Endodontic root-canal jig and fixture

Abstract

A device for use in an endodontic root canal, performed using a dental drill hand set has a first upper unit coupled to the drill hand set. The first upper unit is cylindrical in shape and has a first drill shank shaft therethrough. The upper unit has a first threading on its outside surface. A second bottom unit, cylindrical in shape, is also provided, having a second drill shank shaft therethrough. The second bottom unit has a second corresponding threading on its inside surface. When the second bottom unit is screwed onto the first upper unit a root canal jig is formed having a set height and allowing a shank from the drill hand set to pass through the first and second drill shank shafts, such that when the drill shank of the drill hand set is drilled into an affected tooth for a root canal, the drill shank is prevented from drilling along its entire length into the root of the affected tooth when the bottom of the root canal jig contacts the top of the tooth.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 771,835, filed on Feb. 3, 2004 which in turn claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 444,848, filed on Feb. 4, 2003, the entirety of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention is related to root canal operations. More specifically, this invention is related to improved equipment for performing endodontic root canals. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] When performing root canals, it is essential to drill into the root of the tooth all the way down to the apex. It is essential that the drilling terminate nearly exactly at the apex, as over-drilling through the apex may result in permanent damage to the tooth, and under drilling, or stopping before the apex, may not remove all of the necessary material, resulting in an increased chance for future infection. [0004] Presently, while performin...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution ensures accurate and consistent drilling depth, reducing the risk of tooth damage by providing a physical stop that maintains the intended drilling depth, thereby enhancing the precision and safety of root canal procedures.

Problems solved by technology

It is essential that the drilling terminate nearly exactly at the apex, as over-drilling through the apex may result in permanent damage to the tooth, and under drilling, or stopping before the apex, may not remove all of the necessary material, resulting in an increased chance for future infection.

There are several drawback associated with this method for performing root canals.

However, a number of occurrences can result in the dentist over drilling the root.

For example, problems that could arise include but are not limited to: the dentist's hand or eyes may be fatigued after performing many root canals; the rubber stopper may move during drilling; the mouth may be small resulting in improper or insufficient lighting; the tooth may be chipped providing an uneven stopping point; the hole within the tooth may be too large to properly gauge when the stopper has reached the top of the tooth; or the angle of the handset may impair the dentist's view.

In each of these instances it is possible that the dentist may over drill or under drill the root, overshooting or undershooting the apex, causing lasting damage to the affected tooth.

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