Device and method for treating teeth

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for the automated intraoral treatment of at least one tooth (33) of a patient, comprising a treatment unit (3) having at least one dental instrument (5, 6) and at least one fixing means for positioning the treatment unit (3) in the oral cavity of the patient, wherein the fixing means has at least one aligner (27), each of which can be placed on the dental arch of the upper and / or lower jaw (1, 2), wherein the at least one aligner (27) is adapted to the teeth (33) of the patient and is reusable, and wherein the treatment unit (3) has at least two dental instruments (5, 6) which are arranged movably within the treatment unit (3).

Description

[0001] Device and method for treating teeth

[0002] The present invention claims a device and a method for automated intraoral treatment of teeth according to claim 1 and claim 13.

[0003] Automated devices are increasingly being used to support dentists, as they offer several advantages, such as greater precision in dental treatment.

[0004] A computer-controlled dental treatment system is disclosed in EP 1 743594 A1. In the present treatment system, a patient sits on a chair and is fixed in the head area by several fixation devices, while a robotic arm with a dental instrument performs caries treatment in the oral cavity.

[0005] US Patent 2015 / 057675 A1 discloses a system for automating a medical process. The system comprises a computer with memory, a software program, a screen, and a robotic arm connected to the computer, with a medical instrument mounted on the robotic arm. First, the physician selects a treatment procedure on the computer. Subsequently, the medical instrument performs the treatment in the patient's oral cavity.

[0006] One disadvantage of these automated treatment systems is their inaccuracy, as even slight head movements can cause the drill to work on an adjacent area in the oral cavity. The patient's head must therefore be rigidly fixed, although 100% head fixation is generally impossible unless the patient is under general anesthesia. Even when the head is fixed, the mandible remains partially mobile. Furthermore, devices are known in the prior art that detect patient movement and compensate for it with a corresponding movement. German patent application DE 10 2017 202 817 B3 discloses a device for guiding a dental surgical bur. In this device, a type of template is placed on the row of teeth to be treated, with a recess in the area of ​​the tooth being treated through which the bur passes and processes the tooth.A significant disadvantage of this design is that a separate template must always be created, which includes a recess in the area of ​​the tooth to be treated. Furthermore, the hollow bur only makes contact with the outer surface of the teeth, meaning that only the lateral flanks can be treated. Treating caries in the enamel or occlusal area is not possible.

[0007] WO 2021 / 028360 A1 discloses a device for the automated intraoral treatment of a patient, consisting of a treatment robot with an instrument, wherein a fixation means is firmly anchored in the patient's oral cavity, on which the treatment robot moves translationally and / or rotationally. The fixation in the oral cavity is achieved, for example, with an impression material that hardens in the oral cavity.

[0008] The impression material is either applied to the two rows of teeth inside the mouth, and the trays of the fixative are then pressed onto the hardening material, or the impression material is placed between the trays outside the mouth and pressed onto the teeth along with the fixative. In both cases, the impression material is highly inaccurate because, when the trays are placed on the teeth, the impression material is displaced unevenly, preventing precise positioning of the trays. Furthermore, the fixative may be tilted relative to the teeth. This inaccurate positioning then negatively impacts the subsequent processing with the dental instrument (e.g., drill).

[0009] Furthermore, a space must exist within the trays and the impression material through which the treatment robot can reach with its instrument. This makes the precise positioning of the dental instrument relative to the tooth being treated imprecise, difficult, and time-consuming.

[0010] Another disadvantage is that the treatment robot only has one instrument at a time (e.g., a drill), meaning that once it's fixed in the mouth, only one type of treatment can be performed with the device. To change the instrument or perform a different treatment, the device must be removed from the mouth. However, each time the treatment robot is removed, the hardened impression material is at least partially destroyed and cannot be reused. This means that the second, subsequent dental instrument (e.g., the second drill or the filler) cannot be inserted in exactly the same position in the mouth. Therefore, further automated treatment after changing the dental instrument is not possible.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a device for the automated intraoral treatment of teeth, with which better and more accurate treatment of the teeth of a patient can be carried out using several different dental instruments.

[0012] A key feature of the present invention is that at least one dental splint is adapted to the patient's teeth and is reusable, and that the treatment unit comprises at least two dental instruments which are movably arranged within the treatment unit.

[0013] The device according to the invention for the automated intraoral treatment of a patient's teeth comprises a treatment unit with at least one dental instrument and at least one fixation means for positioning the treatment unit in the patient's oral cavity. The fixation means essentially consists of at least one splint, which is designed as a dental splint. The dental splint is positioned on the jaw that contains the tooth to be treated. The dental splint can be supported, at least partially, by the opposing jaw.

[0014] The shape of the dental splint essentially corresponds to the shape of the jaw. For example, the splint may be U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped and extend over almost all teeth. Only a small section is cut out in the area of ​​the damaged tooth being treated. The treatment unit, which uses the dental instrument to perform the treatment on the damaged tooth, is located in this section. This section is therefore the treatment area in which the treatment unit is located.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, two dental splints are used, a first splint being adapted to the upper jaw and a second splint being adapted to the lower jaw. The two splints can be used either individually or connected to each other.

[0016] In the embodiment according to the invention, a dental splint is individually manufactured for each patient, which is adapted to the dental arch of the upper and / or lower jaw. Due to the individual manufacturing of the dental splint, the treatment unit is securely fixed to the jaw without the need for fixation in the jawbone.

[0017] A dental splint is a splint, bite splint, occlusal splint, positioning splint, stabilizing splint, or relaxation splint that is adapted to the individual dental arch. The dental arches are the two horseshoe-shaped rows of teeth in the upper and lower jaw.

[0018] To manufacture such a dental splint, for example, an impression can be taken of the patient's teeth, which is then filled with hard plaster.

[0019] Preferably, however, a 3D scanner (intraoral scanner) is used to create a scan of the patient's oral cavity. In this procedure, the upper and lower jaws are scanned step by step directly inside the mouth. The 3D scan is very precise and provides a real-time 3D image of the teeth and jaw. The acquired data is transferred to a computer. Based on this data, a model of the splint is created on the computer for subsequent CAD / CAM printing and / or milling. The data is then sent to a 3D printer and / or a 3D milling machine, which produces a 3D dental splint. The 3D fabrication of the dental splint is relatively quick, so the actual treatment can begin for the patient in less than 60 minutes.

[0020] The dental splint is preferably made of a hard, plastic-like material and features a detachable connection for the treatment unit. Preferably, the section for the treatment unit is recessed during the manufacturing process of the dental splint. This recess contains a connecting device that allows for a detachable connection of the treatment unit. The connecting elements of the device can either be created during the manufacturing of the dental splint or attached after its production. For example, a snap-fit ​​or clamp connection is possible as a detachable connecting device.

[0021] Custom-made dental splints for use as fixation devices for the treatment unit offer the advantage that, generally, no additional fixation devices, such as those attached to the jawbone, are necessary. Since the splint ideally extends over the entire row of teeth in the upper and / or lower jaw, secure fixation and force distribution are achieved through occlusion. Additionally, the bite force can be used to further stabilize the splint.

[0022] Preferably, however, bite force is used to determine whether the dental splint is in the correct position during treatment. During treatment, the patient bites down on the splint, which is detected by a contact switch. As soon as the bite force falls below a predefined threshold, the automated treatment process is stopped to prevent potential damage to the dental instrument. The bite force and the associated contact are therefore necessary to keep the treatment process running.

[0023] In the embodiment according to the invention, an individual and reusable dental splint is manufactured, which fixes and positions the treatment unit within the patient's oral cavity. The dental splint is preferably made of a hard plastic material and can therefore be used multiple times. This has the advantage that, for example, during treatment the entire device (i.e., dental splint and / or treatment unit) can be removed from the oral cavity if, for example, the patient needs a short break or wants to rinse their mouth. Thanks to the hard plastic material of the dental splint, the treatment unit can be repositioned exactly in the same location within the oral cavity.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the treatment unit comprises at least two dental instruments, at least one drive system for the dental instruments, and at least one movement system for the dental instruments. The treatment unit has a substantially enclosed housing that can be positioned in the patient's oral cavity. The size of the treatment unit is therefore suitable for oral use. A supply line is routed through a recess in the housing of the treatment unit, providing the unit with external power. This can be, for example, a water, electricity, and / or compressed air supply, as well as cables for a microphone or loudspeaker, which are required for the drive and / or movement systems of the dental instruments.

[0025] Within the treatment unit, the dental instruments are arranged to be movable. The movement of the dental instruments is preferably translational and / or rotational. Preferably, a drill and a filler are each arranged to be movable, with the two dental instruments being moved from a resting area into the treatment area with a drawer-like motion. The instruments thus perform a back-and-forth movement within the treatment unit and are moved into the treatment area as needed for use.

[0026] Ideally, only one dental instrument should be present in the treatment area at any given time. This could be, for example, the drill, which is used to treat a cavity on the affected tooth. The other dental instrument (e.g., the filler) remains in the resting area of ​​the treatment unit during this time.

[0027] The treatment unit is thus divided into two areas. The treatment takes place in the first area, and the second area serves as a resting area. The resting area contains the dental instrument not currently in use for treatment. The two areas are partially separated by a wall, reducing the risk of the filler becoming contaminated with drill dust.

[0028] The treatment unit preferably features two dental instruments, designed as a drill and a filler (filling components). This means that two different dental instruments are located within the unit's housing and are movably arranged within it. Instead of the drill and filler, other dental instruments, such as rotary instruments (e.g., burs, polishers) or diagnostic instruments (e.g., sensors, probes, periodontal probes, X-ray machines, intraoral cameras, and digital scanners), can also be accommodated in the treatment unit. Dental procedures such as the preparation of crowns, bridges, or veneers can also be performed with the treatment unit.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the dental instruments, such as the drill or the filler, are interchangeably arranged within the housing of the treatment unit. The dental instruments are connected to the respective drive system via tool-free connections. Preferably, the filler, which is designed as a syringe, is inserted into a slide of the movement system together with a reservoir. The same applies to the drill, which is interchangeably arranged within the treatment unit.

[0030] The drill is used, for example, to treat caries, with the drill selectively removing the affected area. The affected area is identified by digitally combining a previous X-ray image and an intraoral scan, whereby the exact position of the affected area is transmitted to the control unit of the device according to the invention.

[0031] The dental instruments are moved within the housing of the treatment unit by a three-dimensional motion system. For this purpose, the dental instruments are arranged on at least one carriage, which is driven by at least one motor. The motors are preferably electric motors.

[0032] The position, movement, or distance traveled by the motion system is detected using sensors. There are various ways to do this. For example, a rotor position sensor can be used to detect the angular position of the electric motor's rotor shaft, and the required data can be calculated from this.

[0033] Furthermore, the force exerted by the motor, which is necessary for the movement of the respective carriage of the motion system, and / or the motor's rotational speed can be recorded. Monitoring is carried out by a control unit. Based on changes or deviations, the current position of the dental instrument or the hardness of the tooth can be determined.

[0034] The motion system includes at least one motor. The motor is connected, for example, to a gear that engages with a rack and pinion. The motor is connected either directly to the dental instrument or to the instrument via a carriage. The motor thus moves the dental instrument within the housing of the treatment unit. The drill is positioned precisely by the gears on the rack and pinion.

[0035] The hardness of the tooth can also be used to precisely determine the location of the defect, as carious tooth structure is softer than healthy tooth structure. During drill operation, a microphone records the drilling noise and analyzes the different pitches. These pitches indicate whether the drill is in carious or healthy tooth tissue. The drill's position on or within the tooth is determined by the position of the gears on the dental guide. The drill's position is recorded during use. These recorded positions can be accessed later, particularly when a second dental instrument is used. The guide for the filler is thus based on the drill's pitch and the corresponding stored positions.The borehole is thus determined based on the pitch of the drilling noise, and the data obtained is then subsequently used to fill the borehole.

[0036] In another preferred embodiment, the treatment unit comprises at least one microphone with which the sounds made by the drill during the drilling process are recorded. The drilling process is thus acoustically monitored. The sound is evaluated by a control unit. The microphone therefore records the drilling noise of the drill, which is then evaluated by the control unit. Based on this data, the control unit then controls the drill and the movement system.

[0037] Since caries is softer than healthy tooth enamel, the sound during drilling can indicate whether the drill is still working on the decayed area or has already reached healthy enamel. If the drill is still in the decayed area, the sound is higher-pitched. Drilling in healthy tooth structure, on the other hand, produces a lower-pitched sound. These differences in sound are related to the speed of the electric motor and the drill bit. Because caries is relatively soft, the drill operates at a high speed, producing a high-pitched tone. However, when the drill encounters healthy tooth structure, which is harder than caries, the speed automatically decreases. These differences in sound are recorded by the microphone in the dental unit and analyzed by the control unit.

[0038] Depending on the detected sound, the control unit regulates the movement system. If the sound is high-pitched, the drill advances further. As soon as the sound becomes lower-pitched, the advance slows down or stops. The resulting final position is then recorded by the movement system and sensors, allowing the precise location of the treated area on the tooth to be determined. This has the advantage that no optical imaging, such as with a camera, is necessary within the treatment unit. The extent of the caries is determined by the movements of the movement system, and the data obtained is then used for the subsequent treatment with the filler.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment, a microphone, a loudspeaker, and a pulse generator are located within the treatment unit. The microphone records the sounds generated by the drill during treatment. The recorded audio track is captured by the control unit. Almost simultaneously, a counter-sound with a mirrored sine wave is generated, and this sound is then introduced into the treatment unit via a loudspeaker (airborne sound transmission) and a pulse generator (bone-borne sound transmission). This has the significant advantage that the noise of the drill is suppressed by the counter-sound, so that the patient is treated almost silently. The same applies to the pulse generated by the drill on the tooth, which is suppressed by a counter-pulse.

[0040] Preferably, the tooth is treated without optical imaging. Although the damaged area of ​​the tooth is identified using an X-ray and the data is transmitted to the control unit, the actual treatment, in particular the guidance of the drill with its movement system, is carried out based on the acoustic analysis of the drilling noise. The movement of the drill is thus controlled in terms of height, width, and depth of the carious area of ​​the damaged tooth.

[0041] The housing of the treatment unit, for example, is made of metal and measures approximately 25 mm x 25 x 20 mm, making it easy to position in the mounting rail in the patient's mouth between the upper and lower jaw.

[0042] The treatment unit according to the invention is therefore a miniaturized device with which a complete caries treatment can be carried out in the patient's oral cavity. The individually manufactured dental splints ensure a secure and gentle fixation of the treatment unit in the oral cavity. Furthermore, the treatment unit can be easily removed from the oral cavity, cleaned, and reused.

[0043] In addition to the device, a method for the automated intraoral treatment of a patient's teeth is also claimed.

[0044] The procedure involves automated intraoral treatment of a patient's teeth, using a treatment unit with at least one dental instrument and a fixation device for positioning the treatment unit to treat at least one damaged tooth in the patient's oral cavity, and the following procedural steps are performed: • Taking an X-ray image of the tooth to be treated;

[0045] • Creating a digital impression of the dental arch of the upper and / or lower jaw (2, 3) using a 3D scanner;

[0046] • Fabrication of at least one dental splint (27) based on the digital impression and the X-ray image;

[0047] • Calculation of the working area of ​​the dental instrument (5, 6) on the tooth to be treated (33);

[0048] • Inserting the dental splint (27) with the treatment unit (3) onto one dental arch of the upper and / or lower jaw (2, 3) in the patient's oral cavity;

[0049] • Performing intraoral treatment on at least one tooth (33) of the patient, whereby caries treatment is carried out on the tooth (33) using a drill (6);

[0050] • Determining the extent of the damaged area on the tooth (33) by means of a change in the drilling noise of the drill (6) upon reaching healthy tooth structure and securing the positions;

[0051] • Performing a filling procedure with at least one filler (5) on the patient's tooth (33) based on the aforementioned positions.

[0052] After the treatment is complete, the dental splint and treatment unit are removed from the patient's mouth, and the treatment is finished. If any irregularities are still detected on the treated tooth, the dental splint and treatment unit can be reattached to the dental arch of the upper or lower jaw, and further treatment can be performed.

[0053] Preferably, the dental splint has a detachable connection device for the treatment unit. The dental splint is first connected to the attachment device and then inserted as a unit into the patient's oral cavity.

[0054] Intraoral treatment of at least one tooth is performed using at least one drill. Alternatively or additionally, other dental instruments such as burs, polishers, fillers, or diagnostic instruments (e.g., sensors, probes, periodontal probes, X-ray machines, intraoral cameras, and digital scanners) can be used.

[0055] During treatment, the correct positioning of the dental splint on the jaw is monitored. Ideally, a contact switch is used that detects if the splint becomes dislodged and immediately stops the treatment unit.

[0056] The treatment unit features drive systems for powering the dental instruments and motion systems for the three-dimensional movement of the dental instruments.

[0057] The intraoral treatment with the dental instrument is performed on the patient's tooth within the treatment area. The treatment area is determined based on a previously taken X-ray of the tooth or the entire upper or lower jaw. Additionally, data from a 3D scanner can be used to calculate the treatment area. After positioning the dental tray with the treatment unit in the patient's mouth, the drill begins to work on the damaged tooth within the treatment area. The extent or size of the damaged area on the tooth is determined by observing changes in the drill's sound. When healthy tooth structure is reached, the sound changes. This is detected by the system, and the drill's position is recorded. Due to the three-dimensional movement of the drill, multiple positions can be recorded, thus allowing for precise identification of the damaged area.The treated area on the tooth must be precisely determined. The drill's position is preferably determined by monitoring changes in the motion system. For example, the motion system is calibrated at the beginning of treatment. Subsequently, the positions are determined and stored based on changes in length or the distances traveled in the xy and z directions. The drill's positions are processed within the system, and the subsequent treatment process with the second dental instrument is carried out based on these determined positions. This second dental instrument is, for example, a filler, which refills the area on the tooth previously treated with the drill. The filler can be guided precisely in the xy and z directions by the motion system because the extent of the damaged area is known from the previous drilling operation.

[0058] Second and further dental instruments include other instruments such as grinders, polishers, a compressed air source for blowing out, or diagnostic instruments, which are controlled based on the positions previously determined with the drill.

[0059] Naturally, all features of the device according to the invention can be used or implemented within the framework of the inventive method.

[0060] The subject matter of the present invention is not only derived from the subject matter of the individual patent claims, but also from the combination of the individual patent claims with one another.

[0061] All information and features disclosed in the documents, including the summary, in particular the spatial design shown in the drawings, are claimed as essential to the invention, insofar as they are novel individually or in combination compared to the prior art.

[0062] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings illustrating only one embodiment. Further essential features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings and their description.

[0063] They show:

[0064] Figure 1: Schematic representation of the device according to the invention for treating teeth. Figure 2: Side view of the device according to the invention between the upper and lower jaw with a schematic representation of the dental instruments of the treatment unit.

[0065] Figure 3: Side view of the device according to the invention with drill and filler

[0066] Figure 4: Side view of the device according to the invention with a working drill bit.

[0067] Figure 5: Perspective view of the machining unit with open housing and drill in the treatment area

[0068] Figure 6: Perspective view of the processing unit with open housing and filler in the treatment area

[0069] Figure 7: Top view of the opened housing of the machining unit

[0070] Figure 8: Schematic representation of the control unit

[0071] Figures 9, 10 and 11: schematic representation of a process flow with the device according to the invention

[0072] Figure 12: Underside view of the dental splint with the treatment unit

[0073] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the device according to the invention. The device essentially consists of a dental splint 27 with a treatment unit 3, which are arranged within the oral cavity of a patient between the upper jaw 1 and the lower jaw 2.

[0074] As shown in Figure 1, the treatment unit 3 is positioned between the upper jaw 1 and the lower jaw 2 and performs treatment on a tooth 33 of the lower jaw 2. The treatment unit 3 is connected to the dental splint 27 via a snap-fit ​​connection, which fixes and positions the treatment unit 3 between the upper and lower jaws. The dental splint 27 is individually adapted to the respective patient and is manufactured for the patient before the actual treatment. After the dental splint 27 has been manufactured, it is connected to the treatment unit 3 and positioned in the patient's oral cavity between the upper and lower jaws 1, 2. During the treatment, the patient bites down on the dental splint 27, thereby holding it in the intended position. This is monitored by a contact switch.The individually manufactured dental splint 27 allows for precise treatment of tooth 33 with a drill 6 of the treatment unit 3.

[0075] Figure 2 shows the treatment unit 3 between the upper and lower jaws 1, 2. The treatment unit 3 is connected to a control unit 28 via a supply line 4. The control unit 28 provides the necessary energy (current, pressure) required for the use of the dental instruments. A data processing unit, such as a computer, is also connected to the control unit 28 and includes an interface (e.g., user interface) and a screen.

[0076] The treatment unit 3 has a largely closed housing 34, making it relatively stable against the patient's biting force. On the side of the tooth 33 being treated, the housing 34 is partially open to allow the dental instruments free access to the tooth 33.

[0077] In Figures 3 and 4, the upper and lower jaws 1, 2 are open, and the treatment unit 3 is shown without the dental splint 27 and without the housing 34 of the treatment unit 3 for better illustration. According to the invention, the patient bites down on the two dental splints 27, which are connected to the treatment unit 3, during the treatment.

[0078] Figure 3 shows a side view of the upper and lower jaw 1, 2 with the treatment unit 3 (without the housing 34). The treatment unit 3 includes dental instruments, drive systems for the dental instruments, and movement systems for the dental instruments.

[0079] As dental instruments, the treatment unit 3 includes a movable drill 6 and a movable filler 5, both of which are translationally movable by means of motion systems. To treat tooth 33, the drill 6 is moved from the rest area 10 towards tooth 33 into a treatment area 9 by means of a slide 17 and a motor 26. The drill 6 then performs a vertical movement 35 and is moved towards tooth 33. The drill 6 is driven by a turbine 7 and can be inserted without tools into a designated holder within the treatment unit 3.

[0080] In addition to the drill 6, the treatment unit 3 also has a filler 5, which can also be moved with a vertical movement 35 with the carriage 17 and the motor 26.

[0081] Figure 4 shows the treatment unit 3 (without the housing 34), in which the drill 6 is used to perform treatment or processing on a tooth 33. For this purpose, the drill 6 was moved vertically 35 towards the tooth 33 to be treated.

[0082] Figure 5 shows the treatment unit 3 with an open housing 34. The treatment unit 3 includes dental instruments, drive systems for the dental instruments, and movement systems for the dental instruments.

[0083] As shown in Figure 5, the filler 5 is in the rest area 10 and is not in use. The drill 6 is moved into the treatment area 9 and performs the treatment or processing of tooth 33 there. The filler 5 and the drill 6 are moved within the housing 34 of the treatment unit 3 by means of the motion systems. The motion systems consist of the carriages 17, 21, 22, and 23 and the associated motors 16, 24, 25, and 26. The drill 6 performs a back-and-forth movement 18 from the rest area 10 into the treatment area 9. Additionally, the drill 6 can perform a horizontal movement 20.

[0084] In the area of ​​the drill 6 there are spray nozzles 15 with which a liquid spray is sprayed into the machining area during machining to cool the drill 6.

[0085] The filler 5 additionally has a reservoir 8 containing a composite material. Compressed air is used to force the composite material from the reservoir 8 through the filler 5 into the respective treatment area. As shown in Figure 5, the filler 5 and the reservoir 8 form a single unit that is inserted into the treatment unit 3 without the need for tools. Several lights 14 are located within the filler 5, which cure the composite material.

[0086] The filler 5, with its movement systems, performs a back-and-forth movement 19 from the rest area 10 to the treatment area 9. Additionally, the filler 5 can perform a horizontal movement 20.

[0087] Figure 6 shows the treatment unit 3 with dental instruments, the motion systems, and the drive systems. The filler 5 was moved from the rest area 10 into the treatment area 9 in the direction of arrow 19 by means of the motion systems, using the motor 26 and the carriage 23. Additionally, a horizontal movement 20 can be performed using the motor 24 and the carriage 21. The housing 34 also has a kind of recess for the motor 24, so that the carriage 21 can move the filler 5 or the drill 6 across the entire horizontal width of the treatment unit.

[0088] The drive system powers the drill 6. The drive system is designed as a turbine 7 and receives the necessary energy via the supply line 4. The drive system also supplies the filler 6 with the necessary energy by using compressed air to move the filling material from the filler 6.

[0089] Figure 7 shows the treatment unit 3 with open housing 34 in a top view. The filler 5 and the drill 6 are movably arranged within the treatment unit 3 by the movement system.

[0090] In the present embodiment, the motion system comprises motors 16, 24, 25, and 26, as well as slides 17, 21, 22, and 23. Motor 16 moves slide 17, resulting in a vertical movement 35. Motor 24 moves slide 21, resulting in a horizontal movement 20. Motor 25 moves slide 22, resulting in a back-and-forth movement 18 of the drill 6. Motor 26 moves slide 23, resulting in a back-and-forth movement 19 of the filler 5.

[0091] Inside the housing 34 are a microphone 11, a loudspeaker 12, and a pulse generator 13. During treatment with the drill 6, the microphone 11 picks up the sound waves or noises, which are then transmitted to the control unit 28. Based on the recorded noise, the control unit 28 generates a counter-pulse and transmits it to the loudspeaker 12 and the pulse generator 13. Using the loudspeaker 12 and the pulse generator, a counter-noise or counter-pulse can thus be generated, reducing or completely eliminating the noise of the drill 6.

[0092] Furthermore, 34 lights 14 are arranged inside the housing, with which the composite material from the reservoir 8 of the filler 5 is cured.

[0093] The housing also contains 34 spray nozzles 15, which cool the drill 6 during operation. The drill 6 is preferably driven by a turbine 7, which receives the necessary energy from a compressed air supply 31. The filler 5 is also connected to the compressed air supply 31, with the compressed air supply being controlled by the control module 32 of the control unit 28.

[0094] Figure 8 shows the control unit 28, which provides and controls the water supply 29, the power supply 30, and the compressed air supply 31. The control unit 28 is connected to the treatment unit 3 via the supply line 4. The control unit 28 also includes a control module 32, which controls the entire drilling and filling process, including the movement of the carriages and noise reduction.

[0095] Figures 9, 10, and 11 schematically illustrate a procedure using the device according to the invention, with Figures 9a, 10a, and 11a showing a side view of the treatment unit and Figures 9b, 10b, and 11b showing the corresponding top view. The treatment is performed on a damaged tooth 33 of the upper jaw 1. Naturally, such treatment can also be performed on a damaged tooth 33 of the lower jaw 2, for which a separate dental splint 27 is required.

[0096] According to Figures 9a and 9b, the treatment unit 3 is located between an upper jaw 1 and a lower jaw 2, with the filler 5 and the drill 6 in the resting area 10. The resting area 10, or resting position, is understood to be a retracted position such that the filler 5 and the drill 6 are not yet in the treatment area 9 of the tooth 33 to be treated.

[0097] Figures 10a and 10b show the drilling position of the drill 6 within the treatment unit 3. The drill 6 is located in the treatment area 9 and was moved towards the tooth 33 to be treated using movements 18 and 35. The filler 5 is still in the rest area 10, i.e., in a retracted position.

[0098] Figures 11a and 11b show the filler 5 in treatment area 9, moving in the direction of arrows 19 and 35. The filler 5 is positioned opposite the tooth 33 to be treated. Using compressed air, the composite material is sprayed from the reservoir 8 onto the treatment area of ​​tooth 33. Following application of the composite material, it is cured with the light 14.

[0099] Figure 12 shows another schematic view of the device for treating teeth, which is located inside a patient's mouth. The teeth of the lower jaw are partially obscured to provide a better view of the treatment unit 3. The treatment unit 3 is detachably connected to the dental splint 27.

[0100] The dental splint 27 is individually adapted to the teeth of the lower jaw 2, thereby achieving precise positioning and fixation of the treatment unit 3 relative to the lower jaw 2. (Drawing legend)

[0101] 1. Upper jaw

[0102] 2. Lower jaw

[0103] 3rd treatment unit

[0104] 4. Supply line

[0105] 5. Fountain pen

[0106] 6. Drill

[0107] 7th turbine out of 6

[0108] 8. Reservoir for 5

[0109] 9. Treatment area

[0110] 10. Rest area

[0111] 11. Microphone

[0112] 12. Speaker

[0113] 13. Noise button / pulse generator

[0114] 14. Light (curing)

[0115] 15. Spray nozzle

[0116] 16. Motor for vertical movement of 17

[0117] 17. Sled for vertical movement 5, 6

[0118] 18. Back and forth movement of 6

[0119] 19. Back and forth movement of 5

[0120] 20. Horizontal movement of 5, 6

[0121] 21. Sled for 20

[0122] 22. Sled for 18

[0123] 23. Sled for 19

[0124] 24. Engine for 20

[0125] 25. Engine for 22

[0126] 26. Engine for 23

[0127] 27. Dental splint for 3

[0128] 28. Control unit

[0129] 29. Water supply

[0130] 30. Power supply

[0131] 31. Compressed air supply

[0132] 32. Control module

[0133] 33rd tooth

[0134] 34. Housing

[0135] 35. Vertical movement 5, 6

Images