Applicator nozzle for applying a dental active substance in the mouth of a patient and active substance applicator with such an applicator nozzle

Abstract

According to the invention, an application nozzle (16, 16') for applying a dental active substance in the oral cavity of a patient comprises a nozzle body (22) which extends longitudinally flat from a connection region (36) to a free treatment end (38), which cross section tapers towards the treatment end (38), and in which at least two media channels (34) are integrated which independently extend from the connection region (36) to the free treatment end.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to an application nozzle for applying dental active substances to a patient's oral cavity. It also relates to an active substance applicator with such an application nozzle.

[0002] In various situations during dental treatment or pre- or post-treatment care, it is necessary to accurately and precisely place dental agents (such as irrigators, disinfectants, medications, or the like) into the patient's mouth. This may involve dental care or treatment measures, such as as part of pre- or post-treatment care, or as part of periodontal treatment. Generally, it is desirable to provide a simple applicator to facilitate precise application of the product into the patient's mouth. Given that preventative or care measures should also be implemented in addition to treatment measures, the component used for the actual application into the patient's mouth, i.e., the so-called applicator nozzle, is particularly simple and inexpensive to manufacture for such application tools, and is therefore suitable for mass production. Furthermore, such an application system should be easy to use and reliable for users without medical training, especially in self-treatment situations, such as being as simple as a toothbrush.

[0003] Furthermore, particularly in the fields of dental care or pre- or post-periodontal care, there is a desire to produce a particularly strong flushing effect in particularly affected areas (such as periodontal pockets), especially to efficiently remove food debris or impurities (such as biofilms or their excretions), thereby keeping the corresponding bacterial or pathogenic infections at particularly low levels.

[0004] This invention is now based on the task of providing an application nozzle for applying dental active ingredients into a patient's oral cavity, which takes these aspects into account. Furthermore, an active substance applicator particularly suitable for personal use is also specified.

[0005] Regarding the application nozzle, according to the invention, this task is accomplished by a nozzle body that integrates at least two media channels that extend independently from the connection region to the free treatment end.

[0006] In one embodiment considered to be independently inventive, each media channel leads to an application opening on the outlet side. In another embodiment of the application nozzle considered to be independently inventive, according to the invention, this task is accomplished by a nozzle body integrating at least two media channels that extend independently from the connection region to the mixing point and converge at the mixing point, the mixing point being connected on the outlet side to an application opening provided at the free treatment end via another media channel.

[0007] In particular, the mixing point and / or additional media channels leading to the coating opening are also integrated into the nozzle body.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. Further and / or alternative advantageous embodiments of the invention, as well as further embodiments considered to possess independent inventiveness, are also derived from the description in the accompanying drawings.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the application nozzle is therefore designed to provide two (or more) supply channels that are separated from each other on the media side, and that different active ingredients can be applied independently and without mixing to a common space near the free treatment tip through these supply channels. The invention is based on the consideration that this design allows not only the active ingredients themselves, but also the targeted use of the reaction between two active ingredients at local locations in the oral cavity (e.g., in periodontal pockets). This means that not only the active ingredients themselves, but also the reaction process between them and any reaction products released in the process, can be used for therapeutic purposes and to achieve predetermined goals.

[0010] For example, according to one aspect of the invention, the active substances or components can be directly aggregated at the application site, where they react with each other to form bubbles. These bubbles can be used to expel and remove impurities, food debris, etc. Therefore, this concept is applicable to dental care and cleaning programs, such as those that also treat and clean periodontal pockets. For example, according to one aspect of the invention, the active ingredient or component can be, on the one hand, a bicarbonate, preferably sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate, and on the other hand, an acid, preferably a carboxylic acid (e.g., citric acid or lactic acid). They are then applied together, coming into contact with each other at the application site and reacting to form bubbles (forming CO2). This effect is particularly beneficial for cleaning or rinsing purposes.

[0011] In order to reliably and precisely utilize the reactive effects between two or more active substances or components in a selected application area (e.g., a periodontal pocket) (as envisioned according to one aspect of the invention), it is advantageous that the outlets or application openings assigned to the two media channels are as close as possible to each other, so that the intended mixing of the components reliably and accurately occurs in the spatial area selected by the user by positioning the treatment tip. Thus, in an advantageous embodiment, the application openings assigned to the two media channels are spaced at least 0.01 mm and at most 10 mm apart, preferably at least 0.1 mm and / or at most 2 mm, and in a particularly advantageous embodiment at most 0.1 mm to 0.6 mm.

[0012] According to an alternative aspect of the invention, which is considered inventive in itself, two (or more) feed channels are provided through an applicator nozzle, these feed channels being separated from each other on the media side, through which different active ingredients can be separately dispensed into a common spatial area, i.e., a mixing point integrated within the nozzle body, without mixing. This allows for the controlled mixing of active ingredients under adjustable boundary conditions. This allows for the targeted utilization of effects induced by mixing, such as reactions between active ingredients. In particular, a reaction can be specifically initiated from an active ingredient that is initially liquid, accompanied by the formation of gas and a corresponding significant increase in pressure. For example, according to one aspect of the invention, the active ingredient can be, on one hand, a bicarbonate, preferably potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or calcium bicarbonate, particularly preferably sodium bicarbonate, and on the other hand, an acid / carboxylic acid (e.g., malic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, etc.), preferably each being an aqueous solution with a concentration suitable for the intended treatment. They are then fed together to the mixing point, where they come into contact with each other and react to form bubbles (forming CO2). Because of this bubble-forming reaction, very high pressure can be generated at the mixing point without external active influence. Therefore, the medium flows out of the mixing point at relatively high pressure, thus exiting as a directional jet from the application opening of the nozzle body. This effect can be particularly effective for cleaning or rinsing purposes; for example, generating a directional jet under high pressure is especially useful.

[0013] Within this scope, the invention is therefore based on the consideration that a directional pressurized media jet should be provided to achieve the desired particularly high cleaning or rinsing effect. This can be achieved in a particularly simple “self-acting” design without external intervention, as the aforementioned design allows the reaction between the two active substances to be specifically triggered at a local location within the nozzle body. This means that not only the active ingredients themselves, but also the reaction process between them and any reaction products released during the process, can be used for therapeutic purposes and targeted purposes. In particular, according to one aspect of the invention, the pressure ratio or other parameters in the resulting media jet can be specifically specified by appropriately shaping the geometry of the chamber and / or the geometry of the media channel and possibly providing other components such as valves.

[0014] Therefore, this concept applies to targeted care and cleaning procedures for teeth, such as those that also address and clean periodontal pockets.

[0015] Advantageously, the mixing point is designed as a mixing chamber, with the medium channel running toward and leading to the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber can be particularly adapted to the desired reaction kinetics, especially by selecting a suitable geometry or volume; advantageously, its volume is up to 1000 cubic millimeters, preferably up to 500 cubic millimeters, and particularly preferably up to 100 cubic millimeters.

[0016] Considering the intended use of applicator nozzles in dental care and prevention, and in order to manufacture large quantities of such nozzles and thus achieve mass production, it is advantageous to select a particularly suitable design that provides a functionally reliable application concept, even using relatively inexpensive materials. To this end, foil material is advantageously provided as the substrate for manufacturing the nozzle body, which can be constructed by laminating or welding multiple thin film layers to form a suitable composite, and may also include a storage container and / or media channels. Thus, in this advantageous embodiment considered to be of independent inventive merit, the substrate or nozzle body is formed from a layered body constructed as a laminate or welded from multiple thin film sheets, wherein media channels are arranged, each media channel leading to an applicator opening on the outlet side.

[0017] A media delivery channel is used to deliver the active ingredient to be applied to a desired delivery point in the composite. This media delivery channel opens into the mixing chamber of the composite on the outlet side and can be provided by a groove formed in the corresponding film. In particular, the use of film-based techniques followed by lamination or welding allows for great flexibility in the design and insertion of such media channels, as the desired free or empty spaces within the composite can be created in various ways and geometries by appropriate shaping in the corresponding film. Shaping is advantageously performed by stamping, laser cutting, or embossing, which is particularly preferred; however, alternatively, milling or etching can also be provided (in the case of wet chemically soluble film materials). Preferably, a slit foil can be attached to a carrier foil, which can in turn be provided as part of a foil stack, or can be removed later after the slits are formed. During embossing, or particularly hot embossing, a double-extruded film can also be used, for example, by inserting the media channel using a hot stamping or roller.

[0018] Medium channels and / or mixing chambers can be manufactured, in particular, by using lamination, welding or embossing techniques, for example by manufacturing a central film with corresponding cutouts and then laminating or welding it together with a continuous film at the top and bottom to form a composite in the form of a film sandwich, or by laminating or welding two symmetrical embossings together.

[0019] Advantageously, polyamide is used as the substrate for films or film sheets; however, alternatively, another suitable film material, such as PVC, PP, or PE, or even combinations of different film materials, may also be considered advantageous. According to one aspect of the invention, the selection of materials takes into account the fact that the application nozzle should be suitable for use by trained medical personnel, for example, in relation to dental treatment, but also suitable for private use by those who are not typically specially trained, particularly for use by patients themselves in dental care. Particularly preferred is the selection of film materials based on their material properties (e.g., particularly their stiffness or strength) such that the stiffness of the laminate or composite formed from film fragments is not too high, thereby minimizing oral damage.

[0020] In a particularly advantageous embodiment considered to possess independent inventiveness, the nozzle body comprises at least three membrane layers with different material properties and functionally adapted to different specifications. In particular, according to one aspect of the invention, the central membrane layer disposed between two adjacent membrane layers can be formed of a membrane material that is harder than the two adjacent membrane layers, i.e., particularly having different Shore hardness or modulus of elasticity. This means that the central membrane layer can define the profile or spatial shape of the nozzle body in a supporting structural manner, while the relatively soft outer membrane layer can be designed to be flexible and deformable, thereby significantly reducing the risk of injury upon contact with the nozzle body, such as to the oral mucosa. If the nozzle body, hose, and storage container are integral, in a particularly advantageous embodiment, the intermediate and harder membranes are only attached to the nozzle body.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the nozzle body comprises at least three thin film layers, each integrating a light guide or light guide foil. According to a method considered to be of independent inventive nature, this structure can be used for lateral detection of teeth or soft tissue. Specifically, it is designed to introduce white light into the foil package via a centrally located light guide, thereby introducing it into the application area, such as a periodontal pocket. This light is reflected there, and the reflected light can then return in a light guide arranged externally. If the light is reflected by the tooth or implant material, the proportion of red in the reflected light is lower than when reflected by soft tissue. By comparing the red component in the reflected light, it is thus possible to identify which side of the nozzle body faces the tooth or implant and which side faces the soft tissue. Using this knowledge, media channels located on both sides of the central foil can be provided as needed. Teeth and implants can also be distinguished by determining the difference in brightness: relatively brighter reflected light is allocated to the teeth; relatively darker light is allocated to the implant.

[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, which is considered to be independently inventive, the outer film of the film package is advantageously colored, wherein the first outer film is white and the second outer film is red. This embodiment helps the user to correctly align the application nozzle: when used correctly, the red outer foil should be aimed at the soft tissue or gums, and the white outer foil should be aimed at the teeth. In this embodiment, in an advantageous further development, only the white side, i.e., the side aimed at the teeth, has an application opening. This ensures, for example, that disinfectants or therapeutic agents are applied only to the teeth and not to the soft tissue.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the media channels are formed by corresponding grooves in a central film, which is laterally defined by corresponding side edges. The top and bottom of the respective media channels are then defined by corresponding laminated or welded continuous base film or cover film. To reliably provide relatively large free cross-sections for each media channel, and to provide correspondingly wider grooves in the intermediate or central film, which are also suitable for passing through larger amounts of active material, in an advantageous embodiment, many media channels are provided with integrated gaskets, which is considered inventive in itself.

[0024] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, also considered to be of independent inventiveness, the application nozzle is designed, according to its geometry and dimensions, for the precise introduction of active substances into the patient's oral cavity or for rinsing the oral cavity. Advantageously, it is particularly considered that the active substances can also be applied to the interdental spaces or periodontal pockets of the patient's teeth, especially during dental care procedures. According to one aspect of the invention, an application nozzle particularly suitable for this purpose has a nozzle body constructed as a laminate of foil sheets with a total thickness of 0.3-2 mm, preferably 0.5-1.5 mm, and particularly preferably 0.7-1.2 mm. Correspondingly, the film sheets forming the laminate each have a film thickness of 50-500 micrometers, preferably 80-350 micrometers, and particularly preferably 100-250 micrometers.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, according to one aspect of the invention, the shape of the applicator nozzle is also particularly advantageously suited to the aforementioned applications, namely, the precise application of active ingredients for rinsing in the oral cavity and / or for general dental care. For this purpose, its nozzle body extends longitudinally from the connecting side to the free treatment end, whereby its cross-section gradually tapers towards the treatment end. Thus, it generally presents the contour of the treatment tip, making it particularly easy to operate in the relatively narrow spaces of the oral cavity. According to one aspect of the invention, the applicator nozzle can therefore be designed as a substantially flat component. This does not mean that the applicator nozzle can or should be two-dimensional; rather, it means that the applicator nozzle or the substrate forming it should be a body that extends substantially along the basal plane or ground, but has a certain thickness in a third spatial direction. However, in cross-section, this also means that the lateral extension of the substrate in the basal plane is significantly greater than its thickness in the direction perpendicular to the basal plane. For the application, this means that the free end or treatment end of the substrate can be relatively easily inserted into the aforementioned alveolar space, for example, by aligning the basal plane of the substrate substantially parallel to the outer surface of the tooth.

[0026] In particular, the substrate can have a sword-like or blade-like shape, especially in the treatment tip region, through which the alveolar bone and the space between the teeth can be easily accessed. The transversely radiating application openings also ensure that undercuts on the tooth surface (e.g., due to concave segments in the interdental region) can be easily and reliably treated with the medium.

[0027] Preferably, the application opening or the application opening and the resulting "dual nozzle" are arranged in the outflow area of ​​the nozzle body located in the treatment end region. Regarding the direction of outflow from the respective application opening, this can be designed so that the medium flowing out from the application opening is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle body, or it can be designed to flow at an angle or laterally. The opening areas of the respective medium channels can be arranged in a straight line, or they can be curved or angled. Furthermore, the nozzle body preferably has a triangular profile in plan view, which can also be designed as a curved triangle to optimize application.

[0028] In addition to the cuts that form the medium channel, embossing can also be inserted to serve as the medium channel.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, which is considered inventive in itself, the application nozzle is specifically designed for dental care, where reliable rinsing is simple for the user, which is particularly important for hard-to-access areas such as periodontal pockets. To particularly facilitate this, in addition to the media channel provided as an application media channel, at least one additional media channel designed as a suction conduit is advantageously provided, leading to the application opening on the outlet side. The application media channel can then be used to selectively supply rinsing media, for example, into the periodontal pocket, thereby allowing targeted removal of particles, food debris, or contaminants expelled after rinsing via the suction conduit. This is particularly useful during dental treatment, wherein the suction conduit according to one aspect of the invention can be connected to a saliva jet, a suction device on a patient chair, a surgical suction unit, or other external suction device.

[0030] According to another aspect considered to be of independent inventive merit, the application nozzle, in addition to the media channel, also has a pressure channel integrated into the nozzle body and connected to the mixing point. In particular, this can be connected to, or can be connected to, an external pressure source, such as a pump, so that the mixing point can be specifically additionally pressurized to support pressure buildup during media application. The pressurizing medium can be air, water, or a mixture thereof, and may also contain powder or particles. Pressurization is advantageously pulsed or intermittent so that particularly dense media application can be produced as needed.

[0031] In a favorable further development, the application nozzle described above is designed as a single-use or disposable product, and therefore intended for single use only.

[0032] In a manner considered independently inventive, the nozzle body, in a design substantially similar to the one described above, can also be designed as an intermediate component instead of an application nozzle. In this case, the introduction of the medium into the patient's oral cavity is not accomplished through an application opening located at the treatment end of the nozzle body, but rather through a separate delivery component (e.g., a tubing pack, treatment airway, etc.). In such an embodiment, the actual application component can be suitably connected to the outlet area of ​​the nozzle body, thereby guiding the pressurized therapeutic medium generated at the mixing point, or particularly in the mixing chamber, to the intended application site in the patient's oral cavity via a corresponding pressure line provided in the application component. Therefore, suitable additional medium channels can be provided in the dispensing section for other media carried in the nozzle body, such as separate media, which only come into contact with each other at the dispensing point in the patient's oral cavity.

[0033] Regarding the active ingredient applicator, the task is accomplished by an applicator nozzle of one of the above designs, wherein each of the two media channels leading to the outlet opening or mixing chamber is connected on the media side to a separately dispensed active ingredient chamber.

[0034] This design achieves the intended use of the invention, namely, according to one embodiment, the active ingredients contained in the active ingredient chamber can be applied individually and independently of each other via an application opening at a intended location, and mixed only there, or according to an alternative embodiment, they can be fed into a mixing chamber for mixing. This embodiment can be provided as a cylinder with a nozzle for manual dispensing, as a handheld device similar to an electric toothbrush, or as a standalone device with a flexible tube connected to the handle / mouthpiece, and may also include a light.

[0035] Active ingredient applicators can include an application nozzle as a separate, independent component, which is connected to the active ingredient chamber via a suitable connection point. These can be mounted in a fixed location or connected as separate components to the application nozzle during the manufacturing stage, allowing the application nozzle to be delivered to the user as a pre-assembled system along with the already connected active ingredient chamber. This allows, for example, the active ingredient to be delivered to the user in predetermined doses, easily meeting all hygiene specifications, such as necessary sterilization or disinfection measures, using common concepts (e.g., appropriate outer packaging). The application nozzle can be designed as a replaceable, disposable component, where a new, unused nozzle is first connected to the actual device for use.

[0036] However, according to one aspect of the invention, the active ingredient applicator can also have an integrated design, i.e., the active ingredient chamber is integrated together with the nozzle body in the substrate, and, if necessary, with the connecting tubing. In this design, the "applying nozzle" forms the end of the common substrate facing the end of the treatment, and is therefore not a physically separate component. The design of the common substrate as a multilayer film or laminate of the above-described design is considered particularly advantageous in this design. By appropriately shaping the film layers or sheets, the media channels and active ingredient chambers, as well as the connecting elements if necessary, can be integrated into the body, thereby allowing for selection of a suitable spatial configuration based on the membrane properties and the resulting flexibility. In particular, the applicator can be designed in the form of an ampoule, such that the flexibility of the individual films and the active ingredient chambers formed by these films are suitable for patients to squeeze out at home. The applicator can be provided to patients or dentists like a toothbrush with ampoules.

[0037] According to another aspect of the invention, which is also considered to be independently inventive, the application nozzle can also be designed for administering pre-quantitative or fractional doses of the active ingredient. To this end, according to one aspect of the invention, each active ingredient chamber is advantageously designed with an internal volume suitable for the dose to be administered to the patient. This can contain a predetermined dose of the active ingredient, such as chlorhexidine for disinfection or a rinsing solution. The patient can then self-administer the product at home, wherein the design of the application nozzle, on the one hand, allows for proper positioning in the oral cavity, and on the other hand, ensures the correct dosage of the active ingredient through fractional supply within the nozzle body. The active ingredient stored in the active ingredient chamber can then be applied or introduced into the active ingredient chamber by pressing the composite, possibly utilizing the material-related deformability of the foil composite, thereby dispensing the active ingredient through corresponding media channels and associated application openings.

[0038] Advantageously, the active ingredient chamber is isolated from the associated media channel by a sealing or sealing element, thereby preventing accidental leakage of the active ingredient. The sealing element is advantageously designed to tear, break, or otherwise be destroyed when pressure is applied to the active ingredient chamber or when it is separated from the application nozzle. Preferably, the film element is laminated or welded and embossed to become very thin, thus creating a weak point that forms a separation or tear point / area, thereby opening the media channel. Due to the application of pressure or separation, the media channel is released for the active ingredient and can then be applied.

[0039] The above design can further improve the overall logistics of delivering active ingredients, because patients can first administer certain active ingredients or drugs themselves.

[0040] In a particularly preferred embodiment, which is also considered to be independently inventive, a bicarbonate, preferably potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or calcium bicarbonate, is provided in one of the aforementioned active ingredient chambers, with sodium bicarbonate being particularly preferred as the active ingredient. By preparing and pre-filling the applicator nozzle in this manner, the patient or user can independently monitor and track the success of treatment, for example, during so-called periodontal treatment or its subsequent care. If the carbonate is applied to the affected periodontal pocket using the applicator nozzle and infection is present there, the carbonate interacts with the acidic environment in the periodontal pocket caused by the infection to form bubbles. On the one hand, this effect of bubble formation in the periodontal pocket can serve as an indication to the user: bubbles only appear when the environment is acidic and infection is present in the periodontal pocket. Thus, the bubbles provide the user with tactile or tactile-visual feedback, informing them of the presence of infection and the progress of successful treatment. Furthermore, the formation of bubbles in the periodontal pocket also improves rinsing effectiveness, thus also benefiting post-treatment care.

[0041] This concept—that is, providing carbonates or bicarbonates as active ingredients in an active ingredient chamber connected to the application opening via a media channel, and an active ingredient applicator constructed in this way—is also considered to be of independent inventiveness, and (but not limited to) embodiments having only one media channel and / or only one active ingredient chamber, i.e., particularly without providing other active ingredients, and preferably combined with the aspects described above related to the spatial and / or functional embodiments of the applicator assembly. According to one aspect of the invention considered to be of independent inventiveness, the presence of inflammation can also be diagnosed by inserting paper points, cotton points, liquid-collecting silicone elements, etc., into the periodontal pocket and taking a sample from there, then placing it in a solution containing Na or K bicarbonate. This is a simple method that can provide indicators of inflammation suitable for patients to use at home.

[0042] According to the above aspects of the invention, two or more active ingredient chambers are provided, each active ingredient chamber being connected to at least one application opening via an associated media channel. According to one aspect of the invention, these chambers may contain different active ingredients that combine or interact with each other to trigger a desired effect. Then, when activated by the user, the active ingredients are applied together and mixed at the application site, thereby triggering the intended interaction at the application site. For example, two active ingredient chambers may be provided, one containing a bicarbonate and the other containing an acid / carboxylic acid (e.g., malic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, etc.), preferably each chamber being an aqueous solution at a concentration suitable for the intended treatment. They are then applied together, contacting each other at the application site and reacting to form bubbles. This effect is particularly useful, for example, for cleaning or rinsing purposes.

[0043] As an active ingredient, one of the active ingredient chambers may be specifically filled with disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, and / or sodium monohydrogen phosphate, and in each case, optionally as a dihydrate. Alternatively or additionally, according to one aspect of the invention, it may also include emollients such as sodium docusate, and / or antibacterial substances such as clove oil, CHX, or H2O2.

[0044] The advantages of this invention lie particularly in providing two or more active ingredients in a separately held active ingredient chamber, which are discharged and mixed there through separate media channels in a common space area, enabling targeted and localized utilization of the reaction kinetics of the active ingredients and / or their reaction products (e.g., formed bubbles). Even without prior medical training, it is difficult for users or patients to access the dental bag themselves, thus allowing for specialized care or treatment measures. The design of the application nozzle as a thin-film composite or laminated material also means that suitable application nozzles can be supplied in large quantities at low cost using relatively simple methods, and offer great flexibility in spatial design. This also enables, or at least facilitates, a wide range of care applications, from therapeutic applications performed by trained personnel to preventative or care measures that users or patients can perform themselves.

[0045] It should also be noted that home users do not have access to sterile media, especially gases. In contrast, dentists typically use sterile air and sterile water to flush periodontal pockets. The mixture of at least two relatively small-volume sterile active substances now available generates a very large volume of sterile gas as a reaction product directly on-site (i.e., already in the periodontal pocket), enabling sterile flushing of periodontal pockets even for private users. This is particularly important for patients flushing their own periodontal pockets. Furthermore, according to the concept of the invention, sterile gas can be provided directly for flushing during use.

[0046] By introducing bicarbonate solution into periodontal pockets, in addition to detecting inflamed pockets, the pH level within the pockets also increases. Specifically, tooth matter and the surrounding hard and soft tissues respond inflammatoryly to the decrease in pH within the periodontal pockets caused by the biofilm. Therefore, the environment within the periodontal pocket, tooth matter, and / or the surrounding hard and soft tissues can be made more favorable, setting a higher pH level to support tissue regeneration.

[0047] The reaction between water-soluble bicarbonates, such as potassium bicarbonate and / or sodium bicarbonate, and acids (e.g., malic acid, citric acid, or lactic acid dissolved in water) or the H+ ions of acids involves the formation of gaseous carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and sodium salts of the acid anions (e.g., sodium malate-Na2C4H4O5, sodium citrate-Na3C6H5O7, or sodium lactate-NaC3H5O3). The fact that this chemical reaction does not produce any toxic or medically questionable substances, aside from the removal and bubble formation of carbon dioxide, is considered particularly advantageous and is unrelated to the substances currently provided.

[0048] Although ammonium bicarbonate is a viable alternative, it is already considered harmful to health. Reactions with acids or carboxylic acids also produce harmful substances. When reacting with acids or carboxylic acids, water (H₂O), beneficial carbon dioxide (CO₂), and harmful toxic ammonia (NH₃) are formed.

[0049] Therefore, the only real substitute for potassium bicarbonate and sodium bicarbonate is calcium bicarbonate, which exists only in water.

[0050] Because the generated gas is highly sterile, this rinsing can of course also be used in many other medical applications on the human or animal body.

[0051] Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0052] Figure 1 A schematic longitudinal section of the teeth in the patient's oral cavity is shown.

[0053] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a multi-part active ingredient applicator is shown.

[0054] Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 2 A perspective view of the application nozzle of the active ingredient applicator.

[0055] Figure 4 A perspective view of an integrated active ingredient applicator is shown.

[0056] Figures 5a-5b It shows according to Figure 2 or Figure 3 A perspective view and cross-sectional view of the application nozzle of the active ingredient applicator, showing its treatment end.

[0057] Figures 6a-6f It shows according to Figure 3 A perspective view of the base segment of the coating nozzle in the order of manufacturing steps.

[0058] Figures 7a-7b It shows that according to Figure 4 The base segment of the active ingredient applicator,

[0059] Figures 8a-8b It shows according to Figures 7a-7b Enlarged cross-sectional view,

[0060] Figure 9 It shows that according to Figure 4 The base segment of the active ingredient applicator has an alternative channel geometry in the mixing point region.

[0061] Figure 10 It shows that according to Figure 9 Enlarged cross-sectional view,

[0062] Figure 11 It shows that according to Figure 4 The active ingredient applicator's base segment has an alternative channel geometry in the mixing point region.

[0063] Figure 12 It shows that according to Figure 11 Enlarged cross-sectional view,

[0064] Figure 13 It shows that according to Figure 4 The active ingredient applicator's base segment has an alternative channel geometry in the mixing point region.

[0065] Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 Enlarged cross-section view,

[0066] Figure 15 It shows that according to Figure 4 The active ingredient applicator's base segment has an alternative channel geometry in the mixing point region.

[0067] Figure 16 It shows Figure 15 Enlarged cross-section view,

[0068] Figures 17a-17d It shows that according to Figure 4 Variations of the active ingredient applicator in perspective views of different local cross-sections.

[0069] Figures 18a-18d It shows that according to Figure 4 Another variant of the active ingredient applicator in perspective views of different local cross sections.

[0070] Figures 19a-19e It shows that according to Figure 4 Another variant of the active ingredient applicator is shown in a perspective view following the manufacturing steps.

[0071] Figures 20a-20h A perspective view of the intermediate parts in the order of manufacturing steps is shown.

[0072] Figure 21 It shows Figure 20h The intermediate component shown is connected to the media pipeline.

[0073] Figures 22a-22c The dual-injector system is shown in different views.

[0074] Figures 23a-23b The hose package is shown.

[0075] Figures 24a-24b Alternative embodiments of the active ingredient applicator are shown.

[0076] Figure 25 A longitudinal cross-section of the bottom region of the two active ingredient chambers is shown.

[0077] Figure 26 A longitudinal section of the application nozzle is shown.

[0078] Figure 27 A longitudinal section of the alternative applicator nozzle is shown.

[0079] Figure 28 As shown Figure 27 The enlarged cross-section of the applicator nozzle shown is as follows.

[0080] Figures 29a-29c It shows that according to Figure 24a Active ingredient applicator and its associated sealing system,

[0081] Figures 30a-30b It shows that according to Figure 29a A magnified view of the closed area of ​​the active ingredient applicator.

[0082] Figures 31a-31b An active ingredient applicator with a slanted applicator nozzle is shown, and

[0083] Figures 32a-32b , Figures 33a-33b Alternative designs for the active ingredient applicators are further illustrated.

[0084] In all the drawings, the same parts are labeled with the same reference symbols.

[0085] exist Figure 1 The image schematically shows a tooth 1 in the patient's jawbone 2 in a longitudinal cross-section. This tooth 1 is only used as an example to illustrate the mode of action of the invention. In this embodiment, the tooth 1 is in a state following periodontal disease treatment, where a relatively deep periodontal pocket 6 has formed near the tooth neck 4. This periodontal pocket 6 is inflamed due to periodontal disease caused by the invasion of bacteria or pathogens into the tissue area, particularly in the area of ​​the tooth neck 4 and the surrounding soft tissue 8. Therefore, after the actual treatment of periodontal disease, follow-up treatment is provided in the form of aftercare, which can be performed by the patient at home, for example, daily. In this treatment, dental agents, such as disinfectants or rinsing solutions for killing present bacteria or pathogens, should be precisely applied to the periodontal pocket 6 in the patient's mouth, thereby reaching the affected area in the surrounding soft tissue.

[0086] For this purpose, active ingredient applicators 10 and 10' are provided, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the applicator is located close to the periodontal pocket 6, as... Figure 2As shown, the applicator is provided to a patient in a magnified side view so that the patient can perform the appropriate treatment at home and precisely apply the desired active ingredient to the oral cavity. It should be noted that the structure and operation of the active ingredient applicators 10, 10' are described by way of example only, referring to the application of the active ingredient to the periodontal pocket 6; however, many other possible uses are of course possible, such as cleaning interdental spaces in the context of (non-therapeutic) dental care or cleaning, and for targeted application of the active ingredient to local inflammation within the oral cavity area, etc., and these are all included within the scope of this invention.

[0087] Figure 2 The active ingredient applicator 10 shown is designed as a mobile, multi-part system in this embodiment. It includes a handle 12 or grip piece designed in the form of a housing, with an application nozzle 16 at its free or distal end 14 serving as the actual treatment head or element. In this embodiment, it is designed for single use only, and is therefore a disposable product for hygiene and care purposes. The application nozzle 16 is connected via a connecting element (in this embodiment, a section of tubing guided within a protective sleeve 17) to a supply container 19 disposed within the handle 12, which stores the intended active ingredient. A tubing portion 18, together with the protective sleeve 17, extends from the housing formed by the handle 12 via a feedthrough that can be closed with a tubing valve 11.

[0088] In addition, the handle 12 also includes a system 23 for activating the active ingredient container to automatically dispense the active ingredient, such as a mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic system 23, through which the active ingredient can be delivered, as well as a control unit 20 and a power supply unit 21, such as a battery or rechargeable battery. The mechanical system can be a pressure plunger acting on the active ingredient container, or a design similar to a dual-syringe, dual-cannula, or dual-barrel system. In principle, the type and design of the active ingredient applicator 10 are similar to an electric toothbrush, with active (electrical) components also integrated into the handle forming the housing. In an embodiment, the application nozzle 16 is attached to the fixing member 15. Alternatively, the active ingredient applicator 10 can also be designed as a fixed application system, such as in a dentist's treatment room; in this case, the handle can be designed, for example, as a multi-part system with a suction nozzle carrying the application nozzle 16, which is then connected to a supply container 19 storing the active ingredient.

[0089] Figure 3 The enlarged perspective view shows the application nozzle 16, in which four access nozzles 30 are respectively connected on the inlet side to a media channel extending within its nozzle body 22. Of course, different numbers of such access nozzles 30 can also be provided, such as one, two, or more. The application nozzle 16 can be connected to the hose portion 18, for example, through these access nozzles 30.

[0090] Figure 4The perspective view shows an alternative one-piece version of the active ingredient applicator 10'. In this embodiment, the applicator nozzle 16 is an integral part of the active ingredient applicator 10' and is molded thereon. For preferred use in the field of dental care or as a self-treatment agent, according to Figure 2 , 3 The applicator nozzle 16 in both embodiments 1 and 4 is specifically designed for high functionality and has a particularly simple structure, thus allowing for mass production at a limited manufacturing cost. For this purpose, the applicator nozzle 16 has a nozzle body 22 as a basic functional component, in which multiple media channels 34 for the active ingredient to be applied are arranged, each media channel opening to an applicator opening 32 on its outlet side.

[0091] from Figure 3 and 4 The perspective view clearly shows that the nozzle body 22 is designed as a main body extending longitudinally from the connecting region 36 to the free treatment end 38. Figure 4 In the integrated design shown, the connecting area 36 is located inside the applicator body; in such a way... Figure 3 In the design shown for the multi-part variant, the connection area 36 functionally corresponds to the connection side of the applicator nozzle 16. In one embodiment, this connection side is provided with suitable means for mechanically securing the nozzle body 22 to the handle 12 and is connected to the hose portion 18; however, in accordance with... Figure 4 In the alternative standalone embodiments provided, this connection is not required.

[0092] In shaping the nozzle body 22, special consideration was given to the user's ability to precisely position the treatment tip 38, despite the very narrow space in the oral cavity, in order to apply the active material in a precise and localized manner. To achieve this, the spatial shape of the nozzle body 22 was appropriately selected, taking into account that alveoli are typically formed as gaps extending along the tooth surface.

[0093] To take this into account, according to one aspect of the invention, the nozzle body 22 of the applicator nozzle 16 is designed as a substantially flat component, in the form of a flat spatial body. Thus, the applicator nozzle 16, or the nozzle body 22 forming it, is designed as a body that extends substantially along the basal plane or ground surface, its thickness remaining significantly less than its lateral extension in the basal plane when viewed in cross-section. For application purposes, this means that the free end or treatment end 38 of the nozzle body 22 can be inserted relatively easily into the alveolar ridge, for example by aligning the basal plane of the nozzle body 22 substantially parallel to the outer surface of the tooth 1.

[0094] Furthermore, the cross-section of the nozzle body 22 gradually tapers towards the treatment end 38. Therefore, the free end or treatment end 38 of the nozzle body 22 has a substantially flat, relatively narrow, or even tapered profile, making insertion into the alveolar ridge particularly easy. In embodiments, for example, as according to Figure 3 , 4 As shown in the perspective view, this results in the nozzle body 22 having a triangular profile in the plan view.

[0095] To enable precise application of the active ingredient to the periodontal pocket 6, the nozzle body 22 has an outflow region 40 arranged in the area of ​​the treatment end 38, wherein each application opening 32 is connected to a media channel 34. This allows the corresponding active ingredient to be specifically applied to the area of ​​the treatment end 38 of the application nozzle 16, and thus, if desired, directly applied to the corresponding periodontal pocket 6. Multiple application openings 32 are also arranged in an outflow direction aligned transversely to the longitudinal axis, for example, as shown in... Figure 3 , 4 As shown in the perspective view. In this way, the entire space area of ​​the periodontal pocket 6 surrounding the treatment end 38 of the nozzle body 22 can be filled with active material in a simple manner.

[0096] Regarding the guidance of the medium channel 34 in the nozzle body 22, the present invention basically provides two preferred design concepts, each of which is considered to have independent inventiveness.

[0097] Based on the first of these design concepts, in accordance with Figure 2 and Figure 4 In both embodiments, the active ingredient applicators 10 and 10', in each case, are designed with appropriately designed application nozzles 16 according to one aspect of the invention, the concept being that two or more active ingredients are applied separately from each other at the application site, where they mix and react with each other, such that the reaction itself and / or reaction products can produce an effect at the application site. For this purpose, at least two media channels 34 are integrated into the nozzle body 22, extending independently from the connecting region 36 to the free treatment end 38, and each media channel opens to an application opening 32 on the outlet side. In the illustrated embodiment, the application openings 32 associated with the two media channels 34 are each spaced approximately 1 mm apart, allowing the application of the active ingredients to be performed close enough to each other at the application site to achieve the desired localized mixing.

[0098] On the other hand, according to the second design concept, it is considered to possess independent creativity, based on... Figure 2 and Figure 4In both embodiments, the active ingredient applicators 10 and 10' are designed according to one aspect of the invention, with appropriately configured application nozzles 16, such that two or more active ingredients are supplied separately and distinctly to the nozzle body 22, and then mixed together at a mixing point 42, thus potentially reacting with each other. From the mixing point 42, another medium channel 34 then leads to the free treatment end 38, thereby applying the mixed medium to the application site. For this purpose, the nozzle body 22 integrates at least two independent medium channels 34 leading from the connecting region 36 to the mixing point 42 and another medium channel 34 leading to the free treatment end 38 and to the exit side of the application opening 32. Furthermore, other medium channels 34 may be provided, for example, directly from the connecting region 36 to the free treatment end 38, so that other media can also be directly delivered to the free treatment end 38 through the nozzle body 22, for example, according to the first design concept described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the application openings 32 associated with these medium channels 34 are spaced approximately 1 mm apart so that the active ingredients can be applied close enough to each other at the application site, thereby potentially achieving the desired localized mixing.

[0099] In both design concepts, each media channel 34 extending from the connection area 36 is connected on the input side, for example via a corresponding access nozzle 30, to a separately dispensed active ingredient chamber 44 on the media side. According to one aspect of the invention, the corresponding active ingredient chamber 44 has an internal volume suitable for the patient dose to be administered, thus eliminating the need for further drug delivery by the user.

[0100] According to Figure 2 In the active ingredient applicator 10, the active ingredient chamber 44 is integrated into the supply container, and a media channel 34, individually assigned to each active ingredient chamber 44, is routed within the hose portion 18 to the connection area 36. When the active ingredient chamber 44 is pressurized in this embodiment, the active ingredient contained therein is thus delivered through the media channel 34 and the applicator nozzle 16 to the outflow area 40, where it is dispensed through the applicator opening 32. Conversely, according to Figure 4 The active ingredient chamber 44 in the active ingredient applicator 10' is integrated into a common substrate 46 including the nozzle body 22.

[0101] In the illustrated embodiments, according to aspects considered to be of independent inventive use, in each case two active ingredient chambers 44 are provided, each containing different active ingredients suited to the desired effect, which combine or interact with each other to trigger the desired effect. For example, two active ingredient chambers 44 may be provided, one providing a carbonate, particularly a bicarbonate, and the other providing an acid (e.g., citric acid). They are then discharged together, coming into contact with each other at a mixing point 42 and reacting there to form gases and bubbles. This allows for the formation of a relatively high-pressure gas at the mixing point 42, which is then discharged at the treatment end 38 through a media channel 34 downstream of the mixing point 42. This effect can be particularly advantageous for cleaning or rinsing purposes, for example, the gas escaping under high pressure achieves a particularly good cleaning effect.

[0102] Alternatively or additionally, a predetermined dose of the active ingredient, such as chlorhexidine for disinfection or a rinsing solution, can be contained in such an active ingredient chamber 44, which is sealed with a sealing or closure element after being filled into the adjacent media channel 34. The patient can then apply it at home, whereby, on the one hand, the design of the application nozzle 16 allows it to be correctly positioned in the oral cavity, and on the other hand, the correct dosage of the active ingredient can be ensured by the batch delivery within the nozzle body.

[0103] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the invention, in addition to serving as an application medium channel 34 and leading to the application opening 32 on the outlet side, at least one medium channel 34 can be designed as a suction conduit within the nozzle body 22. This embodiment is particularly contemplated in... Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, four access nozzles 30 and corresponding four media channels extend in the nozzle body 22.

[0104] Considering the desired low-cost design suitable for mass production, according to one aspect of the invention, the nozzle body 22, as in... Figure 5a Perspective view and according to Figure 5b As is particularly clearly discernible in the cross-section of the treatment end 38, it is designed in the form of a laminate, that is, a layered body composed of multiple thin film sheets 50. Figure 5a In the perspective view shown, the treatment end 38 clearly shows that, on the one hand, the application opening 32 is arranged in a substantially straight downstream direction, and laterally aligned application openings 32' are also provided, for example for dispensing another rinsing medium or also as inhalation openings. According to... Figure 5bThe underlying layer structure is clearly visible in the cross-sectional view. Corresponding media channels 34 are formed in the thin film layer 52 of the laminate through grooves formed in the corresponding film layers. Since the application nozzle 16 or its nozzle body 22 is designed as a composite film or laminate, suitable application nozzles 16 can be provided in a relatively simple, cost-effective, and high-volume manner, offering great flexibility in spatial design.

[0105] According to one aspect of the invention, this basic design has a significant advantage in that the media channels 34 can be relatively easily introduced into the individual film layers 52, particularly in terms of channel wiring and geometry, which can be achieved through conventional film processing methods (e.g., etching, embossing, laser, etc.). This allows for a particularly high degree of flexibility in the geometric and functional design and layout of the media channels 34 in the film stack in a simple manner. The applicator nozzle 16 or its nozzle body 22 is formed from a plurality of film sheets 50 in a laminated or stacked manner, these film sheets 50 being stacked on top of each other and bonded, welded or otherwise connected to each other at their contact surfaces. The film thickness d of the film sheets 50 is 150-250 micrometers, and thus in a preferred range of 50-500 micrometers. Therefore, the total thickness D of the applicator nozzle 16 or its nozzle body 22 as a laminate of film sheets 50 is 0.7-1.2 mm, i.e., in a preferred range of 0.3-2 mm, thereby allowing for insertion into the periodontal pocket 6 without any problems.

[0106] According to one aspect of the invention, Figure 4 The integrated applicator nozzle 16 shown has a structure in which a film layer, composite, or laminate forms the entire nozzle body 22. In embodiments, the applicator nozzle 16 is also composed of thin film layers 52, 54, and 56 that differ in material selection and parameters, with a central thin film layer 56 of a first film material covered on both sides by corresponding side thin film layers or outer thin film layers 52 and 54 of different film materials. The film layers 56 and 52 and 54 have different material properties and are functionally adapted to different specifications. In an embodiment, according to one aspect of the invention, the central thin film layer 56 comprises a relatively hard film material, i.e., particularly having a relatively high Shore hardness or elastic modulus, while the other thin film layers 52 and 54 are softer. Therefore, the central thin film layer 56 can define the contour or spatial shape of the nozzle body 22 in a supporting structure manner, while the relatively soft outer thin film layers 52 and 54 can be designed to be flexible and deformable, thereby significantly reducing the risk of injury, for example, when the oral mucosa comes into contact with the nozzle body 22.

[0107] In an embodiment, Figure 3 The application nozzle 16 shown is entirely composed of this film composite material. This design can be clearly seen from the layered sequence of the structure in Figure 6.

[0108] Figure 6 shows the structure of the thin film layers in sequence, starting with the first, bottommost thin film layer 54, and then adding other thin film layers 54, 56 step by step. Therefore, Figure 6a The lowest or first film layer 54 is shown, which, viewed from above, has been adapted to the desired shape of the nozzle body 22. Starting from the connection region 36, the width gradually decreases along the direction of the treatment end 38. The film 54, pre-cut on its outer contour in this manner, also features embossed grooves 58 that form media channels 34. In the illustrated embodiment, these media channels 34 lead to an application opening 32' laterally aligned with the bottom surface of the nozzle body 22, making them particularly suitable for use as channels for, for example, rinsing media.

[0109] Then, another thin film sheet 50 (also forming a thin film layer 54) is applied to the lower thin film layer 54 in a layered structure, and then laminated, for example. The resulting film stack is as follows: Figure 6b As shown. Therefore, this includes two superimposed film layers 54. The last applied film layer 54 covers the medium channel 34 previously introduced into the lower film layer 54 and formed by the groove 58, and closes the medium channel at the top. In the connection region 36, the upper film layer 54 is also provided with a groove 60, which defines a mounting point for subsequent attachment of the access nozzle 30.

[0110] Then the next thin film layer 56 is applied onto the resulting layer stack, as follows: Figure 6c As shown. Film layer 56 forms the central film layer 56 and is made of a relatively rigid film material, i.e., particularly having a relatively large Shore hardness or modulus of elasticity, while the other film layers 54 are softer. Therefore, film layer 56 can act as a support layer or forming layer, thereby providing a certain degree of rigidity and mechanical stability to the entire packaging.

[0111] exist Figure 6c As can be clearly seen, the thin film layer 56 is composed of multiple parts, formed by multiple thin film sheets 50. The thin film sheets 50 are arranged spaced apart from each other, with openings 62 between them. These openings 62 also form media channels 34 integrated into the nozzle body 22, allowing for a high degree of freedom in processing thin films (laser, stamping). Figure 6cIn the illustrated embodiment, it can be clearly seen that four media channels 34 are guided into the nozzle body 22, starting from the provided connection region 36. Two central media channels 34 independently and completely penetrate the nozzle body 22 to the distal treatment end 38, thus allowing two separate treatment media to be applied independently through these channels 34. Conversely, two external media channels 34 are guided only within the film layer 56 to a transition point 64, where they connect to a continuous media channel 34 in an adjacent film layer 54. One of these two media channels 34 connects, for example, to a media channel 34 in the first film layer 54 already described above.

[0112] After the central film layer 56 is applied to the formed film stack, the access nozzle 30 for connecting external media channels or feed lines is inserted into the groove 60, such as... Figure 6d As shown. Subsequently, in order to complete the coating of nozzle 16, two additional thin film layers 54 are applied, along with... Figure 6a and 6b The thin film layers 54 shown are similar and symmetrical, as... Figure 6e and 6f As shown in the illustration. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the application nozzle 16 is designed as a five-layer film laminate.

[0113] Similar to this construction method, according to one aspect of the invention, the construction method also targets... Figure 4 The integrated active ingredient applicator 10' shown provides a thin film laminate or composite, or a laminate for the entire substrate 46 forming the active ingredient applicator 10'. Thus, the latter is entirely composed of this thin film composite material, with the active ingredient chamber 44 directly incorporated into the thin film layer 54 by utilizing its deformability. This construction method is clearly shown in the illustration of Figure 7. It shows the circumference of the "lower half" of the active ingredient applicator 10', i.e., the entire lower thin film layer 54, which forms the active ingredient chamber 44 by its construction, as well as the central thin film layer 56. As previously described, the thin film layer 56 is suitably shaped, for example by laser or etching, and forms the medium channel 34. On the other hand, the outer thin film layer 54 is suitably extended in the rear region and forms the active ingredient chamber 44 there.

[0114] The intended design and manufacturing process of the application nozzle 16, particularly the laser cutting or stamping of the contour of the media channel 34, allows for great flexibility in the design and configuration of the cavities, chambers, or media volumes provided in the laminate or pack. The active ingredient held in the respective active ingredient chamber 44 can then be dispensed by pressing the composite, utilizing the material-dependent deformability of the film composite, thereby pressing the active ingredient through the respective media channel 34 and the associated application opening 32. Polyamide is used as the substrate for the film layers 52, 54, 56 or the film sheet 50; however, alternatively, another suitable film material, such as PP or PE, or a combination of different film materials may also be considered.

[0115] The following further explains some aspects of the invention that are considered to be independently inventive. These aspects primarily relate to channel guides or other elements in the region of the intermediate or central membrane layer 56. Therefore, they will be explained with reference to illustrations similar to FIG. 7, i.e., with reference to... Figure 4 The embodiment of the integrated active ingredient applicator 10' shown is illustrated; however, these aspects can certainly also be used for... Figure 3 A variant of the application nozzle 16 shown.

[0116] Therefore, according to one aspect of the invention and in the sense of the first design concept described above, as from... Figure 7a The representation in and especially from Figure 8a As can be clearly seen in the magnified representation, two media channels 34 are arranged within the thin film composite material in the thin film layer 56. The media channels 34 are separated from each other on the media side and lead to two application openings 32 in the region of the treatment end 38. The application openings 32 are arranged close to each other but separated and at a certain distance from each other.

[0117] On the other hand, according to another aspect of the invention considered to have independent inventiveness, such as from Figure 7b The representation in and especially from Figure 8b As can be clearly seen in the magnified representation, the design aims to provide a mixing point 42 within the thin film composite material for two different active substances. To this end, in this variant, two media channels 34 are designed in the thin film layer 56 as feed channels, which are separated from each other on the media side and converge at the mixing point 42.

[0118] For example, according to one aspect of the invention, the active ingredient can be, on the one hand, a bicarbonate, preferably potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or calcium bicarbonate, particularly sodium bicarbonate, and on the other hand, an acid / carboxylic acid (e.g., malic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, etc.), preferably each being an aqueous solution at a concentration suitable for the intended treatment. According to the first design concept, they are then separately discharged into the room area to be treated, and according to the second design concept, they are conveyed together to a mixing point 42, where they come into contact with each other and react to form bubbles (forming CO2). Due to this reaction and bubble formation, very high pressure can be generated in the mixing point 42 without external active influence, causing the medium to flow out of the mixing point 42 at relatively high pressure, and thus forming a directional spray from the downstream applicator opening 32 of the nozzle body 22. This effect can be particularly advantageous for cleaning or rinsing purposes; for example, generating a directional spray under high pressure is particularly useful.

[0119] Figure 9 and Figure 10 The enlarged cross-sectional view shows the base segment of the active ingredient applicator 10', which has an alternative channel geometry and channel guide in the region of mixing point 42.

[0120] Figure 11 Representation of the midbasal segment and its Figure 12 The enlarged representation shows another aspect of the invention, which is considered an independent invention. In this embodiment, two media channels 34 are also integrated into the film layer 56 and converge at the mixing point 42. However, here, valve flaps 70 are connected in the media channels 34 a short distance in front of the contact point with the mixing point 42. In this embodiment, these are film sheets 50 molded into the film layer 56, which essentially close the corresponding media channels upstream of the mixing point 42 as spring or leaf spring valves, but can be opened by displacement of the media pressure in the corresponding media channels 34. However, this is not possible in the opposite direction, because if the pressure in the region of the mixing point 42 increases, the valve flaps 70 will be pressed into the valve seats at the edges of the corresponding media channels 34, thereby closing them tightly. Due to this valve arrangement, in the embodiment considered to be independently inventive, the backflow of the media mixture generated at the mixing point 42 into the supply media channel 34 is excluded, and therefore, especially in the case of anticipated pressure increase after mixing the active ingredients, the emission of the formed gas occurs only in the direction toward the treatment end 38, i.e., via the application opening 32.

[0121] Another variation of the present invention is also considered to have independent inventiveness, which is achieved through... Figure 13 Base segment representation and Figure 14The enlarged representation is shown in the figure. In this variant, the valve flap 70 is also incorporated into the thin film layer 56 as described above. However, in this variant, the geometry is designed to form a mixing chamber 72 in the region of the mixing point 42. This provides sufficient volume for the desired gas formation, and in particular, sufficient volume for the desired mixing of the active ingredients.

[0122] exist Figure 15 In another embodiment shown ( Figure 16 (Enlarged in size), its structure is the same as the above-described variant, and in an embodiment considered to be of independent inventiveness, an additional spring element 74 is provided, which acts on the valve disc 70 and reinforces its restoring force or contact pressure on the valve seat.

[0123] The following will explain some things in more detail. Figure 4 The active ingredient chamber 44 of the active ingredient applicator 10' shown has an inventive aspect in its construction. For this purpose, a structure similar to... Figure 4 The perspective view shows a cross-section or half-section without further detailing the channel wiring within the central thin film layer 56. However, the explanation of the channel guidance described above can also be fully provided in the following example.

[0124] The perspective view and cross-section of the active ingredient applicator 10' shown in Figure 17 have two active ingredient chambers 44, which are arranged on both sides of the central film layer 56 and separated from it. This means that different active ingredients can be easily stored in the two active ingredient chambers 44. Furthermore, in Figure 17a As can be clearly seen, the mixing chamber 72 is formed in the region of the uppermost thin film layer 54 by appropriate shaping. Due to the shape shown in the thin film material, the volume of the mixing chamber 72 can be adapted to the intended purpose and the expected requirements for gas formation and associated pressure buildup, particularly in embodiments considered to be independently inventive; in these embodiments, the volume of the mixing chamber is designed to be approximately 100 mm. （3） .

[0125] In another variant shown in Figure 18, with the same structure, the active ingredient applicator 10' has an active ingredient chamber 44 with a different internal volume. This allows the active ingredient to be stored in the active ingredient chamber 44 in an amount that is appropriately selected and adjusted for the intended reaction. Also in this variant, the mixing chamber 72 is formed in the uppermost film 54 by a corresponding shape with an appropriately selected volume.

[0126] Another variation of the active ingredient applicator 10', considered to be of independent inventive origin, is shown in Figure 19. Figure 19 illustrates the sequence of progressively adding other film layers 54, 56, starting from the first bottommost film layer 54. Therefore, Figure 19aThe lowest or first film layer 54 is shown, which has been adapted to the desired shape of the nozzle body 22 in its treatment area (as shown in the plan view). Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the active ingredient chamber 44 has been incorporated into this film layer 54. The foil 54 is also provided with embossed grooves 58, which form media channels 34 and guide only in a portion of the area to the distal or treatment end 38 of the applicator.

[0127] Then, during layer-by-layer assembly, another thin film sheet 50 (also forming a thin film layer 54) is applied onto the lower thin film layer 54, and laminated on it, for example. The resulting film stack is as follows: Figure 19b As shown. Therefore, this comprises two superimposed thin film layers 54. The last applied thin film layer 54 covers the media channel 34 previously introduced into the lower thin film layer 54 and formed by the trench 58, and substantially closes the media channel 34 at the top. In the transition region 76, the upper thin film layer is provided with a valve 78, the location of which largely overlaps with the end region of the media channel 34 guided in the lower thin film layer 54. This valve 78 can be formed, for example, by introducing an opening line 80 (e.g., by laser or stamping). The valve 78 allows the media guided in the media channel 34 in the lower thin film layer 54 to pass upwards, i.e., into the next upper thin film layer 56.

[0128] like Figure 19c As shown, this is applied to the resulting layered packaging and designed as the central film layer 56 according to the aforementioned standards. Therefore, film layer 56 can function as a support layer or forming layer, which provides a certain degree of rigidity and mechanical stability to the entire packaging.

[0129] from Figure 19c As can be clearly seen, the central membrane layer 56 has a groove in the area above the valve flap 78, which forms a mixing chamber 72. Subsequently, to complete the application of the active ingredient applicator 10', as... Figure 19d and 19e As shown, two additional film layers 54 are applied, with Figure 19a and 19b The film layers 54 shown are similar and symmetrical. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the active ingredient applicator 10' is designed as a five-layer film laminate and is adapted to mix the active ingredient chambers 44 arranged on both sides of the central film layer 56 with the mixing chambers 72 in the central film layer 56.

[0130] Alternatively, in a manner considered independently creative, the nozzle body 22 could also be designed as an intermediate component 90 instead of the applicator nozzle 16, with a design substantially similar to the one described above. In this latter case, the medium enters the patient's oral cavity not through the applicator opening 32 located at the treatment end of the nozzle body 22, but through a separate applicator component 92, such as a tubing pack, treatment air tube, etc. In this embodiment, the actual applicator component 92 can be suitably connected to the outlet region of the nozzle body 22, thereby guiding the pressurized therapeutic medium generated at the mixing point 42, or particularly in the mixing chamber 72, to the intended delivery location in the patient's oral cavity via a corresponding pressure line 94 provided in the applicator component 92. Therefore, suitable additional medium channels 34 can be provided in the applicator component 92 for guiding other media in the nozzle body 22, such as individual media, which only come into contact with each other at the delivery point in the patient's oral cavity.

[0131] like Figure 20g , Figure 20h As can be clearly seen, the mixing chamber 72 in this embodiment is also created in one of the upper thin film layers 54, and its volume is formed in the outermost thin film layer 54 by appropriate shaping.

[0132] Figure 20 illustrates this intermediate component 90, considered to be of independent creative purpose, through a series of manufacturing steps. Any of the aforementioned parts and elements can be similarly used in the design of the intermediate component 90. On the other hand, Figure 21 The diagram shows an intermediate component 90 that connects to the corresponding media lines on the input and output sides.

[0133] On the input side, the intermediate component 90 can be connected via a media supply line 96 to a suitable container for the corresponding active ingredient to be supplied, thereby providing, for example, a conventional cartridge or an active ingredient container of the type described above. However, in a manner considered to be independently inventive, a dual-injector system 100 can also be provided to introduce the active ingredient, as shown in the perspective view of Figure 22 ( Figure 22a ), longitudinal section view ( Figure 22b ) and partial cross-sectional views ( Figure 22c As shown in the illustration. In a conventional embodiment, the dual-syringe system 100 includes two functionally parallel syringe bodies 102, each forming an active ingredient chamber, and each body guiding a syringe plunger 104. The syringe plungers 104 are each driven by a drive plunger 106, which, in the example of the illustrated embodiment, are coupled to each other. During actuation, actuation can be performed manually or automatically in the corresponding supply system, thus simultaneously discharging the active ingredient contained in the syringe body 102 through a corresponding connecting nozzle 108 and supplying it to the intermediate component 90 via a connected media supply line 96.

[0134] On the output side, the intermediate component 90 is connected to the aforementioned application component 92. As shown in the example in FIG23, this can be designed as a tubing package 110. The tubing package 110 includes a plurality of (two in this embodiment) active ingredient tubing 112, each tubing opening at its end 114 to the application opening 32. Thus, the corresponding active ingredient can be delivered directly and accurately to the desired application site through these tubing. In addition, the tubing package 110 also includes a pressure tubing 116, which is connected at the inlet side to the mixing chamber 72 of the intermediate component 90. Thus, once a pressurized gas as a reaction product is generated in the mixing chamber 72 by selectively mixing two starting materials according to one aspect of the invention, this gas can be discharged through the pressure tubing 116 and applied through its outlet opening 118.

[0135] from Figure 23b As can be clearly seen in the enlarged diagram, the outlet opening 118 of the generated pressurized gas is designed to flow out in a lateral direction, so that cleaning can be carried out specifically in the lateral direction, for example, during dental treatment.

[0136] According to one aspect of the invention, the intermediate component 90 can therefore be connected on the inlet side to a dual-injector system 100, a double-barreled syringe, or any other suitable active ingredient chamber of the type shown. Depending on design requirements and application, it can have valves, particularly in the manner of the valve discs 70, 78, a mixing chamber 72, or a reaction chamber, or a combination of the types described above; thus, it is suitable to have a flushing outlet and / or a pressure outlet as needed. On the inlet side, it can have a suitable number of media inlets, particularly two or four, depending on the individual design. The intermediate component 90 can be located particularly between the ampoule / ampoule system and the application component. It comprises, for example, a pure combination of two media channels (e.g., an aqueous carboxylic acid solution and an aqueous bicarbonate solution). In this function, it acts as a simple Y-shaped component and includes at least one outlet. The desired active function is non-directional pressure release for flushing.

[0137] Alternatively, intermediate component 90 can be used to combine media flowing directly or indirectly into mixing chamber 72 or reaction chamber, thereby including at least one media outlet. In this case, the desired active function is directional pressure release, preferably for cleaning contaminated surfaces and rinsing.

[0138] Both of the aforementioned middleware functions can be designed with or without check valves. In particularly advantageous designs of the middleware, the aforementioned active functions and designs are provided in combination.

[0139] In an embodiment according to the above design, the intermediate component 90 may also be supplied together with at least two ampoules, which are clustered together on the media side of the intermediate component 90. However, in another embodiment, the active function may also be provided by at least two ampoules individually.

[0140] The intermediate component 90 can also be integrated with the ampoule portion and / or the applicator portion.

[0141] Figure 24 shows an alternative embodiment of the active ingredient applicator 10'', its plan view ( Figure 24a ) and longitudinal section ( Figure 24b According to Figure 4 Similar to the embodiment, it has a base 46' in which two active ingredient chambers 44 are integrated. These are connected to an application nozzle 16' on the media side via a tube, which can be relatively long for the intended treatment method. The application nozzle is located at the distal end 14 and is formed by a nozzle body 22. At least two media channels 34, provided for connecting the active ingredient chambers 44 to the application openings 32 on the application nozzle 16' on the media side, are integrated in the nozzle body 22 as described above and extend from there into the hose portion 18 to the active ingredient chambers 44. The active ingredient applicator 10'' shown here can be designed as a single piece similar to the example above, so it can be used directly, or it can be used as a... Figure 2 The filling material of the active ingredient applicator 10 shown. Alternatively, the active ingredient applicator 10'' can also be designed as multiple pieces, for example, the tubing portion 18 can be connected by suitable connections to a separately designed application nozzle 16' and / or a separately designed supply container 19.

[0142] According to one aspect of the invention, the active ingredient chamber 44 in the above embodiments can be formed by molding in corresponding thin film layers 52, 54, 56. Then, for example, the active ingredient can be filled between the pre-laminated thin film layers 52, 54, 56 by injecting the active ingredient, which can be further deformed during the process to form the actual active ingredient chamber 44. Subsequently, i.e., after complete filling with the active ingredient, the thin film layers 52, 54, 56 can be suitably welded and / or sealed. Figure 25 The longitudinal section shows the bottom region of the corresponding active ingredient chamber 44 with a correspondingly appropriate welded or sealed filling opening 122.

[0143] Figure 26 The enlarged longitudinal cross-section in Figure 24 shows the application nozzle 16' of the active ingredient applicator 10'' according to FIG. 24. In the connection region 124 for the hose portion 18, its cross-section initially widens towards the distal end 14 until it merges into the actual nozzle body 22, and then tapers again towards the distal end 14 according to one aspect of the invention. The integrated media channel 34 is guided entirely through the section shown.

[0144] Figure 27A longitudinal section of a variant of the application nozzle 16'' is shown, which, in addition to the two media channels 34, includes a plurality of suction conduits 126 as further media channels. Similar to the media channels 34, these suction conduits are guided both through the nozzle body 22 and through the connected hose portion 18, and open in transversely arranged suction openings 128 in the region of the treatment end 38. According to one aspect of the invention, as from... Figure 27 The illustrations in the diagram and from Figure 28 As can be clearly seen in the enlarged illustration, the suction conduit 126 is designed to have a larger inner diameter than the media channel 34; similarly, the suction conduit 126 is designed to be larger than the application opening 32. This takes into account the fact that in the intended treatment method, even the introduction of a relatively small amount of active ingredient will result in a relatively large suction demand, not only for the reaction products formed, but also for debris, food residue, and other cleaning products generated by rinsing or cleaning, due to the expected reactions between the active ingredients at the site of use. However, in a variant not shown, the suction device can also be arranged further away from the application opening 32 or the nozzle body 22. Advantageously, the suction device is designed as a bell shape made of a soft material. In this case, after the application nozzle 16 is inserted into the toothed bag 8, the bell can be closed from the outside to allow the ingredient drawn from the toothed bag 8 to be suctioned out in a particularly efficient manner.

[0145] According to another aspect considered to be independently inventive, the active ingredient chamber 44 is externally sealed off by the sealing or closing element 130 to the relevant medium channel 34 or to the corresponding medium channel 34, thereby preventing accidental leakage of the active ingredient. In Figure 29, a longitudinal cross-sectional view is shown ( Figure 29a ), floor plan ( Figure 29b ) and side view ( Figure 29c Figure 24 illustrates an example of such a closure element 130 for use with the active ingredient applicator 10'' according to FIG. 24; however, this embodiment is of course also applicable to other variations of the active ingredient applicators 10, 10'. In this case, a tear-off closure element 132 is formed on the treatment end 38 of the nozzle body 22, which suitably closes the outlet end of the media channel 34 and the possible suction conduit 126, i.e., in particular the application opening 32 or the suction opening 128. As can be seen particularly from the enlarged view in FIG. 30, the closure element 132 is molded onto the outlet region of the nozzle body 22 through a predetermined break point 134, which in this embodiment is suitably weakened in the substrate. The closure element 132 can be torn at the predetermined break point 134, thereby exposing the application opening 32 and the possible suction opening 128, and making the media channel 34 or the suction conduit 126 accessible.

[0146] In particular, it can be seen that, in cases such as Figure 30aWith the attached sealing element shown, the medium channel 34 is sealed. Figure 30b A side view of the predetermined breakthrough point 134 is shown, in which it can be seen that the material thickness in the region of the predetermined breakthrough point 134 is significantly reduced in the form of a notch 136. The closed media channel 34 extends beyond the predetermined breakthrough point 134. If the closure element 132 is now separated from the active ingredient applicator 10''' shown in FIG. 24 by pulling or tearing, two application openings 32 are formed at the media channel 34 of the application nozzle 16. A particular advantage is that the previously sterile application nozzle 16''' can remain sterile after the media channel 34 is opened.

[0147] The preceding examples involved an active ingredient applicator with a substantially straight application nozzle 16. However, for ease of operation, it can also be designed to be horizontal, angled, or curved. This is illustrated in Figure 31 with an example of an active ingredient applicator 10''.

[0148] According to aspects considered to be independently inventive, bicarbonate is provided as an active ingredient in the active ingredient chamber 44 connected to the application opening 32 via the medium channel 34; in principle, it can also be provided in the case of a single active ingredient chamber 44. The active ingredient applicator 140 constructed in this way, with bicarbonate disposed in its active ingredient chamber 44, is shown in a partial view in Figure 32 (…). Figure 32a ) and perspective ( Figure 32b As shown in Figure 32, the application nozzle is aligned in a straight line, and is presented in a partial view. Figure 32a ) and perspective ( Figure 32b Figure 33 is shown in partial view. Figure 33a ) and perspective ( Figure 33b As shown, the application nozzle is aligned in a curved manner in the lateral direction.

[0149] Reference Symbol List

[0150] 1 tooth

[0151] 2 jawbone

[0152] 4 tooth neck

[0153] 6 periodontal pockets

[0154] 8 Soft tissue

[0155] 10, 10', 10'' Active Ingredient Applicator

[0156] 11 Hose Valve

[0157] 12-handle

[0158] 14 end

[0159] 15 fasteners

[0160] 16, 16' applicator nozzle

[0161] 17 protective shields

[0162] 18 Hose Section

[0163] 19 Supply Containers

[0164] 20 control units

[0165] 21 power supply units

[0166] 22 Nozzle body

[0167] 23 Mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic systems

[0168] 30-port connector

[0169] 32 Apply Opening

[0170] 34 media channels

[0171] 36 connecting side

[0172] 38 treatment ends

[0173] 40 outflow areas

[0174] 42 mixing point

[0175] 44 Active Ingredient Chamber

[0176] 46, 46' matrix

[0177] 48 locking elements

[0178] 50 thin film sheets

[0179] 52, 54, 56 thin film layers

[0180] 58 trenches

[0181] 60 groove

[0182] 62 opening

[0183] 64 intersections

[0184] 70 valve disc

[0185] 72 mixing chambers

[0186] 74 Spring Components

[0187] 76 Transition Zone

[0188] 78 valve discs

[0189] 80 Breakthrough Line

[0190] 90 Middleware

[0191] 92 coating parts

[0192] 94 pressure pipeline

[0193] 96 Media Supply Pipeline

[0194] 100 dual-injector system

[0195] 102 syringe barrel

[0196] 104 syringe plunger

[0197] 106 drive plunger

[0198] 108 connector

[0199] 110 hose pack

[0200] 112 Active Ingredient Tube

[0201] 114 hose end

[0202] 116 pressure hose

[0203] 118 Exit Opening

[0204] 120 bottom area

[0205] 122 Filling Opening

[0206] 124 connection area

[0207] 126 suction tube

[0208] 128 Inhalation Opening

[0209] 130 end element

[0210] 132 locking element

[0211] 134 Pre-planned breakthrough point

[0212] 136 notch

[0213] 140 Active Ingredient Applicator

[0214] d film thickness

[0215] D Total Thickness

Claims

1. An application nozzle (16, 16') for applying a dental active substance into a patient's oral cavity, having a nozzle body (22) extending longitudinally from a connecting region (36) to a free treatment end (38), wherein, The nozzle body (22) is designed as a laminate composed of multiple foils, and integrates at least two media channels (34) that extend independently from the connection area (36) to the free treatment end.

2. The applicator nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the media channels (34) leads to the coating opening (32) on the outlet side.

3. The applicator nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 2, wherein, The application openings (32) assigned to the two media channels (34) are spaced apart from each other by at least 0.01 mm and at most 10 mm.

4. The applicator nozzle (16, 16') according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein, The application opening (32) is arranged in the outflow area (40) of the nozzle body, which is located in the region of the treatment end (38).

5. The applicator nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 1, wherein, The at least two media channels (34) extend independently from the connection area (36) to a mixing point (42) that connects them on the media side, the mixing point (42) being connected on the outlet side to an application opening (32) disposed in an outflow area (40) via another media channel (34), the outflow area (40) being located in the area of ​​the treatment end (38), the mixing point (42) being designed as a mixing chamber (72), the media channels (34) extending toward and through the mixing chamber (72).

6. The applicator nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 5, wherein, The mixing chamber (72) has a maximum volume of 1000 cubic millimeters.

7. The applicator nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 5, in addition to the medium channel (34), is provided with a pressure channel, which is also integrated in the nozzle body (22) and connected to the mixing point (42).

8. The applicator nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 1, wherein, The nozzle body (22) extends flat and its cross-section gradually tapers in the direction of the free treatment end (38).

9. The applicator nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of foils are formed from a plurality of thin film sheets (50).

10. The applicator nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 9, wherein, The plurality of film sheets (50) of the laminate include film layers (52, 54, 56), and the medium channels (34) in the film layers (52, 54, 56) are formed by grooves introduced in the respective film sheets (50).

11. The applicator nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 1, wherein, The medium channel (34) is provided with an integrated gasket.

12. The applicator nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of foils are composed of at least three thin film layers (52, 54, 56), wherein the central thin film layer (56) disposed between two adjacent thin film layers (52, 54) is formed of a foil material that is harder than the two adjacent thin film layers (52, 54).

13. The applicator nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of foils are composed of at least three thin film layers (52, 54, 56), and each thin film layer integrates a light guide.

14. The applicator nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 1, in addition to the medium channel (34), is also provided with a suction channel, which is also integrated in the nozzle body (22).

15. The applicator nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 1, wherein, The nozzle body (22) has a triangular outline in the plan view.

16. The applicator nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 1 is designed as a disposable product.

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