FIXING PIN SUPPORT FOR DENTAL PROSTHESES AND METHOD OF THE MANUFACTURING THEREOF

Abstract

An improved fixing pin support for a dental prosthesis in order to be able to connect the dental prosthesis to a jaw by means of fixing pins which can each be moved through a guide bore in the fixing pin support. The improved fixing pin support has a guide sleeve separate from it which can be temporarily fitted over the fixing pin support so that the guide bore can be formed in the fixing pin support through a guide channel in the guide sleeve, by precise guidance of a drill. After this, the guide sleeve can be removed from the fixing pin support.

Claims

1-19. (canceled)

20. A method of producing a hole in a fixing pin support which can be integrated in a dental prosthesis, comprising the following steps: a) providing the fixing pin support which is adapted to be able to be integrated in the dental prosthesis and to be used, after an optional finishing step, to receive a corresponding fixing pin which can be moved in the mouth of a patient into the jaw through the fixing pin support in order to connect the dental prosthesis to the jaw; the fixing pin support having a base portion and an exterior adapter portion and the exterior adapter portion extending along a longitudinal axis outwards away from the jaw with an exterior adapter cross-section and an exterior adapter length; b) providing a guide sleeve formed along a guide sleeve longitudinal axis as a longitudinal sleeve-like part with an interior guide channel, the guide sleeve having a first end and a second end, the guide sleeve being open to the outside at both ends; and having, at the first end along the guide sleeve longitudinal axis, a cup-shaped interior adapter portion formed so as to fit over the exterior adapter portion; c) integrating the at least one fixing pin support in the dental prosthesis; d) fitting the guide sleeve over the fixing pin support up to a predefined stop between the guide sleeve and the fixing pin support; e) optionally inserting a drill through the interior guide channel of the guide sleeve and drilling a guide bore through the fixing pin support as the finishing step in order to allow a subsequent passage of the fixing pin through the guide bore; f) after drilling of the guide bore, removing the guide sleeve from the fixing pin support; and g) after adjustment of the dental prosthesis, removing at least the exterior adapter portion of the fixing pin support which protrudes laterally outwards, to be further used subsequently in the mouth of the patient.

21. A method of producing a hole in a fixing pin support integrated in a dental prosthesis, comprising the following steps: a) manufacturing of the dental prosthesis with the fixing pin support molded or milled therein, which is adapted to be used, after a finishing step, to receive a corresponding fixing pin which can be moved in the mouth of a patient into the jaw through the fixing pin support in order to connect the dental prosthesis to the jaw; the fixing pin support having a base portion and an exterior adapter portion and the exterior adapter portion extending along a longitudinal axis outwards away from the jaw with an exterior adapter cross-section and an exterior adapter length; b) providing a guide sleeve formed along a guide sleeve longitudinal axis as a longitudinal sleeve-like part with an interior guide channel, the guide sleeve having a first end and a second end, the guide sleeve being open to the outside on both ends; and having, at the first end along the guide sleeve longitudinal axis, a cup-shaped interior adapter portion formed so as to fit over the exterior adapter portion; c) fitting the guide sleeve over the fixing pin support up to a predefined stop between the respective guide sleeve and the fixing pin support; d) optionally inserting a drill through the interior guide channel of the guide sleeve and drilling a guide bore through the fixing pin support as the finishing step in order to allow a subsequent passage of the fixing pin through the guide bore; e) after drilling of the guide bore, removing the guide sleeve from the fixing pin support; and f) after adjustment of the dental prosthesis, removing at least the exterior adapter portions of the fixing pin support which protrude laterally outwards, to be further used subsequently in the mouth of the patient.

22. A method of producing a hole in a fixing pin support which can be integrated in a dental prosthesis, comprising the following steps: a) providing the fixing pin support which is adapted to be able to be integrated in the dental prosthesis and to be used to receive a corresponding fixing pin which can be moved in the mouth of a patient into the jaw through the fixing pin support in order to connect the dental prosthesis to the jaw; the fixing pin support having a base portion and a guide portion and the guide portion extending along its longitudinal axis outwards away from the jaw with a guiding surface and with a guide portion length; b) providing a guide sleeve formed along a guide sleeve longitudinal axis as a longitudinal sleeve-like part with an interior guide channel which is open to the outside on both sides; and having, along the guide sleeve longitudinal axis, a cup-shaped interior adapter portion formed so as to fit over the guide portion in order to connect the guide portion to the guide sleeve, securing them against rotation; c) integrating the at least one fixing pin support in the dental prosthesis; d) fitting the guide sleeve over the fixing pin support up to a predefined stop between the guide sleeve and the fixing pin support; e) optionally inserting a drill through the interior guide channel of the guide sleeve and drilling a guide bore through the fixing pin support in order to allow a subsequent passage of the fixing pin through the guide bore; f) after drilling of the guide bore, removing the guide sleeve from the fixing pin support; and g) after adjustment of the dental prosthesis, removing at least the guide portion of the fixing pin support which protrudes laterally outwards.

23. A method of producing a hole in a fixing pin support integrated in a dental prosthesis, comprising the following steps: a) manufacturing of the dental prosthesis with the fixing pin support molded or milled therein, which is adapted to be used to receive a corresponding fixing pin which can be moved in the mouth of a patient into the jaw through the fixing pin support in order to connect the dental prosthesis to the jaw; the fixing pin support having a base portion and a guide portion and the guide portion extending along its longitudinal axis outwards away from the jaw with a guiding surface and with a guide portion length; b) providing a guide sleeve formed along a guide sleeve longitudinal axis as a longitudinal sleeve-like part with an interior guide channel which is open to the outside on both sides; and having, along the guide sleeve longitudinal axis, a cup-shaped interior adapter portion formed so as to fit over the guide portion in order to connect the guide portion to the guide sleeve, securing them against rotation; c) fitting the guide sleeve over the fixing pin support up to a predefined stop between the respective guide sleeve and the fixing pin support; d) optionally inserting a drill through the interior guide channel of the guide sleeve and drilling a guide bore through the fixing pin support in order to allow a subsequent passage of the fixing pin through the guide bore; e) after drilling of the guide bore, removing the guide sleeve from the fixing pin support; and f) after adjustment of the dental prosthesis, removing at least the guide portion of the fixing pin support which protrudes laterally outwards.

24. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of providing the guide sleeve to extend longitudinally along the guide sleeve longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end.

25. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of providing the guide sleeve to extend longitudinally along the guide sleeve longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end.

26. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of providing the guide sleeve with a shape extending longitudinally.

27. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of providing the guide sleeve with a shape extending longitudinally.

28. The method of claim 20, further comprising: configuring the fixing pin support to have a hole drilled therein by the drill inserted through the guide sleeve acting as a drill guide for insertion of the fixing pin to couple the fixing pin support to the jaw of the patient; configuring the cup-shaped interior adapter portion with an interior adapter length and an interior adapter cross-section and the exterior adapter portion with an exterior adapter length and an exterior adapter cross-section such that the interior adapter length and the interior adapter cross-section match the exterior adapter length and the exterior adapter cross-section; fitting together the cup-shaped interior adapter portion and the exterior adapter portion to form a connection which is sufficiently stable for the hole to be drilled in the fixing pin support by the drill inserted through the guide sleeve acting as the drill guide with a predefined tolerance; inserting the drill through the interior guide channel of the guide sleeve and drilling the guide bore through the fixing pin support as the finishing step in order to allow the subsequent passage of the fixing pin through the drilled guide bore; and passing the fixing pin through the drilled guide bore to connect the dental prosthesis to the jaw of the patient.

29. The method of claim 21, further comprising: configuring the fixing pin support to have a hole drilled therein by the drill inserted through the guide sleeve acting as a drill guide for insertion of the fixing pin to couple the fixing pin support to the jaw of the patient; configuring the cup-shaped interior adapter portion with an interior adapter length and an interior adapter cross-section and the exterior adapter portion with an exterior adapter length and an exterior adapter cross-section such that the interior adapter length and the interior adapter cross-section match the exterior adapter length and the exterior adapter cross-section; fitting together the cup-shaped interior adapter portion and the exterior adapter portion to form a connection which is sufficiently stable for the hole to be drilled in the fixing pin support by the drill inserted through the guide sleeve acting as the drill guide with a predefined tolerance; inserting the drill through the interior guide channel of the guide sleeve and drilling the guide bore through the fixing pin support as the finishing step in order to allow the subsequent passage of the fixing pin through the drilled guide bore; and passing the fixing pin through the drilled guide bore to connect the dental prosthesis to the jaw of the patient.

30. The method of claim 22, further comprising: configuring the fixing pin support to have a hole drilled therein by the drill inserted through the guide sleeve acting as a drill guide for insertion of a fixing pin to couple the fixing pin support to the jaw of a patient; configuring the cup-shaped interior adapter portion with an interior adapter length and an interior adapter cross-section and the guide portion with the guiding surface and the guide portion length, such that the interior adapter length and the interior adapter cross-section match the guiding surface and the guide portion length; fitting together the cup-shaped interior adapter portion and the guide portion along the longitudinal axis and simultaneously along the guide sleeve longitudinal axis to form a connection between the fixing pin support and the guide sleeve that is secure against rotation of the guide sleeve relative to the fixing pin support; inserting the drill through the interior guide channel of the guide sleeve and drilling a guide bore through the fixing pin support in order to allow a subsequent passage of the fixing pin through the drilled guide bore; and passing the fixing pin through the drilled guide bore to connect the dental prosthesis to the jaw of the patient.

31. The method of claim 23, further comprising: configuring the fixing pin support to have a hole drilled therein by the drill inserted through the guide sleeve acting as a drill guide for insertion of a fixing pin to couple the fixing pin support to the jaw of a patient; configuring the cup-shaped interior adapter portion with an interior adapter length and an interior adapter cross-section and the guide portion with the guiding surface and the guide portion length, such that the interior adapter length and the interior adapter cross-section match the guiding surface and the guide portion length; fitting together the cup-shaped interior adapter portion and the guide portion along the longitudinal axis and simultaneously along the guide sleeve longitudinal axis to form a connection between the fixing pin support and the guide sleeve that is secure against rotation of the guide sleeve relative to the fixing pin support; inserting the drill through the interior guide channel of the guide sleeve and drilling a guide bore through the fixing pin support in order to allow a subsequent passage of the fixing pin through the drilled guide bore; and passing the fixing pin through the drilled guide bore to connect the dental prosthesis to the jaw of the patient.

32. The method of claim 20, further comprising: forming the fixing pin support of a plastic and the guide sleeve of a metal, and/or forming the fixing pin support to include a first bushing with a bore along the longitudinal axis and the first bushing is made of a harder material than a remainder of the fixing pin support.

33. The method of claim 21, further comprising: forming the fixing pin support of a plastic and the guide sleeve of a metal, and/or forming the fixing pin support to include a first bushing with a bore along the longitudinal axis and the first bushing is made of a harder material than a remainder of the fixing pin support.

34. The method of claim 20, further comprising: shaping the cup-shaped interior adapter portion and the exterior adapter portion to match each other such that the cup-shaped interior adapter portion and the exterior adapter portion can be separated again after having been fitted together.

35. The method of claim 21, further comprising: shaping the cup-shaped interior adapter portion and the exterior adapter portion to match each other such that the cup-shaped interior adapter portion and the exterior adapter portion can be separated again after having been fitted together.

36. The method of claim 22, further comprising: shaping the guide sleeve to include a support arm grip protruding laterally from the guide sleeve longitudinal axis; and manual retention of the guide sleeve with the support arm grip.

37. The method of claim 23, further comprising: shaping the guide sleeve to include a support arm grip protruding laterally from the guide sleeve longitudinal axis; and manual retention of the guide sleeve with the support arm grip.

38. The method of claim 22, further comprising: providing the fixing pin support to a first bushing with a bore along the longitudinal axis and the first bushing being made of a harder material than a remainder of the fixing pin support.

39. The method of claim 23, further comprising: providing the fixing pin support to a first bushing with a bore along the longitudinal axis and the first bushing being made of a harder material than a remainder of the fixing pin support.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the following figures and in a detailed specification, but are not intended to limit the invention.

[0029] In the figures

[0030] FIG. 1 shows a perspective lateral view of a dental prosthesis in which three fixing pin supports have been inserted according to the state of the art, into which respective fixing pins have been introduced; end portions of the fixing pin support which protrude outwards can be seen;

[0031] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view from below of the dental prosthesis in FIG. 1, in which three fixing pin supports have been inserted according to the state of the art; the fixing pins can be seen which protrude inwards towards the jaw (not shown);

[0032] FIG. 3 shows a lateral cross-sectional view of a preferred first embodiment of the fixing pin support of a guide sleeve, which is arranged directly above the fixing pin support along a common longitudinal axis, but in a non-connected state; the fixing pin support having an interior adapter portion formed such as to fit precisely over an exterior adapter portion of the fixing pin support shown directly below it; in a lower end portion of the interior adapter portion, the guide sleeve has an annular recess with a larger cross-section than that of the matching exterior adapter portion;

[0033] FIG. 4 shows a lateral cross-section of the preferred first embodiment of the fixing pin support and the guide sleeve in FIG. 3; with the fixing pin support and the guide sleeve being in a connected state; the fixing pin support having an interior adapter portion formed such as to fit precisely over an exterior adapter portion of the fixing pin support shown directly below it;

[0034] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the fixing pin support and the guide sleeve according to FIG. 4, the guide sleeve having been plugged onto and thus connected to the support;

[0035] FIG. 6a shows, on the left, a perspective view and on the right, a lateral view of a second preferred fixing pin support with a round exterior adapter cross-section;

[0036] FIG. 6b shows, on the left, a perspective view and on the right, a lateral view of a third preferred fixing pin support with a round exterior adapter cross-section;

[0037] FIG. 6c shows, on the left, a perspective view and on the right, a lateral view of a fourth preferred fixing pin support with a square exterior adapter cross-section and a rounded exterior adapter front edge;

[0038] FIG. 6d shows, on the left, a perspective view and on the right, a lateral view of a fifth preferred fixing pin support with a hexagonal exterior adapter cross-section;

[0039] FIG. 7 shows, on the left, a perspective view and on the right, a lateral view of a sixth preferred fixing pin support with a round exterior adapter cross-section and an upper second front edge at an angle of 55 to the longitudinal axis;

[0040] FIG. 8 shows a perspective lateral view of a different dental prosthesis with a different preferred embodiment of the fixing pin supports and the sleeve, where on the dental prosthesis, three fixing pin supports with a respective bore along the respective longitudinal axis have been applied; and the front right fixing pin support having an additional first socket to make the mounting of the fixing pin (not shown) more rigid; it can also be seen that a guiding portion of the respective fixing pin support is connected to the dental prosthesis via a corresponding base portion of the fixing pin support;

[0041] FIG. 9 shows a perspective lateral view of the dental prosthesis with the fixing pin supports according to FIG. 8, where a matching guide sleeve is slid onto one of the fixing pin supports in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the guide sleeve preferably having a support arm grip laterally or transversely to the longitudinal axis in order to be able to manually retain the guide socket;

[0042] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the guide sleeve with the laterally protruding support arm grip according to FIG. 9, which is adapted to the corresponding fixing pin support according to FIG. 8; on the left, a top view in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the guide sleeve is shown; in the middle, a lateral view rotated by 90 where the longitudinal axis is rotated by 90 to the right; and on the right, the same lateral view as in the middle, but with a guide portion of the fixing pin support inserted therein;

[0043] FIG. 11 shows a view from below of a detail of the guide portion and the guide sleeve in an interconnected state;

[0044] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the fixing pin support according to FIGS. 8-11, with the first socket inserted in the guide portion;

[0045] FIG. 13 shows a partly cut lateral view of the guide sleeve with the laterally extended support arm grip according to FIG. 10, center and right; the sectional image showing and interior adapter portion with interior adapter lateral surfaces; and

[0046] FIG. 14 shows a lateral view of another embodiment of the guide portion, similar to FIG. 12, and a partly cut lateral view of another embodiment of the guide sleeve, similar to FIG. 10 and FIG. 13; the fixing pin support having an upper end face arranged at a first angle to the longitudinal axis, the lower end face of the guide sleeve being arranged at a second angle to the guide sleeve longitudinal axis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0047] In FIG. 1, a dental prosthesis of the state of the art is shown in a perspective lateral view, with fixing pin supports 1 being stably inserted in the dental prosthesis 4 and one fixing pin 3 being inserted in each respective fixing pin support 1. FIG. 2 shows the same dental prosthesis 4 as FIG. 1, with the integrated fixing pin supports 1 and the fixing pins 3, in a perspective view from below. As mentioned above, the fixing pin supports 1, which have one guide bore each, are used for temporarily fixing the dental prosthesis 4 in the mouth of a patient and, more precisely, to the jaw of the patient, by driving the fixing pins 3 through the fixing pin supports 1 into the jaw bone, where preferably corresponding holes have already been pre-drilled. After inserting and temporarily fixing the dental prosthesis 4 to the jaw, the dental prosthesis 4 can be adequately adapted to the mouth and the dental structure of the patient. After such an adaptation has been performed, the dental prosthesis 4 is removed from the mouth, and portions or parts of the fixing pin supports 1 which protrude laterally on the dental prosthesis 4 are removed, for instance by milling or grinding, and the guide bores are preferably filled in. Preferably, the dental prosthesis 4 is then laterally smoothed and veneered for subsequent permanent use. This is as far as the state of the art goes.

[0048] The fixing pin support 1 according to the present invention is adapted to be integrated or able to be integrated in a dental prosthesis 4, for instance by adhesive bonding, casting, integral molding as an imprint or by full or partial milling from a block or from an imprint. The fixing pin support 1 is formed along a longitudinal axis so that the fixing pin 3 can be completely inserted along the longitudinal axis in order to establish a connection to the jaw of the patient.

[0049] The fixing pin support 1 according to the invention comprises, in a first preferred embodiment in FIGS. 3 and 4, a base portion 12 which is adapted to be integrally connectable to the dental prosthesis or monolithic with the dental prosthesis 4. Preferably, the base portion 12 is rotationally symmetric about the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the base portion 12 is formed along the longitudinal axis, from a first end 10 designed to be arranged closest to the jaw in the dental prosthesis 4, to a second portion which appears laterally on the outside of the dental prosthesis 4, by a cylindrical portion and an adjacent truncated cone-shaped portion. The base portion 12 has a first lateral surface 15 which is preferably truncated cone-shaped and tapers from the first end 10 to the second portion.

[0050] The base portion 12 has an exterior adapter portion 11 which is integrally connected to the base portion 12 and extends along the longitudinal axis from the base portion 12 to an exterior end 16 with an exterior adapter length and an exterior adapter cross-section. In other words, the exterior adapter portion 11 extends from the second portion of the base portion 12 to the exterior end. The exterior adapter cross-section can be shaped either homogeneously or heterogeneously. For instance, the exterior adapter portion 11 can be formed slightly conically from the second portion to the exterior end 16, and/or it can have a circumferential rounded upper edge at the exterior end. Preferably, the exterior adapter portion 11 is rod-, bolt-, pin- or tube-shaped and has an exterior lateral adapter surface 11a. Preferably, the exterior lateral adapter surface 11a extends over the exterior adapter length at least partly in parallel to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the exterior lateral adapter surface 11a extends over the exterior adapter length at least partially at an angle of 0.01-0.1 conically to the longitudinal axis. For clarification, it is pointed out that the exterior end 16 of the exterior adapter portion 11 is the end which is arranged farthest on the outside laterally during an integration in the dental prosthesis 4.

[0051] In addition, the fixing pin support 1 according to the invention has a separate guide sleeve 2 with a sleeve-shape along a longitudinal guide sleeve axis and with an interior guide channel 21 which is open to the outside on both sides. At a first end 20 along the longitudinal guide sleeve axis, the guide sleeve 2 has a cup-shaped interior adapter portion 22 with an interior adapter length and an interior adapter cross-section. The interior cup-shaped adapter portion 22 also has an interior lateral adapter surface 22a. Preferably, the interior lateral adapter surface 22a is formed parallel to the longitudinal guide sleeve axis or with a deviation of 0.01-0.1 thereto. For purposes of clarity, it is pointed out that the first end 20 of the guide sleeve 2 is defined as the end which first comes in contact with the exterior adapter cross-section 11 when the guide sleeve 2 is fitted over the fixing pin support 1. Preferably, the guide sleeve 2 has a laterally extending retaining grip or support arm grip which extends laterally away from the sleeve at an angle of 45-135 and further preferably 80-100 to the longitudinal guide sleeve axis so that the guide sleeve 2 can be better retained manually, as shown, for example, in FIG. 10 with the guide sleeve 2 and the support arm grip 28. Preferably, a support arm grip 28 can also be coaxial or z-shaped coaxial with the guide sleeve longitudinal axis.

[0052] The interior adapter portion 22 with the interior adapter length and the interior adapter cross-section and the exterior adapter portion 11 with the exterior adapter length and the exterior adapter cross-section are formed complementary so as to precisely fit together, forming a connection. The fit between the interior adapter portion 22 and the exterior adapter portion 11 is preferably a press fit or a fit with a play of preferably 0-100 m or more preferably 0-50 m or even more preferably 0-30 m or even more preferably 10-30 m. The fit between the interior adapter portion 22 and the exterior adapter portion 11 is adapted to be stable enough for drilling a hole in the fixing pin support 1, where the fixing pin 3 fits into, through the guide sleeve 2 with a predefined tolerance. Preferably, the tolerance is less than +/0.5.

[0053] Of course, one or more respective fixing pin supports 1 can be formed in the dental prosthesis 4 where a guide sleeve 2 can be fitted over each of them. It is also possible to fit a separate guide sleeve 2 on each fixing pin support 1 in order to accelerate the process.

[0054] Preferably, the fixing pin support 1 is made of a softer material than the guide sleeve 2. Preferably, the fixing pin support 1 is made of a plastic and the guide sleeve of a metal. Preferably, the fixing pin support 1 has, along the longitudinal axis, a first bushing with a bore, the bushing being made of a harder material than the rest of the fixing pin support (1).

[0055] Preferably, the exterior adapter portion 11 fits over the interior adapter portion 22 in such a way that they can be separated from one another after having been connected.

[0056] Preferably, the base portion 12 of the fixing pin support 1 is integrally connected to the dental prosthesis 4 or molded, screwed in or glued to the same. Alternatively, the fixing pin support 1 is preferably milled or molded together with the dental prosthesis 4 from a base material.

[0057] Preferably, the fixing pin support 1 has at its base portion 12, arranged annularly around the exterior adapter portion 11 which extends from the base portion 12, a first end face 13 which extends annularly around the longitudinal axis at a first angle to the same. Preferably, the first end face 13 extends annularly around the longitudinal axis from the exterior adapter portion 11 up to a lateral first surface 15 of the base portion 12. Preferably, the guide sleeve 2 has a third end face 23 annular about the guide sleeve longitudinal axis, which end face is formed at the first end 20 of the guide sleeve 2 between a second exterior lateral surface 26 of the guide sleeve 2 and the interior adapter portion 22 with the first angle to the guide sleeve longitudinal axis. The first end face 13 and the third end face 23 are configured such with respect to each other that when the guide sleeve 2 and the fixing pin support 1 are fitted together, they rest against each other, forming a mutual predefined stop.

[0058] Generally, the longitudinal axis of the fixing pin support 1 is preferably coaxial with the guide sleeve longitudinal axis of the guide sleeve 2.

[0059] Preferably, the guide sleeve 2 has at its first end 20 a recess 25 which is formed annularly around the guide sleeve longitudinal axis between the third end face 23 and the interior adapter portion 22 such that the recess widens at an exterior rim portion of the interior adapter portion 22 at the first end 20 so that when the guide sleeve 2 and the fixing pin support 1 are fitted together, the recess 25 forms a cavity between the guide sleeve 2 and the fixing pin support 1. The cavity has the width of the recess vertically to the guide sleeve longitudinal axis, and a recess depth along the guide sleeve longitudinal axis which is smaller than the interior adapter length. Preferably, the recess depth is 0.1-1 mm and further preferably 0.1-0.5 mm. The recess 25 is intended for receiving a slant, or bevel, of the exterior adapter portion 11 with respect to the first end face 13 in order to ensure the abutment between the first 13 and the third end face.

[0060] Preferably, the fixing pin support 1 has, at the exterior end 16 of the exterior adapter portion 11, a second end face 14 with a second angle to the longitudinal axis. The guide sleeve 2 preferably has a fourth end face 24 formed as a slant between the interior adapter portion 22 and the guide channel 21 with the second angle to the guide sleeve longitudinal axis. The second end face 14 and the fourth end face 24 are formed such with respect to each other that when the guide sleeve 2 and the fixing pin support 1 are fitted together, they rest against each other and form a predefined abutment with respect to each other.

[0061] Preferably, the first angle to the longitudinal axis and to the guide sleeve longitudinal axis is a right angle or an angle within a range of 60-90.

[0062] Preferably, the second angle to the longitudinal axis and to the guide sleeve longitudinal axis is a right angle or an angle within a range of 60-90 or of 30-60.

[0063] Preferably, the fixing pin support 1 and the guide sleeve 2 are adapted to contact each other in the fitted state exclusively at the exterior adapter portion 11, the interior adapter portion 22 and/or at the first 13, the second 14, the third 23 and/or the fourth end face 24. Preferably, the first lateral surface 15 of the fixing pin support 1 stays out of contact with the guide sleeve 2 in the fitted state.

[0064] Preferably, the exterior adapter portion 11 has, at a transition area between the second end face 14 and the exterior lateral adapter surface 11a, an exterior adapter end edge 17 forming a rounded area or a bevel at the second end face 14 so that the guide sleeve 2 can be fitted more easily over the exterior adapter portion 11 in a self-finding manner. Preferably, additional edges or rims of the exterior adapter portion 11 are rounded or have at least one bevel on the exterior lateral adapter surface 11a, so that the interior adapter portion 22 can be better fitted over the exterior adapter portion 11.

[0065] Preferably, the exterior adapter cross-section and the adapter corresponding interior cross-section are secure against rotation about the longitudinal axis and the guide sleeve longitudinal axis to form an anti-twist protection between the fixing pin support 1 and the guide sleeve 2. The exterior adapter cross-section and the interior adapter cross-section can have such an anti-twist protection along the longitudinal axis and the guide sleeve longitudinal axis over the entire exterior adapter length or over only part of it. The protection can be formed, for instance, by a square, rectangular, oval or polygonal shape of the respective cross-section. A spline connection between the exterior lateral adapter surface 11a and the interior lateral adapter surface 22a is another example. Alternatively or in addition, security against rotation can also be achieved by forming the second end face 14 and the fourth end face 24 at an incline to the longitudinal axis and to the guide sleeve longitudinal axis; FIG. 7 shows a preferred embodiment of the fixing pin support 1, where the second end face 14 intersects the longitudinal axis at a slanted angle. Preferred embodiments of the fixing pin supports 1 with polygonal exterior adapter cross-sections as anti-twist protection are shown by way of example in FIGS. 6c and 6d. In contrast, the preferred embodiments of the fixing pin supports 1 in FIGS. 6a and 6b have no exterior adapter cross-sections which are secured against rotation.

[0066] A preferred second embodiment of the fixing pin support 1 and the corresponding guide sleeve 2 according to the invention has substantially the same features as the first embodiment and is shown by way of example in FIGS. 8-14. In this embodiment, the fixing pin support 1, just like in the first embodiment, is adapted to be able to be integrated or is integrated in another dental prosthesis 4 so as to be connected, along its longitudinal axis, by means of the corresponding fixing pin 3 (in FIGS. 8-13 not shown), to the jaw of a patient which has pre-drilled holes into which the fixing pin 3, which is slidable through the fixing pin support 1, can protrude. By means of the fixing pin 3 which protrudes into the jaw through the fixing pin support 1, the dental prosthesis 4 can temporarily be anchored to the jaw. FIG. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of the dental prosthesis 4 with three fixing pin supports 1, a first bushing 18 with a bore 18a being inserted in the right fixing pin supports 1.

[0067] The fixing pin support 1 comprises a guide portion 11 which extends along the longitudinal axis and encompasses it on all sides, the guide portion 11 having at least one guiding surface 11a or two guiding surfaces 11a opposite to the longitudinal axis and one guide portion length along the longitudinal axis. FIG. 8 shows an example thereof. Preferably, the at least one guiding surface 11a runs in the direction of the longitudinal axis or at an acute angle thereto from a lower end 10A to an opposite upper end face 14. For example, the acute angle lies in a range from 0-15 or 0-30. In FIGS. 8 and 12, the guiding surfaces 11a are shown by way of example. Preferably, the at least one guiding surface 11a is planar. In FIG. 12, the area of the base portion 12 is indicated by B12 and the area of the fixing pin support 11 by B11; the transition between the base portion 12 and the fixing pin support 11 is preferably smooth and only a matter of definition.

[0068] The fixing pin support 1 comprises also a base portion 12 which is integrally or monolithically connected to the guide portion 11 and extends laterally away from the guide portion 11 outside the guiding surface 11a. The base portion 12 is integrally connectable to the dental prosthesis 4 or monolithic with the dental prosthesis 4. Preferably, the base portion 12 is formed as a connecting element between the guide portion 11 and the dental prosthesis 4. Preferably, the fixing pin support 1 with the guide portion 11 and the base portion 12 is formed such that the fixing pin support 1 extends laterally outward at a dental prosthesis 4.

[0069] The guide sleeve 2 is provided with an interior guide channel 21 along the guide sleeve longitudinal axis, which channel is open to the outside on both sides and has, in a portion along the guide sleeve longitudinal axis, an interior, cup-shaped interior adapter portion 22 with an interior adapter cross-section and an interior adapter length.

[0070] The interior adapter cross-section 22 with the interior adapter length and the interior adapter cross-section and the guide portion 11 with the guiding surface 11a and the guide portion length are formed complementary such that they can be fitted on one another along the longitudinal axis, which coincides with the guide sleeve longitudinal axis, so as to be secure against rotation, forming a connection. Through the guide sleeve 2, a hole can be drilled in the fixing pin support 1 through which the fixing pin 3 can then be inserted. Preferably, the interior adapter cross-section over the interior adapter length is formed at least partially such that the interior lateral adapter surfaces 22a formed in this manner extend in the direction of the guide sleeve longitudinal axis or at an acute angle thereto.

[0071] As with the first embodiments of the fixing pin support, it goes without saying that the dental prosthesis 4 can contain one or more respective fixing pin supports 1 on each of which the guide sleeve 2 can be fitted. To accelerate the process, a separate guide sleeve 2 can also be fitted on each fixing pin support 1.

[0072] Preferably, the interior adapter portion 22 and the guide portion 11 with the at least one guiding surface 11a are formed, with respect to the interior adapter length, complementary such that an insertion depth along the longitudinal axis of preferably 3-5 mm or further preferably 3-8 mm or even more preferably 5-10 mm results.

[0073] Preferably, the interior adapter portion 22 and the guide portion 11 with the at least one guiding surface 11a are formed complementary to each other by means of slanted or rounded edges such that the slanted or rounded edges allow an easier insertion and/or self-orientation with each other than would be the case without the slanted or rounded edges.

[0074] Preferably, the interior adapter portion 22 has recess portions 25a at the at least one interior lateral adapter surface 22a, which recess portions are arranged and formed such that opposite edges of the at least one guiding surface 11a of the guide portion 11 can be inserted in them at least partially such that the edges do not touch the interior adapter portion 22. The recess portions 25a facilitate production and fitting of the interior adapter portion 22 with the guide portion 11. In FIG. 11 such recess portions 25a are shown exemplarily.

[0075] The interior adapter portion 22 with the at least one interior lateral adapter surface 22a and the at least one guiding surface 11a of the guide portion 11 are formed complementary such that they can be precisely fitted over each other, forming a connection. The fitting between the at least one interior lateral adapter surface 22a and the at least one guiding surface 11a is preferably a press fit or a fit with a play of preferably 0-100 m or further preferably 0-50 m or even more preferably 0-30 m or even more preferably 10-30 m. The fitting between the at least one interior lateral adapter surface 22a and the at least one guiding surface 11a and between the guide portion 11 and the guide sleeve 2 is adapted to be stable enough so that a hole can be drilled in the fixing pin support 1 through the guide sleeve 2 with a predefined tolerance, which hole the fixing pin fits into. Preferably, the tolerance is less than +/0.5.

[0076] According to the second embodiment of the fixing pin support 1 and the matching guide sleeve 2, the guide sleeve 2 preferably has a handgrip 28 extending laterally from the guide sleeve longitudinal axis so that the guide sleeve 2 can be manually gripped better than would be the case without the handgrip 28. In FIGS. 9, 10, 13 and 14, the handgrip 28 is shown exemplarily. A second exterior lateral surface 26 of the guide sleeve 2 encompasses the guide sleeve longitudinal axis preferably completely or at least partially. Preferably, a section of the guide sleeve 2 remains open to the outside along the guide sleeve longitudinal axis in a connecting portion with the fixing pin support 11 so that the second lateral surface 26 remains open in this area and the base portion 12 can be inserted therein.

[0077] According to the second embodiment of the fixing pin support 1 and the matching guide sleeve 2, the fixing pin support 1 preferably has along the longitudinal axis a first bushing 18 with a bore 18a, where the bushing 18 is made of a harder material than the rest of the fixing pin support 1. Preferably, the fixing pin support 1 is made of a plastic and the guide sleeve 2 of a metal. Alternatively, the guide sleeve 2 can preferably be made of a plastic and contain a second bushing 27 with a guide channel 21 (shown for instance in FIGS. 9 and 10) inserted therein, which second bushing increases the stability of the guide sleeve 2 for guiding the drill through the guide channel 21.

[0078] Preferably, the fixing pin support 1 can also have pre-bores so that less material needs to be removed from the fixing pin support 1 when the guide bore is provided in combination with the guide sleeve 2, facilitating the drilling of the guide bore. Preferably, the pre-bore is provided in the first bushing 18 as bore 18.

[0079] According to the second embodiment of the fixing pin support 1 and the matching guide sleeve 2, the guide sleeve 2 preferably has a second bushing 27 which extends along the guide sleeve longitudinal axis and has a guide sleeve guide channel 21 along the guide sleeve longitudinal axis which is open to the top and to the bottom on both sides.

[0080] According to the second embodiment of the fixing pin support 1 and the matching guide sleeve 2, the fixing pin support 1 is preferably made of a plastic and the guide sleeve 2 preferably of a metal.

[0081] According to the second embodiment of the fixing pin support 1 and the matching guide sleeve 2, the cup-shaped interior adapter portion 22 and the guide portion 11 are preferably formed complementary (e.g., to match each other) in such a way that after having been fitted together, they can again be separated. Alternatively preferably, the interior adapter portion 22 and the guide portion 11 are formed complementary such that after having been fitted together, they cannot be manually separated, that is, they remain integrally connected.

[0082] According to the second embodiment of the fixing pin support 1 and the matching guide sleeve 2, the base portion 12 of the fixing pin support 1 is preferably integrally connected to the dental prosthesis or cast or screwed therein or glued thereto, or it is milled or cast together with at least one other part of the dental prosthesis 4 together with a basic material.

[0083] According to the second embodiment of the fixing pin support 1 and the matching guide sleeve 2, the fixing pin support 1 preferably has an upper end face 14 with a first angle W1 with respect to the longitudinal axis, the guide sleeve 2 having a lower end face 24 which is formed like a bevel between the interior adapter portion 22 and the guide channel 21 at a second angle W2 to the guide sleeve longitudinal axis. The upper end face 14 of the fixing pin support 1 and the lower end face 24 of the guide sleeve 2 are formed such with respect to each other that when the guide sleeve 2 is fitted over the fixing pin support 1, they rest against each other, forming a predefined abutment with respect to each other. Preferably, the first and the second angle to the longitudinal axis and to the guide sleeve longitudinal axis, respectively, are right angles of 90 or angles within a range of 60-90 or of 30-60. In FIG. 13, such an embodiment is shown by way of example with a first angle W1 and a second angle W2 of 90 each. FIG. 14 shows such an embodiment with a first angle W1 and a second angle W2 of approximately 80 each by way of example.

[0084] According to the second embodiment of the fixing pin support 1 and the matching guide sleeve 2, the fixing pin support 1 and the guide sleeve 2 are formed such that when fitted together, they are in contact only at the guide portion 11 and at the interior adapter portion 22.

[0085] Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the fixing pin support 1 is in the fitted state generally coaxial with the guide sleeve longitudinal axis.

[0086] According to the second embodiment of the fixing pin support 1 and the corresponding guide sleeve 2, the cross-section of the guide portion 11 and the interior adapter cross-section have a shape about the longitudinal axis and the guide sleeve longitudinal axis which is square, hexagonal, star-shaped or polygonal or polygonal in order to secure the connection between the fixing pin support 1 and the guide sleeve 2 against rotation.

[0087] According to the second embodiment of the fixing pin support 1 and the corresponding guide sleeve 2, the cross-section of the guide portion 11 and the interior adapter cross-section are formed with rounded edges about the longitudinal axis and the guide sleeve longitudinal axis.

[0088] A method for producing a hole in the fixing pin support 1 which can be integrated in a dental prosthesis 4 comprises the following consecutive steps: [0089] providing the fixing pin support 1 adapted to be able to be integrated in the dental prosthesis 4 and to serve, after a finishing step, for accommodating a respective fixing pin 3 which can be moved in the mouth of a patient through the fixing pin support 1 into the jaw in order to connect the dental prosthesis 4 to the jaw, the fixing pin support 1 having a base portion 12 and an exterior adapter portion 11 and the exterior adapter portion 11 extending to the outside away from the jaw along a longitudinal axis with an exterior adapter cross-section and an exterior adapter length; [0090] providing a guide sleeve 2 which is formed along a guide sleeve longitudinal axis as a longitudinal sleeve-shaped part with an interior guide channel 21 open to the outside on both sides, and which has an interior cup-shaped interior adapter portion 22 at a first end 20 along the guide sleeve longitudinal axis, which interior adapter portion is formed so as to fit together with the exterior adapter portion 11 in a complementary manner; [0091] integrating the at least one fixing pin support 1 in the dental prosthesis 4; [0092] fitting the guide sleeve 2 over the fixing pin support 1 up to a predefined stopping point between the guide sleeve 2 and the fixing pin support 1; [0093] inserting a drill through the interior guide channel 21 of the guide sleeve 2 and drilling a guide bore through the fixing pin support 1, as the finishing step, in order to allow subsequent passing of the fixing pin 3 through the guide bore; [0094] after drilling of the guide bore, removing the guide sleeve 2 from the fixing pin support 1; [0095] after preferred adaptation of the dental prosthesis 4: removal of at least the exterior adapter portion 11 of the fixing pin support 1 extending laterally to the outside, for instance by milling or grinding, preferably to be subsequently used further in the mouth of the patient.

[0096] Adjustment of the dental prosthesis 4 is preferably performed by temporarily inserting and fixing the dental prosthesis 4 in the patient's mouth by means of the fixing pins 3 and adjusting the dental prosthesis 4 in the mouth of the patient. This is preferably followed by the steps of removing the dental prosthesis 4 from the mouth of the patient and removing at least the exterior adapter portions 11 of the fixing pin support 1 extending laterally to the outside, for instance by milling or grinding, to be subsequently used further in the mouth of the patient.

[0097] An alternative method of producing the hole in the fixing pin support s already integrated in a dental prosthesis 4, comprises the following consecutive steps: [0098] manufacturing of the dental prosthesis 4 with the fixing pin supports 1 milled out or molded therein, which are adapted to receive, after a finishing step, a corresponding fixing pin 3 which can be inserted into the jaw of a patient through the fixing pin support 1 so as to connect the dental prosthesis 4 to the jaw, the fixing pin support 1 having a base portion 12 and an exterior adapter portion 11, and the exterior adapter portion 11 extending outwards away from the jaw along a longitudinal axis with an exterior adapter cross-section and an exterior adapter length; [0099] providing a guide sleeve 2 formed along a longitudinal guide sleeve axis as a longitudinal sleeve-like part having an interior guide channel 21 which is open to the outside on both sides, the guide sleeve having at a first end 20 along the longitudinal guide sleeve axis a cup-shaped interior adapter portion 22 formed so as to fit together with the exterior adapter portion 11; [0100] fitting the guide sleeve 2 on the fixing pin support 1 up to a predefined stop between the guide sleeve 2 and the fixing pin support 1; [0101] inserting a drill through the interior guide channel 21 of the guide sleeve 2 and drilling a guide bore through the fixing pin support 1 as a finishing step in order to allow subsequent passage of the fixing pin 3 through the guide bore; [0102] after drilling of the guide bore, removal of the guide sleeve 2 from the fixing pin support 1; [0103] after preferred adaptation of the dental prosthesis 4: removal, for instance by milling or grinding, of at least the exterior adapter portions 11 of the fixing pin support 1 which protrude laterally outwards, preferably to b subsequently further used in the mouth of the patient.

[0104] Adjustment of the dental prosthesis 4 is preferably performed by means of temporary insertion and fixation of the dental prosthesis 4 in the mouth of the patient by means of the fixing pins 3 and adaptation of the dental prosthesis 4 in the mouth of the patient. This is preferably followed by the following steps: removal of the dental prosthesis 4 from the mouth of the patient and removal, for instance by milling or grinding, of at least the exterior adapter portions 11 of the fixing pin support 1 which protrude laterally outwards, to be subsequently further used in the mouth of the patient.

[0105] A special advantage of the two methods described above is that the guide bores can be better drilled into the fixing pin supports 1 through the temporarily fitted guide sleeves 2 than without them. This allows both a more precise drilling of the guide bores into the fixing pin supports 1 and an easier and quicker removal of the ends of the fixing pin supports 1 which protrude outwards, when the guide bores are no longer needed.

[0106] Corresponding to the second embodiment of the fixing pin support 1 with the respective guide sleeve 2, a suitable method according to the invention of producing the hole in the fixing pin support 1 which can be integrated in the dental prosthesis 4 comprises the following steps: [0107] providing the fixing pin support 1 adapted to be able to be integrated in the dental prosthesis 4 and to receive a corresponding fixing pin 3, preferably after a finishing step has been performed, which can be moved into the jaw of a patient through the fixing pin support 1 so as to connect the dental prosthesis 4 to the jaw. The fixing pin support 1 has the base portion 12 and the guide portion 11 and the guide portion 11 extends along its longitudinal axis with the at least one guiding surface 11a and with the guide portion length outwards away from the jaw along the longitudinal axis; preferably, the at least one guiding surface 11a is planar; [0108] providing the guide sleeve 2 which is formed along the guide sleeve longitudinal axis as a longitudinal part with the interior guide channel 21 which is open to the outside on both sides and has the cup-shaped interior adapter portion 22 along the longitudinal guide sleeve axis. The interior adapter portion 22 is adapted to fit over the guide portion 11 and to connect it to the guide sleeve 2, securing them against rotation; [0109] integrating the at least one fixing pin support 1 in the dental prosthesis 4; [0110] fitting the guide sleeve 2 over the fixing pin support 1 up to a predefined stop between the guide sleeve 2 and the fixing pin support 1; [0111] optionally inserting the drill through the interior guide channel 21 of the guide sleeve 2 and drilling the guide bore through the fixing pin support 1 as the finishing step; the guide bore allows subsequent passage of the fixing pin 3; [0112] after drilling of the guide bore: removing the guide sleeve 2 from the fixing pin support 1; [0113] after adjustment of the dental prosthesis 4: removing at least the guide portion 11 of the fixing pin support 1 which protrudes laterally outwards, preferably to be subsequently used further in the mouth of the patient.

[0114] Method of producing the hole in the fixing pin support 1 integrated in the dental prosthesis 4, comprising the following steps: [0115] manufacturing of the dental prosthesis 4 with the fixing pin support 1 milled out or molded therein, which is adapted to receive, preferably after a finishing step, the corresponding fixing pin 3 which can be inserted into the jaw of a patient through the fixing pin support 1 so as to connect the dental prosthesis 4 to the jaw. The fixing pin support 1 has the base portion 12 and the guide portion 11, and the guide portion 11 extends along its longitudinal axis with the at least one guiding surface 11a and with the guide portion length away from the jaw outwards along the longitudinal axis; preferably, the at least one guiding surface 11a is planar; [0116] providing the guide sleeve 2 which is formed along the guide sleeve longitudinal axis as a longitudinal sleeve-like part with the interior guide channel 21 which is open to the outside on both sides and has a cup-shaped interior adapter portion 22 along the longitudinal guide sleeve axis. The interior adapter portion 22 is adapted to fit over the exterior adapter portion 11 and to connect the guide portion 11 to the guide sleeve 2, securing them against rotation; [0117] fitting the guide sleeve 2 over the fixing pin support 1 up to the predefined stop between the guide sleeve 2 and the fixing pin support 1; [0118] optionally inserting the drill through the interior guide channel 21 of the guide sleeve 2 and drilling through the fixing pin support 1 as the finishing step; the guide bore allows subsequent passage of the fixing pin 3; [0119] after drilling of the guide bore: removing the guide sleeve 2 from the fixing pin support 1;

[0120] After adjustment of the dental prosthesis 4: removing at least the guide portion 11 of the fixing pin support 1 which protrudes laterally outwards, preferably to be subsequently used further in the mouth of the patient.

[0121] For purposes of clarity, it is mentioned that the dental prosthesis 4, 4 can have one or more fixing pin supports 1, 1, over each of which the corresponding guide sleeve 2, 2 can be fitted.

[0122] For purposes of clarity, the at least one guiding surface 11a and/or the exterior lateral adapter surface 11a can be planar.

[0123] For purposes of clarity, the guide channel 21, 21 is formed so that when it is in the fitted state, the drill can be guided between the guide sleeve 2, 2 and the fixing pin support 1, 1 in order to form the guide bore in the fixing pin support 1, 1 in a predefined manner.

[0124] For purposes of clarity, it is mentioned that the fixing pin support 1, 1 does not comprise the guide bore from the very beginning, but only after the guide sleeve 2, 2 has been fitted over the fixing pin support 1, 1 and the guide bore has been drilled into the fixing pin support 1, 1 by means of a drill which is guided through the guide sleeve 2, 2. After this, the guide sleeve 2, 2 is preferably no longer needed on the fixing pin support 1 and preferably removed from it.

[0125] For purposes of clarity, it is mentioned that the word fit is to be understood in the sense that the guide sleeve 2, 2 preferably can be applied snugly on the fixing pin support 1, 1 and preferably can also be removed from it. Preferably, this removal can take place manually.

[0126] For purposes of clarity, it is mentioned that the terms upper and lower are intended to mean relative positions in the vertical direction, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6a-6d, 7, 8 and 9. For purposes of clarity, it is mentioned that the term lateral is intended to mean relative positions in the horizontal direction, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6a-6d, 7, 8 and 9, or preferably substantially perpendicular to the respective longitudinal axis or longitudinal guide sleeve axis. The longitudinal axis and/or the longitudinal guide sleeve axis are shown by dashed and dotted lines, for instance in FIGS. 7, 10, 13 and 14.

[0127] For purposes of clarity, it is also mentioned that the indefinite article a in combination with an object is not intended to limit the number of objects to exactly one object, but that at least one object is intended. This applies to all indefinite articles, e.g. a etc.

[0128] Other possible embodiments are described in the following Claims. In particular, the various features of the embodiments described above can also be combined, unless they are mutually exclusive from a technical viewpoint.

[0129] The reference numbers indicated in the Claims are only provided for better comprehensibility and in no way limit the Claims to the embodiments shown in the Figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0130] 1, 1 fixing pin support [0131] 10 first end of fixing pin support [0132] 10A lower end [0133] 11 exterior adapter portion [0134] 11 guide portion [0135] 11a exterior lateral adapter surface [0136] 11a guiding surface [0137] 12, 12 base portion [0138] 13 first end face [0139] 14 second end face [0140] 14 upper end face of fixing pin support [0141] 15 first lateral surface [0142] 16, 16 exterior end [0143] 17 exterior adapter end edge [0144] 18 first bushing [0145] 18a bore of first bushing [0146] 2, 2 guide sleeve which is a fixing pin guide sleeve [0147] 20 first end of guide sleeve [0148] 21, 21 guide channel [0149] 22 interior adapter portion [0150] 22a interior lateral adapter surface [0151] 23 third end face [0152] 24 fourth end face [0153] 24 lower end face of guide sleeve [0154] 25 recess [0155] 25a recess portion [0156] 26, 26 second lateral surface [0157] 27 second bushing [0158] 28 support arm grip [0159] 3 fixing pin [0160] 4, 4 dental prosthesis [0161] B11 area of base portion [0162] B12 area of fixing pin support [0163] W1 first angle [0164] W2 second angle