Abutment devices and methods for natural teeth

摘要

Root canal abutment devices and methods which facilitate the adjustment or removal of an oral appliance, e.g., a crown or bridge, from a reconfigurable abutment assembly are described. The adjustable abutment assembly may be secured within a pulp chamber of a pre-existing tooth. The abutment assembly has a projecting abutment portion with one or more shape memory alloy sleeves or plates or elements extending along the abutment. Each of the sleeves has a length with at least one curved or arcuate portion. Energy may be applied to the elements such that the arcuate portion flattens to allow for the oral appliance to be placed thereupon while removal of the energy allows the elements to reconfigure into its curved configuration thereby locking the oral appliance to the abutment. Removal of the oral appliance may be effected by reapplication of energy to the elements.

主权项

1. A method of securing an oral appliance, comprising:
securing an abutment portion onto a pre-existing tooth such that the abutment portion extends from the tooth; coupling a sleeve having one or more slap elements which protrude in an alternating manner along the abutment portion such that a portion of the elements extend radially relative to the abutment when the elements are in a locking configuration; positioning an oral appliance upon the abutment portion such that the portion of the elements extending radially are secured within a corresponding receiving channel defined along a coping within the oral appliance.