Abstract
A dental implant includes an implant body with a coronally open cavity as well as at least one exit opening from an inside to the enossal outer surface. A thermoplastic element in the solid condition is arranged in the cavity or is introducible into the cavity and can be brought into an at least partly flowable condition by way of applying a pressing force, which is directed apically into the cavity, and mechanical oscillations and in this condition at least a share of the flowable material of the thermoplastic element can be pressed through the at least one exit opening into surrounding bone tissue on account of the pressing force, when the implant body is arranged in an opening in the bone tissue and the enossal outer surface is in contact with the bone tissue.
Claims
1. A dental implant, comprising: an implant body which extends between a coronal and an apical end and which defines an enossal outer surface, wherein the implant body comprises a coronally open cavity as well as at least one exit opening from an inside to the enossal outer surface, and a thermoplastic element in the solid condition, said thermoplastic element being arranged in the cavity or being introducible into this, wherein the thermoplastic element can be brought into an at least partly flowable condition by way of applying a pressing force which is directed apically into the cavity and mechanical oscillations and in this condition at least a share of the flowable material of the thermoplastic element can be pressed through the at least one exit opening into surrounding bone tissue on account of the pressing force, when the implant body is arranged in an opening in the bone tissue and the enossal outer surface is in contact with the bone tissue, wherein at least one of the following conditions is fulfilled: A. in an enossal sub-region, an outer surface of the implant body comprises a non-round cross section which reduces apically in a continuous and stepless manner; B. the cavity has a non-rotationally-symmetrical cross-sectional shape; C. in an enossal region, the implant body comprises several root canals; D. a cutting edge is present apically of each exit opening; E. as a constituent of a multi-part implant system, the implant forms a step at the gingiva level or the implant forms a single-part implant system with a crown, wherein the cavity or the cavities runs/run apically departing from the crown.
2. The dental implant according to claim 1, wherein at least condition A is fulfilled and wherein the enossal sub-region corresponds to a complete enossal region of the implant.
3. The dental implant according to claim 1, wherein at least condition B is fulfilled, and wherein the cross-sectional shape of the cavity is elliptical, polygonal with rounded corners or is multi-lobed.
4. The dental implant according to claim 1, wherein at least condition B is fulfilled, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the cavity is matched to an outer cross-sectional shape of the implant body such that a wall thickness of the wall surrounding the cavity is at least less inhomogeneous in comparison to a body with the same outer cross-sectional shape but with a rotationally cylindrical cavity.
5. The dental implant according to claim 1, wherein at least condition B is fulfilled and wherein an outer cross-sectional shape of the thermoplastic element corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the cavity.
6. implant according to claim 1, wherein at least condition C is fulfilled, wherein the implant body per root canal comprises a cavity which leads from a coronal end surface of the implant body into the root canal.
7. implant according to claim 1, wherein at least condition B is fulfilled and wherein a single cavity leads apically from a coronal end surface of the implant body and which branches apically into sub-cavities, said sub-cavities leading into the root canals.
8. The dental implant according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of the exit openings is present per sub-cavity.
9. The dental implant according to claim 1, wherein at least condition D is fulfilled, and wherein the cutting edge runs essentially horizontally but does not run completely peripherally in the peripheral direction.
10. The dental implant according to claim 1, wherein at least condition E is fulfilled, wherein a coronal run-out of the cavity is formed in a central region coronally of the step.
11. The dental implant according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic material is resorbable.
12. The dental implant according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic material is not resorbable.
13. The dental implant according to claim 1, wherein the implant body is manufactured of a ceramic material.
14. The dental implant according to claim 1, wherein the implant body is manufactured of a metal material.
15. The dental implant according to claim 1, which is individually manufactured in a patient-specific manner.
16. The dental implant according to claim 1, which is manufactured as an implant from a series of identical implants.
17. An implantation set, comprising a dental implant according to claim 1, as well as comprising a sonotrode that is shaped to engage from coronally into the cavity and to apply the mechanical oscillations as well as the pressing force.
18. A method for manufacturing a dental implant body for a dental implant according to claim 1, wherein, in a first step, data of a patient is taken by way of measurement and is converted into a 3D model of an implant, wherein this 3D model is provided with the at least one cavity and the dental implant body is subsequently manufactured as a physical implementation of the 3D model which is provided with the cavity, in a computer-assisted manufacturing method.
19. A method for implanting a dental implant according to claim 1, wherein subsequently to an extraction of naturally grown dental tissue or an implant, firstly compact bone tissue is removed locally at an anchoring location and the implant body is subsequently positioned such that the exit opening runs out towards the anchoring location, whereupon thermoplastic material of the thermoplastic element is brought into the flowable condition by way of the oscillations and the pressing force and is pressed through the exit opening into the bone tissue at the anchoring location, whereupon the oscillations are stopped, wherefore the thermoplastic material re-solidifies and thus anchors the implant body at the anchoring location.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0049] Embodiment examples of the invention are explained hereinafter by way of figures. In the figures, the same reference numerals indicate the same or analogous elements. There are shown in:
[0050] FIG. 1-5 illustrates different natural tooth shapes;
[0051] FIG. 6 shows an implant with a sonotrode;
[0052] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a gingiva former and a crown for an implant according to FIG. 6;
[0053] FIG. 9 shows an alternative implant body;
[0054] FIGS. 10 and 11 show different cross-sectional shapes;
[0055] FIGS. 12 and 13 show, in each case, an example of an implant body with two root canals;
[0056] FIGS. 14 and 15 show sectioned representations of an implant during and after the implantation;
[0057] FIGS. 16-18 and 20 show views of implant bodies with three root canals;
[0058] FIG. 19 show a cross-sectional shape;
[0059] FIGS. 21 and 22 show a gingival shaper and a crown for an implant according to FIG. 20;
[0060] FIGS. 23 and 24 show a single-part implant with an integrally formed crown as well as a closure piece for this;
[0061] FIG. 25-28 show implants with several root canals and with a cavity with is multi-lobed in cross-section as well as corresponding thermoplastic elements;
[0062] FIG. 29 shows a variant of a cross-sectional shape;
[0063] FIG. 30 shows an adapted sonotrode;
[0064] FIG. 31 shows an implant body with cutting edges;
[0065] FIGS. 32 and 33 show alternative cutting edge shapes; and
[0066] FIG. 34 shows a tool for preparing an extraction alveolus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0067] For illustration purposes, FIGS. 1-5 show a selection of natural tooth shapes, which are represented in a simplified manner. The tooth root can be roughly elliptical in cross section given the presence of a single root canal (FIG. 1, example of a lower incisor), approximately triangular (FIG. 2, example of a canine), approximately rectangular (FIG. 3, example of a second premolar) or also roughly circular or also relatively complex, and run in an apically tapering manner. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate teeth whose roots include two or three root canals.
[0068] One can see that in all cases the enossal region is not undercut or is only undercut to a small extent (given roots with two or more root canals) with respect to directions along the coronal-apical axis 13. The shapes can therefore be well approximated by way of non-undercut implant shapes, which can be inserted in the apical direction by way of a non-rotating movement.
[0069] FIG. 6 in a front elevation illustrates an implant with an implant body 1 and with a thermoplastic element 20.
[0070] The implant body 1 is manufactured for example of a zirconium oxide ceramic, in particular of an yttrium-stabilised ceramic based on zirconium oxide. Generally, the teaching, which is described here by way of embodiment examples, however also applies to implant bodies of another material, for example of another ceramic, in particular based on aluminium oxide, or of a metal, for example titanium or a titanium alloy. As already explained beforehand, the implant body can have been optionally manufactured in a patient-specific manner by way of suitable computer-assisted (CAD/CAM) methods (by way of 3D printing in the broadest sense). In such embodiments, the material selection can be adapted in accordance with the manufacturing method and for example be likewise selected on the basis of ceramics or metal, wherein the price, stability and metal sensitively can serve as criteria. Suitable materials are known per se, depending on the initial situation.
[0071] A cavity 2, which is open to the coronal end, extends over almost the entire length of the implant and is delimited apically by an abutting portion 5 extends apically from the coronal end in a manner roughly parallel to an axis 13. Two exit openings 4, which lie opposite one another, are formed radially outwards from the cavity 2 towards the outer surface (lateral surface). The abutting portion 5 is slightly pointed towards the middle so that its forms an energy director.
[0072] As one can see in FIG. 6, in contrast, the cross section of the implant body all in all is not constant in the enossal region, but the implant body has an apically steplessly tapering cross section. The outer surface (lateral surface) is for example roughened, e.g. by way of laser treatment or by way of sand blasting, or it is provided with a suitable layer, which likewise gives it a certain roughness. In particular, the outer surface is provided in order to promote osseointegration, and its roughness is adapted accordingly.
[0073] Furthermore, one can see that the outer shape optionally does not taper apically to all sides in the same manner, but in a non-uniform manner so that for example the apical tip does not lie on the axis 13. The centre of gravity of the horizontal section surface (i.e. of the surface in the section perpendicular to the axis 13) does not therefore run in a constant manner as a function of the axial position, but the respective centre of gravity line 14 is slightly arcuate. However, the outer surface of the enossal region of the implant body forms, for example, no undercut.
[0074] A post 61 for fastening a superstructure is formed in the coronal region. The cavity 2 extends axially through the post 61. In the drawn embodiment example, a step 63 forms between the apical region and the post 61. This step can be formed roughly at the level of the gingiva, and a projection, which is yet described hereinafter and is for the compression of the gums, can yet be optionally present. Differing from that which is drawn, another in particular continuous course can be present instead of a pronounced step 63, and respective shapes are known from dental implants of single-part systems or from abutments of two-part systems.
[0075] An opening 2, which is open to the coronal end, extends almost over the complete length of the implant and is delimited apically by abutting portion 5 extends apically from the coronal end in a manner parallel to the axis 13. Two exit openings 4, which lie opposite one another, are formed radially outwards from the opening 2 towards the outer surface (lateral surface). The abutting portion 5 is slightly pointed towards the middle, so that an energy director 7 whose function is yet explained hereinafter is formed.
[0076] A sonotrode 22 with a cross section that is adapted to the cavity 2 is moreover indicated. The cross section of the sonotrode 22 is such that this can be inserted into the cavity 2 essentially without any force effort when this cavity is free. The cavity 2 for example is cylindrical, i.e. at least in regions it has a cross section that is constant along the coronal-apical axis 13.
[0077] For the implantation, the implant is inserted into the extraction alveolus or cavity and for example is lightly hammered in, for example subsequently to the extraction of the natural toothpossibly with an additional preparation step as is yet described hereinafteror also subsequently to the preparation of a corresponding cavity in the jawbone.
[0078] The thermoplastic element is then pressed apically against the abutting portion 5 by way of the sonotrode 20 whilst this sonotrode is subjected to mechanical oscillations, by which means the thermoplastic material of the thermoplastic element 20 in contact with the abutting portion 5 is heated until it becomes flowable and is displaced outwards through the exit openings 4 and into the structures of the bone tissue on account of the pressing pressure. Here, the shape of the abutting portion, which acts as an energy director, can have the effect of the energy absorption initially primarily taking place in contact with this, by which means the thermoplastic material is heated there most of all. Since the internal friction of the thermoplastic material is much greater when this has a higher temperature (for example with amorphous thermoplastics when it lies above the glass transition temperature), the energy absorption also subsequently takes place predominantly at the apical end, by which means it is ensured that liquefaction takes place in the region of the exit openings 4. The interface between the sonotrode 22 and the thermoplastic elements 20 displaces continuously apically during this process, by which means the coronal regions of the cavity remain essentially free of thermoplastic material depending on the length of the thermoplastic element and after removal of the sonotrode can serve another purposefor example for the fastening of an abutment between the implant body and the crown or a fastening part for a prosthesisand/or can be closed by a suitable element.
[0079] FIG. 7 in a very schematic manner illustrates a so-called gingiva former, i.e. a cap, which after implantation can be placed onto the post 61 until the gums have healed. A crown 81 (FIG. 8), which is adapted in accordance with the requirements, can be subsequently fastened to the implant body. Multi-part solutions with an abutment between the implant body and crown are also conceivable.
[0080] The embodiment according to FIG. 9 is firstly an example of an implant body, with regard to which, apart from the slightly elliptical outer shape of the implant body, the cross section of the cavity 2 is also adapted accordingly. The thickness of the wall, which is peripheral around the cavity 2, is therefore less inhomogeneous than if the cavity were to be rotationally cylindrical. Furthermore, the liquefaction and distribution of the thermoplastic material towards the sides where for anatomical reasons more space is present and a better anchoring is possible is simplified.
[0081] The embodiment according to FIG. 9 includes two optional features, which can be implemented independently of the cross-sectional shape of the cavity and independently of one another, i.e. also in embodiments other than those of FIG. 9:
[0082] The implant body 1 coronally forms a pronounced projection, which is arranged transgingivally in the implanted condition. In the region of the projection, the implant can optionally have a somewhat larger cross section than the extracted tooth. The gums are slightly compressed by way of this, which is already known per se from conventional implant systems.
[0083] The abutting portion 5 forms a pronounced, coronally pointing tip 7, which acts as an energy director and encourages the onset of the liquefaction of the apically pressed thermoplastic element when mechanical oscillations are coupled into this.
[0084] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a possible cross-sectional shape of the implant body 1, along a plane perpendicular to the apical-coronal axis and coronally of the exit openings 4 when the cross-sectional shape of the tooth to be replaced is roughly elliptical. The wall thickness can be kept roughly constant by way of the cross-sectional shape of the cavity 2, or it can be inhomogeneous, wherein the cavity is preferably accordingly directed to the outer cross-sectional shape, so that the wall thickness is at least less inhomogeneous in comparison to a corresponding rotationally cylindrical cavity.
[0085] FIG. 11 illustrates the fact that an adapted cavity cross-sectional shape can also be selected in the case of non-elliptical, but for example approximately triangular cross-sectional shapes as in FIG. 11. The same also applies to other naturally occurring cross-sectional shapes, including approximately rectangular or waisted cross-sectional shapes.
[0086] FIG. 12 shows a first example of an implant with a plurality of root canals 91, 92. A cavity 2a and 2b respectively is present per root canal. Accordingly, the implant includes two thermoplastic elements which are insertable into the cavities 2a, 2b or are already arranged in these, for example as a suitable filling. Each of the cavities leads into one of the root canals 91, 92. One or more exit openings 4 can be present per cavity/root canal.
[0087] FIG. 13 likewise illustrates an implant with several root canals 91, 92. However, in contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 12, only one cavity 2 is present, i.e. only a single respective opening is formed coronally in the implant body 1. The cavity includes a coronal region 2.1 which divides apically into sub-cavities 2.2, 2.3 for both root canals. One exit opening 4 or several exit openings can be present per sub-cavity. Since the thermoplastic element cannot be split up or bent without further ado in the solid condition, the liquefaction at least party will already take place at a depth, at which the coronal cavity region 2.1 merges into the sub-cavities 2.2, 2.3. For this purpose, an abutting and branching portion 95 can be shaped such that it is has energy-directing characteristics. The thermoplastic material in the essentially flowable condition is then pressed through the sub-cavities 2.2, 2.3.
[0088] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate the respective method by way of implants, which are represented in a sectioned manner, with two root canals and with a cavity, which accordingly ends apically in two sub-cavities, wherein here two exit openings 4 per sub-cavity are illustrated, in contrast to FIG. 13. Some general principles of different embodiments of the method are also illustrated by way of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15.
[0089] FIG. 14 shows the implant body 1 inserted into the extraction alveolus or possibly into an opening in the jawbone 10, the opening being prepared after the extraction, e.g. also long after the extraction. A compacted (cortical) share 11 of the bone, which is formed on the jawbone crest as well as around the extraction alveolus, is illustrated in FIG. 14. Prior to this, bone tissue has been removed or weakened in a targeted manner, in the region of the exit openings 4 or of at least some of the exit openings, so that an access 12 forms, through which access liquefied material can be brought into the cancellous bone behind the cortical layer.
[0090] In a first step, the implant body, optionally with an already introduced thermoplastic element is positioned relative to the bone and is introduced into the extraction alveolus or another matching bone opening. This step can optionally include a knocking into the bone. As is illustrated in FIG. 14 to some extent, a sonotrode 22 is subsequently used in order to press the thermoplastic element apically into the opening whilst it is subjected to mechanical oscillations, until this element starts to become flowable, firstly in contact with the abutting and branching portion 95, and gets through the sub-cavities 2.2, 2.3 to the exit openings 4 and is pressed through these into adjacent bone tissue. The sonotrode 22 is removed after the stoppage of the mechanical vibrations, possibly after a pressing pressure is still maintained for a certain time.
[0091] FIG. 15 shows the situation after the implantation procedure. Shares 21 of the thermoplastic material, which have penetrated into the bone, have re-solidified and therefore anchor the implant body 1 relative to the bone. Amongst other things, this anchoring effect is due to the thermoplastic material having interpenetrated structures (pores etc.) of the bone and having therefore created a positive fit. The fact that thermoplastic material has flowed behind cortical bone tissue 11 as is illustrated by way of the penetrated shares 21 at the very right in FIG. 15 can also contribute to this anchoring effect. A certain adhesion of the thermoplastic material to the bone tissue and/or to the implant body is also possible and can contribute to the anchoring.
[0092] A crown 81, which is subsequently placed on in a direct manner or indirectly via an abutmentpossibly after a gum healing phase with an applied gingiva formercan be fastened to a post 61 and/or to the opening 2 and/or to the implant shoulder and/or to another structure of the implant body and possible also of the thermoplastic material.
[0093] FIG. 16 shows an example of an implant body 1 with three root canals 91, 92, 93. A cavity 2a, 2b, 2c leads into each canal, i.e. the implant realises the principle which is described in FIG. 12 for an implant with two root canals. The implant according to FIG. 16 includes no post for fastening the crown. Instead, the crown can be fastened via fastening pins, which engage from coronally into the cavities 2a, 2b, 2c, and other principles, which are not illustrated in FIG. 16, are also conceivable. FIG. 17 shows a variant with an implant neck which serves as a post 61.
[0094] FIG. 18here by way of an example without a post as is the case in FIG. 16shows the possibility the principle, which is described by way of FIG. 13, of only one cavity 2, which divides apically into two sub-cavities 2.2, 2.3. 2.4 for the root canals 91, 92, 93 being present, also being realised for an implant with three root canals
[0095] FIG. 19, which schematically shows a horizontal section through the implant body 1, illustrates the principle of the distribution of the cavities being able to be adapted to the outer contour of the implant body, in embodiments according to FIGS. 12, 16 and 17 with several cavities 2a-2c.
[0096] FIGS. 20-22 by way of the example of an implant as is shown in FIG. 17 show the principle of a step 63 being able to lie between the apical region (which here includes an enossal region and a transgingival region) and a fastening post 61, roughly at the level of the gums, so that a possibly forming gap between a gingiva former 80 or a crown 81 and the apical region is roughly at this level. Other geometries are also possible. In particular, the implant can also be designed as a bone level implant, i.e. the respective step or the coronal end is then located roughly at the height of the jawbone crest.
[0097] FIG. 23 by way of an implant with a single root canal shows the principle of a single-part implant body 1 which apart from the enossal region also forms the crown 85 and therefore functions as a replacement tooth. In this case, the coronal run-out of the cavity needs to be closed after implantation. This can be effected by way of a closure piece 88 as is drawn in FIG. 24. Such a closure piece can optionally already be present during the actual anchoring procedure and form an intermediate piece between the one sonotrode body and the thermoplastic element and therefore functionally belong to the sonotrode during the anchoring. It can also be introduced at a later stage, for example as cement, by way of which the run-out of the opening is filled, and which is subsequently cured. Neither does one rule out the thermoplastic material of the thermoplastic element forming such a closure.
[0098] By way of an implant with two root canals, FIG. 25 illustrates the principle of the cavity being able to include a plurality of wings 2.5, 2.6, which lead to the sub-cavities 2.2, 2.3. Accordingly, the thermoplastic element 10 also includes a corresponding number (either two) of wings 10.1, 10.2. The ratio between the dimensions perpendicularly to the apical-coronal axis, width b and depth t can be adapted in accordance with the requirements and here can be for example approx. 2. An energy-directing tip structure or edge structure 7 can be present per wing 2.5 2.6, so that the liquefaction predominantly starts at the apical end of the wings and not necessarily in the middle between these.
[0099] FIGS. 27 and 28 accordingly show an implant body and a thermoplastic element for an implant with three root canals 91, 92, 93, and FIG. 29 illustrates a corresponding cross-sectional representation, which shows that the orientation can be adapted roughly to the course of the lateral surface of the implant, also on account of anatomical conditions.
[0100] Generally and independently of whether wings of the illustrated type are present or not, in many embodiments an outer cross section of the thermoplastic element and/or of a distal end of the sonotrode is adapted to the inner cross section of the cavityof the portion up to the abutting portion 5 or the abutting and branching portion 95.
[0101] This is illustrated in FIG. 30 with the example of a sonotrode of this principle, the sonotrode being adapted to the embodiment of FIGS. 27-29. Due to the fact that the sonotrode 22 includes a distal end portion 27, which ends in a distal coupling-out surface 26 and which is adapted to the cross section of the cavity 2, a backflow of thermoplastic material in the coronal direction is also prevented when the thermoplastic element is liquefied up to the coronal (proximal) end.
[0102] As explained above by way of FIG. 14, it can be advantageous if the implantologist locally removes bone tissue or weakens it in a targeted manner, at the location of at least some of the exit openings, before the insertion of the implant body into the extraction alveolus. This can be effected by hand, possibly amid the use of suitable means, for example a mask which is matched to the implant.
[0103] FIG. 31 illustrates an alternative, according to which the implant body itself is equipped for the local removal of a part of the bone tissue at the location of the exit openings. For this purpose, firstly the exit openings 4 are arranged in a region, in which the implant body tapers apically. Secondly, a clearing element in the form of a projection, which forms a cutting edge 91, is located apically of at least one of the exit openings, for example apically of each exit opening. The cutting edges 91 at first have no effect on insertion of the implant body into the extraction alveolus due to the apically tapering shape. Only when the cutting edge get into the region, in which the extraction alveolus tapers into a cross section that corresponds to the cross section of the implant at the location of the exit openings 4 do the cutting edges engage into the bone tissue and locally clear away cortical bone tissue. The dashed lines 92 illustrate the possibility of the radial extension of the projections, which form the cutting edges 91 being able to be adapted to the radial extension of the implant towards the coronal end of the exit openings; generally the radial extension of the cutting edges will be somewhat larger.
[0104] FIG. 32 in the form of a plan view of the region around the exit opening 4 shows a detail of an alternative implant body with a cutting edge 91. The cutting edge runs in a plough-like manner instead of horizontally, in order to permit a less brachial insertion of the implant. The cross section of the cutting edge 91 can also be adapted in accordance with the requirements, in order to penetrate into the bone tissue in a more or lesser aggressive manner. FIG. 33 shows a cross-sectional shape, which is significantly less aggressive in comparison to FIG. 31. In the drawn embodiment examples, the exit openings 4 are each arranged in particular only at one depth, there are not several levels with exit openings. This does not exclude the exit openings to different lateral sides being located at different heights (in particular slightly different heights) towards different lateral sides. A depth region, for example relatively far apically, can therefore serve for the primary stabilisation by way of the thermoplastic, whereas a stabilisation by way of osseointegrationin particular in direct contact between the implant and that bone tissue, which was already in contact with the extracted tooth before extractioncan begin immediately after the implantation in another depth region, for example somewhat further coronally.
[0105] For this purpose, concerning the embodiments with cutting edges, it can also be advantageous if no cutting edges are located coronally of the exit openings.
[0106] FIG. 34 illustrates a tool that, as such and in combination with other elements that are described in this text, likewise belongs to the subject matter of the invention, for preparing an extraction alveolus for implantation. The tool 100, at least in the region where this includes exit openings, has the shape of the implant body, which is to be subsequently implanted. Material-removing structures 101, for example in the form of a macroscopic roughness (grinding structures) or of small cutting edges or other prominences are present at the location of the exit openings. The tool 100 can be connected, for example, onto an apparatus for producing mechanical vibrations and can be introduced into the extraction alveolus. Here, it is subjected to the vibrations, by which means the tissue is locally removed and weakened in a targeted manner at the locations of the material-removing structures 101. The implant body is positioned subsequently to the removal of the tool 100 and the method is carried out as described above. The same appliance producing ultrasound can be used, for example, for subjecting the tool 100 to the mechanical oscillations and for coupling mechanical oscillations into the sonotrode. Independently of this, it is possible to operate at other, for example significantly lower frequencies for the preparation step than for the liquefaction step.
