Abstract: An implant bar attachment system and method includes an elongate bar for extending between at least two implant sites and at least two fastener devices at opposite ends of the bar for securing the bar to the respective implants. The bar has socket formations for snap engagement with the heads of respective male members secured to an overlying denture. At least some of the socket formations are provided in the heads of female fastener devices which extend through bores in the bar at respective implant sites for connection to an implant or implant abutment, so that the denture attachment point is coaxial with the implant.

Abstract: A dental implant assembly is provided, as well as a system and method for exposing an embedded implant after osseointegration has taken place. The implant assembly comprises an implant member for embedding in the jaw and a rest factor member for securing to the implant member, the rest factor member having an upper rest surface just above the tissue level for opposing an overlying portion of a prosthesis anchored elsewhere in the jaw to form a non-retentive rest or support for accepting down pressure from the prosthesis. The implant member is relatively short and can be installed in distal jaw regions without interference with the mandibular nerve. A bore is cut out in the jaw for receiving the implant, inserting the implant and an attached healing screw in the implant. The implant site is closed and osseointegration takes place over an extended period. Subsequently, the implant site is uncovered, the healing screw is removed, and the rest factor member is secured in the implant.

Abstract: A multiple part anchor assembly is designed for attaching a dental appliance to a non-vital tooth root or an implant, and has a female part for attachment to a tooth root or implant, a male part or stud having a first end for releasable snap engagement in a socket in the female part with some relative movement permitted between the parts, a cap for securing in a recess in a dental appliance having a second socket, and the male part having a swivel joint at its opposite end for engagement in the second socket to secure the root or implant to the appliance, the hinge joint allowing hinging of the stud relative to the cap.

Abstract: An implant assembly and method is provided, as well as a system and method for exposing an embedded implant after osseointegration has taken place. The implant assembly comprises an implant member for embedding in the jaw and a rest factor member for securing to the implant member, the rest factor member having an upper rest surface just above the tissue level for opposing an overlying portion of a prosthesis anchored elsewhere in the jaw to form a nonretentive rest or support for accepting down pressure from the prosthesis. The implant member is relatively short and can be installed in distal jaw regions without interference with the mandibular nerve, and has an undersurface having a shape designed for stable integration with the bone while resisting sidesway.

Abstract: An attachment structure for securing a denture in an oral cavity comprises an insert member for securing to the denture and a retainer member for mounting in a cut-out in an existing tooth. One of the members has an elongate channel and the other member has a corresponding elongate tongue for sliding engagement in the channel in the direction of insertion of the denture in the oral cavity. The channel and tongue have cooperating interengageable snap-fit formations at their lower end which are elongated in a direction transverse to the tongue and channel.

Abstract: A snap-in anchor for a denture, including an open-sided sleeve with a socket at one end, which is inset and secured directly in an existing tooth. A snap pin with an enlarged head is embedded in the denture by a retaining lug extending from the pin, the denture being anchored by sliding the pin into the sleeve and snapping the head into the socket. The sleeve has resilient side walls that frictionally grip the entire length of the pin for stability but that allow very limited movement of the denture to accommodate jaw motions.

Abstract: A dental implant assembly is provided, as well as a system and method for exposing an embedded implant after osseointegration has taken place. The implant assembly comprises an implant member for embedding in the jaw and a rest factor member for securing to the implant member, the rest factor member having an upper rest surface just above the tissue level for opposing an overlying portion of a prosthesis anchored elsewhere in the jaw to form a non-retentive rest or support for accepting down pressure from the prosthesis. The implant member is relatively short and can be installed in distal jaw regions without interference with the mandibular nerve. A bore is cut out in the jaw for receiving the implant, inserting the implant and an attached healing screw in the implant. The implant site is closed and osseointegration takes place over an extended period. Subsequently, the implant site is uncovered, the healing screw is removed, and the rest factor member is secured in the implant.