Abstract: A drill for forming a hole in material has a shank with at least a base surface positioned at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the shank and a side surface. A cutting element having first and second ends is eccentrically connected to the base surface in such a manner that a longitudinal axis of the cutting element is situated at a predetermined distance from a longitudinal axis of the shank. An outer surface of the body of the cutting element is defined by at least a front surface and a rear surface intersecting each other along at least a cutting edge. The rear surface is tapered toward the longitudinal axis of the shank so that only the cutting edge and the drill point engage the material and a substantial open area exists between the outer surface of the cutting element and the hole during the entire process of drilling.

Abstract: An implant portion of an oral implant arrangement for supporting an artificial tooth structure has an elongated body having a first and a second ends. The first end is adapted to receive at least a portion of the artificial tooth structure. The second end is adapted for insertion into a crypt in a bone located to support the artificial tooth in the vicinity of the occlusal plane of a patient. At least one longitudinal column projecting outwardly from the outside surface of the elongated body and extending at least part way toward the second end of the body is provided. A cutting arrangement is defined at the end of the longitudinal column toward the second end of the body. During insertion of said elongated body into the crypt in the bone the longitudinal column closely engages slots formed within the walls of the bone crypt by the cutting arrangement so as to create at least one antirotational pillar which resist accidental spinning of the implant portion in the crypt.

Abstract: A process is provided for depositing hydroxylapatite on the surface of materials suitable for implantations into animals and humans. In this process, a coating of hydroxylapatite is applied to dental or surgical implants using a sputter technique that employs a high energy Xenon ion beam. The process is carried out in a vacuum into which a controlled amount of hydroxide ions are introduced.