DRILL AND TAP AND METHOD FOR PREOPERATIVE ASSESSMENT OF BONE QUALITY

摘要

A twist drill and bone tap each monitor torque while drilling or threading to assess jaw bone quality and a method for accessing bone quality prior to or while tapping into the bone during a dental implantation procedure. The twist drill for assessing bone quality includes a shank having a proximal section and a distal section. A mounting portion is formed in the proximal section and is adapted to connect with a torque monitoring device. A drill bit is connected to the distal section. The drill bit includes a cutting portion having at least one helical flute formed thereon. A drill point is located at an end of the cutting portion of the drill bit having a helix angle of between about 45 to about 55°, wherein a measurable torque is generated that can be assessed as a function of the quality of the bone material being drilled. A tap for assessing bone quality during tapping includes a shank having opposed ends. A mounting portion is formed in one end and is adapted to connect with a torque monitoring device. A cutting portion is disposed on the other end of the shank and has at least one helical thread formed thereon. A medial, non-cutting portion is disposed between the cutting portion and the mounting portion. The medial portion has a diameter less than a diameter of the cutting portion so as to minimize friction forces.