Abstract: One or more specific embodiments disclosed herein includes a dental apparatus comprising a prosthesis, an implant fixture, a multi-unit abutment comprising a clocked projection and a conic section, and an adjustable locking device. The adjustable locking device may comprise a washer, a first pyramidal element, plurality of expansion segments each comprising a plurality of bottom planar surfaces and a plurality of top planar surfaces, a second pyramidal element comprising a second plurality of angled planar surfaces and a convex upper surface, a central retaining screw that threadingly engages the multi-unit abutment, and an O-ring, wherein the O-ring engages each of the plurality of expansion segments.

Abstract: A low profile winged impression post having snap-in features eliminates the need for individual impressions of the mandibular and maxillary arches as well as a separate bite registration when registering a dental implant. The low profile impression post is retained by a press fit which eliminates the cumbersome task of screwing in the implant post. The time and steps needed to produce a stone model for construction are shortened. The same low profile impression post can be scanned optically for accurate placement in a virtual three dimensional space model of the jaw. A physical model can be generated in rigid polymer from the virtual scan data.

Abstract: A dental prosthetic alignment mechanism that simultaneously corrects all vertical, parallel and angular misalignments between several abutments and their matching substructure coping sleeves suitable for a multi-implant prosthesis. Upon tightening the abutment retaining screw cylindrical segments are forced outward and into locking alignment with the angled or misaligned coping sleeve without the need for additional laboratory procedures such as cutting and welding to correct the undercase.

Abstract: A narrow channel is provided in the abutment mating surface of a dental prosthesis undercase to allow excess dental cement to flow out of the interstitial space between the dental abutment and the overlying prosthesis. During the seating of the prosthesis the excess dental cement is channeled to and extruded from a preferred collection point for easy removal. Hydrostatic pressure and trapped gases that would tend to lift the prosthesis into a non-fitting position or form a weakened cemented bond of uneven thickness are prevented by this apparatus and method. A positive copy of the narrow channel is attached to the lingual aspect of the abutment analog of the model. A virtual hydrostatic groove and lingual shelf can be subtracted from a virtual model of undercase for manufacture using computer modeling.

Abstract: An open topped, adjustable wing impression post cap apparatus with a low profile for taking triple tray impressions of upper and lower dentition with the jaw closed. The adjustable winged low profile impression cap has rotating wings to avoid interference with other mouth structures. By aligning a single projection against a matching surface, a low profile, winged impression cap is placed in a unique clocking position over a low profile impression post or an installed implant abutment. The open top low profile allows adjustment of the abutment and impression post retaining hardware. Rotating the wing assembly into a non-interfering, buccal-lingual position allows the complete centric closure of the jaw. Time and material saving triple tray procedures are improved and costs reduced.

Abstract: Ungainly attempts to refill antiseptic lotion, or liquid soap containers housed below a sink or vanity cabinet and attached to a surface mounted dispensing pump are addressed by providing a kit of accessories with a larger reservoir and a long, flexible extension tube. The reservoir, in the form of a large bottle or suspended, flexible wailed bag, is supplied with a modified cap and extension tube to allow easy access for replacing the antiseptic fluid container.

Abstract: A dental prosthetic alignment apparatus simultaneously corrects all vertical, parallel and angular misalignments between several abutments and their matching substructure sleeves in a multi-implant prosthesis.

Abstract: A dental prosthetic alignment apparatus that simultaneously corrects all vertical, parallel and angular misalignments between several abutments and their matching substructure sleeves in a multi-implant prosthesis.

Abstract: A novel dental implant with flexible expansion ribs that lock into and compress the bone within a drilled hole in the jawbone. Upon tightening the screw used to mount the implant abutment, a set of thin medical-alloy ribs lock into the surrounding bone to provide an immediate and permanently strong support for a dental prosthesis while bone growth into the implant occurs. The expanding ribs turn an edge outward to lock into the surround bone and preventing the rotation of the implant assembly during installation and use.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to avoid dental impression material distortion comprised of dental impression triple tray with a flexible hinge rendered inflexible by a light-cured compound. The curing light is conveyed by an optical fiber assembly. Accurate simultaneous impressions of upper and lower impressions and bite registration, with the mouth completely closed and the jaw accurately positioned in centric closure are insured. Spring back of the impression tray frame caused by bite pressure against points on the frame are minimized by allowing the hinge element to initially flex when first placed in the mouth. While the impression polymer is curing, a light of the proper frequency range is delivered via the optical fiber to the light-cured compound in the hinge area to render the hinge inflexible.

Abstract: An aligning dental impression transfer method and apparatus is described in which the transfer of the bite registration in centric occlusion is accurately preserved from a triple tray impression to the positioning upon an articulator. At each stage of the casting of a working model the spatial relationship of existing dental structures are preserved. The cast model of the upper and lower dentition a in perfect registration on the articulator. In the process of manufacturing molded and machined parts, the limitations in dimensional accuracy exceed those desired by the dental patient. The patient is aware of binding or interfering “high spots” greater than 5 microns. The modern cavity mold and resulting thermoplastic parts cannot be expected to hold these dimensions. These variations in dimensional tolerance are eliminated in this invention. The articulator is equipped with an upper and lower frame with magnetic or other clamping means to hold the pin blocks in preliminary alignment.

Abstract: An aligning dental impression transfer method and apparatus is described in which the transfer of the bite registration in centric occlusion is accurately preserved from a triple tray impression to the positioning upon an articulator. At each stage of the casting of a working model the spatial relationship of existing dental structures are preserved.

Abstract: An aligning dental impression transfer method and apparatus is described in which the transfer of the bite registration in centric occlusion is accurately preserved from a triple tray impression to the positioning upon an articulator. At each stage of the casting of a working model the spatial relationship of existing dental structures are preserved.

Abstract: A novel dental implant with flexible expansion ribs that lock into and compress the bone within a drilled hole in the jawbone. Upon tightening the screw used to mount the implant abutment, a set of thin medical-alloy ribs lock into the surrounding bone to provide an immediate and permanently strong support for a dental prosthesis while bone growth into the implant occurs. The expanding ribs turn an edge outward to lock into the surround bone and preventing the rotation of the implant assembly during installation and use.

Abstract: An apparatus and method comprised of dental implant impression mounting hardware with a non-interfering, low profile for making time saving and accurate, simultaneous upper and lower impressions and bite registration, with the mouth completely closed and the jaw accurately positioned in centric closure. A low-profile, impression post is snapped within a matching low profile, winged and perforated impression cap held securely within a self-curing elastomeric impression material. The cured impression material retains the low profile impression cap which snaps free of the mating low profile impression alignment post. The impression post is removed and attached to an analog of the permanent endo-osseal implant and snapped back into low profile impression cap embedded in the elastomeric mold.

Abstract: An apparatus for achieving a variable height trans-tissue extension (TTE) useful in matching a prosthesis to an underlying implant fixture to preserve soft tissue shape, improve hygienic care and prevent a dissimilar metal, electrolytic effect below the tissue line. The trans-tissue extension consists of a set of aligned, non-rotating spacers with a through-hole for an attachment screw. The full height is achieved by using the tallest of the spacers, while a shorter extension is formed from the use of a shorter spacer. This simplifies the needed inventory of variable height abutments by anticipating a wide variety of needs. The trans-tissue extension is adaptable to single implants, bar undercases, ball-end, snap-on prostheses and casting or brazing forms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method comprised of dental implant impression mounting hardware with a non-interfering, low profile for making time saving and accurate, simultaneous upper and lower impressions and bite registration, with the mouth completely closed and the jaw accurately positioned in centric closure. A low-profile, impression post is snapped within a matching low profile, winged and perforated impression cap held securely within a self-curing elastomeric impression material. The cured impression material retains the low profile impression cap which snaps free of the mating low profile impression alignment post. The impression post is removed and attached to an analog of the permanent endo-osseal implant and snapped back into low profile impression cap embedded in the elastomeric mold.

Abstract: Attempts to install a secure implant post in thinned and receding bone can result in a weakening or loosening of a final restoration and a compromised cosmetic appearance. The current invention remedies the need to drill out a large hole and further thin the receding bone mass by a bone condensing and distension apparatus herein known as an implant distractor. Additionally, the current invention obviates the need for ridge augmentation procedures needed to increase bone mass prior to implant placement. In this invention, a smaller hole is drilled and a vertically sectioned, temporary implant distractor is installed. The implant distractor is split vertically into two or more sectors with cone-shaped concave tapered holes at the coronal and apical ends. A draw screw pulls a cone nut upward into a bottom tapered hole and pulls a typical healing plug with a cone shaped convex lower element into the upper tapered hole to force the implant distractor sectors outward and to expand the surrounding bone.

Abstract: An apparatus comprised of dental implant impression mounting hardware with a non-interfering, low profile for making time saving and accurate, simultaneous upper and lower impressions with the mouth completely closed and the jaw accurately positioned in a resting position. A low profile cross bar or t-bar impression post snaps and holds securely within a self-curing elastomeric impression material, yet does not interfere with the taking of a simultaneous upper and lower elastomer impression of the accurately interdigitated jaw using a ‘triple tray’. The cross bar or t-bar mounts to a perimucosal extension of selectable height. The cross bar assembly and the extension accurately clock and lock to the mating endo-osseous implant fixture or to the implant analog for excellent registration.

Abstract: A dental prosthodontic apparatus including an abutment which is implanted into the jaw of a patient and which is provided with a slot which accepts fitted risers of different lengths. The end of the riser is substantially flat and forms a shelf and the length of the riser is selected so that when the riser is inserted into the slot, the end is approximately level with the gum line of the patient. When a prostheses is mounted to the abutment, the proximal margin of the prosthesis forms a gap between the margin of the prosthesis and the shelf formed by the inserted riser. The gap provides opposed surfaces against which a prying instrument can be worked in the event the prosthesis needs to be removed from the abutment.