Methods, apparatuses, computer programs, and systems for creating a custom dental prosthesis using a cad/cam system

Abstract

Digital design and/or fabrication of a dental prosthesis that includes a gingiva part having retention pockets and corresponding injection channels that extend from the retention pockets to an exterior of the gingiva part. The positioning of a matrix mated to a ball attachment of a dental implant is fixed in the retention pocket by injection of a curable adhesive through the injection channels and into the retention pockets. The location of the retention pockets and the injection channels may be automatically generated by a computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system. The gingiva part including the retention pockets and injection channels can further be designed and fabricated by the CAD/CAM system.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A dental prosthesis comprising:
 a fabricated gingiva part, the gingiva part being fabricated of a final strength, gingiva colored material;   at least one retention pocket; and   at least one injection channel that extends from the retention pocket to an exterior of the gingiva part.   
     
     
         20 . The dental prosthesis of  claim 19 , further comprising at least one manufactured tooth. 
     
     
         21 . The dental prosthesis of  claim 19 , wherein the retention pocket is formed to be larger than a matrix that corresponds to a ball attachment of a dental implant. 
     
     
         22 . The dental prosthesis of  claim 21 , wherein the retention pocket includes the matrix that is attached to the retention pocket via a curable adhesive injected through the injection channel. 
     
     
         23 . The dental prosthesis according to  claim 19 , wherein the retention pocket includes a matrix, the matrix having a loose fit with respect to the retention pocket. 
     
     
         24 . The dental prosthesis according to  claim 23 , wherein the gingiva part is placed over the ball attachment of the dental implant with the matrix being mated to the ball attachment. 
     
     
         25 . The dental prosthesis according to  claim 24 , wherein the matrix is attached to the retention pocket by a cured adhesive. 
     
     
         26 . The dental prosthesis according to  claim 25 , wherein the cured adhesive is colored to match the gingiva colored material of the fabricated gingiva part.