Abstract: A fabric ribbon for use in dental applications. The fabric ribbon includes a transverse set of fibers aligned generally transverse to a length of the ribbon; and a axial set of fibers, intertwined around the transverse set of fibers and aligned generally axially along the length of the ribbon, each of the axial set of fibers having a thickness greater than a thickness of each of the transverse set of fibers. The fabric ribbon may be used for a dental appliance, for example in a periodontal splint, a pontic beam, a composite restoration, or to bridge a crack in teeth.

Abstract: The present invention is a dental implant utilizing a polymeric dental post. The actual prosthetic portion of the implant may also be manufactured from a polymer. Various post designs are disclosed for setting and securing the post in a patient's jaw. Numerous polymers are disclosed and may be blended to achieve desired characteristics for both the post and prosthetic.

Abstract: A method for making an inverted digital file of digital surface map data and the fabrication of a dental restoration model mold that includes elements of digital scanning of either an impression taken of a patients teeth, a model fabricated from casting or otherwise replicating the patient restoration and adjacent teeth impression, or the manipulation of a digital scan data file of the patient restoration and adjacent sites. The digital data is manipulated by inverting the data contained in the file to precisely create the inverse image of the digital data to render a shell that exactly replicates the surface topography of the restoration site in an inverted manner. A mold fabricated from this inverted data does not require separation, disassembly or distortion to release the positive model cast from the mold.

Abstract: An abutment (2) connects with a fixture (1) by a Morse-taper type coupling, with the installation of a truncated-cone shank (21) of the abutment (2) into a corresponding cavity (11) exhibited by the fixture (1). The abutment (2) is provided with an appendix having a polygonal cross-section (22), and is positioned below the shank (21). The appendix is fitted into a corresponding impression (12) provided in the bottom of the cavity (11) of fixture (1). The abutment is also provided, on the side opposite to the appendix (22), with respect to the shank (21), with a portion (20, 24) intended for supporting a dental prosthesis (D). The appendix (22) can be rotated about its longitudinal axis, relative to the shank (21) of the abutment (2).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to embodiments of the present invention relate to a temporary dental prosthesis and methods of utilizing the same. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a dental prosthesis that may be quickly and easily set in a patient's mouth without the need for surgery or similar complex dental procedure. In one embodiment of the present invention, a temporary dental prosthesis comprises a primary body having a pair of axially positioned braces extending therefrom, the braces being connected to one another via an expansion means capable of extending and contracting the braces away from and towards the primary body, and an expansion control means for enabling the expansion means and controlling the expansion and contraction of the braces.

Abstract: The instant dental bridge is one used in surgical operations in areas of missing teeth between abutment teeth includes: an artificial tooth or teeth (2) formed with slots (6) in recessed parts near to the gum; a connecting body (1) which has through holes (3) formed in positions corresponding to the slots (6) and projections joined onto the abutment teeth, and of which the entire surface, except the surfaces (5?) in contact with the abutment teeth, is covered by the artificial tooth (2) or by the same material as the artificial tooth; and wires (8) for securing the abutment teeth and the connecting body (1) to each other, by being wound through gaps (7) neighboring the abutment teeth and through the slots (6) and the through holes (3).

Abstract: A dental healing abutment assembly having a tubular holder and a plurality of removable nestable shells. Each nestable shell has a proximal end and a distal end open to permit the nesting of the shell with the holder or other nestable shells. The proximal end of each nestable shell is defined by a base plate. The tubular holder and the nestable shells each have a pass through hole for accommodating a mounting member. The healing abutment assembly is attached to a dental implant impacted in a patient's jawbone by way of the mounting member.

Abstract: An anchorage unit fits to a dental implant. A dental attachment for mounting to the anchorage unit has a first attachment part and a second attachment part. The attachment parts define an aperture for accommodating a portion of the anchorage unit with a boundary wall of the aperture on each of the attachment parts serving, in use, as a jaw for clamping against the portion of the anchorage unit. The aperture is of greater size than the portion of the anchorage unit to allow adjustment of the position of the attachment with respect to the anchorage unit. In another embodiment, a two-part anchoring assembly defines a pair of jaws for, in use, receiving and clamping against a portion of a dental attachment. The apparatus is particularly relevant when an attachment must be placed on more than one implant simultaneously.

Abstract: Casting abutment for a dental implant that includes an apical socket portion, a transition portion bordering coronally on the socket portion, and an occlusal portion bordering coronally on the transition portion, having an apical circumferential collar area. The collar area is provided with an axially closer lying first circumferential platform and with at least two adjacent circumferential step-like areas, wherein the largest diameter of a first step-like area is smaller than the smallest diameter of a second step-like area the second step-like area lying apically with respect to the first step-like area.

Abstract: A process for preparing a ceramic body having a surface roughness, said process comprising the step of depositing particles of a ceramic material on the surface of a ceramic basic body. The process is characterized in that separate agglomerates comprising at least two particles and a binder binding the particles together are deposited on the surface of the basic body by projecting the agglomerates towards the basic body.

Abstract: A guide for administering an injection including a guide body contoured for a human mandible; and at least one needle indexing guide on the guide body for the insertion of a needle there through, the guide use to provide a predictable and repeatable way of administering an injection to block a nerve.

Abstract: This invention provides a dental appliance for concealing a missing tooth that is easy and inexpensive to fabricate and does not require the patient to spend a lot of time in the dentist's chair or make multiple visits to the dentist's office to be fitted for the appliance. The device of the present invention is made of a dental restorative material and a thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material is clear in color, which makes it appear almost non-existent, flexible, and one solid piece. The restorative material in the dental appliance is similar to tooth structure because it is capable of expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis is described which includes two separable halves with three rigid wires extending through the halves and protruding beyond them and providing a resin to anchor the prosthesis to adjacent teeth.

Abstract: Method for producing a base part of a set of artificial teeth, or a set of artificial teeth having a base part, comprising the step of forming the base part by a rapid prototyping process, e.g. 3D lithography and, in particular, 3D laser lithography. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of establishing a data set representing the shape of a base part of a set of artificial teeth, wherein a gum area or a model thereof is scanned and/or a model of a base part is scanned and/or the shape of the base part is simulated on a computer.

Abstract: A healing abutment includes a main body portion and a coupling portion. The main body portion has an inclined section that is inclined such that at least a part of a gum contact portion that contacts a gum when coupled to a fixture that is implanted into an alveolar bone has an outer diameter that decreases from a lower end toward an upper end. The coupling portion is coupled to the main body portion to detachably couple the main body portion to the fixture.

Abstract: A mounting structure is provided between internal and external crowns of a prosthetic device, in which a tenon-mortise type engagement is formed for fixing the crowns. The internal crown forms an internal coupling section and the external crown forms an external coupling section that corresponds to the internal coupling section. The external coupling section includes a liftable structure, whereby when the external crown is fit to the internal crown, the liftable structure is slightly bulged outward to allow for easy movement of the external crown for fitting to the internal crown. With the inter-engagement between the internal and external coupling sections, the external crown is set stably and securely on the internal crown and problems of insufficient or excessive fitting tightness between the crowns are eliminated or alleviated.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing crowns and bridges is disclosed. The apparatuses include provisional preforms which can have cavities, windows and slits that enable material and linear members to extend through for engagement with adjacent teeth or other preforms. The methods also include ways in which to create crowns and bridges using the preforms.

Abstract: A palate-free upper denture comprising a denture base formed of an acrylic resin having (i) a lower portion bearing a plurality of downwardly protruding teeth; (ii) an upper portion defining an upper surface so shaped as to receive in retentive intimate engagement complementary peripheral gingiva portions of the upper mouth; and (iii) a lightweight metallic mesh embedded in said acrylic resin and usable in an amount to allow of satisfactory retention. The denture overcomes prior art drawbacks by allowing significant reduction in the amount of acrylic needed while providing sufficient structural integrity and acceptable upper denture retention.

Abstract: A surgical bone wax applicator includes one or more layers of absorbent material such as cotton, and a mass of bone wax adhered on the material. A heating device such as, for example, a resistive electrical conductor is fixed on or within the absorbent material. The heating device has associated electrical contact terminals and operates to heat and soften the bone wax in response to an electric potential applied across the terminals. The potential may be applied through blades of bipolar forceps after the forceps are connected to a bipolar generator, and the forceps blades are placed in contact with the terminals of the heating device. When the wax softens, the surgeon may continue to grip the applicator with the forceps and manipulate the applicator over the pores of bone tissue to effect hemostasis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an instrument used to insert microimplants and more particularly, to a microimplant insertion wrench that has a head on the instrument that allows the head to swivel and rotate upon the handle. The end of the head of the instrument comprises a receptacle that receives and retains a microimplant. The head of the implant wrench can be fixed into a predetermined angulation with the aid of a set screw. Microimplants can be inserted by a counter clockwise rotation of the knurled knob on the head of the instrument, and implants can be removed by clockwise rotation of the knurled knob on the head of the implant wrench.

Abstract: A ceramic/metallic dental abutment for use with an implant, the abutment generally including a ceramic body portion having a base region, a transgingival region, and a supragingival region. The base region includes an anti-rotational implant interface, such as an external polygonal fitting, for engaging a cooperating internal polygonal fitting of an implant to prevent relative rotation between the abutment and the implant. The ceramic abutment body portion additionally includes a metal implant contact portion for contacting the implant and providing a load-bearing, metal-on-metal interface between the abutment and the implant.

Abstract: An improved method for determining the final position of a prosthetic crown and method for drilling a hole suited for a dental implant in a patient's jawbone includes the use of a spacer device. The spacer device comprises a vertical cylindrical barrel portion that selectively couples to industry-standard drill and receives industry-standard drill bits.

Abstract: An implant system may comprise implants, abutments, cylinders and a structural framework with a veneer thereon. A prosthesis comprises the structural framework and veneer. The cylinders are provided with grooves or shelves thereon to retain a structural framework thereon. The structural framework may comprise fiber reinforced composite material which is disposed on and around the cylinders to provide the framework for a prosthesis. Abutments are provided for single or small implant systems wherein the abutments comprise mechanical retentive features such as grooves, holes, nodules or beads thereon for retaining polymeric material thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for making dental records, particularly bite registrations for confirming the location, size, height and/or orientation of dental implants. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device and method for making a bite record for restoring teeth using internally configured dental implants. The device may comprise a sterile, plastic, press-fit component, made in varying lengths and in appropriate diameters to work with varying implant platform dimensions. The device may be a single piece component that does not require screw retention.

Abstract: A dental implant system includes bone growth promoting material configured for disposal within a body cavity about an implant. A protective element is configured to overlay the bone growth promoting material. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: For a resilient mounting of a spider die onto a dental prosthetic suprastructure on a male spider mold, at least one retention element is molded onto a sleeve, and the retention element has a substantially occlusal alignment. The at least one retention element extends across the entire length of the sleeve and has a head having a connecting neck in its cross-section. In this manner, retention undercuts are formed on both sides of the connecting neck. The connecting neck of the at least one retention element is molded at an offset as opposed to the crown line of the sleeve. A spider die is thus created, which has an improved retention with an increased retention force at a smaller installation height.

Abstract: The guide pin in accordance with the present invention has an elongated body made from a ceramic material capable of bone density indication and comprising multiple coaxial cylindrical sections of different heights and diameters.

Abstract: The arrangement for fastening a dental prosthesis to a male bar including a female housing that is connectable to the dental prosthesis and at least two inserts that are insertable into the female housing and extend over the male bar when the female housing is attached to the latter. The arrangement allows a simpler adjustment of the retention force that retains the female housing on the male bar.

Abstract: The device for fastening a dental prosthesis includes a bar patrix (20) and a connecting part (10), which can be attached to the dental prosthesis and has a recess into which the bar patrix can be inserted and which is surrounded by two side walls (11, 12) connected via a ceiling element (13). The side walls (11, 12) and the ceiling element (13) are shaped such that the dental prosthesis, when it is placed on the bar patrix (20) via the connecting part (10) attached thereon, rests on the bar patrix via a first (11), a second (12) and a third support location (13c), wherein in each case a free space (14a, 14b) is present between the first and third support locations and the second and third support locations.

Abstract: A detachment-prevented removable double-crown prosthetic appliance includes an internal crown member, which has an outside surface to which two resilient retention clamping strips are mounted, each of the resilient retention clamping strips including a root section that is fixed to the outside surface of the internal crown member and a spring section extending from the root section, the spring sections of the resilient retention clamping strips being spaced by a gap that has a reduced neck portion forming a pass; and an external crown member, which is removably mounted to the internal crown member and has a lower inner portion forming a fitting chamber for removably fitting over the internal crown member, the fitting chamber having an inside surface that forms a retention block that is engageable with the resilient retention clamping strips so as to securely but removably couple the external crown member to the internal crown member.

Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could be a methodology of creating a proposed sulcus emergence profile for a dental implant surgical site, comprising of the following steps obtaining data of a specific patient's mouth needed to create a computer-generated virtual model of that patient's mouth; processing said obtained data to create a computer-generated virtual model of the patient's mouth; comparing virtual model data as it pertains to a site map of a proposed dental implant surgical site with virtual model data as it pertains to a site map of a mirror location in the mouth of the surgical site, allowing the mirror location site map to be transposed and overlaid upon the site map of the surgical site; and creating from that comparison of virtual model data, a proposed sulcus emergence profile for the implant surgical site.

Abstract: A connection device for connecting a prosthesis structure with an implant structure comprises a holding shell and a retention insert. The retention insert comprises an end side and a substantially ring-shaped retention rim projecting therefrom. The holding shell comprises an end side and a substantially ring-shaped holding rim projecting therefrom. The holding rim and the end side of the holding shell form a retainer in which the retention insert can be arranged such that an outer surface of the retention rim is adjacent to an inner surface of the holding rim. Moreover, the outer surface of the retention rim is at least partly spaced from and adjacent to the inner surface of the holding rim when the retention insert is arranged in the retainer of the holding shell and when essentially no radial forces are acting on the holding rim and on the retention rim.

Abstract: Abutment for a dental implant (50), with an apical end (4) and with a coronal end (6) arranged opposite the apical end in the longitudinal direction. In the area of the apical end (4), the abutment has an insert portion (8) which is designed to be received by an opening of the dental implant and which has an anti-rotation segment (10) comprising at least one anti-rotation element (27) which is designed to cooperate with a corresponding mating anti-rotation element (53) of the dental implant (50). The anti-rotation element (27) comprises a groove (18?, 18?) which, from the edge of the anti-rotation segment (10) directed toward the apical end (4), extends in the coronal longitudinal direction along a groove portion (14) with a substantially constant groove width.

Abstract: A transfer coping configured to take an impression of an implant is disclosed. The transfer coping has an impression material contact portion and an implant mating portion. The implant mating portion has at least one support portion and at least one deflection portion configured to be received within an opening on a coronal portion of an implant. The at least one protrusion is disposed on the at least one deflection portion and is configured to engage in a snap-fit manner with a coordinating feature of an implant. A method for identifying the position of an implant in a patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for performing an inferior lift in the sinus includes preparing an initial opening in the bone that is drilled to a depth just prior to reaching a sinus floor. Using a sonic drilling device, a final portion of the sinus floor is removed until a schneiderian membrane is reached. A bone graft is inserted into the opening, lift said schneiderian membrane. After ossification of the bone graft, an implant is inserted into the opening and graft.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an analog implant for a dental model which has such a geometry as to allow its height positioning, axial positioning and angular orientation in a bore or blind hole of a dental model, the analog implant having a distal portion and a proximal portion, where the proximal portion has a rotationally symmetric geometry in a cross-section which is perpendicular to the axis of the proximal portion, where the rotationally symmetric geometry is adapted to ensure securing against rotation and repositioning of the analog implant in a bore or blind hole of a dental model, the external geometry of the proximal portion being such that the analog implant can be removed from the dental model, and where a proximally positioned shoulder of the distal portion forms a height stop which allows precise height positioning of the analog implant on the dental model or on the soft tissue of the dental model, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a dental restoration (40), the method comprising the steps of providing a metallic frame (21) having an inner and an outer surface, applying one or more opaque layer(s) (23) or composition on the outer surface of the metallic frame, providing a facing precursor (31) having a volume A, mating the facing precursor on the outer surface of the metallic frame coated with the opaque layer using a mating composition to obtain a dental restoration intermediate, firing the dental restoration intermediate to a temperature where the facing precursor sinters to obtain a sintered facing having the volume B, and optionally applying a stain and/or glacing layer on the outer surface of the sintered facing. The invention also relates to a dental restoration obtainable by such a process.

Abstract: Dental implant, comprising an abutment (2) for connection with a fixture (1) by means of a Morse-taper coupling, with the installation of a truncated-cone shank (21) of the abutment (2) into a corresponding cavity (11) exhibited by the fixture (1), the said abutment (2) being provided with an appendix, having polygonal cross-section (22), which is positioned below said shank (21) and to be fitted into a corresponding impression (12) provided in the bottom of the said cavity (11) of fixture (1), the abutment being also provided, on the side opposite to said appendix (22) with respect to said shank (21), with a portion (20, 24) intended for supporting a dental prosthesis (D), the said appendix (22) can be rotated about its longitudinal axis, relative to the said shank (21) of the abutment (2).

Abstract: The present inventions is an abutment for use with a dental implant. The abutment comprises a prosthetic portion adapted to support a prosthesis thereon and an insert. The prosthetic portion has a subgingival end and a supragingival region for protruding beyond gingiva adjacent to the dental implant. The prosthetic portion has a passageway extending therethrough. The passageway includes an enlarged retention groove and non-round section. The insert extends into the passageway and engages the subgingival end of the prosthetic portion. The insert includes flexible retention fingers that, upon insertion into the passageway, initially contract before reaching the enlarged retention groove and then expand outwardly into the enlarged retention groove to hold the insert onto the prosthetic portion. The insert also has a non-round section for mating with the non-round section of the passageway.

Abstract: An impression cap or other dental coping is designed to removably engage a dental component such as an abutment, implant and/or and analog in an aligned orientation. The coping includes at least one substantially rigid aligning rib that extends from the inner coronal and side surfaces of the coping and removably engages a groove formed in the corresponding surface of the dental component. The coping may also include a substantially flat aligning surface positioned opposite to the aligning rib in the interior of the coping that contacts a corresponding flat surface on the dental component. The aligning rib and optional flat aligning surface facilitate consistent and precise orientation and positioning of the impression cap or other coping on the dental component, prevent rotation between the coping and component, and also provide a tactile and/or visual indication to the user when the coping and component are not properly aligned.

Abstract: Screw (100), surgical driver (400), kit and torque key (500) to fix a prosthesis (200) on a dental implant (300). The screw (100) has a pin comprising fixing means arranged to fix the screw (100) in the implant (300) in a detachable way; a head, to house the prosthesis (200). The head comprises a protruding area which is mostly spherical and has curved-concave meridional sunken areas (110) to receive a grip (410, 510) of a handling tool (400, 500) for the screw (100); with a latitude between ±80°, with respect to the equator (E) of the head. The surgical driver (400) has a work part comprising fastening means with a shape which combines with the shape of the head of the screw (100). The kit comprises the surgical driver (400), the screw (100) and a protective cap (450). The torque key (500) has a similar configuration to that of the surgical driver (400).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rapid prototype overmold for locating a dental implant analog in a modified stone model for use in creating a tooth prosthesis is provided. An impression of a mouth having a first installation site that has a dental implant and a gingival healing abutment with at least one informational marker installed is taken. A stone model based on the impression is prepared. The model is scanned. A three-dimensional computer model of the installation site on a CAD program using data from the scan is created. The at least one informational marker is determined to gather information about the location of the dental implant. Abutment dimensional information based on the three-dimensional image and the at least one informational marker is developed. Overmold rapid prototype dimensional information based on the three-dimensional image is developed. The overmold rapid prototype adapted to fit over the modified stone model is fabricated.

Abstract: Disclosed within is a dental restorative system including an impression coping with a body portion having a first end, a second end, and an internal chamber having non-frustoconical side walls. The body portion also has a facial aspect and a lingual aspect and the distance between the first end and second end on the facial aspect is greater than the distance between the first end and second end on the lingual aspect. The first end of the impression coping may include an opening and an interproximal, continuous slope. Certain embodiments of the impression coping include means for engaging an abutment or implant, located on the internal chamber. Other embodiments include external flange portions for retention of the coping in impression material. Alternative embodiments of the impression coping are also disclosed.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate to a transport prosthesis and a distraction device, which is surgically implanted against a bone, for the purpose of growing new bone through the process of distraction. The transport prosthesis is designed to be affixed to a patient's jaw to support the distraction device. The distraction device comprises a screw mechanism that attaches to a threaded post, which extends through tissue from an onlay plate that is surgically placed on the alveolar bone. After a brief, latent period, the screw mechanism is then activated daily until the desired amount of new bone growth is achieved.

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: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for testing attachment quality of a dental crown attached to a tooth and/or implant. The method comprises the steps of: detecting at least one resonance frequency of a member when it is in contact with said crown or a part attached to the crown; and interpreting the detected resonance frequency in terms of the degree of attachment of the crown to a tooth.

Abstract: Milling strategies for machining dental ceramic materials are provided that reduce milling time while maintaining strength, accuracy and marginal integrity.

Abstract: Improvedly storage stable dental compositions useful for the preparation of dental prostheses and for dental restoration containing a uniquely pretreated dental filler material.

Abstract: An improved novelty teeth device for use with a user's teeth movable between a first concealed position and a second visible position. The novelty teeth device has a pair of spaced apart tooth wells for receiving the user's teeth. Between the tooth wells is a central lever element that connects and interacts with two rods, each of which is inserted across each tooth well. The other end of each rod is connected to a curve arm. At the distal end of each curve arm is one or more teeth elements. When the central lever element is pivoted up or down, it rotates the rods, which causes the curve arms to move up or down, concealing or revealing the teeth elements, respectively. A moldable putty can be used in the tooth well to improve comfort to the user.

Abstract: A locking cap for dental implants embedded in hard dental tissue, such as tooth stubs or bones. The locking caps are ovoidal in plan view and may be formed of materials, such as non-adherent polymers, that are rigid, but softer than the material of the dental implant.