Dental Implant, Superstructure, And Dental Prothesis

Abstract

Dental implant and superstructure each with an interface that allows direct attachment of the superstructure to the dental implant without the use of an abutment. The dental implant comprises an anti-rotation element that is arranged in the opening and is configured to prevent the superstructure from rotating about a longitudinal axis relative to the dental implant. The superstructure comprises an interface corresponding to the anti-rotation element, having a recess with two mutually opposite side flanks which are at a first distance from each other in a first region and, in a second region which is at a greater distance from the longitudinal axis than the first region, are at a second distance from each other, the second distance being smaller than the first distance.

Claims

1. A dental implant, comprising: an external thread arranged on an outer side of the dental implant for fixing the dental implant to a jaw bone; an opening extending along a central longitudinal axis of the dental implant and comprising an internal thread for fixing a superstructure to the dental implant; an interface configured for fixing the superstructure to the dental implant, the interface being arranged in a region of an end face of the dental implant and comprising an inner surface that is arranged in the opening and at least partially surrounds the longitudinal axis; and an anti-rotation element arranged in the opening and configured to prevent the superstructure from rotating about the longitudinal axis relative to the dental implant, wherein the anti-rotation element is at a shorter distance from the longitudinal axis than the inner surface, and wherein a radially outer side of the anti-rotation element that faces away from the longitudinal axis faces the inner surface and is spaced apart from the inner surface such that there is an open cavity between the radially outer side of the anti-rotation element and the inner surface.

2. The dental implant as claimed in claim 1, wherein the open cavity tapers downward, as viewed in a longitudinal section of the dental implant, such that a first distance between the radially outer side of the anti-rotation element and the inner surface, as measured in the longitudinal section at an open upper end of the cavity, is greater than a second distance between the radially outer side of the anti-rotation element and the inner surface, as measured in the longitudinal section at a lower end of the cavity.

3. The dental implant as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anti-rotation element comprises two planar drive surfaces extending parallel to each other.

4. The dental implant as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the two planar drive surfaces extends parallel to a radial direction that is oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis.

5. The dental implant as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anti-rotation element has a convex-concave shape in a cross section that is oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis.

6. The dental implant as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anti-rotation element has a convex-concave shape in a cross section that is oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis, wherein a radially inner side of the anti-rotation element facing the opening has concave shape, and a radially outer side of the anti-rotation element opposite the radially inner side has a convex shape, wherein the anti-rotation element comprises two planar drive surfaces extending parallel to each other, the two drive surfaces being arranged on opposite sides of the anti-rotation element and extending transversely and between the radially outer side and the radially inner side of the anti-rotation element.

7. The dental implant as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anti-rotation element has a constant wall thickness.

8. The dental implant as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anti-rotation element is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis.

9. The dental implant as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interface is mirror-symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal sectional plane in which the longitudinal axis lies and which divides the anti-rotation element into two halves of identical size.

10. The dental implant as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner surface comprises a curved surface that is curved convexly in a longitudinal section in which the longitudinal axis lies.

11. The dental implant as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interface comprises a support surface that is arranged radially further outward than the inner surface, wherein the support surface extends around the longitudinal axis and is, all around the longitudinal axis, oriented at a constant angle transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis.

12. The dental implant as claimed in claim 11, wherein a radially outer edge of the inner surface merges tangentially into the support surface.

13. The dental implant as claimed in claim 1, wherein the internal thread is at a greater distance from the end face than the anti-rotation element.

14. A dental prosthesis, comprising: a dental implant; a superstructure; and a fastening element configured to fasten the superstructure to the dental implant, the dental implant comprising: an external thread arranged on an outer side of the dental implant for fixing the dental implant to a jaw bone; an opening extending along a central longitudinal axis of the dental implant and comprising an internal thread in which the fastening element engages; an interface being arranged in a region of an end face of the dental implant and comprising an inner surface that is arranged in the opening and at least partially surrounds the longitudinal axis; and an anti-rotation element arranged in the opening and configured to prevent the superstructure from rotating about the longitudinal axis relative to the dental implant, wherein the anti-rotation element is at a shorter distance from the longitudinal axis than the inner surface, and wherein a radially outer side of the anti-rotation element that faces away from the longitudinal axis faces the inner surface and is spaced apart from the inner surface such that there is an open cavity between the radially outer side of the anti-rotation element and the inner surface.

15. A superstructure, comprising: an opening extending along a central longitudinal axis of the superstructure and having an interface for fixing the superstructure to a dental implant, wherein the interface comprises an extension that is arranged on a lower side of the superstructure, surrounds the opening and has a lateral surface which forms an outer side of the extension, wherein the lateral surface is interrupted by a recess which leads into the opening, and wherein the recess has two mutually opposite side flanks which, in a cross section oriented orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis, are at a first distance from each other in a first region and, in a second region which is at a greater distance from the longitudinal axis than the first region, are at a second distance from each other, the second distance being smaller than the first distance.

16. The superstructure as claimed in claim 15, wherein each of the two mutually opposite side flanks of the recess comprises a planar drive surface.

17. The superstructure as claimed in claim 15, wherein each of the two mutually opposite side flanks of the recess comprises a planar drive surface and an adjacent, concavely curved surface, wherein the planar drive surfaces are each arranged in the first region of the side flanks, and the concavely curved surfaces are each arranged in the second region of the side flanks.

18. The superstructure as claimed in claim 17, wherein the planar drive surfaces are oriented parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal axis.

19. The superstructure as claimed in claim 15, wherein the recess is arranged at a lower free end of the extension and is open toward the lower free end.

20. The superstructure as claimed in claim 15, wherein the recess is a tunnel-like recess.

21. The superstructure as claimed in claim 15, wherein the recess extends in a radial direction orthogonally to the longitudinal axis.

22. The superstructure as claimed in claim 15, wherein the lateral surface is curved concavely in a longitudinal section in which the longitudinal axis lies.

23. A dental prosthesis, comprising: a dental implant; a superstructure; and a fastening element configured to fasten the superstructure to the dental implant, the superstructure comprising an opening extending along a central longitudinal axis of the superstructure and having an interface for fixing the superstructure to the dental implant, wherein the interface comprises an extension that is arranged on a lower side of the superstructure, surrounds the opening and has a lateral surface which forms an outer side of the extension, wherein the lateral surface is interrupted by a recess which leads into the opening, and wherein the recess has two mutually opposite side flanks which, in a cross section oriented orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis, are at a first distance from each other in a first region and, in a second region which is at a greater distance from the longitudinal axis than the first region, are at a second distance from each other, the second distance being smaller than the first distance.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a dental implant according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0062] FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the dental implant shown in FIG. 1;

[0063] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the dental implant shown in FIG. 2 within a circle III shown in FIG. 2;

[0064] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the dental implant shown in FIG. 1;

[0065] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a superstructure according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0066] FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of the superstructure shown in FIG. 5;

[0067] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the superstructure shown in FIG. 5 within a chain-dotted circle shown in FIG. 5;

[0068] FIG. 8 shows a cross section of a portion of the superstructure shown in FIG. 5; and

[0069] FIG. 9 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a dental prosthesis according to the principles of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] FIGS. 1-4 show an embodiment of a dental implant according to the present disclosure in various views. The dental implant is denoted therein in its entirety by the reference numeral 10.

[0071] The dental implant 10 is typically manufactured from titanium or zirconium oxide. It has, on its outer side, an external thread 12 which can be used to screw the dental implant 10 in a patient's jaw bone. The dental implant 10 extends substantially along a longitudinal axis 14, which may also be referred to as the center axis. In its interior, the dental implant 10 has an opening 16 which extends along the longitudinal axis 14. At least part of said opening 16 is preferably configured as a bore, particularly preferably as a blind bore.

[0072] An internal thread 18 is arranged in the opening 16. Said internal thread 18 is used to fix a superstructure 20 (artificial dental crown) to the dental implant 10. In order to fix the superstructure 20 to the dental implant 10, use is preferably made of a screw 22 which engages in the internal thread 18 (see FIG. 9). Instead of a screw 22, use may basically also be made of a different type of fixing means, for example a bolt, for connecting the superstructure 20 to the dental implant 10.

[0073] On the upper end face, the dental implant 10 has an interface 24 which is illustrated in the top view shown in FIG. 4. Said interface 24 is used for fixing the superstructure 20 to the dental implant 10. The interface 24 forms, as it were, the contact region with which the dental implant 10 makes contact with the superstructure 20 in the mounted state of a dental prosthesis 100.

[0074] A particular characteristic of the interface 24 can be seen in the fact that the latter, because of its shape and design, permits the superstructure 20 to be directly attached to the dental implant 10 (without the use of an abutment arranged in between).

[0075] The interface 24 has an inner surface 26 which is arranged in the opening 16. Said inner surface 26 is an inner lateral surface which at least partially surrounds the longitudinal axis 14. The inner lateral surface 26 faces the longitudinal axis 14. Each normal vector which is oriented perpendicularly to said inner lateral surface 26 preferably intersects the longitudinal axis 14, specifically independently of the point at which said normal vector is placed onto the inner lateral surface 26. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the inner lateral surface 26 is at least partially convexly curved, as viewed in longitudinal section, as will be explained in more detail further below.

[0076] The interface 24 furthermore has an anti-rotation element 28. In the mounted state of the dental prosthesis 100, said anti-rotation element 28 prevents the superstructure 20 from rotating in relation to the dental implant 10. In the embodiment shown here, the anti-rotation element 28 is connected integrally to the dental implant 10. However, in principle, the anti-rotation element 28 can also be configured as a separate component which is fixed in the dental implant 10.

[0077] The anti-rotation element 28 preferably runs parallel to the longitudinal axis 14. In comparison to the previously mentioned convexly curved inner surface 26, the anti-rotation element 28 is arranged radially somewhat further inward, i.e. closer to the longitudinal axis 14. As can be seen from the top view shown in FIG. 4, the anti-rotation element 28 has a convex-concave shape in a cross section orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis 14. A radially outer side 30 of the anti-rotation element 28 faces away from the longitudinal axis 14. Said radially outer side 30 faces part of the inner lateral surface 26. However, the radially outer side 30 of the anti-rotation element 28 is spaced apart from the inner lateral surface 26 such that a cavity 32, which is a type of undercut, is produced between the radially outer side 30 of the anti-rotation element 28 and the inner lateral surface 26. Said cavity 32 is open upward.

[0078] As is apparent in particular from FIG. 3 which shows a detail of the longitudinal section shown in FIG. 2, the cavity 32 tapers downward. The cavity 32 has approximately the shape of a V, as viewed in this longitudinal section. Expressed in other words, a first distance D1 between the radially outer side 30 of the anti-rotation element 28 and the inner surface 26, as measured in the longitudinal section in the region of the upper open end of the cavity 32, is greater than a second distance D2 between the radially outer side 30 of the anti-rotation element 28 and the inner surface 26, as measured in the longitudinal section in the region of a lower end of the cavity 32.

[0079] As is likewise apparent from FIG. 3, the anti-rotation element 28 preferably has a constant wall thickness. The wall thickness of the anti-rotation element 28 is constant at least in cross section (also see FIG. 4).

[0080] As will also be explained in detail further below, a part of the superstructure 20 engages in said cavity 32, thus enabling a special manner of configuring the superstructure 20 and a special manner of connecting the superstructure 20 to the dental implant 10 in the region of the anti-rotation element 28.

[0081] The radially inner side 36 of the anti-rotation element 28, which side is opposite the radially outer side 30, faces the opening 16 or the longitudinal axis 14. While the radially outer side 30 is preferably a convex surface, the radially inner side 36 is preferably a concave surface. Accordingly, the anti-rotation element 28 is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the opening or bore 16, and is therefore comparatively space-saving. The internal thread 18 is freely accessible from above for the screw 22.

[0082] The anti-rotation element 28 furthermore has two mutually opposite drive surfaces 34a, 34b. Said two drive surfaces 34a, 34b are arranged on opposite sides of the anti-rotation element 28. The drive surfaces 34a, 34b run transversely and between the radially outer side 30 and the radially inner side 36 of the anti-rotation element 28. They are each configured as planar surfaces.

[0083] The two drive surfaces 34a, 34b preferably run parallel to a radial direction 38 which is oriented orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis 14. Said radial direction 38 is in each case indicated as an arrow in FIGS. 2 and 4. An imaginary longitudinal sectional plane E.sub.1 spanned by said radial direction 38 and the longitudinal axis 14 divides the anti-rotation element 28 into two halves of identical size. The anti-rotation element 28 is preferably mirror-symmetrical with respect to said longitudinal sectional plane E.sub.1.

[0084] The drive surfaces 34a, 34b are used as contact surfaces for corresponding counter surfaces which are arranged on the superstructure 20. The drive surfaces 34a, 34b are essentially used to absorb a torque acting about the longitudinal axis 14 between the superstructure 20 and the dental implant 10. They prevent the superstructure 20 from rotating about the longitudinal axis 14 in relation to the dental implant 10.

[0085] Owing to the described arrangement of the drive surfaces 34a, 34b, the latter essentially absorb forces acting in the circumferential direction. In the mounted state of the dental prosthesis 100, the superstructure 20 preferably makes contact with the anti-rotation element 28 only along said two drive surfaces 34a, 34b.

[0086] In this embodiment, material incisions 40 are provided on both sides laterally next to the anti-rotation element 28. Said material incisions 40 are essentially used to simplify the production of the dental implant 10 in terms of manufacturing.

[0087] The interface 24 is preferably mirror-symmetrical with respect to the previously mentioned imaginary plane E.sub.1. As already mentioned, the inner surface 26 belonging to the interface 24 has a curved surface 42 which is curved convexly in the longitudinal section shown in FIG. 2. Said convexly curved surface 42 preferably runs around the longitudinal axis 14. It lies on a concavely curved surface, which is correspondingly shaped as a counterpart, on the superstructure 20. The convexly curved surface 42 is used essentially for absorbing forces in the radial direction 38.

[0088] The convexly curved surface 42 is surrounded by a support surface 44 which is essentially used for absorbing axial forces, i.e. forces parallel to the longitudinal axis 14. The support surface 44 is arranged radially further outward than the convexly curved surface 42. In the embodiment shown here, the convexly curved surface 42 merges, preferably tangentially, at its radially outer edge into the support surface 44. The support surface 44 extends around the longitudinal axis 14 and is oriented around the latter at a constant angle transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis 14. In the present case, this angle is an angle less than 90°. The support surface 44 is therefore a conical surface. In principle, however, the support surface 44 may also be oriented orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis 14. Irrespective of the angle of the support surface 44 with respect to the longitudinal axis 14, it is preferred, as already mentioned, for said support surface to merge tangentially into the convexly curved surface 42.

[0089] In the mounted state of the dental prosthesis 100, the superstructure 20 is supported both on the convexly curved surface 42 and on the support surface 44.

[0090] As viewed in the longitudinal section of the dental implant 10 (see FIG. 2), the convexly curved surface 42 is preferably configured as a sector of a circle. Accordingly, the convexly curved surface 42 forms part of the surface of a torus. Like also the remaining parts of the interface 24, it can therefore be produced very simply using a ball cutter. However, it goes without saying that the convexly curved surface 42 does not inevitably have to be circular in the longitudinal section. In the described longitudinal section of the dental implant 10, it can also be shaped elliptically or configured as a freely shaped surface, but it is preferably “bend-free” in said cross section.

[0091] FIGS. 5 and 6 show an embodiment of the superstructure 20 which serves as a counterpart to the dental implant shown in FIGS. 1-4. The superstructure 20 has an artificial denture 46 which is illustrated here as an artificial dental crown. An interface 48 which is used for the connection to the dental implant 10 is arranged on the lower side of said artificial dental crown 46.

[0092] The interface 48 has an extension 50 which protrudes downward from the lower side of the artificial dental crown 46. This extension 50 is configured as a corresponding counterpart to the interface 24 arranged on the dental implant 10.

[0093] In the interior, the superstructure 20 has an opening 52 which is preferably configured as a through bore. Said opening 52 is closed at the upper end face of the artificial dental crown 46 after the dental prosthesis 100 is fitted to the patient. The opening 52 essentially extends along a longitudinal axis 54 of the superstructure 20. In the mounted state of the dental prosthesis 100, the longitudinal axis 54 of the superstructure 20 coincides with the longitudinal axis 14 of the dental implant 10 (see FIG. 9).

[0094] The interface 48 has a lateral surface 56 which forms an outer side of the extension 50 and surrounds the opening 52 in the circumferential direction. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the lateral surface 56 is formed concavely as a counterpart to the inner lateral surface 26 arranged on the dental implant 10. In more precise terms, the outer lateral surface 56 of the extension 50 is curved concavely in a longitudinal section in which the longitudinal axis 54 of the superstructure 20 lies. The outer lateral surface 56 preferably has the shape of a sector of a circle in this longitudinal section. However, like the inner lateral surface 26 on the dental implant 10, the outer lateral surface 56 can also be shaped elliptically or can have a free shape in the longitudinal section.

[0095] In principle, it is also possible to design the outer lateral surface 56 of the extension 50 as a conical or cylindrical surface. In such a case, the inner lateral surface 26 on the dental implant 10 is then also correspondingly configured as a conical or cylindrical surface.

[0096] Furthermore, the interface 48 has a recess 58 which is introduced laterally into the extension 50. The recess 58 is used as a counterpart to the anti-rotation element 28. In the mounted state of the dental prosthesis 100, the anti-rotation element 28 engages in said recess 58.

[0097] The recess 58 is open downward. Accordingly, it does not have a closed contour, but rather is open on one side to the lower end face of the interface 48. Accordingly, the recess 58 can also be described as a tunnel-like or tunnel-shaped recess.

[0098] The recess 58 passes through the side wall of the extension 50. It therefore interrupts the lateral surface 56 and leads into the opening 52 running in the interior of the superstructure 20.

[0099] The recess 58 has two mutually opposite side flanks 60a, 60b. One of these two side flanks 60a is illustrated in detail in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 shows the cross-sectional shape of the recess 58 in detail. In more precise terms, FIG. 8 is a detailed cutout of a cross section orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis 54 of the superstructure 20 through the extension 50.

[0100] As can be seen in particular from FIG. 8, each of the two side flanks 60a, 60b has a first region 62a or 62b, in which the side flanks 60a, 60b are configured as planar surfaces. By contrast, in a second region 64a, 64b arranged radially further outward, the two side flanks 60a, 60b are each configured as concavely curved surfaces. This leads to the recess 58 in said cross section tapering radially outward. In the first region 62a, 62b, the two side flanks 60a, 60b are therefore at a greater distance d.sub.1 than in the second region 64a, 64b. In the second region 64a, 64b, the two side flanks 60a, 60b of the recess 58 are at a second distance d.sub.2 from each other which is smaller than the first distance d.sub.1.

[0101] In the radially inner first region 62a, 62b, the two side flanks 60a, 60b preferably each have a planar drive surface 66a, 66b, the drive surfaces serving as counterparts to the drive surfaces 34a, 34b which are arranged laterally on the anti-rotation element 28. The superstructure 20 preferably lies on the anti-rotation element 28 only by said two mutually opposite drive surfaces 66a, 66b. In a similar manner to the drive surfaces 34a, 34b acting as a counterpart, the planar drive surfaces 66a, 66b run parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal axis 54 of the superstructure.

[0102] Radially further outward, each side flank 60a, 60b in each case has a concavely curved surface 68a, 68b. The concavely curved surfaces 68a, 68b are preferably directly adjacent to the drive surfaces 66a, 66b of the respective side flank 60a, 60b and merge tangentially into them. In the mounted state of the dental prosthesis 100, the concavely curved surfaces 68a, 68b protrude at least partially into the cavity 32 which is formed behind the anti-rotation element 28 between the radially outer side 30 thereof and the inner lateral surface 26 of the dental implant 10.

[0103] Apart from the recess 58, the interface 48 provided on the superstructure 20 is (rotationally) symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis 54. The opening 52 accordingly preferably runs centrally through the extension 50 forming the interface 48. The entire interface 48 is therefore preferably also mirror-symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal sectional plane E.sub.2 which is spanned by the longitudinal axis 54 and a radial direction 70 running orthogonally with respect thereto and divides the recess 58 into two halves of identical size (see FIG. 6).

[0104] In addition to the extension 50, the interface 48 of the superstructure 20 has a support surface 72 which surrounds the extension 50. Said circular-ring-shaped support surface 72 is used as a counterpart to the circular-ring-shaped support surface 44 arranged on the dental implant. In the present exemplary embodiment, it is therefore configured as a conical surface, but, as mentioned previously, may also be oriented orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis 54 of the superstructure 20.