Abstract: Systems and methods for tool orientation and/or position determining system are described herein. In one example, a plurality of tool sensors can be coupled to a tool. The tool sensors can provide data to a control module or system controller. The orientation and/or position of the tool can accordingly be determined from the data. If the orientation and/or position of the tool matches a desired orientation, the tool and/or control module can provide an indication that the tool is in the desired orientation.

Abstract: A method of placing a dental implant analog in a physical model for use in creating a dental prosthesis is provided. The physical model, which is usually based on an impression of the patient's mouth or a scan of the patient's mouth, is prepared. The model is scanned. A three-dimensional computer model of the physical model is created and is used to develop the location of the dental implant. A robot then modifies the physical model to create an opening for the implant analog. The robot then places the implant analog within the opening at the location dictated by the three-dimensional computer model.

Abstract: In order to position an ankle prosthesis including a tibial implant and a talus implant provided with a talo-calcaneal anchoring keel, the invention proposes a surgical instrumentation assembly including: a tibial phantom (60) of the tibial implant, adapted so as to be attached to the tibia (T) of a patient, and an aiming guide (80) adapted for setting into place an instrumentation element (90) through the talus (A) and the calcaneus (C) of the patient, along an axis (Z-Z) for implanting the talo-calcaneal anchoring keel, the tibial phantom and the aiming guide mechanically cooperating with each other to restrict movement of the tibial phantom and the aiming guide relative to each other along vertical and medio-lateral directions, wherein the aiming guide is configured to guide placement of the instrumentation element.

Abstract: A surgical guide foundation system, device, and methods of making and using same. The surgical guide foundation system may include one or more foundation devices. The one or more foundation devices may include a main body portion, one or more fixation ports formed in the main body portion and forming a passage therethrough, and one or more carrier connectors (e.g., plug connector style latches) formed on the main body portion. The surgical guide foundation system may further include a guide component. The guide component may be configured to be engageable with one or more of the one or more carrier connectors. The main body portion may include protrusions formed on an inner facing surface of the main body portion and extending in a generally perpendicular direction therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for installing a multi-tooth dental prosthesis in one session are shown and described. A first tool attaches to the jawbone, and serves as a foundation for subsequently used guides. Existing teeth and dental fixtures are removed, and the bone tissue is removed to accommodate the prosthesis. Subsequently, a drill guide is used to drill implant holes. An abutment guide is then used to place abutments. Copings are then installed. Next, the prosthesis may be installed and cemented to the copings. A resinous filler material may be applied to fill gaps and holes in and between the copings and the prosthesis, and is sanded smooth.

Abstract: A method including fixing a dental drill template with a fixation pin including a rod and a head attached to the rod. The dental drill template can be fixed by inserting the rod into the drill template or a sleeve provided in the drill template such that a bearing surface of the head bears at least partially on the drill template. The rod has a shape of an essentially circular cylinder and extends from the bearing surface of the head at an essentially right angle. A diameter of the head at the bearing surface is larger than the diameter of the rod.

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems, and series of appliances are provided for dental implant positioning. One method for positioning an implant with dental treatment includes determining an implant location based on a virtual model of an optimized dental occlusion, moving one or more teeth using a first number of a series of dental appliances, from a first orientation to a second orientation, the second orientation exposing the implant location, placing an implant at the exposed implant location using a landmark included in at least one of the series of dental appliances, repositioning one or more teeth using a second number of the series of dental appliances, from the second orientation to a successive orientation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bone positioning device (1) for use in the repositioning of bone sections relative to each other in case of dysgnathia, comprising a main body (2), which has a bottom side (3), which faces the lower jaw (7) and in which there are recesses (5) for receiving navigating aids (6) fixed to the lower jaw, and an opposite top side (4), which faces the upper jaw and in which there are likewise recesses (5) for receiving navigating aids (6) fixed to the upper jaw, wherein at least one cutting-tool guide device (8) is attached to the main body (2).

Abstract: A method for detecting alignment of a drill sleeve in a drilling template relative to the jaw of a person, includes: creating an impression element including a negative impression of the jaw structure; creating an X-ray template from the impression element by disposing spaced X-ray visible reference bodies in the impression element; carrying out a first three-dimensional radiological detection, in which the jaw, together with the X-ray template fastened to the jaw, is detected by DVT or CT; creating a drilling template from the X-ray template by fastening a drilling sleeve in/on the X-ray template; inserting a reference object, including spaced X-ray visible reference bodies, into the drill sleeve; and carrying out a second three-dimensional radiological detection, in which only the drilling template, which is outside the jaw, including the reference bodies thereof, and the reference object inserted therein, including the reference bodies thereof, are detected.

Abstract: A bone foundation guide system for a dental implant surgical site has a bone foundation guide and a dental implant surgical guide with an open surgical space therebetween. The top of the foundation guide body is contoured and has an upper surface to attach a bottom surface of the dental implant surgical guide as well as to define a removal and augmentation level and to guide the removal and/or augmentation of bone segments from the dental surgical site via a separation plane. The separation plane has a central area predetermined to define an implant depth of bores for anchoring implants, and further has an inclined area extending from all side ends of the central area towards the first bridge end and the second bridge end raising above the removal and augmentation level of the jaw bone.

Abstract: The invention relates to manufacturing a surgical guide to be placed in a patient's mouth. The patient's mouth is scanned to obtain surgical-region scan data at a region where an implant is to be located. The patient's mouth is also scanned in the opened position to acquire dental conditions opposite from the surgical region so as to obtain opposing-condition scan data. A virtual model is developed using the surgical-region scan data and the opposing-condition scan data. Using the virtual model, a surgical plan is developed that includes the location of the implant to be installed in the patient. A virtual surgical guide is also developed based on the surgical plan. The dimensions of instrumentation to be used with the surgical guide are checked to ensure they will fit within the mouth by use of the opposing-condition scan data. After checking, final surgical-guide manufacturing information is obtained for manufacturing the surgical guide.

Abstract: A root canal treatment information apparatus includes circuitry which stores three-dimensional information including information on a root canal of teeth in a storage, the three-dimensional information being acquired by an X-ray CT image capturing device, specify a tooth as a target of interest, generate a tooth image of the tooth, instruct display of the tooth image on a display, generate, based on the three-dimensional information, a root canal extension direction image showing a root canal extension direction along the root canal of the tooth, and instruct display of the root canal extension direction image on the display as overlapping, and in correspondence with, the tooth image.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system of devices and a method for preparing a tooth to receive a restoration. The system includes a dental instrument for removal of portions of a tooth in the mouth of a patent and an overlay for guiding the dental instrument during the step of tooth removal. The overlay is designed for temporary installation into the mouth of the patient to guide the dental instrument to remove tooth material. The overlay has one or more sets of guide walls, with a predetermined configuration capable of contacting one or more guide projections of the dental instrument, and a receptacle capable of receiving and attaching to the dental instrument.

Abstract: Improved dental models for use in dental procedures are provided. In one aspect, a unitary dental model of an intraoral cavity of a patient having a dental implant comprises a physical surface representative of gingival tissue of the patient. The model can comprise a channel shaped and oriented to receive an abutment corresponding to a physical abutment to be connected to the dental implant, in which the channel extends to an opening in the physical surface. The channel can comprise a first portion shaped to receive and constrain a corresponding structure of the abutment to a position and orientation and a second portion shaped to receive a fastener to couple the abutment to the unitary dental model. In many embodiments, the first portion comprises a shoulder shaped to receive the corresponding structure of the abutment in order to position the abutment along the channel.

Abstract: A tooth tapering control guide can be used to create an accurate and consistent taper angle for a target tooth. The guide includes a telescoping member which may be secured to a tooth that is adjacent to the target tooth. The telescoping member includes an upper rod and a lower rod that are telescopically connected. The upper rod of the telescoping member is generally L-shaped, including a vertical portion and a horizontal portion that extends normal to the vertical portion. The horizontal portion includes a rectangular slot along its lower surface and a clasp rod that is slidable within the slot. The vertical portion telescopically receives the lower rod. The clasp rod includes a clasp at a lower end that is attachable to a drill. Once the drill clasp is secured to the drill, the drill bit can be maintained at a constant angle (e.g., 90 degrees) with respect to the target tooth.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a zygomatic implant dental drill installed in a dental handpiece includes a collar configured to seat on a neck portion of the dental handpiece, with an offset post extending from the collar. A first extension extends from the offset post parallel to the neck portion, and a second extension extends from the first extension. The second extension is oriented parallel to the zygomatic implant dental drill, extending from the first extension to be co-terminal and off-set from the zygomatic implant dental drill. By observing the travel of the second extension along a patient's face, a dental surgeon can guide the zygomatic implant dental drill inside the patient toward the patient's zygomatic bone.

Abstract: Dental implantation systems and methods are provided, including a site preparation device for preparing a site within a patient's mouth for receiving an anchor portion of a dental implant. An implant preparation device forms a crown portion of the dental implant for reception by the anchor portion. A guidance device communicates with a fiducial marker engaged with the patient's mouth, to interchangeably receive the site and implant preparation devices, and to guide the site and/or implant preparation device, relative to the fiducial marker, in conjunction with manipulation thereof by a user. A planning device communicates with and via the guidance device, and determines an arrangement of the dental implant at the site, to direct the site preparation device to prepare the site to receive the dental implant arrangement, and to direct the implant preparation device to prepare the crown portion for receipt by the anchor portion.

Abstract: Dental implants including radiopaque markers provided therein or thereon. The implant may also include customizable length characteristics. For example, a kit may include implants with different diameters (e.g., 3 diameters), where all of the implants are of a single (e.g., long) length. The appropriate diameter implant may be selected from the kit by the practitioner, and the long length implant may be cut (e.g., with a dental drill) to the appropriate length needed. The implants include radiopaque markers on or within the implant. For example, three series of markers may be provided on different “faces” of the implant, so that the three series of markers serve as reference points when scanning, allowing triangulation of the exact position of the implant in relation to the surrounding hard and soft oral tissues.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for selecting surgical approaches. One example method involves (1) receiving data indicating (a) one or more surgical target regions and (b) one or more surgical portals; (2) determining a plurality of surgical pathways; (3) determining a plurality of surgical approaches; (4) for each surgical approach in the plurality of surgical approaches, determining at least one approach characteristic, for each determined surgical pathway in the respective surgical approach, determining at least one pathway characteristic, and determining a surgical-approach ranking based on the determined at least one approach characteristic and the determined at least one pathway characteristic; (5) selecting a subset of the plurality of surgical approaches based on the determined surgical approach rankings; and (6) causing an output device to provide a representation of the selected subset of the plurality of surgical approaches.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for creating a production model for a patient-specific medical object. Image data relating to a body region are segmented into regions, each region corresponding with structures of different tissue. By way of the regions that correspond with the structures, a number of shape features is determined for the medical object. The shape features are compared with shape data relating to a plurality of stored object data sets. On the basis of the comparison of the shape features with the shape data, a prototype of the medical object is specified. The prototype of the medical object is defined as a production model. The production model is stored on a data carrier and/or output via an interface.

Abstract: Drills for dentistry, which, in a dental implant treatment, enables two or more holes to be bored at a predetermined angle and interval in a minute space in which a single tooth grows and enables treatment to be performed precisely and rapidly regardless of a skill level of a dentist, wherein an arrangement is provided where a first member provided with a drill body and a second member provided with a fixing needle intersect slid-ably at a predetermined angle, the drill body is installed in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the first member with its tip facing a direction in which the fixing needle is provided, the fixing needle is installed in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the second member with its tip facing a direction in which the drill body is provided, the drill body bores a first hole, bored obliquely with respect to a natural tooth growing direction, and a second hole facing the first hole mutually at a predetermined angle, and the second hole is bored by the dri

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a template, whereby a digital or physical model of the shape of at least a part of the jaw is generated. A desired shape for the jaw bone for positioning a bone superstructure is compared to the model and a bone part of the jaw bone is identified, which bone part is to be removed in order to approach the desired shape. A guide surface is provided on the template to guide a milling element in order to remove the identified bone part. A bone superstructure is also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for planning and/or delivering an oral or facial endosseous implantation in a patient are described. In certain embodiments, systems according to the invention include a processing module; a bone imaging module that communicates bone data about the patient to the processing module; a surface imaging module that communicates surface data about the patient to the processing module; and the processing module processes the bone data and the surface data into an output that includes three-dimensional (3-D) representation data indicative of at least one of an oral structure and a facial structure of the patient. In certain embodiments, a system includes a fabrication module that produces a physical model based on the 3-D representation data and indicating a planned location of an endosseous implant. In certain embodiments, a system includes a surgical module that guides implantation of an endosseous implant based on the 3-D representation data.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for planning and/or delivering an oral or facial endosseous implantation in a patient are described. In certain embodiments, systems according to the invention include a processing module; a bone imaging module that communicates bone data about the patient to the processing module; a surface imaging module that communicates surface data about the patient to the processing module; and the processing module processes the bone data and the surface data into an output that includes three-dimensional (3-D) representation data indicative of at least one of an oral structure and a facial structure of the patient. In certain embodiments, a system includes a fabrication module that produces a physical model based on the 3-D representation data and indicating a planned location of an endosseous implant. In certain embodiments, a system includes a surgical module that guides implantation of an endosseous implant based on the 3-D representation data.

Abstract: A method of conducting a sinus lift procedure is provided. A secure and physical interaction is formed between a fiducial device and a site within a patient's mouth to form a fiducial marker. A virtual incising plan is formed for incising the patient's maxilla, with respect to the fiducial marker, for providing access to a sinus membrane. Movement of an incising device is physically regulated with respect to the fiducial marker with a guidance device. The incising device is in physical communication with the fiducial marker via the fiducial device. The guidance device physically regulates movement of the incising device, according to the virtual incising plan and corresponding with physical manipulation of the incising device by a user, to incise the maxilla. Tactile feedback is provided to the user, via the incising device, if the physical manipulation of the incising device by the user deviates from the virtual incising plan.

Abstract: A retainerless orthodontic dental implant system for positioning the mandible forward relative to the maxilla and for facilitating optimal airflow during sleep and a method of using such a system.

Abstract: A denture is registered and secured to implants with the help of paired surgical-prosthetic implants fabricated based on 3D imaging of the patient's mouth and the denture. The surgical template has guide holes that are located and oriented to guide dental instrumentation forming accurately located and oriented osteotomies for the implants. The prosthetic template conforms to the denture and has guide holes that are located and oriented such that connection holes in the denture can be formed through the guide holes in the paired prosthetic template. The connection holes clear the replacement teeth of the denture and line up with the implants. Attachment elements can be inserted through the connection holes in the denture to secure the denture to the implants.

Abstract: A pedicle screw comprises a head. A shaft is joined to the head. The shaft comprises a first threaded portion, a middle portion and a second threaded portion. The middle portion comprises a modified threaded portion being configured to mitigate damage to a patient's nerve root. A first marker is joinable to the shaft proximate the modified threaded portion. The first marker comprises a material being radiographically distinguishable from the shaft in which a placement of the modified threaded portion is observable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental implant insertion set including a crown; a fixture which has a hex hole formed therein and of which an insertion angle is set so that the hex hole is aligned corresponding to an arrangement angle of the crown; a guide stent including a stent body formed with a profile set through the three-dimensional procedure guide image to be fixed while covering the periodontal tissue; and an abutment having a hex protrusion formed at a lower portion thereof to be matched with and fixed into the hex hole, such that the crown is aligned and fixed.

Abstract: A dental surgical drill guide assembly and method includes a surgical guide housing and a base frame that fits to both gum tissue and one or multiple small areas of jawbone. The apparatus may be configured to accurately place dental implants according to planned positions. Such apparatus may increase the stability of the surgical guide by clasping and/or contacting the jawbone, while improving the overall fit and minimizing the need of invasive surgery and flapping by also clasping and/or contacting selected areas of the gum tissue at the same time. Self-locking alignment members aid in easy removal, and re-installation, of the surgical guide housing to the base frame.

Abstract: Aligning a drill bit for preparing a bore to receive a dental implant. Using a frame to position cartridges, the frame fitting patient anatomy and having a chamber to receive cartridges. Creating an initial cartridge with an opening to receive a guide sleeve. Optionally, mounting at least one measuring device assembly onto the initial assembly so that measuring device assembly takes measurements with a known relationship to the initial linear trajectory. Using the measurements to enhance a model of the surgical site and to select a surgical linear trajectory for a surgical bore to stay within bone found at the surgical site. Placing a surgical cartridge into the chamber; and placing a guide sleeve in the surgical cartridge with the guide sleeve oriented along the surgical linear trajectory to constrain a drilling trajectory of a drill bit along the surgical trajectory. Many variations disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for planning and/or delivering an oral or facial endosseous implantation in a patient are described. In certain embodiments, systems according to the invention include a processing module; a bone imaging module that communicates bone data about the patient to the processing module; a surface imaging module that communicates surface data about the patient to the processing module; and the processing module processes the bone data and the surface data into an output that includes three-dimensional (3-D) representation data indicative of at least one of an oral structure and a facial structure of the patient. In certain embodiments, a system includes a fabrication module that produces a physical model based on the 3-D representation data and indicating a planned location of an endosseous implant. In certain embodiments, a system includes a surgical module that guides implantation of an endosseous implant based on the 3-D representation data.

Abstract: In some aspects, methods can include providing a top loading dental surgical guide including a dental drill guide positioning ring housed within the template material, the positioning ring including a body defining an inner surface and a retention element extending inwardly from the inner surface; coupling the surgical guide to the region to be drilled; temporarily engaging a drill guide within the positioning ring by axially coupling using the retention element, independently of a rotational motion of the drill guide relative to the positioning ring by engaging the retention element within a complementary recessed feature of the drill guide; performing a drilling procedure with a drill guided by the drill guide; and disengaging and removing the drill guide from the positioning ring.

Abstract: The positioning device for bone drilling comprises a base, and the base has an outer wall, a positioning block, a guiding recess and an inner wall. The positioning block is formed on the outer wall of the base. The guiding recess is formed longitudinally through the base. The inner wall surrounds the guiding recess and the inner wall is a concave camber. The doctor can use the positioning block to fix the positioning device on a guide mold. A relative position between the positioning device and the guide mold can be relatively fixed. Prior to or during the drilling, the doctor can replace the positioning device with another positioning device with a more suitable diameter, oblique angle and oblique direction so that the positioning device for bone drilling can drill a hole at an accurate position, at an accurate oblique angle and in an accurate oblique direction as desired.

Abstract: A bone engaging dental implant surgical stent placement system comprising: a gingival depth impression pin, wherein the gingival depth impression pin is placed in a patient's bony ridge to establish a penetration site. An impression is then created of the patient's bony ridge by placing an impression material around the gingival depth impression pin and the patient's gingival tissue. A stent fabrication guide tube is then placed over the gingival depth impression pin, and a dental stone is poured into the impression to create a working model, with a penetration hole for placing a stent fabrication guide pin into the penetration hole. A baseplate matrix is then molded around the stent fabrication guide pin to create the stent, which positions a pilot drill guide tube to actively engage with the bony ridge and to act as a drill guide when making a pilot hole.

Abstract: A patient-specific alignment guide includes a patient-specific portion and a guiding element having a through opening. The patient-specific portion has a patient-specific surface preoperatively configured to mate as a negative of a portion of an iliac crest of a pelvis of a specific patient and mate to the iliac crest only in one position. The guiding element has a preoperatively configured orientation and location relative to the patient-specific portion for preparing a bore in the bone of the patient to direct a bone screw at the preoperatively configured orientation and location for sacroiliac fixation.

Abstract: A surgical guide system for dental implantology has a plate (10) provided with a guide sleeve (2) delimiting a through hole with an axis oriented to a predetermined direction. A drill (4) for osteotomy has a spindle connected to a handpiece with drilling portion (41), the drill (4) being for association with the guide sleeve (2) during osteotomy. The diameter (d41) of the drilling head portion (41) is larger than the inner diameter (d2) of the guide sleeve (2) and the spindle is of smaller diameter, such that the association of the drill (4) to any of the guide sleeves (2) can be performed only by inserting the spindle through a gingival side of the sleeves. Upon association of the drill with the sleeve, the drilling head (41) protrudes from the gingival side (2G) thereof. The surgical guide has a void (100) accommodating the drilling head (41) of the drill.

Abstract: A surgical template (10) comprises at least one a drill guide bore (70) surrounded by a guide bore ring (71) and is adapted to be positioned within the oral cavity of patient. The template (10) comprises an inner rail (20) and an outer rail (30) with an interspace (60) in between. At least three inner and three outer connecting points (81, 82) are provided on the inner and outer rail (20, 30) which are adapted to be positioned on portions of the dental apparatus of the patient in his oral cavity to define the three dimensional position and orientation of the at least one drill guide bore ring (71). The rails (20 and 30) are provided in a predetermined varying distance one from the other allowing accommodation of the inner and outer connecting points (81 and 82) on the rails (20, 30), wherein the template (10) further comprises at least two connecting webs (40) connecting the inner rail (20) and the outer rail (30) in a predetermined distance one from the other.

Abstract: Devices, kits, and methods useful in the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) are described. Example devices include a jig, a first needle, a second needle, and a third needle. An example jig comprises a drill guide and a tongue depressor. A first needle comprises an elongate shaft that defines a bend and a curve. A second needle comprises an elongate shaft that defines a curve. A third needle comprises an elongate shaft that defines a curve.

Abstract: A surgical drill guide for installing dental implants with predetermined angular alignment and rotational orientation for a dental prosthesis, formed of a base part formed to correspond generally to the shape and contour of a patient's upper or lower mouth, the base part having opposite tissue and mouth sides and at least one drill guide hole extending through the base part from the tissue side to the mouth side, each of the drill guide holes having a central axis at a predetermined angular orientation relative to the mouth side, and a set of rotational position indicators on the tissue and mouth sides respectively of the base part for each of the drill guide holes.

Abstract: A dental implant guiding device is applied in guiding the drill of the drilling apparatus in different dimensions. The device includes a guiding module and a guiding seat. The guiding module contains at least one guiding unit where a sleeve with a cavity is disposed. A guiding hole and a guiding slot, where an opening at a fringe of the guiding unit is defined, are disposed at two sides of the sleeve. The guiding seat forms a first hole. At two sides of the first hole, a first guiding shank and a second guiding shank respectively corresponding to the guiding hole and the guiding slot are disposed. The second guiding shank slides into the guiding slot, which allows the first guiding shank inserting into the guiding hole for the drill to position at the center of the cavity of the sleeve, thereby achieving the fast positioning and friction reduction.

Abstract: A system for insertion of implants, in particular dental implants, comprises a splint, which is provided with a bore and which is designed for positioning the implant onto an area intended for the insertion, in particular a bone, and can be placed on the latter. The system also includes an insertion or screwing tool for the implant, and the splint has a guide surface. The system is to be further designed such that the precise insertion of the implant can be predefined with a high degree of reliability.

Abstract: A dental device is provided for guiding a drill bit. The dental device comprises a platform adapted to be mounted on a person's jaw. At least one drill guide is coupled to the platform and adapted for translational and rotational adjustment with respect to the platform. In one embodiment, the platform comprises a single bite registration receiver. In another embodiment, the platform comprises a triangular frame, including a cross-arch receiver provided for stability. A third embodiment provides a platform for guiding four drill bits. In each embodiment, a multi-axis positioning assembly enables setting and adjustment of the entry point and angular orientation of each drill guide and provides a surgeon with ample room to view the procedure as it is performed.

Abstract: Surgical guide system for dental implantology, comprising a plate (10) provided with one or more guide sleeves (2) delimiting corresponding through holes whose axes are oriented according to predetermined directions, and a drill (4) for osteotomy having a spindle that can be connected to a handpiece or similar tool and a drilling head or drilling portion (41), the drill (4) being apt to be associated to each of the guide sleeves (2) during an osteotomy step, the guide sleeves (2) having an occlusal side (2D) and a gingival side (2G).

Abstract: A dental device is provided for guiding a drill bit. The dental device comprises a platform adapted to be mounted on a person's jaw. At least one drill guide is coupled to the platform and adapted for translational and rotational adjustment with respect to the platform. In one embodiment, the platform comprises a single bite registration receiver. In another embodiment, the platform comprises a triangular frame, including a cross-arch receiver provided for stability. A third embodiment provides a platform for guiding four drill bits. In each embodiment, a multi-axis positioning assembly enables setting and adjustment of the entry point and angular orientation of each drill guide and provides a surgeon with ample room to view the procedure as it is performed.

Abstract: A dental device is provided for guiding a drill bit. The dental device comprises a platform adapted to be mounted on a person's jaw. At least one drill guide is coupled to the platform and adapted for translational and rotational adjustment with respect to the platform. In one embodiment, the platform comprises a single bite registration receiver. In another embodiment, the platform comprises a triangular frame, including a cross-arch receiver provided for stability. A third embodiment provides a platform for guiding four drill bits. In each embodiment, a multi-axis positioning assembly enables setting and adjustment of the entry point and angular orientation of each drill guide and provides a surgeon with ample room to view the procedure as it is performed.

Abstract: Method for placing and manufacturing a dental superstructure, method for placing implants, and accessories used in these methods.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes advancing a drill having a distal end through an occlusal cortex into trabecular bone of an alveolar ridge, and ceasing the advancing of the drill when the distal end of the drill reaches an occlusal surface of a superior cortex of the alveolar ridge. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for installing a dental implant in a jawbone of a patient. The system includes a threaded drive shaft rotatable about an axis and guide means for supporting the drive shaft with its axis oriented in a path along which the implant is to be installed. The guide means has a threaded bore for receiving a drive shaft and an opening which extends parallel to the axis of the drive shaft and opens radially outwardly from the bore. The drive shaft can then be engaged with and disengaged from the guide means by radial displacement of the shaft parallel to its axis. A drill is adapted to be releasably coupled to a leading end portion of the drive shaft and may be a self-drilling implant. Means is provided for rotating the drive shaft in a direction to cause the drill to penetrate the jawbone of the patient.

Abstract: A guide block for a dental implant procedure, a guide block assembly, and a dental implant procedural technique using the guide block, which enable a dental implant procedure to be accurately performed by allowing one or more surgical holes to be quickly and accurately bored during a boring process in which the one or more surgical holes are bored in an alveolar bone in a dental implant procedure.