4 is integrally formed with the elongated section 24 so that it functions as an abutment for mounting and supporting further parts of a dental superstructure in order to install a dental restoration within the mouth of the patient. In case of an abutment being integrally formed at the coronal system end 3 of the zygomatic implant system 1, the major part of the most coronal component's length is still configured to lie beneath the level of the ridge of a patient's maxilla. In particular, at least 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% of the length of the second component 20 is part of the substructure.

[0155] Nonetheless, preferably an entire superstructure is mounted to the zygomatic implant system 1 so that the zygomatic implant system forms a substructure that is not in direct contact with a dental restoration, i. e. an artificial tooth or artificial teeth. This is illustrated in the exemplary twelfth embodiment of FIG. 12, in which an abutment 40 is assembled as a separate part using an assembly screw 52 at the coronal superstructure interface 4 at the coronal system end 3 of the implant system 1.

[0156] FIG. 13 showing an exemplary thirteenth embodiment particularly differs from the eleventh embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 in that an assembly screw 52 is extending through basically the entire elongated section 24. As a result, the assembly screw 52 may act as an expansion screw. Such a screw can be exposed to a higher amount of absolute strain when tightened for assembly of the elongated section 24 to the apical subcomponent 30. This is due to its increased length in comparison to an assembly screw 52 as shown in FIG. 11. This results in a more reliable connection between components.

[0157] FIG. 14 illustrates a fourteenth exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the apical subcomponent 30 is joined with the apical end of the elongated section 24 of the second component 20, wherein the implant screw 51 can be inserted into the apical end of the through hole 37 formed in a coronal-apical direction of the apical subcomponent 30.

[0158] The implant screw may also be captured as described above by integrally joining the apical subcomponent 30 and the elongated section 24. More specifically, the apical intermediate interface 25 at the apical end of the elongated section 24 and the coronal intermediate interface 32 at the coronal end of the apical subcomponent 30 may in a first step be assembled using a snap-fit, press-fit, or threaded connection. Then the elongated section 24 and the apical subcomponent 30 are joined by a circumferential weld, in particular a laser weld. For fixing the opposing sides of an interface to each other by means of a weld, the interface preferably has a face-to-face configuration and even more preferably also an indexing means.

[0159] Nonetheless, joining is also an option when using the above described conical configuration for the intermediate interfaces 25, 32.

[0160] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 15, the implant interfaces 12, 21 are configured as ball joint interfaces. As also shown in FIG. 15, the elongated section 24 may be curved, which contributes with an angle α.sub.3 to the angularity of the zygomatic implant system 1, i. e. the angle α between the superstructure interface axis FS and the longitudinal axis L.sub.1. The angle α.sub.3 is defined by the inclination between the longitudinal axis at the apical end of the elongated section 24 and the longitudinal axis at the coronal end of the elongated section 24.

[0161] The second component 20 is an assembly of an elongated section 24, a coronal superstructure interface part 4a and an apical implant interface part 21a. The elongated section 24 and the parts 4a and 21a are preferably integrally joined by welding. Nonetheless, any of the other previously described connection techniques may also be applied.

[0162] The apical implant interface 21 and the coronal implant interface 12 comprise a spherical joint surface 28 and a spherical joint surface 18, respectively. These spherical joint surfaces 18, 28 may be moved relative to each other. This causes a rotational adjustment between the first component 20 and the second component 10 of the implant system 1, i.e. an adjustment of the angle α between the superstructure interface axis FS and the longitudinal axis L.sub.1 of the first component 10.

[0163] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 15, the coronal implant interface 12 of the first component 10 comprises a spherical interface surface 18 that is formed as a spherical recess. Accordingly, the apical implant interface 21 of the second component 20 comprises a spherical joint surface 28 that is formed as a spherical protrusion.

[0164] Both spherical joint surfaces 18, 28 have a preferably continuous annular shape about an implant screw hole 26 and blind hole 13 for insertion of an implant screw 51. In order to allow for a relative movement, the implant screw hole 26 within the spherical joint surface 28 of the second component 20 has a larger diameter than the shaft of the implant screw 51.

[0165] In an assembled state, the spherical joint surfaces 18 and 28 are in contact with each other and remain in contact due to the implant screw 51. Preferably, the through hole 23 comprises at the apical implant interface 21 of the second component 20 a spherically shaped screw seat 23a for a correspondingly shaped screw head of the implant screw 51. This provides an optimum support of the screw head when tightening the implant screw 51 for fixing the angularity of the ball joint.

[0166] The angular orientation α.sub.2 of the second component 20 in relation to the first component 10 is fixed by tightening the implant screw 51 so that the spherical joint surface 18 of the coronal implant interface 12 is pressed against the spherical joint surface 28 of the apical implant interface 21. This result in a friction force that is created between the two spherical joint surfaces 18, 28 that prevents any relative movement within the implant interface.

[0167] As a result of the ball joint configuration, the implant interface of the fifteenth embodiment has in contrast to any of the embodiments previously described an angled interface axis FI. This is caused by the angle α.sub.2 between L.sub.2 and L.sub.1 being established due to the adjustment of the ball joint interface instead of by the structure of a component such as the curved elongated section 24 of this embodiment or the apical subcomponent 30 of previous embodiments.

[0168] Further, the ball joint may be configured as a ball-and-socket joint that is assembled by a snap fit so that apical implant interface 21 having a ball shape is enclosed by the coronal implant interface 12 having a socket shape to a degree that the ball shape is retained in the socket shape. In a further modification, the ball joint configuration may be replaced by a hinge configuration. In this configuration, the joint is adjustable about one axis transverse to the longitudinal axis L.sub.1 of the first component 10 instead of three axes as in the case of a ball joint.

[0169] FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of a zygomatic implant system 1 that comprises an implant interface that is configured as a ball joint. One of the differences between the sixteenth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16 and the fifteenth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15 is that the spherical joint surfaces 18 and 28 have a curvature opposite to the curvature of their respective counterparts of FIG. 15. In other words, the above-noted recess and protrusion are interchanged between the coronal implant interface 12 of the first component 10 and the apical implant interface 21 of the second component 20.

[0170] As a result and as shown in FIG. 16, the implant screw 51 represents a part 28a of the spherical joint surface of the apical implant interface 21 that can be tightened against the spherical joint surface 18 of the coronal implant interface 12. This also creates a friction force between the spherical joint surfaces 18 and 28. For assembly of the ball joint of FIG. 16, the elongated section 24 is subdivided into a first part 24a and a second part 24b that are preferably engaged using a threaded connection. In this way, the portion of the coronal implant interface 12 formed as a spherical joint surface 18 can enter the through hole 23 of the second component 20. Once inserted, the first part 24a and the second part 24b are fully assembled so that a part of the spherical joint surface 28 is arranged diametrically opposite to another part 28a of the spherical joint surface 28 that is formed at the apical end of the implant screw 51 in relation to the spherical coronal implant interface 12. This arrangement enables the implant screw 51 to exert a friction force between the joint surfaces 18 and 28.

[0171] Alternatively, the first part 24a and the second part 24b may be integrally formed as one part. Such an integral part has coronally a tubular section and its apical end an inner spherical joint surface 28. The tubular section of this part further comprises an opening for insertion of the spherical head 18 of the first component 10. A slit is formed apically of this opening and extends into the spherical joint surface 18 to the apical end of the integral part. The slit has a width that allows the neck of the first component's spherical head to pass. As a result, the spherical joint surface 18 of the first component 10 is received in the recess formed by the inner spherical joint surface 28 of the integral part. By screwing the implant screw 51 until the spherical section 28a of the implant screw 51 is in contact with the spherical joint surface 18 of the first component 10, the first component 10 is prevented from exiting through above-noted opening, i. e. it is captured within the integrally formed part.

[0172] As a further alternative, the first part 24a and the second part 24b of FIG. 16 may be formed as two parts, wherein the implant screw 51 is screwed onto the spherical section 28a of the spherical head 18 received in the tubular section of the first part 24a. The tubular section the first part 24a comprises an opening for insertion of the spherical head 18 of the first component 10. A slit is formed apically of this opening and extends into the spherical joint surface 18 to the apical end of the first part 24a. The slit has a width that allows the neck of the first component's spherical head to pass. As a result, the spherical joint surface 18 of the first component 10 is received by the inner spherical joint surface 28 of the first part 24a. The second part 24b is movable, in particular by threadably engaging an outer thread of the first part 24a, relative to the first part 24a in the apical direction. The first part 24a tapers outwardly with a first tapering angle at least partly in the coronal to apical direction and the second part 24b tapers outwardly with a second tapering angle at least partly in the coronal to apical direction, wherein the first tapering angle is larger than the second tapering angle. When moving the second part 24b relative to the first part 24a in the apical direction, the first component 10 is prevented from exiting through above-noted opening, i. e. the spherical head 18 is captured and preferably fixed in position within the first part 24a. Preferably, the first tapering angle and the second tapering angle are formed such as in a Morse cone mechanism.

[0173] The embodiment shown in FIG. 17 shows yet another implant interface that is configured as a ball joint. In general, this implant interface corresponds to the implant interface of the sixteenth embodiment of FIG. 16. However, the spherical joint surface 18 is not integrally formed with the first component 10 but forms part of an interface screw 15 that is in threaded engagement with the first component 10.

[0174] Another difference is that the section of the spherical joint surface 28a that is included in the implant screw 51 has an annular shape. The spherical joint surface section 28a may be formed as a separate washer as shown in FIG. 17. Alternatively, it may be formed as part of the implant screw 51. The spherical joint surface 28 of the apical implant interface 21 also has an annular shape so that the contact between the spherical joint surface 18 and the joint surface 28, 28a is, as seen in the cross-section of FIG. 17, is a double ring contact.

[0175] Turning back to FIG. 16, the contact between the joint surface 18 and 28, 28a is in contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 17 is a ring-spherical section contact if the part of the joint surface 28a of the implants screw 51 has the same curvature as the joint surface 18 of the coronal implant interface 12. Alternatively, there may be a double ring contact (the ring of the joint surface 28 being discontinuous for being able to insert the spherical joint surface 18 of the first component 10) if the part of the joint surface 28a of the implant screw 51 has a curvature that is smaller than the curvature of the joint surface 18.

[0176] Turning back to FIG. 17, the apical implant interface 21 comprises a cylindrical hollow support body 22 with a screw seat formed by an annular section of the joint surface 28 for the interface screw 15. The support body 22 can be mounted to the elongated section 24, preferably by means of a threaded engagement. For assembly, the interface screw 15 is inserted into the support body 22 before bringing the interface screw 15 into a threaded engagement with the first component 10.

[0177] Similarly, the implant screw 51 is inserted into an apical opening of the elongated section 24 and brought into engagement with a thread 23b within the through hole 23. With the interface screw 15 supported by the joint surface 28 of the support body 22, the support body 22 is mounted to the elongated section 24. After this pre-assembly, the angularity of the implant interface can be adjusted as required and fixated by tightening the implant screw 51 with its partial joint surface 28a against the joint surface 18 for locking the ball joint using friction force created by this tightening of the implant screw 51.

[0178] Further, the second component 20 of the seventeenth embodiment comprises an elongated section 24 that is subdivided into a first part 24a and a second part 24b that are assembled as previously described. Further and as already described in relation to the eleventh embodiment, the coronal superstructure interface 4 is integrally formed with the second component 24 for attaching further superstructure parts to support the dental restoration to be installed or the dental restoration itself. A sleeve nut for holding the first part 24a and the second part 24b in relative position to each other is not shown here.

[0179] FIG. 18 illustrates an eighteenth embodiment that applies a fork concept that is able to provide at least two and preferably two coronal superstructure interfaces 4 and 4A that are supported by solely one first component 10. This embodiment allows for support of a dental restoration comprising multiple teeth.

[0180] The eighteenth embodiment is based on the zygomatic implant system 1 of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 4. However, in addition to the fourth embodiment, the second component of the zygomatic implant system 1 in FIG. 18 further comprises a fork subcomponent 60. The fork subcomponent 60 is mounted to the elongated section 24. Preferably, the fork subcomponent can slide and/or rotate on the elongated section 24 in order to adjust the implant system 1 to the individual needs of a patient. After the adjustment, the fork subcomponent 60 may be fixated. Fixation may be achieved between the elongated section 24 and the fork subcomponent 60 or simply by the superstructure mounted to the implant system 1. Alternatively, the fork subcomponent 60 is integrally formed with the elongated section 24 either by welding or by casting.

[0181] The fork subcomponent 60 includes an elongated section 24A along a longitudinal axis L.sub.A2 and a coronal superstructure interface 4A along a superstructure interface axis FSA. As the embodiment of FIG. 18 shows, a superstructure interface axis FSA may be arranged at an angle α.sub.A1 in relation to the longitudinal axis L.sub.A2. Together with the angle α.sub.A2 between the longitudinal axis L.sub.1 and the longitudinal axis L.sub.A2, the angle α.sub.A1 forms the inclination α.sub.A of the superstructure interface axis FSA in relation to the longitudinal axis L.sub.1 of the first component, i.e. the angularity α.sub.A of the additional coronal superstructure interface 4A. The coronal superstructure interfaces 4, 4A may be configured like any of the preceding coronal superstructure interfaces that are arranged at an angle in relation to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding elongated section.

[0182] Due to its structure including a fork subcomponent 60, the zygomatic implant system 1 of the eighteenth embodiment may support one dental superstructure at two points, such as a bridge, with only one first component 10 that is in turn anchored in the zygomatic bone of a patient. Alternatively, the fork configuration of this embodiment may be the basis for two separate dental superstructures to be attached to this implant.

[0183] FIG. 19 illustrates another embodiment of a zygomatic implant system 1 with a fork configuration. In this nineteenth embodiment, the fork concept is included in an apical subcomponent 30 instead of in a separate fork subcomponent 60 (see FIG. 18). Like in previous embodiments, the apical subcomponent 30 is connected to an apical implant interface of the apical subcomponent along an implant interface axis FI to a coronal implant interface of the first component 10.

[0184] Further, the apical subcomponent 30 comprises two coronal intermediate interfaces 32A, 32B along two intermediate interface axes FMA and FMB. Accordingly, the implant system 1 comprises a first elongated section 24A with a first coronal superstructure interface 4A along a first superstructure interface axis FSA and a second elongated section 24B with a second coronal superstructure interface 4B along a second superstructure interface axis FSB. As illustrated in FIG. 19, these superstructure interface axes may be arranged at an angle to the respective longitudinal axes L.sub.A2, L.sub.B2 of the elongated sections 24A, 24B. As in the previous embodiment, this allows for an individual adjustment of the coronal superstructure interfaces' axes to the anatomical situation of a patient.

[0185] FIG. 20 shows yet another embodiment of the fork concept. This twentieth embodiment differs from the nineteenth embodiment particularly at the intermediate interfaces 25A, 32A for supporting a first coronal superstructure interface 4A and the intermediate interfaces 25B, 32B for supporting a second coronal superstructure interface 4B. As the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 20 shows, these intermediate interfaces may be configured as ball joints. Further, the implant interfaces 12, 21 may be configured as an angularly fixed interface. Both the ball joints interfaces and the angularly fixed interface have already been described in detail in relation to embodiments above. The angular adaptability of this configuration is particularly high.

[0186] FIGS. 21 to 23 illustrate the steps of an assembly and installation of the zygomatic implant system. In order to prepare the zygomatic bone of a patient for the placement of a first component 10, access to this bone is preferably provided by means of a groove along or a through hole on the labial side of the maxilla. As a result, the zygomatic implant system is not passing through the sinus cavity of a patient. Instead the substructure established by the system only runs along the sinus cavity, preferably with a bone tissue barrier in between. This has the advantage that infections originating from the sinus cavity or affecting the sinus cavity are prevented.

[0187] The first component 1 forming an implant is screwed into the zygomatic bone of the patient after preparing the implantation site using an external thread. Preparation preferably includes drilling a hole into the zygomatic bone for receiving the implant.

[0188] FIG. 21 shows a situation, in which a first component 10 of the zygomatic implant system 1 has already been implanted into the zygomatic bone of a patient (not shown). In a next step, an apical subcomponent 30 is placed via the coronal implant interface 12 of the first component and the apical implant interface 21 of the second component 20 onto the first component 10. The interfaces 12, 21 have a face-to-face configuration with a conical protrusion that assists in assembly by guiding the interfaces 12, 21 to a predetermined position in relation to each other. Naturally, any of the other interface configurations described above may be used instead.

[0189] The placement of the apical subcomponent 30 onto the first component 10 may be assisted by a handling tool 70. This handling tool 70 comprises a guide sleeve 71 and a screwdriver 75. The tubular guide sleeve 71, preferably with an apical assembly interface 72 at its apical end that is configured to engage a corresponding coronal assembly interface 35 at the coronal end of the apical subcomponent 30. In the present embodiment, the assembly interface comprises a thread. The coronal assembly interface 35 of the apical subcomponent 30 may be an identical to the coronal intermediate interface 32 (cf. FIG. 22). Preferably, the guide sleeve 71 is brought into engagement with the apical subcomponent 30 before placing the apical subcomponent 30. In this way, the guide sleeve 71 may be used to maneuver the apical subcomponent 30 of the second component 20 onto the first component 10. Even more preferably, the guide sleeve 71 and the apical subcomponent are delivered as a pre-assembled unit. During placement, the angulation may be adjusted. Further, a position of the system in relation to the maxilla's ridge may be determined with the assistance of the guide sleeve prior preparation of the bone.

[0190] As illustrated in FIG. 21, the apical subcomponent 30 provides an angle α.sub.2 to the zygomatic implant system 1, which in the illustrated configuration represents the angularity of the implant system 1 (cf. FIG. 23). Accordingly, the guide sleeve 71 extends along the longitudinal axis L.sub.2 of the elongated section 24 to be installed in a subsequent step.

[0191] After placement of the apical subcomponent 30 on the first component 10, the screwdriver 75 is inserted through the longitudinal cavity of the tube-shaped guide sleeve 71. Thus, the guide sleeve 71 supports the screwdriver 75 during fastening of the apical subcomponent 30 to the first component 10 using an implant screw 51. Advantageously, the guide sleeve 71 prevents any surrounding tissue from being damaged by the rotational movement of the screwdriver 75. For fastening, the apical tip of the screwdriver 75 is engaged with the head of the implant screw 51 in order to transfer a rotation of the screwdriver 75 to the head of the implant screw 51.

[0192] In the embodiment of FIG. 21, the implant screw 51 has been inserted into the apical subcomponent 30 prior engagement of the guide sleeve 71. As a result, the implant screw 51 is captured between the guide sleeve 71 and a screw seat within the through hole 37 of the apical subcomponent 30. Accordingly, the implant screw 51 cannot get accidentally lost during chairside handling of the apical subcomponent 30.

[0193] After fastening the apical subcomponent 30 to the first component 10 by means of the implant screw 51, markings 73 on the guide sleeve 71 may be provided for facilitating the determination of the required length of the zygomatic implant system 1, in particular the length of the elongated section 24 of the second component 20.

[0194] Following the determination of the required length of the elongated section 24, the handling tool 70 is removed and a corresponding elongated section 24 with a coronal superstructure interface 4 is placed on top of the apical subcomponent 30.

[0195] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 22, the engagement between the apical intermediate interface 25 of the elongated section 24 and the coronal intermediate interface 32 of the apical subcomponent 30 is achieved by threads included in these intermediate interfaces 25, 32. As can be seen by a comparison between FIGS. 21 and 22, the thread of the coronal intermediate interface 32 is preferably the same thread that has been previously utilized for the engagement with the guide sleeve 71.

[0196] The skilled person will appreciate that any other of the previously described intermediate interfaces may be used, such as an interface that is fastened using an assembly screw or a superstructure screw.

[0197] After placement, the elongated section 24 may be tightened using another tool that engages the coronal superstructure interface 4 of the elongated section 24, for example by utilizing a thread or indexing means of this interface.

[0198] Having placed and assembled the zygomatic implant system 1 at the site of treatment, the zygomatic implant system 1 now forms a substructure for supporting a dental superstructure. In FIG. 23, the dental superstructure is re-presented by an abutment 40 that has been fastened to the coronal superstructure interface 4 of the second component 20. Finally, the dental restoration can be attached to the abutment 40 for providing the desired aesthetic and functional objective of the dental treatment.

[0199] FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate a detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of an interface configuration between a first component 10 and apical subcomponent 30 (FIG. 24) or second component 20 (FIG. 25). These interface configurations may be applied to any one of the embodiments described above. Alternatively, the interface configurations may also be applied to other first components intended to be anchored within the bone tissue of a patient's jaw bone and the corresponding apical subcomponent 30 (FIG. 24) or second component (FIG. 25). Preferably, apical subcomponent 30 is integrally formed.

[0200] Like in the previously described embodiments, the first component 10 in these figures is configured to be anchored within the bone tissue of a patient's jaw bone or zygomatic bone. For this reason, the first component 10 preferably comprises an outer thread 11.

[0201] Further, the first component 10 comprises a coronal implant interface 12 including a blind hole or implant screw hole 13. The implant screw hole 13 may include an indexing structure 14 that allows for an assembly with another component in a predetermined number of orientations.

[0202] As illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, the implant screw hole 13 further includes a first threaded portion 15 and a second threaded portion 16. The first threaded portion 15 is arranged coronally to the second threaded portion 16. The female thread of the first threaded portion 15 has an inner diameter large enough to let the outer diameter of a screw thread pass so that this thread of the screw is able to engage the female thread of the second threaded portion 16. Accordingly, the outer diameter of the thread of the second threaded portion 16 is smaller than the inner diameter of the thread of the first threaded portion 15.

[0203] As a result of this configuration comprising a first threaded portion 15 and a second threaded portion 16, it is possible to mount different second components to the first component 10 more effectively. In particular, the two threaded portions 15, 16 of the first component 10 allow to adapt the strength of the connection depending on the configuration of the second component 20, 30 to be mounted.

[0204] For example, FIG. 24 illustrates an apical subcomponent 30 of a second component 20 that is mounted to the coronal implant interface of the first component 10 via its apical implant interface 21. In this case, the apical subcomponent 30 is fastened to the first dental component 10 using an implant screw 51 that can be inserted through the through hole 37 of the angled apical subcomponent 30. For this reason, the implant screw 51 has a smaller diameter and the thread of the implant screw 51 is configured to engage the second threaded portion 16 having a smaller diameter than the first threaded portion 15.

[0205] As further shown in FIG. 24, the through hole 37 of the apical subcomponent 30 may include on its apical side a handling thread 32e. This apical handling thread 32e serves to retain the implant screw 51 while maneuvering the apical subcomponent 30 to its mounting position on top of the first component 10. This facilitates handling of the implant screw 51 since the handling thread 32e allows to move the apical subcomponent 30 and the implant screw 51 as a unit.

[0206] Turning to FIG. 25, a second component 20 is mounted to the first component 10 that differs from the second component of FIG. 24 in that it does not comprise an angled apical subcomponent 30. As a result, an implant screw 51 with a larger diameter may be used that engages the first threaded portion 15 having the larger diameter thread in comparison to the second threaded portion 16.

[0207] As also illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, the implant screw hole 13 may further comprise a conical portion 12d. This conical portion 12d may interact with a conical portion 21d of the apical subcomponent 30 or the second component 20 for guiding the apical implant interface 21 during assembly to the first component 10. In particular, the conical portions 12d and 21d assist in guiding the subcomponent 30 or the second component 20 into the blind hole 13 of the first component until the sealing surface 12e of the first component 10 gets into contact with the sealing surface 21e of the subcomponent 30 or the second component 20.

[0208] As illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, the first component may comprise a first threaded portion 15 and the apical subcomponent 30 may comprise a thread 32a. Preferably, the first threaded portion 15 and thread 32a have substantially the same diameter. This has the advantage that implant screw 51 cmayan engage first threaded portion or thread 32a in order to fasten subcomponent 20 to apical subcomponent 30 or first component 10.

[0209] In order to provide an efficient seal between the sealing surfaces 12e and 21e, the conical portions 12d and 21d are preferably dimensioned so that a gap exists between their conical surfaces in an assembled state, i. e. after the implant screw 51 has been fastened. In other words, the conical portions 12d and 21d have a guiding function but do not engage each other and, thus, do not form a seal. Instead, a seal between the two components is exclusively formed between the sealing surfaces 12e and 21e.

[0210] As illustrated, the sealing surfaces 12e and 21e are preferably flat and, in particular, extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.sub.1 of the first component 10. However, as a modification, the sealing surfaces 12e and 21e may also be conical to form a conical seal. Further, the angle of the sealing surfaces 12e and 21e in relation to the longitudinal axis of the first component 10 may slightly differ for rather or substantially providing a line contact instead of a surface contact. In this case, the different angles of the surfaces 12e and 21e are preferably chosen so that the contact between these surfaces occurs at their outer periphery.

[0211] As a modification to FIGS. 24 and 25, it is also possible to form an effective seal between the two components as described above, for example in relation to FIG. 7.

[0212] As illustrated in the different exemplary embodiments of an implant system 1 according to the present disclosure, the total length of such an implant system between the coronal system end 3 and the apical system end 2 results from the sum of individual fixed lengths of the components. In other words, the components neither have an adjustable length nor are two components adjustably engaged for adjusting the total length of these two components. Except for the fork component 60 of FIG. 18, this also applies to the multi-component zygoma implant systems 1 that comprise multiple coronal superstructure interfaces 4A, 4B (cf. FIGS. 19 to 20). Consequently, an adjustment of the length of a zygoma implant system 1 is preferably only possible by appropriately choosing the length of each component of this zygoma implant system 1.

[0213] Further, the above-described embodiments include as the longest component preferably the second component 20 (not including an apical subcomponent 30, if present) that comprises the coronal system end 3 of the zygoma implant system 1. As described above, this has the advantage that the distance between the zygomatic bone and the mouth of a patient, where a dental superstructure or restoration is to be installed to the coronal superstructure interface 4 of the implant system, is basically bridged by a single component. This enhances the stability and strength of the implant system.

[0214] Further, this configuration is particularly advantageous in case of a revision. Generally, it is more likely that an infection at an implant occurs on the side, where the mouth of the patient is. Here, the length of the component primarily bridging the distance between the zygomatic bone and the mouth of the patient prevents the inflammation from migrating towards the first component 10 of the zygomatic implant system 1 that is anchored within the bone tissue of the zygomatic bone. By removal of this longest component, a large part of the surface area, where an infection may spread, can be removed, whereas the first component remains anchored and is reusable after the infection has been treated. Alternatively, this configuration is also advantageous in case of a revision in case the component primarily bridging the distance between the zygomatic bone and the mouth is damaged; in this case, said component can be removed and replaced.

[0215] If a subcomponent 30 is present, it is preferably located as an intermediate component at the side of the first component 10. The subcomponent 30 is preferably configured to be the shortest component of the zygomatic implant system 1. Accordingly, the subcomponent particularly has a length of, for example, at maximum 12 mm, 10 mm, 8 mm or 6 mm. As illustrated in the figures, the subcomponent 30 is preferably angular.

REFERENCE SIGNS

[0216] The following lists the reference signs used in the description and the drawings. Throughout the drawings same reference signs refer to features that have the same or an equivalent function and/or structure. [0217] 1 multi-component zygoma implant system [0218] 2 apical system end [0219] 3 coronal system end [0220] 4 coronal superstructure interface [0221] 4a coronal superstructure interface part [0222] 5 superstructure screw hole [0223] 5a superstructure thread [0224] 10 first component, implant [0225] 11 outer thread [0226] 12 coronal implant interface [0227] 12d conical portion [0228] 12e sealing surface [0229] 13 blind hole, implant screw hole [0230] 14 indexing structure [0231] 15 first threaded portion [0232] 16 second threaded portion [0233] 18 coronal spherical joint surface [0234] 20 second component (acting as implant extension) [0235] 21 apical implant interface [0236] 21a apical implant interface part [0237] 21d conical portion [0238] 21e sealing surface [0239] 22 support body [0240] 23 through hole [0241] 23a screw seat [0242] 23b screw capturing thread [0243] 24 elongated section [0244] 24a first part [0245] 24b second part [0246] 25 apical intermediate interface [0247] 25a thread [0248] 25d conical portion [0249] 26 implant screw hole [0250] 26a screw capturing thread [0251] 26b screw seat [0252] 28 apical spherical joint surface [0253] 30 apical subcomponent of the second component [0254] 32 coronal intermediate interface [0255] 32a thread [0256] 32b interface face [0257] 32c indexing means [0258] 32d conical portion [0259] 32e handling thread [0260] 33 first part [0261] 34 second part [0262] 37 through hole [0263] 40 dental superstructure [0264] 44 apical superstructure interface [0265] 51 implant screw [0266] 52 assembly screw [0267] 53 superstructure screw [0268] 54 cover [0269] 60 fork subcomponent [0270] 70 handling tool [0271] 71 guide sleeve [0272] 73 markings [0273] 75 screwdriver [0274] L.sub.1 longitudinal axis of first component [0275] L.sub.2 longitudinal axis of elongated body [0276] A first fork component [0277] B second fork component [0278] FS superstructure interface axis [0279] FI implant interface axis [0280] FM intermediate interface axis [0281] α angle between FS and L.sub.1 (system angularity) [0282] α.sub.1 angle between FS and L.sub.2 [0283] α.sub.2 angle between L.sub.2 and FI or L.sub.1 [0284] α.sub.3 angle between longitudinal ends of elongated section