Implant with internal multi-lobed interlock

Abstract

A dental implant for supporting a dental prosthesis comprises a body portion and a top surface. The implant further comprises an internal cavity with an opening located at the top surface. The internal cavity comprises an interlock chamber having a depth measured from the top surface equal to a first distance. The interlock chamber comprising a cylindrical portion and plurality of semi-circular channels arranged around a periphery of the cylindrical portion. A threaded chamber that includes threads is located below the post-receiving chamber. The cylindrical portion has a first radius and the channels have a second radius, a ratio of the first radius to the second radius being between approximately 4:1. and 2:1.

1 - 36 . (canceled)  
   
   
       37 . A dental implant for mating with a dental abutment, the dental implant comprising: 
 a body portion;    a top surface;    an interlock chamber with an opening located at the top surface, the interlock chamber having a depth measured from the top surface equal to a first distance, the interlock chamber configured to mate with a dental abutment having cylindrical post, which has a plurality of semi-circular protrusions arranged around a periphery of the cylindrical post, wherein the cylindrical post has a first radius and the protrusions have a second radius, a ratio of the first radius to the second radius being between approximately 4:1 and 2:1; and    a threaded chamber located below the interlock chamber, the threaded chamber including at least one thread.    
   
   
       38 . The dental implant as in  claim 37 , wherein the ratio of the first radius to the second radius is approximately 3:1.  
   
   
       39 . The dental implant as in  claim 37 , wherein the first distance is greater than 1 millimeter.  
   
   
       40 . The dental implant as in  claim 37 , wherein the interlock chamber includes at least three channels that are arranged around the perimeter of the interlock chamber such that each of the channels are approximately 120 degrees apart from one another.  
   
   
       41 . The dental implant as in  claim 37 , wherein the top surface of the dental implant has a third radius and a ratio of the third radius to the second radius is between approximately 5:1. and 4:1.  
   
   
       42 . The dental implant  claim 41 , wherein the ratio of the third radius to the second radius is approximately 4.5:1.