WO2016139671A1

WO2016139671A1 - Dental implant and abutment

Info

Publication number: WO2016139671A1
Application number: PCT/IL2016/050247
Authority: WO
Inventors: Uzi Berger
Original assignee: Alintech Ltd.; Reinhold Cohn & Partners
Priority date: 2015-03-04
Filing date: 2016-03-03
Publication date: 2016-09-09

Abstract

A dental abutment comprising first and second ends, each configured for being secured to an element of a dental reconstruction system, is provided. The dental abutment comprises an abutment housing defining a first axis and comprising the first end, and a positioning element received therewithin, defining a second axis and comprising the second end. The dental abutment is configured to selectively permit free continuous three-dimensional rotation of the positioning element through a range of orientations within the abutment housing, and arrest the positioning element within the abutment housing at any of the orientations. Further provided is an integrated dental implant comprising an implant portion with an abutment portion as provided.

Description

DENTAL IMPLANT AND ABUTMENT

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is concerned with dental implants and abutments. More particularly, the disclosure is concerned with a adjustable dental implants and abutment.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a dental abutment extendable from a dental implant along a first axis, and a positioning element for articulating thereto a dental reconstruction element along a second axis, the positioning element configured for being arrested so as to set the angular position of the second axis with respect to the first axis.

The term "dental reconstruction element" as used herein the specification and claims includes any of a support bar, dental bridge, dental crown, or any other similar element constituting or supporting a dental prosthesis, either in full or partially. Similarly, the term "dental reconstruction element" is any such system comprising one or more dental reconstruction elements, as well as dental implants embedded in an individual for anchoring the dental reconstruction elements in place.

The dental abutment comprises an abutment body and a positioning element configured with at least a spherical bearing portion, the abutment body comprising a seat portion configured with a spherical section corresponding with the spherical bearing portion of the positioning element, the dental abutment further comprises an arresting element for setting the angular position of the positioning element with respect to the abutment body.

According to a particular example of the present disclosure the positioning element is configured with a mounting portion for mounting thereon the dental reconstruction element.

The arrangement is such that the dental abutment can be secured to a dental implant and then the dental reconstruction element can be secured over the dental abutment at an appropriate angular setting, which is defined ad hoc upon fastening and setting the position thereof. This enables 'fine tuning' of the position of the dental reconstruction element within the individuals mouth, and in compliance with anatomical parameters thereof. The dental abutment may be self- adjusting, i.e., the angular position of the second axis is set with respect to the first axis in correlation with positioning of the dental reconstruction element. Any one or more of the following features, designs and configurations can be applied to the dental abutment subject of the present disclosure, independently or in combinations thereof:

• The abutment body can be screw coupled to a head portion of a dental abutment;

• The dental abutment can be disposed coaxial with respect to the dental implant, i.e., such that the first axis coincides with a longitudinal axis of the impellent;

• The positioning element can be arrested with respect to the abutment body at any acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the abutment body, i.e., the second axis can coextend with respect to the first axis, or be disposed parallel thereto, or intersect the first axis at an acute angle;

• The abutment body can be integrally formed or integrated with a top portion of dental implant;

• The dental abutment can be arrested at an angle with respect to the dental implant, such that the first axis intersects the longitudinal axis of the dental implant. This can be facilitated for example by a ball-type screw socket coupleable to the dental implant head, whereby a longitudinal axis of the abutment body intersects the first axis, regardless of the second axis;

• The abutment body can be shaped in any shape, e.g., cylindrical, polygonal or irregular (i.e., personally shaped on confirmation with anatomical parameters of an individual);

• The positioning element is arrested within the seat portion of the abutment body by an arresting arrangement, preventing extraction (i.e., withdrawal) of the positioning element from the abutment body.

• The arresting arrangement has a circumferential diameter narrower than the largest diameter of the spherical bearing portion of the positioning element;

• The arresting arrangement can be an arresting ring, integral with the abutment body or fastened thereto;

• The arresting ring can be screw fastened or snapingly arrested over the seat portion of the abutment body, or the arresting ring can be integrally formed with the abutment body;

• The positioning element can be introduced into the seat portion of the abutment body upon removing the arresting ring or upon applying thermal differential between the elements, resulting in temporarily shrinking of the positioning element, so as to facilitate introducing same into the seat portion of the abutment body; The positioning element is arrested with respect to the abutment body upon exerting a locking force to the positioning element along the second axis, whereby the positioning element bears against the arresting arrangement of the abutment body;

The locking force can be exerted along the first axis or along the second axis, however with a vector of force acting against the arresting arrangement of the abutment body; The locking force can be a pulling force applied to the positioning element or a reactionary pushing force being a resultant from a force applied against a portion of the abutment body or dental implant coupling screw;

The positioning element can be configured for articulating thereto a dental reconstruction element by a screw fastener. Such a screw fastener can be used also for setting the angular position (the second axis) of the positioning element with respect to the abutment body. Alternatively, separate fasteners can be used for setting the angular position of the positioning element and for articulating the dental reconstruction element to the positioning element;

The positioning element can be configured for articulating thereto a dental reconstruction element by adhering, snap fastening, etc. ;

The positioning element can be configured for articulating thereto a locking element of a dental reconstruction element, in a readily attachable detachable manner;

Areas of the abutment body and the positioning element can be configured with a friction enhancing surface. Such a surface can be a layer of material applied over the surface or a machined pattern, e.g., knurling, roughening, etc;

The mounting portion of the positioning element can be configured with an axial extension element for adjusting the effective length of the second axis;

The dental abutment can provide several degrees of freedom for alignment and adjustment, with respect to the first axis, namely to the abutment body, i.e., at least roll, tilt and optionally also axial displacement about the second axis;

The mounting portion can be configured with an seat area for seating thereover the a corresponding seat zone of the dental reconstruction element;

The dental reconstruction element is configured for cooperation with the dental abutment and can be configured with an abutment seat shaped in conformity with the mounting portion of the dental abutment and configured for tight and snug/motionless mounting thereover; • The positioning element can swivel 360° about the first axis and tilt with respect to the first axis at an angle of about 45°.

According to one aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided an integrated dental implant comprising a first end configured for interfacing with the jaw bone of an individual for implanting therein, and a second end configured for being secured to a dental reconstruction element, the integrated dental implant comprising an abutment portion having:

• an abutment housing defining a first axis, and

• a positioning element received therewithin, defining a second axis and comprising the second end,

wherein the integrated dental implant is configured to selectively:

• permit free continuous three-dimensional rotation of the positioning element through a range of orientations within the abutment housing, and

• arrest the positioning element within the abutment housing at any of the orientations. The range of orientations may be defined by the geometries of the positioning element and abutment housing.

The positioning element may comprise a projection disposed through an opening formed in an upper surface of the abutment housing, and wherein the range of orientations is at least partially defined by the geometries of the projection and the opening.

The abutment housing may comprise an abutment body and an arresting element screwingly engaged thereto.

The selective arresting of the positioning element may be effected by tightening the screwing engagement between the abutment body and arresting element.

Facing surfaces of the abutment body and arresting element may define a gap therebetween, wherein the height of the gap is reduced as the abutment body and arresting element are further engaged with each other.

The integrated dental implant may further comprise a locking ring snugly received within the gap. The locking ring may be made of a metal and/or a non-metal material. The locking ring may be a disk spring. The locking ring may be configured to exert a force on the abutment body and arresting element.

The selective arresting of the positioning element may be effected by expansion thereof within the abutment housing. The positioning member may be configured to effect the expansion by engagement with a fixing element of the dental reconstruction element. The positioning element may comprise a spherical bearing portion configured to facilitate the three-dimensional rotation within the abutment housing.

The positioning element may comprise a reconstruction element mount configured for coupling with a correspondingly shaped surface of the dental reconstruction element.

The positioning element may comprise a bore for coupling with a fastener associated with the dental reconstruction element.

The dental reconstruction element may be selected from a group including a support bar, a dental bridge, and a dental crown.

According to another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a dental abutment comprising first and second ends, each configured for being secured to an element of a dental reconstruction system, the dental abutment comprising:

• an abutment housing defining a first axis and comprising the first end, and

wherein the dental abutment is configured to selectively:

The selective arresting of the positioning element may be effected by expansion thereof within the abutment housing. The positioning member may be configured to effect the expansion by engagement with a fixing element of the dental reconstruction element.

The positioning element may comprise a spherical bearing portion configured to facilitate the three-dimensional rotation within the abutment housing.

One of the elements of the dental reconstruction system may comprise a dental implant.

One of the elements of the dental reconstruction system may be selected from a group including a support bar, a dental bridge, and a dental crown.

The first end may be configured for being secured to a dental implant, with and the second end being configured for being secured to an element selected from a group including a support bar, a dental bridge, and a dental crown.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non- limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1A is an isometric view of a dental abutment according to the present disclosure;

Fig. IB is a sectioned view taken along line I-I in Fig. 1A;

Fig. 1C is perspective sectioned view taken along line I-I in Fig. 1A;

Fig. 2 A is a top exploded perspective view of the dental abutment of Fig. 1 A;

Fig. 2B is a bottom exploded perspective view of the dental abutment of Fig. 1 A;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the portion marked II in Fig. IB;

Figs. 4 and 5 are each a vertical sectioned view of a dental abutment, according to modifications of the disclosure;

Fig. 6 illustrates assembly of a dental abutment according to the present disclosure with a dental implant and a dental reconstruction element; Fig. 7 A is a cross section through a dental crown fitted over a dental abutment according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, which in turn is secured to dental implant;

Fig. 7B is the same as Fig. 7A, however upon rotation of the crown fitted thereover;

Fig. 8A is a cross section through a dental crown fitted over a dental abutment according 5 to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, which in turn is secured to dental implant;

Fig. 8B is the same as Fig. 8A, however with the crown tilted with respect to the dental implant;

Fig. 9 illustrates a dental abutment according to the disclosure, fitted with at a mounting portion thereof with an axial extension element for adjusting the effective length thereof;

10 Fig. 10A illustrates a support beam of a partial dental bridge mounted over dental abutments according to the present disclosure;

Fig. 10B illustrates a partial bridge mounted over dental abutments according to the present disclosure;

Fig. 11A is a perspective view of another example of a dental abutment according to the 15 presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 11B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in Fig. 11 A;

Figs. 12A and 12B are perspective views of examples of an integrated dental implant according to the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 12C is an exploded view of the integrated dental implant illustrated in Fig. 12B; and 20 Fig. 12D is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Fig. 12B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated in Figs. 1A through 3, there is provided a dental abutment, which is generally designated 20, according to the presently disclosed subject matter. The dental abutment 20 is configured for being secured to two elements of a dental reconstruction system, for

25 example a dental implant at a first end thereof, and a dental reconstruction element at a second end thereof, and comprises a generally cylindrical abutment body 22 configured with a central bore 24 having a narrowed bottom opening 26 and an upwardly facing, convex curved seat portion 30, with a longitudinal axis of the abutment body defining a first axis designated X. The spherical seat portion 30 has a radius Rs, terminating at a centerline CL (Fig. 3) with a shoulder

30 40 (Fig. 3).

A bottom face of the abutment body 22 is configured as an implant mounting face 34, which in the present example has a central flat portion and an annular tapering portion. It is appreciated that this is a mere example and the implant mounting face 34 can assume different shapes for fixedly seating over dental implant head, as will be discussed hereinafter.

As best seen in Fig. 3, the abutment body 22 is further configured at a top end thereof with the threaded shoulder 40, with an arresting element 42, for example formed as a ring 42 screw coupled to the threaded shoulder 40. Ring 42 has an inwardly tapering wall surface 46 defining an opening 49, wherein the innermost radius RR of the wall is slightly smaller than the radius Rs of the seat portion 30.

The abutment body 22 and arresting element 42 together constitute an abutment housing. The dental abutment 20 further comprises an arrestably adjustable positioning element 50 received within the abutment housing. The positioning element 50 may comprising a spherical bearing portion 52 facilitating rotation in three dimensions of the positioning element within the abutment housing, and a reconstruction element mount 56, for example formed with a frustoconical (or any other suitably shaped) projection 55 (which projects through the opening 49 of the arresting element 42), formed so as to couple with a correspondingly shaped coupling surface of the dental reconstruction element and defining an intermediate annular seat 57 therearound. The spherical bearing portion 52 has a radius RH corresponding with the radius R§ of the spherical seat portion 30, i.e., so as to facilitate nesting of the bearing portion 52 within the spherical bearing portion whilst facilitating smooth rotation therein. A threaded bore 58 extends through the positioning element 50 for articulating thereto a dental reconstruction element as will be discussed hereinafter. Bore 58 defines a second axis Y extending therealong. The arrangement thus is such that RR<RH and R§≡RH-

As presented in Fig, IB, the arrangement is such that the positioning element 52 is free to rotate (indicated by arrow 60) and tilt (indicated by arrow 62) within the seat portion 30 of the abutment body 22, thereby permitting free, continuous (i.e., non-discrete) three-dimensional rotation of the positioning element 50, i.e., rotatable about the second axis Y through 360° to any desired position, and tiltable about the first axis X to any desired position in any direction, within a range of orientations of the positioning element defined by the geometries of the reconstruction element mount 56 (e.g., the projection 55 thereof) and the abutment housing, for example up to an angle of approximately 45°. (The orientation of the positioning element 50 may be expressed as the angle formed between axes X and Y.) The positioning element 52 is substantially prevented from axial displacement along the second axis Y by virtue of the arresting ring 42.

The dental abutment 20 may be assembled by inserting an implant fixing bolt 70 into the opening 26 of central bore 24, which is then secured to a dental implant. The positioning element 50 is introduced into the seat portion 30 of the abutment body 22, and securing the arresting ring 42 on the abutment body (for which purpose the arresting ring may be provided with notches 47, for example facilitating use of a spanner wrench to rotate it), thereby securing the positioning element in position. In use, for example as illustrated in Fig. 6, when dental implant 74 is fitted 5 within an individual's jaw (not shown) the dental abutment 20 is positioned thereover with the implant mounting face 34 thereof resting over a top face 76 of the dental implant, and is then fixedly attached thereto by engaging the implant fixing bolt 70 with a threaded bore 78 formed within the dental implant, for example using a hex tool (not shown) introduced through bore 58 of the positioning element 50. According to some modifications, the dental implant fixing blot

10 70 may be fixedly attached to the dental implant 74 before the positioning element 50 is introduced into the seat portion 30 of the abutment body 22, introducing, e.g., the hex tool directly through the central bore 24 of the dental abutment 20.

Once the dental abutment 20 is fixedly secured on the dental implant 74, a dental reconstruction element (e.g., crown 80 in Fig. 6) is placed over the reconstruction element mount

15 56 and is secured thereto by a bolt 82 extending through an opening 86 in the crown 80. Upon tightening the bolt 82, the positioning element expands slightly, thereby becoming arrested within the seat portion (against the inside wall surface 46 of ring 42) and being affixed at a suitable angular position, such as required by anatomical parameters of the individual. The dental reconstruction element 80 may be formed, at a bottom face thereof, with a bore 90 having a seat

20 zone for snug fitting over corresponding surfaces of the reconstruction element mount 56.

It will be appreciated that the example described above with reference to and illustrated in Figs. 1A through 3 may be integrated with a dental implant, wherein disclosed elements thereof configured for interfacing with an implant are replaced with a dental implant portion, for example as described below with reference to and illustrated in Figs. 12A through 12D, mutatis

25 mutandis.

As illustrated in Fig. 4, there is provided another example of a dental abutment generally designated 120, substantially similar to dental abutment 20 disclosed herein above, wherein for sake of clarity like elements are designated with like reference numbers, however shifted by 100.

The dental abutment 120 comprises an abutment body 122 wherein a top end thereof is 30 integrally fitted with an arresting element 142, in the form of an slightly inwardly tapering wall portion 146 (giving rise to a so-called 'undercut'), wherein the convex spherical seat portion 130 of the abutment body 122 has a radius RH and the innermost radius of the tapering wall portion 146 is RR, wherein RR< RH and RS≡RH- Thus, insertion of the spherical positioning element 150 into the central bore 124 is facilitated only upon cooling the spherical positioning element 150 causing it to temporarily shrink and thus pass through an opening 149 on the upper side of the abutment body 122. Alternatively, heat can be momentarily applied to the arresting element 142, causing it to temporarily expand and allowing insertion of the positioning element 150. Once positioned within the seat portion 130 of the abutment body 122, the positioning element 150 cannot be removed (unless thermally treated again).

Arresting the angular position of the positioning element 150 with respect to the abutment body 122 is facilitated similar to the disclosure above, i.e., by applying thereto a vector of force acting against the surface 147 of arresting element 142.

It is noted that the example of Fig. 4 presents a significant positioning of the positioning element 150, wherein the first axis X and the second axis Y coincide. However, the arrangement is such that the positioning element 152 is free to rotate (indicated by arrow 160) and tilt (indicated by arrow 162) within the seat portion 130 of the abutment body 122, such that the positioning element 150 is fully rotatable at 360° about the second axis Y and tiltable at up to approximately 45° about the first axis X.

Furthermore, the angular position of the positioning element 150 can be a set with respect to the abutment body 122 by a bolt extending through bore 158 and pressing against in inside surface of the central bore 124 or against bolt 170 (schematically illustrated by dashed line 157).

It will be appreciated that the example described above with reference to and illustrated in Fig. 4 may be integrated with a dental implant, wherein disclosed elements thereof configured for interfacing with an implant are replaced with a dental implant portion, for example as described below with reference to and illustrated in Figs. 12A through 12D, mutatis mutandis.

As illustrated in Figure 5, there is provided yet another example of a dental abutment generally designated 220, substantially similar to dental abutment 20 disclosed herein above, wherein for sake of clarity like elements are designated with like reference numbers, however shifted by 200.

In this example, central bore 224 of the abutment body 222 is configured at an inside bottom face thereof with a spherical bolt receiving shoulder 271 and a rounded implant mounting face 234, whereby a bolt 270 used for securing the dental abutment 220 over dental implant (not shown) is configured with a spherical head 273 having a hex tool mount 275.

The arrangement is such that the abutment body 222 can be secured to dental implant at an inclined position facilitated by tilt of bolt 270 about axis Z in direction of arrow 279. Otherwise, the positioning element 250 cooperates as discussed hereinabove and is free to rotate (indicated by arrow 260) and tilt (indicated by arrow 262) as described above.

It will be appreciated that the example described above with reference to and illustrated in Fig. 5 may be integrated with a dental implant, wherein disclosed elements thereof configured for interfacing with an implant are replaced with a dental implant portion, for example as described below with reference to and illustrated in Figs. 12A through 12D, mutatis mutandis.

Further attention is now directed to Figs. 7A through 8B illustrating and exemplifying two concepts of a dental abutment system generally designated 319 according to the present disclosure. In both the examples of Figs. 7A through 8B, the structure of the dental abutment 320 is identical and likewise is the dental implant 328 and articulation of the dental abutment 320 to the dental implant by a bolt 330

As illustrated in Figs. 7A and 7B, there is provided a dental reconstruction element 350, such as a crown, configured with a bolt bore 352 extending from a top face to a bottom seat zone 356 and configured to receive an auxiliary bolt 380 therethrough, the bottom zone configured in turn with a surrounding annular wall 360 terminating at a smooth annular seat 364.

Once the dental reconstruction element 350 is mounted over the dental abutment 320, the annular seat 364 bears over a top smooth face 370 of the annular arresting ring 372 (for example as illustrated in Figs. 1A through 2A).

According to this arrangement, the auxiliary bolt 380 may be engaged such that it extends through the bolt bore 352, and couples with the threaded bore 382 of the positioning element 384, wherein the crown 350 and the dental abutment system 319 impart forces against one another, such that the positioning element becomes arrested at a required position at a substantially motionless coupling therebetween.

However, the configuration of Figs. 7A and 7B facilitates only rotary motion of the crown 350 with respect to the dental abutment 320, i.e., the crown 350 is rotatable about the second axis Y in direction of arrow 390 (with no tilting motion).

In Fig. 7A the crown 350 is illustrated at a first angular position and in Fig. 7B the crown is illustrated upon rotation thereof about the second axis Y (rotation taken place in a counter clockwise direction, as best noticed at the interconnecting zone between the annular seat 364 of the crown 350 and the top face 370 of the annular arresting ring 372. Thus, the tightening locking force applied by the bolt along the second axis Y, has a resultant force acting along the first axis X (resulting together in arresting the positioning element 384 in a motionless fashion and fastening the crown to the dental abutment). The force acts between the annular seat 364 and arresting ring 372.

Turning now to Figs. 8A and 8B there is a modified dental abutment system generally designated 400. All elements of the dental abutment 402 and dental implant 404 are same as illustrated in Figs. 7A and 7B, however with a difference in the interconnection between the crown 410 and the dental abutment 402. In particular, the crown 410 is configured with a bolt bore 414 extending from a top face to a bottom seat zone 418, which is configured with a surrounding annular wall 420 terminating at a smooth annular seat 422 which is narrower than annular seat 364 described above with reference to and illustrated in Figs. 7A and 7B. According to the modification illustrated in Figs. 8A and 8B, the diameter of the annular seat 422 corresponds with the diameter of intermediate annular seat 430 of the positioning element 432 (for example as described above with reference to Figs. 1A to 1C). Accordingly, rather than bearing over the arresting ring as in the example of Figs. 7A and 7, the crown according to the modification of Figs. 8A and 8B is configured to bear against the positioning element 432.

This configuration facilitates the crown to be rotated about the second axis Y (as indicated by arrow 436) and tilted (as indicated by arrow 438).

The arrangement is such that tensioning the bolt 425 extends through bolt bore 414 and is coupled into the threaded bore 433 of the positioning element 432, wherein interacting forced reside between the crown 410 and the dental abutment 402, such that the positioning element becomes arrested at a required position at a substantially motionless coupling therebetween.

It is noted that according to this configuration, the tightening locking force applied by the bolt 425 along the second axis Y, has a resultant force acting along the first axis X (resulting together in arresting the positioning element 432 in a motionless fashion and fastening the crown 410 to the dental abutment 402 also at a motionless manner). The force acts between the annular seat 422 and the intermediate annular seat 430 of the positioning element 432.

It will be appreciated that the example described above with reference to and illustrated in Figs. 7A through 8B may be integrated with a dental implant, wherein disclosed elements thereof configured for interfacing with an implant are replaced with a dental implant portion, for example as described below with reference to and illustrated in Figs. 12A through 12D, mutatis mutandis.

As illustrated in Fig. 9, there is provided a dental abutment generally designated 450, similar to that disclosed herein above, however wherein the positioning element 452 is provided with a reconstruction element mount as described above. The dental abutment 450 comprises an axial extension member 460 configured for screwing engagement with the central bore 458 of the positioning element 452, for facilitating adjusting the effective height of the dental abutment (i.e., the distance from which a dental reconstruction element may be mounted thereto) along the second axis Y.

Accordingly, the axial extension member 460 comprises a threaded stem 466 adapted for screw-coupling within the threaded bore 458 of the positioning element 452, and a threaded bore 468 at a top face thereof, for securing thereto a dental reconstruction element (not shown). Axial adjustment is achieved by rotating the axial extension member 460 so as to advance/retract it along the second axis Y.

It will be appreciated that the example described above with reference to and illustrated in Fig. 9 may be integrated with a dental implant, wherein disclosed elements thereof configured for interfacing with an implant are replaced with a dental implant portion, for example as described below with reference to and illustrated in Figs. 12A through 12D, mutatis mutandis.

Fig. 10A illustrates a dental reconstruction element in the form of a support bar 480 is securable over several dental abutments 482 in accordance with the present disclosure (two in the present example, each fixed over dental implant 484), the support bar 480 mounted over the self aligning, positioning elements of the dental abutments in the same manner as discussed hereinabove, and further wherein partial bridge 488 is mounted over the support bar 480 (the support bar snugly received within a superstructure designated 489 extending within the partial bridge 488).

In Fig. 10B there are illustrated two self aligning dental abutments in accordance with the present disclosure, generally designated 490, each mounted over a dental abutment 492, the dental abutments being configured for snugly extending into respective bores 496 supporting a partial bridge 498.

It will be appreciated that the example described above with reference to and illustrated in Figs. 10A and 10B may be integrated with a dental implant, wherein disclosed elements thereof configured for interfacing with an implant are replaced with a dental implant portion, for example as described below with reference to and illustrated in Figs. 12A through 12D, mutatis mutandis.

As illustrated in Figs. 11A and 11B, there is provided a further example of a dental abutment, which is generally indicated at 520. The dental abutment 520 comprises an abutment body 522 and an arresting element 542, together constituting an abutment housing, and a positioning element 550 received therein. The abutment body 522 defines a first axis X and comprises a central bore 524 with a narrow bottom opening 526, and an upwardly facing, convex curved seat portion 530. The abutment body 522 may be formed with an exterior threaded portion 541. Additionally, a circumferential lip 539 may be formed below the threaded portion 541.

5 A bottom face of the abutment body 522 is configured for cooperating with a dental implant for retaining it. Accordingly, it may comprise a projection 531, for example formed with an exterior surface having a non-circular (such as hexagonal as illustrated) cross-sectional shape, for non-rotational receipt within a correspondingly formed socket (not illustrated) of the dental implant (e.g., suitable for cooperating with an "internal-hex" dental implant, or with a dental

10 implant having any other shape of internally-formed abutment seating). According to some modifications (not illustrated), the projection may be formed to define a socket formed with an interior surface having a non-circular (such as hexagonal) cross-sectional shape, for non- rotational receipt of a correspondingly formed projection (not illustrated) of the dental implant (e.g., suitable for cooperating with an "external-hex" dental implant, or with a dental implant

15 having any other shape of externally-formed abutment seating).

The arresting element 542 is configured to be received over and coupled with the abutment body 522, for example comprising an interior threaded portion 543, formed correspondingly with the exterior threaded portion 541of the abutment body 522 for screwing engagement therewith. The arresting element 542 may be configured such that a lowermost edge

20 537 thereof is spaced from the lip 539 of the abutment body 522, thereby defining a gap 535.

The arresting element 542 comprises a circular sidewall 545 (comprising the threaded interior portion 543), and an upper surface 547 formed with a circular opening 549 therethrough. An exterior surface of the sidewall 545 may be formed with at least one pair of parallely- disposed flat portions 551, for example to facilitate use of a tool to rotate it when on the

25 abutment body 522. Alternatively, the entire exterior surface may be formed with flat sides (not illustrated). The interior surface of the sidewall 542 may be formed with an inwardly tapering wall surface 546 adjacent the opening 549.

The positioning element 550 comprises a spherical bearing portion 552, and a reconstruction element mount 556, for example formed with a projection 555 (such as

30 cylindrical, as illustrated, or any other suitable shape, such as frustoconical, etc.) and defining an intermediate annular seat 557 therearound. The positioning element 550 further comprises a threaded bore 558 defining a second axis Y, for example passing through the reconstruction element mount 556. The threaded bore 558 is configured for receiving a fastening element (such as a screw) of a dental reconstruction element, to facilitate securing of the abutment 520 thereto.

In addition, a locking ring (not illustrated) may be received within the gap 535. The locking ring may be any suitable ring-shaped member, such as an O-ring, made of a material accommodating stress applied to it by the lip 539 and lowermost edge 537 of the arresting element 542. For example, it may be made of any suitable metal or non-metal material, e.g., which accommodates movement applied thereto. According to some examples, the locking ring is formed as a disk spring (such as a lock washer).

In use, the dental abutment 520 may be assembled by engaging the projection 531 of the abutment body 522 with the dental implant (typically once the dental implant has been implanted into an individual), and a fastening element such as a screw is inserted through the central bore 524 and secured to the dental implant. The positioning element 550 is placed on the seat portion 530, and the arresting element 542 is placed thereover, and secured to the abutment body 522 by engaging threaded portions 541, 543 with each other. A positioning rod (not illustrated) may be received within the bore 558 of the positing element 550, providing leverage to rotate the positioning element 550 before the arresting element 542 is fully secured in place, thereby arresting the position of the positioning element. When secured, the positioning element 550 defines an axis, coincident with the second axis Y, for receipt therein of a fastening element (such as a screw) of a dental reconstruction element (not illustrated).

When the arresting element 542 is fully received on the abutment body 522, the lip 539 of the abutment body 522 and lowermost edge 537 of the arresting element 542 bear upon the locking ring slightly compressing it, causing it to exert an outward force biased toward each of the abutment body and arresting element. This force may facilitate locking of the dental abutment 500, for example by preventing accidental unscrewing of the abutment body 522 and arresting element 542 from each other.

It will be appreciated that the example described above with reference to and illustrated in Figs. 11A and 11B may be integrated with a dental implant, wherein disclosed elements thereof configured for interfacing with an implant are replaced with a dental implant portion, for example as described below with reference to and illustrated in Figs. 12A through 12D, mutatis mutandis.

It will be appreciated that any of the systems described above with reference to and illustrated in any one or more of Figs. 1A through 11B may be modified with one or more features described with reference to and illustrated in any one or more of the other figures, without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter, mutatis mutandis.

According to modifications (not illustrated) of any of the examples disclosed above with reference to and illustrated in any one or more of the accompanying figures, a pad, e.g., a thinly- formed ring or curved sheet, may be provided below the positioning element, i.e., between it and the abutment body. According to other modifications, an auxiliary arresting ring (for example made of a material which is more accommodating than that of the arresting element) may be provided above the positioning element, i.e., between it and its interface with the arresting element. The pad and auxiliary arresting ring may each be made of any suitable metal or non- metal material. It will be appreciated that either one or both of the pad and auxiliary arresting ring may be provided.

As illustrated in Figs. 12A through 12D, an integrated dental implant, generally indicated at 300, may be provided, which may be used in place of a dental implant and an abutment as described herein. The integrated dental implant 300 comprises an abutment portion 304 formed integrally (e.g., machined as a single element) with a dental implant portion 308. The dental implant portion 308 may be formed with a threaded portion configured to interface with the jaw bone of an individual for implanting therein, such as is well-known in the art of dental implants. The abutment portion 304 may be formed in accordance with any of the examples described above with reference to and illustrated in any one or more of the accompanying drawings (e.g., comprising an abutment housing for example having an abutment body 306 and an arresting element 309, a positioning element 310 received in the abutment housing, etc.), or in accordance with any suitable combination of features thereof, mutatis mutandis; accordingly, the description of the abutment portion 304 explicitly incorporates all suitable features of those examples. An abutment body 306 of the abutment portion 304 defines a first axis X, which may coincide with a longitudinal axis of the dental implant portion 308, or may be angled/inclined with respect thereto. Degrees of freedom of the positioning element 310 are similar to those discussed hereinbefore, such that it can rotate about axis Y (indicated by arrow 312) and tilt (indicated by arrow 314).

It will be further appreciated that while dental abutments are described above with reference to and illustrated in any one or more of the accompanying figures as being configured such that abutment housings thereof are configured to be secured to dental implants, and positioning elements thereof are configured to be secured to dental reconstruction elements, a dental abutment may be provided such that an abutment housing thereof is configured to be secured to a dental implant, and a positioning element thereof is configured to be secured to a dental reconstruction element, without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter, mutatis mutandis.

The elements of the any of the dental abutments described above with reference to and illustrated in the accompanying drawings may be made of any suitable metal and/or non-metal material. In addition, each of the elements may be produced with high precision, thereby providing dental abutments with zero or low tolerances among the constituent elements thereof.

Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will readily appreciate that numerous changes, variations, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter, mutatis mutandis.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An integrated dental implant comprising a first end configured for interfacing with the jaw bone of an individual for implanting therein, and a second end configured for being secured to a dental reconstruction element, the integrated dental implant comprising an abutment portion having:

• an abutment housing defining a first axis, and

• a positioning element received therewithin, defining a second axis and comprising said second end,

wherein said integrated dental implant is configured to selectively:

· permit free continuous three-dimensional rotation of said positioning element through a range of orientations within said abutment housing, and

• arrest said positioning element within said abutment housing at any of said orientations.

2. The integrated dental implant according to claim 1 , wherein said range of orientations is defined by the geometries of said positioning element and abutment housing.

3. The integrated dental implant according to any one of claims 1 and 2, said positioning element comprising a projection disposed through an opening formed in an upper surface of the abutment housing, and wherein said range of orientations is at least partially defined by the geometries of said projection and said opening.

4. The integrated dental implant according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said abutment housing comprises an abutment body and an arresting element screwingly engaged thereto.

5. The integrated dental implant according to claim 4, wherein the selective arresting of the positioning element is effected by tightening the screwing engagement between said abutment body and arresting element.

6. The integrated dental implant according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein facing surfaces of said abutment body and arresting element define a gap therebetween, and wherein the height of said gap is reduced as the abutment body and arresting element are further engaged with each other.

7. The integrated dental implant according to claim 6, further comprising a locking ring snugly received within said gap.

8. The integrated dental implant according to claim 7, wherein said locking ring is made of one or more selected from the group including a metal and a non-metal material.

9. The integrated dental implant according to any one of claims 7 and 8, wherein said locking ring comprises a disk spring.

5 10. The integrated dental implant according to any one of claims 7 and 9, wherein said locking ring is configured to exert a force on said abutment body and arresting element.

11. The integrated dental implant according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the selective arresting of the positioning element is effected by expansion thereof within the abutment housing.

10 12. The integrated dental implant according to claim 11, wherein the positioning member is configured to effect the expansion by engagement with a fixing element of the dental reconstruction element.

13. The integrated dental implant according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said positioning element comprises a spherical bearing portion configured to facilitate said three -

15 dimensional rotation within the abutment housing.

14. The integrated dental implant according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said positioning element comprises a reconstruction element mount configured for coupling with a correspondingly shaped surface of the dental reconstruction element.

15. The integrated dental implant according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said 20 positioning element comprises a bore for coupling with a fastener associated with the dental reconstruction element.

16. The integrated dental implant according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dental reconstruction element is selected from a group including a support bar, a dental bridge, and a dental crown.

25 17. A dental abutment comprising first and second ends, each configured for being secured to an element of a dental reconstruction system, the dental abutment comprising:

• an abutment housing defining a first axis and comprising said first end, and

30 wherein said dental abutment is configured to selectively:

• permit free continuous three-dimensional rotation of said positioning element through a range of orientations within said abutment housing, and • arrest said positioning element within said abutment housing at any of said orientations.

18. The dental abutment according to claim 17, wherein said range of orientations is defined by the geometries of said positioning element and abutment housing.

5 19. The dental abutment according to any one of claims 17 and 18, said positioning element comprising a projection disposed through an opening formed in an upper surface of the abutment housing, and wherein said range of orientations is at least partially defined by the geometries of said projection and said opening.

20. The dental abutment according to any one of claims 17 through 19, wherein said 10 abutment housing comprises an abutment body and an arresting element screwingly engaged thereto.

21. The dental abutment according to claim 20, wherein the selective arresting of the positioning element is effected by tightening the screwing engagement between said abutment body and arresting element.

15 22. The dental abutment according to any one of claims 20 and 21, wherein facing surfaces of said abutment body and arresting element define a gap therebetween, and wherein the height of said gap is reduced as the abutment body and arresting element are further engaged with each other.

23. The dental abutment according to claim 22, further comprising a locking ring snugly 20 received within said gap.

24. The dental abutment according to claim 23, wherein said locking ring is made of one or more selected from the group including a metal and a non-metal material.

25. The dental abutment according to any one of claims 23 and 24, wherein said locking ring comprises a disk spring.

25 26. The dental abutment according to any one of claims 23 through 25, wherein said locking ring is configured to exert a force on said abutment body and arresting element.

27. The dental abutment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the selective arresting of the positioning element is effected by expansion thereof within the abutment housing.

30 28. The dental abutment according to claim 27, wherein the positioning member is configured to effect the expansion by engagement with a fixing element of one of the elements of the dental reconstruction system.

29. The dental abutment according to any one of claims 17 through 28, wherein said positioning element comprises a spherical bearing portion configured to facilitate said three- dimensional rotation within the abutment housing.

30. The dental abutment according to any one of claims 17 through 29, wherein said 5 positioning element comprises a reconstruction element mount configured for coupling with a correspondingly shaped surface of one of the elements of the dental reconstruction system.

31. The dental abutment according to any one of claims 17 through 30, wherein said positioning element comprises a bore for coupling with a fastener associated with one of the elements of the dental reconstruction system.

10 32. The dental abutment according to any one of claims 17 through 31, wherein one of said elements of the dental reconstruction system comprises a dental implant.

33. The dental abutment according to any one of claims 17 through 32, wherein one of said elements of the dental reconstruction system is selected from a group including a support bar, a dental bridge, and a dental crown.

15 34. The dental abutment according to any one of claims 17 through 33, wherein said first end is configured for being secured to a dental implant, and said second end is configured for being secured to an element selected from a group including a support bar, a dental bridge, and a dental crown.