Method for replacing lost teeth
First Claim
1. A method for replacing lost teeth without removal of substantial portions of abutment teeth whereby a bridge may be permanently fixed in a patient'"'"'s mouth comprising:
- providing a support having a plurality of holes therethrough, and a predetermined shape and configuration said support having at least one pontic mounted thereon at a predetermined location;
removing a portion from the adjacent teeth conforming to the shape of said support and from about 0.5 to about 1 millimeter deep to just below the enamel-dentin junction to form a support receiving preparation with resistance and retention form for holding the support against lateral movement to resist dislodgement and retain the support in the preparation;
drilling holes at predetermined locations in said adjacent teeth;
mounting said support and pontic on said adjacent teeth in said preparation and fixing said support thereto with pins on screws through the holes therein and into the holes drilled in the tooth structure; and
covering said support with a dental filling.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for replacing missing teeth without a massive restoration is disclosed. The dental bridge of this invention includes a flat bar or mesh support which is mounted on one or more abutment teeth. The support carries one or more pontics. The pontic may be mounted on the support when the support is manufactured or by the dentist. The abutment teeth are prepared by removing no more than 1/2 to 1 millimeter of the occlusal or lingual surface just past the juncture of the enamel and dentin. The support is then fitted in the preparation and mounted with screws or pins located to miss the vital nerve and pulpal structure. The bridge is then covered with a conventional filling.
42 Citations
6 Claims
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1. A method for replacing lost teeth without removal of substantial portions of abutment teeth whereby a bridge may be permanently fixed in a patient'"'"'s mouth comprising:
- providing a support having a plurality of holes therethrough, and a predetermined shape and configuration said support having at least one pontic mounted thereon at a predetermined location;
removing a portion from the adjacent teeth conforming to the shape of said support and from about 0.5 to about 1 millimeter deep to just below the enamel-dentin junction to form a support receiving preparation with resistance and retention form for holding the support against lateral movement to resist dislodgement and retain the support in the preparation;
drilling holes at predetermined locations in said adjacent teeth;
mounting said support and pontic on said adjacent teeth in said preparation and fixing said support thereto with pins on screws through the holes therein and into the holes drilled in the tooth structure; and
covering said support with a dental filling. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- providing a support having a plurality of holes therethrough, and a predetermined shape and configuration said support having at least one pontic mounted thereon at a predetermined location;
Specification