Annular resilient retention member

Abstract

A dental tool, such as an insertion tool for a dental implant, including a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and having a distal end and a proximal end, the tool further including an annular resilient retention member formed of a metal material and connected to the shaft such that at least a section of the member protrudes from a surface of the shaft.

1 . A dental tool comprising:
 a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and including a distal end and a proximal end, and   a distal end region of the tool comprising a functional element, the functional element comprising a metal annular resilient retention member for axially retaining a cooperating component,   wherein the annular resilient retention member is a band.   
     
     
         2 . The dental tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the band is discontinuous. 
     
     
         3 . The dental tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the annular resilient retention member is formed from titanium, a titanium alloy, or stainless steel. 
     
     
         4 . The dental tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the annular resilient retention member is formed of the same material as the shaft of the dental tool at a location at which the annular resilient retention member is connected. 
     
     
         5 . The dental tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the band has at least one protrusion on its outer surface. 
     
     
         6 . The dental tool according to  claim 5 , wherein the band comprises at least one kink. 
     
     
         7 . The dental tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the band comprises a ring. 
     
     
         8 . The dental tool according to  claim 1 , wherein a proximal end region of the tool comprises a connection means for connection to a manipulating device, the connection means comprising a further metal annular resilient retention member. 
     
     
         9 . The dental tool according to  claim 8 , wherein the connection means further comprises a torque receiving section for receiving torque from a manipulating device. 
     
     
         10 . The dental tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the shaft comprises an annular groove dimensioned to accommodate the annular resilient retention member. 
     
     
         11 . The dental tool according to  claim 10 , wherein a depth of the annular groove is less than a cross-sectional diameter of the band such that the band protrudes beyond the annular groove. 
     
     
         12 . The dental tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the annular resilient retention member is connected to an external surface of the shaft. 
     
     
         13 . The dental tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the functional element further comprises a torque applying means suitable for transmitting torque to a dental implant, and the annular resilient retention member is configured to axially connect the dental implant to the tool. 
     
     
         14 . The dental tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the band comprises a circumferential gap. 
     
     
         15 . The dental tool according to  claim 1 , further comprising a shoulder on a proximal end side of the annular resilient retention member along the longitudinal axis of the tool. 
     
     
         16 . The dental tool according to  claim 1 , further comprising a break zone located between the distal end and the proximal end, the break zone being adapted to break above a predetermined amount of torque, wherein the annular resilient retention member is positioned distally of the break zone. 
     
     
         17 . A combination comprising:
 a dental tool; and   a dental implant;   the dental tool comprising a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and including a distal end and a proximal end,
 a distal end region of the tool comprising a functional element, the functional element comprising a metal annular resilient retention member for axially retaining the dental implant, 
   wherein the annular resilient retention member is a band.