ERGONOMIC DENTISTRY INSTRUMENT

Abstract

ERGONOMIC DENTISTRY INSTRUMENT A dental suction instrument for manipulating small parts, comprising a handpiece with an internal fluidic circuit, an activatable suction module configured to induce a Venturi effect in the fluidic circuit, a coupling device for connecting the suction module to a compressed air reservoir, at least one removable tip (18) connected to one end of the handpiece (12) and in communication with the fluidic circuit, at least one suction cup having a central opening removably attached to the removable tip so as to bring the central opening into communication with the fluidic circuit via the removable tip. The removable tip has at least one ergonomic angle corresponding to an insertion axis oriented towards a location inside a patient's mouth, said ergonomic angle allowing easy access to the location along the insertion axis. Abbreviated figure: [Fig.4a].

Description

Title of the invention: ERGONOMIC DENTISTRY INSTRUMENT FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to the field of dental care, in particular the manipulation of small objects intended to be implanted in a patient's mouth. PRIORITY OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0002] Today, in dentistry, the development of new tools requires consideration of two essential factors: patient safety and ergonomics for the practitioner, particularly for tools intended for manipulating small dental pieces (dental prostheses, crowns, etc.) in a patient's mouth. Regarding patient safety, especially concerning the manipulation and / or fixation of dental pieces, the availability of a reliable and easy-to-handle tool allows for: - to facilitate the disinfection steps of the dental instrument, - to relax the practitioner's hand, - to reduce the risk of losing the manipulated dental component in the patient's mouth and thus generating a risk of choking, - to reduce the number of necessary steps, thus shortening the duration of the intervention and limiting the concentration time required for the practitioner.

[0003] Regarding the ergonomics of the practitioner, it is important to bear in mind that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are extremely widespread among dentists. Numerous studies show that the prevalence of MSDs in dentists varies between 63% and 93%, primarily affecting the back, neck, and shoulders. These disorders result mainly from prolonged and repetitive postures adopted during dental procedures, often in ergonomically unfavorable positions. Between 50% and 65% of dentists report lower back pain. This area is particularly stressed due to the bent and static postures that practitioners frequently adopt. Between 48% and 72% of practitioners suffer from neck pain. Repetitive movements and prolonged forward tilting of the head to improve visibility in the patient's oral cavity are the main causes of this pain.Shoulder pain affects between 40% and 60% of dentists. Awkward postures and repeated raising of the arms above shoulder level are the main causes.

[0004] Given that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major cause of suffering and disability among dentists (affecting not only quality of life but also professional longevity), it is essential to work towards reducing them. One existing solution is the creation of a "work bubble." This "work bubble" is a space 30 cm to 40 cm in diameter around the practitioner in which all necessary tools must be accessible without excessive effort. This minimizes repetitive movements and stretching, thus helping to prevent MSDs. Properly designed spaces reduce unnecessary movements and maintain a neutral posture, reducing the risk of muscle fatigue and pain.

[0005] To ensure optimal ergonomics and prevent musculoskeletal disorders, the ideal working position for a practitioner varies depending on whether the practitioner is right-handed (R) or left-handed (L): - for a right-handed person, the recommended position is between 1 o'clock and 12 o'clock relative to the patient's head, - For a left-handed person, the recommended position is between 12 o'clock and 1 o'clock relative to the patient's head. Maintaining this position is crucial to minimizing muscle strain and thus reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

[0006] Referring to [Fig. 7], it can be seen that the workstation of a practitioner (right-handed practitioner D, left-handed practitioner G) must be organized according to the type of dental chair 102 used. Different positions of the work surface 100 can be considered: - Position 1: Work platform 103 above the patient, - Position 2: work platform 103 to the left of the patient, - Position 3: work platform 103 to the right of the patient, - position 4: work platform 103 at the back of the patient. All these positions must respect the "work bubble" of 30 cm to 40 cm around the practitioner D, G, in order to limit movements and prevent MSDs.

[0007] In current dental practice, there is a need for a small parts manipulation instrument that improves the ergonomics and safety of these manipulations.

[0008] The objective of the present invention is therefore to propose a tool for handling small parts that improves the ergonomics and safety of these manipulations. SUMMARY

[0009] The present invention thus relates to a dental suction instrument configured for handling small parts, said instrument comprising: - a handpiece extending along an elongation axis X, said handpiece comprising an internal fluidic circuit, - an activatable suction module comprising a pump connected to the fluidic circuit, said suction module being configured to induce a Venturi effect inside the fluidic circuit after activation, - a coupling device configured to connect the suction module to a compressed air tank and a power source, - at least one removable, hollow nozzle, configured to be connected to one end of the handpiece and made to communicate fluidically with the fluidic circuit, - at least one suction cup having a central opening and configured to be removably attached to the removable nozzle in order to put the central opening in communication with the fluidic circuit via the removable nozzle. The removable tip has at least one predetermined ergonomic angle corresponding to a predetermined insertion axis, said predetermined insertion axis being oriented towards a predetermined location inside a patient's mouth, said predetermined ergonomic angle allowing easy access to the corresponding predetermined location by following the corresponding predetermined insertion axis.

[0010] The proposed solution makes it possible to achieve the objective mentioned above. In particular, this instrument makes it possible to generate a vacuum and thus manipulate small parts, whether outside or inside a patient's mouth, in a controlled and safe manner by means of a gripping system that adapts to the shape of each dental component and the position it must take in the patient's mouth. This technology can be extended beyond dentistry, and in particular to dental technicians.

[0011] The instrument according to the present invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken separately from each other or in combination with each other: - at least one predetermined ergonomic angle is between 30° and 180°, - each removable tip having a predetermined ergonomic angle distinct from the ergonomic angles of the other removable tips, - The dental suction instrument comprises at least seven removable hollow tips: a first removable tip with an ergonomic angle of 30°, a second removable tip with an ergonomic angle of 60°, a third removable tip with an ergonomic angle of 90°, a fourth removable tip with an ergonomic angle of 110°, a fifth removable tip with an ergonomic angle of 130°, and a sixth removable tip. with an ergonomic 150° angle, a seventh removable nozzle with an ergonomic 150° angle, - at least one removable tip is deformable and can be deformed to present a plurality of predetermined ergonomic angles, - at least one removable tip is configured to be screwed onto a threaded hole at a distal end of the handpiece, - The suction module is configured to be integrated into a dental chair. - The suction module is configured to be activated by an activation button integrated into a dental chair. - The dental suction instrument also includes an activatable vibration module, configured to vibrate the removable tip, - at least one suction cup is deformable, - The fluidic circuit, the pumping module, the removable nozzle and the suction cup are configured to allow for a suction force ranging from ImN to lOOmN, - The internal fluidic circuit of the handpiece has a diameter ranging from 1 mm to 3 mm, and the activatable suction module is connected to the fluidic circuit by means of a cord with a diameter ranging from 3 mm to 8 mm. - the handpiece has a length of between 10 and 20cm along the X-axis, - The coupling device is configured to connect the suction module to a power source, - the power source is self-contained, - the handpiece is equipped with a light source configured to illuminate a distal end of the removable tip.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a dental suction kit comprising: - a dental suction instrument according to any one of the preceding characteristics, and - a dentist's chair. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, features and advantages thereof will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed explanatory description of given embodiments of the invention. as purely illustrative and non-limiting examples, with reference to the attached schematic drawings. These drawings include: - Figures [1a] and [1b] are each a perspective view of an embodiment of a handpiece according to the invention, - [Fig. le] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the handpiece according to the embodiment of [Fig.lb], - Figure [Fig. 2] is a series of six perspective views of six embodiments of a removable tip according to the present invention, - Figures [Fig. 3a] and 3b are perspective views of different suction cups according to the present invention, - Figure [Fig. 4a] is a perspective view of a removable tip according to the embodiment mounted on a handpiece according to the present invention, - Figure 4b is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a removable tip according to the embodiment of Figure 1b and mounted on a handpiece according to the present invention - Figures 5a and 5b are schematic views of two embodiments of the present invention, - Figure 6 is a perspective view of an instrument according to the present invention mounted on a dental chair. - [Fig. 7] is a schematic top view of a "work bubble", - Figure 8 is a schematic frontal representation of a dentition human-like structure with a functional breakdown allowing for a schematic view of different work areas with which the present invention is capable of interacting, - Figures 9a and 9b are perspective views of different implantable dental parts shown with different points of contact with the suction cup of the instrument according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 6, the present invention relates to a dental suction instrument 10 configured to handle small parts, for example dental prostheses.

[0015] The dental suction instrument 10 comprises: - a handpiece 12 extending along an elongation axis X, - a user-activated suction module 14, - a coupling device 16 configured to connect the suction module 14 to a compressed air reservoir (or source) 100 and to a power source 101, - at least one removable 18-hole hollow tip, - at least one suction cup 20 with a central opening.

[0016] The handpiece 12 has an elongated shape, similar to that of a manipulator pen commonly used in dentistry (see Figures 1a and 1b). The handpiece 12 has a distal (front) end 12A for connection to the removable tip 18, a central (middle) portion 12B for grip by the practitioner, and a distal (rear) end 12C for connection to the compressed air reservoir (source) 100. More specifically, the distal end 12C is connected to the suction module 14, which is itself connected to the air source 100. It has an ergonomic grip to avoid disrupting the practitioner's workflow. In particular, the handpiece 12 has a pen-like shape. Preferably, the handpiece 12 has rounded edges, corners, and surfaces, allowing for improved ergonomics and grip.Soft materials and slightly sticky surface finishes can be added to the surface to prevent slippage. In terms of dimensions, the handpiece 12 has a length of 10 to 20 cm along the X-axis. It has a diameter of between 11 and 17 mm. Preferably, the proximal end 12C has a smaller diameter than the central portion 12B. The proximal end 12C preferably has a diameter of between 11 and 13 mm. This narrowing of the diameter at the proximal end 12C of the handpiece 12 allows for a seamless connection to the suction module 14 (and thus to the compressed air source 100). As seen in figures 1a, 1b, 1e and 4b, the distal end 12A of the handpiece 12 may include a fastening system configured to fix a leak-proof connector of the removable tip 18. In the embodiment shown in [Fig.[a] The fastening system has a series of holes for receiving a series of additional tabs for the sealing connector of the removable tip 18 (see [Fig. 2] d, e, f) so as to connect the removable tip 18 by clipping. In the embodiment of Figures 1b, 1 and 4b, the fastening system includes a threaded hole for engaging with a thread (see [Fig. 2] a, b, c) of the sealing connector. This sealing connector has a circular groove for receiving an O-ring. The threaded hole T thus preferably has a diameter smaller than that of the central part 12B so as to allow the screwing of a tip 18 with a diameter similar to that of the central part 12B to ensure good ergonomic continuity while leaving room for the sealing gasket of the removable tip 18.

[0017] In terms of material, the handpiece 12 is preferably made of easily sterilizable and robust materials such as metal because it is necessary to be able to transmit significant thrust forces.

[0018] The handpiece 12 also includes an internal fluidic circuit 22 configured to allow the circulation of a fluid, preferably air. The internal fluidic circuit 22 of the handpiece 12 has a diameter ranging from 1 to 3 mm. As can be seen in Figures 1 and 4b, this internal fluidic circuit 22 can take the form of a straight conduit extending along the X-axis.

[0019] The suction module 14 operates on the principle of the Venturi effect. For simplicity, the suction module 14 can be considered to comprise a pump 24 connected to the internal fluidic circuit 22 of the handpiece 12. In one embodiment, the pump 24 comprises at least two fluidic conduits (a first positive pressure fluidic conduit and a second negative pressure fluidic conduit) connected perpendicularly to each other, forming a right angle. The compressed air source 100 is connected to the first conduit to inject air, which then flows towards an outlet. By the Venturi effect, this airflow in the first conduit (positive pressure) generates a vacuum in the second conduit (negative pressure).This second duct of the suction module 14 is connected to the internal fluidic circuit 22, and the generated vacuum creates a suction effect at the end of the internal fluidic circuit 22 of the handpiece 12. This positive pressure from the air source 100 is thus transformed into suction by the Venturi effect. The suction module 14 therefore effectively acts as a vacuum pump, generating a vacuum in the internal fluidic circuit 22 via the Venturi effect, thanks to the compressed air reservoir 100. The suction module 14 is thus configured to induce a Venturi effect inside the internal fluidic circuit 22 of the handpiece 12 after activation of the pump 24 (for example, by opening a solenoid valve separating the first and second ducts of the suction module, see paragraph

[0026] , or by opening a solenoid valve that opens the positive pressure duct).Other embodiments of Venturi systems exist and can be used interchangeably in the suction module 14.

[0020] In summary, the Venturi effect is based on the principle of pressure reduction induced by an acceleration of the airflow through a constricted duct. This negative pressure creates effective suction, particularly for handling small parts. More specifically, the pump 24 generates a vacuum using compressed air supplied by the compressed air reservoir 100.

[0021] Thanks to its Venturi effect operation, the instrument 10 according to the present invention is designed to operate in medical environments, tolerating humidity in the event of accidental fluid aspiration. Indeed, since the pump 24 has no motor or electronics, in the event of accidental aspiration of saliva (for example) or another liquid, the mechanism of the pump 24 is not compromised and its operation is not impaired.

[0022] The pump can be specifically adapted to obtain this Venturi effect. Examples include the Piab VGS 3010, the SMC ZL112, and the Schmalz SCPS: it has been empirically determined that the instrument 10 functions at a vacuum level of 80% (i.e., -0.8 bar). An upper limit of 85% (-0.85 bar) has been empirically determined, as has a lower limit of 75%. Below this level, the suction instrument 10 performs less effectively; there is less sealing and less retention of the toothpiece on the suction cup 20. The pump 24 is thus configured to generate a sufficiently powerful Venturi effect despite the constraints related to the dental suction instrument 10 according to the present invention: - need for a significant vacuum, - need for a high flow rate, - maintaining a compact size for the handpiece 12.

[0023] According to certain embodiments, the dental suction instrument 10 is equipped with an air control and saving system (e.g., type ASC or AES). This is an intelligent vacuum management function. The air control and saving system shuts off when a vacuum level of 80% is reached, for example. This makes it possible to limit / minimize the air and energy consumption of the compressed air source 100 and the current source 101. This intelligent fluid management in the fluid circuit 22 makes it possible to limit the energy and compressed air consumption as soon as a sufficient vacuum level is reached. This is a vacuum level control system.

[0024] The connection between the pump 24 and the internal fluidic circuit 22 is preferably made by means of a cord 26 having a diameter ranging from 3 mm to 8 mm. The benefit of the reduced diameters (in the internal fluidic circuit 22 and the cord 26) is a smaller total volume and therefore a faster vacuum (due to the Venturi effect to be induced). The cord 26 is preferably made of medical-grade silicone or polyurethane for maximum flexibility and durability.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the suction module 14 includes a pressure management module 28. The pressure management module 28 intelligently maintains a predetermined vacuum level. More specifically, it is a vacuum level control system that allows the pump 24 to be switched on / off (activating or deactivating the Venturi effect) without the dentist needing to manually activate / deactivate the pump 24 (the suction module 14). In this embodiment, after activation of the suction module 14, the vacuum inside the internal fluid circuit 22 rises to a predetermined negative pressure value (generally between 80 and 84%), and the suction module 14 deactivates. It reactivates as soon as the vacuum drops to 78% and then rises again, and so on. This saves air and therefore energy, and reduces noise.

[0026] The pressure management module 28 can be directly integrated into a dental chair 102. In an alternative embodiment, the pressure management module 28 can be integrated into a drawer, placed on a work surface, or attached to the dental chair 102 in a removable manner. In another embodiment, the pressure management module 28 is a portable, battery-powered module with a reserve that can be supplied either with interchangeable compressed air cylinders or with an internal pressure module in the handpiece 12 that can be recharged by simply connecting it to a quick-connect fitting on the compressor 100. This allows the handpiece 12 to be recharged with compressed air in a few seconds.

[0027] The Venturi effect (the suction module 14) is activated or deactivated via a solenoid valve controlled by a foot pedal or by a manual button integrated into the handpiece 12. More specifically, the suction module 14 is configured to be activated by an activation button which can take several forms: It can be integrated into the dentistry headquarters 102. It could be a remote pedal, It could be a button on the handpiece, and / or It could be a remote button operated by the other hand.

[0028] In some embodiments, the suction module 14 is configured to be activated by an activation button integrated into a dental chair 102. As seen in [Fig.6], in some embodiments, the entire suction module 14 is configured to be integrated into a dental chair 102.

[0029] In embodiments including a dental chair 102, the dental suction instrument 10 according to the invention is preferably part of a dental suction kit also comprising a dental chair 102

[0030] The coupling device 16 has compact dimensions, allowing it to be stored in a drawer or on a dental chair. The coupling device 16 is configured to connect the suction module 14 to a 24V power supply. In some embodiments, the power supply is mains electricity, and in other embodiments, the power supply is a self-contained power source, for example, a battery, including a rechargeable one. This version allows for greater flexibility and mobility, suitable for environments requiring frequent movement. The coupling module 16 is also configured to connect the suction module 14 to a compressed air reservoir with a pressure of 3.5 bar to 7 bar. This type of compressed air reservoir is standard in modern dental practices.This compatibility ensures that the dental suction instrument 10 according to the present invention is compatible with existing installations in dental practices and operates reliably therein.

[0031] In order to enable a reliable connection between the compressed air source 100 and the current source 101, the coupling module includes several quick connectors facilitating connection and making installation simple and intuitive for end users.

[0032] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 4 and already mentioned, the instrument 10 according to the present invention comprises at least one hollow, removable nozzle 18, configured to be connected to one end of the handpiece 12 and made to communicate fluidically with the internal fluidic circuit 22 thereof. In the present application, the term "hollow" refers to the fact that the removable nozzle 18 is hollow and forms a tubular conduit.

[0033] This removable tip 18 has the dual function of allowing the safe and comfortable manipulation of a dental component (see descriptions below) and of allowing interaction with a tooth to fix the dental component to it. Each removable tip 18 must withstand at least 200 N of thrust along a principal axis (defined with respect to a direction D of a distal end of the removable tip 18). Each removable tip 18 is therefore preferably made of metal. Each removable tip 18 is configured to be either screwed directly onto the distal end 12A of the handpiece 12 (see Figure 2a, b, c) or fixed by means of a quarter-turn clip system (see Figure 2d, e, f). This type of connection provides high robustness. This type of connection also allows the removable tip 18 to be tightly tightened against the distal end 12A of the handpiece 12. As seen in the [Fig.2], each removable tip 18 has its own dimensions, said dimensions being able to vary from one removable tip to another 18. Each removable tip has a length between 3 and 7cm, preferably 4cm and a diameter between 4 and 15mm.

[0034] As shown in Figures 2, 4a and 4b, the removable tip 18 has at least one predetermined ergonomic angle A with the elongation axis X of the handpiece 12. This ergonomic angle A corresponds to a predetermined insertion axis I oriented towards a predetermined location E inside the patient's mouth. This location E depends on the position of the targeted tooth and the specific location on the targeted tooth.

[0035] More specifically, in the human species, each tooth has several surfaces (considered here as working areas), each surface being capable of housing a location E. Among the surfaces that a human tooth may have, we can list: - mesial surface: the face of the tooth oriented towards the center of the dental arch (towards the midline), - distal surface: the face of the tooth oriented towards the back of the dental arch, opposite the midline, - occlusal surface: the upper surface of the posterior teeth (premolars and molars) used for chewing, - incisal surface: the sharp edge of the anterior teeth (incisors and canines), - vestibular surface: the outer surface of the anterior and posterior teeth, facing towards the lips or cheek, depending on the type of tooth, - lingual surface: the inner surface of the lower teeth, facing the tongue, - palatal surface: the inner surface of the upper teeth, facing towards the palate, - proximal surface: the face oriented towards the adjacent tooth in the dental arch (includes the mesial and distal surfaces), - interradicular surface: space between the roots of multi-rooted teeth (generally molars), - labial surface: the outer surface of the anterior teeth (incisors and canines), facing towards the lips, - buccal surface: the outer surface of the posterior teeth (premolars and molars), facing towards the cheek, - oral surface: general term referring to the internal surfaces of the teeth facing the oral cavity (includes the lingual and palatal surfaces), - cervical surface: surface located at the neck of the tooth, near the gum.

[0036] Figure 8 illustrates the challenges of handling small parts for a dentist in relation to a given location E. This figure shows all the locations E that a dentist may encounter. Each dental surface (mesial, distal, palatal, vestibular, etc.) can be treated independently or together. Consequently, depending on the surface(s) to be treated, alignment with the insertion axis I (corresponding to a given location E) to insert a custom-made prosthetic part can be tedious. This figure gives an idea of ​​the precision required and the importance of a reliable system to prevent loss of the part and reduce the risk of inhalation or ingestion of the prosthesis by the patient.

[0037] The predetermined ergonomic angle A thus allows easy access to the corresponding predetermined location E. This access is facilitated precisely because it allows following the corresponding predetermined insertion axis I.

[0038] At least one predetermined ergonomic angle A is between 30° and 180°. In a first embodiment, at least one removable tip 18 is deformable and can be deformed to adopt any predetermined ergonomic angle A. In another embodiment, the dental suction instrument 10 comprises several removable tips 18, each removable tip 18 having a predetermined ergonomic angle A distinct from the ergonomic angles of the other tips. removable 18. More specifically, the dental suction instrument 10 may include at least seven removable tips 18: - a first removable tip with an ergonomic Ai angle of 30°, - a second removable 18-point nozzle with an ergonomic 60° angle (A2), - a third removable 18-point nozzle with an ergonomic 90° A3 angle, - a fourth removable 18-point nozzle with an ergonomic A4 angle of 110°, - a fifth removable 18-point nozzle with an ergonomic A5 angle of 130°, - a sixth removable 18-point nozzle with an ergonomic A6 angle of 150°, - a seventh removable tip 18 with an ergonomic A7 angle of 180°.

[0039] Thus, the removable tip 18 is adjustable to each situation and facilitates work in the mouth without altering the practitioner's ideal position. Each removable tip 18 allows the practitioner to manipulate any dental piece from all angles, thus respecting both the insertion axis of the dental piece and their field of vision. Figures 9a and 9b of non-exhaustive clinical cases illustrate this concept. In [Fig. 9a], an occlusal-distal inlay, an occlusal-mesial inlay, and a veneer are shown. In [Fig. 9b], a crown and an inlay core are shown. As illustrated by [Fig. 8], each of these pieces corresponds to a precise area of ​​the dentition and therefore to a specific location E.Figures 9a and 9b show that, regardless of the part and its insertion axis I, the dental suction instrument 10 according to the present invention allows the part to be grasped and / or held in several ways at several points of contact, thanks to the numerous possible combinations between the different removable tips 18 and suction cups 20. The dental suction instrument 10 according to the present invention thus allows the optimal combination to be chosen according to the insertion axis I, the practitioner's field of vision and their muscular comfort.

[0040] As shown in Figures 3a and 3b, each suction cup 20 has a central opening 30 designed to make contact with the dental part to be manipulated. The central opening 30 has a wide rim providing sufficient contact surface to ensure a good connection and therefore a good seal between the suction cup 20 and the dental part to be manipulated. Each suction cup 20 is further configured to be removably attached to the removable tip 18 in order to connect the central opening 30 to the fluidic circuit 22 via the removable tip 18. The vacuum resulting from the Venturi effect generated (among other things) by the suction module 14 propagates at the end of the dental suction instrument 10, into the central opening 30 of the suction cup 20. Preferably, each suction cup 20 is deformable. This allows for good adaptation to the various shapes of the small parts to be manipulated. This also allows for change easily 20 suction cups between patients because each suction cup is single-use and is contaminated after use on a patient.

[0041] As is known per se, the force of a suction cup is determined by the negative pressure difference (the vacuum) multiplied by the active surface area of ​​the suction cup. Each suction cup 20 according to the present invention is configured to exert a suction force ranging from 11 N to 100 m N on the parts to be handled.

[0042] More particularly, the suction cup is configured to allow a suction force to be exerted between ImN and lOOmN for an upstream vacuum of 80%.

[0043] Some suction cups 20 may have a bellows shape. Alternatively, other suction cups 20 have cylindrical shapes.

[0044] The compatibility of the connectors between each suction cup 20, each removable tip 18 and the handpiece 12 is essential to ensure the sealing of the dental suction instrument 10 according to the present invention and to guarantee precise and efficient handling of small parts (or dental parts).

[0045] In some embodiments, the dental suction instrument 10 further comprises an activatable vibration module which, once activated, vibrates the removable tip 18 to facilitate the insertion of the dental piece into the patient's mouth and to optimize the wetting (increase the fluidity) of the bonding material (bonding resin or cement). More specifically, when bonding a dental piece, the adhesive may be rigid, but when vibration is applied, the adhesive becomes more fluid, which facilitates the placement of the prosthetic piece in position E. In some embodiments, the handpiece 12 is equipped with a light source configured to illuminate the removable tip 18 and the suction cup 20. Such a light source may be of two types: - UV light source - source of comfortable light. UV light

[0046] This light is dedicated exclusively to the polymerization of the adhesive, once the prosthetic piece is correctly positioned in location E. The handpiece 12 can thus be equipped with a UV light source intended to illuminate a distal end of the removable tip 18, so as to allow the dental piece to be directly bonded to the handpiece 12. Indeed, as is common knowledge among those in the profession, the adhesive used in dentistry requires UV light to activate its cross-linking and thus harden and set. This is the blue light that can be seen in a dentist's office. Comfort light

[0047] This light, in turn, increases the practitioner's visibility inside the patient's mouth. In this case, the light source is preferably equipped with an orange filter to avoid interfering with the polymerization of the adhesive. Alternatively, the orange filter can be replaced by a True Light filter, which emits white light. This white light is more comfortable for working since it provides better visibility, even though it interferes with the polymerization of the adhesive, thus offering the practitioner a shorter working window to properly position the prosthetic piece in location E.

Claims

Demands

1. Dental suction instrument (10) configured for manipulating small parts, said instrument (10) comprising: - a handpiece (12) extending along an elongation axis X, said handpiece (12) comprising an internal fluidic circuit (22), - an activatable suction module (14) comprising a pump (24) connected to the fluidic circuit (22), said suction module (14) being configured to induce a Venturi effect inside the fluidic circuit (22) after activation, - a coupling device (16) configured to connect the suction module (14) to a compressed air reservoir (100) and to a power source (101), - at least one removable hollow tip (18), configured to be connected to one end of the handpiece (12) and made fluidic with the fluidic circuit (22),- at least one suction cup (20) having a central opening (30) and configured to be removably attached to the removable nozzle (18) in order to bring the central opening (30) into communication with the fluidic circuit (22) via the removable nozzle (18), characterized in that the removable nozzle (18) has at least one predetermined ergonomic angle (A) corresponding to a predetermined insertion axis (I), said predetermined insertion axis (I) being oriented towards a predetermined location (E) inside a patient's mouth, said predetermined ergonomic angle (A) allowing easy access to the corresponding predetermined location (E) by following the corresponding predetermined insertion axis (I).

2. Dental suction instrument (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one predetermined ergonomic angle (A) is between 30° and 180°.

3. Dental suction instrument (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising several removable tips (18), each removable tip (18) having a predetermined ergonomic angle (A) distinct from the ergonomic angles (A) of the other removable tips.

4. Dental suction instrument (10) according to the preceding claim, comprising at least seven hollow removable tips (18), a first removable tip (18) with an ergonomic angle (AJ) of 30°, a second removable tip (18) with an ergonomic angle (A2) of 60°, a third removable tip (18) with an ergonomic angle (A3) of 90°, a fourth removable tip (18) with an ergonomic angle (A4) of 110°, a fifth removable tip (18) with an ergonomic angle (A5) of 130°, a sixth removable tip (18) with an ergonomic angle (A6) of 150°, a seventh removable tip with an ergonomic angle (A7) of 180°.

5. Dental suction instrument (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one removable tip (18) is deformable and can be deformed to present a plurality of predetermined ergonomic angles (A).

6. Dental suction instrument (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one removable tip (18) is configured to be screwed onto a thread of a distal end (12A) of the handpiece (12).

7. Dental suction instrument (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction module (14) is configured to be integrated into a dental chair (102).

8. Dental suction instrument (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction module (14) is configured to be activated by an activation button integrated into a dental chair (102).

9. Dental suction instrument (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dental instrument (10) further comprises an activatable vibration module, configured to vibrate the removable tip (18).

10. Dental suction instrument (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluidic circuit, the pumping module, the removable tip and the suction cup (20) are configured to allow for a suction force ranging from delmN to lOOmN.

11. Dental suction instrument (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - the internal fluidic circuit (22) of the handpiece has a diameter from 1 mm to 3 mm, and - the activatable suction module (14) is connected to the fluidic circuit by means of a cord (26) having a diameter from 3 mm to 8 mm.

12. Dental suction instrument (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handpiece (12) has a length of between 10 and 20cm along the X axis.

13. Dental suction instrument (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling device (16) is configured to connect the suction module (14) to a self-contained power source (101).

14. Dental suction instrument (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handpiece (12) is provided with a light source configured to illuminate a distal end of the removable tip (18).

15. Dental suction kit comprising: - a dental suction instrument (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, and - a dentistry chair (102).

Images