Abstract: A non-invasive method for determining a gingival pocket depth includes seating a photoacoustic probe tray in a subject's mouth; transmitting photonic energy transgingivally; receiving generated ultrasonic signals; determining and processing the time of flight between transmitting and receiving and a relative amplitude of the ultrasonic signals to the transmitted photonic energy to determine densities and a topography of the subject's dental anatomy; determining a repeatable reference point; and measuring the gingival pocket depth in relation to the repeatable reference point. A system includes a transducer tray a biogel-containing bite wafer seated within the transducer tray; a processor; a memory; a user interface; and a visual display. The transducer tray has at least one embedded pulsed laser source and at least one embedded ultrasonic sensor.

Abstract: A resin tooth prosthesis system for an implant fixture that is engaged with bone, a composite resin abutment for engaging the implant fixture, and a composite resin replacement tooth prosthesis. The abutment has the same or similar resin as the tooth prosthesis, providing a highly durable connection that can withstand high stresses associated with chewing. Several arrangements are provided for connecting the abutment to the implant, and free-hand and molding techniques are disclosed whereby the practitioner manufactures (i.e., molds and cures) a replacement tooth within the patient's mouth, speeding the overall replacement process and reducing the expense. The replacement tooth may be sculptable to enable slight adjustments of the prosthesis shape after it has been cured. A method for installing the system, as well as a multi-piece kit for providing the system to practitioners, are also provided.

Abstract: A dental abutment is disclosed for use with a replacement tooth prosthesis. The abutment has a projection that fits generically within the fastener recess of an implant fixture pre-fitted within the patient's jawbone. The projection comprises a solid core surrounded by a plurality of fibers oriented parallel to the core. Resin cement is used to fix the abutment within the implant fixture. Downward pressure pushes the fibers out into intimate contact with the inner surfaces of the fastener recess. The abutment may be a polymer resin, metal, or a combination thereof. The abutment may also have a series of calibrated projections configured to engage corresponding projections of a pre-formed replacement tooth prosthesis to enable quick and precisely aligned installation of the prosthesis. The prosthesis may be a curable resin that is formed or molded in-situ, or it may be pre-manufactured. An installation method and a multi-piece kit are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining the depth of a gingival pocket using ultra-sound signals transmitted transgingivally. Transgingival (through the gum) transmission of the ultra-sonic signal permits a completely non-invasion determination of the dental health of an individual. In addition to determining the depth of a gingival pocket the health or disease of the pocket could be determined. The current invention allows for mapping of the underlying dental features of an individual for later comparison to future ultra-sound scans and to assist in fabrication of dental restorations.

Abstract: A system and method for filling a dental occlusion with a metal free prosthesis. The method begins by surgically implanting at least one dental implant fixture within the mouth in the area of the occlusion. Once the implant fixture is healed, an abutment is added to each dental implant fixture. An impression of the area of the occlusion is taken directly over any abutment. The impression is used to create a dental model of the area of the occlusion. A metal free prosthesis is fabricated from the model. The metal free prosthesis is then anchored to the abutments.