A gutta-percha point for measuring the length of a tooth root canal in the mouth

Abstract

This application discloses a gutta-percha point for intraoral measurement of root canal length, comprising a gutta-percha point body, a conductive wire, and a conductive handle. The conductive wire is filled inside the gutta-percha point body. One end of the gutta-percha point body is configured to abut against the apical foramen, and the other end of the gutta-percha point body is connected to the conductive handle, which can be clamped. The conductive handle is electrically connected to the conductive wire. A mucosal hook is disposed on the oral mucosa. When measuring the length of the gutta-percha point, the conductive handle is connected to the measuring electrode of the root canal measuring instrument, the gutta-percha point body abuts against the apical foramen, and the root canal measuring instrument circuit is formed. This allows for direct measurement of the length from the tip of the gutta-percha point to the apical foramen, significantly improving the accuracy and reliability of working length data. When testing the master tip, the dentist does not need to wait for X-rays, significantly reducing patient radiation exposure and treatment time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of dental instrument technology, and in particular to a gutta-percha point for measuring the length of tooth root canals intraorally. Background Technology

[0002] Guttate-gauge points are one of the essential and most important materials for root canal filling in current root canal treatment. Their main component is natural rubber, which has a certain degree of compressibility. When heated, it softens and tightly fills the root canal, forming a good seal with the canal wall to prevent bacterial reinvasion. It also has radiopaque properties, facilitating monitoring during and after treatment. Currently available gutta-gauge points mainly consist of 20% gutta-gauge, 75% zinc oxide, and small amounts of wax, rosin, colorants, antioxidants, and heavy metal salts. Gutta-gauge points are divided into cold and hot types: cold gutta-gauge is simple to handle and widely used clinically, but requires the use of a paste. Hot gutta-gauge is softened by heating and inserted into the root canal, suitable for complex root canals (such as curved canals, accessory canals, etc.), and can better seal apical constrictions. However, regardless of whether hot or cold gutta-gauge points are chosen, the first step in clinical root canal filling is to select a suitable gutta-gauge point as the master point to achieve good sealing of the apical region.

[0003] In clinical practice, after root canal preparation, cleaning, and shaping, it is crucial to select gutta-percha points of appropriate size and taper. The most important of these is the master gutta-percha point, which, once inserted, can tightly fill the apical foramen. Its proper and correct use is key to the success of the entire root canal treatment. However, the complex morphology of root canals and the diverse shapes of apical foramina mean that in some cases, custom-made gutta-percha points may not fit directly and require secondary manual adjustment.

[0004] Currently, the working length of gutta-percha points cannot be directly measured. It relies entirely on measurements taken with metal files. However, due to the complexity of root canal morphology, file curvature, and manipulation techniques, the "working length" measured by the metal file often deviates from the "true working length" the gutta-percha point needs to reach the apical constriction to create a tight seal. For young, inexperienced dentists, these experience-based errors are frequent, leading to inadequate root canal filling, treatment failure, and negatively impacting long-term outcomes. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a gutta-percha point for measuring the length of tooth root canals intraorally, which solves the technical problems in the prior art where the working length measured by a metal file often deviates from the actual working length required by the gutta-percha point to reach the apical stenosis to form a tight seal, as well as the subjective and inefficient judgment of master tip fit, which leads to poor root canal filling.

[0006] This utility model provides a gutta-percha point for intraoral measurement of root canal length, comprising a gutta-percha point body, a conductive metal wire, and a conductive handle; the interior of the gutta-percha point body is filled with the conductive metal wire; one end of the gutta-percha point body is configured to abut against the apical foramen, and the other end of the gutta-percha point body is connected to the conductive handle, which can be clamped; the conductive handle is electrically connected to the conductive metal wire; a mucosal hook is disposed on the oral mucosa; when measuring the length of the gutta-percha point, the conductive handle is connected to the measuring electrode of the root canal measuring instrument, the gutta-percha point body abuts against the apical foramen, and the measuring circuit of the root canal measuring instrument is formed.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the conductive metal wire is a silver wire.

[0008] In one possible implementation, one end of the silver wire is flush with one end of the gutta-percha point body, and the other end of the silver wire extends to the conductive shank, wherein the silver wire is electrically connected to the conductive shank.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the conductive handle is provided with a conductive material that is electrically connected to the conductive metal wire.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the conductive handle is provided with a clamping surface that can fit against the measuring end of the root measuring instrument.

[0011] One or more technical solutions provided in this application have at least the following technical effects:

[0012] This utility model embodiment employs a gutta-percha point for intraoral measurement of root canal length, comprising a gutta-percha point body, a conductive metal wire, and a conductive handle. The conductive metal wire is filled inside the gutta-percha point body. One end of the gutta-percha point body is configured to abut against the apical foramen, and the other end of the gutta-percha point body is connected to the conductive handle, which can be clamped. The conductive handle is electrically connected to the conductive metal wire. A mucosal hook is disposed on the oral mucosa. When measuring the length of the gutta-percha point, the conductive handle is connected to the measuring electrode of the root canal measuring instrument, the gutta-percha point body abuts against the apical foramen, and the root canal measuring instrument circuit is formed. The suitability of the master tip can be determined during insertion into the root canal to test its fit, eliminating the need for additional X-ray confirmation by the patient, thus reducing radiation exposure and treatment time. This application solves the technical problems in the prior art where the working length measured by a metal file often deviates from the actual working length required for the gutta-percha point to reach the apical constriction to form a tight seal, and where subjective and inefficient master tip fit judgment leads to poor root canal filling. This technology allows for direct measurement of the length from the tip of the gutta-percha point to the apical foramen, significantly improving the accuracy and reliability of working length data. When testing the master point, dentists no longer need to wait for X-rays, reducing patient radiation exposure and treatment time. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating the operating principle of the root measuring instrument provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a gutta-percha point for measuring the length of a tooth root canal intraorally, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0015] Icons: 1-Guitar tip body; 2-Conductive metal wire; 3-Conductive handle; 4-Mucosa hook; 5-Root probe. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present utility model. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0017] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this utility model and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. The terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In addition, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0018] Currently, experts recommend personalized gutta-percha points because each person's apical foramen is different. Theoretically, a reamer from the same manufacturer can be used to prepare a perfect match for a given gutta-percha point. However, in practice, due to the manufacturing process of gutta-percha points, procurement issues for each treatment unit, and the complexity of root canal morphology, personalized gutta-percha points are often necessary. Furthermore, the accuracy of determining the suitability of gutta-percha points during trial fitting is currently low. The primary method for determining whether a gutta-percha point is properly filled is periapical radiographs, but this requires a high level of professional experience from the dentist due to the variety of radiographic angles and root canal opening locations.

[0019] The process of making gutta-percha points typically includes the following steps: Raw material preparation: Natural rubber is selected as the main raw material, and auxiliary materials such as zinc oxide, wax, rosin, colorant, antioxidant and heavy metal salt are prepared.

[0020] Mixing process: Natural rubber is mixed with other auxiliary materials in a certain proportion, and through specific processing techniques, such as heating and stirring, the various components are mixed evenly.

[0021] Molding: The mixed materials are molded into the shape of gutta-percha points using specific molds and processes, giving them a certain taper and size specifications.

[0022] Quality inspection: The finished gutta-percha points are inspected for quality, including dimensional accuracy, hardness, elasticity, and radioactivity, to ensure that they meet relevant standards and clinical requirements.

[0023] In existing technologies, the suitability of the master apex can be confirmed intraorally using a root canal locator 5, reducing reliance on experience, shortening treatment time, increasing patient comfort, and improving treatment efficiency. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the current operating principle of the root canal measuring instrument 5 is that the voltage difference between the mucosal hook 4 and the metal nickel-titanium file in the root canal changes when the metal file reaches the soft tissue of the apical foramen, thereby locating the position of the apical foramen. It is a very mature technology. However, the length of the gutta-percha point is currently mainly measured by metal nickel-titanium instruments and cannot be obtained directly from the gutta-percha point.

[0024] like Figure 2 As shown, this application proposes to add a metal component to the gutta-percha point to give it electrical conductivity without changing its normal function, so that the working length of the root canal can be directly measured.

[0025] Silver is a very stable precious metal with a long history of use in dental treatment. In the earliest root canal treatments, dentists used silver to fill the root canals, and amalgam was also the earliest filling material. However, it has been gradually phased out in recent years due to advancements in materials. While the excellent conductivity of metals makes it suitable as a measurable gutta-percha point, its hardness and color are too high, failing to meet current requirements for root canal filling materials. Therefore, this paper proposes to combine existing gutta-percha point technology to create a point that leverages silver's excellent conductivity while also possessing the elasticity and sealing properties of a gutta-percha point. Due to silver's physical properties, it is stable and harmless. Placing silver powder or a sufficiently fine silver wire at the center of the point allows for easy cutting and compression along with the gutta-percha, thus enabling conductivity without altering the point's normal function, allowing for direct measurement of the working length of the root canal.

[0026] This utility model provides a gutta-percha point for intraoral measurement of root canal length, comprising a gutta-percha point body 1, a conductive metal wire 2, and a conductive handle 3; the interior of the gutta-percha point body 1 is filled with the conductive metal wire 2; one end of the gutta-percha point body 1 is configured to abut against the apical foramen, and the other end of the gutta-percha point body 1 is connected to the conductive handle 3, which can be clamped; the conductive handle 3 is electrically connected to the conductive metal wire 2; a mucosal hook 4 is disposed on the oral mucosa; when measuring the length of the gutta-percha point, the conductive handle 3 is connected to the measuring electrode of an endodontic measuring instrument 5, the gutta-percha point body 1 abuts against the apical foramen, and the measuring circuit of the endodontic measuring instrument 5 is formed.

[0027] For example, while maintaining the traditional physical properties of gutta-percha points, such as elasticity, compressibility, sealing, radioactivity, and main components, the gutta-percha point becomes conductive by filling the interior of the gutta-percha point body 1 with a conductive metal wire 2. The gutta-percha point of this application can be directly electrically connected to the root cannula measuring instrument 5, thereby enabling real-time and in-situ measurement of the position of the gutta-percha point reaching the apical foramen in the oral cavity, and thus accurately determining its working length.

[0028] For example, the conductive metal wire 2 of this application includes fine silver wire and uniformly dispersed silver powder. The diameter of the fine silver wire can reach the micrometer level, thereby ensuring that the gutta-percha point as a whole still has good flexibility and compressibility, and can be easily cut by conventional instruments during clinical use. The high-purity silver powder is uniformly distributed along the axial direction of the gutta-percha point, which can form a continuous conductive path. The particle size of the silver powder needs to be precisely controlled to ensure uniform dispersion and conductivity.

[0029] For example, the conductive handle 3 can form a reliable electrical connection with the measuring clip of the root measuring instrument 5.

[0030] For example, a boss is provided on the upper side of the conductive handle, which can prevent the root measuring instrument from falling off when it is clamped.

[0031] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, conductive metal wire 2 is a silver wire; For example, the diameter of the silver wire can reach the micrometer level without affecting the truncation of the gutta-percha point.

[0032] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, one end of the silver wire is flush with one end of the gutta-percha tip body 1, and the other end of the silver wire extends to the conductive handle 3, so that the silver wire can be electrically connected to the conductive handle 3.

[0033] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the conductive handle 3 is provided with a conductive material, which can be electrically connected to the conductive metal wire 2.

[0034] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the conductive handle 3 is provided with a clamping surface, which can fit against the measuring end of the root measuring instrument 5.

[0035] For example, this application can connect the conductive shank 3 of the gutta-percha point to the measuring electrode of the root canal measuring instrument 5; place the mucosal hook 4 of the root canal measuring instrument 5 on the patient's oral mucosa, with the mucosal hook 4 serving as the reference electrode; slowly insert the gutta-percha point into the prepared root canal as a conventional test point; when the tip of the gutta-percha point reaches the apical foramen area and contacts the soft tissue or electrolyte environment at the apical foramen, a circuit is formed in the root canal measuring instrument 5; the root canal measuring instrument 5 can detect significant changes in circuit impedance or voltage and display the reading; the reading displayed by the root canal measuring instrument 5 is the length of the gutta-percha point itself precisely reaching the apical foramen position, i.e., the true working length of the gutta-percha point.

[0036] For example, this application incorporates a silver wire within the gutta-percha point body 1, thus making the gutta-percha point itself the measuring probe of the root canal measuring instrument 5. This avoids the step of relying on a metal file to measure and then transferring the length to the non-conductive gutta-percha point, directly obtaining the length from the tip of the gutta-percha point to the apical foramen, significantly improving the accuracy and reliability of working length data. When testing the master tip, the dentist does not need to wait for radiographs. The gutta-percha point of this application is inserted into the root canal, connected to the root canal measuring instrument 5, and its tip is observed in real time to determine when it reaches the apical foramen. When the root canal measuring instrument 5 indicates that it has reached the foramen, the length of the gutta-percha point is the optimal working length for closing the apical constriction of the root canal. The dentist can use this length as the final filling length. Alternatively, based on this precise length information, the gutta-percha point can be trimmed more accurately and quickly to ensure its tip is precisely located in the apical constriction, achieving better root canal end filling.

[0037] This application reduces reliance on dentist experience and trial point X-rays, improving the objectivity, accuracy, and efficiency of master gutta-percha point selection and trimming, and reducing the risk of underfilling or overfilling due to misjudgment. It also shortens the time spent on a single patient visit, reduces radiation exposure, and improves patient comfort.

[0038] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. For the same or similar parts between the various embodiments, please refer to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0039] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of this application.

Claims

1. A gutta-percha point for intraoral measurement of root canal length, characterized in that, It includes a gutta-percha point body (1), a conductive metal wire (2), and a conductive shank (3); The interior of the gutta-percha point body (1) is filled with conductive metal wire (2); One end of the gutta-percha body (1) is configured to abut against the apical foramen, and the other end of the gutta-percha body (1) is connected to the conductive handle (3), which can be clamped. The conductive handle (3) is electrically connected to the conductive metal wire (2); The mucosal hook (4) is placed on the oral mucosa; When measuring the length of the gutta-percha point, the conductive handle (3) is connected to the measuring electrode of the root measuring instrument (5), the gutta-percha point body (1) abuts against the apical foramen, and the measuring circuit of the root measuring instrument (5) is formed.

2. The gutta-percha point for measuring the length of a tooth root canal in the mouth according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive metal wire (2) is a silver wire.

3. The gutta-percha point for measuring the length of a tooth root canal in the mouth according to claim 2, characterized in that One end of the silver wire is flush with one end of the gutta-percha point body (1), and the other end of the silver wire extends to the conductive handle (3), and the silver wire can be electrically connected to the conductive handle (3).

4. The gutta-percha point for measuring the length of a tooth root canal in the mouth according to claim 1, wherein The conductive handle (3) is provided with a conductive material, which can be electrically connected to the conductive metal wire (2).

5. The gutta-percha point for measuring the length of a tooth root canal in the mouth according to claim 1, wherein The conductive handle (3) is provided with a clamping surface, which can fit against the measuring end of the root measuring instrument (5).

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