Thermoplastic surgical template for performing dental implant osteotomies and method thereof

/Home/Professional Dental Resources/Dental Patent Articles/Pending Dental Patent Applications

Thermoplastic surgical template for performing dental implant osteotomies and method thereof
United States Patent Application: 20050106531
Kind Code A1
Tang, Brian
Publication Date: May 19, 2005
Inventors: Tang, Brian; (Mountain View, CA)
Correspondence Name and Address: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW GROUP LLP
12 SOUTH FIRST STREET
SUITE 1205
SAN JOSE
CA
95113
US
Serial No.: 917202
Series Code: 10
Filed: August 11, 2004

Abstract
A surgical template for performing dental implant osteotomies comprises a malleable, resinous, thermoplastic base, at least one non-thermoplastic, rigid drill guide attached to the base, and a securing mechanism between the base and the drill guide. The template may reversibly melt to a malleable state and can be handled by hand without additional tools so as to conform to the adjacent teeth of the edentulous ridge, either directly in the patient's mouth or on a cast model. Dental osteotomies using the template can then be performed. The surgical template may be manufactured of a thermoplastic material having a sharp and low melting point but high rigidity in the solid state at room temperature.