Non-rotational prosthodontic restoration

Abstract

A dental prosthodontic restoration includes at least one implant fixture adapted to be implanted in a jawbone of a patient. The implant fixture has a threaded bore axially disposed therethrough and opening centrally through its gingival end. In one embodiment, the restoration includes a standard abutment having an abutment base having a fitting at its inferior end, a socket at its superior end, and a bore axially disposed through the base and opening centrally through the fitting and the socket. The abutment base is supported on the implant fixture, preferably in a non-rotational manner. The restoration further includes an abutment screw having an externally-threaded shaft for mating with the threaded bore of the implant fixture, a male fitting at its superior end having a polygonal cross-section, and a secondary bore opening through the superior end coaxial with and extending toward the shaft. Preferably, a locking sleeve is provided and has an outer periphery formed in a predetermined shape for mating with the superior socket of the abutment base. A bore is axially disposed through the sleeve and has the same polygonal cross-section as the male fitting at the superior end of the abutment screw. When the abutment base, the abutment screw and the locking sleeve are assembled intra-orally in the patient's mouth, the locking sleeve locks the abutment screw to the abutment base to prevent rotation, movement and loosening of the abutment screw. A similar locking mechanism is provided for coping screw.