Blank from which a customized prosthetic part can be machined

Abstract

A blank used for machining customized prosthetic components is provided which includes a prefabricated seating surface, normally shaped as an anti-rotation device, used to seat the component in the corresponding implanted, or natural, surface in the patient's body. Prosthetic components need to be custom manufactured because each patient presents a different need, however, the standardized shape of seating surfaces allows for these to be machined in large scale, without affecting the quality of the treatment the patient receives. Once the customized manufacturing has been completed around the seating surface, the part requires no further machining and is ready to be used.

1 - 7 . (canceled)  
   
   
       8 . A method for forming a prosthetic component from a blank, comprising: 
 providing a blank body, a portion of an outer surface of the blank body forming a pre-fabricated seating surface, the pre-fabricated seating surface including at least one anti-rotation element, the blank body including a first support portion and a second component portion, wherein the first and second portions are integrally formed and positioned adjacent one another, the blank body being made from a biocompatible material;    supporting the first support portion of the blank body; and    forming the second component portion of the blank body into a prosthetic component.    
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein supporting the first support portion includes supporting the first support portion with a portion of a milling machine.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein forming the second component portion includes forming using a CAD/CAM system.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the CAD/CAM system is a chair-side CAD/CAM system in a dental office.