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Claims  |
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I claim:
1. A dental system for insertion into a bore of a jaw bone of a patient
which comprises:
a dental implant adapted to fit in a bore of said jaw bone, said dental
implant having a central hole extending from a top surface of said implant
through a portion of the vertical height of said implant,
at least one wing extending in a direction selected from the group
consisting of (a) into said implant central hole, (b) upward from the top
surface of said implant and (c) into said implant central hole and at
least one wing extending upward from the top surface of said implant,
a dental post having a stem section shaped to fit into said central hole
and having at least one slot to fit over a wing of said implant,
and means for positioning said at least on slot onto said at least one
wing, said at least one slot and said at least one wing being shaped to
prevent rotation of said post in at least one direction after said
positioning.
2. The dental system of claim 1 wherein said means for positioning
comprises a key adapted for fit within a space in said post thereby to
maintain said at least one slot onto said at least one wing.
3. The dental system of claim 1 wherein said means for positioning
comprises a key in the form of a coping adapted for fit over said post and
said implant thereby to maintain said at least one slot onto said at least
one wing.
4. The dental system of claim 3 wherein said means for positioning a key
comprises through a slot of said coping and a slot of said post to secure
said coping and said post in position.
5. The dental system of any one of claims 1,2,3 or 4 wherein said post has
a plurality of slots and said implant has a plurality of wings.
6. The system of any one of claims 1,2,3 or 4 wherein said post has a
plurality of slots at essentially the same vertical position.
7. The system of any one of claims 1,2,3 or 4 wherein said at least one
slot has a vertical pathway to allow said wing to travel vertically and to
be positioned into said slot by rotating said post.
8. The dental system of any one of claims 1,2,3 or 4 wherein said post has
at least one slot and said implant has at least one wing.
9. A dental system for insertion into a bore of a jaw bone of a patient
which comprises:
a dental implant adapted to fit in a bore of said jaw bone, said dental
implant having a central hole extending from a top surface of said implant
through a portion of the vertical height of said implant,
at least one slot in said internal surface of said implant, and said slot
open to said central hole,
a dental post having a stem section shaped to fit into said central hole
and said post having a second central hole extending though a vertical
height of said post,
and a key extending through said second central hole and into said slot.
10. The dental system of claim 9 wherein said post has at least one wing
extending into or upward from said implant and said post has at least one
slot.
11. The system of any one of claim 9 or 10 wherein said post has a
plurality of slots and said implant has a plurality of wings.
12. The system of any one of claims 9 or 10 wherein said post has a
plurality of slots at essentially the same vertical position.
13. The system of any one of claims 9 or 10 wherein at least one wing has a
shape to fit with a vertical pathway in said post and said at least one
wing is positioned into said slot by rotating said post.
14. The system of any one of claims 9 or 10 including a coping covering
said post to prevent dislodgement of said key.
15. A dental system for insertion into a bore of a jaw bone of a patient
which comprises:
a dental implant adapted to fit in a bore of said jaw bone, said dental
implant having a central hole extending from a top surface of said implant
through a portion of the vertical height of said implant and a bottom
internal surface.
at least one slot formed in an internal surface of said implant.
a dental post having a stem section shaped to fit into said central hole,
said post forming a second hole with said implant wall and said post wall
after placement, said second hole extending the vertical height of said
post, and
a key extending through said second hole and into said slot.
16. The system of claim 15 wherein said post has a plurality of slots and a
plurality of keys positioned into said slots.
17. The system of claims 15 or 16 wherein said a plurality of slots are at
the same vertical height.
18. The system of one of claims 15 or 16 wherein at least one wing has a
shape to fit within a vertical pathway in said implant and said at least
one wing is positioned into said slot by rotating said post.
19. The system of one of claims 15 or 16 including a coping covering said
post to prevent dislodgement of said key.
20. A dental system for insertion into a bore of a jaw bone of a patient
which comprises:
a dental implant adapted to fit in a bore of said jaw bone, said dental
implant having a central hole extending from a top surface of said implant
through a portion of the vertical height of said implant and a bottom
internal surface,
at least one slot formed in said bottom internal surface and said slot open
to said central hole,
a dental post having a stem section shaped to fit into said central hole,
said post and said implant being shaped to form a second central hole
extending the vertical height of the post and a key extending through said
second hole and into said slot.
a key extending through said second hole and into said slot.
21. The system of claim 20 wherein having a plurality of second holes, and
a key for each of said second holes.
22. The system of claim 20 or 21 having a plurality of slots at the same
vertical height.
23. The system of one of claims 20 or 21 wherein at least one wing has a
shape to fit within a vertical pathway in said post and said at least one
wing is positioned into said slot by rotating said post.
24. The system of one of claims 20 or 21 wherein a coping covers said post.
25. A dental system for insertion into a bore of a jaw bone of a patient
which comprises:
a dental implant adapted to fit in a bore of said jaw bone, said dental
implant having a central hole extending from a top surface of said implant
through a portion of the vertical height of said implant and a bottom
internal surface, said implant having a wing which extends upward, one
said wing having at least one wall angled with respect to a wall of the
central hole,
a dental post having a stem section shaped to fit into said central hole,
a coping covering said post and said implant,
and at least one slot formed by a wall of said post and a side of said
coping.
26. The system of claim 25 wherein said post has a plurality of slots.
27. The system of claim 25 or 26 wherein said slots are at the same
vertical height.
28. A dental system for insertion into a bore of a jaw bone of a patient
which comprises:
a dental implant adapted to fit in a bore of said jaw bone, said dental
implant having a central hole extending from a top surface of said implant
through a portion of the vertical height of said implant and a bottom
internal surface, said implant having a slot which extends down from the
top surface, one said slot having at least one wall angled with respect to
a wall of the central hole,
a dental post having a stem section shaped to fit into said central hole,
a coping covering said post and said implant with at least one tab shaped
to fit into said at least one slot of said implant.
29. The system of claim 28 wherein said implant has a plurality of slots.
30. The system of claim 28 or 29 wherein said slots are at the same
vertical height.
31. A dental system for insertion into a bore of a jaw bone of a patient
which comprises:
a dental implant adapted to fit in a bore of said jaw bone, said dental
implant having a central hole extending from a top surface of said implant
through a portion of the vertical height of said implant and a bottom
internal surface,
a dental post having a stem section shaped to fit into said central hole,
and at least one slot formed by a wall of said post and a wall of said
coping, at least one said slot having at least one wall angled with
respect to a wall of the central hole,
and a coping covering said post and said implant with at least one tab
shaped to fit into said at least one slot formed by wall of said implant
and a wall of said post.
32. The system of claim 31 wherein said post and implant form a plurality
of slots.
33. The system of claim 31 or 32 wherein said slots are at the same
vertical height. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a dental implant system which can be inserted
into the jaw bone of a patient and can be utilized to improve retention of
a dental restoration built onto the jaw bone.
Presently, dental implant systems are utilized to fix a synthetic tooth
structure to the jaw bone of a patient in order to replace a missing
tooth. The implant system includes an implant which is inserted into a
hole in the patient's jaw bone drilled by a dentist. The implant includes
a hole designed to receive a dental post which, in turn, serves to retain
a core upon which a tooth crown is built. After the implant is inserted
into the jaw bone, it is covered by the patient's gum and allowed to heal
from 3-6 months while the bone grows to surround and retain the implant.
The gum then is opened to expose the implant. At this time, impressions
are made or a post needed to support the crown is positioned into the
implant. At the present time, these posts are screwed into place with the
implant heaving a helical path and the post having a mating helical
thread. The post bottom can have threads or can have a hollow core for a
screw to unite the post and implant. A screw system alone does not provide
an antirotation characteristic to the implant system and can unscrew and
loosen unless multiple screws are employed. A problem with this system is
that the screws break during implacement and during function. Also, the
screws are small and may be dropped in the mouth accidently or they are
difficult to place into the back portion of the mouth. After the post is
positioned in the implant, it extends above the gum so that a dental
prosthesis including a core can be retained in place. All posts must
resist normal rotational forces which occur during normal or abnormal
functions. In general, preformed posts do not provide good stability
against rotational force because they are round and rotate easily when
placed in a round hole in the implant. Screw type posts can exert large
lateral stresses which lead to potential implant fixture fracture and
tooth loss. If filling material is placed around a preformed post above
the jawbone to accept a crown after the post is positioned, the strength
and long term stability of this material becomes a weak link in long term
success of the crown. In addition, proper design of the post above the jaw
line is critical to resist rotation or dislodging of the filling material
from the post.
It has been proposed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,480,997; 4,490,116 and Re 31,948,
to utilize a threaded dental post which is introduced into the bore of a
tooth stub by being rotated to thread the post into position. The dental
post includes a stem portion having a slot extending through the stem
thickness and along its length which renders the stem being formed of two
legs each having its outside surface threaded. The outside surface of the
legs intimately contact the walls of the bore so that the threads on the
legs can engage the walls. In addition, a spring-like connection for the
two legs is provided so that a radial outward spring force is applied to
the legs to force them against the bore walls. These dental posts are
undesirable since a rotational force must be applied to the post to
position it properly into the bore. This positioning process is
undesirable since it is time consuming and causes the patient discomfort.
In addition, the possibility exists that the post will be threaded too far
which will result in fracture. Furthermore, the radially outward forces of
the legs on the tooth stub can result in fracture of the tooth stub over
time. The same problems are present when these posts are used in
conjunction with an implant positioned in a jaw bone.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,534,409 discloses a two legged post having corrugated
surfaces which fit into a root canal having generally parallel walls. This
surface design materially reduces the post surface area which contacts the
canal walls and thus post retention relies primarily upon cement adhesive
strength.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a dental implant having a
bore for a dental post which can be inserted into a hole in the jaw. In
addition, it would be desirable to provide a dental implant with means to
provide mechanical interaction in order to retain the post in the implant
hole while minimizing or elimination forces on the implant walls exerted
by the post. Furthermore, it would be desirable to provide a system for
utilizing such a dental implant and post system which facilitates the
placement of a core and a crown.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention provides a dental implant utilized in conjunction with a
dental post in order to support a dental prosthesis. The implant is sized
to be positioned within a hole of the jaw bone of a patient. The implant
has an internal hole or bore of the implant such that the dental post
cannot be rotated. The wall of the implant bore is provided with one or
more wings or extensions which are shaped to engage one or more slots or
indentations on the surface of the portion of the post which fits into the
implant hole. Alternatively, the slot or indentation can be located on the
bottom internal surface within which a key can fit. The key extends
through the post and prevents the post from rotating. The key may also be
used as a key and movable wing to prevent removal. The post slots can be
positioned within the extensions or wings of the dental implant either by
being moved radially or rotationally to engage the wings. When a plurality
of slots are utilized in the post, they can be positioned at different
vertical positions and/or different radial positions at the same or
different vertical height. A dental post having slots that are moved
radially into the wings includes one or more flexible legs each having a
slot. These legs can be compressed radially inward so that the post can be
positioned within the implant bore and the leg then can be allowed to
expand so that the slot(s) cover and engage the wings in the implant.
Alternatively, when the slots are rotated over the wings, they can be
positioned over the wings of the implant by holes which start at the
bottom of the post which interconnect with vertical paths in the post. The
vertical paths, in turn, connect with the slots. The wings are inserted
into the vertical paths and then rotated into the slots. Alternatively,
when a slot extends from the top of the implant through the implant, it
may exit to the side or bottom where a matching slot is on the bottom or
side of the implant. A key or movable wing engages the slot in the post
and in the side or bottom of the implant to prevent rotation or removal. A
tight seal of the post to the implant may be accomplished through
beveling, tight tolerances of a butt joint or O-rings.
To provide complete customization, as may be necessary in certain
circumstances, copings are used which may be ground down or copings which
may be cast to after impressions are taken. Finally, a prosthesis may be
made removable by utilizing a separate series of slots and keys.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an implant of this invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a post used with the implant of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the post of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along-line 4--4 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 shows the post of FIGS. 2 and 3 positioned into the implant of FIG.
1.
FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the bottom of the post in FIG. 2.
FIG. 7 is a side view of the post and implant of FIG. 5.
FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an implant-post-core system of this
invention.
FIG. 9 is a side view of an alternative implant-post-core system of this
invention.
FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of an alternative implant-post-core system
of this invention.
FIG. 11 is an implant used with the post of FIG. 13.
FIG. 12 is a top view of the implant of FIG. 11.
FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a post of this invention.
FIG. 14 is a key used with the post of FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 shows the post of FIG. 13, the key of FIG. 14 and the implant of
FIG. 11 in place.
FIG. 16 is a cross-section of FIG. 15.
FIG. 17 is a front view of an alternative post useful with the implant.
FIG. 18 is a view of an alternative implant of this invention with the post
of FIG. 17 in place.
FIG. 19 is an isometric view of a post of this invention.
FIG. 20 is an isometric view of an implant of this invention.
FIG. 21 is a cross-section view of taken along line 21--21 of FIG. 20.
FIG. 22 shows a post and key which is used in conjunction with the implant
of FIG. 23.
FIG. 23 shows an implant having angled tabs.
FIG. 24 shows an alternative post-implant system of this invention.
FIG. 25 shows an alternative implant of this implant with tabs which extend
upwardly.
FIG. 26 shows a post and key which is used in conjunction with the implant
of FIG. 25.
FIG. 27 shows an alternative implant system.
FIG. 28 shows a post and key which is used in conjunction with the implant
of FIG. 27.
FIG. 29 shows an alternatively post of this system.
FIG. 30 shows an isometric view of an alternative implant of this system.
FIG. 31 show an isometric view of a coping with a key external to the post
and implant.
FIG. 32 shows a side view of the implant of FIG. 30, the post of FIG. 29
and the coping of FIG. 31.
FIG. 33 shows an isometric view of an alternative implant of this system.
FIG. 34 shows and isometric view of a post which is used in conjunction
with the implant of FIG. 33.
FIG. 35 shows an isometric view of a coping used in conjunction with the
implant of FIG. 33 and the post of FIG. 34.
FIG. 36 shows an cross-sectional view of the implant of FIG. 33, the post
of FIG. 34 and the coping of FIG. 35 assembled.
FIG. 37 shows an isometric view of an alternative implant of this system.
FIG. 38 shows an isometric view of a post and key which is used in
conjunction with the implant of FIG. 37.
FIG. 39 shows a cross-sectional view of the implant of FIG. 37, the post of
FIG. 38 and the coping of FIG. 40 assembled.
FIG. 40 shows an isometric view of a coping used in conjunction with the
implant of FIG. 37, the post of FIG. 38, and the key of FIG. 39.
FIG. 41 shows a cross section view of an alternative implant of this
system.
FIG. 42 shows a cross-sectional view of a post and key used with the
implant of FIG. 41.
FIG. 43 shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled implant of FIG. 41
and the post and key of FIG. 42.
FIG. 44 shows a cross sectional view of the top of the post and key of FIG.
42.
FIG. 45 shows an isometric view of an alternative implant of this system.
FIG. 46 shows a cross-sectional view of the post being placed into the
implant of FIG. 46.
FIG. 47 shows a cross-sectional view of the post and key used with the
implant of FIG. 45.
FIG. 48 shows a cross-sectional view of the post and key used with the
implant of FIG. 45.
FIG. 49 shows a cross-sectional view of the implant of FIG. 45, the post
and key of FIG. 47 and the coping FIG. 50 assembled.
FIG. 50 shows a cross-sectional view of the coping used in conjunction with
the implant of FIG. 45.
FIG. 51 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative implant of this
system.
FIG. 52 shows a cross-sectional view of the post used with the implant of
FIG. 51.
FIG. 53 shows a cross-sectional view of a coping used with implant of FIG.
51.
FIG. 54 shows a cross-sectional view of the implant of FIG. 51, the post of
FIG. 52, and the coping of FIG. 53 assembled.
FIG. 55 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative implant of this
system.
FIG. 56 shows a cross-sectional view of the post used with the implant of
FIG. 55.
FIG. 57 shows a cross-sectional view of a coping used with implant of FIG.
55.
FIG. 58 shows a cross-sectional view of a key used with the coping of FIG.
57.
FIG. 59 shows a cross-sectional view of the implant of FIG. 55, the post of
FIG. 56, the coping of FIG. 57, and the key of FIG. 58 assembled.
FIG. 60 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative implant of this
system.
FIG. 61 shows a cross-sectional view of the post used with the implant of
FIG. 60.
FIG. 62 shows a front view of the post of FIG. 61.
FIG. 63 shows a cross-sectional view of a coping used with implant of FIG.
60.
FIG. 64 shows a cross-sectional view of a key used with the coping of FIG.
63.
FIG. 65 shows a cross-sectional view of the implant of FIG. 60, the post of
FIG. 61, the coping of FIG. 63, and the key of FIG. 64 assembled.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
The dental implant of this invention includes a bore having at least one
wing which permits locking a mating dental post having at least one slot
into the implant without the need for screwing the post to place. By
eliminating the use of a threaded screw, pressure on the implant is
eliminated. The wings utilized in the implant or the slots in the post
need not be of a continuous thread as would be necessary with a screw
mechanism. The implant is utilized in conjunction with a dental post
having a stem into which slots are placed. Alternatively, the slots may be
placed above the stem and extending into the core with wings extending
upward from the implant. The post and implant of this invention can be
implanted under conditions to avoid the use of cement. Thus, the post can
be removed, if desired, such as when an abscess occurs after implantation
so that the abscess can be treated. The slots can be positioned over wings
by moving a portion of the post radially into position or by rotating the
post into position.
When a portion of the post is moved radially into position it is formed
from a plurality of legs separated by a space. The legs can be radially
compressed inward so that the slots can clear the wings in the bore or the
implant. When the compression force is released, the legs resume a
position so that they are essentially parallel to each other and the slots
fit over the wings in the walls of the implant. The slots can be at the
same or different heights. The slots can be the same or different sizes.
The legs are not prestressed so as to avoid exertion of a force by the
legs on the bore walls. By eliminating this stress in the legs, the
implant fixture is not subjected to a continuous expansion force from
within the implant. Therefore, the implant is less likely to fracture
during normal use as compared to an implant containing a dental post that
exerts a continuing expansion force on an implant.
In cases where the success of the implant is questionable, the post can be
implanted without employing a dental cement in the post and implant. The
wings mechanically lock the post in place, and together with a key
structure described below, lock the post and supported crown in place when
the crown is cemented over the post. The elimination of cement within the
implant and post is advantageous since, with present technology, when an
implant fails and a post is present, the post cannot be removed for
retreatment to eliminate infection or if post fracture occurs, removal of
the implant is necessary. When the post is removable, as in the case when
cement within post and implant is not utilized, surgery can be avoided and
the implant can be treated to eliminate infection. A key apparatus can be
provided which fits into the space between the post legs. The key prevents
flexing of the legs after the crown and core have been positioned on the
dental post.
In the embodiment wherein the dental post is rotated into position with the
implant, flexible legs in the dental post need not be included. The stem
portion of the dental post can be formed of a unitary construction wherein
slots are placed. The post is inserted into the implant bore so that the
vertical pathways on the post which connect with the slots engage wings in
the implant bore. When the wings have reached the same vertical position
as the slots, the post is rotated so that the slots fit over the wings.
The key can be inserted into the vertical pathways to prevent rotation of
the post or the top surface of the implant can be angled relative to the
path of insertion of the post.
In still another embodiment, wings may extend upward from an implant. A key
may be external or internal to lock the system into position. The external
key may be part of a coping or the crown constructed on it. In addition,
the post shaft may be placed at an angle relative to the implant and
locked by a coping or crown which has a different path of insertion going
over the post and implant tabs. The tabs, however, may be part of the
coping and the slots part of implant. A key can be used to lock a coping
or crown onto the post-implant.
In still another embodiment, a coping is designed to fit over a post
implant which is cast onto to form the final desired shape to construct a
prosthesis on.
In still another embodiment, a post is placed in an implant and locked into
position to prevent removal and rotation of the post by a key. The key has
the shape of the internal bore of the implant to lock the post or use
definitive slots on the side or bottom of the implant.
In still another embodiment, the prosthesis constructed on the implant/post
is made removable by using a separate key and slot combination in which a
key passes through a hole in the crown and into the post for retention.
The key is held in by suction, friction, cement or threaded. The material
forming the key will be of a soft consistency such that it may be drill
out with ordinary dental drills. The key may be a hard material and be
reversible by threading or friction with a continuous hole from one side
to the other side such that the key may be pushed out one side from the
other.
In still another embodiment, a coping is used for customization over an
implant/post to construct a prosthesis. There are times when it is
necessary to align copings to be parallel to other copings. The proposed
copings are of two varieties. First, a coping may be made of a large size
which can be hand trimmed to the appropriate smaller dimensions. Secondly,
a coping may be made which fits precisely over an implant/post such that
metal through a lost wax technique may be cast to it.
To aid in manufacturing tolerances for the fit of parts the post, key,
coping, wings, slots and implant may use tapers, coating of metal with
materials such as plastic, or bevels.
Referring to FIGS. 1 thru 7, the dental implant 10 formed from any suitable
dental material includes a hexagonal bore 12 and wings 24. The wings may
be of various sizes or the same size in relation to each other and are
positioned at different vertical heights within the bore 12. The bore 12
can be of any desired shaped crosssection. The hexagonal shape permits
positioning of a post in 6 different positions, for example. Of course,
larger or smaller number of facets forming the bore shape can be used. The
bore also can be circular, elliptical or the like. For convenience, the
dental post 16 is shown with two legs 18 and 20. However, it is to be
understood that up to eight legs can be formed conveniently with
appropriate slots in stem section 22. The slots 14 are placed in leg 18
such as by conventional molding, machined or casting processes. There are
slots 15 which extend from the bottom of the post 16 toward the top of the
shaft 17. The dental post 16 is inserted into the implant 10 by placing
the slots 15 in alignment with wings 24 of implant 10. Upon further
placement, compressing flexible leg 18 radially inward so that the leg 18
and slots 14 clear the wings 24 of the bore 12 and so that the post 16 can
be inserted completely into bore 12. After the post 16 is inserted,
compression on the leg 18 is released and slots 14 are positioned onto the
wings 24. Thereafter, a key 26 is inserted into space 28 so that the slots
14 are maintained over the wings 24. Once, the post 16 is inserted into
implant 10, rotation is prevented.
The dental post can be made of a variety of sizes. For example, a dental
post can extend about 3 to 18 mm into the implant and 1 to 7 mm above the
jaw bone. A typical dental post diameter can vary between about 1.5 mm and
4 mm. The wings can extend a length away from the implant a distance
between about 0.1 mm and about 1 mm while the slot can vary in width
between 0.1 and 2 mm. It is to be understood that these dimensions are
exemplary and will vary with the need of the patient. The sides may be
parallel or tapered. The outside junction of the bottom of the post 11 to
the implant top 13 may be may have a bevel 21 to provide a tight fit and
less need for extreme tolerances of the wing 24 to the slot 14 in size.
As shown in FIG. 8, the legs 30 and 32 of post 35 can have slots 36 which
fit over wings of implant 38 and have slots 40 which fit over
appropriately sized wings of a core or crown 42. The post 35 can be
provided with holes 37 into which a tool can be inserted to assist in
flexing legs 30 and 32 for insertion into implant 38.
Referring to FIG. 9, the post-implant system of this invention is shown
with one slot 44 in post 46 and one wing 48 in implant 50. The leg 52 is
sufficiently flexible so that slot 44 can be positioned into and away from
wing 48 by compressing exposed area 54 or releasing area 54 from
compression force.
As shown in FIG. 10 the implant 50 can be provided with a hole 60 for the
purpose of allowing bone to grow into the implant 50. The post 62 is
provided with slots 64 for insertion onto mating wings of implant 58. The
post 62 also is provided with flanges 66 to position it on implant 58 as
well as provide a solid seal to the implant. Extension 70 of post 62 has
extension 70 to accommodate core 72. Extension 70 is provided with slot 74
which fits onto wings of core 72 after compression force on post 62 has
been released form flanges 66. Thus, the post 62 can be utilized to
position core 72 in proper position while eliminating the need for
pressure on implant 58.
Referring to FIGS. 11-16, a system of this invention is shown which permits
rotational implacement of the post of this invention into the implant of
this invention. The implant 80 is provided with core 82 and vertical
pathways 84 and wings 88 which are positioned at varying vertical
positions. Pathways 84 permit insertion of post 90 so that wings 88 can be
positioned into slots 86. Once so positioned, key 92 is positioned into
the space and pathway 84 so that rotation of the post 90 is prevented. A
cement 98 can be applied into spaces 94 and 96 to retain key 92 in place.
Since the cement 98 is easily accessible after a core or crown (not shown)
is to be removed, the key of 92 can be removed if it is desired to access
the implant to treat infection after initial implant system is in place.
Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18 an alternative implant-post-key system of this
invention is shown. The post 65 includes a leg 67 supported by a hinge 69.
The implant 71 includes a hole having a rectangular cross-section. When
the post is placed into the implant 71, the leg 67 swings about hinge 69
so that slot 75 of leg 67 is positioned over wing 73 of implant 71.
Thereafter key 77 is inserted into central rectangular holes in post 65
and implant 71 to prevent rotation of post 65 and to stop the leg from
swinging on hinge 69.
Referring to FIGS. 19, 20 and 21, an alternative implant-post-key system of
this invention is shown. The post 41 includes a shoulder 55 slots 59 and a
central rectangularly shaped hole to accommodate a vertically movable key
45. The key extends beyond both ends 47 and 49 of the post 41. The implant
51 includes a central hole 53 to accommodate post 41 so that surface 49 of
post 41 contacts surface 57 of implant 51. The wings 43 are inserted into
vertical pathways 59 and the post 41 then is rotated so that wings 43 are
inserted into slots 61. The key 45 then is inserted through post 41 into
the rectangular hole 63 so as to prevent rotation of post 41. The slot 63
may accommodate multiple rotational positions of key 45 through post 41.
Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, the implant 82 includes angled internal tabs
92, a central opening 86 and a key slot 88. The post 90 includes angled
slots 84 which mate with angled tabs 92 when post 90 is rotated. After the
tabs 92 are in position within slots 84, key 94 is inserted through the
center of post 90 and into key slot 88 in order to retain the post 90 in
place without the need for cement.
Referring to FIG. 24, the post 103 includes and upper section 105 and a
lower section 107. A spring 109 is formed within the walls of sections 105
and 107. The spring 109 includes a slot 113 which fits over and extension
or tab 111 of implant 115. The elliptical key 117 fits through the central
opening 119 of post 103 and extends into slot 121 located on the lower
internal surface of implant 115 to prevent rotation of post 103.
Referring to FIG. 25 and 26, the implant 122 includes a central bore 124,
tabs 126 which extend upward from the implant 122 and at right angles and
a key slot 128. The post 134 includes slots 132 which mate with tabs 126
when post 134 is placed and rotated. After the tabs 126 are in position
within the slots 132, key 130 is inserted through the center of post 134
and into the key slot 128 in order to retain the post 134 in place without
the need for cement. Key 130 and slot 128 may be angled for added
retention of post 134.
Referring to FIGS. 27 and 28, the implant 140 includes a central bore 142,
angled tabs 144 which extend upward from the implant 140 and a key slot
146. The post 152 includes slots 150 which mate with tabs 144 when post
152 is placed and rotated. After the tabs 144 are in position within the
slots 150, key 148 is inserted through the center of post 152 and into the
key slot 146 in order to retain the post 152 in place without the need for
cement.
Referring to FIGS. 29-32, the implant 155 includes a central bore 153,
angled tabs 157 which extend upward from the implant 155 and an external
key slot 159. External key slot 159 which may be concave, flat or convex
of different radial curvature than the overall radial curvature of coping
170, stops rotation of coping 170. The post 167 includes slots 161 which
mate with tabs 157 when post 167 is placed and rotated. After the tabs 157
are in position within the slots 161, key 172 which is part of a coping or
crown is positioned over post 167 and implant 155 and into the key slot
159 in order stop rotation and to retain the post 152 in place without the
need for cement. Coping or crown 170 has slot 174 through which is placed
key 165. Key 165 further extends into slot 163 of post 167 to retain
coping or crown 170.
Referring to FIGS. 33-36, the implant 180 includes a central bore 182 which
goes at an angle in relationship to the overall implant 180 and upward
tabs 184 such that the bore walls 186 are not parallel to the outside wall
188 of the tab 184. Tab 186 may by continuous or multiple individual,
angled, right angled, etc. Post 190 has an angled shaft 192 in relation to
the post head 196 in the same spatial and angular relationship as the
implant tabs 184 to the bore wall 186 such that when post 190 is
positioned with in implant 180 the shaft 192 of post 190 fits securely
into bore 182 and surface 193 of post 190 fits flush with surface 183 of
implant 180. After post 190 is in position in implant 180 coping 200 is
positioned over post 190 and implant 180 in order to retain the post 190
in place without the need for cement. Coping or crown 200 has slot 204
through which is placed key 202. Key 202 further extends into slot 206 of
post 190 to retain coping or crown 200.
Referring to FIGS. 37-40, the implant 208 includes a central bore 210 which
goes at an angle in relationship to the overall implant 208 and key slot
212 such that the bore wall 214 are not parallel to the sides of the key
slot 212. Post 220 has an angled shaft 222 in relation to the post head
224 in the same spatial and angular relationship as the implant key slot
212 to the bore wall 214 such that when post 220 is positioned within
implant 208 the shaft 222 of post 220 fits securely into bore 210 and
surface 226 of post 220 fits flush with surface 228 of implant 208. After
post 220 is in position in implant 208 key 230 is positioned into the key
slot 212 of implant 208 in order to retain the post 220 in place without
the need for cement. Coping or crown 236 has slot 232 through which is
placed key 235. Key 235 further extends into slot 225 of post 220 to
retain coping or crown 236.
Referring to FIGS. 41-44, the implant 238 includes a central bore 240 which
is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom. Post 242 has a contiguous
cylinder of which surface 248 rests on the top surface 241 of the implant
238. There is a key 246 which fits inside of post 242 and slides up and
down. With the key 246 retracted, the post section 244 of post 242 can be
seated. Upon positioning of post 242 into implant 238, key 246 is
positioned in order to retain the post 242 in place without the need for
cement.
Referring to FIGS. 45-50, is an alternative to the previously described
implant system. The implant 250 has a central bore 252. Post 254 consists
of two sections including a fixed section 256 and movable key 258. Fixed
section 256 is positioned within the implant 250 through bore 252. Upon
complete seating of fixed section 256, key 258 is positioned within
implant 250. To prevent removal of key 258 and fixed section 256, a coping
or crown 260 having slot 262 is positioned over post 254. The coping or
crown 260 is held in position by cementing or by a lateral acrylic peg as
described in earlier implant alternatives.
Referring to FIGS. 51-54, the implant 264 includes a central bore 266 with
a wall 268 which is at an indented angle in relation to wall 267 which
will form the side of a slot. Post 270 has a shaft 271 which fits securely
into central bore 266 of implant 264, a wall 272 which forms a side of a
slot and a body 273 which is at the same angle or less as wall 272 and
wall 268 of implant 264 to allow placement of core 274. Core 274 has tab
276 which fits into the slot formed by wall 272 of post 270 and wall 268
of implant 264 when post 270 is placed in central bore 266 of implant 264.
Core 274 has a central hole 278 which fits over post body 273 when
assembled.
Referring to FIGS. 55-59, the implant 288 has a central bore 290 which is
at an angle in relationship to the overall implant 288, a slot 292 which
is angled in relation to the implant bore wall 289 such that slot wall 291
is not parallel to implant wall 289. Post 280 has a shaft 282 which fits
securely into central bore 290 of implant 288, a body 284 which fits
securely into central bore 296 of coping 300, a hole 286 which aligns with
hole 286 of core 300 when body 284 of post 280 is fit into central bore
296 of core 300. Core 300 has central bore 296 which fits over post body
284 which when in combination with post shaft 282 fitting securely into
central bore 290 of implant 288, tab | | |
