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: 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 low profile allows the complete centric closure of the jaw and the use of the time and material saving triple tray to reduce the cost and improve the final accuracy in the fitting of a dental restoration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to avoid dental impression material distortion comprised of dental impression triple tray with a flexible hinge rendered inflexible by the curing of a polymer impression compound. 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. The impression polymer cures to render the hinged area inflexible.

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: A novel dental minipin implant fixture with detachable heads to accommodate either o-ring ball head retainers or a semi-permanently bonded overcase designed to replace a temporary denture. The dental practitioner can offer the economical choice of a removable acrylic denture to be replaced at a later date by a semi-permanently bonded porcelain prosthesis. Simply by changing the abutment head, the implanted minipin serves to anchor either choice of dental appliance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting and removing a cemented, retrievable prosthodontic appliance by means of a levering instrument applied to the gap between two parallel surfaces, the first surface being a flat-topped ledge of a window on the lingual aspect of a dental prosthesis and the second surface being at least one opposed step or ledge on an artificial implant abutment. This invention combines the evenly stressed strength of a permanently cemented prosthesis with a damage free method of prosthesis removal without undue forces on the underlying implant. A conformal, removable plug of durable polymer fills and is securable within yet removable from the window in the completed restoration.

Abstract: In today's dentistry, alternative approaches to the problem of mandibular reconstruction are important in restoring the mandible, which may have been lost through tumor resections, bone defects, pseudoarthosis or osteomyelitis.Also for use in those situations in which the condyle or condylar process must be rebuilt or replaced, where portions of the condylar process such as the head, neck, and pterygoid fovea may have deteriorated through disease or from accidental injury. A condylar process arm may be fabricated as a substitute bearing surface for the defective natural condylar process.

Abstract: A dental implant system, including a novel dental implant is disclosed, along with a method of installing the same. The implant includes a sleeve member with a cylindrical bottom portion including a plurality of aperturess and a neck portion. An electrically non-conductive collar member is mounted within the neck portion and an electrode is mounted within the collar portion electrically isolated from the sleeve member. The top portion of the electrode is adapted to be releasably electrically connected with a battery pack and alternatively with a dental appliance. The battery pack includes a battery whose cathode connects with a member which engages the top portion of the electrode and an anode which makes contact with the inside of the mouth. An appliance for preparing the jaw bone for the insertion of the implant is also disclosed, including a drill with three cutting surfaces and a jig adapted to support the drill within the mouth.