Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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CiJ'STOM IlVIPRESSION TRANSFER COPING
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[00011 This invention relates to a method for precisely capturing the custom
markings of
a healing abutment that is fitted to a dental implant. The present invention
also provides a
healing abutment for attachment to a dental implant with marking locations
thereon, the marking
locations being provided with markers that provide a binary code system for
retrieving unique
information about the healing abutment and the underlying implant. More
particularly, the
present invention is an improvement on the inventions patented in U.S. Patent
No 6,558,162,
patented May 6, 2003 and U.S. Patent No. 6,790,040, patented Sept 14, 2004.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0002] One improvement which with the present invention is concerned involves
the use
of a conventional transfer coping. Transfer copings have an impression portion
adapted to form a
unique or indexed impression in the impression material and a base portion
having mating
indexing means adapted to mate with the exposed indexing means of the implant
or prosthetic
abutment. In use, the transfer coping is temporarily secured to the exposed
proximal end of the
implant fixture such that the mating indexing means of the impression coping
and implant are
mated in an interlocked manner to one another. Typically, a threaded screw or
bolt is used
temporarily to secure the transfer coping to the implant fixture.
[0003] Once the impression coping is secured to the implant fixture, an
impression of the
transfer coping relative to the surrounding teeth is taken. Typically, this
involves a "U" shaped
tray filled with an impression material that is placed in the patient's mouth
over the implant site.
Pressure is applied by hand on the tray, squeezing the impression material
into the implant site
and around the transfer coping. Within a few minutes, the impression material
cures or hardens
to a flexible, resilient consistency. The impression tray is then removed from
the patient's mouth
to reveal an impression of the implant site and the transfer coping. The
restorative dentist then
removes the transfer coping from the patient's mouth and transfers the
transfer coping back into
the impression material, being careful to preserve the proper orientation of
the indexing means.
[0004] Another improvement which with the present invention is concerned
relates to
dental implants which are inserted or implanted into the jawbone of a patient
at the site of
missing natural teeth so that a denture or dental prosthesis can be fixed onto
them. These
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implants usually consist of two parts, an endosseous part to be screwed into
the jawbone and a
built-up part or abutment which can be screwed into the endosseous part and
which is usually
conically designed on the end opposite the endosseous part. The denture, crown
or prosthesis is
fixed onto this tapered part. Such implants are well known in the art.
[0005] Restoration of an edentulous area of the mouth can be accomplished
using a
standard bridge, a removable appliance (a partial or full denture), or a
dental implant. According
to current conventional practice, the placement of the dental implant is
usually accomplished in
four stages.
[0006] In the first stage, the dentist reviews radiographs and dental models
to determine
the proper placement and axial alignment of the implant.
[0007] In the second stage, a dental surgeon accesses the bone through the
mucosal
(gum) tissue and drills or bores out the maxillary or mandibular bone. The
implant is then
screwed into the bone. A healing abutment, having a height at least equal to
the thickness of the
gingival (gum) tissue is typically placed over the implant, and the
surrounding mucosal tissues
are sutured around it. Complete osteointegration (an active bond between
implant and tissue)
typically takes anywhere from three to eight months.
[0008] In the third stage, following complete osteointegration, a healing
abutment such
as that described above, is removed, and an impression transfer coping is
placed on the implant
ftxture. Once the impression transfer coping is secured, an impression is
taken to record the axial
position and orientation of the implant. An implant analog is secured to the
implant impression
transfer coping within the impression, and a model is fabricated in dental
stone indicating
precisely the placement and axial alignment of the implant in the bone
relative to the hard and
soft tissues of the oral cavity. The impression is used in order to properly
to transfer the size and
shape of adjacent teeth in relation to the permanently placed implant and the
precise
configuration and orientation of the implant to the stone model. The main
objective of the
impression is to provide the laboratory technician with a precise model of the
mouth of the
patient, including the orientation of the implant fixture relative to the
surrounding teeth. Based
on this model, the laboratory technician constructs the prosthetic abutment
and a final restoration
or prosthesis.
[0009] In the fourth stage, the restorative process involves removing the
healing
abutment from the implant fixture and placing the prosthetic abutment and
final restoration or
prosthesis.
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[00010] The healing abutment which was typically placed over the implant and
the
surrounding mucosal tissues in the third stage generally included information
markers thereon.
The healing abutment was non-rotationally fastened to the implant with an
abutment-attaching
bolt. A common type of dental implant has a hexagonal or other shaped
polygonal post or boss
(commonly called a "hex", which may also be a depression or "female") on its
gingival end that
was adapted to mate with a cooperating socket on a restoration component. The
information
markers were located on at least one surface of the healing abutments to allow
the dentist to
determine the size of the healing abutment and the size and orientation of the
implant seated
below the healing abutment. The information markers, when used in combination,
permitted
identification of the healing abutment height, healing abutment diameter,
dimensions of the
attached implant seating surface, and implant hex onentation.
[00011] According to the prior art, and when used in the present
specification, these
information markers were characterized and disposed in many ways including the
following:
on the top and/or the sides of the healing abutment;
extending outwardly (positive) from the healing abutment; extending inwardly
(negative)
towards the healing abutment; a combination of positive and negative
information markers;
etching or otherwise defining the top or side surface of the healing abutment
with a
polygonal, numerical, or line marking to indicate height, location and
orientation of the
underlying hex, abutment and/or implant;
corresponding positive or negative information markers to the height of the
abutment to
be captured in an impression or subsequent scan;
several different types of information markers on the healing abutments to
indicate and
correspond to various characteristics of the implant and/or the healing
abutment;
placing the information markers on the healing abutment in order to identify
such
characteristics as the diameter of the healing abutment, the diameter of the
implant's seating
surface (and, consequently, the size of the hex), the height of the healing
abutment, and the
orientation of the hex (and, thus, the angle of the underlying implant);
providing machined notches as information markers; enabling the quantity of
notches and
the location on the top and/or side surface of the healing implant to
identify, for example, the
height and diameter of the healing abutment; the placement of a numeral on the
top or side
surface of the healing implant as an information marker; the disposing of a
bar code on the top or
side surface of the healing abutment, the bar code being pre-coded with most
of the dimensional
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variables of a particular healing abutment, whereby the bar code reader would
display to obtain
all of the required information about the healing abutment and the angular
orientation of the
implant hex by information markers on the top or side surface of the healing
abutment;
the provision on the top and/or side surface of the healing abutment recessed
dimples or
raised pimples;
the provision of an etched or machined polygon (e.g., triangle, pentagon,
hexagon,
quadrilateral, etc.) to signify the location or existence of several of the
healing abutment and/or
implant variables;
the use of an etched or raised line on the top and/or side surfaces of the
healing implant to
allow indication of healing abutment or implant variable, the number and
location of these lines
indicating, for example, the height of the healing implant or the diameter of
the implant or
healing abutment; and the use of the different types of information markers,
either alone or in
combination, to aid in determining the different variables of the healing
abutment and the
implant.
[00012] The prior art teaches systems that utilize scanning technology to
assist in
generating a prosthesis. Such prior art scanning technology may be summarized
as follows:
[00013] A scanning device can scan the region in the patient's mouth where the
prosthesis
is to be placed without the need to use impression materials or to construct a
mold.
[00014] The impression material that is removed from the healing abutment and
surrounding area is scanned to produce the permanent components.
[00015] A dentist can scan the stone model of the dental region that was
formed from the
impression material and mold.
[00016] The scanner may simply take the necessary information directly from
the mouth
of a patient without the need for impression material whatsoever. The
information markers of the
healing abutment provide the required information of the gingival aperture and
the orientation of
the underlying hexagonal boss on the implant. If a laser or photographic
scanning system is used,
the etched markers are identified just as easily as the markers that change
the physical shape of
the healing abutment.
[00017] Three basic scanning techniques exist, namely: laser scanning;
photographic
imaging; and mechanical sensing. Each scanning technique may be used or
modified for any of
the above-listed approaches (a scan of the stone model, a scan of the
impression material, or a
scan in the mouth without using impression material) to create the prosthesis.
After scanning, a
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laboratory can create and manufacture the permanent crown or bridge, usually
using a computer
aided design ("CAD") package.
[00018] The utilization of a CAD program is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,338,198,
patented Aug 16, 1994 by DACAM Laboratory Inc. This patent provided one method
of
scanning a dental region to create a three dimensional model, namely, that
after the impression
was taken of the mouth of the patient, the impression material or stone model
was placed on a
support table defining the X-Y plane. A scanning laser light probe was
directed onto the model.
[00019] The laser light probe emitted a pulse of laser light that was
reflected by the model.
A detector received light scattered from the impact of the beam with the
impression to calculate a
Z-axis measurement. The model and the beam were relatively translated within
the X-Y plane to
gather a plurality of contact points with known location in the X-Y coordinate
plane. The
locations of several contact points in the Z-plane were determined by
detecting reflected light.
Finally, correlating data of the X-Y coordinates and the Z-direction contact
points created a
digital image. Once a pass was complete, the model may be tilted to raise one
side of the mold
relative to the opposite vertically away from the X-Y plane. Subsequent to a
second scan of the
model, the model may be further rotated to allow for a more accurate reading
of the model. After
all scans were complete, the data may be fed into a CAD system for
manipulation of this
electronic data by known means.
[00020] Photographic imaging was also used to scan either impression material,
or a stone
model or to scan directly in the mouth. U.S. Patent No. 5,851,115, patented
Dec 22, 1998 by
Nobel Biocare AB taught one system that took photographs at multiple angles in
one exposure to
scan a dental region, create a model and manufacture a prosthetic tooth. This
process is generally
initiated with the process of taking a stereophotograph with a camera from
approximately 50 to
150 mm away from the mouth of the patient. The stereophotograph involved a
photograph of the
mouth of a patient already prepared with implantation devices. Correct spatial
positioning of the
dental implants was obtained by marking the implant in several locations. The
resulting
photograph presented multiple images of the same object. The images on the
photographs were
scanned with a reading device that digitized the photographs to produce a
digital image of the
dental region. The data from the scanner was electronically transmitted to a
graphical imaging
program that created a model that was displayed to the user. After
identification of the shape,
position and other details of the model, the ultimate step was the
transmission of the data to a
computer for manufacturing.
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[00021] A third scanning measure used mechanical sensing U.S. Patent No.
5,652,709
patented Jul 29, 1997 by Nobel Biocare AB provided such a scanning measure to
read a dental
model and produce a prosthetic tooth. The impression model was secured to a
table that rotated
about its longitudinal axis as well as translated along the same axis with
variable speeds. A
mechanical sensing unit was placed in contact with the model at a known angle
and the sensing
equipment was held firmly against the surface of the model by a spring. When
the model was
rotated and translated, the sensing equipment measured the changes in the
contour and created an
electronic representation of the data. A computer then processed the
electronic representation
and the data from the scanning device to create a data array. The computer
then compressed the
data for storage and/or transmission to milling equipment.
[00022] To create a permanent prosthesis, the dental region is scanned, as
described
above, from a stone model, from the impression material, or directly in the
mouth using a laser
scanning technique, a photographic scanning technique, or a mechanical sensing
technique.
Stereophotographic imaging is one method used for scanning by performing the
technique
directly on the mouth cavity of the patient A clinician can photograph
implants and other
components that have been placed into or adjacent the jawbone of the patient.
[00023] The scanned information is then transferred into a graphical imaging
program for
analysis. The graphical imaging software program, due to the information
markers on the surface
of the healing abutment, can perform a wide variety of functions. The
graphical imaging program
can scan an opposing cast in order to develop an opposing occlusal scheme and
relate this
information back to the primary model. This feature is extremely important
because many
patients have implants in both maxillary and mandibular locations.
[00024] The graphical imaging software program is capable of generating a
three-
dimensional image of the emergence profile contours used on the healing
abutment. If the
implant is not placed in the desired esthetic location, the software program
relocates the position
of the restoration emergence through the soft tissue. The graphical imaging
software program is
also able to accurately relate the gingival margin for all mold, model,
implant, and abutment
dimensions. The software creates a transparent tooth outline for
superimposition within the
edentulous site. The occlusal outline of the "ghost" tooth should, if
possible, be accurate and
based on the scanned opposing occlusal dimensions. It is contemplated in
accordance with the
present invention that an occlusal outline is created virtually by computer or
by scanning a wax-
up in order to maintain a proper plane of occlusion and healing abutment
height.
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[00025] The software program subtracts a given dimension from the mesial,
distal, buccal,
lingual, and occlusal areas of the superimposed tooth dimension. This allows
for an even
reduction of the healing abutment during fabrication for proper thickness of
the overlying
materials (e.g., gold, porcelain, targis, etc.). The graphical imaging
software program also
incorporates angulation measurements into the custom abutment and subsequently
calculates the
dimensions of the prosthesis that are checked and modified, if necessary, by a
laboratory
technician. Each of the features is analyzed and determined from the different
information
markers that exist on the healing abutments.
[00026] The final dimensional information determined by the graphical imaging
computer
program is transferred from the computer to a milling machine to fabricate the
custom abutment.
Some prior art patent which relate to techniques involved in providing dental
implants
include the following:
[00027] U.S. Patent No 6,558,162 patented May 6, 2003 by Implant Innovations
Inc.
provided a healing abutment for attachment to a dental implant with
information markers
provided thereon and a method for making the same. The implant had an apical
end installed into
a jawbone having overlying gingiva and a gingival end near an interface of the
gingiva and the
jawbone with a hexagonal boss (or female) thereon. The healing element
comprised information
markers for determining the orientation of said hexagonal boss, the diameter
of said healing
element, the height of said healing element, and the size of said implant. The
healing element
included the following: a side surface for engaging gingiva; a first type of
marking indicative of
a first characteristic of the healing element, the first type of marking
including a surface
protruding outwardly from the top surface, the first characteristic also being
an orientation of a
polygonal socket within the healing element, the polygonal socket being a
hexagonal socket and
the first type of marking includes at least two features on the top surface,
each of the at least two
features being located, relative to a central axis of the healing element, at
the same
circumferential position as one of the six corners of the hexagonal or
triangular socket. A second
type of marking indicative of a second characteristic of the healing element,
the second type of
marking being different from the first type of marking. The first
characteristic being an
orientation of a polygonal socket within the healing element, the polygonal
socket being a
hexagonal socket; a second type of marking indicative of a second
characteristic of healing
element, the second type of marking being different from the first type of
marking. The
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information markers of the healing abutment provide the required information
of the gingival
aperture and the orientation of the underlying hexagonal boss on the implant.
[00028] U.S. Patent No. 6,790,040, patented Sept 14, 2004 by Implant
Innovations Inc
provided healing abutments for use in taking impressions for attachment to a
dental implant with
marking locations thereon. The marking locations either lacked markers or had
markers that
provided a binary code system (or any other manner or marking) for retrieving
unique
information about the healing abutment and the underlying implant. The
patented healing
abutment had a plurality of external marking locations where markers were
either present or
absent. Due to the presence or absence of the markers, the physical
characteristics of the healing
abutment were identifiable through use of a binary-coded system. A set of
healing abutments
was provided, each of which had unique physical characteristics and a unique
binary marking
code that indicate those unique physical characteristics. In the patented
healing abutment, the
presence or absence of the binary-coded markers in the marking locations was
said to allow the
dentist to determine various physical characteristics, such as the healing
abutment height, healing
abutment diameter, dimensions of the attached implant seating surface, and the
orientation of the
implant's fitting. These marking locations containing the binary-coded markers
may be either
located on the top of the healing abutment, or on the side of the healing
abutment. Other patents
include:
U.S. Patent No. 6,769,913, patented Aug 3, 2004 by Hurson;
U.S. Patent No. 6,978,188, patented Dec 20 2005 by Medical Modeling;
U.S. Patent No. 6,921,264, patented Jul 26, 2005 by Woodwelding AG;
U.S. Patent No. 6,869,282, patented Mar 22 2005 by R.P. Carmicheal; and
U.S. Patent No. 5,688,123, patented Nov 18, 1997 by Meiers et al.
SIIMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[00029] It would be desirable to provide novel hollow cylindrical custom
impression
transfer copings which are specially configured to be used with the prior art
healing abutments.
[00030] It would be desirable to provide a method for the preparation of a
dental model.
[000311 It would be desirable to provide a method for the preparation of a
provisional or
temporary restoration extra orally (outside of the oral cavity).
[00032] It would be desirable to provide a method accurately to transfer
accurately the
position of the implant fixture to a laboratory model in situations of tissue
overgrowth without
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the removal of the healing abutment until the permanent custom abutment is
ready to be installed
in the mouth of the patent.
[00033] It would also be desirable to provide a method which eliminates the
step of index
fabrication by the surgeon during the second stage of the implantation
procedure.
[00034] It would also be desirable to provide a method which still allows for
the creation
of a fixture level implant tissue model and a CAD/CAM custom milled prosthetic
abutment for
the fabrication of the final prosthesis without the removal of the healing
abutment.
[00035] It would also be desirable to provide a method which allows the
clinician to take
an impression or index of the coded healing abutment in all situations and
allows the fabrication
of the final prosthetic abutment and the final prosthesis without ever having
to take off the coded
healing abutment or without having to take a fixture level index during the
surgical phase (or a
fixture level impression during the restorative phase).
[00036] It would also be desirable to provide a method which allows for the
fabrication of
a provisional (temporary) restoration immediately after surgery without the
removal of the
healing abutment.
[00037] It would also be desirable to provide a method for the fabrication of
a custom
milled abutment using CAD/CAM technology without the removal of the healing
abutment in
situations where the healing abutment is below the free gingival margin, or
above the free
gingival margin, or at the free gingival margin.
STATEMENT OF INVENTION
[00038] By one broad aspect of the present invention, a hollow cylindrical
custom
impression transfer coping is provided. Such hollow cylindrical custom
impression transfer
coping includes:
a central connecting rod upstanding from the roof of the hollow cylindrical
custom
impression transfer coping, the central connecting rod including at least two
upper retention rings
defining at least one retention groove therebetween. Such hollow cylindrical
custom impression
transfer coping further includes a central stop rod depending from the roof of
the hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping, the central stop rod having a
curved lower edge to
conform to a healing abutment with which it is adapted to be used. Such hollow
cylindrical
custom impression transfer coping further includes an injection port therein
to enable the
introduction into the volume within the hollow cylindrical custom impression
transfer coping
below the roof thereof, of light curable or self curing material. Such hollow
cylindrical custom
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impression transfer coping further includes a beveled lower circumferential
edge of the hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping to enable the hollow cylindrical
custom
impression transfer coping to slide under tissue.
[00039] By a second broad aspect of the present invention, a hollow
cylindrical custom
impression transfer coping is provided. Such hollow cylindrical custom
impression transfer
coping includes a central connecting rod upstanding from the roof of the
hollow cylindrical
custom impression transfer coping, the central connecting rod including at
least two upper
retention rings defining at least one retention groove therebetween. Such
hollow cylindrical
custom impression transfer coping further includes a central stop rod
depending from the roof of
the hollow cylindrical custom impression transfer coping, the central stop rod
having a curved
lower edge to conform to a healing abutment with which it is adapted to be
used. Such hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping further includes radially-
extending stop members
extending from the lower end of the central stop rod, thereby to create two
individual impression
chambers which are so configured as to be accessed from the occlusal surface.
Such hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping further includes an injection
port therein to enable
the introduction into the volume within the hollow cylindrical custom
impression transfer coping
below the roof thereof, of light curable or self curing material. Such hollow
cylindrical custom
impression transfer coping further includes a beveled lower circumferential
edge of the hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping to enable the hollow cylindrical
custom
impression transfer coping to slide under tissue, including radially-extending
stop members
extending from the lower end of the central thereby to create two individual
impression
chambers impression chambers which are so configured as to be accessed from
the occlusal
surface.
[00040] By a second broad aspect of the present invention, a hollow
cylindrical custom
impression transfer coping is provided. Such hollow cylindrical custom
impression transfer
coping includes a central connecting rod upstanding from the roof of the
hollow cylindrical
custom impression transfer coping, the central connecting rod including at
least two upper
retention rings defining at least one retention groove therebetween. Such
hollow cylindrical
custom impression transfer coping further includes a central stop rod
depending from the roof of
the hollow cylindrical custom impression transfer coping, the central stop rod
having a curved
lower edge to conform to a healing abutment with which it is adapted to be
used. Such hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping further includes radially-
extending stop members
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extending from the lower end of the central stop rod, thereby to create two
individual impression
chambers impression chambers which are so configured as to be accessed from
the occlusal
surface. Such hollow cylindrical custom impression transfer coping further
includes an injection
port therein to enable the introduction into the volume within the hollow
cylindrical custom
impression transfer coping below the roof thereof, of light curable or self
curing material. Such
hollow cylindrical custom impression transfer coping further includes a
beveled lower
circumferential edge of the hollow cylindrical custom impression transfer
coping to enable the
hollow cylindrical custom impression transfer coping to slide under tissue.
[00041] By a third broad aspect of the present invention, a hollow cylindrical
custom
impression transfer coping is provided. Such hollow cylindrical custom
impression transfer
coping includes a central connecting rod upstanding from the roof of the
hollow cylindrical
custom impression transfer coping, the central connecting rod including at
least two upper
retention rings defining at least one retention groove therebetween. Such
hollow cylindrical
custom impression transfer coping further includes a central stop rod
depending from the roof of
the hollow cylindrical custom impression transfer coping, the central stop rod
having a curved
lower edge to conform to a healing abutment with which it is adapted to be
used. Such hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping further includes four radially-
extending supporting
cross and stop members extending from the vertical stop to the inner
cylindrical surfaces of the
custom impression transfer coping, thereby to create four injection chambers,
each of which are
open from the occlusal surface. Such hollow cylindrical custom impression
transfer coping
further includes an injection port therein to enable the introduction into the
volume within the
hollow cylindrical custom impression transfer coping below the roof thereof,
of light curable or
self curing material. Such hollow cylindrical custom impression transfer
coping ftuther includes
a beveled lower circumferential edge of the hollow cylindrical custom
impression transfer coping
to enable the hollow cylindrical custom impression transfer coping to slide
under tissue.
[00042] By a fourth broad aspect of the present invention, a hollow
cylindrical custom
impression transfer coping is provided. Such hollow cylindrical custom
impression transfer
coping includes a central connecting rod upstanding from the roof of the
hollow cylindrical
custom impression transfer coping, the central connecting rod including at
least two upper
retention rings defining at least one retention groove therebetween. Such
hollow cylindrical
custom impression transfer coping further includes a central stop rod
depending from the roof of
the hollow cylindrical custom impression transfer coping, the central stop rod
having a curved
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lower edge to conform to a healing abutment with which it is adapted to be
used. Such hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping further includes four radially-
extending supporting
cross and stop members extending from the vertical stop to the inner
cylindrical surfaces of the
custom impression transfer coping, thereby to create four injection chambers,
each of which are
open from the occlusal surface. Such hollow cylindrical custom impression
transfer coping
further includes an injection port therein to enable the introduction into the
volume within the
hollow cylindrical custom impression transfer coping below the roof thereof,
of light curable or
self curing material. Such hollow cylindrical custom impression transfer
coping further includes
a beveled lower circumferential edge of the hollow cylindrical custom
impression transfer coping
to enable the hollow cylindrical custom impression transfer coping to slide
under tissue.
[00043] By a fifth broad aspect of the present invention, a hollow cylindrical
custom
impression transfer coping is provided. Such hollow cylindrical custom
impression transfer
coping includes
a central connecting rod upstanding from the roof of the hollow cylindrical
custom
impression transfer coping, the central connecting rod including at least two
upper retention rings
defining at least one retention groove therebetween. Such hollow cylindrical
custom impression
transfer coping further includes a central stop rod depending from the roof of
the hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping, the central stop rod having a
curved lower edge to
conform to a healing abutment with which it is adapted to be used. Such hollow
cylindrical
custom impression transfer coping further includes an injection port therein,
through to a
shoulder of the hollow cylindrical custom impression transfer coping below the
roof thereof from
which the hollow cylinder depends, to enable the introduction into the volume
within the hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping of light curable or self curing
material. Such
hollow cylindrical custom impression transfer coping further includes a
beveled lower
circumferential edge of the hollow cylindrical custom impression transfer
coping to enable the
hollow cylindrical custom impression transfer coping to slide under tissue.
[00044] By a sixth broad aspect of the present invention a method is provided
for the
preparation of a dental model. The method includes placing a custom impression
transfer coping
on a coded healing abutment intraorally. The method further includes injecting
a fluid or gel
material through an access hole in the rear into an air chamber created by
said custom impression
transfer coping. The method further includes solidifying the material to a
very rigid and hard
form. The method further includes taking an impression using dental impression
material to
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capture the soft and hard tissues and the custom impression transfer coping.
The method further
includes placing a duplicate healing abutment and implant replica (analog)
unit into the custom
impression transfer coping in a correct orientation to be fully seated. The
method further includes
flowing gingival mask material around the healing abutment and implant unit.
The method
further includes pouring the impression in dental stone to produce a replica
of the implant and
healing abutment intraorally. The method further includes preparing the final
prosthesis through
conventional laboratory techniques.
[00045] By a seventh broad aspect of the present invention a method is
provided for the
preparation of a provisional or temporary restoration. The method includes
placing a rubber dam
first over the surgical site and a coded healing abutment. The method further
includes placing a
custom impression transfer coping on said coded healing abutment intra orally
in such a manner
that the rubber dam is held in place covering the surgical site and sutures
from impression
procedures. The method further includes injecting a fluid or gel material
through an access hole
in the rear into an air chamber created by said custom impression transfer
coping. The method
further includes solidifying the material to a very rigid and hard condition.
The method further
includes taking an impression using dental impression material to capture the
soft and hard
tissues and the custom impression transfer coping. The method further includes
placing a
duplicate healing abutment and implant replica (analog) unit into the custom
impression transfer
coping in a correct orientation to be fully seated. The method further
includes flowing gingival
mask material around the healing abutment and implant unit. The method further
includes
pouring an impression in dental stone to produce a replica of the implant and
healing abutment
intra orally. The method further includes preparing the provisional
(temporary) restoration
through conventional laboratory techniques.
OTHER FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
[00046] By a first feature of the first aspect of the present invention, the
central stop rod is
configured to cover the screw access hole during the dental impression
procedure, to prevent the
healing abutment from becoming covered by the dental impression material.
[00047] By another feature of the first aspect of the present invention, the
central stop rod
is configured to cover the screw access hole during the dental impression
procedure and to
provide a retentive device to provide stability within the impression once the
impression has
been taken.
13
CA 02549434 2006-06-05
[00048] By another feature of the first aspect of the present invention, the
hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping is made of any suitable
material, e.g., plastic or of
metal.
[00049] By another feature of the first aspect of the present invention, the
hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping is made in different sizes
depending on the size of
the corresponding healing abutment.
[00050] By another feature of the first aspect of the present invention, the
injection port is
located in the upper peripheral sidewall thereof.
[00051] By another feature of the first aspect of the present invention, the
hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping includes more than one injection
port to allow for
the escape of air from the interior of the custom impression transfer coping
as the light cured or
self curing material is being injected.
[00052] By another feature of the first aspect of the present invention, the
hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping includes retention holes or
protuberances on the
retention rings or in the areas of the retention grooves.
[00053] By another feature of the first aspect of the present invention, the
hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping has dissimilar shapes and sizes
of the retention
rings, thereby to prevent the rotation and/or improper positioning of the
custom impression
transfer coping.
[00054] By another feature of the first aspect of the present invention, the
hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping has dissimilar shapes and sizes
of the retention
grooves, thereby to prevent the rotation and/or positioning of the custom
impression transfer
coping.
[00055] By a first feature of the second aspect of the present invention, the
individual
impression chambers are so configured as to be accessed from the occlusal
surface.
[00056] By another feature of the second aspect of the present invention, the
individual
impression chambers are so configured as to receive light cured or self-curing
material which is
injected thereinto to capture the markings on the healing abutment.
[00057] By another feature of the second aspect of the present invention, the
hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping has less than two or more than
two retention rings
and thus has either less than two or more than two retention grooves.
14
CA 02549434 2006-06-05
[00058] By another feature of the second aspect of the present invention, the
hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping has retention holes or
protuberances on the
retention rings or in the areas of the retention grooves.
[00059] By another feature of the second aspect of the present invention, the
hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping has dissimilar shapes and sizes
of the retention
rings so as to prevent the rotation and/or improper positioning of the custom
impression transfer
coping.
[00060] By another feature of the second aspect of the present invention, the
hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping has dissimilar shapes and sizes
of the retention
grooves so as to prevent the rotation and/or improper positioning of the
custom impression
transfer coping.
[000611 By a first feature of the third aspect of the present invention, the
radially-
extending stop members are so configured as to be in contact with the healing
abutment and so
are configured to conform to the shape and contour of the healing abutment.
[00062] By another feature of the third aspect of the present invention, the
light cured or
self-curing material is injectable into each of the individual impression
chambers to capture the
markings on the healing abutment.
[00063] By another feature of the third aspect of the present invention, the
radially-
extending stop members are so configured as to be of a greater height than the
lower vertical stop
members, so as not to be in direct contact with the healing abutment, and to
create a space
between the lower vertical stop members and the healing abutment to
accommodate the light
cured or self-curing material.
[00064] By another feature of the third aspect of the present invention, the
hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping has less than three lower
vertical stop members,
thereby providing one individual impression chamber.
[00065] By another feature of the third aspect of the present invention, the
hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping has more than three lower
vertical stop members,
thereby providing a plurality of individual impression chamber.
[00066] By other features of the third aspect of the present invention, the
hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping has less than two retention
rings and thus has less
than two retention grooves, or has more than two retention rings and thus more
than two
retention grooves.
CA 02549434 2006-06-05
[00067] By other features of the third aspect of the present invention, the
hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping has retention holes or
protuberances on the
retention rings, or has retention holes or protuberances in the areas of the
retention grooves.
[00068] By other features of the third aspect of the present invention, the
hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping has dissimilar shapes and sizes
of the retention
rings, thereby to prevent the rotation and/or improper positioning of the
custom impression
transfer coping, or has dissimilar shapes and sizes of the retention grooves,
thereby to prevent the
rotation and/or improper positioning of the custom impression transfer coping.
[00069] By a first feature of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the
lower surfaces
of the four radially-extending supporting cross and stop members are so
configured as to be in
contact with the healing abutment and to conform to the shape and contour of
the healing
abutment.
[00070] By another feature of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the
light cured or
self-curing material is injectable into each of the injection chambers to
capture the markings on
the healing abutment.
[00071] By another feature of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the
hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping has retention wings thereon.
[00072] By another feature of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the
hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping includes an increase in wall
height between the
four radially-extending supporting cross and stop members and the retention
wings, thereby to
create an additional chamber space for increased retention of the light cured
or self-curing
material.
[00073] By another feature of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the
hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping includes one or more horizontal
wings attached to
the outer cylindrical surface of the custom impression transfer coping,
thereby to allow for a
lower profile custom impression transfer coping.
[00074] By another feature of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the
hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping has retention holes, grooves or
protuberances on
the outer cylindrical surface of the custom impression transfer coping for
additional retention of
the custom impression transfer coping with the impression material.
[00075] By another feature of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the
wings
attached to the outer cylindrical surface of the custom impression transfer
coping are of
16
CA 02549434 2006-06-05
horizontal spiral or any other variation in shape or orientation which aids in
the retention of the
custom impression transfer coping with the impression material.
[00076] By another feature of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the
vertical stop is
of a greater height than the four radially-extending supporting cross and stop
members so that the
lower surfaces of the four radially-extending supporting cross and stop
members are not in direct
contact with the healing abutment, thereby to create a space between the lower
surfaces of the
four radially-extending supporting cross and stop members and the healing
abutment for
increased retention of the light cured or self-curing material.
[00077] By other features of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the
hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping has less than four supporting
cross and stop
members, thereby providing one individual impression chamber, or has more than
four
supporting cross and stop members, thereby providing a plurality of individual
impression
chamber.
[00078] By a first feature of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the
lower surfaces
of the hollow cylindrical custom impression transfer coping has more than one
injection port, to
allow for the escape of air from the interior of the custom impression
transfer coping as the light
cured or self curing material is being injected.
[00079] By other features of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the
hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping has less than two retention
rings, and thus less
than two retention grooves, or has more than two retention rings, and thus
more than two
retention grooves.
[00080] By other features of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the
lower surfaces
of the hollow cylindrical custom impression transfer coping has retention
holes or protuberances
on the retention rings, or has retention holes or protuberances in the areas
of the retention
grooves.
(000811 By other features of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the
hollow
cylindrical custom impression transfer coping has dissimilar shapes and sizes
of the retention
rings, thereby to prevent the rotation and/or improper positioning of the
custom impression
transfer coping, or has dissimilar shapes and sizes of the retention grooves,
thereby to prevent the
rotation and/or improper positioning of the custom impression transfer coping.
17
CA 02549434 2006-06-05
[00082] The foregoing summarizes the principal features of the invention and
some of its
optional aspects. The invention may be further understood by the description
of the preferred
embodiments, in conjunction with the drawings, which now follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00083] In the accompanying drawings:
FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of a healing abutment according to the
prior art
which is adapted to be used with one embodiment of the impression transfer
coping of one aspect
of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the healing abutment shown in
FIG. 1;
FIG 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a custom impression transfer
coping
according to one embodiment of an aspect of the present invention;
FIG 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a custom impression transfer
coping
according to a second embodiment of an aspect of the present invention;
FIG 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a custom impression transfer
coping
according to a third embodiment of an aspect of the present invention; and
FIG 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a custom impression transfer
coping
according to a fourth embodiment of an aspect of the present invention.
FIG 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a custom impression transfer
coping
according to a fifth embodiment of an aspect of the present invention; and
FIG 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a custom impression transfer
coping
according to the fifth embodiment of an aspect of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART HEALING ABUTMENT
[00084] The healing abutment 200 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, displays four
positive
information markers 220 shown, for example, to indicate a 4-mm tall healing
abutment 200. It is
contemplated that the number of information markers 220 could decrease or
increase depending
on the height of the healing abutment 200 or another variable that the
information markers have
been designated to correspond. The positive (or negative or laser) information
markers 220 also
define a corresponding one of the six flat surfaces of an underlying hex 225.
Furthermore,
dashed lines 225 in FIG. 2 correspond directly to the underlying hex 225.
[00085] Two notches 230 have also been etched or machined onto a top surface
229 of the
healing abutment of FIG. 2. These notches may indicate the diameter of the
implant's seating
surface. Lines 240 are scribed on the top surface 229 of the healing abutment
200. The lines 240
18
CA 02549434 2006-06-05
are used to provide positioning or other information to the dentist or
laboratory. Here, the lines
240 indicate the diameter of the healing abutment (e.g., 4 mm). In summary,
the number of the
positive information markers 220 indicates the height of the healing abutment
200. The position
of the positive information markers 220 indicates the orientation of the hex
225 that is the
orientation of the hexagonal boss on the implant. The notches 230 indicate the
diameter of the
seating surface of the implant. The lines 240 indicate the diameter of the
healing abutment 200.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
DESCRIPTION OF FIG 3
[00086] The custom impression transfer coping 310 shown in FIG 3 is generally
a hollow
cylindrical body 312 and depending stem 314 terminating in an arcuate vertical
or initial positive
stop 316. This arcuate vertical or initial positive stop 316 is arcuately
curved to conform to the
healing abutment (previously described above with reference to FIGS 1 and 2)
and also acts to
cover the screw access hole during the dental impression procedure as
previously described. The
custom impression transfer coping 310 includes an upwardly projecting central
stem 318
provided with an upper retention ring 320 and a lower retention ring 322,
which provide an
upper retention groove 324 and a lower retention groove 326. The custom
impression transfer
coping 310 is also provided with an injection port 328 which leads of the
hollow interior 330 of
the custom impression transfer coping 310. The lower peripheral edge of the
custom impression
transfer coping 310 is beveled at 332 to enable the custom impression transfer
coping 310 to
slide under the tissue.
[00087] Once the custom impression transfer coping 310 is placed on the
healing
abutment e.g., the healing abutment shown in Fig 1 and Fig 2, the arcuate
vertical or initial
positive stop 316 creates an air chamber. The injection port 328 of the
cylindrical custom
impression transfer coping 310 enables the placement of a syringe-type
dispensing device for the
injection of light curable or self curing material. The arcuate vertical or
initial positive stop 316
also covers the screw hole of the healing abutment 200 to prevent the healing
abutment 200 from
becoming covered by the dental impression material. In addition, the arcuate
vertical or initial
positive stop 316 of the custom impression transfer coping 310 acts as a
retentive device to
provide stability within the impression once the impression has been taken.
[00088] The custom impression transfer coping 310 can be made of any suitable
material,
e.g., of plastic or of metal. Furthermore, the custom impression transfer
coping 310 can be made
in different sizes depending on the size of the corresponding healing abutment
200.
19
CA 02549434 2006-06-05
DESCRIPTION OF FIG 4.
[00089] The second illustrated embodiment of the custom impression transfer
coping 410
is almost identical to the first embodiment of the custom impression transfer
coping 310, and to
the extent that parts are similar, no futther description will be given.
[00090] In the embodiment shown, the injection port 424 is located in the
shoulder 434 of
the hollow cylinder 312.
[00091] Other embodiments of the first embodiment of the custom impression
transfer
coping 310 are the following, although they are not shown.
[00092] The custom impression transfer coping 310 may have more than one
injection
port 328, to allow for the escape of air from the interior 330 of the custom
impression transfer
coping 310 as the light cured or self curing material is being injected.
[00093] The custom impression transfer coping 310 may have less than two or
more than
two retention rings 320, 322 and thus less than two or more than two retention
grooves 324, 326.
[00094] The custom impression transfer coping 310 may have retention holes or
protuberances on the retention rings 320, 322 or in the areas of the retention
grooves 324, 326.
[00095] The custom impression transfer coping 310 may have dissimilar shapes
and sizes
of the retention rings 320, 322 and/or may have dissimilar shapes and sizes of
the retention
grooves 324, 326 which could prevent the rotation and/or position of the
custom impression
transfer coping 310.
DESCRIPTION OF FIG 5
[00096] The third illustrated embodiment of the custom impression transfer
coping 510 is
almost vertical stop members identical to the first embodiment of the custom
impression transfer
coping 310, and to the extent that parts are similar, no further description
will be given.
[00097] In the embodiment shown, radially-extending stop members 540, 542
extend from
the lower end 544 of the central stem 318. These stop members 542, 544 create
two individual
impression chambers 538A, 538B. The radially-extending stop members 540, 542
are adapted to
be in contact with the healing abutment 200, and so conform, by lower vertical
stop members
516, to the shape and contour of the healing abutment 200. The individual
impression chambers
538A, 538B are adapted to be accessed from the occlusal surface. The light
cured or self-curing
material can be injected into each of the individual impression chambers 538A,
538B to capture
the markings on the healing abutment 200.
CA 02549434 2006-06-05
[00098] Other embodiments of the third illustrated embodiment of the custom
impression
transfer coping 510 are the following, although they are not shown.
[00099] The custom impression transfer coping 510 may have less than two or
more than
two retention rings 320, 322 and thus less than two or more than two retention
grooves 324, 326.
[000100] The custom impression transfer coping 510 may have retention holes or
protuberances on the retention rings 320, 322 or in the areas of the retention
grooves 324, 326.
[000101] The custom impression transfer coping 510 may have dissimilar shapes
and sizes
of the retention rings 320, 322 and/or may have dissimilar shapes and sizes of
the retention
grooves 324, 326 which could prevent the rotation andlor position of the
custom impression
transfer coping 310.
[000102] The custom impression transfer coping 510 may form the radially-
extending stop
members 540, 542of a greater height than the lower vertical stop members 516.
Thus, the lower
vertical stop members 516 would not be in direct contact with the healing
abutment 200. A space
is therefore created between the lower vertical stop members 516 and the
healing abutment 200.
This space can accommodate the light cured or self-curing material. The lower
vertical stop
members 516 may or may not conform to the shape of the healing abutment.
[000103] The custom impression transfer coping 510 may include less than three
lower
vertical stop members 516, or more than three lower vertical stop members 516,
thereby
providing one individual impression chamber 538A, 538B, or a plurality of
individual
impression chamber 538A, 538B.
DESCRIPTION OF FIG 6
[000104] The fourth illustrated embodiment of the custom impression transfer
coping 610
is almost identical to the third embodiment of the custom impression transfer
coping 510, and to
the extent that parts are similar, no further description will be given.
[000105] In the embodiment shown, four radially-extending supporting cross and
stop
members 640, 642, 644 and 646 extend from the vertical stop 616 to the inner
cylindrical
surfaces 612A of the custom impression transfer coping 610.This creates four
injection
chambers 638A, 638B, 638C and 638D, each of which are open from the occlusal
surface. The
cross members, i.e., the lower surfaces of the four radially-extending
supporting cross and stop
members 640, 642, 644 and 646 are in contact with the healing abutment 200 and
conform to the
shape and contour of the healing abutment 200. The light cured or self-curing
material can be
21
CA 02549434 2006-06-05
injected into each of the injection chambers 638A, 638B, 638C and 638D, to
capture the
markings on the healing abutment 200.
[000106] Other embodiments of the third illustrated embodiment of the custom
impression
transfer coping 610 are the following, although they are not shown.
[000107] The custom impression transfer coping 610 may include an increase in
wall height
between the four radially-extending supporting cross and stop members 640,
642, 644 and 646
and retention wings, thereby to create an additional chamber space for
increased retention of the
light cured or self-curing material.
[000108] The custom impression transfer coping 610 can have retention holes,
grooves or
protuberances on the outer cylindrical surface 612B of the custom impression
transfer coping
610 for additional retention.
[000109] The custom impression transfer coping 610 may have the vertical stop
616 of a
greater height than the four radially-extending supporting cross and stop
members 640, 642, 644
and 646 so that the lower surfaces of the four radially-extending supporting
cross and stop
members 640, 642, 644 and 646 are not in direct contact with the healing
abutment 200. This
creates a space between the lower surfaces of the four radially-extending
supporting cross and
stop members 640, 642, 644 and 646 and the healing abutment 200 for the for
increased retention
of the light cured or self-curing material. The lower surfaces of the four
radially-extending
supporting cross and stop members 640, 642, 644 and 646 thus may or may not
conform to the
shape of the healing abutment 200.
[000110] The custom impression transfer coping 610 may include less than four
supporting
cross and stop members 640, 642, 644 and 646, or more than four supporting
cross and stop
members 640, 642, 644 and 646 thereby providing at least one individual
impression chamber
638A, or a plurality of individual impression chamber 638A etc.
[000111] The custom impression transfer coping 610 may form the radially-
extending stop
members 640, 642 of a greater height than the lower vertical stop members 616.
Thus, the lower
vertical stop members 616 would not be in direct contact with the healing
abutment 200. A space
is therefore created between the lower vertical stop members 616 and the
healing abutment 200.
This space can accommodate the light cured or self-curing material. The lower
vertical stop
members 516 may or may not conform to the shape of the healing abutment.
[000112] The custom impression transfer coping 610 may include less than three
lower
vertical stop members 616, or more than three lower vertical stop members 516,
thereby
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CA 02549434 2006-06-05
providing at least one individual impression chamber 538A, or a plurality of
individual
impression chamber 538A, 5388. etc.
DESCRIPTION OF FIG 7 AND FIG 8
[000113] The fifth illustrated embodiment of the custom impression transfer
coping 710 is
similar to the fourth embodiment of the custom impression transfer coping 610,
and to the extent
that parts are similar, no further description will be given.
[000114] In the embodiment shown, four radially-extending supporting cross and
stop
members 740, 742, 744 and 746 extend from the vertical stop 716 to the inner
cylindrical
surfaces 712A of the custom impression transfer coping 710. This creates four
injection
chambers 738A, 738B, 738C and 738D, each of which are open from the occlusal
surface. The
cross members, i.e., the lower surfaces of the four radially-extending
supporting cross and stop
members 740, 742, 744 and 746 are in contact with the healing abutment 200 and
conform to the
shape and contour of the healing abutment 200. The light cured or self-curing
material can be
injected into each of the injection chambers 738A, 738B, 738C and 738D, to
capture the
markings on the healing abutment 200.
[000115] As seen more clearly by the combined effect of FIG 7 and FIG 8, the
four
radially-extending supporting cross and stop members 740, 742, 744 and 746
which extend from
the vertical stop 716 to the inner cylindrical surfaces 712A are downwardly
arched so the the
vertical stop 716 is at a higher plane than the four radially-extending
supporting cross and stop
members 740, 742, 744 and 746. The cylindrical wall 712 of the custom
impression transfer
coping 710 terminates in an upper pair of horizontally-projecting retention
wings 748, 750. The
pair of horizontally-projecting retention wings 748, 750 each are provided
with a plurality of
retention protruberances 752 and with a plurality.of retention apertures 754.
[000116] The four individual injection chambers 738A, 738B, 738C and 738D are
created
by having the supporting cross-members 740, 742, 744 and 746 extend from the
vertical stop
member 716 to the outer ring 712 of the impression coping 710.The cross-
members 740, 742,
744 and 746 are in contact with the healing abutment 200, and conform to the
shape and contour
of the healing abutment 200. As mentioned hereinabove, the four individual
injection chambers
738A, 738B, 738C and 738D can be accessed from the occlusal surface and the
light cured or
self-curing material can be injected into each of the injeetion chambers 738A,
738B, 738C and
738D.
23
CA 02549434 2006-06-05
[000117] The major benefit of the fifth embodiment of the transfer coping is
the lower
profile. The lower profile allows an operator to take an impression of the
healing abutment using
the triple tray technique. The triple tray technique allows an operator to
take an impression of the
healing abutment, the opposing arch and the bite registration in one simple
procedure. By
simultaneously capturing upper and lower impression plus the bite
registration, significant time
is saved at the dental chair. The closed mouth technique frees the operator
from holding the tray
in place.
[000118] Other embodiments of the third illustrated embodiment of the custom
impression
transfer coping 710 are the following, although they are not shown.
[000119] The custom impression transfer coping 710 may include an increase in
wall
height between the four radially-extending supporting cross and stop members
740, 742, 744 and
746 and retention wings, thereby to create an additional chamber space for
increased retention of
the light cured or self-curing material.
[000120] The custom impression transfer coping 710 with one or more horizontal
wings
attached to the outer cylindrical surface 712 of the custom impression
transfer coping 710 can
also have retention holes, grooves or protuberances on the outer cylindrical
surface 712 of the
custom impression transfer coping 710 for additional retention.
[000121] The custom impression transfer coping 710 with one or more wings
attached to
the outer cylindrical surface 712 of the custom impression transfer coping 710
can have such one
or more such retention wings as a horizontal spiral or any other variation in
shape or orientation
which aids in the retention of the custom impression transfer coping 710 with
the impression
material.
[000122] The custom impression transfer coping 710 may have the vertical stop
716 of a
greater height than the four radially-extending supporting cross and stop
members 740, 742, 744
and 746 so that the lower surfaces of the four radially-extending supporting
cross and stop
members 740, 742, 744 and 46 are not in direct contact with the healing
abutment 200. This
creates a space between the lower surfaces of the four radially-extending
supporting cross and
stop members 740, 742, 744 and 746 and the healing abutment 200 for the for
increased retention
of the light cured or self-curing material. The lower surfaces of the four
radially-extending
supporting cross and stop members 740, 742, 744 and 746 thus may or may not
conform to the
shape of the healing abutment 200.
24
CA 02549434 2006-06-05
[000123] The custom impression transfer coping 710 may include less than four
supporting
cross and stop members 740, 742, 744 and 746, or more than four supporting
cross and stop
members 740, 742, 744 and 746, thereby providing at least one individual
impression chamber
738A etc, or a plurality of individual impression chamber 738A etc.
[000124] The custom impression transfer coping 710 may have dissimilar shapes
and sizes
of the retention wings and/or may have dissimilar shapes and sizes of
retention holes and/or
protuberances.
[000125] The custom impression transfer coping 710 may have dissimilar shapes
and sizes
of the retention wings and/or may have dissimilar shapes and sizes of
retention holes and/or
protuberances which could prevent the rotation and/or position of the custom
impression transfer
coping 710.
EXAMPLE 1 PREPARATION OF A DENTAL MODEL
[000126] A dental model according to one embodiment of the present invention
may be
prepared as follows. Firstly, a custom impression transfer coping is placed on
the coded healing
abutment intraorally. Then, a fluid or gel is injected through the access hole
in the rear into the
air chamber created by the custom impression transfer coping. The material is
solidified through
chemical curing or some other method. The material must be very rigid and
hard. An impression
is then taken using dental impression material to capture the soft and hard
tissues and the custom
impression transfer coping. A duplicate healing abutment and implant replica
(analog) unit is
then placed into the custom impression transfer coping in a correct
orientation to be fully seated.
Gingival mask material is flowed around the healing abutment and implant unit.
The impression
is poured in dental stone to produce a replica of the implant and healing
abutment intraorally.
[000127] The final model is prepared through conventional laboratory
techniques for the
final prosthesis.
EXAMPLE 2 PREPARATION OF A PROVISIONAL (TEMPORARY) RESTORATION
[000128] A provisional or temporary restoration according to one embodiment of
the
present invention may be prepared as follows: A rubber dam first is placed
over the surgical site
and coded healing abutments. A custom impression transfer coping is placed on
the coded
healing abutment intraaorally in such a manner that the rubber dam is held in
place covering the
surgical site and sutures from the impression procedures. A fluid or gel is
injected through the
access hole in the rear into the air chamber created by the custom impression
transfer coping.
The material is solidified through chemical curing or some other method. The
material must be
CA 02549434 2006-06-05
very rigid and hard. An impression is taken using dental impression material
to capture the soft
and hard tissues and the custom impression transfer coping. A duplicate
healing abutment and
implant replica (analog) unit is placed into the custom impression transfer
coping in a correct
orientation to be fully seated.. Gingival mask material is flowed around the
healing abutment and
implant unit. The impression is poured in dental stone to produce a replica of
the implant and
healing abutment intraorally.
[000129] The model is prepared through conventional laboratory techniques for
the
provisional (temporary) restoration.
EXAMPLE 3: PROVIDING THE EXACT LOCATION AND POSITION OF THE
DENTAL IMPLANT
[000130] The custom impression transfer coping is placed on the implant
healing cap, e.g.,
those shown if Fig 1 and Fig 2 herein in the mouth till full stop. Injection
material is injected
through the access hole into the hollow interior air chamber of the custom
impression transfer
coping. This injection material is initially in liquid, gel or semi-solid
form. Once this injection
material is in the air chamber of the custom impression transfer coping it is
solidified chemically
or by light activation to a solid state. A dental impression is taken. This
procedure captures the
markings on the healing abutment and transfers them in a solid form to within
the impression
coping a duplicate implant healing cap and implant analog component is
reinserted into the
impression.
[000131] The impression is poured in dental stone and tissue mask to duplicate
what is in
the mouth. This gives the exact location and position of the implant.
CONCLUSION
[000132] The following advantages are achieved according to aspects of the
present
invention:
The product size and process is small enough to work in the confined space of
the oral
cavity;
The process allows for the fabrication of a custom index in the oral cavity in
a way that
uses existing dental materials;
The process has very few procedural steps;
The process is capable of being duplicated with consistency;
The process is easily taught and is capable of being easy to implement;
The custom index is wear resistant;
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The custom index is rigid and not flexible;
The component piece can be manufactured in a cost effective manner;
The component has resistance to lateral displacement during the impression
procedure;
The component includes a mechanism to prevent vertical displacement
subgingivally
beyond a fixed point;
The component isolates the centre screw of the healing abutment from the
procedure;
The proximal end of the component has a retentive element that prevents
shifting of the
component during impression taking and the laboratory procedure that follows;
The element of the component that is placed sub-gingivally has adequate
strength to
prevent fracturing during the impression and laboratory procedures and is thin
enough to
minimize displacement of the gingival tissue; and
The material of the component is biocompatible.
[000133] The foregoing has constituted a description of specific embodiments
showing how
the invention may be applied and put into use. These embodiments are only
exemplary. The
invention in its broadest and more specific aspects is further described and
defined in the claims
which follow.
[000134] These claims, and the language used therein are to be understood in
terms of the
variants of the invention which have been described. They are not to be
restricted to such
variants, but are to be read as covering the full scope of the invention as is
implicit within the
invention and the disclosure that has been provided herein.
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