Abstract: A dental implant for supporting a dental prosthesis comprises a body portion and an abutment portion. The dental implant including a roughened surface. When the dental implant is installed into a patient's jawbone, the roughened surface extends above a crest of the jawbone. In one arrangement, the roughened surface extends at least 2 millimeters above the crest. In another arrangement, the roughened surface extends at least 3 millimeters above the crest. In yet another arrangement the roughened surface extends at least 4 millimeters above the crest. Methods for installing and manufacturing a dental implant are also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthodontic assembly for installing a prosthetic tooth comprises a dental implant and abutment combination and a healing cap. The combination includes an implant body portion and an abutment portion. The implant body portion is located at a distal end of the combination and is configured to lie at least partially below a crest of a patient's jawbone. The abutment portion is located at a proximate end of the combination and is configured to lie at least partially above the crest of the patient's jawbone. The abutment portion comprises a flared portion, a shoulder portion and a final restoration portion. The shoulder portion lies between the flared portion and the final restoration portion. A healing cap includes a body portion having a proximal and a distal end. The body portion defines an inner cavity which is sized and adapted so that the healing cap fits over the final restoration portion.

Abstract: An impression cap for taking dental impressions in a patient's mouth comprises a distal end that includes a top surface and a proximal end that defines an opening. The impression cap also includes an inner surface that defines an internal cavity. The proximal end of the impression cap is configured to engage a corresponding shoulder of a prosthetic abutment in a snap fit. The impression cap further comprises an injection port configured to receive a tip of an injection syringe for injecting impression material under into the inner cavity and a plurality vent holes configured to allow air and excess impression material to escape from the inner cavity. Methods of using the impression cap and a dental kit including the impression cap are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a dental drill comprising a plurality of blades each distally terminating in an end cutting edge having a positive rake angle. Advantageously, this allows for efficient, accurate and safe formation of an endosseous implant-receiving osteotomy in a patient's jawbone. Desirably, any patient trauma or discomfort during the procedure is substantially eliminated or reduced and a precision-sized osteotomy for receiving an implant of a predetermined size is created.

Abstract: A prosthodontic assembly comprises a restoration having a cavity defined by a first surface and an abutment positioned within the cavity. The assembly further comprises a plurality of standoffs positioned in between the first surface and the abutment to provide a gap. Methods for forming the restoration are also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthodontic assembly for installing a prosthetic tooth comprises a dental implant and abutment combination and a healing cap. The combination includes an implant body portion and an abutment portion. The implant body portion is located at a distal end of the combination and is configured to lie at least partially below a crest of a patient's jawbone. The abutment portion is located at a proximate end of the combination and is configured to lie at least partially above the crest of the patient's jawbone. The abutment portion comprises a flared portion, a shoulder portion and a final restoration portion. The shoulder portion lies between the flared portion and the final restoration portion. A healing cap includes a body portion having a proximal and a distal end. The body portion defines an inner cavity which is sized and adapted so that the healing cap fits over the final restoration portion.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis system comprising a titanium dental implant, a dental implant and a titanium screw coated with anodized titanium that is sufficiently softer than titanium that such coating will, upon application of torque to the screw, deform be largely displaced without any deformation of the titanium screw, is disclosed.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis system comprising a titanium dental implant, a dental implant and a titanium screw coated with a biocompatible material that is malleable or subject to cold flow and is sufficiently softer than titanium that such material will, upon application of torque to the screw, deform and be largely displaced without any deformation of the titanium screw is disclosed.

Abstract: A dental implant installation assembly which comprises three components, first, a dental implant having a biocompatible surface, a first end for being located in the alveolar cavity and a second end having formed therein a threaded opening, second a protective cap screw in the threaded opening in the implant, the screw having formed therein a female wrench-engaging cavity constructed and adapted to engage an insertable wrench, and, third, a holder having a gripping portion and a holding projection received in compression in the wrench-engaging cavity of the cap screw, the holder being releasable from the cap screw when the holder is bent relative to the head thereof is disclosed.