Abstract: A fixture (301) of a dental implant system for implantation in bone tissue (312, 314) of the maxilla or mandible by displacement thereof in a forward direction for supporting a superstructure such as an abutment, the fixture having a forward end, a rearward end (330) which presents an interfacing surface (350) for interfacing with an interfacing surface of the superstructure and an outer surface (305) which forwardly of a predetermined position (307) on the outer surface is adapted for interlocking with bone tissue of the maxilla or mandible. The interfacing surface of the fixture is structurally isolated from the fixture outer surface to a level which is both forwardly of the interfacing surface and the predetermined position on the fixture outer surface.

Abstract: An abutment lock utilized with an implant anchor which has a substantially smooth axial bore which may have longitudinal guide grooves formed therein. The abutment element has an insertion end which is also substantially smooth and which terminates in an oblique lower surface. A bore through the abutment allows a threaded bolt to engage a wedge nut having a cooperatively formed oblique surface and a plurality of guide protrusions such that rotation of the bolt urges the nut against the abutment oblique surfaces thereby urging the smooth surfaces of the nut and abutment into intimate surface to surface contact with the cylindrical wall of the anchor. The relatively large surface area in compressive contact between the abutment and the anchor resists movement between the components.

Abstract: An impression system includes an impression cap (4) for transferring an end, protruding from a human tissue structure, of an implant (1) which is fitted in the human body, including possible superstructures, to a master cast. The outwardly directed implant end has an undercut contour on its outside, and the impression cap (4) has a geometry which complements the undercut contour and engages therein. The undercut contour is formed either by an implant geometry tapering in a trumpet shape towards the implant bed, or by a recess near the implant end. Taking an impression and producing a master cast are greatly simplified with the impression system. In addition, the actual geometrical situation on the patient can be transferred to the master cast with greater precision.

Abstract: A method of designing a dental prosthesis model, such as a bridge or a crown. The method includes measuring a three-dimensional configuration of a dentition of a subject in order to obtain configuration data of upper and lower jaw dentitions of a subject. The dentition configuration data is stored. Also stored is pontic model data defining standard pontic model configurations corresponding to the configurations of individual teeth. The pontic model is expressed as a combination of patches that are stored as configuration expression data, and morphology definition data indicating a characteristic morphology of the teeth of the pontic model. The pontic model data is read out, corresponding to a tooth or teeth where the dental prosthesis is to be placed. Based on the read-out pontic model data, crown model data indicating a crown region is made. The crown model data is displayed so that it can be superimposed on a dentition configuration diagram.

Abstract: A system and method for filling a dental occlusion with a metal free prosthesis. The method begins by surgically implanting at least one dental implant fixture within the mouth in the area of the occlusion. Once the implant fixture is healed, an abutment is added to each dental implant fixture. An impression of the area of the occlusion is taken directly over any abutment. The impression is used to create a dental model of the area of the occlusion. A metal free prosthesis is fabricated from the model. The metal free prosthesis is then anchored to the abutments.

Abstract: In a method of adapting a bridge structure (22) with a plurality of connectors (23) such that the bridge structure fits anchoring elements in a patient's jaw, a reference plane (27) for the bridge structure and a reference plane (21) for a model (20) of a patient's jaw are determined. Moreover, extension members (30) are mounted on each of the anchoring elements (24) in the model. Prior to the actual adaptation, the bridge structure and the model are mounted such that their reference planes extend in a predetermined plane. A tool is controlled to shorten each of the extension membes and each of the connectors such that their end surfaces are parallel with the predetermined plane after shortening.

Abstract: An expandable dental implant which is less traumatically inserted and can immediately receive functional loading to support a dental prosthesis upon insertion into the patient's mouth. The expandable implant is constructed as an inflatable balloon, which has a first, relatively smaller diameter prior to insertion into the patient's mouth. The implant is provided with an insertion end, for insertion into a formed bore in the patient's jaw bone. Upon insertion into the bone, the balloon can be inflated into a second, larger diameter profile by filling the hollow interior of the balloon using an appropriate hardening material, which applies pressure against the interior walls of the implant, allowing the implant to inflate within the bone and to fixate. Upon inflation of the implant, a dental crown can immediately be added to the implant's attachment end.

Abstract: A dental attachment assembly has an abutment member for attachment to a tooth root, implant, or adjacent tooth, and a male member for hinged engagement in a cap secured in a dental appliance. The male and abutment members are designed for releasable snap engagement to secure the members together. A skirt projects from the upper end of the male retention member and engages an outer locating surface of the abutment member as the members are secured together, acting to align the male member with the abutment members.

Abstract: A two-piece dental abutment having a cuff portion that is removable from a upper portion. The cuff is made from a material different than the upper portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a temporary ball impression coping (1) for use during the preparation of a overdenture having ball attachment devices for attaching said overdenture to fixtures in the jaw. The coping (1) is provided with a bore (4) for cooperation with a ball part on said ball attachment device. The bore has a cross-section which is polygonal in shape.

Abstract: A denture retaining unit comprises a ball and socket structure, the socket being adapted for incorporation into a denture. The ball is a truncated sphere providing a flat face for magnetic engagement with a flat face of a magnetizable keeper, which keeper is adapted to be secured to a support member extending from the jaw. The unit permits lateral and/or angular movement between the denture in which the socket is embedded and the keeper, while the flat faces of the keeper and the sphere remain fully magnetically engaged. The sphere and the keeper have interengaging portions for limiting lateral movement therebetween and for preventing disengagement of the flat faces of the keeper and the sphere.

Abstract: A two-piece abutment system is disclosed. The first part includes a tapering inner surface which is part of a bore extending entirely through the first part. The first part includes a socket for mating with a boss or post on a dental implant. The elongated second part includes a threaded stem for engaging a threaded bore with a dental implant and a post which extends above the first part. The second part extends through the bore of the first part and is screwed into the implant. As the second part is screwed into the implant, a tapering external surface on the post of the second part frictionally locks with the tapering inner surface of the first part. The first part has a metallic core which is surrounded by a ceramic outer portion.

Abstract: A dental implant system for providing a progressively tightening anti-rotational connection between a post and a socket. Engagement means on the post and/or socket provide for a small degree of relative rotation between the post and socket upon initial connection, then a progressively tightening connection upon further penetration of the post into the socket and then a final connection which substantially eliminates the relative rotation between the post and socket.

Abstract: A device and method is presented for enhancing the shape, mass, and strength of alveolar and intramembranous bone, primarily in areas of bony deficit. In one embodiment, the device is made up of a hollow body which forms a housing to contain a drive train and provide a surface for attaching mounting elements. A worm gear activating element which meshes with a threaded lead screw acts as the drive train. A carrier is coupled by threads to the lead screw. As the worm gear is turned, the lead screw rotates and causes the carrier to move along the axis of rotation of the lead screw. In this embodiment, the soft tissue in a region of tooth loss is reflected to expose the atrophic bone site. A piece of bone harvested from the exposed area or other bone attractant material is attached to the carrier. The soft tissue is adapted over the carrier and sutured, and the assembly is attached to available dental structures.

Abstract: A device for securing one or a plurality of teeth to the alveolar bone (60) of a patient is disclosed. The device includes osseointegratable parts (80), each of which has a screw-threaded fixture part (2a), an intermediate part (6a) and a head part (44a) which is generally dome-shaped A bridge (48) which may support one or a plurality of teeth is arranged to co-operate with the osseointegratable part (80) by means of dimples (52) in the bridge engaging respective head parts (44a), the bridge being secured in position by respective screws (62). As an alternative to a one-piece osseointegratablc part (80), an osseointegratable part which comprises three components is also described. A method of securing one or a plurality of teeth to the alveolar bone, a method of cosmetic treatment and a method of manufacturing parts of the device are also described.

Abstract: A dental prosthodontic apparatus including an abutment which is implanted into the jaw of a patient and which is provided with a slot which accepts fitted risers of different lengths. The end of the riser is substantially flat and forms a shelf and the length of the riser is selected so that when the riser is inserted into the slot, the end is approximately level with the gum line of the patient. When a prostheses is mounted to the abutment, the proximal margin of the prosthesis forms a gap between the margin of the prosthesis and the shelf formed by the inserted riser. The gap provides opposed surfaces against which a prying instrument can be worked in the event the prosthesis needs to be removed from the abutment.

Abstract: Dental implant system, method and apparatus of the type wherein an implant fixture is configured at least at a distal end thereof for implanted anchoring in a jawbone of a patient and has an internally threaded bore axially disposed therein and opening centrally through a gingival end of the fixture. A threaded fastening member having a distal end portion, an axially opposite gingival end portion and an externally threaded shank portion located axially between the end portions is removably threadably engaged in the internal threads of the fixture bore. A retrieval passageway extends axially in the fastening member and opens at axially opposite ends in the respective end portions of the fastening member.

Abstract: A support post for use with a dental implant for supporting a prosthesis thereon is disclosed. The support post includes an implant-contacting region and a supragingival core section which extends from the trans-tissue region for supporting a prosthesis. An interface member is secured to the post at the bottom of the implant-contacting region for abutment between the implant-contacting region and an implant to which the post is to be secured. The interface member has material properties different from those from which the post is made and compatible with those of the implant. Typically the support post is made of ceramic material while the insert is made of titanium having hardness properties no greater than that of the implant with which it is used.

Abstract: An occlusal registration coping (10) having a base member (11) adapted to be attached by an integral screw (13) to an implant within the jaw or to an implant abutment, and a head member (12). The base member and the head member being detachably connected together, by ridges or ribs (19) which interlock with grooves or indentations (16) and formed around a projection (15) on the base member and around the inside of a matching socket (18) in the head member. The end of the base member remote from the implant or abutment to which it is adapted to be attached contains a socket (17) of hexagonal cross-sectional shape and adapted to receive a tool of matching cross-section whereby the base member can be screwed into the implant or abutment to form a screw connection therebetween. A set of copings may be provided comprising a plurality of different base members and a plurality of color coded head members of different lengths.

Abstract: A method of producing a working model for preparation of a clinical crown for attachment to an implant fixture in the mouth of a patient is described in which a laboratory analog, on which the crown is mounted during preparation, is formed as an assembly including a fixed sleeve and a detachable pin and wherein the crown-receiving portion of the pin element of the assembly replicates the crown-receiving portion of the implant fixture. The analog sleeve is fixedly mounted in a base segment of the model so that the analog pin bearing a crown to be prepared threadedly connected thereto can be removed from and returned to mounted installation in the model by simple sliding movement between the pin and sleeve. Also described is the resultant working model construction and the particular analog elements which also form parts of the invention.

Abstract: An abutment-mount for a dental implant has a longitudinally extending axis with a first end, an opposite second end and a peripheral surface. The abutment-mount is used for delivering the dental implant to a prepared site of a jawbone with an implant drive tool and is also used as a device for securing a dental prosthesis to the dental implant. The abutment-mount includes a screw, or other fastener for securing the abutment-mount to the implant. A surface is provided for attaching the dental prosthesis to the abutment-mount adjacent the first end. A structure is provided for transferring rotational force from the implant drive tool to the implant through the abutment-mount. An implant kit includes an abutment-mount, an implant and an abutment screw.

Abstract: In a two-part dental implant including an implant body and an implant abutment mounted onto the implant body, a metal layer is galvanically deposited on the contact area of the implant body or the abutment and the two are firmly engaged by a mounting screw generating a contact force which is sufficient to cause plastic deformation of the galvanically deposited metal layer which, in this way, fills any gaps between the implant body and the abutment.

Abstract: A dental implant is provided that can be firmly fixed in an oral cavity, even if the amount of bone required to embed the implant is small. A necessary amount of bone can be secured by generating new bone so that the fixture part of the implant can be fixed in the bone. The fixture part of the implant includes several members movably connected to each other so that the fixture part is adjustable in length. The fixture part includes a first member made up of an uppermost member, a middle member, and an end member. It is preferred that the middle member be cylindrical or rod-shaped with male screws extending radially outwardly from an outer circumferential periphery thereof. The fixture part also includes a second member which is a hollow cylinder. It is preferred that the hollow cylinder have a tapped hole on one end with female screw on an inner periphery thereof so that the middle member of the first member can be screwed into the second member.

Abstract: A narrow channel is provided in an dental abutment post to allow excess dental cement to flow out of the interstitial space between the dental abutment and the overlying prosthesis. During the seating of the prosthesis the excess dental cement is channeled to and extruded from a preferred collection point for easy removal. Hydrostatic pressure and trapped gasses that would tend to lift the prosthesis into a non-fitting position or form a weakened cemented bond of uneven thickness are prevented by this apparatus and method to relieve pressure.

Abstract: A converter assembly for converting a dental implant having a threaded bore is shown having a cylindrical converter pin (22) with one end portion (24) threaded for reception in the threaded bore of the inplant. An opposite end portion (26) is formed with a locking taper which is receivable in a bore (34) of an abutment member (30) having a matching locking taper.

Abstract: An osteo-integrated implant utilizes a metal seal formed on the outer diameter of the implant components spaced axially from the annular seat or junction of the components. The sealing surface of one component is machined on the internal diameter of a counter-bored cylindrical member extending over the junction to engage the outer diameter of the other component. The mating surface is formed on the outer diameter and is machined such that an interference fit exists between the two surfaces when the abutment is fully seated in the implant. The design allows for both radial and axial micro motion without compromise to the sealing effectiveness.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device and method of achieving a passive fit between a dental implant-supported metal bar or framework and dental implants located within a patient's mouth. The present invention comprises the steps of fabricating the dental implant-supported metal bar, contacting the metal bar and the plurality of dental implant analogs within a dental cast, and correcting the fit of the metal bar by inductively heating the dental implant-supported bar, thereby achieve the desired passive fit.

Abstract: A medical device which comprises a shape memory alloy (SMA) portion which is deformable from an undeformed first configuration assumed by it in an austenitic state of the SMA to a deformed second configuration, whereby the SMA is converted into a strain-induced martensite or partial martensite. This conversion increases the temperature of transformation (A.sub.s) from an initial transformation temperature A.sub.s .degree. to a temperature A.sub.s '. When the SMA, once in the second configuration, is heated to a temperature higher than A.sub.s ', it transforms to an at least partial austenite and it transforms towards the undeformed first configuration with a decrease of A.sub.s from A.sub.s ' to A.sub.s .degree.. A.sub.s .degree.

Abstract: A dental component attaches to an implant implanted in living jawbone having overlying gingiva. The implant has an apical end embedded within the jawbone and a gingival end near an interface of the gingiva and the jawbone. The dental component comprises a body having a lower region, a gingival region, and a supragingival region. The lower region has an end surface to engage the gingival end of the implant. The gingival region extends through the gingiva and has an outer surface for forming and maintaining an aperture in the gingiva that exposes the gingival end of the implant. The supragingival region has a top surface projecting above the gingiva. The dental component includes a bore for receiving a healing element and for receiving an impression element. The healing element includes a fastener the body to the implant so as to allow the gingiva to heal around the body for an extended period of time thereby forming the aperture.

Abstract: A spacing member for a securing element (fixture) permanently anchored in the jawbone. The spacing member comprises a substantially sleeve-shaped spacing element to be fitted on the securing element and a separate spacing screw. The spacing screw has an elongate, unthreaded middle portion and a threaded portion at its tip for engaging with an internally threaded bore in an upper part of the securing element. The sleeve-shaped spacing element includes a passage extending longitudinally therethrough for receiving the spacing screw. The passage has an internally threaded portion for engaging with the spacing screw, so that the spacing screw, after it has been threaded through the threaded portion, is joined together with the spacing element, and a recess in an upper part of the passage.

Abstract: Dental implant abutment systems, related devices, and implantology processes and techniques. The abutment systems include a base that is adapted to mount in nonrotating fashion on any desired dental implant, root form or blade, from any supplier, together with a fixation screw which secures the base to the implant. A core, to which an abutment is cast in customized shape and form as desired is attached to the base preferably in threaded fashion and secured with an appropriate antirotational mechanism. Alternatively, the core and abutment may be formed using CAM processes. Such abutment systems, unlike prevalent conventional systems, do not require a central access bore in the core or abutment components, and they occupy significantly less volume than conventional abutments.

Abstract: A prosthetic superstructure has a locking device, which can be placed on a spherical head or on a similar connecting part of an implant and fixed to this and which can be accommodated in a dental prosthesis. The locking device includes locking parts, which can be moved by means of an adjusting element into and out of a locking engagement with the spherical head of the implant and the end of the adjusting element, can be actuated by means of an artificial tooth, which is disposed in the dental prosthesis close to the locking device.

Abstract: A ball retainer for spanning and connecting an anchor osteointegrated into the jaw of a person and a dental prosthesis intended to be connected to the anchor. The ball retainer is formed in two separate parts. The first part has a column atop which is mounted a ball for engaging the prosthesis. The column has excess or sacrificial material. The second part has a hexagonal or otherwise non-circular shank for being inserted into and engaging the anchor, atop which is located a platform having a flat top surface. When being utilized in a particular prosthetic installation, excess material of the column is planed or otherwise removed to adjust height of the prosthesis from the anchor. Simultaneously, the cut is oriented appropriately for accommodating misalignment between the anchor and the intended orientation of the prosthesis. Preferably, the column is similar in diameter and cross sectional configuration to the platform of the anchoring member, and both are greater in diameter than the shank.

Abstract: For a dental implant (10) which can be inserted into the jaw bone (1) and which is intended principally as a support for a crown or another superstructure, an anchoring base (30) which s can be fitted releasably on the implant (10) was created for the purpose of preliminary orthodontic treatment. The vertical outer sides of the anchoring base (30) are designed as fastening surfaces (31). A bracket (50) can be fixed on a selected fastening surface (31) by means of a bonding layer (60). Orthodontic apparatus components (70, 71) are fastened on this bracket (50). The anchoring base (30) is screwed onto the implant (10) using an occlusal screw (80) and in the process can be locked in a finely adjustable position of rotation. The eccentrically arranged bore (37) promotes adaptation to the spatial conditions and to the orthodontic task. The anchoring base (30) is suitable for a wide range of types of implants (10) and brackets (50).

Abstract: A drill guide including a location pin, a guide block mechanically linked to the location pin and formed with a through hole for guiding therethrough a drill bit, the guide block being movable relative to the location pin in at least one of six degrees of freedom, and a fastener engageable with the guide block for fixing the guide block relative to the location pin.

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 two-piece abutment system is disclosed. The first part includes a tapering inner surface which is part of a bore extending entirely through the first part. The first part includes a socket for mating with a boss or post on a dental implant. The elongated second part includes a threaded stem for engaging a threaded bore with a dental implant and a post which extends above the first part. The second part extends through the bore of the first part and is screwed into the implant. As the second part is screwed into the implant, a tapering external surface on the post of the second part frictionally locks with the tapering inner surface of the first part.

Abstract: A two part abutment system (50,50' and 64,64',64") is shown for use with a root member (10) implanted in the alveolar bone (16) particularly suited for use when the root member (10) is not positioned sufficiently deep within the the bone to thereby expose portions of the root member. The abutment member (50,50') is formed with a root member shoulder receiving seat in communication with a bore having at least a portion with a non-circular surface. A post (64,64',64") having a non-circular head (66) having a shape conforming to that of non-circular portion of the bore and a shank (68) extending therefrom is received through the bore into the socket (28) of the root member (10). Suitable locking means such as cement is used to fix the abutment to the root member. An adaptor (70, 70') is shown for converting a root member (74) having a threaded bore (72) for use with the two part abutment system of the invention.

Abstract: An elongate supporting part in a replacement construction and a method of production thereof, the replacement construction is intended to be secured in the human body in implants with unique longitudinal courses by using at least one working model in which the longitudinal courses and connection surfaces of the implants are represented by representation members. The method comprising the steps of generating an electrical representation of the outer shape of the working model and providing this information to computer equipment. The computer equipment performs calculations in order to establish an outer shape for the supporting part and generates machining information based on this outer shape which represents the shape of the supporting part. This information is provided to a machining device which machines a blank and an electro erosion tool is created by providing electrodes in a working model at positions of the representation members.

Abstract: A support device or post for fitting into an implant implanted into a patient which is configured to support a dental prosthesis is provided. An upper portion of the post, in one embodiment, has external screw threads for coupling a healing cap. The upper portion of the post may be removed or broken away at a weakened portion or constriction. The support device has a collar which can define various heights or diameters. The support device can be positioned in the implant by mating screw threads with the support device being torqued to a predetermined torque, preferably using a torque wrench which can be set using a non-variable, preferably gravity-based, standard.

Abstract: An anatomical restoration dental implant system which is attachable to an anatomical restoration dental implant fixture which is embedded into a patient's jawbone. The system includes a healing abutment, a large bolt member, a matching abutment head, and a small bolt member. The healing abutment has an intermediate shoulder for accommodating the gingival tissues which surround the patient's jawbone. The intermediate shoulder has a lingual-side portion which is at a higher level and flush with the top end of the healing abutment, a facial-side portion which is at a lower level and adjacent to the bottom end of the healing abutment, and two opposite interproximal-side portions which are gradually changing from the higher level at the lingual-side portion to the lower level at the facial-side portion.

Abstract: An implant has a proximal protrusion that is distinctly non-round even in a worn state, e.g. square in cross section, and may include radial slots for use in threading the implant into the jaw bone. No forces need be applied directly to the protrusion's external surfaces when inserting the slotted implant for subsequent osseointegration.

Abstract: A link to be inserted between a dental implant in a jaw and an artificial tooth, comprising a first screw bolt for fastening the link on the dental implant, and a head portion in the form of a second screw bolt for fastening a tooth holding sleeve. The screw bolts are formed as a unitary one-piece construction, where the mutual angular orientation of both screw bolts is adapted to the jaw, on the one hand, and to the orientation of the artificial tooth, on the other hand.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting and removing a cemented, retrievable prosthodontic appliance by means of a levering instrument applied to the gap between two parallel surfaces, the first surface being a flat-topped ledge of a window on the lingual aspect of a dental prosthesis and the second surface being at least one opposed step or ledge on an artificial implant abutment. This invention combines the evenly stressed strength of a permanently cemented prosthesis with a damage free method of prosthesis removal without undue forces on the underlying implant. A conformal, removable plug of durable polymer fills and is securable within yet removable from the window in the completed restoration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a accusing device (11) for the durable, hard-wearing and reliably scaled arrangement of tooth implants (31). It has an implant body (10) insertable into a prepared drilling in the jawbone and having an axial threaded blind hole (14) for the insertion of a securing screw (16) to accept a crown or bridge body (31). On the annular face (18 or 28) of the screw head (26) and the implant body (10) there is a concentric annular sealing edge (19 or 30) which, when the crown or bridge body (31) is clamped, enters corresponding annular surfaces thereon and thus provides the required seal.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for interconnecting a prosthesis to a bone of a patient includes a first component adapted for direct attachment to the bone. The first component has a longitudinally extending aperture including an upper portion defined by a smooth surface and a lower portion defined by a plurality of internal threads. The mounting arrangement additionally includes a second component adapted to abut the first component. The second component includes a generally cylindrical channel passing longitudinally therethrough. Further, the mounting arrangement includes a threaded fastener including an upper segment having a smooth surface and a lower segment including a plurality of external threads for meshing engagement with the plurality of internal threads. The upper segment passes through the generally cylindrical channel and it extends partially into the aperture.

Abstract: An implant abutment system uses a combination of an implant anchor, an abutment having a plurality of connection features for connecting to the implant, and a locking pin for locking the abutment into the implant. The implant anchor includes an axial bore on a superior end having inner surface features matching outer surface features of the inferior end of the abutment. The cooperative operation of these features prevents abutment rotation once the abutment is positioned within the implant and also provides indexability for angled abutments. Such anti-rotation features are accomplished with matching splines and flutes machined on the cooperative surfaces between the abutment exterior and the implant bore inner surface. The invention also provides a retention feature for locking the abutment into the implant consisting of a resilient segmented end having a retention surface positioned to match a cooperatively formed surface in the implant bore.

Abstract: A method for producing artificial supporting members in the human body is provided. In a first manufacturing stage, at least two support part members are matched together by machining contact surfaces on the supporting part members via which the supporting members are joined. Also during this stage, positional information regarding the relative positions of the contact surfaces and the supporting part members is identified. In a second manufacturing stage, the supporting part members are joined together using the positional information and are applied on a bearing member in relation to a plane. The plane extends at right angles with respect to a selected direction of the supporting member parts when they are in their matched positions. At least one of a wire feeding track and the bearing member are moved whereby the position of the wire feeding track is altered with respect to the plane. The wire feeding track is moved to cross connection portions of the supporting part members.

Abstract: A tissue-enhancing adjustable device having an abutment assembly and an coronally adjustable coping assembly adapted to fit virtually all dental implant devices. The coping assembly has a rotatable coping adjuster and a threaded section thereon extending from its bottom toward its top and being in mating cooperation with a threaded bore on the abutment assembly. A tension device on the coping adjuster is adapted to exert tension on the coping assembly in an coronal direction and away from the abutment assembly at all times, particular during the adjustment process. The outer surface of the coping assembly has an annular skirt adjacent to a lower section which is of a roughened texture up to a point above the annular skirt. This facilitates better tissue growth around a post-operative site and permits adherence of tissue to the coping assembly and further permits future coronal adjustments without disturbing the tissue.

Abstract: A second stage healing abutment for forming and preserving in the mucosa above a dental implant a transmucosal opening large enough to receive an artificial tooth that faithfully replicates a natural tooth being restored, and a companion transfer coping having identical transmucosal portions for forming in a laboratory model a faithful replica of the transmucosal opening made of a resilient gingiva replicating material in which to fabricate the artificial tooth, and methods of using the same.