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