Multi-part, multi-positionable abutment for use with dental implants

Abstract

A multi-part abutment adapted for use with dental implants such as cylindrical-shaped endosseous dental implants having an internal opening or passage with an internal, non-circular shape at the top, either internally or externally, includes part one that engages the opening or passage in, or projection at the top, of the implant at the distal end of part one, and fits into abutment part two, at the top end of part one. Part two has at its distal end a multi-sided cavity that interdigitates with a multi-sided periphery or other connector on part one so that part two can be placed in a plurality of positions over part one. At the top end of part two is a prosthesis-engaging or prosthesis-forming projection which may be at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the implant, or lie on the longitudinal axis of the implant. Internal passages inside the two abutment parts are colinear when joined to one another in their intended configuration, permitting the use of a single fastener to join the two abutment parts to one another and to the dental implant, with part two covering part one and forming a sealed margin with the top of the implant.