Combination distraction dental implant and method of use

Abstract

Abstract A combination dental implant/prosthetic support and distractor for facilitating distraction osteogenesis comprises a basically cylindrical shaft having a set of threads on the outside surface and a smooth, distal tip which bears against the bone of the jaw of the patient. Rotation of the device in the mouth of the patient, after a suitable surgical cut is made, causes the adjacent tissue to move or ride up the screw threads to create space between the cut jaw segment and the balance of the jaw tissue. This space is then filled in by distraction osteogenesis. The implant/distractor is left in-situ, after the distraction is finished, for securement thereto of a dental prosthetic, either a bridge or crown. In an embodiment of the invention, a flat disc is placed in the blind bore drilled into the jaw such that the distal tip of the shaft of the combined implant/distractor, will bear against it. A protective cap and/or collar can be provided, suitable shaped, to protect the shaft/gum line from bacterial attack. Also, the shaft may be provided with an internal passageway and one or more radially extending branches. Growth-enhancing material can be passed through the passageway and branches to promote bone development and recovery. In another embodiment, a coronal member is provided, extra-osseously, to facilitate the distraction osteogenesis process. In one version of the device, fluting is provided to the exterior surface of the shaft so that bone growth is enhanced at that intersection. Also, the shaft can be provided with a flat disc at its head to reduce rocking of the device in the mouth.

Inventors

• 👤 Suzanne Stucki-McCormick

Bibliographic Details