USRE43470E1 - Dental implant systems and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

A dental implant system having a temporary abutment made of plastic. An impression coping, also made of plastic, is attached to the temporary abutment using a snap fit. This snap fit obviates the need to remove the temporary abutment during the process of taking an impression of the mouth in the area around an implant. The cap may be provided for the temporary abutment that is attached thereto using the same snap fit mechanism. The snap fit mechanism comprises projections formed on one of the components and recesses formed on the other of the components, where the projections engage the recesses to maintain the components in a desired position relative to each other against incidental force. However, these components may be separated by deliberate application of manual force when required.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/006,955, which was filed on Nov. 17, 1995.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to prosthodontic methods and apparatus and, more specifically, to such methods and apparatus that simplify the making of dental impressions employed to fabricate a restorative tooth prosthesis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many systems and methods are currently available for replacing lost teeth. These systems and methods comprise the following basic steps. First, an implant is threaded into a cavity formed in the patient's jaw at the location of a lost tooth. The implant is then allowed to osseointegrate with the jaw bone. A technician will then fabricate a prosthetic tooth on a permanent abutment member. The permanent abutment member is then attached to the implant to mount the prosthetic tooth at its appropriate location. In this context, the permanent abutment member forms the structural attachment between the prosthetic tooth and the implant, and the prosthetic tooth functionally and aesthetically replaces the exposed portion of the lost tooth.

It should be clear that this basic process can be employed when replacing a plurality of teeth as well as when replacing a single tooth. In the following discussion, the present invention is described in the context of replacing a single tooth; but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the principles of the present invention are equally applicable to the replacement of more than one tooth at a time.

The step of fabricating the prosthetic tooth varies with the particular patient but requires that the position of the implant be captured so that the resulting prosthesis performs as required both functionally and aesthetically. If the position of the implant is not accurately captured, the resulting prosthesis may not function properly and may not look natural when attached to the implant.

The prosthesis fabrication process comprises the steps of taking an impression of the area of the lost tooth and, with the impression, forming a model of the area of the lost tooth. The process of taking the impression comprises the steps of attaching an impression coping to the implant, injecting hardenable impression material into the area surrounding the impression coping, and, when the impression material hardens, removing the impression material with the impression coping encased therein. To fabricate the model, an analog of the implant is then attached to the impression coping encased in the impression. Hardenable model material is then placed around the implant analog and allowed to harden. The model, with the implant analog buried therein, is then removed from the impression.

The position of the implant analog in the model should, and in most systems will, reflect the position of the implant in the mouth; that is, the model will contain surfaces corresponding to the surfaces of the teeth and soft tissue, with these model surfaces being accurately located relative to the implant analog. If the model accurately reflects the position of the implant in the mouth, a technician can accurately fabricate the prosthetic tooth in a laboratory setting.

While most currently available systems for replacing lost teeth allow the fabrication of a model that accurately reflects the position of the implant in the mouth, these systems each have drawbacks that, in general, result in the process of replacing lost teeth being fairly complicated and expensive.

To the Applicant's knowledge, all of the currently available systems and methods employ metal parts down to the implant during the process of taking the impression. Such metal parts are precision machined and thus relatively expensive. Although metal parts are in theory reusable, they must be sterilized between each use. And even if sterilized, these metal parts are often difficult to clean completely. Accordingly, in practice these parts are often discarded after being used once to eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination.

The use of metal parts also increases the complexity of previously available systems or methods for replacing lost teeth. More specifically, during the process of taking an impression and subsequently creating a model from that impression, it is necessary to temporarily join two components together (i.e., the impression coping is joined to the implant and the implant analog is joined to the impression coping). Using currently available systems, whenever two metal components are temporarily joined together, one of two methods must be used: (a) one of the components must be directly threaded onto the other; or (b) one of the components is internally threaded, the other component is unthreaded, and a separate screw engages the threaded component to attach the unthreaded component to the threaded component.

In the case where both of the components are threaded, one component is usually fixed and the other is rotated relative to the fixed component. For one component to be directly threaded onto another, one of these components must be freely rotatable relative to the other. For example, in certain systems, healing abutments are provided with a threaded post extending therefrom. To attach the healing abutment to the implant, the healing abutment is rotated relative to the implant such that the threaded post formed thereon is received within the threaded cavity defined by the implant.

Rotating one component relative to the other is not possible in many situations; for example, this is not possible when one of the components is an implant fixed within the mouth and the other is an impression coping fixed within an impression.

Accordingly, with previously available systems, the various components employed are attached to each other using threaded screws during the process of taking an impression and making a model therefrom. A screw is used to securely attach the impression coping to the implant while the impression material is injected around the impression coping. And a screw is also used to attach the implant analog to the impression coping during the process of making the model from the impression.

The use of screws to attach the impression coping onto the implant increases the complexity of the process of taking the impression. The dentist must thread the screw into the implant before the impression is taken and remove the screw from the implant to remove the impression from the mouth.

Another important drawback of prior art systems and methods of replacing teeth is that these systems commonly employ 20-30 components each having a specific purpose. Many of these components work only with a specific subset of other components.

In any case, all of the components of a given system must kept in inventory. And accurate records be kept to ensure that the oral surgeon, dentist, and laboratory technician all have the right parts at the right time. Further, because these components are small and many differ only in size, the difference between one component and another incompatible component may not be obvious to the naked eye, possibly resulting in confusion among various similar looking parts.

The fact that certain components work only with certain other components reduces the flexibility of the system. For example, in certain prior art systems, the permanent abutment member must be selected prior to the process of making the impression because a particular impression coping must be used for the selected permanent abutment. If, subsequently, the dentist or laboratory technician determines that another type of permanent abutment is more appropriate, a new impression with a different impression coping must be made.

RELATED ART

Perhaps the most common commercially available dental implant system is marketed by Branemark. The Branemark system employs a large number of metal components that are relatively expensive. Additionally, as generally discussed above, the dentist must decide at the time the impression is made what type of permanent abutment will be used to fabricated the prosthetic tooth. This reduces the flexibility of the overall process, because a new impression must be taken if it is later determined that a different type of permanent abutment member is more appropriate.

Branemark also markets a specialized single tooth dental implant system under the trade name CeraOne. The CeraOne process employs a titanium abutment that is attached to an implant after second stage surgery. This abutment has an elongate exposed portion that extends substantially above the gum line, and a flexible, synthetic polymer healing cover is placed over the abutment while the tissue heals after second stage surgery.

To take an impression using the CeraOne product, impression material is placed around the healing cover and allowed to harden. The impression is removed from the mouth, with the healing cover sliding off of the exposed elongate portion of the healing abutment.

The CeraOne product may be used to replace only a single tooth; the cover that slips on and off of the elongate projection on the healing abutment prevents an impression being taken of more than one implant because the implants are normally not parallel. The covers would not be able to slip off the non-parallel projections on the healing abutments. And in practice, this cover is typically not used while the gum tissue is allowed to heal after second stage surgery because the material from which it is made tends to absorb odors and become unclean even during this relatively short period.

A third type of relevant dental implant system is marketed by 3I under the trade name EPS. The EPS system is similar to the Branemark system in that it uses a large number of metal components. The EPS system is also typical in that members such as healing abutments or caps are threaded to allow them to be directly attached to the implant. And the EPS system employs a separate screw to attach impression copings and permanent abutments onto the implant.

The need thus exists for dental implant systems and methods that are simple to implement, allow the dental professional flexibility in the selection of permanent abutments, require fewer steps during fabrication of the prosthetic tooth, and are less expensive than those currently available on the marketplace.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

From the foregoing, it should be apparent that one object of the present invention is to provide an improved systems and methods for replacing lost teeth.

Another more specific object of the present invention is to provide such methods and systems having a favorable mix of the following characteristics:

• • minimizes the use of expensive, precision milled components;
  • reduces the number of parts that must be kept on hand to implement such systems and methods;
  • employs low profile parts that allow a flapper to be worn after first and second stage surgery before the prosthetic tooth is permanently attached to the implant;
  • simplifies the process of taking an impression
  • accurately captures the emergence profile of one or more implants in a patient's mouth;
  • delays the decision on which type of permanent abutment will be used to maintain for as long as possible flexibility in the selection of the permanent abutment member;
  • allows the use of techniques that are suitable for mass production resulting in components that may be discarded after a single use to prevent cross-contamination; and
  • can be used with implants and permanent abutments currently available on the market.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other objects are obtained by the present invention, which is a system or method for replacing lost teeth. The present invention employs a temporary abutment that is attached to an implant member during second stage surgery. This temporary abutment member is left on the implant when the dentist makes an impression of the area of the mouth surrounding the implant. To capture the location of the implant, an impression feather is attached to the temporary abutment using a snap fit. The temporary abutment and impression coping are both made of plastic and one of these is provided with the projection and the other with an indentation. The projection engages the indentation when the impression coping is in the appropriate position relative to the temporary abutment and maintains the impression coping in this position throughout the process of injecting impression material around the impression coping.

When the impression material hardens, the entire impression may be simply lifted away from the implant. The snap fit that mounts the impression coping on to the temporary abutment is designed to allow manual removal of the impression coping, and thus the impression itself, from the implant.

From the foregoing description, it should be seen that the dentist does not need to remove the temporary abutment before making the impression. The dentist need only snap on the impression coping and make the impression. This significantly reduces the amount of time required to take an impression.

When the impression is delivered to the laboratory for the purpose of manufacturing a prosthetic tooth, a temporary abutment and analog of the insert are snap fit onto the exposed portion of the impression coping. Model material is then placed around the implant analog and allowed to harden. At this point, the model may be simply lifted away from the impression, with the snap fit formed between the temporary abutment attached to the implant analog and the impression coping easily being overcome by deliberate application of manual force.

The model thus contains an implant analog that captures the position of the implant in the mouth. The laboratory technician may then fabricate the prosthetic tooth on the model using conventional techniques.

Significantly, the decision on the type of permanent abutment that is to be used can be delayed until after the model has been made. This allows the laboratory technician flexibility in selecting an appropriate permanent abutment member even after the impression has been taken.

In the above example, the snap fit was described in the process of taking an impression of the location of an implant member in a mouth. The snap fit employed during this process may also be used for other components. For example, a cap may be attached to the temporary abutment during the healing period after the second stage surgery. Such a cap would prevent food and other debris form getting into the interior of the temporary abutment, but is easily removed by the dentist using readily available tools immediately prior to the attachment of the impression coping onto the temporary abutment.

Forming a temporary abutment out of plastic as described herein provides significant flexibility in the design of the temporary abutment member. This abutment member may thus be adapted to match an existing implant or permanent abutment currently on the market.

Also, the temporary abutment member may be mass produced using injection molding techniques. The preferable material for the plastic components used in this system is an acetyl copolymer. This material may be accurately injection molded, has sufficient rigidity to function as set forth above, is durable, and is biocompatible.

A dental implant system or method constructed in accordance with the present invention greatly reduces the number of parts required to provide a flexible dental implant system, substantially reduces the cost of many of these components, and provides significant flexibility not heretofore seen in such systems and methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-16 depict a prosthodontic procedure employing the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 17 depicts an exemplary implant used in the procedure depicted inFIGS. 1-16.

FIG. 18 depicts an exemplary abutment screw assembly as used in the procedure depicted inFIGS. 1-16.

FIGS. 19A-D depict an exemplary temporary abutment as used in the procedure depicted inFIGS. 1-16.

FIG. 20 depicts an exemplary abutment cap used in the procedure depicted inFIGS. 1-16.

FIG. 21 depicts an alternative abutment screw assembly that may be used in many situations in place of the abutment screw assembly shown inFIG. 18.

FIGS. 22A-B depict an exemplary impression feather used in the procedure depicted inFIGS. 1-16.

FIG. 23 depicts an exemplary pick up post that may be used to take an impression.

FIG. 24 depicts a surgical impression coping that may be used to take an impression during stage one surgery.

FIG. 25 depicts a temporary cylinder that may be used to take an impression.

FIGS. 26 and 27 depict members that may be used during the restoration process for replacing a tooth with a temporary tooth to allow for further maturation of the implant in the bone;

FIGS. 28 and 29 depict alternative screws that may be employed to attach the temporary abutment of the present invention to an implant;

FIG. 30 is a front, elevational cut-away view depicting a another exemplary temporary abutment, implant member, and snap fit system;

FIG. 31 is a cutaway view taken along lines31-31 inFIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a front elevational view depicting an impression feather having a base portion that forms a part of the snap fit system shown inFIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a bottom plan view of the impression coping shown inFIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is an elevational cut-away view depicting yet another exemplary temporary abutment and implant; and

FIG. 35 is a front, elevational, cut-away view depicting a screw employed to mount the temporary cylinder ofFIG. 26 onto a temporary abutment member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring initially toFIGS. 1-16, depicted therein is a prosthodontic procedure for fabricating and implanting a tooth prosthesis. This procedure employs a system for making impressions constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention.

As an overview, the prosthodontic procedure shown inFIGS. 1-16 can be broken down into five distinct phases each comprising a number of steps:

• • PHASE 1:FIGS. 1-4 show what is referred to as stage one surgery in which an implant is placed into the jaw bone.
  • PHASE 2:FIGS. 5-7 depict what is referred to as stage two surgery in which a healing abutment is attached to the implant.
  • PHASE 3:FIGS. 8-11 depict the impression stage in which an impression is made of the patient's mouth.
  • PHASE 4:FIGS. 12-15 depict the restorative phase in which the impression is used to fabricate a prosthetic tooth.
  • PHASE 5:FIG. 16 depicts the final stage in which the prosthetic tooth is mounted onto the implant.

To provide some perspective, initial reference is made toFIG. 5, which shows a portion of a patient'smouth10 where agap12 exists between first and secondadjacent teeth14 and16. Shown at18 inFIG. 5 is the site at which the prosthetic tooth is to be located.FIG. 1 is a slightly enlarged cut-away view of the patient'smouth10 at thegap12.

Additionally, during the process depicted inFIGS. 1-16 the various steps will normally be performed by a periodontist or oral surgeon, a dentist, and laboratory technicians. In particular, a surgeon will normally perform the steps associated with Phases 1 and 2 described above, a dentist will perform the steps associated with Phases 3 and 5, and laboratory technicians will perform the steps associated with Phase 4.

During the first phase of the prosthodontic procedure, often referred to as stage one surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the patient'sgum20 to expose the edentulous, or jaw,bone22. The surgeon then drills ahole24 in the jaw bone22 (FIG. 1). The surgeon then taps theinner surface26 of thejaw bone22 surrounding thehole24 such that thissurface26 is threaded (FIG. 2). Ametallic fixture insert28 having a threadedouter surface30 matching theinner surface26 is then threaded into thehole24 in the bone22 (FIG. 3).

Theinsert28 also has a threadedinner surface32 defining ascrew chamber34. After theinsert28 has been threaded into thejaw bone22, acover screw36 is threaded into thescrew chamber34. Thegum20 is then sutured as shown at38 such that thegum20 covers theentire implant28 and cover screw36 (FIG. 4).

At this point, stage one surgery is complete and the patient enters an osseointegration period of approximately 3-6 months. The osseointegration period allows the jaw bone to integrate theimplant28. During the osseointegration period, primarily for cosmetic reasons the patient will usually wear what is referred to as a flipper (not shown) over theimplant site18.

After theimplant28 has been integrated into thejaw bone22, the patient enters the second phase of the procedure, commonly referred to as phase two surgery, in which the surgeon attaches atemporary abutment40 onto theinsert28. To accomplish this, the surgeon assembles anabutment screw42 onto the temporary abutment40 (FIGS. 5 and 6). Theabutment screw42 passes through thetemporary abutment40 and into thescrew cavity34 formed in theinsert28. Theabutment screw42 is then tightened to attach thetemporary abutment40 onto the insert28 (FIG. 7). Anabutment cap44 is placed onto thetemporary abutment40 over the screw42 (FIGS. 6 and 7). The gum tissue is then allowed 1-3 weeks to heal.

Thetemporary abutment40 andabutment cap44 are made with a low profile such that, when installed, they are approximately same level as the gum line. Accordingly, while the gum tissue is healing around thetemporary abutment40, a flipper may be worn overlocation12 without interference by thetemporary abutment40 orabutment cap44.

After the gum has healed from the affects of stage two surgery, the patient goes to the dentist responsible for the restorative work. The dentist will initially remove thecap44 and attach what will be referred to herein as animpression feather46 onto the temporary abutment40 (FIG. 8). The dentist then positions an impression tray (not shown) over theimpression feather46 and insertsimpression material48 into the impression tray around the impression feather46 (as well as the surrounding gum and teeth).

Theimpression material48 solidifies to form animpression50 comprising the solidifiedimpression material48 and the impression feather46 (FIG. 10). Theimpression50 is removed from the patient's mouth and sent to the laboratory for the restorative work.

Upon receiving theimpression50 from the dentist, the laboratory technicians will form ananalog assembly52 comprising animplant analog54, atemporary abutment56 identical to theabutment40 attached to theimplant28, and ascrew58 to hold theimplant analog54 andtemporary abutment56 together (FIGS. 10 and 11).

Thetemporary abutment56 is then attached onto theimpression feather46 such that theimplant analog52 is spaced and extends from theimpression feather46 in the same manner as the implant28 (FIG. 11).

Model material60 is then placed onto theimpression50 around the analog assembly52 (FIG. 12). Themodel material60 solidifies to form amodel62 and theimpression50, including theimpression feather46, is removed from themodel62. At this point, thetemporary abutment56 is still mounted on theimplant analog54 by the screw58 (FIG. 13).

The next step is to remove thescrew58 andtemporary abutment56 from the model62 (FIG. 14). The model now corresponds to the patient's mouth, with theimplant analog54 at a location corresponding to that of theimplant28 in the patient (FIG. 14).

At this point, apermanent abutment64 may be selected and attached to theimplant analog54 to allow the fabrication of a tooth prosthesis, or replacement tooth,66 (FIG. 15).

Once thereplacement tooth66 has been fabricated, the patient goes back to the dentist where thetemporary abutment40 is removed and thepermanent abutment64 andreplacement tooth66 attached to the implant28 (FIG. 16).

The prosthodontic procedure described above will vary depending upon such factors as the desires of the patient, the techniques employed by the surgeon and dentist, and the type of restorative work involved. Within this overall context, however, the systems and methods of the present invention provide a number of benefits.

For example, the systems and methods of the present invention greatly simplify the dentist's job during Phase 3 when the dentist makes the impression. The dentist need only remove the abutment cap and insert the impression feather before making the impression. After the impression is removed, the dentist simply replaces the abutment cap. The dentist need not remove and reinsert the healing abutment when making the impression.

Additionally, the style of permanent abutment may be selected in the laboratory during Phase 4 and need not be known at the time the impression is made. The present invention thus greatly simplifies the dentists job by reducing the number of implant parts that the dentist must keep in inventory and track for each patient.

Another important aspect of the present invention is that certain key parts may be made cheaply out of disposable plastic and not out of surgical grade metals. In particular, the temporary abutment, abutment cap, abutment screw, and impression feather may be made wholly or in part out of plastic. Making these parts out of plastic allows them to made cheaply enough to be disposable and obviates the need to sterilize them between each use.

Referring now toFIGS. 17-35, a number of components that may be used with the basic procedure described in relation toFIGS. 1-16, or minor variations thereof, will be described. The procedure depicted inFIGS. 1-16 may be performed with improved results over similar prior art methods without the exact components described in relation toFIGS. 17-35, but these components optimize the performance of this procedure.

Before describing the particulars of the components depicted inFIGS. 17-35, several important concepts should be explained. At the heart of the process depicted inFIGS. 1-16 are thetemporary abutments40 and56. These abutments are intermediate members that transition between the implant28 (or implant analog46) and one or more other components the positions of which need to be fixed relative to the implant. Theabutments40 and56 thus perform two basic functions: they engage theimplant28 and they form a snap fit that securely mounts another component relative to the implant (or the analog thereof).

The physical structure necessary to engage the implant is dependent upon the exact implant selected. Temporary abutments having structure necessary to engage three commercially available implants are depicted inFIGS. 19A-D,28, and29. Other structures may be similarly formed to engage other implants not discussed in this application. The formation of the appropriate structure for a given implant type can be easily implemented during the process of fabricating the mold used to manufacture a given temporary abutment. And typically, it will be necessary to manufacture and carry in inventory temporary abutments having structure adapted to engage any implant that is commercially available on a significant level.

The snap fit of the present invention can also be formed in one of a number of different ways. A first exemplary snap fit is embodied in the components shown inFIGS. 19A-D and20,22A-B,26,27,28, and29. A second exemplary snap fit system is embodied in the components shown inFIGS. 30-34.

The exact details of the snap fit are not critical to implement the principles of the present invention and other snap fit systems may be employed with similar effect. To function flexibly and reliably, the snap fit systems of the present invention have two characteristics: first, they are formed of projections and depressions that mate to positively hold one member onto another; and second they have a geometric shape that can be used to key one component relative to another. While both of these characteristics have advantages in the particular environment described, the present invention can be practiced with snap fit systems having either or neither of these characteristics and still obtain certain advantages over the prior art.

Once the details of the snap fit are determined, all components should be manufactured with the selected snap fit. Unlike the situation in which a number of different temporary abutments will normally be manufactured to match each style of commercially available implant, only one snap fit system needs to be and should be employed.

The various components used to implement the basic prosthodontic procedure described above with reference toFIGS. 1-16 will now be described. In the following discussion, the geometry of these components will first be described in detail, after which the function of the component geometry will be discussed.

Referring initially toFIGS. 19A-D, depicted therein at110 is a temporary abutment identical to theabutments40 and56 described above. Thetemporary abutment110 has a longitudinal axis A, anouter surface112, and aninner surface114 defining a centrally extendingbore116.

Theouter surface112 comprises anupper portion118, aside portion120, and alower portion122. The upper andlower surface portions118 and122 are flat and generally arcuate. Theside surface portion120 comprises a generally cylindricalupper area124 adjacent to theupper surface portion118 and curvedlower area126 adjacent to thelower surface portion122. Thelower area126 is smoothly and continuously curved from theupper area124 to thelower surface portion122.

Theinner surface114 defines the shape of thecentral bore116 such that thebore116 comprises alock portion128, ascrew receiving portion130, and ahex receiving portion132.

As perhaps best shown inFIG. 19A, thelock portion128 of thecentral bore116 has a shape that will be referred to herein as “coronal”. In particular, thelock portion128 is defined by a generally cylindricalfirst portion134 of theinner surface114 having a diameter d1.Vertical grooves136 formed in the inner surfacefirst portion134 further define the shape of thelock portion128.

Additionally, a locking groove138 (FIG. 19D) is formed on thefirst portion134 of theinner surface114. Thevertical grooves136 extend through the inner surfacefirst portion134 and the lockinggroove138 such that theinner surface portion134 and thegroove138 are discontinuous.

Thescrew receiving portion130 of thecentral bore116 is defined by a generally cylindricalsecond portion140 of theinner surface114 having a diameter d2. This diameter d2 is less than the diameter d1 of the inner surfacefirst portion134. A rounded, annular,horizontal retaining projection142 extends from the inner surfacesecond portion140 adjacent to the centralbore lock portion128.

Thehex portion132 of the central bore is defined by a six-sided hex portion144 of theinner surface114. This shape is perhaps best shown inFIG. 19C.

First and secondconical portions146 and148 of theinner surface114 are formed on a triangular, annular,horizontal projection150 arranged between the inner surfacesecond portion140 and the innersurface hex portion144. Theconical surface portions146 and148 meet at anannular transition ridge152. Theconical surface portions146 and148 andtransition ridge152 define atransition portion154 of thecentral bore116.

Referring now toFIG. 18, depicted therein at156 is an abutment screw assembly identical to theabutment screw assemblies42 and48 described above. Theabutment screw assembly156 comprises ascrew body158 and an O-ring160.

Thescrew body158 has a threadedinternal surface162 and anexternal surface164. Theexternal surface164 comprises, from bottom to top inFIG. 18, a threadedportion166, ashaft portion168, aconical portion170, an increaseddiameter portion172, an O-ring groove174, and ahex body176.

To obtain theassembly156, the O-ring160 is seated in the O-ring groove174. When so seated, incidental movement between thescrew body158 and the O-ring160 is prevented.

Referring now toFIG. 21, depicted therein is anabutment screw assembly178 used in a manner similar to theabutment screw assemblies42 and48 described above.

Theabutment screw assembly178 comprises ascrew body180 and aseating cap182. Thescrew body180 is a simple cylinder with an externally threadedouter surface184. Theseating cap182 has anouter surface186 having acylindrical portion188, aconical portion190, and ahex portion192. Theseating cap182 is rigidly connected to thescrew body180 such that axial rotation of thecap182 is transmitted to thebody180.

Referring now toFIGS. 28 and 29, these figures illustrate how theabutment screw assemblies156 and178 engage thetemporary abutment110. In both cases, theannular retaining projection142 on theinterior surface114 of theabutment110 engages a portion of the screw assembly such that the screw assembly is captured within thecentral bore116.

More particularly, as shown inFIG. 28 the flexible O-ring160 has a slightly larger diameter than theannular retaining projection142. Thescrew assembly156 may be inserted into thecentral bore116 such that the O-ring160 is within thescrew receiving portion130 of thecentral bore116, however, because the O-ring160 is compressible and deflects slightly to allow it to enter thescrew receiving portion130. Once the O-ring is within thebore portion130, the O-ring160 will engage the retainingprojection142 to prevent inadvertent removal of thescrew assembly156. But deliberate application of force in a direction shown by arrow C will cause the O-ring160 to compress and allow thescrew assembly156 to be removed from thecentral bore116.

Similarly, as shown inFIG. 29 theconical surface190 of thescrew assembly178 has a slightly larger diameter than theannular retaining projection142. By manufacturing at least theseating cap182 of thescrew assembly178 out of plastic, the parts may be fabricated such that theconical surface190 will pass by the retainingprojection142 such that thehex body192 is within thescrew receiving portion130 of thecentral bore116. Once the conical surface is within thebore portion130, theseating cap182 will engage the retainingprojection142 to prevent inadvertent removal of thescrew assembly178. But deliberate application of force in a direction shown by arrow C will allow thescrew assembly156 to be removed from thecentral bore116 if desired.

Additionally, in each of the situations shown inFIGS. 28 and 29, some movement between thescrew assemblies156 and178 and theabutment110 along the abutment axis A is allowed. As will be explained in further detail below, this allows the abutment to be lifted slightly and rotated relative to the insert even after the position of the screw assembly is fixed.

Referring now toFIG. 17, depicted therein is animplant210 identical to theimplant28 described above. Theimplant210 is conventional and will be described herein only to the extent necessary for a complete understanding of the present invention.

Theimplant210 has, in addition to the threadedexternal surface30, threadedinternal surface32, and screwcavity34 briefly described above, anupper shoulder212,upper surface214, andhex body216. Theupper shoulder212 is generally cylindrical. Theupper surface214 is flat, disc-shaped, and is bounded at its outer periphery by theshoulder212. Thehex body216 extends from the upper surface70. Thescrew cavity34 passes through theupper surface212 and thehex body214. Theentire implant28 is generally symmetrical about its longitudinal axis D, with theexternal surface30,internal surface32,screw cavity34,upper shoulder212,upper surface214, andhex body216 all being coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis D.

Referring now toFIG. 20, depicted therein is anabutment cap218 identical to theabutment cap44 described above. Theabutment cap218 comprises acylindrical base portion220, a dome-shapedcover portion222, and alocking ring224.

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate animpression feather226 identical to theimpression feather46 described above. Thefeather226 comprises abase portion228 and anupper portion229. The overall shape of thebase portion228 is perhaps best shown inFIG. 22B and is sized and configured to match the dimensions of thelock portion128 of thecentral bore114 of thetemporary abutment110.

In particular, thebase portion128 comprises awall230 having a cylindricalouter surface232 and a hex-shapedinner surface234. Projecting at intervals from the from theouter surface232 arevertical alignment projections236. The base portionouter surface232 is dimensioned to fit snugly within the cylindricalinner portion134 of the abutmentinner wall114. Thealignment projections236 are similarly dimensioned to fit snugly within thealignment grooves136 formed in the abutmentinner wall114. Thebase portion128 of theimpression feather226 may thus be received within thelock portion128 of the abutmentcentral bore116 in a manner prevents relative axial rotation between thefeather226 and theabutment110.

Additionally, lockingprojections238 extend from the cylindricalouter surface230 of thebase wall228.

Theupper portion229 of theimpression feather226 comprises a series ofhorizontal flanges240 that extend from acentral post242. Theflanges240 are offset from the flanges above and below by 90 degrees. The purpose of theflanges240 is to create a secure interconnection between theimpression feather226 and the impression in which it is captured.

With an understanding of the shape of the foregoingcomponents110,156,178,210,218, and226, certain steps in the prosthodontic procedure illustrated inFIGS. 1-16 will be now described in further detail.

Referring initially to the step depicted inFIG. 6, in that step theabutment screw42 is captured within thetemporary abutment40 as described above and may thus be transported to the patient's mouth as an assembly. This lessens the likelihood that the surgeon will drop or otherwise mishandle the components used during stage two surgery.

BetweenFIGS. 6 and 7, theabutment cap44 has been placed onto thetemporary abutment40. Thecap44 is manufactured such that it engages thetemporary abutment40 with a simple snap fit. More specifically, thelocking ring224 formed on thecap44 is sized, dimensioned, and spaced from thecover portion222 thereof such that thering224 engages the lockinggroove138 formed on theinner surface114 of theabutment40. So engaged, thecover portion222 of thecap44 nests snugly against theupper surface118 of theabutment40 to prevent material from entering the center bore116.

Between the steps depicted inFIGS. 7 and 8, theabutment cap44 is removed from thetemporary abutment40. To facilitate this removal, a notch242 (FIG. 19B) is formed on theabutment110. A dental pick may be inserted into this notch under thecap cover portion222 to pop thecap44 off of theabutment40.

Prior to the step shown inFIG. 8, theimpression feather46 was attached to thetemporary abutment40. This attachment is made by a snap fit similar to that employed to attach thecap44 onto theabutment40. In particular, the lockingprojections238 formed on thebase228 of theimpression feather46 engage the lockinggroove138 formed on theinner surface114 of theabutment40. This engagement prevents inadvertent removal of theimpression feather46 from theabutment40 but may easily be overcome by the application of deliberate force on theimpression feather46 away from theabutment40.

An identical attachment is formed between theimpression feather46 in theimpression50 and the secondtemporary abutment56 as shown inFIGS. 10 and 11.

Many of the components described above may be made out of any material that is biologically inert and strong enough to withstand the loads encountered during insertion and while being worn in the patient's mouth. Certainly any surgical grade metal such as titanium would work satisfactorily, although the primary benefits of the present invention are obtained by manufacturing the at least portions of these components out of dental grade plastic.

In particular, thetemporary abutment110,seating cap182,abutment cap224, andimpression feather226 are all preferably fabricated out of plastic such as an acetyl copolymer. In any situation where a snap fit is employed to attach two components together, at least one, and preferably both, of these components must be manufactured out of plastic to allow the deflection necessary to achieve the snap fit.

Referring now toFIGS. 23-27, depicted therein are certain additional components that may be employed using the systems and components of the present invention. It should be noted that these additional components will normally be used during variations of the basic procedure depicted inFIGS. 1-16 as fits a particular circumstance.

FIG. 23 depicts a pick uppost244 that passes through acentral bore246 formed in theimpression feather226 or in one of the members depicted inFIGS. 24,26, or27. A threadedend248 of thepost244 allows thepost244 to fix the position the member through which it passes relative to an implant.

FIG. 24 depicts asurgical impression feather250 that may be used during phase one surgery to obtain an impression indicating the location of the implant. Alower post252 of thesurgical impression feather250 enters thescrew chamber34 defined by the implant to form a friction fit that holds thefeather250 in place while the impression is being taken. Thepost252 is not threaded, however, and may be withdrawn when the impression is removed.

FIG. 25 depicts atemporary cylinder254 adapted to be attached to thetemporary abutment110 by the pick-uppost244. The bottom end thereof has a corona type fastener to key thecylinder256 relative to thetemporary abutment110.

FIGS. 26 and 27 depict acylinder256 and apreped abutment258, respectively. Thesemembers256 and258 may be attached to thetemporary abutment110 andimplant210 and preped like a tooth to support a temporary or permanent restoration. Thesemembers256 and258 havebases260 and262 that allow them be snap fit onto a temporary abutment such as thetemporary abutment110.

FIG. 35 depicts thecylinder256 attached to theabutment40 andimplant28 by ascrew264. Thebase260 of thecylinder256 engages and forms a snap-fit with theabutment40. Thescrew264 has ahead portion266, ashaft portion268, and a threadedportion270. Ahex recess272 is formed in thehead portion270. Thecylinder256 defines acentral bore274 having a first,larger diameter portion276 and a second,smaller diameter portion278. Ashoulder surface280 is formed at the juncture of thebore portions274 and276.

Theshaft portion268 of the screw spaces thetreaded portion270 from thehead portion266 such that, when the threadedportion270 is rotated onto the threadedsurface32 of theimplant28, thehead portion266 acts on theshoulder surface280 to hold thecylinder256 onto theabutment40 and theabutment40 onto theimplant28. The base260 thus keys thecylinder256 onto theabutment40, and thescrew264 holds the assembly of thecylinder256,abutment40, andimplant28 together. Thecylinder256 can thus support, on a temporary basis, a temporary or permanent restoration.

Referring now toFIG. 30, depicted therein is aprosthodontic assembly310 comprising atemporary abutment312,implant314, and screw316. Thetemporary abutment312 has a longitudinal axis A, anouter surface318, and aninner surface320 defining a centrally extendingbore322. Theimplant314 has anexternal surface324 having a threadedportion326 and aninternal surface328 having a threadedportion330. Thescrew316 has ahead portion332 and ashaft portion334. A threadedsurface336 is formed on theshaft portion334.

In general, thescrew316 attaches thetemporary abutment312 to theimplant314. The specific structure that allows this attachment will be described in further detail below.

In general, thescrew316 passes through thecentral bore322 such that the threadedsurface336 on the screw engages the threadedportion330 of theinternal surface328 of theimplant314.

Theouter surface318 differs from theouter surface312 of thetemporary abutment110 described above in that it is adapted to mate with theimplant314. In particular, theexterior surface324 of theimplant314 has aconical portion338 that forms a shoulder of theimplant314. Theinterior surface328 of theimplant314 defines, in addition to the threadedportion330 described above, ahex portion340. Referring toFIG. 31, it can be seen that thehex portion340 defines a hex chamber. To allow thetemporary abutment312 to securely engage theimplant314, afrustoconical surface342 andhexagonal projection344 are formed thereon. The abutmentconical surface342 is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis A to abut thefrustoconical surface338 formed on theimplant314. Similarly, thehexagonal projection344 is sized and dimensioned to be snugly received within the chamber defined by thehexagonal surface340 on theimplant member314. Thus, when thetemporary abutment312 is attached to theimplant314, theconical surfaces338 and342 abut each other and thehexagonal projection344 on theabutment110 is received within the hexagonal cavity defined by thehexagonal surface340 on theimplant314.

Thecentral bore322 comprises alock portion346 and ascrew receiving portion348. Thelock portion346 is similar in operation to thelock portion128 of thecentral bore116 described above.

Thelock portion346 is defined by afirst portion348 of theinterior wall320. Thiswall portion348 is generally hexagonal in shape. In particular, thiswall portion348 comprises sixidentical wall segments350 each having anelliptical recess352 formed therein.

Referring now for a moment toFIGS. 32 and 33, depicted therein is an impression coping354 adapted to mate with thetemporary abutment312. The impression coping354 is in most respects the same as the impression coping226 described above. The primary difference between these is that abase portion356 of the coping354 is adapted to mate with thetemporary abutment110.

In particular, thebase portion356 has ahexagonal body358 having sixidentical surfaces360, with aprojection362 formed on each of thesurfaces360. Thehex member358 is sized and dimensioned to be snugly received within the lockedportion346 of thecentral bore322, with theprojections362 being received within therecesses352. Therecesses362 engage theprojections362 to form a snap pit that locks the impression coping354 onto thetemporary abutment312 as described above. The locking system formed by thebase portion356 of the impression coping354 and thefirst portion346 of thecentral bore322 maintains the impression coping in an appropriate relationship to thetemporary abutment312 during the process of taking the impression. But the impression coping354 can be removed by the application of deliberate manual force on the impression coping354 away from thetemporary abutment312.

It should be recognized that thebase portion356 of the impression coping354 may be substituted on any of the components described above that are intended to be mounted on to thetemporary abutment110. The impression coping354 is simply exemplary of these other components.

Referring now toFIG. 30, it can be seen that thecentral bore322 further comprises a second,head receiving portion364. Thishead receiving portion364 is defined by acylindrical wall366 and afrustoconical wall368. Thehead portion332 of thescrew316 has afrustoconical wall370 that is arranged at the same angle as thewall368. Accordingly, as thescrew316 is axially rotated, its threadedsurface336 engages the threadedportion330 of theimplant314 to pull theconical surface370 on thehead portion332 against theconical surface368 defining thehead receiving portion364.

Referring now toFIG. 34, depicted at410 therein is yet another exemplary implant assembly constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention. Thisassembly410 comprises yet another exemplarytemporary abutment412 that is attached to animplant414. Theimplant414 is a special type of implant referred to as a Morris taper. Thetemporary abutment412 has been modified to the Morristaper style implant414.

Theimplant414 has anexterior surface416 and aninterior surface418. The exterior surface is adapted to be threaded into a patient's bone and be osseointegrated therewith. Anupper portion420 of theexterior surface416 is formed in a downwardly tapering frustoconical shape. Theinner surface418 has an upwardly taperingfrustoconical surface422 that extends at an angle of approximately 6 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of theimplant414. These twosurfaces420 and422 meet at an annularuppermost portion424 of theimplant414.

Theinner surface418 of theimplant414 thus defines afrustoconical region426 above a threadedregion428 defined by a threadedsurface430. This arrangement allows thetemporary abutment412 to be directly threaded onto theimplant414, obviating the need for a separate screw.

Thetemporary abutment412 thus does not have a central bore extending all the way therethrough, instead having anupper cavity432 defined by aninner wall434. Theinner wall434 has anupper portion436 comprising sixsurfaces438 each having an elliptical orovoid depression440 formed therein.Inner wall434 also has acylindrical portion442. Theupper cavity432 operates in the same basic manner as the first and second portions of thecentral bore322 described above to allow components having a base portion such as thebase portion356 of the impression coping354 described above to be attached to thetemporary abutment412.

Formed on a lower portion of thetemporary abutment110 is an inwardly facingfrustoconical surface444 and an outwardly facingfrustoconical surface446. Thesurfaces444 and446 are sized and dimensioned to match thesurfaces420 and418, respectively, formed on theimplant414. The abutmentouter surface446 further comprises a threadedportion450 below the frustoconical portion448. Thesurface portions446,448, and450 are arranged and dimensioned relative to each other to allow thetemporary abutment410 to be threaded onto theimplant414 as follows. The threadedsurface portion450 engages the threadedinner surface portion430 of theimplant414 such that, when theabutment412 is rotate about its axis, these threaded surfaces engage to displace thetemporary abutment412 towards theimplant414. At some point, thesurfaces446 and448 will engage thesurfaces420 and418 to snugly attach the temporary abutment4122 onto theimplant414. The abutment can then be used in the same basic manner as the temporary abutments of the present invention as described above.

Another aspect of the present invention not readily apparent from the drawings is the relative size of the various components shown and described herein. For example, the temporary abutments may be sold with different external diameters D (FIG. 19C). An appropriate abutment diameter is then selected for a particular situation. Other components, such as thecap218 and impression coping226, need not be provided in different sizes to match the different diameters of the temporary abutment. Thus, once the external diameter D is selected, no other size choices need be made in implement the procedure of the present invention. This allows, for example, only one type ofcap218 need be manufactured and kept in inventory.

From the foregoing, it should be clear that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (84)

1. A prosthodontic procedure for forming a dental impression indicating a location of an implant member comprising the steps of:

placing the implant member into a patient's jaw bone;

providing a first temporary abutment member having an inner wall defining a bore a first mounting portion and an outer surface, the first mounting portion comprising one of a recess surface and a projection;

attaching the first temporary abutment member to the implant member in a manner that prevents rotation of the first temporary abutment member relative to the implant member about an axis of the implant member and such that the outer surface of the first temporary abutment member extends from the implant member and is adapted to engage the patient's gum tissue;

providing a prosthodontic impression member having a base portion a second mounting portion and an impression portion, the second mounting portion comprising the other one of the recess surface and the projection, wherein the first mounting portion is adapted to engage the second mounting portion to support the prosthodontic impression member on the first temporary abutment member;

forming a recess on one of the inner wall of the first temporary abutment member and the base portion of the prosthodontic impression member;

forming a projection on the other of the inner wall of the first temporary abutment member and the base portion of the prosthodontic impression member;

displacing the prosthodontic impression member towards the first temporary abutment member until such that the first mounting portion engages the second mounting portion to support the prosthodontic impression member on the first temporary abutment member and the projection engages the recess surface to form a snap fit that prevents inadvertent removal of the prosthodontic impression member but which allows the prosthodontic impression member to be removed by application of deliberate, manual force thereon;

embedding the impression portion of the prosthodontic impression member in impression material;

allowing the impression material to harden; and

applying deliberate, manual force to the hardened impression material to displace both the hardened impression material and the prosthodontic impression member embedded therein away from the first temporary abutment member.

2. A prosthodontic procedure as recited inclaim 1, further comprising the step of forming one of the first temporary abutment member and the prosthetic prosthodontic impression member out of plastic.

3. A prosthodontic procedure as recited inclaim 2, in which both the first temporary abutment member and the prosthetic prosthodontic impression member are formed out of plastic.

4. A prosthodontic procedure as recited inclaim 1, further comprising the steps of:

fabricating a prosthetic tooth using the hardened impression member and the prosthodontic impression member; and

mounting the prosthetic tooth onto the implant.

5. A prosthodontic assembly for forming of an impression indicating a location of an implant member to allow fabrication of a prosthetic tooth, the prosthodontic assembly comprising:

an abutment member having an inner surface defining a bore having a first bore portion defining a bore, an outer surface, a first mounting portion, and a second mounting portion, the second mounting portion being configured to mate with the implant member, the second mounting portion having an anti-rotation feature that prevents rotation of the abutment member relative to the implant member about a longitudinal axis of the implant member;

a screw member that extends through the bore in the abutment member and into the implant member to attach the abutment member to the implant member such that the outer surface of the abutment member extends from the implant member and is adapted to engage the patient's gum tissue;

an impression member having a base portion a third mounting portion adapted to mate with the first bore portion the first mounting portion of the abutment member, where wherein the impression member is in a desired position relative to the first prosthodontic abutment member when the base portion mates with the first bore portion the third mounting portion mates with the first mounting portion;

attachment means integrally formed on both the abutment member and the impression member for attaching the impression member onto the abutment member in the desired position, where the impression member is attached wherein the attachment means attaches the impression member to the abutment member in a manner that resists inadvertent removal of the impression member from the abutment member but allows removal of the impression member from the abutment member by application of deliberate, manual force on the impression member in a direction away from the abutment member.

6. A prosthodontic assembly as recited inclaim 5, in which the attachment means comprises a projection formed on one of the inner surface first mounting portion of the abutment member and the base third mounting portion of the impression member and a recess surface formed on the other of the inner surface first mounting portion of the abutment member and the base third mounting portion of the impression member, the projection being sized, dimensioned, and located relative to the recess surface to enter and engage the recess surface when the impression member is in the desired position.

7. A prosthodontic assembly as recited inclaim 6, in which at least one of the abutment and impression members is made of plastic.

8. A prosthodontic assembly as recited inclaim 7, in which both the abutment and impression members are made of plastic.

9. A prosthodontic assembly as recited inclaim 5, in which the inner surface bore of the abutment member further defines a second bore portion of the bore for receiving is defined by an inner surface of the abutment member and the bore comprises first and second bore portions that receive the screw member in a manner that allows the screw member to rotate relative to the abutment member until the screw member engages the inner surface to securely hold the abutment member against the implant member.

10. A prosthodontic assembly as recited inclaim 9, in which the inner surface of the second mounting portion the abutment member further defines a third bore portion of the bore adapted to receive a an implant mounting portion of the implant member in a manner that prevents rotation of the abutment member relative to the implant member when the abutment member is attached to the implant member.

11. A prosthodontic assembly as recited inclaim 5, further comprising an abutment cap that temporarily covers the bore in the abutment member.

12. A prosthodontic procedure comprising the steps of:

osseointegrating a first implant member at a desired location;

attaching a first temporary abutment member to the first implant member;

attaching an abutment cap member onto the first temporary abutment member;

allowing gingival tissue around the first temporary abutment member to heal;

removing the abutment cap member from the first temporary abutment member;

attaching an impression member onto the first temporary abutment member;

applying impression material to the impression member;

allowing the impression material to solidify to form an impression in which the impression member is embedded;

removing the impression member from the first temporary abutment member with the impression member still embedded in the impression;

attaching a second implant member onto a second temporary abutment member;

attaching the second temporary abutment member to the impression member embedded in the impression;

applying model material to the second temporary abutment member and the second implant member;

allowing the model material to solidify to form a model in which the second implant member is embedded;

removing the second temporary abutment member from the impression member;

removing the second temporary abutment member from the second implant member;

attaching a permanent abutment member to the second implant member;

forming a prosthetic member on the permanent abutment member;

removing the first temporary abutment member from the first implant member; and

attaching the permanent abutment member and prosthetic member to the first implant member.

13. A procedure as recited inclaim 12, in which the step of attaching the abutment cap member onto the first temporary abutment member comprises the steps of:

forming a projection on one of an inner surface of the first temporary abutment member and a base portion of the abutment cap member; and

forming a recess on the other of the inner surface of the first temporary abutment member and the base portion of the abutment cap member; wherein the first temporary abutment comprises one of a projection and a recess surface, and the abutment cap member comprises the other one of the projection and the recess surface, and wherein

the projection is sized, dimensioned, and located relative to the recess to enter and surface to engage the recess surface when the abutment cap member is attached to the first temporary abutment member.

14. A procedure as recited inclaim 12, in which the step of removing the abutment cap member from the first temporary abutment member comprises the step of applying deliberate manual force to the abutment cap member in a direction away from the first temporary abutment member.

15. A procedure as recited inclaim 12, in which the step of attaching the impression member onto the first temporary abutment member comprises the steps of:

forming a projection on one of an inner surface of the first temporary abutment member and a base portion of the impression member; and

forming a recess on the other of the inner surface of the first temporary abutment member and the base portion of the impression member; wherein the first temporary abutment comprises one of a projection and a recess surface, and the impression member comprises the other one of the projection and the recess surface, and wherein

the projection is sized, dimensioned, and located relative to the recess surface to enter and engage the recess surface when the impression member is attached to the first temporary abutment member.

16. A procedure as recited inclaim 12, in which the step of removing the impression member from the first temporary abutment member comprises the step of applying deliberate manual force to the impression in a direction away from the first temporary abutment member.

17. A procedure as recited inclaim 12, in which the step of attaching the second temporary abutment member onto the impression member comprises the steps of:

forming a projection on one of a base portion of the impression member and an inner surface of the second temporary abutment member; and

forming a recess on the other of the base portion of the impression member and the inner surface of the second temporary abutment member; wherein the impression member comprises one of a projection and a recess surface, and the second temporary abutment comprises the other one of the projection and the recess surface, and wherein

the projection is sized, dimensioned, and located relative to the recess surface to enter and engage the recess surface when the second temporary abutment member is attached to the impression member.

18. A procedure as recited inclaim 12, in which the step of removing the second temporary abutment member from the impression member comprises the step of applying deliberate manual force to the model in a direction away from the impression member.

19. A procedure as recited inclaim 12, in which wherein the first temporary abutment member comprises a bore defined by an inner wall thereof, and the implant member comprises a threaded chamber, and wherein the step of attaching the first temporary abutment member onto the implant member comprises the steps of:

forming a bore in the first temporary abutment member defined by an inner wall thereof;

forming a threaded chamber in the implant member;

providing a screw member having a threaded portion adapted to engage the threaded chamber in the implant member and an increased diameter portion;

passing the threaded portion of the screw member through the bore in the first temporary abutment member; and

rotating the screw member such that the threaded portion thereof engages the threaded cavity in the implant member, thereby displacing the screw member until the increased diameter portion thereof engages the inner wall of the first temporary abutment member.

20. A procedure as recited inclaim 19, in which wherein the implant member comprises a body portion, and the bore in the first temporary abutment member comprises a receiving portion adapted to receive the body portion of the implant member, and wherein the step of attaching the first temporary abutment member onto the implant member comprises the steps of:

forming a body portion on the implant member;

forming the bore in the first temporary abutment member such that the bore contains a receiving portion adapted to receive the body portion on the implant member; wherein

engaging the body portion of the implant member engageswith a portion of the inner wall of the first temporary abutment member that defines the receiving portion of the bore to prevent rotation of the first temporary abutment member relative to the implant member.

21. A method procedure as recited inclaim 12, in which the at least one of the first temporary abutment member, abutment cap, impression member, and second temporary abutment member is made of plastic.

22. A prosthodontic procedure comprising the steps of:

placing an implant member into a patient's jaw bone;

providing a first temporary abutment member having a bore defined by an inner wall of the first temporary abutment member a first mounting portion and an outer surface, the first mounting portion comprising one of a recess surface and a projection;

attaching the first temporary abutment member to the implant member in a manner that prevents rotation of the first temporary abutment member relative to the implant member about an axis of the implant member and such that the outer surface of the first temporary abutment member extends from the implant member and is adapted to engage the patient's gum tissue;

providing a an impression member having a base second mounting portion and a flanged portion, the second mounting portion comprising the other one of the recess surface and the projection, wherein the first mounting portion is adapted to engage the second mounting portion to support the impression member on the first temporary abutment member;

forming a recess on one of the abutment member inner wall and the base portion of the impression member;

forming a projection on the other of the abutment member inner wall and the base portion of the impression member; and

displacing the impression member towards the first temporary abutment member until such that the first mounting portion engages the second mounting portion to support the prosthodontic impression member on the first temporary abutment member in a manner that prevents rotation of the impression member relative to the abutment member about an axis of the abutment member and the projection engages the recess surface to form a snap fit that prevents inadvertent removal of the impression member but which allows the impression member to be removed by application of deliberate, manual force thereon;

making an impression of the patient's mouth such that the flanged portion of the impression member is embedded in the impression;

fabricating a prosthetic tooth by making a model from the impression and the impression member; and

mounting the prosthetic tooth onto the implant.

23. A prosthodontic procedure for transferring a location of an implant member implanted in a patient's mouth to a model of the patient's mouth, comprising the steps of:

providing a first temporary abutment member having a bore defined by an inner wall of the first temporary abutment member, a first mounting portion, and an outer surface, the first mounting portion comprising one of a recess surface and a projection;

displacing the first temporary abutment member such that it the first temporary abutment member engages the implant member and the outer surface extends from the implant member and is adapted to engage the patient's gum tissue;

fastening the first temporary abutment member to the implant member by passing a fastener through the bore in the first temporary abutment member and into a threaded cavity in the implant member;

providing a prosthodontic member having a base second mounting portion, the second mounting portion comprising the other one of the recess surface and the projection;

forming a recess on one of the abutment member inner wall and the base portion of the prosthodontic member;

forming a projection on the other of the abutment member inner wall and the base portion of the prosthodontic member;

displacing the prosthodontic member towards the first temporary abutment member until the projection engages the recess surface to form a snap fit that prevents inadvertent removal of the prosthodontic member but which allows the prosthodontic member to be removed by application of deliberate force thereon;

forming an impression of the patients patient's mouth such that the prosthodontic member is embedded in the impression;

applying deliberate force to the impression such that the projection disengages from the recess surface, thereby allowing the impression and the prosthodontic member embedded therein to be removed from the patient's mouth;

providing a second temporary abutment member;

attaching the second temporary abutment member to the prosthodontic member embedded in the impression;

providing an analog of the implant member;

attaching the analog of the implant member to the second temporary abutment member to form an impression assembly; and

forming the model of the patient's mouth from the impression assembly.

24. A prosthodontic procedure as recited inclaim 23, further comprising the step of forming wherein one of the first temporary abutment member and the prosthetic prosthodontic member is formed out of plastic.

25. A prosthodontic procedure as recited inclaim 24, in which both the first temporary abutment member and the prosthetic prosthodontic member are formed out of plastic.

26. A prosthodontic procedure as recited inclaim 25, in which the prosthodontic member is an impression member.

27. A prosthodontic procedure as recited inclaim 23, in which the prosthodontic member is an impression member, the procedure further comprising the steps of:

fabricating a prosthetic tooth using the model;

mounting the prosthetic tooth onto the implant.

28. A prosthodontic assembly for forming an impression comprising:

an implant member adapted to be implanted into a patient's jaw bone;

a first prosthodontican abutment member having a first mounting portion, an inner surface defining a bore having first and second bore portionsa second mounting portion, and an outer surface, wherewherein the first boresecond mounting portion is adapted to mate with a portion of the implant member, the second mounting portion having an anti-rotation feature that prevents rotation of the abutment member relative to the implant member about a longitudinal axis of the implant member when the abutment member is attached to the implant member;

a second prosthodontican impression member having a basethird mounting portion adapted to mate with the second borefirst mounting portion, the third mounting portion having an anti-rotation feature that prevents rotation of the impression member relative to the abutment member about a longitudinal axis of the abutment member when the impression member is attached to the abutment member, wherewherein the second prosthodonticimpression member is in a desired position relative to the first prosthodonticabutment member when the basethird mounting portion mates with the second borefirst mounting portion;

a fastener extending through the bore and into a threaded cavity in the implant member to fix the first prosthodontic abutment member relative to the implant member such that the outer surface of the abutment member extends from the implant member and is adapted to engage the patient's gum tissue; and

attachment means comprising a projection and a recess surface for attaching the second prosthodontic impression member onto the first prosthodontic abutment member in the desired position, where wherein the projection engages the recess surface such that the second prosthodontic impression member is attached to the first prosthodontic abutment member in a manner that resists inadvertent removal of the second prosthodontic impression member from the first prosthodontic abutment member but allows removal of the second prosthodontic impression member from the first prosthodontic abutment member by application of deliberate, manual force on the second prosthodontic impression member in a direction away from the first prosthodontic abutment member.

29. A prosthodontic assembly as recited inclaim 28, in which the projection is formed on one of the inner surface of the first prosthodontic abutment member and the base portion of the second prosthodontic impression member and the recess surface is formed on the other of the inner surface of the first prosthodontic abutment member and the base portion of the second prosthodontic impression member, the projection being sized, dimensioned, and located relative to the recess surface to enter and engage the recess surface when the second prosthodontic abutment member is in the desired position.

30. A prosthodontic assembly as recited inclaim 29, in which at least one of the first abutment and second prosthodontic impression members is made of plastic.

31. A prosthodontic assembly as recited inclaim 29, in which both the first abutment and second prosthodontic impression members are made of plastic.

32. A prosthodontic assembly as recited inclaim 28, in which at least one of the first abutment and second prosthodontic impression member is injection molded out of plastic.

33. A prosthodontic assembly as recited inclaim 28, in which the first prosthodontic member is an abutment member.

34. A prosthodontic assembly as recited in claim33 28, in which the bore extends through the abutment member.

35. A prosthodontic assembly as recited in claim33 28, in which the fastener is a screw member and the inner surface of the abutment member further defines a third first bore portion for receiving the screw member in a manner that allows the screw member to rotate relative to the abutment member until the screw member engages the inner surface to securely hold the abutment member against the implant member.

36. A prosthodontic assembly as recited inclaim 33, in which the first bore portion is adapted to receive a portion of the implant member in a manner that prevents rotation of the abutment member relative to the implant member when the abutment member is attached to the implant member.

37. A prosthodontic assembly as recited inclaim 28, in which the first prosthodontic abutment member is a temporary abutment member and the second abutment member is, the assembly further comprising an abutment cap that covers the bore in the temporary abutment member.

38. A prosthodontic assembly as recited inclaim 28, in which the second prosthodontic member is an impression member is configured to be embedded in impression material.

39. A prosthodontic assembly as recited inclaim 28, in which the second prosthodontic impression member is cast in gold during fabrication of a prosthetic member.

40. A prosthodontic assembly as recited inclaim 28, in which the second prosthodontic impression member is a temporary cylinder.

41. A prosthodontic procedure for forming a dental impression assembly used to fabricate a prosthetic member for a patient, the procedure comprising the steps of:

providing an implant member having an upper surface and an internal surface defining an internal cavity, where the internal surface intersects the upper surface such the internal cavity communicates with the exterior through the upper surface;

placing the implant member into the patient's jaw bone;

providing an impression member having a base portion and an impression portion, where the base portion comprises a lower post sized and dimensioned to be snugly received within the internal cavity of the implant member;

attaching the impression member to the implant member by inserting the lower post of the impression member into the internal cavity of the implant member to form a friction fit that inhibits removal of the impression member from the implant member;

embedding the impression portion of the impression member in impression material;

allowing the impression material to harden to form the impression assembly; and

applying deliberate force to the hardened impression material to displace the impression assembly from the implant member.

42. A procedure as recited inclaim 41, in which the step of providing the implant member further comprises the step of threading the internal cavity.

43. A procedure as recited inclaim 41, further comprising the steps of:

attaching an implant analog to the impression member;

embedding the implant analog in model material; and

allowing the model material to harden to form a model of the patient's mouth.

44. A procedure as recited inclaim 41, further comprising the steps:

forming the implant member of metal; and

forming the impression member of plastic.

45. A prosthodontic procedure as recited in claim 1, in which:

the first mounting portion is one of a bore or a base portion; and

the second mounting portion is the other of a bore or a base portion; whereby the bore is adapted to receive the base portion.

46. A prosthodontic procedure as recited in claim 1, in which the first mounting portion is a bore and the second mounting portion is a base portion, wherein the bore is adapted to receive the base portion.

47. A prosthodontic assembly as recited in claim 5, in which the first mounting portion is the bore and the third mounting portion is a base portion, wherein the bore is adapted to receive the base portion.

48. A prosthodontic procedure as recited in claim 22, in which:

the first mounting portion is one of a bore or a base portion; and

the second mounting portion is the other of a bore or a base portion; whereby the bore is adapted to receive the base portion.

49. A prosthodontic procedure as recited in claim 22, in which the first mounting portion is a bore and the second mounting portion is a base portion, wherein the bore is adapted to receive the base portion.

50. A prosthodontic procedure as recited in claim 23, in which the first mounting portion is the bore and the second mounting portion is a base portion, wherein the bore is adapted to receive the base portion.

51. A prosthodontic assembly as recited in claim 28, in which the first mounting portion is a second bore portion and third mounting portion is a base portion, wherein the second bore portion is adapted to receive the base portion.

52. A prosthodontic procedure for forming a dental impression indicating a location of an implant member comprising the steps of:

placing the implant member into a patient's jaw bone;

providing a first temporary abutment member having a first mounting portion, a bore and an outer surface, the first mounting portion comprising one of a recess and a projection;

attaching the first temporary abutment member to the implant member such that the outer surface extends from the implant member and is adapted to engage the patient's gum tissue;

providing a prosthodontic impression member having a second mounting portion and an impression portion, the second mounting portion comprising the other one of the recess and the projection;

displacing the prosthodontic impression member towards the first temporary abutment member until the projection engages the recess to form a snap fit that prevents inadvertent removal of the prosthodontic impression member but which allows the prosthodontic impression member to be removed by application of deliberate, manual force thereon, the prosthodontic impression member being attached to the first temporary abutment member in a manner that prevents rotation of the prosthodontic impression member relative to the first temporary abutment member about an axis of the first temporary abutment member;

embedding the impression portion of the prosthodontic impression member in impression material;

allowing the impression material to harden; and

applying deliberate, manual force to the hardened impression material to displace both the hardened impression material and the prosthodontic impression member embedded therein away from the first temporary abutment member.

53. A prosthodontic assembly for forming of an impression indicating a location of an implant member to allow fabrication of a prosthetic tooth, the prosthodontic assembly comprising:

an abutment member having a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion, an outer surface, and an inner surface defining a bore, the first mounting portion being configured to mate with the implant member;

a screw member that extends through the bore in the abutment member and into the implant member to attach the abutment member to the implant member such that the outer surface of the abutment member extends from the implant member and is adapted to engage the patient's gum tissue;

an impression member having a third mounting portion adapted to mate with the second mounting portion of the abutment member, the third mounting portion having an anti-rotation feature that prevents rotation of the impression member relative to the abutment member about a longitudinal axis of the abutment member, wherein the impression member is in a desired position relative to the abutment member when the third mounting portion mates with the second mounting portion;

attachment means integrally formed on both the abutment member and the impression member for attaching the impression member onto the abutment member in the desired position, wherein the impression member is attached to the abutment member in a manner that resists inadvertent removal of the impression member from the abutment member but allows removal of the impression member from the abutment member by application of deliberate, manual force on the impression member in a direction away from the abutment member.

54. A prosthodontic procedure comprising the steps:

placing an implant member into a patient's jaw bone;

providing a first temporary abutment member having a first mounting portion, an outer surface and a bore, the first mounting portion comprising one of a recess and a projection;

attaching the first temporary abutment member to the implant member such that the outer surface of the first temporary abutment member extends from the implant member and is adapted to engage the patient's gum tissue;

providing an impression member having a second mounting portion and a flanged portion, the second mounting portion comprising the other one of the recess and the projection; and

displacing the impression member towards the first temporary abutment member until the projection engages the recess to form a snap fit that prevents inadvertent removal of the impression member but which allows the impression member to be removed by application of deliberate, manual force thereon, the impression member being attached to the first temporary abutment member in a manner that prevents rotation of the impression member relative to the first temporary abutment member about an axis of the first temporary abutment member;

making an impression of the patient's mouth such that the flanged portion of the impression member is embedded in the impression;

fabricating a prosthetic tooth by making a model from the impression and the impression member;

mounting the prosthetic tooth onto the implant.

55. A prosthodontic procedure for transferring a location of an implant member implanted in a patient's mouth to a model of the patient's mouth, comprising the steps of:

providing a first temporary abutment member having a first mounting portion, an outer surface and a bore, the first mounting portion comprising one of a recess and a projection;

displacing the first temporary abutment member such that it engages the implant member and the outer surface of the abutment member extends from the implant member and is adapted to engage the patient's gum tissue;

fastening the first temporary abutment member to the implant member by passing a fastener through the bore in the first temporary abutment member and into a threaded cavity in the implant member;

providing a prosthodontic member having a second mounting portion, the second mounting portion comprising the other one of the recess and the projection;

displacing the prosthodontic member towards the first temporary abutment member until the projection engages the recess to form a snap fit that prevents inadvertent removal of the prosthodontic member but which allows the prosthodontic member to be removed by application of deliberate force thereon;

forming an impression of the patient's mouth such that the prosthodontic member is embedded in the impression;

applying deliberate force to the impression such that the projection disengages from the recess, thereby allowing the impression and the prosthodontic member embedded therein to be removed from the patient's mouth;

providing a second temporary abutment member;

attaching the second temporary abutment member to the prosthodontic member embedded in the impression;

providing an analog of the implant member;

attaching the analog of the implant member to the second temporary abutment member to form an impression assembly; and

forming the model of the patient's mouth from the impression assembly.

56. A prosthodontic assembly comprising:

an implant member adapted to be implanted into a patient's jaw bone;

an abutment member having a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion, an outer surface and an inner surface defining a bore, wherein the first mounting portion is adapted to mate with a portion of the implant member, the first mounting portion having an anti-rotation feature that prevents rotation of the abutment member relative to the implant member about a longitudinal axis of the implant member when the abutment is attached to the implant member and the outer surface extends from the implant member and is adapted to engage the patient's gum tissue;

an impression member having a third mounting portion adapted to mate with the second mounting portion of the abutment member, the third mounting portion having an anti-rotation feature that prevents rotation of the impression member relative to the abutment member about a longitudinal axis of the abutment member when the impression member is attached to the abutment member, wherein the impression member is in a desired position relative to the abutment member when the third mounting portion mates with the second mounting portion;

a fastener extending through the bore and into a threaded cavity in the implant member to fix the abutment member relative to the implant member; and

attachment means comprising a projection and a recess for attaching the impression member onto the abutment member in the desired position, wherein the projection engages the recess such that the impression member is attached to the abutment member in a manner that resists inadvertent removal of the impression member from the abutment member but allows removal of the impression member from the abutment member by application of deliberate, manual force on the impression member in a direction away from the abutment member.

57. A prosthodontic procedure for forming a dental impression indicating a location of an implant member comprising the steps of:

placing the implant member into a patient's jaw bone;

providing a first abutment member having a first mounting portion and an outer surface, the first mounting portion comprising the one of a recess surface and a projection;

attaching the first abutment member to the implant member in a manner that prevents rotation of the first abutment member relative to the implant member about an axis of the implant member and such that the outer surface of the first abutment member extends from the implant member and is adapted to engage the patient's gum tissue;

providing a prosthodontic impression member having a second mounting portion and an impression portion, the second mounting portion comprising the other one of the recess surface and the projection, wherein the first mounting portion is adapted to engage the second mounting portion to support the prosthodontic impression member on the first abutment member in a manner that prevents rotation of the prosthodontic impression member relative to the first abutment member about an axis of the first abutment member;

displacing the prosthodontic impression member towards the first abutment member such that the first mounting portion engages the second mounting portion to support the prosthodontic impression member on the first abutment member and the projection engages the recess surface to form a snap fit that prevents inadvertent removal of the prosthodontic impression member but which allows the prosthodontic impression member to be removed by application of deliberate, manual force thereon;

embedding the impression portion of the prosthodontic impression member in impression material;

allowing the impression material to harden; and

applying deliberate, manual force to the hardened impression material to displace both the hardened impression material and the prosthodontic impression member embedded therein away from the first abutment member.

58. A prosthodontic procedure as recited in claim 57, wherein one of the first abutment member and the prosthodontic impression member is formed out of plastic.

59. A prosthodontic procedure as recited in claim 58, in which both the first abutment member and the prosthodontic impression member are formed out of plastic.

60. A prosthodontic procedure as recited in claim 57, further comprising the steps of:

fabricating a prosthetic tooth using the hardened impression member and the prosthodontic impression member; and

mounting the prosthetic tooth onto the implant.

61. A prosthodontic procedure comprising the steps of:

osseointegrating a first implant member at a desired location;

attaching a first abutment member to the first implant member;

attaching an abutment cap member onto the first abutment member;

allowing gingival tissue around the first abutment member to heal;

removing the abutment cap member from the first abutment member;

attaching an impression member onto the first abutment member;

applying impression material to the impression member;

allowing the impression material to solidify to form an impression in which the impression member is embedded;

removing the impression member from the first abutment member with the impression member still embedded in the impression;

attaching a second implant member onto a second abutment member;

attaching the second abutment member to the impression member embedded in the impression;

applying model material to the second abutment member and second implant member;

allowing the model material to solidify to form a model in which the second implant member is embedded;

removing the second abutment member from the impression member;

removing the second abutment member from the second implant member;

attaching a permanent abutment member to the second implant member;

forming a prosthetic member on the permanent abutment member;

removing the first abutment member from the first implant member; and

attaching the permanent abutment member and the prosthetic member to the first implant member.

62. A procedure as recited in claim 61, wherein the first abutment member comprises one of a projection and a recess surface, and the abutment cap member comprises the other one of the projection and the recess surface, and wherein the projection is sized, dimensioned, and located relative to the recess surface to engage the recess surface when the abutment cap member is attached to the first abutment member.

63. A procedure as recited in claim 61, in which the step of removing the abutment cap member from the first abutment member comprises the step of applying deliberate manual force to the abutment cap member in a direction away from the first abutment member.

64. A procedure as recited in claim 61, wherein the first abutment member comprises one of a projection and a recess surface, and the impression member comprises the other one of the projection and the recess surface, and the projection is sized, dimensioned, and located relative to the attachment surface to engage the recess surface when the impression member is attached to the first abutment member.

65. A procedure as recited in claim 61, in which the step of removing the impression member from the first abutment member comprises the step of applying deliberate manual force to the impression in a direction away from the first abutment member.

66. A procedure as recited in claim 61, wherein the impression member comprises one of a projection and a recess surface, and the second abutment member comprises the other one of the projection and the recess surface, and wherein the projection is sized, dimensioned, and located relative to the attachment surface to engage the recess surface when the second abutment member is attached to the impression member.

67. A procedure as recited in claim 61, in which the step of removing the second abutment member from the impression member comprises the step of applying deliberate manual force to the model in a direction away from the impression member.

68. A procedure as recited in claim 61, wherein the first abutment member comprises a bore defined by an inner wall thereof, and the implant member comprises a threaded chamber, and wherein the step of attaching the first abutment member onto the implant member comprises the steps of:

providing a screw member having a threaded portion adapted to engage the threaded chamber in the implant member and an increased diameter portion;

passing the threaded portion of the screw member through the bore in the first abutment member; and

rotating the screw member such that the threaded portion thereof engages the threaded cavity in the implant member, thereby displacing the screw member until the increased diameter portion thereof engages the inner wall of the first abutment member.

69. A procedure as recited in claim 68, wherein the implant member comprises a body portion, and the bore in the first temporary abutment member comprises a receiving portion adapted to receive the body portion of the implant member, and wherein the step of attaching the first abutment member onto the implant member comprises the steps of:

engaging the body portion of the implant member with a portion of the inner wall of the first abutment member that defines the receiving portion of the bore to prevent rotation of the first abutment member relative to the implant member.

70. A procedure as recited in claim 61, in which at least one of the first abutment member, abutment cap, impression member, and second abutment member is made of plastic.

71. A prosthodontic assembly as recited in claim 5, in which the first mounting portion is a projection and the second mounting portion is a cavity, wherein the cavity is adapted to receive the projection.

72. A prosthodontic assembly as recited in claim 71, in which the projection is shaped as a polygon and the cavity is shaped as the polygon of the projection such that rotation of the abutment member relative to the implant member is prevented when the cavity is mated with the projection.

73. A prosthodontic assembly as recited in claim 72, in which the projection is hexagonal and the cavity is hexagonal.

74. A prosthodontic assembly as recited in claim 5, in which the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion mate in a manner that prevents rotation of the abutment member relative to the impression member.

75. A prosthodontic procedure as recited in claim 1, wherein the step of attaching the first temporary abutment member to the implant member comprises attaching a third mounting portion of the first temporary abutment member to a fourth mounting portion of the implant, the third mounting portion mating with the fourth mounting portion to prevent rotation of the first temporary abutment member relative to the implant member.

76. A prosthodontic procedure as recited in claim 75, in which the third mounting portion is a projection and the fourth mounting portion is a cavity, wherein the cavity is adapted to receive the projection.

77. A prosthodontic procedure as recited in claim 76, in which the projection is shaped as a polygon and the cavity is shaped as the polygon of the projection such that rotation of the abutment member relative to the implant member is prevented when the cavity is mated with the projection.

78. A prosthodontic procedure as recited in claim 77, in which the projection is hexagonal and the cavity is hexagonal.

79. A prosthodontic procedure as recited in claim 1, wherein the step of displacing the prosthodontic impression member towards the first temporary abutment member comprises mating the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion in a manner that prevents rotation of the abutment member relative to the impression member.

80. A prosthodontic assembly as recited in claim 53, wherein the first mounting portion is a projection.

81. A prosthodontic assembly as recited in claim 53, wherein the first mounting portion has an anti-rotation feature that prevents rotation of the abutment member relative to the implant member about a longitudinal axis of the implant member.

82. A prosthodontic assembly as recited in claim 5, in which the first mounting portion is a projection and the implant member comprises a cavity, wherein the cavity is adapted to receive the projection.

83. A prosthodontic assembly as recited in claim 82, in which the projection is shaped as a polygon and the cavity is shaped as the polygon of the projection such that rotation of the abutment member relative to the implant member is prevented when the cavity is mated with the projection.

84. A prosthodontic assembly as recited in claim 83, in which the projection is hexagonal and the cavity is hexagonal.

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