DENTAL IMPLANT AND SET

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dental implant for supporting, in particular by using a support structure, a cover element. The dental implant comprises a connection element having first and second end sections for connecting the dental implant to an implantation site of a jawbone and a first support element for supporting a cover element of at least a section of the implantation site after implanting the dental implant. The first end section is designed as, or comprises, a first connection section. The first support element comprises a second connection section. The first and second connection sections may be interconnectable. The second end section is designed as, or comprises, an implantation section for the temporary implantation of the connection element on or in the implantation site.

Claims

1. A dental implant for supporting, in particular by using a support structure, a cover element, comprising a connection element with a first end section and with a second end section for connecting the dental implant to a jawbone; and a first support element for supporting a cover element after implantation of the dental implant within the jawbone; wherein the first end section is embodied as, or comprises, a first connection section; wherein the first support element comprises a second connection section; wherein the first connection section and the second connection section are embodied to be interconnectable or connectable to each other; wherein the second end section embodied as, or comprises, an implantation section for temporarily implanting the connection section on or in the implantation site of the jawbone.

2. The dental implant according to claim 1, wherein the first and the second connection sections correspond to each other, wherein the first connection section or the second connection section is preferably embodied as an insertion opening, and wherein the other of these two connection sections is embodied as an insertion pin.

3. The dental implant according to claim 1, wherein the second end section is embodied as a pointed or tapered or tapering section.

4. The dental implant according to claim 1, wherein the first connection section and the second connection section are embodied for releasable connection to each other.

5. The dental implant according to claim 1, wherein the first support element is, or comprises, a grid-shaped support structure.

6. The dental implant according to claim 1, wherein the first support element comprises a top surface facing the oral cavity of the patient in the implantation state of the dental implant and a lower surface facing the implantation site, wherein the second connection section is embodied to receive the first connection section at said lower surface.

7. The dental implant according to claim 1, wherein the connection element does not comprise a threaded section and/or does not comprise a screw head.

8. The dental implant according to claim 1, wherein the connection element and/or the first support element is made of, or comprises, a metal, a plastic and/or a composite material.

9. The dental implant according to claim 1, wherein the connection element and/or the first support element is made entirely or partially of an absorbable material or comprises such a material.

10. A set, encompassing a dental implant according to claim 1, further comprising at least one further support element, wherein the first support element and the second support element differ in at least one geometric feature, and/or an implantable dental prosthesis.

11. The set according to claim 10, wherein the geometric feature encompasses the shape, a dimension, the surface and/or the arrangement of support structure elements.

12. A tool for inserting a connection element of a dental implant according to claim 1 into a bone, wherein the tool comprises a gap section for receiving an end section of the connection element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0085] The present invention is exemplarily explained based on the accompanying, partially simplified, figures in which identical reference numerals denote same or similar components. The following applies in the figures:

[0086] FIG. 1 shows a bone regeneration on the jawbone for preparation of the implantation of two implantable dental prosthesis;

[0087] FIG. 2a shows a first support element of a dental implant according to the present invention;

[0088] FIG. 2b shows a second support element of a dental implant according to the present invention;

[0089] FIG. 2c shows a third support element of a dental implant according to the present invention;

[0090] FIG. 2d shows a support element of a dental implant according to the present invention in a side view;

[0091] FIG. 3a shows a connection element of a dental implant according to the present invention;

[0092] FIG. 3b shows a further connection element of a dental implant according to the present invention;

[0093] FIG. 3c-k show further embodiments of the connection element;

[0094] FIG. 4 shows a dental implant according to the present invention with support element and connection element;

[0095] FIG. 4a shows a further embodiment of a dental implant according to the present invention;

[0096] FIG. 5 shows the bone regeneration on the jawbone of FIG. 1 with a dental implant according to the present invention;

[0097] FIG. 6a-c show a tool for driving the connection element into the jawbone; and

[0098] FIG. 7 shows a manufacturing variant for the support element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0099] FIG. 1 shows a bone regeneration using bone replacement material 1 on the jawbone 3 for the preparation of the implantation of two implantable dental prosthesis. The bone replacement material 1 is exemplarily designed as granules. The optionally granulated bone replacement material 1 can be synthetic bone replacement material 1, for example hydroxyapatite, and/or natural, endogenous bone replacement material 1. Often these two forms, i.e. synthetic and endogenous material, are mixed together.

[0100] The bone replacement material 1 is exemplarily placed and distributed on or over the jawbone 3. The arrangement is shown purely exemplarily and roughly schematically. In practice, the granules are actually often arranged much more densely and also layered on top of each other. The aim of this layered arrangement of bone replacement material 1 is osseous growth, starting from the jawbone 3. Once this bone growth is complete, which usually takes several months, the jawbone, together with the newly formed bone, may form the bony base for implanting an implantable dental prosthesis. The implantable dental prosthesis, which may be described as an artificial tooth root, is then the basis for further reconstruction of a so-called “abutment” and an adjoining dental crown. Based on this description, it is clear that a stable and sufficient bone bed for the implantable dental prosthesis forms the basis for a lasting success, i.e. for the implantable dental prosthesis to remain in the bone for as long as possible.

[0101] FIG. 1 also shows two intact teeth 5, between which optional two screws 7 are screwed into the jawbone 3 as placeholders for the subsequent implantable dental prosthesis.

[0102] Furthermore, an exemplary cover membrane 9 is shown, which is placed on the granules 1 in the direction of the arrow 11. The cover membrane 9, which may be referred to or designed as a covering film or a covering element, has the function of protecting the bone replacement material 1 against undesired growth of soft tissue, for example of the surrounding mucous membrane, during the osseous growth. Such an ingrowth of soft tissue would significantly limit the stability and strength of the bony structure and should therefore be prevented using the cover membrane 9. However, direct contact of the cover membrane 9 with the granules 1 is disadvantageous to osseous growth, since the pressure of the cover membrane 9 has a disturbing and disadvantageous effect on the growth.

[0103] The cover membrane 9 may be affixed to the jawbone 3 for example by using fastening pins on the edge of the cover membrane 9. Nails, screws or the like, which can be absorbable or non-absorbable, may be used as fastening pins.

[0104] FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c show examples of differently designed support elements 13 of a dental implant 100 according to the present invention.

[0105] The support elements 13 serve to support the cover membrane 9 in order to form, together with the connection element 15, a cavity between the cover membrane 9 and the bone replacement material 1. Osseous growth may take place undisturbed in this cavity. The cover membrane 9 is placed on the top surface of the support element 13, wherein the top surface is the side of the support element 13 facing the oral cavity. In contrast, the lower surface of the support element 13 is oriented toward the jawbone 3. After placement, the cover membrane 9 is affixed or adhered to the support element 13 optionally by blood or the fibrin contained therein. Further optional fixing of the cover membrane 13 to the jawbone 3 is usually not necessary.

[0106] The different geometric shapes of the various support elements 13 in FIG. 2a, FIG. 2b and FIG. 2c can be selected depending on the size of the cover membrane 9 or the size of the bone to be regenerated, the respective anatomical situation and/or other influencing factors. In this, it is particularly advantageous that the modular design of the dental implant according to the present invention allows the two modular elements, connection element 15 on the one hand and support element 13 on the other hand, to be combined with each other as desired with regard to size etc. This means that even during a surgical operation situation, the most suitable exemplar of a connection element 15 can be selected and connected together with the most suitable exemplar of the support element 13. This ensures the best possible care.

[0107] The difference between the two support elements 13 in FIGS. 2a and 2b is the different number of cross struts 17. A higher number of cross struts 17 may result in increased stiffness against bending. However, the stiffness or bending stiffness depends on other factors, such as e.g. the cross-sectional shape of the cross struts 17 and the respective material properties. Depending on the geometric design of the support elements 13, the size of the cavity between the cover membrane 9 and the jawbone 3 can thus be influenced. This in turn has a direct influence on the regenerating jawbone and thus on the stability of the subsequent implantable dental prosthesis. The statements apply analogously for the longitudinal struts 19 and the radial struts 21 in the round embodiment shown in FIG. 2c.

[0108] One or more insertion openings 23 are arranged optionally centrally in the middle of each of the support elements 13, into which an insertion pin 25 of the connection element 15 may be inserted. The insertion pin 25 may be referred to as the first connection section 25 of the connection element 15, and the insertion opening 23 may be referred to as the second connection section 23 of the support element 13.

[0109] The length 31 of the support element 13 may be, purely exemplarily, approx. 10 mm; the width 33 may be, purely exemplarily, approx. 5 mm. Furthermore, purely exemplarily, the thickness of the cross struts 17 and/or the longitudinal struts 19 may be approx. 0.2 mm; the thickness 34 of the outer, circumferential struts may be approx. 0.25 mm. The diameter of the insertion opening 23 may be, purely exemplarily, approx. 0.8 mm. The outer diameter 35 of the round embodiment of the support element shown in FIG. 2c may be, purely exemplarily, approx. 5 mm.

[0110] FIG. 2d shows a support element 13 of a dental implant 100 according to the present invention in a side view, wherein the support element 13 may be, for example, one of the embodiments shown in FIG. 2a, FIG. 2b or FIG. 2c. The height 36 of the support element 13—which optionally remains constant at least in sections or over at least half the width—may purely exemplarily be between 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm, for example 0.16 mm.

[0111] FIG. 3a shows a connection element 15 of a dental implant 100 according to the present invention having a first end section 37 and a second end section 39 for connecting the dental implant 100 to an implantation site 41 (see FIG. 5) of a jawbone 3.

[0112] The total length 43 of the connection element 15 may be, purely exemplarily, approx. 13 mm, wherein the first end section 37, which is designed as an insertion pin 25 or as a first connection section 25, has, purely exemplarily, a length 38 of approx. 0.3 mm and the second end section 39 has, purely exemplarily, a length of approx. 3 mm. The outer diameter 49 of an optionally round connection element 15 may be purely exemplarily approx. 1.2 mm.

[0113] In the enlarged view of section A of FIG. 3a, in which a section of the plugged-on or attached support element 13 is additionally shown, a cone angle α of the longitudinally-tapering first connection section 25 is shown.

[0114] This cone angle α may be manufactured or designed in the same way in the insertion opening 23 of the support element 13. Thus, the support element 13 may be pushed onto the first connection section 25 in an advantageously simple way.

[0115] Depending on the optionally selected material pairing of the first connection section 25 and the support element 13, this results in a coefficient of friction p.

[0116] The coefficient of friction p may have different values in different directions along the sliding surface, for example, depending on a structured surface. An axial direction and a tangential direction oriented perpendicular to the axial direction are given below as examples of these different directions. In the axial direction, which corresponds in particular to the direction of movement of the support element 13 relative to the connection section 25, a coefficient of friction pa may be specified in the axial direction.

[0117] The coefficient of friction p may be referred to as the friction value or friction number and is a dimensionless measure of the frictional force in relation to the contact pressure between two bodies. The friction force acts parallel to the contact surface and depends on the material-dependent and surface-dependent coefficient of friction p and a normal force acting perpendicular to the contact surface.

[0118] According to the known relationship for taper connections in machine elements, a necessary cone angle α for a self-locking taper press connection may be calculated based thereon. Accordingly, the following inequality applies to a self-locking connection between the first connection section 25 of the connection element 15 and the support element 13.

[0119] self-locking: α<arctan μ.sub.a [0120] α: cone angle [0121] μ.sub.a: coefficient of friction in axial direction [0122] arctan: arctangent, inverse function of the trigonometric tangent function

[0123] The coefficient of friction p may be different in the axial direction and in the tangential direction, both of which are parallel to the sliding surface. Therefore, for self-locking in the axial direction, only the coefficient of friction in the axial direction is taken into account for the above inequality.

[0124] The coefficient of friction μ is determined by the material pairing and can vary in size. For example, the coefficient of static friction μ for a dry, i.e. unlubricated, material pairing of steel on steel is between approx. 0.15 and 0.3. For a value of μ=0.15, the necessary cone angle for a self-locking connection can thus be calculated as follows:

α<arctan 0.15

α<8.5° (degree)  v

[0125] For a cone angle of α=5.71° chosen purely by way of example, this would therefore be a self-locking conical press connection for a material pairing steel on steel. A secure fixation or connection between the first connection section 25 of the connection element 15 and the support element 13 may thus advantageously be established.

[0126] Such a cone angle α of less than approximately 11 degrees or a cone angle α calculated according to the above formula (1) (with a specific value μ instead of 0.15 as used there by way of example) is provided in several embodiments.

[0127] FIG. 3b shows a further connection element 15 of a dental implant 100 according to the present invention in a longitudinal sectional view. In contrast to the embodiment in FIG. 3a, the further connection element 15 in FIG. 3b is tubular, hollow on the inside and designed with an optionally larger or smaller outer diameter 49 compared to the connection element 15 in FIG. 3a. This enables greater strength or bending stiffness against unintentional bending or kinking, in particular when the connection element 15 is driven into the jawbone 3.

[0128] The further connection element 15 comprises one, two or more slits 51 in the lower half, wherein if two are provided, they are circumferentially offset by 180 degrees. These slits 51 enable the lower half to be formed into an approximately pointed shape by compressing the tubular connection element 15 or by squeezing the lower end, so that an insertion or driving into the jawbone 3 is simplified.

[0129] This compression can be facilitated by—e.g. two—openings or bores 53, which are arranged offset by 180 degrees in the circumferential direction. The two bores 53 allow the connection element 15 to bend when compressed at precisely this point. In the region of these bores, plastic deformation of the material may take place in this embodiment or may be detected by finite element analysis. The compressed lower end of the further connection element 15 may thus correspond approximately to the second end section 39 of the connection element 15 of FIG. 3a.

[0130] In order to connect the further connection element 15 to a support element 13, for example a shoulder in the support element 13 may be inserted into the upper end of the tubular further connection element 15. Alternatively, a cone-shaped section may be connected to the front end as the first connection section, which can be designed analogously to the first connecting section 25 of the connection element 15 (see FIG. 3a). This is described in more detail with respect to FIG. 3h.

[0131] The total length 43 of the further connection element 15 may, purely by way of example, be between 7 mm and 15 mm, for example approx. 10 mm.

[0132] The outer diameter 49 of the further connection element 15 may be, purely by way of example, between approximately 1 mm and 2 mm, for example 1.8 mm.

[0133] The wall thickness of the further tubular connection element 15 may have, purely by way of example, a value between approx. 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm, for example 0.16 mm.

[0134] FIG. 3c shows a further embodiment of the connection element 15 in longitudinal section with pointed or tapering sections along the two slits 51. The two slits 51 (there could be more or less than two), which are offset by e.g. 180 degrees in the circumferential direction, thus widen towards the lower, front end of the connection element 15. Advantageously, this allows the two front end regions to be pressed together so that the connection element 15 can be easily driven into the jawbone.

[0135] The outer walls of the connection element 15 may be completely or substantially straight as shown in FIGS. 3b and 3c. The inner walls may extend completely, or at least partially, straight (as shown in FIG. 3b) and/or partially curved (as shown in FIG. 3c).

[0136] FIG. 3d shows the embodiment of FIG. 3c in a side view without sectional representation. Individual optional height markings 55 are shown at different heights of the connection element 15, which (all or some) can optionally be arranged around the entire circumference. These height markings 55 may advantageously be used to determine the depth of penetration into the jawbone. The height markers 55 may be arranged equidistantly or non-equidistantly. The height markings 55 may alternatively or additionally be designed as barbs to ensure firm anchoring of the connection element 15 in the jawbone. In particular with an optional absorbable material of the connection element 15, explanation is not necessary nor provided. Such height markers 55 may optionally be part of any embodiment.

[0137] FIG. 3e shows a further embodiment of the connection element 15. In contrast to the embodiments of FIGS. 3b-d, the connection elements 15 of FIGS. 3e-g comprise not two but four sections arranged over the circumference in the lower region. This is illustrated by the lower sections which are not shown in sectional representation. The four sections may be bent toward the center in the direction of arrow 57 to facilitate driving them into the jawbone.

[0138] FIG. 3f shows a further embodiment of the connection element 15, which is similar in shape to that of FIG. 3e, but comprises no openings or bores 53 and has pointed, lower sections. The lower sections may be referred to as tips 59. Compressing or plastically deforming the tips 59 toward the center advantageously enables an even more pointedly tapered shape compared to the shape of FIG. 3e, so that it is easier to drive them into the jawbone.

[0139] The upper partial length 61 and the lower partial length 63 of the connection element 15 are, purely by way of example, each approximately half as long as the total length 43.

[0140] FIG. 3g shows a side view of the connection element 15 analogous to FIG. 3d. With regard to the optional height markings 55, reference is therefore made to the description with regard to FIG. 3d.

[0141] The upper partial length 61, which represents the non-marked section of the connection element 15 in FIG. 3g, corresponds to approximately one third of the total length 43, purely by way of example. The surface of this upper section may have a different surface structure than the lower section, for example, to enable a better manual holding when driving the connection element 15 into the jawbone.

[0142] FIG. 3h, FIG. 3i and FIG. 3j show schematically simplified wind-ups of the connection element 15 shown in FIG. 3f and FIG. 3g. The length of the wind-up 65 corresponds to the circumference. With a purely exemplary outer diameter of 1.8 mm, the length of the wind-up 65 is calculated to be approx. 5.7 mm. The lower partial length 63 of the connection element 15, which in FIG. 3e corresponds to the length of the tips 59, may be between approx. 2 mm and 5 mm; in this example, the length of the tips 59 is 3 mm. The distance 67 between the tips 59 may be between approx. 1 mm and 2 mm, in this example the distance 67 is approx. 1.4 mm. The radius 69 between the tips 59 may be between approx. 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, in this example the radius is approx. 0.2 mm.

[0143] The total length 43 of the three purely exemplary embodiments is 8 mm in FIG. 3h, 11 mm in FIGS. 3i and 14 mm in FIG. 3j. Different total lengths 43 may be advantageous if, for example, depending on the existing jawbone substance and/or depending on the size of the support element 13, it is possible to individually select between different lengths for the respective purpose of use.

[0144] FIG. 3k shows the shape of the first connecting section 25 analogous to the description with regard to FIG. 3a.

[0145] The length of the first end section 38, which corresponds to the length of the first connection section 25, may be 0.3 mm, purely by way of example.

[0146] The support element 13 can be plugged onto the conical region of the first connection section 25. Depending on the material pairing used for the connection element 15 on the one hand and the support element 13 on the other hand, the cone angle α may be selected in such a way that a self-locking conical press connection is established. The outer diameter 71 at the base of the cone, from which the cone tapers towards the end face, may be approximately 1.67 mm in this exemplary embodiment.

[0147] The reference numeral 50 denotes the inner diameter of the support element 13, which is optionally designed to be hollow or partially hollow in this embodiment.

[0148] FIG. 4 shows the dental implant 100 according to the present invention in an embodiment being in the assembled state with support element 13 and connection element 15.

[0149] FIG. 4a shows a further embodiment of a dental implant 100 according to the present invention. The upper illustration of FIG. 4a is a perspective lateral view, the lower illustration of FIG. 4a is a perspective view from obliquely above.

[0150] The shape of the connection element 5 is similar in structure to the embodiment of FIGS. 3e to 3g. In this embodiment, the support element 13 is optionally round in a top view with e.g. four struts, here exemplarily oriented radially outward between an inner disk-shaped area and an outer ring of the support element 13. The protrusion of struts is optional here.

[0151] The support element 13 is fastened to the connection element 15 by three pins 91 or another number of pins 91.

[0152] The pins 91 are optionally integral components of the connection element 15, i.e. are manufactured in one piece with the connection element 15.

[0153] The production may be made, for example, from a disc-shaped or tubular semi-finished product as starting material, which is processed by laser cutting and, if necessary, later bent into the cylindrical shape shown in FIG. 4a and optionally joined together along the abutting edges in the longitudinal direction, e.g. by laser welding.

[0154] In the unassembled state of the support element 13, the pins 91 extend in the longitudinal direction optionally more or less parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support element 13.

[0155] For mounting the support element 13 on the connection element 15, these pins 91 may then be bent by about 90° (degrees) radially outwards, as shown—as a result—in FIG. 4a.

[0156] For the exact positioning of the support element 13 on the connection element 15 during assembly, the inner disk of the support element 13 may have notches for guiding the pins 91; they may run in the axial direction being perpendicular to the radial direction in which the struts extend. In the assembled state, this inner disk then rests on the connection element 15 and is fixed by the bent pins 91.

[0157] The inner disk may comprise a central opening. It may be dimensioned to fit with its edge on an optionally provided rim or shoulder, as it is disclosed in FIG. 3k. Thus, the cone—or other end face design of the connection element 15 shown in FIG. 3k may project into or through the central opening. The central opening may be designed as a blind opening or a through-opening.

[0158] The height markings 55a, in contrast to the height markings 55 of FIGS. 3d and 3g, are designed as small, round holes or openings (through-openings or blind holes). These height markings 55a may advantageously be used to determine or read the depth of penetration of the connection element 15 into the jawbone. The height markings 55a may be arranged equidistantly or non-equidistantly in the longitudinal direction. Any other design of height markings than that shown in FIG. 4a is also encompassed by the present invention.

[0159] The embodiment of the dental implant 100 shown in FIG. 4a is preferably fixed in the jawbone in the assembled state. In the assembled state, the support element 13 is already fixed to the connection element 15.

[0160] The dental implant 100 shown in FIG. 4a can be fixed in the jawbone with or without tools, for example by driving it in.

[0161] The dental implant 100 shown in FIG. 4a may also be made completely or partially of a partially or completely absorbable material.

[0162] FIG. 5 shows the bone regeneration on the jawbone 3 from FIG. 1 with the dental implant 100 according to the invention. The dental implant 100 is implanted or inserted into the jawbone 3 at the implantation site 41.

[0163] In the implantation state of the dental implant 100 shown in FIG. 5, the support element 13 has a top surface 45 facing the oral cavity of the patient and a lower surface 47 facing the implantation site 41.

[0164] FIGS. 6a-c show two different embodiments and in different views of an exemplary tool 73 according to the present invention for driving the connection element 15 into the jawbone.

[0165] FIG. 6a shows the tool 73 in a half-sectional view in a first embodiment. The following figures are purely exemplary and may deviate therefrom in particular for different connection elements 15.

[0166] The stud diameter 75 may be selected in such that the tool 73 may be placed on the first connection section 25 of the connection element 15 with as little play as possible or, if this is designed as a hollow body at least in its upper section, may be pushed into the inner cross-section or its inner lumen (see FIG. 3k). With an exemplary outer diameter 49 of 1.8 mm and a wall thickness (in the non-conical section) of 0.16 mm, the inner diameter is 1.48 mm.

[0167] This inner diameter, which in FIG. 3k is marked with the reference numeral 50, thus corresponds to the stud diameter 75 of the tool 73, if necessary, with a fit to be selected.

[0168] The embodiment in FIG. 6a is selected in such that the first connection section 25 of the connection element 15 (see FIG. 3k) rests on the end face of the tool 73 in an optionally circumferential gap section 77 and preferably on its base (in FIG. 6a at the very top). In other words, the embodiment of the tool 73 in FIG. 6a is a tool 73 with a support for placing the tool 73 on the cone of the connection element 15.

[0169] According to the exemplary numerical example of FIG. 3k, the height 79 of the gap section 77 is 0.3 mm.

[0170] According to the exemplary numerical example in FIG. 3k, the gap width 81 corresponds to 0.95 mm and is calculated from the exemplary wall thickness of 0.16 mm minus the cone width (related to the outer diameter 71 at the cone base) of 0.65 mm. The remaining dimensions may be adjusted accordingly, thus resulting in a purely exemplary stud length 83 of 1.1 mm, an upper partial length 85 (length from the front of an upper end face to a lower end face of the gap section) of the tool 73 of 1 mm, an overall length 87 of the tool 73 from upper end face to lower end face of 1.7 mm and an outer diameter 89 of the tool 73 of 2.2 mm. The upper end face of the tool 73 with the outer diameter 89 may be used to apply the force for driving the connection element 15 into the jawbone.

[0171] In the embodiment of FIG. 6a, it should be noted that the end face of the cone of the connection element 15 rests well on the tool 73 on the end face of the gap section 77 (i.e. on the gap base). Deformation of the cone of the connection element 15 when it is driven in, may as a result be advantageously avoided, since otherwise there is the risk that the support element 13 can no longer be fitted accurately onto the cone of the connection element 15 after it has been driven in.

[0172] For example, a metal or a plastic may be used as the material for the tool, for example a polyetheretherketone (abbreviated to PEEK).

[0173] FIG. 6b shows the tool 73 in a second embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the height 79 of the gap section 77 is selected such that the end face of the cone of the connection element 15 does not rest on the end face of the gap section 77 (i.e. on the gap base) of the tool 73 when it is driven in. Rather, the free annular surface of the cylinder section concentrically surrounding the gap section 77, which can be seen from below in FIG. 6c, lies on the shoulder of the outer wall of the connection element 15, which can be recognized as a horizontal ring in FIG. 3K. Therefore, the height 79 of the gap section 77 may be 0.4 mm, purely exemplarily. With the same other external dimensions corresponding to the example in FIG. 6a, the exemplary stud length 83 is then 1.1 mm.

[0174] Due to the fact that—in this embodiment—the end face of the cone of the connection element 15 does not rest on the end face of the gap section 77 (i.e. on the gap bottom) when it is driven in, rather the cylinder section comes to rest on the shoulder, mechanical damage to the cone during driving in may thus be advantageously avoided.

[0175] FIG. 6c shows a perspective view of the tool 73 corresponding to the embodiments from FIGS. 6a and 6b with a view from below onto the lower end face and with a view from below into the gap section 77.

[0176] FIG. 7 shows a manufacturing variant for the support element 13. In this embodiment, the support element 13 may be manufactured from a tubular raw material. The raw material may, for example, be the same raw material as can be used to manufacture the connection element 15 according to the embodiments in FIGS. 3a to 3k. The purely exemplary outer diameter 49 of the connection element 15 has been indicated as 1.8 mm in these figure descriptions. Corresponding to the described wind-up in FIG. 3h, this corresponds to a length of approximately 5.7 mm. Having an exemplary width 33 of the support element 13 of 5 mm, makes it sufficient for manufacturing the support element 13. Production may take place, for example, by laser cutting. The basic method for an absorbable material such as a magnesium alloy is known from the manufacture of stents from medical technology applications. However, the support element must be plastically deformed or expanded after manufacture.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0177] 100 dental implant [0178] α cone angle of the first connection section [0179] μ.sub.a coefficient of friction in the axial direction [0180] 1 bone replacement material; granules [0181] 3 jawbone [0182] 5 tooth [0183] 7 screw; placeholder [0184] 9 cover membrane; cover film; cover element [0185] 11 arrow direction for moving the cover membrane [0186] 13 support element [0187] 15 connection element [0188] 17 cross strut [0189] 19 longitudinal strut [0190] 21 radial strut [0191] 23 insertion opening; second connection section [0192] 25 insertion pin; first connection section [0193] 31 length of the support element [0194] 32 thickness of the cross strut and/or of the longitudinal strut [0195] 33 width of the support element [0196] 34 thickness of the outer, circumferential or closed strut [0197] 35 outer diameter of the round support element [0198] 36 height of the support element [0199] 37 first end section of the connection element [0200] 38 length of the first end section [0201] 39 second end section of the connection element [0202] 41 implantation site [0203] 43 total length of the connection element [0204] 45 top surface of the support element [0205] 47 lower surface of the support element [0206] 49 outer diameter of the connection element [0207] 50 inner diameter [0208] 51 slit [0209] 53 bore [0210] 55,55a height markings of the connection elements [0211] 57 arrow direction [0212] 59 tips [0213] 61 upper partial length of the connection element [0214] 63 lower partial length of the connection element [0215] 65 length of the wind-up; circumference [0216] 67 distance between the tips [0217] 69 radius between the tips [0218] 71 outer diameter at the base of the cone [0219] 73 tool for driving in the connection element [0220] 75 stud diameter [0221] 77 gab section [0222] 79 height of the gab section [0223] 81 width of gab [0224] 83 length of stud [0225] 85 upper partial length of the tool [0226] 87 total length of the tool [0227] 89 outer diameter of the tool [0228] 91 pin