Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a dental fitting, such as an abutment, attachable to a first dental component, such as a dental implant, and to a second dental component, such as a dental prosthesis. Further, the invention relates to a dental assembly comprising such a dental fitting and the first dental component and/or the second dental component.

Background Art

Dental prostheses, such as dental crowns or dental bridges, are widely used for the treatment of partly or fully

edentulous patients. These prostheses are commonly attached to dental implants placed in a patient's jaw bone with the use of a dental fitting, such as an abutment, arranged between implant and prosthesis. For example, for this purpose, single-piece abutments, consisting of a single piece, or multi-piece abutments, comprising two or more separate pieces, may be employed.

When providing a patient with a dental prosthesis, one or more dental implants are placed in the patient's jaw bone first, e.g., by screwing the implant or implants into the jaw bone. Before a prosthesis can be attached thereto, the one or more implants have to be osseointegrated in the jaw bone, in order to provide a sufficient degree of mechanical

stability. When the one or more implants are

osseointegrated, the prosthesis or prostheses is or are attached thereto via one or more respective abutments. The abutment may be fixed to the implant by using an implant screw or clinical screw inserted through a coronal opening of the abutment . In order to achieve a tight and reliable connection between prosthesis and abutment, a screw connection between these two components is often provided. Specifically, the prosthesis is screwed to the abutment with a prosthesis screw inserted through a coronal opening of the prosthesis. The screw head of the prosthesis screw rests on a bearing surface inside the prosthesis, thus securely fixing the prosthesis to the abutment .

However, this approach commonly requires prosthesis screws with relatively large sizes, in particular, screw thread sizes. For example, in conventional configurations, the size of the prosthesis screw may be dependent on the size of the clinical screw used for attaching the abutment to the

implant. These large prosthesis screw sizes render it necessary to use abutments with increased dimensions.

Further, channels with large diameters have to be provided in the prostheses for receiving the prosthesis screws, in particular, for accommodating the screw heads of these screws. These requirements severely restrict the range of possible applications of such structures. For example, they cannot be used to treat small anterior cavities.

Moreover, the abutment is often difficult to remove from the implant after attachment thereto. Commonly, a retrieval tool has to be employed for this purpose, rendering the removal process complicated, time-consuming and inefficient.

Hence, there remains a need for a dental fitting, such as an abutment, which allows for attachment to a first dental component, such as a dental implant, and to a second dental component, such as a dental prosthesis, in a versatile and efficient manner. Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a dental fitting, such as an abutment, which allows for attachment to a first dental component, such as a dental implant, and to a second dental component, such as a dental prosthesis, in a versatile and efficient manner. Further, the invention aims to provide a dental assembly comprising such a dental fitting and a first dental component and/or a second dental component.

These goals are achieved by a dental fitting with the

technical features of claim 1 and by a dental assembly with the technical features of claim 15.

The invention provides a dental fitting attachable to a first dental component, such as a dental implant, and to a second dental component, such as a dental prosthesis. The dental fitting comprises a main body and an attachment member which is at least partly received within the main body. The dental fitting is configured so that movement of the attachment member relative to the main body along a longitudinal axis of the main body is restricted in the apical and coronal

directions. The attachment member and the main body are securely aligned with each other so that the longitudinal axis of the main body is substantially parallel to a

longitudinal axis of the attachment member. An apical portion of the main body is attachable to the first dental component. A coronal portion of the attachment member has a threaded section for attaching the dental fitting to the second dental component. The dental fitting may comprise an attachment element for attaching the dental fitting to the first dental component. The attachment member and the

attachment element may be separate components.

The longitudinal axis of the main body extends along the direction from an apical end of the main body towards a coronal end of the main body. The longitudinal axis of the attachment member extends along the direction from an apical end of the attachment member towards a coronal end of the attachment member.

The dental fitting is configured so that movement of the attachment member relative to the main body along the

longitudinal axis of the main body is restricted in the apical and coronal directions. Thus, the attachment member is movable relative to the main body only over a

predetermined distance, i.e., a limited distance, in the apical and coronal directions along the longitudinal axis of the main body, or the attachment member is fixed in its position relative to the main body in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the main body.

The apical portion of the main body is attachable to the first dental component. Hence, the dental fitting can be attached to the first dental component by attaching the apical portion of the main body to the first dental

component. In particular, since movement of the attachment member relative to the main body along the longitudinal axis of the main body is restricted in the apical and coronal directions, attaching the main body to the first dental component also attaches, e.g., movably attaches, the

attachment member to the first dental component.

Specifically, due to the restriction of relative movement between attachment member and main body in the coronal direction, the attachment member cannot be detached or removed from the main body in the direction away from the first dental component and is thus reliably attached.

Further, the dental fitting can be removed from the first dental component in an efficient and simple way, namely by removing the attachment member from the first dental

component. In particular, movement of the attachment member relative to the main body along the longitudinal axis of the main body is restricted in the coronal direction, i.e., in the direction from the apical end of the attachment member towards the coronal end of the attachment member. When removing the dental fitting from the first dental component, the removal process takes place in the coronal direction. Hence, by removing the attachment member from the first dental component, also the main body, and thus the entire dental fitting, is removed from the first dental component.

The attachment member and the main body are securely aligned with each other so that the longitudinal axis of the main body is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the attachment member. The term "securely aligned" defines that this substantially parallel alignment between attachment member and main body is fixed, so that attachment member and main body cannot be pivoted or tilted relative to each other along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body. Thus, the attachment member and the main body are fixedly aligned with each other. In this way, a particularly well-defined attachment of the dental fitting to the first and second dental components can be achieved.

The coronal portion of the attachment member has a threaded section for attaching the dental fitting to the second dental component. Therefore, the attachment member, and thus the entire dental fitting, can be attached to the second dental component in an efficient and simple manner. In particular, this attachment configuration does not require the presence of a channel with large dimensions in the second dental component. Further, also the dimensions of the dental fitting itself can be kept relatively small. Thus, the dental fitting is widely applicable for various types of treatment, e.g., in different positions within the jaw of a patient which require a small sized dental fitting. Hence, the dental fitting allows for attachment to the first dental component and to the second dental component in a versatile and efficient manner.

The dental fitting may be, for example, an abutment, e.g., a single-piece or a multi-piece abutment, an insert or a connector .

The first dental component may be, for example, a dental implant or an implant analogue, e.g., for use in a dental laboratory .

The second dental component may be, for example, a dental prosthesis, such as a dental crown or a dental bridge, a temporary restoration or a final restoration.

For the case of a multi-piece abutment, e.g., a two-piece abutment, the dental fitting may be one piece of the abutment and the second dental component may be another piece of the abutment. In this case, the one piece of the abutment comprises the attachment member and can be attached to the other piece of the abutment by the threaded section of the attachment member.

The first dental component may be made of, for example, a metal, such as titanium, a titanium alloy or stainless steel, a ceramic, a polymer material or a composite material. In particular, the first dental component may be a dental implant made of, for example, a metal, such as titanium, a titanium alloy or stainless steel.

The second dental component may be made of, for example, a metal, a ceramic, porcelain, a polymer material or a

composite material.

The main body and the attachment member of the dental fitting may be made from the same material or, preferably, from different materials. Preferably, the main body is made from a polymer material. Preferably, the attachment member is made from a metal, such as titanium, a titanium alloy or stainless steel.

The apical portion of the main body may be attachable to the first dental component by snap fit or friction fit.

The apical portion of the main body may comprise at least one elastically deformable element, e.g., at least one

elastically deformable retention element. The at least one elastically deformable element may be elastically deformable at least in one direction, a plurality of directions or all directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body. The at least one elastically deformable element may be configured for attaching the main body, and thus the entire dental fitting, to the first dental component, e.g., by snap fit or friction fit.

The at least one elastically deformable element may comprise at least one projection or protrusion extending from an outer surface thereof in one or more directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body. The at least one projection or protrusion may be configured to be received in a corresponding cavity formed in a coronal portion of the first dental component, such as a dental implant .

When attaching the main body to the first dental component, the at least one elastically deformable element may be initially elastically deformed, i.e., elastically compressed, along the transverse directions, i.e., the radial directions, of the main body and subsequently restored to its initial shape when the at least one projection or protrusion has been received in the corresponding cavity of the first dental component, due to the restoring force of the at least one elastically deformable element. Hence, the main body can be attached to the first dental component by snap fit in a reliable and efficient manner.

At least a portion of the main body, in particular, at least an apical portion of the main body, may have a non-circular shape in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body. For example, the at least a portion of the main body may have an oval or elliptic shape in the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body. Particularly preferably, the at least a portion of the main body may have a trioval shape in the cross- section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body. Such a trioval shape has three radial maxima and three radial minima, i.e., three maxima and three minima in the radial directions of the main body.

A dental fitting having a main body with such an at least partial non-circular configuration can be particularly advantageously used for a first dental component, such as a dental implant, comprising an internal socket at least a portion of which has a non-circular shape in a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first dental component. The longitudinal axis of the first dental component extends along the direction from an apical end of the first dental component towards a coronal end of the first dental component.

In this case, in a state in which the dental fitting is attached to the first dental component, the main body may be at least partly received within the internal socket so that the non-circular portion of the main body mates with the non circular portion of the internal socket.

The main body may have a tapering portion, such as a conical portion. An outer circumference of the tapering portion may increase in the direction from the apical end of the main body towards the coronal end of the main body. The tapering portion of the main body may be an apical portion of the main body .

At least a part of the tapering portion may have a non circular, e.g., trioval, oval or elliptic, shape in a cross- section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body .

The coronal portion of the attachment member may coronally extend beyond a coronal portion of the main body. In this way, a particularly simple and efficient attachment of the dental fitting to the second dental component by the

attachment member can be achieved. In particular, the coronal portion of the attachment member can be inserted into the second dental component, e.g., an apical portion thereof, and be attached to the second dental component by the

threaded section of the coronal portion.

Alternatively, the coronal portion of the attachment member may be fully received within the main body.

The attachment member may be rotatable relative to the main body around the longitudinal axis of the attachment member.

In this case, the attachment member can be rotated relative to the main body while the main body may remain stationary. This rotatable arrangement of the attachment member can facilitate the attachment of the dental fitting to the first dental component, e.g., via an additional attachment element, as will be further detailed below.

The threaded section of the coronal portion of the attachment member may comprise or consist of an outer threading. The threading may be provided on an external surface of the coronal portion of the attachment member. The outer

threading may be configured to cooperate with, e.g., engage, a fixation element, e.g., having an internal threading, provided in the second dental component. The fixation element may be configured to fix the dental fitting to the second dental component in cooperation with the attachment member .

The threaded section of the coronal portion of the attachment member may comprise or consist of an internal threading. The threading may be provided on an internal surface of the coronal portion of the attachment member, for example, on the inner surface of a socket provided in the coronal portion of the attachment member. The internal threading may be

configured to cooperate with, e.g., engage, a fixation element, e.g., having an outer threading, provided in the second dental component. The fixation element may be

configured to fix the dental fitting to the second dental component in cooperation with the attachment member.

The dental fitting may comprise the fixation element. The second dental component may comprise the fixation element.

The main body may have a single-piece or a multi-piece, e.g., a two-piece, configuration.

The main body may comprise a base part and an insert part.

The insert part may be at least partly received within the base part. The insert part may be arranged at a coronal portion of the base part. For example, the inset part may be at least partly received within an opening provided in the coronal portion of the base part. A coronal portion of the insert part may coronally extend beyond the coronal portion of the base part, e.g., beyond a coronal end of the base part .

A lateral extension of the insert part, e.g., a maximum diameter of the insert part, in the directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body may be smaller than a lateral extension of the base part, e.g., a maximum

diameter of the base part, in the directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body. In particular, the lateral extension of the insert part may be smaller than the lateral extension of the base part at the coronal portion of the base part.

At least a portion of the base part, in particular, at least an apical portion of the base part, may have a non-circular shape, such as an oval, elliptic or trioval shape, in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body.

The base part may have a tapering portion, such as a conical portion. An outer circumference of the tapering portion may increase in the direction from an apical end of the base part towards a coronal end of the base part. The tapering portion of the base part may be an apical portion of the base part.

The entire base part may have a tapering shape, such as a conical shape. An outer circumference of the tapering base part may increase in the direction from the apical end of the base part towards the coronal end of the base part.

At least a part of the tapering portion of the base part or of the tapering base part may have a non-circular, e.g., trioval, oval or elliptic, shape in a cross-section

perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body.

The base part and the insert part may be made from the same material or from different materials. The base part and/or the insert part may be made from a polymer material.

The insert part may be connected, e.g., fixedly attached, to the base part, for example, by snap fit, screw engagement, welding or gluing.

The insert part may be configured to restrict movement of the attachment member relative to the main body along the longitudinal axis of the main body in the coronal direction. In this way, the dental fitting can be assembled in a

particularly efficient and simple manner. For example, the attachment member may be at least partly received within the base part first and, subsequently, the insert part may be attached to the base part, thereby restricting movement of the attachment member relative to the main body along the longitudinal axis of the main body in the coronal direction.

The dental fitting may further comprise an attachment element for attaching, e.g., fixing or securing, the dental fitting to the first dental component. The attachment element may be arranged substantially apically to the attachment member.

A portion, in particular, an apical portion, of the

attachment element may have a threaded section for attaching the dental fitting to the first dental component. For example, the attachment element may be in the form of a screw for attaching the dental fitting to the first dental

component by screw engagement.

The attachment element may be at least partly received within the main body. The attachment element may be at least partly received within the base part of the main body.

An apical portion of the attachment element, e.g., having a threaded section for attaching the dental fitting to the first dental component, may extend apically beyond the apical end of the main body.

The attachment element may be rotatable relative to the main body around a longitudinal axis of the attachment element.

The longitudinal axis of the attachment element extends along the direction from an apical end of the attachment element towards a coronal end of the attachment element. The process of attaching the dental fitting to the first dental component is facilitated by the rotatable relative arrangement of attachment element and main body. Due to this arrangement, the attachment element can be rotated relative to the first dental component without rotating the main body, i.e., while the main body remains stationary.

For example, if the attachment element has a threaded

section, the dental fitting can be attached, e.g., fixed or secured, to the first dental component in a particularly simple manner, namely by screwing the attachment element into the first dental component.

The attachment element and the main body may be securely aligned with each other so that the longitudinal axis of the main body is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the attachment element.

The dental fitting may be configured so that movement of the attachment element relative to the main body along the longitudinal axis of the main body is restricted at least in the apical direction. Movement of the attachment element relative to the main body along the longitudinal axis of the main body may be restricted in the apical direction by the main body, e.g., by an abutment portion of the main body.

The abutment portion may be provided, for example, in the base part of the main body.

The dental fitting may be configured so that movement of the attachment element relative to the main body along the longitudinal axis of the main body is restricted in the coronal direction. Movement of the attachment element relative to the main body along the longitudinal axis of the main body may be restricted in the coronal direction by the attachment member, e.g., due to abutment of a coronal portion of the attachment element against an apical portion of the attachment member. The attachment element may be movable relative to the main body only over a predetermined distance, i.e., a limited distance, in the apical and coronal directions along the longitudinal axis of the main body, or the attachment element may be fixed in its position relative to the main body in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the main body.

Movement of the attachment member relative to the main body along the longitudinal axis of the main body may be

restricted in the apical direction by the attachment element, e.g., due to abutment of the apical portion of the attachment member against the coronal portion of the attachment element.

The attachment element and the attachment member may be movable relative to each other in the directions, i.e., the coronal and apical directions, along the longitudinal axis of the main body. In this case, the attachment member and the attachment element can be moved towards each other and away from each other along the longitudinal axis of the main body. This arrangement further facilitates the process of attaching the dental fitting to the first and second dental components. In particular, by moving the attachment member and the attachment element away from each other, it can be reliably ensured that they do not interact with or influence each other. In this way, any undesired interference between the steps of attaching the dental fitting to the first dental component and attaching the dental fitting to the second dental component can be reliably avoided.

The attachment element and the attachment member may be configured so that they can be brought into releasable engagement with each other by relative movement between attachment element and attachment member in the directions, i.e., the coronal and apical directions, along the

longitudinal axis of the main body. Thus, by moving

attachment element and attachment member towards each other and bringing them into releasable engagement, for example, the attachment element can be manipulated by manipulating the attachment member and vice versa. In this way, the

handleability of the dental fitting, e.g., during attaching the dental fitting to the first dental component, is further improved .

When it is desired to manipulate attachment element and/or attachment member independently from each other, the

engagement between these two components can be released by moving attachment member and attachment element away from each other along the longitudinal axis of the main body.

The engagement between the attachment element and the

attachment member may be a rotational engagement around the longitudinal axis of the main body. In this case, due to this engagement, the attachment element can be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the main body by rotating the attachment member around the longitudinal axis of the main body and vice versa. Thus, the process of attaching the dental fitting to the first and second dental components is further facilitated.

For example, if the attachment element has a threaded

section, the dental fitting can be attached, e.g., fixed or secured, to the first dental component in a particularly simple manner, namely by rotating the attachment member around the longitudinal axis of the main body, thereby screwing the attachment element into the first dental component .

Further, the invention provides a dental assembly comprising the dental fitting according to the invention and a first dental component, such as a dental implant, and/or a second dental component, such as a dental prosthesis. The first dental component may be the first dental component described above. The second dental component may be the second dental component described above.

The explanations and definitions provided above for the dental fitting, the first dental component and the second dental component fully apply to the dental assembly of the invention .

The dental assembly of the invention provides the effects and advantages already described in detail above for the dental fitting of the invention.

The first dental component may be, for example, a dental implant or an implant analogue, e.g., for use in a dental laboratory .

The second dental component may be, for example, a dental prosthesis, such as a dental crown or a dental bridge, a temporary restoration or a final restoration.

For the case of a multi-piece abutment, e.g., a two-piece abutment, the dental fitting may be one piece of the abutment and the second dental component may be another piece of the abutment. In this case, the one piece of the abutment comprises the attachment member and can be attached to the other piece of the abutment by the threaded section of the attachment member.

The first dental component may be made of, for example, a metal, such as titanium, a titanium alloy or stainless steel, a ceramic, a polymer material or a composite material. In particular, the first dental component may be a dental implant made of, for example, a metal, such as titanium, a titanium alloy or stainless steel. The second dental component may be made of, for example, a metal, a ceramic, porcelain, a polymer material or a

composite material.

The first dental component may comprise an internal socket.

In a state in which the dental fitting is attached to the first dental component, the main body, in particular, the base part thereof, may be at least partly received within the internal socket.

At least a portion of the internal socket may have a non circular shape in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first dental component. At least a portion of the main body, in particular, the base part thereof, may have a non-circular shape in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body. In this case, in a state in which the dental fitting is attached to the first dental component, the main body may be at least partly received within the internal socket so that the non circular portion of the main body mates with the non-circular portion of the internal socket.

The internal socket may have a tapering portion, such as a conical portion. A circumference of the tapering portion may increase in the direction from an apical end of the first dental component towards a coronal end of the first dental component. The tapering portion of the internal socket may be a coronal portion of the internal socket.

At least a part of the tapering portion of the internal socket may have a non-circular, e.g., trioval, oval or elliptic, shape in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first dental component.

The first dental component, such as a dental implant, may have an attachment portion to which the attachment element of the dental fitting can be attached for attaching the dental fitting to the first dental component. For example, the attachment element may have a threaded section and the attachment portion of the first dental component may be a threaded bore for at least partly receiving the threaded section. The attachment portion, such as the threaded bore, may be provided apically to the internal socket.

According to a further aspect, the invention provides a dental fitting attachable to a first dental component, such as a dental implant, and to a second dental component, such as a dental prosthesis. The dental fitting comprises a main body, an attachment member which is at least partly received within the main body, and an attachment element which is at least partly received within the main body. The attachment member is configured for attaching the dental fitting to the second dental component. The attachment element is

configured for attaching the dental fitting to the first dental component.

The attachment element may be arranged substantially apically to the attachment member or apically to the attachment member .

The main body may be the main body described above. The attachment member may be the attachment member described above. The attachment element may be the attachment element described above. The first dental component may be the first dental component described above. The second dental

component may be the second dental component described above.

The explanations and definitions provided above for the main body, the attachment member, the attachment element, the first dental component and the second dental component fully apply to the main body, the attachment member, the attachment element, the first dental component and the second dental component, respectively, according to the further aspect of the invention. The dental fitting may be, for example, an abutment, e.g., a single-piece or a multi-piece abutment, an insert or a connector .

The first dental component may be, for example, a dental implant or an implant analogue, e.g., for use in a dental laboratory .

The second dental component may be, for example, a dental prosthesis, such as a dental crown or a dental bridge, a temporary restoration or a final restoration.

For the case of a multi-piece abutment, e.g., a two-piece abutment, the dental fitting may be one piece of the abutment and the second dental component may be another piece of the abutment. In this case, the one piece of the abutment comprises the attachment member and can be attached to the other piece of the abutment by the attachment member.

A coronal portion of the attachment member may have a

threaded section for attaching the dental fitting to the second dental component.

A portion, in particular, an apical portion, of the

attachment element may have a threaded section for attaching the dental fitting to the first dental component. For example, the attachment element may be in the form of a screw for attaching the dental fitting to the first dental

component by screw engagement.

The dental fitting may be configured so that movement of the attachment member relative to the main body along a

longitudinal axis of the main body is restricted in the apical and coronal directions. In this case, the attachment member is movable relative to the main body only over a predetermined distance, i.e., a limited distance, in the apical and coronal directions along the longitudinal axis of the main body, or the attachment member is fixed in its position relative to the main body in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the main body.

The dental fitting may be configured so that movement of the attachment element relative to the main body along the longitudinal axis of the main body is restricted at least in the apical direction. Movement of the attachment element relative to the main body along the longitudinal axis of the main body may be restricted in the apical direction by the main body, e.g., by an abutment portion of the main body.

The abutment portion may be provided, for example, in a base part of the main body which will be further described below.

The dental fitting may be configured so that movement of the attachment element relative to the main body along the longitudinal axis of the main body is restricted in the coronal direction. Movement of the attachment element relative to the main body along the longitudinal axis of the main body may be restricted in the coronal direction by the attachment member, e.g., due to abutment of a coronal portion of the attachment element against an apical portion of the attachment member.

The attachment element may be movable relative to the main body only over a predetermined distance, i.e., a limited distance, in the apical and coronal directions along the longitudinal axis of the main body, or the attachment element may be fixed in its position relative to the main body in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the main body.

Movement of the attachment member relative to the main body along the longitudinal axis of the main body may be

restricted in the apical direction by the attachment element, e.g., due to abutment of the apical portion of the attachment member against the coronal portion of the attachment element. The attachment member and the main body may be securely aligned with each other so that the longitudinal axis of the main body is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the attachment member.

The attachment element and the main body may be securely aligned with each other so that the longitudinal axis of the main body is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the attachment element.

An apical portion of the main body may be attachable to the first dental component.

The coronal portion of the attachment member may coronally extend beyond a coronal portion of the main body.

An apical portion of the attachment element, e.g., having a threaded section for attaching the dental fitting to the first dental component, may extend apically beyond the apical end of the main body.

The attachment member may be rotatable relative to the main body around the longitudinal axis of the attachment member.

The attachment element may be rotatable relative to the main body around the longitudinal axis of the attachment element.

The threaded section may comprise or consist of an outer threading or an internal threading.

The main body may comprise a base part and an insert part.

The insert part may be at least partly received within the base part.

The base part may be the base part described above. The insert part may be the insert part described above. The explanations and definitions provided above for the base part and the insert part fully apply to the base part and the insert part, respectively, according to the further aspect of the invention.

The attachment element may be at least partly received within the base part of the main body.

The insert part may be configured to restrict movement of the attachment member relative to the main body along the

longitudinal axis of the main body in the coronal direction.

The attachment element and the attachment member may be movable relative to each other in the directions along the longitudinal axis of the main body. In this case, the attachment member and the attachment element can be moved towards each other and away from each other along the

longitudinal axis of the main body. This arrangement further facilitates the process of attaching the dental fitting to the first and second dental components. In particular, by moving the attachment member and the attachment element away from each other, it can be reliably ensured that they do not interact with or influence each other. In this way, any undesired interference between the steps of attaching the dental fitting to the first dental component and attaching the dental fitting to the second dental component can be reliably avoided.

The attachment element and the attachment member may be configured so that they can be brought into releasable engagement with each other by relative movement between attachment element and attachment member in the directions along the longitudinal axis of the main body. Thus, by moving attachment element and attachment member towards each other and bringing them into releasable engagement, for example, the attachment element can be manipulated by

manipulating the attachment member and vice versa. In this way, the handleability of the dental fitting, e.g., during attaching the dental fitting to the first dental component, is further improved.

When it is desired to manipulate attachment element and/or attachment member independently from each other, the

engagement between these two components can be released by moving attachment member and attachment element away from each other along the longitudinal axis of the main body.

The engagement between the attachment element and the

attachment member may be a rotational engagement around the longitudinal axis of the main body. In this case, due to this engagement, the attachment element can be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the main body by rotating the attachment member around the longitudinal axis of the main body and vice versa. Thus, the process of attaching the dental fitting to the first and second dental components is further facilitated.

For example, if the attachment element has a threaded

section, the dental fitting can be attached, e.g., fixed or secured, to the first dental component in a particularly simple manner, namely by rotating the attachment member around the longitudinal axis of the main body, thereby screwing the attachment element into the first dental component .

Moreover, the invention provides a dental assembly comprising the dental fitting according to the further aspect and a first dental component, such as a dental implant, and/or a second dental component, such as a dental prosthesis.

The first dental component may be the first dental component described above. The second dental component may be the second dental component described above. The explanations and definitions provided above for the dental fitting, the first dental component and the second dental component fully apply to the dental assembly of the invention .

Brief Description of the Drawings

Hereinafter, non-limiting examples of the invention are explained with reference to the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a dental fitting

according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a dental assembly

according to a first embodiment of the present invention in an assembled state, comprising the dental fitting shown in Fig. 1, a first dental component, i.e., a dental implant, and a second dental component, i.e., a dental prosthesis;

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the dental assembly shown in

Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 shows a dental assembly according to a second

embodiment of the present invention, comprising a dental fitting, a first dental component, i.e., a dental implant, and a second dental component, i.e., a dental prosthesis, wherein Fig. 4(a) is a cross-sectional view of the dental assembly in an assembled state, and Fig. 4(b) is a perspective view of an attachment member, an insert part and a fixation element of the dental assembly;

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a step of assembling the dental fitting for the dental assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 shows a dental assembly according to a third

embodiment of the present invention, comprising a dental fitting, a first dental component, i.e., a dental implant, and a second dental component, i.e., a dental prosthesis, wherein Fig. 6(a) is a cross-sectional view of the dental assembly in an assembled state, and Fig. 6(b) is a perspective view of an attachment member, an insert part and a fixation element of the dental assembly; and

Fig. 7 shows a dental assembly according to a fourth

embodiment of the present invention, comprising a dental fitting, a first dental component, i.e., a dental implant, and a second dental component, i.e., a dental prosthesis, wherein Fig. 7(a) is a cross-sectional view of the dental assembly in an assembled state, and Fig. 7(b) is a perspective view of an attachment element, an attachment member, an insert part and a fixation element of the dental assembly.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a dental fitting 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The dental fitting 1 is an abutment attachable to a first dental component, such as a dental implant, and to a second dental component, such as a dental prosthesis (see Figure 2) .

The dental fitting 1 comprises a main body 2 and an

attachment member 4 which is partly received within the main body 2. The main body 2 can be made from a metal, such as titanium, a titanium alloy or stainless steel or from a polymer material. The attachment member 4 is made from a metal, such as titanium, a titanium alloy or stainless steel.

The attachment member 4 is in the form of a screw which is arranged upside down relative to the main body 2, i.e., so that a threaded section 6 thereof is arranged at a coronal portion of the attachment member 4. The threaded section 6 of the attachment member 4 is an outer threading which is provided on an outer surface of the coronal portion of the attachment member 4. The threaded section 6 is configured for attaching the dental fitting 1 to the second dental component (see Figure 2) . The coronal portion of the

attachment member 4, having the threaded section 6, coronally extends beyond a coronal end of the main body 2.

The dental fitting 1 further comprises an attachment element 8 for fixedly attaching the dental fitting 1 to the first dental component (see Figure 2) . The attachment element 8 is partly received within the main body 2. The attachment element 8 is arranged apically to the attachment member 4, as is shown in Figure 1.

An apical portion of the attachment element 8 has a threaded section 10 for attaching the dental fitting 1 to the first dental component. Specifically, the attachment element 8 is in the form of a screw for attaching the dental fitting 1 to the first dental component by screw engagement. The apical portion of the attachment element 8, having the threaded section 10, extends apically beyond an apical end of the main body 2.

The attachment member 4 and the main body 2 are securely aligned with each other so that the longitudinal axis of the main body 2 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the attachment member 4. Further, also the attachment element 8 and the main body 2 are securely aligned with each other so that the longitudinal axis of the main body 2 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the attachment element 8.

The main body 2 comprises a base part 12 and an insert part 14. The insert part 14 is partly received within the base part 12. The insert part 14 comprises a flange portion 16 and an insertion portion 18 arranged apically to the flange portion 16. The insertion portion 18 is fully received within an opening provided in the coronal portion of the base part 12. The flange portion 16 rests on a coronal surface of the base part 12.

The diameter of the flange portion 16 is smaller than the diameter of the coronal portion of the base part 12. Thus, a bearing surface 20, arranged circumferentially around the flange portion 16, is maintained at the coronal end of the base part 12. The bearing surface 20 is configured for receiving an apical end surface of the second dental

component, as will be further detailed below with reference to Figure 2.

The base part 12 has a tapering shape, as is shown in Figure 1. An outer circumference of the tapering base part 12 increases in the direction from the apical end of the base part 12 towards the coronal end of the base part 12.

The insert part 14 is fixedly attached to the base part 12, for example, by snap fit, screw engagement, welding or gluing .

The dental fitting 1 is configured so that movement of the attachment member 4 and the attachment element 8 relative to the main body along the longitudinal axis of the main body 2 is restricted in the apical and coronal directions.

Specifically, the attachment member 4 and the attachment element 8 are fixed in their positions relative to the main body 2 in the directions along the longitudinal axis of the main body 2.

Movement of the attachment element 8 relative to the main body 2 along the longitudinal axis of the main body 2 is restricted in the apical direction by an abutment portion 22 extending along an inner circumference of the base part 12 of the main body 2. Specifically, the coronal portion of the attachment element 8 abuts against the abutment portion 22, thereby preventing the attachment element 8 from moving in the apical direction.

Movement of the attachment element 8 relative to the main body 2 along the longitudinal axis of the main body 2 is restricted in the coronal direction by the attachment member 4 due to abutment of the coronal end of the attachment element 8 against the apical end of the attachment member 4. This arrangement also restricts movement of the attachment member 4 relative to the main body 2 along the longitudinal axis of the main body 2 in the apical direction.

The insert part 14 is configured to restrict movement of the attachment member 4 relative to the main body 2 along the longitudinal axis of the main body 2 in the coronal

direction. Specifically, as is shown in Figure 1, an apical portion of the attachment member 4 abuts against the apical end surface of the insertion portion 18 of the insert part 14, thereby preventing the attachment member 4 from moving in the coronal direction.

The arrangement of base part 12, insert part 14, attachment member 4 and attachment element 8 detailed above thus fixes attachment member 4 and attachment element 8 in their

positions relative to the main body 2 in the directions along the longitudinal axis of the main body 2. The configuration of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 may be modified so that attachment member 4 and attachment element 8 are movable relative to the main body 2 over a predetermined distance, i.e., a limited distance, in the apical and coronal directions along the longitudinal axis of the main body 2. In particular, the dental fitting 1 can be configured so that attachment member 4 and attachment element 8 are movable relative to each other in the directions, i.e., the coronal and apical directions, along the longitudinal axis of the main body 2. In this case, the attachment member 4 and the attachment element 8 can be moved towards each other and away from each other along the longitudinal axis of the main body 2.

The attachment member 4 and the attachment element 8 are arranged so as to be rotatable relative to the main body 2 around their respective longitudinal axes.

The attachment member 4 and the attachment element 8 are provided as separate components but engaged with each other at their abutting surfaces, i.e., at the coronal end surface of the attachment element 8 and the apical end surface of the attachment member 4. For example, the coronal end surface of the attachment element 8 can be provided with a cross-shaped protrusion 24, as is shown in Figure 3. This protrusion 24 is received within a corresponding recess (not shown) formed in the apical end surface of the attachment member 4, thereby establishing rotational engagement between attachment member 4 and attachment element 8 around the longitudinal axis of the main body 2. The engagement between attachment member 4 and attachment element 8 is also shown in Figure 1. Due to this engagement, the attachment element 8 can be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the main body 2 by rotating the attachment member 4 around the longitudinal axis of the main body 2. As has been detailed above, the configuration of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 may be modified so that

attachment member 4 and attachment element 8 are movable relative to each other in the directions along the

longitudinal axis of the main body 2. In this case, the dental fitting 1 may be configured so that attachment member 4 and attachment element 8 can be brought into releasable engagement, in particular, releasable rotational engagement around the longitudinal axis of the main body 2, with each other by relative movement between attachment element 8 and attachment member 4 in the directions along the longitudinal axis of the main body 2. By moving attachment element 8 and attachment member 4 towards each other, the protrusion 24 of the attachment element 8 can be received within the recess of the attachment member 4, thereby establishing rotational engagement. This engagement can be released by moving attachment member 4 and attachment element 8 away from each other along the longitudinal axis of the main body 2.

The apical portion of the main body 2 is attachable to the first dental component (see Figure 2) by snap fit. In particular, the apical portion of the main body 2 comprises an elastically deformable element 26 which is substantially in the form of a ring (see Figure 1) . The elastically deformable element 26 is elastically deformable in all directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body 2. The elastically deformable element 26 comprises a protrusion 28 projecting from an outer surface thereof in the directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body 2. The protrusion 28 may extend along the entire circumference of the elastically deformable element 26 or along only a part thereof. Also, a plurality of protrusions 28 may be provided along the circumference of the elastically deformable element 26.

The dental fitting 1 can be assembled by inserting the attachment element 8 and the attachment member 4 into the base part 12 and, subsequently, attaching the insert part 14 to the base part 12, e.g., by snap fit, screw engagement, welding or gluing (see Figure 3) . In this way, the dental fitting 1 shown in Figure 1 can be obtained in in a simple, reliable and efficient manner.

In the following, the process of attaching the dental fitting 1 to a first dental component and to a second dental

component, thereby arriving at the assembled state of the dental assembly shown in Figure 2, will be described.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the dental assembly comprises the dental fitting 1, a first dental component 30 in the form of a dental implant and a second dental component 40 in the form of a dental prosthesis (see Figure 2) . The dental assembly is shown in Figure 2 in an assembled state, i.e., in a state in which the dental fitting 1 is fully attached to the first dental component 30 and the second dental component 40.

The first dental component 30 is made of a metal, such as titanium, a titanium alloy or stainless steel. The first dental component 30 has an outer threaded portion 32 for screwing the first dental component 30 into a patient's jaw bone .

Further, the first dental component 30 comprises an internal socket 34 arranged at a coronal portion of the first dental component 30. The internal socket 34 is tapered so that a circumference of the internal socket 34 increases in the direction from an apical end of the first dental component 30 towards a coronal end of the first dental component 30. The taper of the internal socket 34 matches the taper of the base part 12 of the main body 2. Moreover, the first dental component 30 has a threaded bore 36 for receiving the

threaded section 10 of the attachment element 8. As is shown in Figure 2, the threaded bore 36 is provided apically to the internal socket 34. A cavity 38 for receiving the protrusion 28 of the elastically deformable element 26 is provided along the inner circumference of the internal socket 34.

In the process of attaching the dental fitting 1 to the first and second dental components 30 and 40, the dental fitting 1 in its assembled state is first inserted into the first dental component 30. In this insertion step, the elastically deformable element 26 is initially elastically deformed,

1.e., elastically compressed, along the transverse

directions, i.e., the radial directions, of the main body 2 and subsequently restored to its initial shape when the protrusion 28 has been received in the cavity 38 of the first dental component 30, due to the restoring force of the elastically deformable element 26. Hence, the main body 2 is releasably attached to the first dental component 30 by snap fit .

Further, the dental fitting 1 is fixedly attached to the first dental component 30 by screwing the attachment element 8 into the first dental component 30, so that the threaded section 10 of the attachment element 8 is received within the threaded bore 36 (see Figure 2) . This screwing step is performed by rotating the attachment member 4, which is in rotational engagement with the attachment element 8, around the longitudinal axis of the main body 2. Specifically, the coronal end surface of the attachment member 4, which is freely accessible from the outside, is provided with a plurality of recesses 5 (see Figure 3) . These recesses 5 can be engaged by a driving tool (not shown) , thus allowing for the attachment member 4 to be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the main body 2 by means of the driving tool. Due to the rotatable arrangement of attachment member 4 and

attachment element 8 relative to the main body 2, attachment member 4 and attachment element 8 can be rotated relative to the first dental component 30 without rotating the main body

2, i.e., while the main body 2 remains stationary. Also, the dental fitting 1 can be removed from the first dental component 30 in a particularly simple and efficient manner. If the attachment element 8 is unscrewed from the first dental component 30 by rotating the attachment member 4, the entire dental fitting 1 is pushed out of the first dental component 30, since attachment member 4 and attachment element 8 are fixed in their positions relative to the main body 2 in the directions along the longitudinal axis of the main body 2. Thus, no additional tool, such as a retrieval tool, is required for removing the dental fitting 1 from the first dental component 30.

After the dental fitting 1 has been fixedly attached to the first dental component 30 in the manner detailed above, the dental fitting 1 is attached to the second dental component 40. The second dental component 40 is a dental prosthesis which is schematically shown in Figures 2 and 3. For

example, the second dental component 40 may be made of ceramic, porcelain, a polymer material or a composite

material .

First, the second dental component 40 is arranged on the coronal portion of the dental fitting 1 so that an apical end surface of the second dental component 40 abuts against the bearing surface 20 of the base part 12. The coronal portion of the attachment member 4 and the flange portion 16 of the insert part 14 are received within an opening 42 of the second dental component 40 which extends through the second dental component 40 from an apical end to a coronal end thereof (see Figure 2) .

Subsequently, a fixation element 29 is inserted into the opening 42 from the coronal end of the second dental

component 40. The fixation element 29 has an internal threading which is configured to cooperate with, i.e., engage, the threaded section 6 of the attachment member 4. For example, the fixation element 29 may be in the form of a screw nut or the like. The fixation element 29 is screwed onto the threaded section 6 of the attachment member 4. In the screwed on state of the fixation element 29, an apical end surface of the fixation element 29 abuts against an abutment portion 44 arranged along the inner circumference of the opening 42, thereby fixedly attaching the second dental component 40 to the dental fitting 1 .

In the following, a dental fitting 101 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

The dental fitting 101 according to the second embodiment differs from the dental fitting 1 according to the first embodiment mainly in the configurations and arrangements of the attachment member and the attachment element. In the description of the second embodiment, the elements which are similar or substantially identical to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference signs and a repeated detailed description thereof is omitted.

Figure 4 (a) shows a dental assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention, comprising the dental fitting 101, the first dental component 30 and the second dental component 40. The first and second dental components 30 and 40 are similar to those of the dental assembly of the first embodiment and, thus, have been denoted with the same reference signs. Further, a repeated detailed description thereof is omitted.

The dental fitting 101 has substantially the same general configuration as the dental fitting 1 and comprises a main body 102, an attachment member 104 and an attachment element 108. The dental fittings 101 and 1 mainly differ from each other in that attachment member 104 and attachment element 108 are movable relative to the main body 102 over a predetermined distance in the apical and coronal directions along the longitudinal axis of the main body 102, in that attachment member 104 and attachment element 108 are not engaged or engageable with each other, and in that attachment member 104 is provided with an internal threaded section 106. Further, the coronal portion of the attachment member 104 is partially or fully received within the main body 102. Also, an insert part 114 of the main body 102 is provided with an outer threading 115 rather than a flange portion at a coronal portion thereof (see Figure 4 (b) ) .

The dental fitting 101 is configured so that attachment member 104 and attachment element 108 are movable relative to each other in the directions, i.e., the coronal and apical directions, along the longitudinal axis of the main body 102. Thus, the attachment member 104 and the attachment element 108 can be moved towards each other and away from each other along the longitudinal axis of the main body 102.

The process of attaching the dental fitting 101 to the first and second dental components 30 and 40 will be described below with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

First, a base part 112 of the main body 102 and the

attachment element 108 are received within the first dental component 30. The apical portion of the base part 112 may be attached to the first dental component 30 by snap fit

substantially in the same manner as detailed above for the dental fitting 1 of the first embodiment. Further, the attachment element 108 is fixedly attached to the first dental component 30 by screwing the attachment element 108 into the first dental component 30. In this way, also the base part 112 is fixed to the first dental component 30.

This screwing step is performed by directly rotating the attachment element 108 around its longitudinal axis, e.g., by using a driving tool (not shown) which engages the coronal portion of the attachment element 108. The outcome of this step is shown in Figure 5.

Subsequently, the insert part 114, having the attachment member 104 partly received therein, is attached to the base part 112 fixed to the first dental component 30. For this purpose, a handling tool 150, holding and guiding insert part 114 and attachment member 104, is used (see Figure 5) . In particular, the handling tool 150 may be screwed onto the insert part 114 by means of the outer threading 115 (see Figure 4 (b) ) so that the insert part 114 can be held and guided in a particularly reliable and efficient manner by the handling tool 150. The insert part 114 may be attached to the base part 112 by snap fit, screw engagement, welding or gluing. In the present embodiment, the insert part 114 is preferably attached to the base part 112 by snap fit, namely by means of elastic fingers 117 of the insert part 114 (see Figure 4 (b) ) . The fully attached state of the insert part 114 is shown in Figure 4 (a) .

After the insert part 114 has been fixedly attached to the base part 112 in this manner, the dental fitting 101 is attached to the second dental component 40. This step is performed in a manner similar to that described above for the dental assembly of the first embodiment, the main difference being that a fixation element 129 with an outer threading 131 (see Figure 4(b)) is used for fixing the dental fitting 101 to the second dental component 40. The outer threading 131 of the fixation element 129 is configured to cooperate with, i.e., engage, the internal threaded section 106 of the attachment member 104. By screwing the fixation element 129 into the internal threaded section 106 of the attachment member 104, the dental fitting 101 is fixedly attached to the second dental component 40. In the following, a dental fitting 201 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 6.

The dental fitting 201 according to the third embodiment differs from the dental fitting 101 according to the second embodiment mainly in the configuration of the attachment member. In the description of the third embodiment, the elements which are similar or substantially identical to those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference signs and a repeated detailed description thereof is omitted.

Figure 6(a) shows a dental assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention, comprising the dental fitting 201, the first dental component 30 and the second dental component 40. The first and second dental components 30 and 40 are substantially identical to those of the dental assemblies of the first and second embodiments and, thus, have been denoted with the same reference signs. Further, a repeated detailed description thereof is omitted.

The dental fitting 201 has substantially the same general configuration as the dental fitting 101 and comprises a main body 202, an attachment member 204 and an attachment element 208. The dental fittings 201 and 101 mainly differ from each other in that the attachment member 204 is provided with an outer threaded section 206 (see Figure 6(b)) . Specifically, the threaded section 206 of the attachment member 204 is an outer threading which is provided on an outer surface of the coronal portion of the attachment member 204. The threaded section 206 is configured for attaching the dental fitting 201 to the second dental component 40 (see Figure 6(a)) . The coronal portion of the attachment member 204, having the threaded section 206, coronally extends beyond a coronal end of the main body 202. Also, an insert part 214 of the main body 202 is provided at a coronal portion thereof with a flange portion 215 having flattened sections at its circumference rather than with an outer threading (see Figure 6(b)) .

The process of attaching the dental fitting 201 to the first and second dental components 30 and 40 will be described below with reference to Figure 6.

First, a base part 212 of the main body 202 and the

attachment element 208 are received within the first dental component 30. The apical portion of the base part 212 may be attached to the first dental component 30 by snap fit

substantially in the same manner as detailed above for the dental fitting 1 of the first embodiment. Further, the attachment element 208 is fixedly attached to the first dental component 30 by screwing the attachment element 208 into the first dental component 30. In this way, also the base part 212 is fixed to the first dental component 30.

This screwing step is performed by directly rotating the attachment element 208 around its longitudinal axis, e.g., by using a driving tool (not shown) which engages the coronal portion of the attachment element 208. The outcome of this step is shown in Figure 6(a) .

Subsequently, the insert part 214, having the attachment member 204 partly received therein, is attached to the base part 212 fixed to the first dental component 30. For this purpose, a handling tool (not shown) , holding and guiding insert part 214 and attachment member 204, may be used. In particular, the handling tool may be attached to the insert part 214 by means of the flange portion 215 with the

flattened sections. The insert part 214 may be attached to the base part 212 by snap fit, screw engagement, welding or gluing. In the present embodiment, the insert part 214 is preferably attached to the base part 212 by snap fit, namely by means of elastic fingers 217 of the insert part 214 (see Figure 6 (b) ) . The fully attached state of the insert part 214 is shown in Figure 6(a) .

After the insert part 214 has been fixedly attached to the base part 212 in this manner, the dental fitting 201 is attached to the second dental component 40. This step is performed in a manner similar to that described above for the dental assembly of the first embodiment. Specifically, a fixation element 229 is inserted into an opening of the second dental component 40 from the coronal end thereof. The fixation element 229 has an internal threading 231 which is configured to cooperate with, i.e., engage, the threaded section 206 of the attachment member 204 (see Figure 6(b)) . For example, the fixation element 229 may be in the form of a screw nut or the like. The fixation element 229 is screwed onto the threaded section 206 of the attachment member 204.

In this way, the dental fitting 201 is fixedly attached to the second dental component 40.

In the following, a dental fitting 301 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 7.

The dental fitting 301 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the dental fitting 101 according to the second embodiment mainly in the configuration and the arrangement of the attachment member and the attachment element. In the description of the fourth embodiment, the elements which are similar or substantially identical to those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference signs and a repeated detailed description thereof is omitted.

Figure 7 (a) shows a dental assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, comprising the dental fitting 301, the first dental component 30 and the second dental component 40. The first and second dental components 30 and 40 are substantially identical to those of the dental assemblies of the first to third embodiments and, thus, have been denoted with the same reference signs. Further, a repeated detailed description thereof is omitted.

The dental fitting 301 has substantially the same general configuration as the dental fitting 101 and comprises a main body 302, an attachment member 304 and an attachment element 308. The dental fittings 301 and 101 mainly differ from each other in that the attachment member 304 and the attachment element 308 are provided as separate components but engaged with each other at their abutting surfaces, i.e., at the coronal end surface of the attachment element 308 and the apical end surface of the attachment member 304.

Specifically, the coronal end surface of the attachment element 308 is provided with a protrusion 324, e.g., a substantially hexagonal protrusion, as is shown in Figure 7 (b) . This protrusion 324 is received within a corresponding recess 325 formed in the apical end surface of the attachment member 304, thereby establishing rotational engagement between attachment member 304 and attachment element 308 around the longitudinal axis of the main body 302. The engagement between attachment member 304 and attachment element 308 is shown in Figure 7 (a) . Due to this engagement, the attachment element 308 can be rotated around the

longitudinal axis of the main body 302 by rotating the attachment member 304 around the longitudinal axis of the main body 302 and vice versa. This engagement configuration of the dental fitting 301 is similar to that of the dental fitting 1 of the first embodiment.

The configuration of the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 7 may be modified so that attachment member 304 and attachment element 308 are movable relative to each other in the

directions along the longitudinal axis of the main body 302. In this case, the dental fitting 301 may be configured so that attachment member 304 and attachment element 308 can be brought into releasable engagement, in particular, releasable rotational engagement around the longitudinal axis of the main body 302, with each other by relative movement between attachment element 308 and attachment member 304 in the directions along the longitudinal axis of the main body 302. By moving attachment element 308 and attachment member 304 towards each other, the protrusion 324 of the attachment element 308 can be received within the recess 325 of the attachment member 304, thereby establishing rotational engagement. This engagement can be released by moving attachment member 304 and attachment element 308 away from each other along the longitudinal axis of the main body 302.

The attachment member 304 is provided with an internal threaded section 306 (see Figure 7(b)) . The coronal portion of the attachment member 304 coronally extends beyond a coronal end of the main body 302. An insert part 314 of the main body 302 is provided at a coronal portion thereof with a flange portion 315 having flattened sections at its

circumference (see Figure 7(b)) . The insert part 314 may be attached to a base part 312 of the main body 302 by snap fit, screw engagement, welding or gluing. In the present

embodiment, the insert part 314 is preferably attached to the base part 312 by snap fit, namely by means of elastic fingers 317 of the insert part 314 (see Figure 7 (b) ) .

The process of attaching the dental fitting 301 to the first and second dental components 30 and 40 will be described below with reference to Figure 7.

First, the dental fitting 301 in its assembled state is inserted into the first dental component 30. The apical portion of the base part 312 may be attached to the first dental component 30 by snap fit substantially in the same manner as detailed above for the dental fitting 1 of the first embodiment. Further, the dental fitting 301 is fixedly attached to the first dental component 30 by screwing the attachment element 308 into the first dental component 30. This screwing step is performed by rotating the attachment member 304, which is in rotational engagement with the attachment element 308, around the longitudinal axis of the main body 302.

Specifically, the coronal end portion of the attachment member 304, which is freely accessible from the outside, is provided with a substantially hexagonal outer engagement portion 326 (see Figure 7(b)) . This engagement portion 326 can be engaged by a driving tool (not shown) , thus allowing for the attachment member 304 to be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the main body 302 by means of the driving tool. Due to the rotatable arrangement of attachment member 304 and attachment element 308 relative to the main body 302, attachment member 304 and attachment element 308 can be rotated relative to the first dental component 30 without rotating the main body 302, i.e., while the main body 302 remains stationary.

After the dental fitting 301 has been fixedly attached to the first dental component 30 in the manner detailed above, the dental fitting 301 is attached to the second dental component 40. This step is performed in a manner similar to that described above for the dental assembly of the second

embodiment, using a fixation element 329 with an outer threading 331 (see Figure 7(b)) . The outer threading 331 of the fixation element 329 is configured to cooperate with, i.e., engage, the internal threaded section 306 of the attachment member 304. By screwing the fixation element 329 into the internal threaded section 306 of the attachment member 304, the dental fitting 301 is fixedly attached to the second dental component 40.