| abstract |
A pure titanium implant having tightly captured bone therethrough is provided to dramatically reduce the nuturing period prior to the time that an implant may be utilized, by providing osteointegration or bone growth guided through the implant, in addition to any osseointegration or bone to titanium adhesion. In one embodiment, rings of compacted lyophylised or freeze-dried bone are secured between dove tailed, pure-titanium rings to a central implant shaft to guide bone growth through the implant from one side to the other for improved implant anchoring, without infection or rejection. In another embodiment, the implant includes a pure-titanium body having lateral channels completely through the implant, with bone rigidly secured in the channels to guide bone growth completely through the implant. In a method for implanting, rather than drilling a large hole with a slow-speed drill, a series of small drilled holes create, via osteoclasia, a softened-bone structure into which the implant is forced below bone level after a cavity is prepared by removal of a small amount of softened bone at the implant site. The implant is to be inserted into softened bone structure after two to three weeks and before well advanced mineralization, which occures after one to two months. Upon insertion, the implant is covered with the full thickness flap of gingiva, and the flap is sutured over the implant. A healing period of one to one and a half months secures the implant into position via osteoclasia, osteogenesis, and incipient osseointegration. The site is then reopened and a clinical crown or abutment is fixed to the submerged implant, followed by the placement of a ring of semiporous material to prevent epithelial downgrowth at the submerged implant which interferes with osseointegration. In one embodiment, an implant is provided with a bulbous bottom end for stress relief during insertion and during use. In another embodiment, the implant is dismantleable after removal, to permit the microscopic observation of the healing process. A specialized pulling tool is provided to permit the removal of the superstructure from the abutment for prosthetic purposes. A further pulling device for implant removal includes the replacement of the abutment with a bolt-type crown which permits clamping to the implant and twisting of the submerged portion to remove the tightly secured implant. |