BACKGROUND

Maxillary and mandibular reconstruction may be performed to restore functional and aesthetic outcomes as a consequence of various injuries and/or diseases.

Maxillary and mandibular reconstruction may include replacing a portion of the maxilla and/or mandible with an autogenous bone graft or flap. Reconstruction may include installing a solid replacement structure to facilitate articulating the lower jaw with the upper jaw, restoring normal swallowing, restoring speech, allowing mastication, and also to meet various esthetic considerations. Autogenous vascularized bone grafts in combination with microsurgical techniques may be employed in reconstruction.

Following bone and soft tissue reconstruction, dental implants can be placed to restore the patients missing dentition. An abutment may be installed into the dental implant portion. As used herein, an abutment is a connecting element. An abutment may connect a bridge or a crown to the maxilla or mandible portion to secure the bridge or the crown within a patient’s mouth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Many aspects of this disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following figures, in which:

Figure 1 : is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a dental implant abutment;

Figure 2: is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a plurality of dental implant abutments installed in a section of replacement mandible;

Figure 3A: is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment installed in a section of replacement mandible being stitched to surrounding soft tissue;

Figure 3B: is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment installed in a section of replacement mandible being stitched to surrounding soft tissue;

Figure 4A: is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top- view of a dental implant abutment installed in a section of replacement mandible being stitched to surrounding soft tissue;

Figure 4B: is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top- view of a dental implant abutment installed in a section of replacement mandible being stitched to surrounding soft tissue;

Figure 4C: is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top- view of a dental implant abutment installed in a section of replacement mandible being stitched to surrounding soft tissue;

Figure 5: is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating flow chart of a method for using one or more dental implant abutments; Figure 6: is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a

dental implant abutment;

Figure 7A: is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a hollow center;

Figure 7B: is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a network of interconnected through-channels;

Figure 7C: is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, multi-level cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a plurality of non-interconnected through-channels;

Figure 7D: is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a network of interconnected through-channels disposed within a hollow body portion;

Figure 7E: is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, multi-level cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a plurality of non-interconnected through-channels disposed within a hollow body portion; Figure 8A: is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, multi-level cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a plurality of non-interconnected through-channels at different heights;

Figure 8B: is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a plurality of cooperating apertures;

Figure 8C: is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, multi-level cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a plurality of non-interconnected through-channels disposed within a hollow body portion;

Figure 9A: is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, multi-level cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a plurality of non-interconnected, non-centered through- channels at different heights;

Figure 9B: is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a plurality of interconnected, non-centered through-channels at different heights;

Figure 9C: is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, multi-level cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a plurality of cooperating apertures;

Figure 10A: is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a plurality of non-interconnected, non-centered through-channels at different heights;

Figure 10B: is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, multi-level cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a plurality of cooperating apertures;

Figure 10C: is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, multi-lvel cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a plurality of non-interconnected through-channels disposed within a hollow body portion; and

Figure 11 : is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a dental implant abutment, having apertures at different heights.

It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the examples illustrated in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Introduction

It has been discovered that patients who have had reconstruction of the maxillar and mandible with free flaps and are undergoing dental implant placement will often have trouble with the new 'gingivae' riding up over the dental implant abutment. This is because the new gingivae is actually soft tissue transplanted from another part of the body and does not have the inherent ability of native gingivae to adhere closely to the bone around teeth. This results in the abutments not being accessible for the

prosthodontist to fabricate the prosthesis. Patients, therefore, often have to return to the operating room multiple times for additional procedures to adapt the soft tissue.

The implant abutments, according to various embodiments enable a 'cinch' stitch to be placed through the soft tissue on one side, through the abutment and then through the soft tissue on the opposing side, thereby keeping the soft tissue seated down and preventing the problematic over-riding.

The implant abutments, according to various embodiments, may have a variety of sizes and shapes. In terms, of dimensions, multiple sizes may be easily made available for various commercial or surgical purposes. Various embodiments may have a height, as measured from the bottom of the threaded portion to the top of the body portion in a range of from about 2 mm to about 10 mm. According to various

embodiments, the height may be about 4 mm, about 6 mm, or about 8 mm.

General Definitions

Various embodiments may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims.

All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term“about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term“about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances, the term“about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit (unless the context clearly dictates otherwise), between the upper and lower limit of that range, and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure.

All publications and patents cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patent were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. The citation of any publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the present disclosure is not entitled to antedate such publication by prior disclosure. Further, the dates of publication provided could be different from the actual publication dates that may need to be independently confirmed.

Unless otherwise indicated, the present disclosure is not limited to particular materials, reagents, reaction materials, manufacturing processes, or the like, as such can vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purposes of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It is also possible in the present disclosure that steps can be executed in different sequence where this is logically possible.

It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,”“an,” and“the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to“a support” includes a plurality of supports. In this specification and in the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that shall be defined to have the following meanings unless a contrary intention is apparent.

All the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure.

Discussion of Illustrated Embodiments

It is noted that reference to“multi-level” cross-sectional views as related to the figures refers to cross-sections of different planes for the purposes of exposing non- interconnected through channels. Non-interconnected through channels are illustrated where solid lines of the channel in a cross-sectional view cross one another.

Figure 1 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a dental implant abutment 100. The dental implant abutment 100 may have a body portion 101. The body portion 101 may have any desirable shape, for example, as shown in Figure 1 , the body portion 101 may have a cylindrical shape. The body portion 101 may be solid or hollow. The body portion 101 may have a top portion 102 and a bottom portion 103. The top portion 102 may have any desirable shape, for example, as shown in Figure 1 , the top portion 102 may be rounded. The bottom portion 103 may have any desirable shape, for example, as shown in Figure 1 , the bottom portion 103 may be flat. The body portion 101 may include one or more apertures 104. For embodiments, in which the body portion 101 is hollow, the shape of the body portion 101 may be formed by an outer wall portion and the one or more apertures 104 may extend through the outer wall portion. For embodiments, in which the body portion 101 is solid, the one or more apertures 104 may be associated with one or more through-channels, extending through the solid body portion 101. The through-channels may extend through the solid body portion 101 in any direction and at any angle. The through-channels may extend through the solid body portion 101 in a substantially linear direction, along a curved path, and/or along a zig-zagging path. Any or all of the apertures 104 may be associated with a network of through-channels, extending through the solid body portion 101 in any configuration. As used herein, an aperture 104 is“associated” with a through-channel if a needle and/or a thread may pass through the aperture 104 and into the through-channel. The one or more apertures 104 may be positioned in any location on the body portion 101. As shown in Figure 1 , an first aperture 104 is positioned a distance 104 from a flat bottom portion 103. A second aperture may be positioned on an opposing side or surface of the body portion 101 at the same or similar distance 105 from the flat bottom portion 103 so that the second aperture may“cooperate” with the first aperture 104. As used herein, a first aperture“cooperates” with a second aperture if a needle and/or a thread may pass through the first aperture, through the body portion, and then through the second aperture. It will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that cooperating apertures may be, but need not necessarily be, linearly aligned. Curved needles, for example, may allow apertures in a variety of positions on the body portion to cooperate.

Still referring to Figure, the dental implant abutment 100 may include a shank portion 106. The shank portion may be functionally connected to the body portion 101 , for example, at bottom portion 103. The shank portion 106 may include one or more tapered portions. For example, as shown in Figure 1 , the shank portion 106 may include a first tapered portion 107 and a second tapered portion 108. The tapered portions may provide one or more reductions in width along a length of the shank portion 106. Finally, the dental implant abutment 100 may include a threaded portion 109 functionally connected to the shank portion 106. As used herein, the term

“functionally connected” includes all types of attachments, including releasable attachments, rigid attachments, integral attachments, and permanent attachments.

According to various embodiments, the entire dental implant abutment 100 may be shaped, formed, or manufactured from one or more materials. For example, the dental implant abutment 100 may include a metal, a rigid plastic, or a combination thereof. According to various embodiments, the dental implant abutment is shaped or formed from a single piece of stainless steel. The dental implant abutment may also be formed by an additive manufacturing process, such as 3D-printing.

As shown in Figure 1 , the entire dental implant abutment 100 may have a height of about 8mm. The height of the aperture 104 may be approximately in the center of the overall height, for example at about 4mm relative to either the top portion 102 or from the bottom of the threaded portion 109. According to various other embodiments, the aperture may be positioned higher, for example at a height of about 6mm or about 7mm. Any suitable height may be employed depending on the particular case or situation.

Figure 2 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a system 200 in which a plurality of dental implant abutments 100 are installed in a section of a replacement mandible 201. The section of replacement mandible 201 may be made of any suitable material, for example, a section of transplanted fibula bone. The section of replacement mandible 201 may be inserted, for example, between a first natural portion of jaw 203 and a second natural portion of jaw 204. Soft tissue 202 may exist over some portions of natural jawbone, for example, over the first natural portion of jaw 203 as illustrated. Additional soft tissue (not shown) may be transplanted to cover the section of a replacement mandible 201. Once each of the plurality of dental implant abutments 100 is stitched to the transplanted soft tissue, a plurality of crowns or bridges may be attached to one or more of the dental implant abutments 100. For example, as shown in Figure 1 , a first crown 205, a second crown 206, a third crown 207, and a fourth crown 208 may be connected to one of the dental implant abutments 100.

Figure 3A is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a cross- sectional view of a dental implant abutment 100 secured via threaded portion 109 to a section of replacement mandible 201 being stitched to first surrounding soft tissue 306 and to second surrounding soft tissue 312. According to various embodiments, a needle 304 with a thread 302 may be inserted through first soft tissue 306 and into a first aperture 308 of the dental implant abutment 100. The first aperture 308 may cooperate with a second aperture 310, such that the needle 304 and thread 302 may extend through the body of the dental implant abutment 100, through the second aperture 310, and then through the second surrounding soft tissue 312.

Figure 3B is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a cross- sectional view of the dental implant abutment 100, as shown in Figure 3A, securely stitched to the first surrounding soft tissue 306 and to the second surrounding soft tissue 312. The needle 304 and the thread 302 may be passed through the first surrounding soft tissue 306, the second surrounding soft tissue 312, the first aperture 308, and the cooperating second aperture 310 any number of times before being cinched and knotted to form a secure knot 31 1. As shown in Figure 3B, the first surrounding soft tissue 306 and to the second surrounding soft tissue 312 have been firmly and neatly tightened around the dental implant abutment 100 via the thread 302 in cooperation with the dental implant abutment 100.

Figure 4A is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top- view of a dental implant abutment 100 installed in a section of replacement mandible 201 being stitched to the first surrounding soft tissue 306 and to the second surrounding soft tissue 312 via a needle 304 and a thread 302, as shown in Figures 3A, and 3B.

Figure 4B is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating the top- view of the dental implant abutment 100 installed in the section of replacement mandible 201 being stitched to the first surrounding soft tissue 306 and to the second surrounding soft tissue 312 via a needle 304 and a thread 302, as shown in Figure 4A, as the knot 31 1 is formed and the thread 302 is beginning to be tightened.

Figure 4C is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating the top- view of the dental implant abutment 100 installed in the section of replacement mandible 201 being stitched to the first surrounding soft tissue 306 and to the second surrounding soft tissue 312 via a needle 304 and a thread 302, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, as the knot 311 is firmly and neatly tightened to secure the first surrounding soft tissue 306 and the second surrounding soft tissue 312 around the dental implant abutment 100 via the thread 302 in cooperation with the dental implant abutment 100.

Figure 5 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating flow chart of a method 500 for using one or more dental implant abutments. At a first step 501 , the method 500 may be initiated or started. Initiating the method 500 may include any number of procedures, such as preparing a patient for oral surgery, and obtaining the necessary transplant materials, such as the replacement mandible or jaw section and/or the soft tissue to be transplanted. At step 502, the replacement mandible or jaw section may be installed as illustrated in Figure 1 , for example, using procedures known to those skilled in the art. At step 503, receiving holes may be aligned and bored into the replacement mandible or jaw section. The receiving holes may be sized to

accommodate the dental implant abutment(s) to be installed and to provide a secure attachment, for example, via the threaded portion of each dental implant abutment. At step 504, the dental implant abutments may be inserted and/or screwed into the receiving holes that were made in the replacement mandible or jaw section in step 503. At step 505, any or all of steps 503 and 504 may be repeated until dental implant abutments are installed for all crowns or bridges to be implanted. At step 506, the method 500 may include positioning transplanted soft tissue around the replacement mandible or jaw section. At step 507, the transplanted soft tissue may be stitched with a needle and thread to the dental implant abutment via a plurality of cooperating apertures in the body of the dental implant abutment. At step 508, a crown, bridge, or other artificial tooth assembly may be attached to each of the dental implant abutments. Finally, at step 509, the method 500 may end. Ending the procedure may include a variety of ordinary post-surgical considerations, well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Figure 6 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a dental implant abutment 600, having a body portion 601. The body portion 601 includes a first aperture 602 and a second aperture 603, both disposed at a distance 604 from a bottom portion 605 of the body portion 601 of the dental implant abutment 600. Figure 6 also illustrates a longitudinal axis 610 centered in the body portion 601.

Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, and 7E are each top, cross-sectional views of dental implant abutments, such as illustrated in Figure 6. Each top, cross-section view illustrates a cross-section approximately along line 7-7 of various embodiments having different internal configurations but external appearances similar to that illustrated in FIG. 6.

Figure 7A is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a body portion 601 with a hollow center 707. The hollow center 707 may be defined by a wall portion 726. A plurality of cooperating apertures may be disposed in the wall portion 726. The plurality of apertures may include a first aperture 602, a second aperture 603, a third aperture 702, and a fourth aperture 703. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7A, each of the plurality of apertures may be considered to cooperate with any of the plurality of apertures, because a needle and/or a thread may be inserted through any aperture, may pass through the body portion 601 and may exit through any other aperture. For example, a needle and/or a thread (not shown) may travel along line 720, passing through the second aperture 603, through the hollow center 707 of the body portion 601 to exit through the fourth aperture 703. Alternatively, a needle and/or a thread (not shown) may travel along line 722, passing through the third aperture 702, through the hollow center 707 of the body portion 601 to exit through the fourth aperture 703.

Similar variations of cooperation will be readily appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art.

Figure 7B is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a primarily solid body portion 601. The body portion includes the same general configuration of apertures as shown in Figure 7A, including a first aperture 602, a second aperture 603, a third aperture 702, and a fourth aperture 703. The apertures are interconnected by a network of interconnected through-channels 704. The network of interconnected through-channels 704 may facilitate cooperation between any of the plurality of apertures. For example, a needle and/or thread (not shown) may travel along line 724, passing through the third aperture 702, through the network of interconnected through-channels 704 within the body portion 601 to exit through the fourth aperture 703. The network of interconnected through-channels 704 may be approximately centered on longitudinal axis 610. Similar variations of cooperation will be readily appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art. Figure 7C is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, multi-level cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a body portion 601 that includes a plurality of non-interconnected through-channels. The plurality of non- interconnected through-channels may include a first through-channel 705 and a second through-channel 706. The first through-channel 705 may facilitate cooperation between the third aperture 702 and the first aperture 602. The second through-channel 706 may facilitate cooperation between the fourth aperture 703 and the second aperture 603. Each of the plurality of through-channels may be independently defined within the primarily solid body portion. The network of interconnected through-channels 704 may be approximately centered on longitudinal axis 610. Variations of possible

configurations will be readily envisioned by those having ordinary skill in the art, including, for example, zig-zagging through channels, curved through-channels, variations on the number of apertures, and variations of which apertures cooperate.

Figure 7D is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a body portion 601 that includes a network of interconnected through-channels 709 disposed within a hollow portion 707 within the body portion 601. The body portion includes the same general configuration of apertures as shown in Figure 7B, including a first aperture 602, a second aperture 603, a third aperture 702, and a fourth aperture 703. The apertures are interconnected by a network of interconnected through-channels 709. The network of interconnected through-channels 709 may facilitate cooperation between any of the plurality of apertures. The network of interconnected through-channels 709 may be formed or defined by an internal wall portion 708. The wall portion 708 may be formed of the same material as the body portion 601 or of a different material as the body portion 601. The network of interconnected through-channels 704 may be

approximately centered on longitudinal axis 610. Variations of possible configurations will be readily envisioned by those having ordinary skill in the art.

Figure 7E is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, multi-level cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a body portion 601 including a plurality of non-interconnected through-channels disposed within a hollow portion 707 of the body portion 601. The body portion 601 includes the same general configuration of apertures as shown in Figure 7B, including a first aperture 602, a second aperture 603, a third aperture 702, and a fourth aperture 703. The plurality of non-interconnected through-channels may include a first through-channel 705 and a second through-channel 706. The first through-channel 705 may facilitate cooperation between the third aperture 702 and the first aperture 602. The second through-channel 706 may facilitate cooperation between the fourth aperture 703 and the second aperture 603. Each of the plurality of through-channels may be independently defined within the primarily solid body portion. For example, the first through-channel 705 may be defined by a first internal wall portion 712 and the second through-channel 706 may be defined by a second internal wall portion 710. The internal wall portions may have any desirable geometric configuration, including but not limited to cylindrical. The internal wall portions may be formed of the same material as the body portion 601 or of a different material as the body portion 601. The plurality of non-interconnected through- channels may be approximately centered on longitudinal axis 610. Variations of possible configurations will be readily envisioned by those having ordinary skill in the art, including, for example, zig-zagging through channels, curved through-channels, variations on the number of apertures, and variations of which apertures cooperate.

Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C multi-level cross-sectional view to illustrate further variations on cooperating apertures. Figure 8A shows a multi-level cross-sectional view of non-interconnecting through-channels defined within a solid body portion; Figure 8B shows apertures cooperating via a hollow body portion; Figure 8C shows non

interconnecting through-channels defined by internal walls within a hollow body portion. As previously illustrated in Figures 7B and 7D, the through-channels illustrated in Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C may also cooperate via a network of interconnected through- channels (not shown). According to various embodiments, the through-channels may be parallel or approximately parallel to or skewed with respect to a bottom portion of the body portion. According to other embodiments, the through-channels may be perpendicular to or skewed relative to a sidewall of the body portion. Such variations will be readily envisioned by those having ordinary skill in the art based on the present disclosure, therefore, Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C focus on other interrelationships between the apertures and through- channels that may be utilized according to various embodiments. Figure 8A is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, multi-level cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a plurality of non- interconnected through-channels at different heights. The body portion 801 may include a first aperture 802, a second aperture 803, a third aperture 804, and a fourth aperture 805. The first aperture 802 may cooperate with the third aperture 804 via a first through-channel 806 defined within the primarily solid body portion 801. The second aperture 803 may cooperate with the fourth aperture 805 via a second through-channel 807 defined within the primarily solid body portion 801. The plurality of through- channels may be approximately centered on a longitudinal axis (not shown) of the body portion 801. The first through-channel 806 and the second through-channel 807 may be separated by an angle 810. The angle 810 may be any suitable angle. The angle may be within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range may include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from about 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80,

85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 1 15, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, and 180 degrees. For example, according to certain embodiments, the angle may be from about 0 to about 180 degrees, or any combination of lower limits and upper limits described. This description of an angle between through-channels may be applied to any embodiment described herein. This description of an angle between through-channels may also be applied to embodiments without through-channels by applying the same range of angles between a first axis passing through a first set of cooperating apertures with a second axis passing through a second set of cooperating apertures. Describing this angle relative to through-channels is done only for

convenience and clarity of the figures, because the figures already include lines representing the side walls of the through-channels, the side walls of the through- channels will be substantially parallel to the above-mentioned first axis and second axis. Additionally, the angle need not be measured relative to a longitudinal axis passing through the center of the body portion, but, in other embodiments, may be measured relative to a point or an axis at which the two through-channels cross, align, or intersect. Variations of possible configurations will be readily envisioned by those having ordinary skill in the art, including, for example, interconnected through-channels, zig-zagging through channels, curved through-channels, variations on the number of apertures, and variations of which apertures cooperate.

Figure 8B is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a plurality of cooperating apertures. The body portion 801 may include a first aperture 802, a second aperture 803, a third aperture 804, and a fourth aperture 805. Any of the plurality of apertures may cooperate with any other of the plurality of apertures via a hollow portion 812 defined within the body portion 801. Variations on the number of apertures and the position of the apertures will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Figure 8C is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, multi-level cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a plurality of non- interconnected through-channels disposed within a hollow body portion. The body portion 801 may include a substantially hollow portion 812. The body portion 801 may include a first aperture 802, a second aperture 803, a third aperture 804, and a fourth aperture 805. The first aperture 802 may cooperate with the third aperture 804 via a first through-channel 806 defined by a first internal wall 814. The second aperture 803 may cooperate with the fourth aperture 805 via a second through-channel 807 defined by a second internal wall 816. The plurality of through-channels may be approximately centered on a longitudinal axis 818 of the body portion 801. The internal wall portions may have any desirable geometric configuration, including but not limited to cylindrical. The internal wall portions may be formed of the same material as the body portion 801 or of a different material as the body portion 801. Variations of possible configurations will be readily envisioned by those having ordinary skill in the art, including, for example, interconnected through-channels, zig-zagging through channels, curved through- channels, variations on the number of apertures, and variations of which apertures cooperate.

Figures 9A, 9B, and 9C illustrate further variations on cooperating apertures. Figure 9A shows a multi-level cross-sectional view of non-interconnecting through- channels defined within a solid body portion; Figure 9B shows apertures cooperating via a hollow body portion; Figure 9C shows non-interconnecting through-channels defined by internal walls within a hollow body portion. As previously illustrated in Figures 7B and 7D, the through-channels illustrated in Figures 9A, 9B, and 9C may also cooperate via a network of interconnected through-channels. According to various embodiments, the through-channels may be parallel or approximately parallel or skewed with respect a bottom portion of the body portion. According to other embodiments, the through- channels may be perpendicular to or skewed relative to a sidewall of the body portion. Such variations will be readily envisioned by those having ordinary skill in the art based on the present disclosure, therefore, Figures 9A, 9B, and 9C focus on other

interrelationships between the apertures and through-channels that may be utilized according to various embodiments.

Figure 9A is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, multi-level cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a plurality of non- interconnected, non-centered through-channels at different heights. The body portion 901 may include a plurality of apertures, including a first aperture 902, a second aperture 903, a third aperture 904, and a fourth aperture 905. As shown in Figure 9A, the plurality of through-channels need not be centered on a longitudinal axis 910 of the body portion 901. The first aperture 902 may cooperate with the third aperture 904 via a first through-channel 906 and the second aperture 903 may cooperate with the fourth aperture 905 via a second through-channel 907. The first through-channel 906 and the second through-channel 907 may be separated by an angle as described with respect to Figure 8A. As in other similar embodiments, the through channels may be formed or defined within the substantially solid body portion 901. Variations of possible

configurations will be readily envisioned by those having ordinary skill in the art, including, for example, interconnected through-channels, zig-zagging through channels, curved through-channels, variations on the number of apertures, and variations of which apertures cooperate.

Figure 9B is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a plurality of cooperating apertures. The body portion 901 may include a plurality of apertures, including a first aperture 902, a second aperture 903, a third aperture 904, and a fourth aperture 905. Any of the plurality of apertures may cooperate with any other of the plurality of apertures via a hollow portion 912 defined within the body portion 901. Variations on the number of apertures and the position of the apertures will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Figure 9C is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, multi-level cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a plurality of non- centered, non-interconnected through-channels disposed within a hollow body portion. The body portion 901 may include a plurality of apertures, including a first aperture 902, a second aperture 903, a third aperture 904, and a fourth aperture 905. The plurality of through-channels need not be centered on a longitudinal axis (not shown) of the body portion 901. The first aperture 902 may cooperate with the third aperture 904 via a first through-channel 906 defined or formed by a first internal wall portion 912. The second aperture 903 may cooperate with the fourth aperture 905 via a second through-channel 907 defined or formed by a second internal wall portion 910. The first through-channel 906 and the second through-channel 907 may be separated by an angle as described with respect to Figure 8A. Variations of possible configurations will be readily

envisioned by those having ordinary skill in the art, including, for example,

interconnected through-channels, zig-zagging through channels, curved through- channels, variations on the number of apertures, and variations of which apertures cooperate. The internal wall portions may have any desirable geometric configuration, including but not limited to cylindrical. The internal wall portions may be formed of the same material as the body portion 901 or of a different material as the body portion 901.

Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C illustrate further variations on cooperating apertures. Figure 10A shows non-interconnecting through-channels defined within a solid body portion; Figure 10B shows apertures cooperating via a hollow body portion; Figure 10C shows non-interconnecting through-channels defined by internal walls within a hollow body portion. As previously illustrated in Figures 7B and 7D, the through-channels illustrated in Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C may also cooperate via a network of

interconnected through-channels. According to various embodiments, the through- channels may be parallel or approximately parallel or skewed with respect a bottom portion of the body portion. According to other embodiments, the through-channels may be perpendicular to or skewed relative to a sidewall of the body portion. Such variations will be readily envisioned by those having ordinary skill in the art based on the present disclosure, therefore, Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C focus on other interrelationships between the apertures and through-channels that may be utilized according to various embodiments. Figure 10A is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, multi-level cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a plurality of non- interconnected, non-centered through-channels at different heights. The body portion 1001 may include a plurality of apertures, including a first aperture 1002, a second aperture 1003, a third aperture 1004, a fourth aperture 1005, a fifth aperture 1008, and a sixth aperture 1010. The first aperture 1002 may cooperate with the third aperture 1004 via a first through-channel 1006. The second aperture 1003 may cooperate with the fourth aperture 1005 via a second through-channel 1007. The fifth aperture 1008 may cooperate with the sixth aperture 1010 via a third through-channel 1012. The through-channels may be defined or formed within a substantially solid body portion 1001. The plurality of through-channels may be centered or not centered on a longitudinal axis (not shown) of the body portion 1001. Variations of possible

configurations will be readily envisioned by those having ordinary skill in the art, including, for example, interconnected through-channels, zig-zagging through channels, curved through-channels, variations on the number of apertures, and variations of which apertures cooperate.

Figure 10B is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a plurality of cooperating apertures. The body portion 1001 may include a plurality of apertures, including a first aperture 1002, a second aperture 1003, a third aperture 1004, a fourth aperture 1005, a fifth aperture 1008, and a sixth aperture 1010. Any of the plurality of apertures may cooperate with any other of the plurality of apertures via a hollow portion 1012 defined within the body portion 1001. Variations on the number of apertures and the position of the apertures will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Figure 10C is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a top, multi-level cross-sectional view of a dental implant abutment, having a plurality of non- interconnected through-channels disposed within a hollow body portion. The body portion 1001 may include a plurality of apertures, including a first aperture 1002, a second aperture 1003, a third aperture 1004, a fourth aperture 1005, a fifth aperture 1008, and a sixth aperture 1010. The first aperture 1002 may cooperate with the third aperture 1004 via a first through-channel 1006 formed or defined by a first internal wall 1016. The second aperture 1003 may cooperate with the fourth aperture 1005 via a second through-channel 1007 formed or defined by a first internal wall 1018. The fifth aperture 1008 may cooperate with the sixth aperture 1010 via a third through-channel 1012 formed or defined by a first internal wall 1018. The plurality of through-channels may be centered or not centered on a longitudinal axis (not shown) of the body portion 1001. The internal wall portions may have any desirable geometric configuration, including but not limited to cylindrical. The internal wall portions may be formed of the same material as the body portion 1001 or of a different material as the body portion 1001. The plurality of through-channels may be approximately centered on a

longitudinal axis (not shown) of the body portion 1001. Variations of possible

configurations will be readily envisioned by those having ordinary skill in the art, including, for example, interconnected through-channels, zig-zagging through channels, curved through-channels, variations on the number of apertures, and variations of which apertures cooperate.

Figure 11 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a dental implant abutment 100, having apertures at different heights. As described in other embodiments, the dental implant abutment 100 may have a body portion 101 having a rounded top portion 102, and a bottom portion 103. The dental implant abutment 100 may have a shank portion 106 cooperatively or functionally coupled with the bottom portion 103 and a threaded portion cooperatively or functionally coupled with the shank portion 106. As shown in Figure 1 1 , the body portion 101 may include a plurality of apertures. The plurality of apertures may include a first aperture 1 101 disposed at a first distance 1104 from the bottom portion 103. The plurality of apertures may also include a second aperture 1 102 disposed at a second distance 1 103 from the bottom portion 1 103. According to various embodiments, the first distance 1 104 and the second distance 1 103 may be the same or different. As shown in Figure 11 , the first distance 1 104 may be greater than the second distance 1 103. The first aperture 1 101 may cooperate with the second aperture 1 102 as described according to any of the embodiments described in this disclosure, such that a needle and/or a thread may travel along path 1104 through the first aperture 1 104, through the body portion 101 , and through the second aperture 1 102. Variations will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Various embodiments are described hereinafter. It should be noted that the specific embodiments are not intended as an exhaustive description or as a limitation to the broader aspects discussed herein. One aspect described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced with any other embodiment(s). Reference throughout this specification to“one embodiment”,“an embodiment,”“an example embodiment,” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases“in one embodiment,”“in an embodiment,” or“an example embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention. For example, in the appended claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.