Abutment system and method for preparing the same - Pending Dental Patent Applications

Abutment system and method for preparing the same
United States Patent Application 20050084819
Kind Code A1
Sims, Lawrence O. ; et al. April 21, 2005
Inventors: Sims, Lawrence O.; (Alpharetta, GA) ; Lindke, Brian K.; (Buford, GA) ; Ikenaga, Yuichi; (Buford, GA)
Correspondence Name and Address: BRYAN W. BOCKHOP, ESQ.
ARNALL GOLDEN GREGORY LLP
171 17TH STREET
SUITE 2100
ATLANTA
GA
30363
US
Serial No.: 689179
Series Code: 10
Filed: October 20, 2003
Abstract
An abutment system for a dental implant includes an abutment having a base portion that is engageable with a dental implant and a shoulder disposed about the base portion that includes a hybrid ceramic material. The hybrid ceramic material includes at least 85% porcelain. An opaque can be applied to the exterior surface of the abutment. A pigment can also be added to the hybrid ceramic material so as to match the color of the patient's gum tissue. A method of preparing an abutment system includes the steps of forming a curable hybrid ceramic material into a shoulder about the base portion of an abutment, partially curing the hybrid ceramic material so as to form an initially cured shoulder, shaping the initially cured shoulder to a desired shape so that the shoulder conforms to at least one patient specific criterion, and completely curing the shoulder. A plurality of abutment systems may be assembled into a kit.