Method and apparatus for performing maxillary sinus elevation

• US 20060084034A1
• Filed: 09/15/2005
• Published: 04/20/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/15/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mark N. Hochman
• Original Assignee: Mark N. Hochman
• Inventors: Hochman, Mark N.
• Granted Patent: US 7,510,397 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 433/173
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 8/0033 Expandable implants; Implants with extendable elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 8/0092 for sinus lifting

Abstract

A method and apparatus is disclosed for providing implants in the upper jaws of a person. A sleeve is inserted through the alveolar ridge to the maxillary sinus. The sleeve is used to raise the subantral membrane and form a cavity. A filler, such as a bone growth stimulant is injected through the sleeve into the cavity. In the process, the sleeve also can cut and/or condense the bone around itself so that the bone can hold an implant. Optionally, the bone growth stimulant is also introduced into the bone surrounding the sleeve. During the injection, the pressure within the sleeve or the cavity is monitored to detect and prevent the rupture of the subantral membrane.

Claims

1. A method for inserting a dental implant into the alveolar ridge comprising the steps of:

providing a hole through a portion of the alveolar ridge to a point below the subantral membrane;

inserting a sleeve into the hole;

injecting a filler through said sleeve to increase the bone mass of the alveolar ridge; and

providing an implant in the hole.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising lifting the subantral membrane by introducing a flowing material through said sleeve, said flowing material being selected from the group consisting of a gas, a liquid, a gel, a paste and a powder.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising removing said material to form a cavity for said filler.

4. The method of claim 2 further comprising monitoring the pressure directly or indirectly under said subantral membrane while said material is introduced.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said filler is a bone growth stimulant to increase the bone mass of the alveolar ridge.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising monitoring a pressure of said filler during said injection and stopping said injection if said pressure reaches a predetermined limit.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising monitoring a pressure of said filler during said injection and detecting a membrane breach from said pressure.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein said filler is injected using a hand- operated syringe.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein said filler is injected using an automated injection device.

10. The method of claim 1 further comprising changing said sleeve into said implant and mounting a dental prosthesis on said implant.

11. The method of claim 1 further comprising replacing said sleeve with an implant.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein said sleeve includes a central passage for injecting said filler under the subantral membrane, further comprising separating and raising the membrane from the alveolar ridge by said filler.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein said sleeve includes cross-passages leading said filler into the alveolar ridge.

14. A sleeve for performing maxillary sinus elevation on an alveolar ridge having a predetermined height comprising:

a hollow body having a top and a bottom with a stop positioned at a predetermined distance from said top corresponding to said height;

wherein said bottom includes a connector adapted to be connected to a source of a flowing material.

15. The sleeve of claim 14 wherein body has an outer surface with a thread for threadedly engaging the sidewalls of a hole when the sleeve is inserted into the alveolar ridge.

16. The sleeve of claim 14 further comprising a seal element on said hollow body to form a seal with the bony interface when the sleeve is inserted into a hole in the alveolar ridge.

17. The sleeve of claim 14 wherein said tip is shaped to form a cutting edge for condensing and cutting bone.

18. The sleeve of claim 14 further comprising a balloon selectively deployed to form a cavity under the subantral membrane.

19. The sleeve of claim 14 further comprising an abutment that converts said sleeve into a dental implant.

20. The sleeve of claim 14 further comprising a main channel disposed longitudinally through said sleeve and cross-channels in fluid communication with said main channel.