Abstract: The present invention is a surgical guide for guiding the insertion of a dental implant into a desired location in a patient's mouth. The implant includes a non-rotational structure. The surgical guide includes a structure and a master tube. The structure has a negative impression surface to be fitted on and placed over gingival tissue, bone, and/or teeth in the patient's mouth. The structure includes an opening through which the dental implant is placed. The master tube is located at the opening. The master tube includes indicia for alignment with the non-rotational structure on the implant such that the non-rotational structure of the implant is at a known angular orientation with respect to the master tube. The present invention includes kits of various components used with the surgical guide and with the dental surgery using the surgical guide.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis attachment system is for an endosseous dental implant. The dental prosthesis attachment system includes: a removable dental prosthesis; a dental prosthesis portion secured to the removable dental prosthesis; and a dental implant portion securable to the dental implant and removably engageable with the dental prosthesis portion. The dental prosthesis portion includes an open-ended dental prosthesis sleeve having an outer surface and an inner cavity. The outer surface is secured to the dental prosthesis and the inner cavity is lined with a retention material defining an inner peripheral wall having at least one of a protrusion and a recess. The dental implant portion includes an attachment pillar removably insertable within the inner cavity of the dental prosthesis portion.

Abstract: A dental device having an abutment body including a substantially radial mark on its external part, the abutment body adapted, to be connected, to an implant by a connecting member, such that the substantially radial mark is distinguishable from the abutment body in an image taken by an imaging device when the implant and abutment are installed.

Abstract: A method for creating a digital model of a denture for a patient, where the denture includes a gingival part and artificial teeth, includes obtaining digital models of artificial teeth representing the artificial teeth; obtaining a 3D scan comprising a digital representation of at least part of the patient's existing gingiva; digitally modeling a gingival part of the digital model of the denture using the 3D scan and the digital artificial teeth; digitally determining a first offset defining a first thickness of a first portion of the gingival part of the digital model of the denture that extends from the digital representation of the at least part of the patient's existing gingiva; and digitally determining a second offset defining a second thickness of a second portion of the gingival part of the digital model of the denture that extends from the digital artificial teeth.

Abstract: A pontic device for preserving soft tissue in a tooth-extraction site includes a generally curved apical end. The apical end has a first perimeter and is configured to rest in a tooth extraction socket and substantially conform to soft tissue of a tooth-extraction site immediately after a tooth has been extracted. The pontic device further includes an opposing, generally concave coronal end. The coronal end has a second perimeter that is configured to substantially correspond to and form a seal with gingival tissue surrounding the tooth-extraction site. The coronal end is configured to receive a tooth-shaped coronal pontic portion to form a final restoration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for digitally designing at least two attachment abutments, each attachment abutment comprising an implant connection section adapted for connection to a respective implant along an implant axis, a transition section separating the implant connection section and an attachment section, wherein the attachment section is adapted for receiving a mating part.

Abstract: A material that is less populated by biofilms than known materials and is well tolerated by the body is provided. The material is an element introducible into or attachable on a human or animal body and includes a glass and/or glass ceramic and/or ceramic material at least in some areas thereof, which inhibits the formation of biofilms and/or on which human or animal cells grow if the element is introduced into the human or animal body or attached thereto, wherein the glass and/or glass ceramic material comprises at least: SiO2 in a range from 60 to 75 wt % and ZnO in a range from 1 to 7 wt %.

Abstract: An improved method of a dental framework design and manufacturing, incorporating a dental framework design volume to eliminate framework or denture teeth modification post framework manufacturing.

Abstract: A dental implant has a hollow shell with outer bio-compatible surface for engaging a soft tissue socket left in gingival tissue after a tooth has been extracted, to promote healing. The shell tapers outwardly from a first to a second perimeter, the second perimeter being asymmetrically scalloped with opposite distal and mesial peaks and opposite lingual and facial valleys between the peaks. A dental implant in the bone socket left after tooth extraction is rigidly connected to a temporary post, the temporary post extending in the shell. The shell engages against the soft tissue socket without gaps and without requiring alignment between the shell and implant axes.

Abstract: A method, a system and a user interface for generating a digital design for use in the manufacture of a molding-shell for a patient's teeth, where the molding-shell and the teeth together enclose a volume for forming a dental restoration, include obtaining a digital 3D representation of the patient's teeth, the digital 3D representation including a tooth part relating to one or more teeth for which the dental restoration is formed; obtaining a set of one or more digital teeth anatomies; arranging the set of digital teeth anatomies and the digital 3D representation according to a preferred relative arrangement; and generating the digital design where a first portion of the digital design is derived from the digital teeth anatomies and a second portion of the digital design is derived from the tooth part of the digital 3D representation.

Abstract: A retainer cooperating with a plurality of teeth and configured to stabilize the plurality of teeth, the retainer including at least one elongated arc which is shaped overall adapted to a natural curvature of a lower jaw or an upper jaw, wherein the at least one elongated arc is locally adapted individually to a surface contour of respective abutting teeth, wherein the retainer is machined from a sheet metal plate and includes two mutually parallel surfaces, wherein the sheet metal plate is made from a nickel titanium alloy, preferably a nitinol, wherein the retainer contacts a tooth surface in an installed condition of the retainer, wherein a machined surface of the retainer faces the tooth surface in the installed condition of the retainer, and wherein an upper side or a lower side of the retainer corresponds to an original surface plane of the sheet metal plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sinter blank (1) for producing a dental prosthesis in at least one sintering process, the sinter blank (1) including at least one product area (2), from which the dental prosthesis is produced, and at least one strut (3) that is to be removed after the sintering process, the strut (3) having at least one sliding knob (4) for supporting the strut (3) on a base surface (5) during the sintering process.

Abstract: A dental implant assembly includes an implant, an abutment, and a fixing element. The implant is placed in the alveolar bone. The abutment is assembled to the implant and includes a tapered position-restricting part and an elastic pressing part. The tapered position-restricting part has an abutment fixing channel substantially matching the tapered position-restricting outer wall of the tapered position-restricting trench. The elastic pressing part includes the elastic pressing structures extended from the tapered position-restricting part. The fixing element includes the fixing head and the fixing rod extended from the fixing head. A tolerance allowable gap is formed between the abutment fixing channel and the fixing rod.

Abstract: A dental restoration system is disclosed. A dental restoration system includes an implant, retention component, dental component and driver tool. The retention component is seatable in a retention chamber of the implant. The retention component includes a driver section for interfacing with a driving head of the driver tool and a dental component engagement section with a threaded surface. The dental component includes a retention component interface surface with threads. The dental component engages the retention component via the threaded surface interlocking with the threads of the retention component interface surface when the dental component is inserted in the implant. The driver tool is used to rotate the retention component to engage the dental component apically. The retention component contacts the retention component wall and the dental component contacts an annular shoulder of the implant when the dental component is fully attached to the implant.

Abstract: A method of making a customized dental blank comprises the steps of providing individual tooth color information, forming an open-celled dental blank precursor, providing the open-celled dental blank precursor with color in accordance with the individual tooth color information, and compressing the dental blank precursor. The method helps maximizing the optical quality of dental restoration at minimized costs.

Abstract: A dental abutment having a coronal portion for supporting a prosthesis separated from a post for seizing, galling or cold welding in a dental implant by a cylindrical portion and hemispheric base portion of length less than the combined length of the prosthetic head and locking taper post portions. The hemispherical portion of the abutment having a sloping shoulder with a surface that forms a small angle with a perpendicular to the cylindrical surface. A dental prosthesis system including such dental abutments.

Abstract: A method for making a rapid prototype of a patient's mouth to be used in the design and fabrication of a dental prosthesis. An intra-oral scan is made of the patient's mouth having an installation site with a dental implant installed and a healing abutment attached to the dental implant. The healing abutment has at least one informational marker. Scan data is generated from the scanning. The scan data is transferred to a CAD program. A three-dimensional model of the installation site is created in the CAD program. The at least one informational marker and the three-dimensional model are used to manufacture a rapid prototype model of the patient's mouth, which includes a dental implant analog.

Abstract: An inclined abutment for a cemented prosthesis in dental implantology. The abutment has a supragingival portion having a substantially truncated-cone shape with an elliptical base and having a longitudinal axis, an emergence surface coinciding with the elliptical base of the supragingival portion, and a transmucosal portion which has an elliptical base coinciding with the emergence surface and a longitudinal axis which ends at the apex with an antirotational connection for the insertion of the abutment in use. The volume of the supragingival portion remains essentially constant upon variation of the angle defined by the longitudinal axis of the supragingival portion and the longitudinal axis of the transmucosal portion, when the dimensions of the emergence surface and the height of the supragingival portion remain unchanged with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns a single tooth implant for a fixed tooth replacement having a substantially cylindrical base body which can be inserted into a bore made in a jaw bone, an abutment which can be inserted into the annular recess of the base body and having a bore for receiving a holding screw and a fixing head for the tooth replacement, and a holding screw which can be inserted into the blind bore in the base body and which passes through the abutment.

Abstract: A material that is less populated by biofilms than known materials and is well tolerated by the body is provided. The material is an element introducible into or attachable on a human or animal body and includes a glass and/or glass ceramic and/or ceramic material at least in some areas thereof, which inhibits the formation of biofilms and/or on which human or animal cells grow if the element is introduced into the human or animal body or attached thereto, wherein the glass and/or glass ceramic material comprises at least: SiO2 in a range from 60 to 75 wt % and ZnO in a range from 1 to 7 wt %.

Abstract: An implant overdenture system is used to fix an implant overdenture onto alveolar ridge by the support of implants. The implant overdenture has artificial teeth, a denture base, and magnetic assemblies. The implants each have an implant body and a keeper. A largest circumscribed circle diameter d1 in an outer shape of a surface-to-be-attracted of the keeper is equal to or larger than ?1.8 mm, and a largest diameter d2 of the implant body is equal to or larger than ?1.2 mm and equal to or less than ?3.5 mm, and these largest diameters have a relationship expressed by d1/d2?1.5.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket for coupling an archwire with a tooth includes a bracket body configured to be mounted to the tooth and having an archwire slot adapted to receive the archwire therein. A rotatable closure member is movable relative to the bracket body between an opened position in which the archwire is insertable into the archwire slot, and at least one closed position in which the closure member retains the archwire in the archwire slot. The orthodontic bracket further includes a retention mechanism having a first element associated with the bracket body and a second element associated with the closure member, the first and second elements cooperating to rotatably secure the closure member to the bracket body and to provide at least one positive stop in the rotation of the closure member relative to the bracket body.

Abstract: The invention relates to an abutment system (200) for use in the area of the front teeth and premolars, with an abutment base (102) which comprises a first interface (107) for placement on an implant and a second interface (123) for fixing a crown or suprastructure. The abutment base (102) has a scalloped top side (104) and the implant defines an implant axis (AI). The abutment base (102) has a three-dimensional shape which is designed asymmetrically relative to the implant axis (AI). Moreover, it has a lateral surface region (111) which has a concave shape when viewed in a vertical section. Additionally, the abutment system (200) comprises a separate prosthetic post (210) which can be fixed in the area of the scalloped top side (104) of the abutment base (102), wherein the prosthetic post (210) extends coaxially to the implant axis (AI) when fixed.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for installation of multiple dental prostheses being adapted to connect and join various cylindrical stumps protruding from the maxillary or mandibular bone of a patient.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a surgical guide, and a crown and an abutment in a mouth for a dental implant, including an operation of obtaining a primarily scanned image through scanning of inner and outer surfaces of a denture which has a first image matching groove matched with a patient's tooth implanting portion and in which a plurality of reference markers are attached to an outside, obtaining a secondarily scanned image through oral scanning of upper and lower jaws while the denture is installed, preliminarily matching the secondarily scanned image with the primarily scanned image, obtaining an integrated scanned image considering a vertical dimension by reversing the first image matching groove so that an image of the first image matching groove is dimensionalized from the primarily scanned image, and obtaining a CT image through CT scanning of the upper and lower jaws.

Abstract: A dental implant system with a ceramic implant and with an abutment, which moreover includes an insert element for the ceramic implant. The insert element is either manufactured from non-ceramic material or is manufactured essentially of injection molded ceramic. The insert element matches with a recess a proximal region of the ceramic implant and is inserted or insertable into the recess. The insert element serves for the fastening of the abutment and for this is equipped with fastening structures. The insert element, which is arranged in the recess of the ceramic implant, is connectable or connected to the ceramic implant by way of a frictional connection and/or positive connection with respect to axial traction.

Abstract: A dental appliance for use in supporting a sensing device within an oral cavity is described herein. The dental appliance includes a sensor assembly and a tooth cap. The sensor assembly includes a support member and a sensor support assembly extending outwardly from the support member. The sensor support assembly includes a recessed portion that defines a sensor chamber that is configured to receive the sensing device therein. The tooth cap is coupled to the sensor assembly and adapted to be positioned within the oral cavity and orientated along a biting surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to a dental prosthesis and methods of use thereof. According to some embodiments, a dental prosthesis includes a dental implant surgical guide, a prosthesis base, a prosthesis cover, at least one implant configured to be inserted through the dental implant surgical guide and the prosthesis base into a dental surgical site; and at least one implant fastener configured to attach to the at least one implant. A prosthesis base may include: a base bottom configured to sit adjacent to a dental surgical site, and a base top including a base recess, the base recess including at least one base aperture. In some embodiments, the dental implant surgical guide is configured to sit within a base recess. A prosthesis cover, in some embodiments, may include a cover recess configured to encapsulate at least a portion of the dental implant surgical guide within the base recess.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for releasable attachment of a removable dental prosthesis to a head part of an implant or of an abutment that can be anchored in an implant, comprising a retention matrix (1) having a receptacle that accommodates a circular-ring-shaped retention element (2) that has at least two clamping arms (22), which is disposed so as to be displaceable along a center axis of the retention matrix (1), wherein the at least two clamping arms (22) form a mantle surface that widens conically toward the outside, and that the receptacle for the retainer element (2) has two sections (14, 15) having a different inside diameter, against the transition of which the at least two clamping arms (22) lie. The invention furthermore relates to a dental implant system, having such an apparatus.

Abstract: A system for detecting bone defects includes a dental implant contacting member, at least one electromagnetic source, at least one first magnetic field detecting device, at least one second magnetic field detecting device and a computing device. The dental implant contacting member has a magnetic body. The electromagnetic source is used to generate a variable magnetic field to vibrate the magnetic body. The first magnetic field detecting device is used to detect a magnetic field of the magnetic body and the variable magnetic field, so as to generate first detected data. The second magnetic field detecting device is used to detect the variable magnetic field, so as to generate second detected data. The computing device is used to obtain vibration data based on the difference between the first detected data and the second detected data.

Abstract: An adjustable dental implant comprises an implant body, a connecting structure, and two wings. The implant body comprises a fixture and an abutment. The fixture comprises a top, a bottom, a peripheral surface connected between the top and the bottom, and a joining portion formed on the peripheral surface. The abutment is set on the top of the fixture. The connecting structure is set between the fixture and the abutment. The wings are pivotally connected with two opposite sides of the connecting structure. Or, one of the wings is pivotally connected with the connecting structure, and the other wing is fixed with the connecting structure. The wing or the wings may be adjusted to fit the surface of the cortical bone. Dental posts are allowed to penetrate the alveolar bone entirely to secure the fixture.

Abstract: A bionic fixing apparatus is provided. The bionic fixing apparatus includes a flexible portion having at least one trench. The trench is disposed on the surface of the flexible portion and has a first end and a second end. An interval is disposed between the first end and the second end. The trench is disposed for spreading the stress applied on the bionic fixing apparatus and preventing stress concentration and stress shielding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting element (10) for fixing removable tooth prostheses which are anchored by an implant, comprising a lower end (13) for fastening the mounting elements (10) having an implant (21) or abutment; and an upper end for connecting the mounting element having a tooth prosthesis, optionally a friction insert; characterised in that the main body of the mounting element (10) has an outer ring (11).

Abstract: A scanning member includes a head portion and a body portion. The head portion has an at least partially flat top surface indicative of a first characteristic of a dental implant, an at least partially flat first side surface indicative of a second characteristic of the dental implant, and a second non-flat side surface that opposes the first side surface. The body portion has a non-rotational feature configured to non-rotationally couple the body portion to the dental implant. The body portion is physically attached to a bottom surface of the head portion to form a generally “T” shape. The scanning member has an internal through hole for receiving a screw to threadably couple with a threaded bore within the dental implant. A set of scanning members includes scanning members having different body portions configured to couple to dental implants from different manufacturers.

Abstract: A framework for a removable, partial or complete prosthodontic device is made by machining, using a CAD/CAM technique, a disc 2, made from polyetheretherketone, to define the framework 4. Prosthetic teeth and gums can be secured to the framework to define the prosthodontic device.

Abstract: A hybrid temporary anchorage device implant system and method of use is disclosed. A temporary anchorage device (TAD) implant includes an external hex head, a cupped inner portion, a threaded core, a platform, and an implant portion. A first abutment is installed on the implant portion. The first abutment may include a graduated portion, a screw-retained healing collar, and a threaded portion. A second abutment may be installed over the first abutment. The second abutment may include a graduated head, a bulbous base, and an inner canal.

Abstract: Root canal abutment devices and methods which facilitate the adjustment or removal of an oral appliance, e.g., a crown or bridge, from a reconfigurable abutment assembly are described. The adjustable abutment assembly may be secured within a pulp chamber of a pre-existing tooth. The abutment assembly has a projecting abutment portion with one or more shape memory alloy sleeves or plates or elements extending along the abutment. Each of the sleeves has a length with at least one curved or arcuate portion. Energy may be applied to the elements such that the arcuate portion flattens to allow for the oral appliance to be placed thereupon while removal of the energy allows the elements to reconfigure into its curved configuration thereby locking the oral appliance to the abutment. Removal of the oral appliance may be effected by reapplication of energy to the elements.

Abstract: The present invention extends to a dental appliance having a set of rigid flanges conforming to a patient's mandibular bone structure and a stabilizer for securing and resisting movement of the dental appliance once set. The stabilizer reduces movement of a lower denture. The stabilizer extends perpendicularly from a flange of the lower denture and reduces denture movement during chewing. The stabilizer has one surface making contact with the bottom of the tongue and another surface making contact with the Genioglossus muscle when a user is chewing. The stabilizer does not require a dental implant for maintaining lower denture stability.

Abstract: A cradle, assembly, system and method for installing a prosthesis at a surgical site. The cradle temporarily engages the prosthesis and holds it in the correct orientation and position adjacent the surgical site. An aperture is defined in the cradle and a portion of the prosthesis is received therein. In one embodiment, the cradle, assembly and system are used to install a final dental prosthesis in a patient's mouth in a single visit to the dentist's office. A securement member pins the surgical template and subsequently the cradle to the jaw. A reinforced sub-structure on the final dental prosthesis is received in the aperture in the cradle. Cylinders attached to implants anchored in the jaw extend through holes in the sub-structure and are bonded to the prosthesis. The cradle is detached from the jaw and from the prosthesis prior to screws being re-inserted through the cylinders and into the implants.

Abstract: A cradle, assembly, system and method for installing a prosthesis at a surgical site. The cradle temporarily engages the prosthesis and holds it in the correct orientation and position adjacent the surgical site. An aperture is defined in the cradle and a portion of the prosthesis is received therein. In one embodiment, the cradle, assembly and system are used to install a final dental prosthesis in a patient's mouth in a single visit to the dentist's office. A securement member pins the surgical template and subsequently the cradle to the jaw. A sub-structure on the final dental prosthesis is received in the aperture in the cradle. Cylinders attached to implants anchored in the jaw extend through holes in the sub-structure and are bonded to the prosthesis. The cradle is detached from the jaw and from the prosthesis prior to screws being re-inserted through the cylinders and into the implants.

Abstract: An immediate dental implant shell has outer, multiple zones for engaging a soft tissue socket left immediately after tooth extraction from a bone socket. The zones have combinations of different biologic agents, macro- or micro-geometric, or micro- or macro-morphology irregularities to better engage gingival sulcus, junctional epithelium and dento-gingival fiber zones of the soft tissue socket. The shell may also have various guide markings and projections to aide drilling of the implant hole in the bone socket. A dental implant is placed in the drilled implant hole before or after the shell has been placed in the soft tissue socket, and has an axis that is independent of the shell axis so the shell and implant both sit in optimum positions in their respective soft and bone sockets.

Abstract: Described are methods that enable rapid automated object classification of measured three-dimensional object scenes. Each method can be performed during a three-dimensional measurement procedure while data are being acquired or after completion of the measurement procedure using the acquired data. In various embodiments, an object scene is illuminated with an optical beam and an image is acquired. In some embodiments, the object scene is illuminated with a structured light pattern and a sequence of images of the object scene illuminated by the pattern at different spatial phases is acquired. Coordinates are determined for points in the one or more images and a translucence value is determined for each of the points. An object class is determined for each point based on the translucence value for the point. Optionally, additional information, such as grayscale or color image data for each point, is used to supplement the object class determination.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program of planning a dental prosthesis in a patient are disclosed, including steps, units or code segments for virtually planning a dental prosthesis. Envelope data is provided of an envelope guide, including data corresponding to a support surface for facial tissue, which is desired to result when the dental prosthesis is installed in the oral cavity of the patient. An outer envelope of a desired dental prosthesis in the oral cavity is simulated based on the envelope data. A desired dental restoration is provided and adjusted in a virtual environment relative to the simulated outer envelope, and dental prosthesis data is generated based on the adjusted desired dental restoration usable for producing the dental prosthesis.

Abstract: A cradle, assembly, system and method for installing a prosthesis at a surgical site. The cradle temporarily engages the prosthesis and holds it in the correct orientation and position adjacent the surgical site. An aperture is defined in the cradle and a portion of the prosthesis is received therein. In one embodiment, the cradle, assembly and system are used to install a final dental prosthesis in a patient's mouth in a single visit to the dentist's office. A securement member pins the surgical template and subsequently the cradle to the jaw. A metal sub-structure on the final dental prosthesis is received in the aperture in the cradle. Cylinders attached to implants anchored in the jaw extend through holes in the sub-structure and are bonded to the prosthesis. The cradle is detached from the jaw and from the prosthesis prior to screws being re-inserted through the cylinders and into the implants.

Abstract: A method for making a rapid prototype of a patient's mouth to be used in the design and fabrication of a dental prosthesis. An intra-oral scan is made of the patient's mouth having an installation site with a dental implant installed and a healing abutment attached to the dental implant. The healing abutment has at least one informational marker. Scan data is generated from the scanning. The scan data is transferred to a CAD program. A three-dimensional model of the installation site is created in the CAD program. The at least one informational marker and the three-dimensional model are used to manufacture a rapid prototype model of the patient's mouth, which includes a dental implant analog.

Abstract: A dental implant assembly comprises an implant body adapted for securement within a bore in a jaw bone of a patient. The implant body has a portion with an external thread for engaging the bore. An abutment has a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion of the abutment is adapted to secure a prosthetic component. The bottom portion of the abutment is attachable to the implant body and adapted to be positioned below a gumline of the patient, the abutment formed of a first material. A cover is sized and shaped to cover the bottom portion of the abutment and adapted to be positioned below the gum line, without covering the top portion of the abutment. The cover is formed from a second material having a different color from the first material.

Abstract: A new dental implant with allows for repair of an existing root form implant after a traumatic event, which reduces or eliminates the need for further surgery. The implant uses an abutment which comprises a threaded spindle having an integrated taper, a plurality of segments around the axis of the spindle and a tapered nut threaded on the distal end of the spindle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a dental bridge intermediary structure (20) comprising a superstructure (200) and a connection piece (210), as well as connection piece for a dental bridge intermediary structure (20). A method for producing a dental bridge superstructure (200) is also provided.

Abstract: A method of making a dental crown or bridge restoration comprises forming a precursor crown outside of a patient's mouth with a first restorative material, with a buccal contour on the buccal wall substantially the same as a buccal contour on a final crown restoration, and an open space on or around at least one of the mesial side wall or the distal side wall; and filling and securing a second material, different from the first restorative material, inside the open space or pocket of the precursor crown while outside the patient's mouth, and with the precursor crown having a strength substantially equivalent to the final crown restoration, and with the buccal contour being substantially the same as the buccal contour on the final crown, prior to filling and securing the second material.

Abstract: A method for making a dental restoration comprises fabricating a dental workpiece from a pre-sintered dental ceramic material; sintering the dental workpiece defining a sintered dental workpiece; applying a demineralization-inhibiting material inside the pocket or hole of the workpiece; and hardening the demineralization-inhibiting material defining a hardened demineralization-inhibiting portion with an exposed surface exposed in an opening in the sintered dental workpiece.