Abstract: The disclosed drive system and fixture mount self limit the torque that can be applied to an implant during implantation to a value that is nondamaging to the implant. System components include releasably engaging elements. In certain embodiments, elements deform, elastically or permanently, to limit the applied torque. The fixture mount serves as an impression post and abutment for a temporary prosthesis and is subject to chair side modifications by the surgeon. Methods of shaping the fixture mount for use as an abutment and making a dental restoration using the shaped abutment are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for immediately placing a non-occlusive and non-functional temporary dental implant prosthesis in the jawbone of a human patient with the prosthesis having a size and shape of a natural human tooth.

Abstract: A dental implant that reduces the potential for stress shielding. The dental implant utilizes an implant body that includes a metallic core and a shell disposed about the metallic core. The shell is made from a material that has a lower modulus of elasticity than the metallic core. The metallic core also is connected to a mounting end to which a prosthetic tooth may ultimately be attached.

Abstract: A dental implant healing screw formed from two pieces: a threaded shaft and a collar. The healing screw functions as a conventional healing cap to protect the coronal end of the dental implant and as a driver to drive the dental implant during the implantation procedure.

Abstract: A dental implant includes a body having a coronal end, and an apical end opposite the coronal end. An implant-prosthetic interface region is provided adjacent the coronal end. A tapered region is adjacent the apical end. A variable profile helical thread extends along the tapered region. The thread includes an apical side, a coronal side and a width defined between the apical and coronal sides. The variable profile thread includes an expanding width in the direction of the coronal end.

Abstract: A self-tapping dental implant having a round bottom with channels that extend upwardly to communicate with bone cutting flutes horizontally disposed along a tapping end of the implant.

Abstract: A method for immediately placing a non-occlusive and non-functional temporary dental implant prosthesis in the jawbone of a human patient.

Abstract: Root-form, endosseous dental implants for insertion into an opening in the jawbone of a patient include a body portion, a neck and/or neck/abutment portion above the body portion, and an internally-threaded shaft; a separate optional implant extender for placement atop the implant with a top surface that mimics the top surface of the implant, and includes a longitudinal passage that receives a healing screw, and a healing screw with a threaded distal end portion to pass through the longitudinal passage, engage the internal threads of the implant and hold the extender to the implant, or to cover the opening to the internally-threaded shaft of the implant where the optional extender is omitted.

Abstract: A two-piece dental abutment having a cuff portion that is removable from a upper portion. The upper portion engages and retains the cuff portion during abutment placement.

Abstract: A dental implant system that dramatically simplifies implantation of a dental implant at an implant site. The dental implant system includes a threaded dental implant having a mounting end with an internal, threaded, axial bore. A healing cap is threadably engaged with the internal, axial bore prior to implantation. The healing cap also includes engagement features, such as a plurality of indentations, that permit secure engagement of a dental driving tool with the healing cap. Thus, upon engagement with a dental driving tool, the dental implant system can be threaded into engagement with the alveolar bone at the implant site and covered by gingival tissue, without any additional components or process steps.

Abstract: A multi-part abutment adapted for use with dental implants such as cylindrical-shaped endosseous dental implants having an internal opening or passage with an internal, non-circular shape at the top, either internally or externally, includes part one that engages the opening or passage in, or projection at the top, of the implant at the distal end of part one, and fits into abutment part two, at the top end of part one. Part two has at its distal end a multi-sided cavity that interdigitates with a multi-sided periphery or other connector on part one so that part two can be placed in a plurality of positions over part one. At the top end of part two is a prosthesis-engaging or prosthesis-forming projection which may be at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the implant, or lie on the longitudinal axis of 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.