Periodontal probe

Abstract

The application provides a periodontal probe. The periodontal probe comprises a handle, an indicating member, and a probe needle. The indicating member comprises an indicating body and an indicating mark. The indicating body is connected to the handle, and the indicating mark is arranged on the indicating body. The probe needle comprises an elastic section, a connecting section, and a probe section. The elastic section is connected to the handle or the indicating member. The probe section has a needle tip for detecting a target object. The elastic section can be elastically bent in a first direction relative to the indicating mark from a natural state. When the probing force of the probe needle on the target object is a preset value, the elastic section is aligned with the indicating mark. The preset value is 20g-25g, and the first direction is a direction away from the needle tip. The periodontal probe can help the user to more accurately detect the periodontal pocket depth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of oral medical device technology, specifically relating to a periodontal probe. Background Technology

[0002] A periodontal probe is a specialized tool used in dental examinations to measure the depth of periodontal pockets. During use, the tip of the probe is inserted into the periodontal pocket (the space between the tooth and gum). The depth to which the probe reaches the bottom of the pocket (where the gum and tooth are joined) is the periodontal pocket depth. A normal periodontal pocket depth is 1-3 mm; a depth exceeding 3 mm may indicate periodontitis.

[0003] Various factors typically influence the accuracy of periodontal pocket depth measurements, with probing pressure (the pressure applied by the probe tip to the periodontal tissue) having a significant impact on the reliability of the results. A probing pressure of 20-25g is generally recommended, as this level is sufficient to detect the actual pocket depth without causing significant pain. The pressure is usually controlled by the dentist's feel and experience, which can lead to human error. Excessive pressure (greater than 30g) may puncture the gum line (the pocket floor), while insufficient pressure (less than 15g) may fail to detect the pocket floor. Both excessive and insufficient pressure affect the true pocket depth, thus impacting diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Experienced dentists find it relatively easy to determine if the probe has accurately reached the pocket floor; however, novice dentists may apply excessive pressure due to lack of skill, resulting in false probing depths. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application discloses a periodontal probe that allows users to more accurately detect the depth of periodontal pockets.

[0005] The periodontal probe includes: handle; An indicator, comprising an indicator body and an indicator mark, wherein the indicator body is connected to the handle and the indicator mark is disposed on the indicator body; and The probe includes an elastic segment, a connecting segment, and a probe segment that are bent and connected in sequence. The elastic segment is connected to the handle or the indicator. The probe segment has a needle tip for probing a target object. The elastic segment can be elastically bent relative to the indicator mark in a first direction from its natural state. When the probe force applied to the target object is a preset value, the elastic segment aligns with the indicator mark. The preset value is 20g to 25g, and the first direction is the direction away from the direction in which the needle tip is pointing.

[0006] As an alternative implementation, the indicator mark is a groove or through hole on the indicator.

[0007] As an alternative implementation, the indicator mark is a boss on the indicator.

[0008] As an optional implementation, the color of the indicator mark is different from the color of the indicator body.

[0009] As an optional implementation, the reflectivity of the indicator mark is different from that of the indicator body.

[0010] As an optional implementation, the size of the elastic segment in the first reference direction is smaller than the size of the elastic segment in the second reference direction.

[0011] As an optional implementation, the indicator body includes a first body and a second body, wherein the first body is provided with the indicator mark, and the second body is disposed on the bending path of the elastic segment along the first direction; When the elastic segment bends from its natural state toward the first direction by a first degree, the elastic segment aligns with the indicator mark; when the elastic segment bends from its natural state toward the first direction by a second degree, the elastic segment contacts the second body, wherein the first degree is less than or equal to the second degree.

[0012] As an optional implementation, the indicator further includes a third body disposed on the side of the elastic segment opposite to the second body. When the elastic segment elastically bends a third amplitude in a second direction from its natural state, the elastic segment contacts the third body, wherein the second direction is the opposite direction to the first direction.

[0013] As an optional implementation, the indicator further includes a fourth body disposed on the side of the elastic segment opposite to the first body.

[0014] As an optional implementation, the tip of the probe segment is provided with multiple scale segments.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows: In the periodontal probe provided in this application, an elastic segment is provided on the probe needle, which can bend elastically. It is understood that if the tip of the probe segment encounters resistance, the elastic segment will bend elastically in a first direction. Therefore, when using the periodontal needle provided in this application to probe the depth of the periodontal pocket, the user can observe the bending amplitude of the elastic segment. If the elastic segment bends exactly to the alignment indicator mark, it indicates that the probing force of the probe needle has reached the preset value. Since the preset value is 20g~25g, this probing force indicates that the needle tip just touches the bottom of the pocket without piercing it. Therefore, the periodontal pocket depth detected at this time is relatively accurate. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the periodontal probe provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic segment of the periodontal probe provided in the embodiments of this application when it is in its natural state.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the periodontal probe with its elastic segment aligned with the indicator mark, as provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the periodontal probe at line AA is shown.

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of another implementation of the periodontal probe at the AA line, as shown.

[0022] Figure 6 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the periodontal probe at line AA.

[0023] Figure 7 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the periodontal probe at line AA.

[0024] Figure 8 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the periodontal probe at line AA.

[0025] Figure 9 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the periodontal probe at line AA.

[0026] Figure 10 A schematic diagram showing that the detection segment provided in the embodiment of this application has a scale segment.

[0027] Explanation of key figure labels: Periodontal probe 1; handle 10; indicator 20; indicator body 210; first body 211; second body 212; third body 213; fourth body 214; indicator mark 220; probe 30; elastic section 310; connecting section 320; probe section 330; scale section 331; first scale section 3311; second scale section 3312; third scale section 3313; first direction F1; second direction F2; first side C1; second side C2; ​​third side C3; fourth side C4. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0030] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; 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, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, components, or parts (which may be the same or different in specific type and construction), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, components, or parts. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0033] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 This application provides a periodontal probe 1, which includes: a handle 10, a probe 30, and an indicator 20.

[0034] The handle 10 is a grip for holding, and its design is ergonomic for easy holding and operation. The surface of the handle 10 may have raised textures to improve grip stability. The cross-sectional shape of the handle 10 can be approximately circular, triangular, hexagonal, elliptical, etc. The material of the handle 10 can be, but is not limited to, metal or plastic. For example, the handle 10 can be made of stainless steel, which is characterized by high hardness, corrosion resistance, and the ability to be repeatedly sterilized under high temperature and pressure, making it suitable for reusable instruments. Alternatively, the handle 10 can be made of plastic, which is lightweight and comfortable to hold, making it suitable for disposable instruments.

[0035] The indicator 20 includes an indicator body 210 and an indicator mark 220. The indicator body 210 is connected to the handle 10, and the indicator mark 220 is disposed on the indicator body 210. The indicator 20 and the handle 10 can be made of the same material or different materials. The indicator mark 220 can be elongated and can be, but is not limited to, a raised area (i.e., a boss), a recess (i.e., a groove), a coating, a plating, etc., on the indicator 20.

[0036] The probe 30 includes an elastic segment 310, a connecting segment 320, and a probe segment 330 connected in sequence by bending. The elastic segment 310 is connected to the handle 10 or the indicator 20. The connecting segment 320 connects the elastic segment 310 and the probe segment 330. The probe segment 330 has a needle tip for probing a target object, which may be a periodontal pocket. The needle tip can be inserted into the periodontal pocket to probe its depth. The elastic segment 310 can be elastically bent relative to the indicator mark 220 in a first direction F1 from its natural state. That is, when the elastic segment 310 is subjected to a certain external force in the first direction F1, the elastic segment 310 can produce a corresponding elastic bend. When the external force is removed, the elastic segment 310 returns to its original shape. Therefore, the indicator mark 220 can indicate the bending amplitude of the elastic segment 310 when it bends in the first direction F1. The first direction F1 is the direction away from the direction in which the needle tip is pointing.

[0037] The probe section 330 is used for direct contact with the gums and periodontal tissues. It can be made of materials with high hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and good biocompatibility, such as martensitic stainless steel, medical-grade austenitic stainless steel, and titanium alloy. The connecting section 320 can be made of the same material as the probe section 330 or a different material. The elastic section 310 can be made of, but is not limited to, metals (such as stainless steel and titanium alloy).

[0038] When the elastic segment 310 is in its natural state, the elastic segment 310 can be curved or straight, for example, in Figure 2 In the natural state, the elastic segment 310 is straight, and its length direction is consistent with the length direction of the handle 10. The natural state refers to the state of the elastic segment 310 when the periodontal probe 1 is not used, that is, the state before the elastic segment 310 undergoes elastic bending. The elastic segment 310 can be roughly cylindrical, flat, etc.

[0039] When the probing force of the probe 30 on the target object is a preset value, the elastic segment 310 aligns with the indicator mark 220. The preset value is 20g~25g. The preset value can be specifically set to 20g, 20.8g, 21g, 21.5g, 22g, 22.2g, 23g, 23.6g, 24g, 24.2g, 25g, etc. The probing force is the force applied to the target object by the probe segment 330 of the probe 30. During the process of probing the periodontal pocket depth using the periodontal probe 1, when the elastic segment 310 bends to just align with the indicator mark 220, insertion can be stopped. At this point, the detected periodontal pocket depth is more accurate, and the needle tip has not pierced the bottom of the pocket.

[0040] In summary, the periodontal probe 1 provided in this application has an elastic segment 310 on the probe needle 30, which can bend elastically. It is understood that if the tip of the probe segment 330 encounters resistance, the elastic segment 310 will bend elastically in the first direction F1. Therefore, during the process of probing the periodontal pocket depth using the periodontal probe provided in this application, the user can observe the bending amplitude of the elastic segment 310. If the elastic segment 310 is observed to bend exactly to the alignment indicator mark 220, it indicates that the probing force corresponding to the probe needle 30 has reached the preset value. Since the preset value is 20g~25g, this probing force indicates that the needle tip just touches the bottom of the pocket without piercing it. At this point, insertion can be stopped, and the periodontal pocket depth detected at this time is relatively accurate.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one optional embodiment, the indicator mark 220 is flush with the outer edge of the indicator body 210 away from the handle 10; that is, the distance from the indicator mark 220 to the outer edge of the indicator body 210 is zero. It is understood that if the indicator mark 220 is flush with the outer edge, it will be beneficial for the user to observe whether the elastic segment 310 is aligned with the indicator mark 220 during use, thereby identifying whether it has been inserted into the bottom of the periodontal pocket.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 In one optional embodiment, the indicator mark 220 is a groove on the indicator 20, which is a recessed structure on the indicator 20. The width of the groove can be the same as or approximately the same as the width of the elastic segment 310, which facilitates confirmation that the elastic segment 310 is aligned with the groove.

[0043] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 In one optional embodiment, the indicator mark 220 is a through hole on the indicator 20, that is, the indicator mark 220 is a through hole that passes through the indicator 20. The width of the through hole can be the same as or approximately the same as the width of the elastic segment 310. With this configuration, when the elastic segment 310 is aligned with the through hole, the user can see the elastic segment 310 through the through hole, which makes it easier for the user to identify whether the elastic segment 310 is aligned with the indicator mark 220.

[0044] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 6 In one optional embodiment, the indicator mark 220 is a boss on the indicator 20, which is a raised structure on the indicator 20. The width of the boss can be the same as or approximately the same as the width of the elastic segment 310, which makes it easy to confirm whether the elastic segment 310 is aligned with the boss.

[0045] In one alternative implementation, the indicator mark 220 is a different color than the indicator body 210. For example, the indicator mark 220 may be red and the indicator body 210 may be transparent; or the indicator mark 220 may be yellow and the indicator body 210 may be green. It is understood that when the indicator mark 220 and the indicator body 210 are different colors, it is easier for the user to distinguish between them, thus making it easier to determine whether the elastic segment 310 is aligned with the indicator mark 220.

[0046] In one alternative implementation, the reflectivity of the indicator mark 220 differs from that of the indicator body 210. Reflectivity describes an object's ability to reflect light; under the same lighting and viewing conditions, an object with higher reflectivity is indeed brighter. Therefore, when the reflectivity of the indicator mark 220 is greater than that of the indicator body 210, the indicator mark 220 appears brighter than the indicator body 210; conversely, when the reflectivity of the indicator mark 220 is less than that of the indicator body 210, the indicator mark 220 appears darker than the indicator body 210. It is understood that when the indicator mark 220 and the indicator body 210 employ different reflectivities, it is easier for the user to distinguish between the indicator mark 220 and the indicator body 210, thus making it easier to determine whether the elastic segment 310 is aligned with the indicator mark 220.

[0047] In one alternative implementation, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the periodontal probe 1 has a first side C1, a second side C2, a third side C3, and a fourth side C4. The first side C1 and the second side C2 are opposite sides of the periodontal probe 1, and the third side C3 and the fourth side C4 are also opposite sides of the periodontal probe 1. The elastic segment 310 has a first reference direction relative to the first side C1 and the second side C2, and a second reference direction relative to the third side C3 and the fourth side C4. The first side C1 is the side opposite to the direction of the probe tip. Furthermore, the size of the elastic segment 310 in the first reference direction is smaller than its size in the second reference direction. That is, the elastic segment 310 is thinner in the first reference direction than in the second reference direction. This design makes it easier for the elastic segment 310 to bend towards the first side C1 and the second side C2, rather than towards the third side C3 and the fourth side C4. This minimizes the interference of the periodontal pocket depth detection process caused by the elastic segment 310 bending towards the third side C3 and the fourth side C4. The cross-sectional dimensions of the elastic segment 310 may, but are not limited to, being rectangular (i.e., the elastic segment 310 is flat, such as...). Figure 7 As shown), elliptical (as shown) Figure 8 (as shown in the image) etc.

[0048] Please refer to Figure 7 In one optional embodiment, the indicator body 210 includes a first body 211 and a second body 212. The first body 211 is provided with the indicator mark 220, and the second body 212 is provided on the bending path of the elastic segment 310 along the first direction F1.

[0049] When the elastic segment 310 bends from its natural state toward the first direction F1 by a first degree, the elastic segment 310 aligns with the indicator mark 220. When the elastic segment 310 bends elastically from its natural state toward the first direction F1 by a second degree, the elastic segment 310 contacts the second body 212. The first degree is less than or equal to the second degree.

[0050] It is understandable that the elastic bending capacity of the elastic segment 310 has a certain limit; that is, the elastic segment 310 can only bend elastically within a certain range. If the bending amplitude of the elastic segment 310 exceeds its elastic limit, it will no longer automatically return to its original shape. At this time, the elastic segment 310 is damaged and no longer has the ability to indicate the user's probing force. In this embodiment, a second body 212 is provided on the bending path of the elastic segment 310. When the elastic segment 310 bends a second amplitude (the second amplitude is less than the elastic limit of the elastic segment 310) along the first direction F1, it will be hindered by the second body 212 to prevent the elastic element from continuing to bend in the first direction F1. This effectively prevents the elastic element from exceeding its elastic limit during the bending process, thereby improving its service life.

[0051] Please refer to Figure 7 In one optional embodiment, the indicating body 210 further includes a third body 213 connected to the first body 211, the third body 213 being disposed on the side of the elastic segment 310 facing away from the second body 212. That is, the third body 213 is opposite to and spaced apart from the second body 212, and the elastic segment 310 is located between the third body 213 and the second body 212. When the elastic segment 310 elastically bends a third amplitude in the second direction F2 from its natural state, the elastic segment 310 contacts the third body 213. Here, the second direction F2 is the opposite direction to the first direction F1. The third amplitude is less than the elastic limit of the elastic segment 310. Of course, in some embodiments, the indicating body 210 may also be... Figure 9 As shown.

[0052] It is understandable that although the first direction F1 is the bending direction of the elastic segment 310 during operation, during use, transfer, etc., the elastic segment 310 may inevitably bend in the second direction F2 due to factors such as collisions. If the bending amplitude in the second direction F2 exceeds its elastic limit, damage will also occur. In this embodiment, a third body 213 is also provided on the side of the elastic segment 310 away from the second body 212. When the elastic element bends a third amplitude along the second direction F2, it will be obstructed by the third body 213, thereby preventing the elastic element from continuing to bend in the second direction F2. This effectively prevents the elastic element from exceeding its elastic limit during bending, thereby improving its service life.

[0053] Please refer to Figure 7 In an optional embodiment, the indicating body 210 further includes a fourth body 214, which is disposed on the side of the elastic segment 310 opposite to the first body 211. It is understood that during use, transfer, etc., the elastic segment 310 may also bend towards the first body 211 or the fourth body 214, and if this exceeds the elastic limit, it will cause damage. In this embodiment, by providing the first body 211 and the fourth body 214, excessive bending of the elastic element towards the first body 211 or the fourth body 214 can be prevented.

[0054] Optionally, the distance between the first body 211 and the elastic segment 310 can be from 0.5mm to 2mm, specifically 0.5mm, 0.8mm, 1mm, 1.5mm, 1.8mm, 2mm, etc.

[0055] Optionally, the distance between the fourth body 214 and the elastic segment 310 can be 0.5mm to 2mm, specifically 0.5mm, 0.8mm, 1mm, 1.5mm, 1.8mm, 2mm, etc.

[0056] Please refer to Figure 10 In one optional embodiment, the probe tip of the probe segment 330 is provided with multiple scale segments 331. The scale segments 331 are used to indicate the current depth of the probe tip inserted into the periodontal pocket, which is the periodontal pocket depth to be measured. That is, during the process of probing the periodontal pocket depth, if the user determines, based on the indicator mark 220, that the probe tip of the probe segment 330 has reached the bottom of the pocket, they can stop the insertion action and then observe the exposure of the scale segments 331 to estimate the insertion depth of the probe tip.

[0057] The number of scale segments 331 can be, but is not limited to, 2, 3, 4, etc.

[0058] The length of each scale segment 331 can be the same or different. For example, the length of each scale segment 331 can be 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, etc. Or, for example, some scale segments 331 have a length of 3mm and some scale segments 331 have a length of 1mm.

[0059] Adjacent scale segments 331 can be different colors to facilitate determining the estimated insertion depth. For example, the scale segment 331 can be set with alternating black and yellow colors. Alternatively, different scale segments 331 can be different colors such as black, yellow, and blue.

[0060] Example illustration: such as Figure 10 As shown, scale segment 331 includes a first scale segment 3311, a second scale segment 3312, and a third scale segment 3313. The length of the first scale segment 3311, the second scale segment 3312, and the third scale segment 3313 is 3mm. The first scale segment 3311 is green, the second scale segment 3312 is yellow, and the third scale segment 3313 is red.

[0061] The technical means disclosed in this application are not limited to those disclosed in the above embodiments, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of this application, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A periodontal probe (1), characterized in that, The periodontal probe (1) includes: Handle (10); Indicator (20), the indicator (20) including indicator body (210) and indicator mark (220), the indicator body (210) being connected to the handle (10), the indicator mark (220) being disposed on the indicator body (210); and The probe (30) includes an elastic segment (310), a connecting segment (320), and a probe segment (330) that are bent and connected in sequence. The elastic segment (310) is connected to the handle (10) or the indicator (20). The probe segment (330) has a needle tip for probing the target object. The elastic segment (310) can be elastically bent in a first direction (F1) relative to the indicator mark (220) from its natural state. When the probe (30) probes the target object with a preset value, the elastic segment (310) aligns with the indicator mark (220). The preset value is 20g to 25g, and the first direction (F1) is the direction away from the direction of the needle tip.

2. The periodontal probe (1) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The indicator mark (220) is a groove or through hole on the indicator (20).

3. The periodontal probe (1) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The indicator mark (220) is a protrusion on the indicator (20).

4. The periodontal probe (1) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The color of the indicator mark (220) is different from the color of the indicator body (210).

5. The periodontal probe (1) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The light reflectivity of the indicator mark (220) is different from that of the indicator body (210).

6. The periodontal probe (1) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The size of the elastic segment (310) in the first reference direction is smaller than the size of the elastic segment (310) in the second reference direction.

7. The periodontal probe (1) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The indicator body (210) includes a first body (211) and a second body (212). The first body (211) is provided with the indicator mark (220), and the second body (212) is provided on the bending path of the elastic segment (310) along the first direction (F1). When the elastic segment (310) bends from its natural state toward the first direction (F1) by a first amplitude, the elastic segment (310) aligns with the indicator mark (220). When the elastic segment (310) bends elastically from its natural state toward the first direction (F1) by a second amplitude, the elastic segment (310) contacts the second body (212), wherein the first amplitude is less than or equal to the second amplitude.

8. The periodontal probe (1) as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The indicator body (210) also includes a third body (213), which is disposed on the side of the elastic segment (310) away from the second body (212). When the elastic segment (310) elastically bends to a third amplitude in the second direction (F2) from its natural state, the elastic segment (310) contacts the third body (213), wherein the second direction (F2) is the opposite direction of the first direction (F1).

9. The periodontal probe (1) as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The indicator body (210) also includes a fourth body (214), which is disposed on the side of the elastic segment (310) away from the first body (211).

10. The periodontal probe (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The tip of the probe section (330) is provided with multiple scale segments (331).

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