DRIVER AND METHOD FOR FIXING A DENTAL IMPLANT

摘要

A driver for implanting a dental implant into a jaw bone of a patient includes a shaft having a distal and a proximal end. The distal end of the shaft is constructed and arranged to be driven by a tool to drive the implant into the jaw. A multi-faceted locking disc is disposed at the proximal end of the shaft for engaging and disengaging a relief groove in the implant. A drive dog is attached to the shaft in proximity to the locking disc. A multi-faceted sleeve is disposed on the shaft between the drive dog and the locking disc. The shaft is rotatable with respect to the sleeve to align and misalign the facets of the locking disc with the facets of the sleeve to engage and disengage the implant. Thus, when the implant is being driven into the bone, the facets of the locking disc rotate into alignment with the sleeve to disengage the facets from the groove and permit removal of the driver without additional tools, action or force.