Root canal treatment system and intra-root-canal electrode unit

Abstract

To provide a root canal treatment system capable of reducing the number of devices and easily treating a root canal in a short period of time.SOLUTION: A root-canal therapy system 1A is a system that includes: an intra-root-canal electrode 31A disposed in a root canal 2a of a tooth 2 of a subject; a counter electrode 32 disposed on the body of the subject; a power supply unit 11A disposed outside the mouth of the subject to supply the intra-root-canal electrode 31A and the counter electrodes 32 with a root-apex position detection signal as electric power; and a root-apex position detection unit 12c for detecting the position of the root-apex 2a1 which is the distal end of the root canal 2a, with the root-apex position detection signal applied to the intra-root-canal electrode 31A and the counter electrode 32; the root-canal therapy system 1A further including a catalytic unit 40 disposed in the intra-root-canal electrode 31A, which generates free radicals in an injection solution IS by causing a catalytic action by electric power in the injection solution IS injected into the root canal 2a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for treating a root canal in a subject's tooth. [Background technology]

[0002] Apical lesions are inflammatory diseases that occur at the root apex when bacteria that have entered the root canal of a tooth grow and move to the apex, which is the tip of the root canal, and if left untreated, the tooth will need to be extracted. When treating a root canal, the position of the apex, which is the tip of the root canal, is detected (see Patent Document 1), and then a calcium hydroxide-based root canal filling material is filled (temporarily filled) in the root canal for several days to several weeks to sterilize the root canal by using the strong alkalinity of the root canal filling material (see Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-64354 [Patent Document 2] JP 2003-286176 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional treatment methods described above, sterilization required a long period of time, and after sterilization, it was necessary to remove the root canal filling material by a mechanical method such as cutting. Removing the root canal filling material from a root canal (and side branches) with a complex shape is a difficult and time-consuming task, even if the root canal filling material is softened using a solvent as in the technology described in Patent Document 2. In addition, filling and removing the root canal filling material required a device separate from the device that detects the position of the root apex.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned points, and has an object to provide a root canal treatment system that reduces the number of devices and is capable of treating root canals easily and in a short period of time, and an intraroot canal electrode unit for use in the root canal treatment system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the root canal treatment system of the present invention is a root canal treatment system comprising: an intra-root canal electrode to be placed in a root canal of a subject's tooth; a counter electrode to be placed on the body of the subject; a power supply unit to be placed outside the oral cavity of the subject and to supply an apex position detection signal as power to the intra-root canal electrode and the counter electrode; and a root apex position detection unit to detect the position of the root apex, which is the tip of the root canal, with the apex position detection signal being applied to the intra-root canal electrode and the counter electrode, and further comprising a catalyst unit to be placed in the intra-root canal electrode, which generates free radicals in an injection solution injected into the root canal by causing a catalytic action by the power in the injection solution. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the number of devices required can be reduced, and root canals can be treated easily and in a short period of time. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a root canal treatment system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the generation of free radicals. [Diagram 3] 2A and 2B are diagrams showing the intra-root canal electrode, the stopper, and the injectate passage of FIG. 1, in which (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIa in FIG. 1, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIb in (a). [Figure 4] 5(a) to 5(c) are schematic diagrams illustrating a method for producing a catalyst portion. [Diagram 5]1A is a graph showing a schematic representation of an apex position detection signal, FIG. 1B is a graph showing a schematic representation of a DC signal, and FIG. 1C is a graph showing a schematic representation of an example of switching between the apex position detection signal and the DC signal. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a root canal treatment system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a root canal treatment system according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic diagram showing an intra-root canal electrode, a catalyst unit, a stopper, and an injection and suction unit. [Figure 8] 8A and 8B are diagrams showing a root canal treatment system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a diagram showing an intra-root canal electrode, a stopper, and an infusion liquid passage portion, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIIa in (a). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. In the drawings, directional expressions indicate the corresponding relationship between the drawings.

[0010] <First embodiment: Excitation energy provided by electric power> 1, a root canal treatment system 1A according to a first embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for treating a root canal 2a of a tooth 2 serving as a subject's tooth to be examined, and a lateral canal 2b extending from the root canal 2a to a periodontal ligament cavity 3. The root canal treatment system 1A generates free radicals in an injection solution IS injected into the root canal 2a and the lateral canal 2b, and treats the root canal 2a and the lateral canal 2b with the bactericidal, antibacterial and purifying effects of the free radicals.

[0011] <Injection liquid> The injectate IS may be, for example, water or a compound that is the source of free radicals (oxygen (O 2 ), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) or the like). Here, oxydol is an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 2.5 to 3.5 w / v%. The injection liquid IS may be a neutral aqueous solution having a pH of 4.5 to 8.9. Such an injection liquid IS can generate free radicals when excitation energy is imparted to it, and can ensure safety when no excitation energy is imparted to it. It is desirable for the injection liquid IS to be a solution that can be disposed of as general waste without neutralization treatment or the like.

[0012] The root canal treatment system 1A includes an excitation energy supply device 10A, a transmission section 20A, an excitation energy application section 30A, a catalyst section 40, a stopper 50A, an injection suction section 60A, and an injection liquid passage section 70A (see FIG. 3).

[0013] <Excitation energy supply device> The excitation energy supplying device 10A supplies excitation energy for causing a catalytic reaction in the catalyst section 40 to the excitation energy imparting section 30A via the transmitting section 20A. In this embodiment, the excitation energy supplying device 10A generates electric power as the excitation energy, and supplies the generated electric power to the excitation energy imparting section 30A.

[0014] The excitation energy supplying device 10A includes a power supplying unit 11A, a control unit 12A, an operation unit 13, a display unit 14, and a sound output unit 15.

[0015] ≪Power supply section≫ The power supply unit 11A generates electric power as excitation energy based on a control signal from the control unit 12A, and supplies the generated electric power to the intra-root canal electrode 31A and the counter electrode 32 via the transmission unit 20A. The electric power supplied by the power supply unit 11A may be DC power (DC signal, which may be either positive or negative) or may be AC ​​power (AC signal, which may be a sine wave, a square wave, or the like) such as an apex position detection signal. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 11A includes a DC power generation unit 11a, an apex position detection signal generation unit 11b, and a switch unit 11c.

[0016] <DC power generation section> The DC power generating unit 11a generates DC power (DC signal; see FIG. 5(a)) as excitation energy based on a control signal from the control unit 12A, and passes the generated DC power to the root canal electrode 31A and the counter electrode 32 via the transmission unit 20A.

[0017] <Root apex position detection signal generator> The apex position detection signal generating unit 11b generates an apex position detection signal (see FIG. 5(b)) for detecting the position of the apex 2a1, which is the tip (bottom) of the root canal 2a, based on a control signal from the control unit 12A, and transmits the generated apex position detection signal to the intra-root canal electrode 31A via the transmission unit 20A. The apex position detection signal generating unit 11b generates two signals with different frequencies as the apex position detection signal. The apex position detection signal generating unit 11b has a multiplexer and can output two signals with different frequencies as one signal that alternates, for example, every 100 msec.

[0018] The apex position detection signal generated by the apex position detection signal generating unit 11b may be applied to the intra-root canal electrode 31A and the counter electrode 32 as excitation energy instead of DC power.

[0019] <Switch section> The switch unit 11c is interposed between the DC power generating unit 11a and the apex position detection signal generating unit 11b, which are arranged in parallel, and the transmission unit 20A, and based on a control signal from the control unit 12A, connects one of the DC power generating unit 11a and the apex position detection signal generating unit 11b to the transmission unit 20A and disconnects the other of the DC power generating unit 11a and the apex position detection signal generating unit 11b from the transmission unit 20A.

[0020] When the switch unit 11c connects the apex position detection signal generating unit 11b side and disconnects the DC power generating unit 11a side, the apex position detection signal generating unit 11b generates an apex position detection signal (see the apex position detection signal in FIG. 7(b)). Note that FIG. 7(b) illustrates one of the two apex position detection signals. The apex position detection signal may be a square wave or a sine wave. When the apex position detection signal is a square wave, the excitation energy supply device 10A can increase the amount of power compared to when the signal is a sine wave, and therefore can efficiently supply excitation energy to the catalyst unit 40.

[0021] When the switch unit 11c disconnects the apex position detection signal generating unit 11b and connects the DC power generating unit 11a, the DC power generating unit 11a generates DC power (see the DC signal in FIG. 7(a)). The DC power may be either a positive or negative signal. That is, one of the intra-root canal electrode 31A and the counter electrode 32 described below serves as an anode, and the other serves as a cathode.

[0022] <Control Unit> The control unit 12A is composed of a CPU (Central Process Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an input / output circuit, etc. The control unit 12A controls the power supply unit 11A (DC power generation unit 11a, apex position detection signal generation unit 11b, and switch unit 11c) by outputting a control signal to the power supply unit 11A. The control unit 12A includes, as functional units, a power supply amount setting unit 12a, a power supply time setting unit 12b, and an apex position detection unit 12c.

[0023] ≪Power supply amount setting section≫ The power supply amount setting unit 12a sets the amount of power (in this embodiment, DC power) supplied as excitation energy per unit time (i.e., the magnitude of power) by changing the current and / or voltage based on the result of an operation of the operation unit 13 by an operator (dentist, dental hygienist, dental assistant, etc.). That is, the power supply amount setting unit 12a can change the amount of power supplied as excitation energy per unit time.

[0024] <Power supply time setting section> The power supply time setting unit 12b sets the supply time of power (in this embodiment, DC power) as excitation energy based on the result of the operator's operation of the operation unit 13. That is, the power supply time setting unit 12b can change the supply time of power as excitation energy.

[0025] The control unit 12A supplies power to the intra-root canal electrode 31A and the counter electrode 32 based on the set (or default) amount of power supply per unit time and / or the supply time.

[0026] <Root apex position detection unit> The apex position detection unit 12c measures impedances corresponding to the two apex position detection signals in a circuit including the intra-root canal electrode 31A and the counter electrode 32 when the intra-root canal electrode 31A is inserted into the root canal 2a into which the infusion liquid IS is injected and two apex position detection signals with different frequencies are applied between the intra-root canal electrode 31A and the counter electrode 32, and detects the position of the apex 2a1 based on the measured impedances. Here, the surgeon advances the intra-root canal electrode 31A into the root canal 2a into which the infusion liquid IS is injected. When each impedance reaches a preset value, the apex position detection unit 12c can detect that the tip of the intra-root canal electrode 31A is located at the apex 2a1.

[0027] The apex position detector 12c detects the position of the lateral branch 2b based on the measured impedances. The surgeon then advances the intra-root canal electrode 31A into the root canal 2a into which the injection solution IS has been injected. When the impedances change as specified, the apex position detector 16a can detect that the tip of the intra-root canal electrode 31A is located at the connection site of the lateral branch 2b.

[0028] The apex position detector 12c detects the position of the tip of the intra-root canal electrode 31A in the root canal 2a based on the measured impedances. The apex position detector 16a stores the impedance values ​​when the intra-root canal electrode 31A is inserted into the root canal 2a to detect the position of the apex 2a1 and / or the position of the lateral branch 2b. The apex position detector 16a can detect the position of the tip of the intra-root canal electrode 31A in the root canal 2a based on the impedances stored in advance and the impedances measured when the intra-root canal electrode 31A is inserted this time.

[0029] The apex position detection unit 12c applies two apex position detection signals, which are weak currents and have different frequencies, to the intra-root canal electrode 31A and the counter electrode 32, and detects the ratio and / or difference between the impedances measured corresponding to the two applied apex position detection signals. By detecting the ratio and difference between the impedances, the apex position detection unit 16a can accurately detect the position of the tip of the intra-root canal electrode 31A in the root canal 2a (the position of the apex 2a1, the position of the lateral branch 2b) regardless of external factors such as dryness or wetness of the root canal 2a.

[0030] <Power supply time setting section> The power supply time setting unit 12b sets the supply time of power as excitation energy based on the result of the operator's operation of the operation unit 13. That is, the power supply time setting unit 12b can change the supply time of power as excitation energy.

[0031] ≪Operation section≫ The operation unit 13 is composed of buttons, a keyboard, a touch panel, etc., and outputs to the control unit 12 a signal according to the result of the operation of the operation unit 13 by the surgeon.

[0032] ≪Display section≫ The display unit 14 is composed of a monitor, a touch panel, etc., and displays the position of the tip of the root canal electrode 31A, the position of the root apex 2a1 (i.e., the root canal length, which is the length of the root canal 2a), the position of the side branch 2b (the connection point with the root canal 2a), etc. based on a control signal from the control unit 12.

[0033] <Sound output section> The sound output unit 15 is composed of a speaker, etc., and based on a control signal from the control unit 12, notifies the surgeon of the position of the tip of the root canal electrode 31A, the position of the root apex 2a1 (i.e., the root canal length, which is the length of the root canal 2a), the position of the side branch 2b (the connection point with the root canal 2a), etc. by sound (warning sound, etc.) or voice.

[0034] An existing apex position detection device capable of generating an apex position detection signal to detect the position of the apex can be used as the excitation energy supply device 10A. In this case, the existing apex position detection device can supply the apex position detection signal as it is as power for the excitation energy, or supply a DC signal (DC power) instead of the apex position detection signal as power for the excitation energy.

[0035] <Transmission section> The transmission unit 20A transmits the excitation energy supplied from the excitation energy supply device 10A to the excitation energy imparting unit 30A. In this embodiment, the transmission unit 20A is an electric wire that transmits electric power as the excitation energy, and configures a series circuit that transmits electric power from the excitation energy supply device 10A to the excitation energy imparting unit 30A.

[0036] <Excitation energy imparting section> The excitation energy applying unit 30A is placed in the oral cavity of a subject, and applies the excitation energy supplied from the excitation energy supply device 10A via the transmission unit 20A to the catalyst unit 40. In this embodiment, the excitation energy applying unit 30A includes an intra-root canal electrode 31A and a counter electrode 32.

[0037] ≪Intra-root canal electrode≫ The intra-root canal electrode 31A is an elongated, generally rod-shaped electrode to be inserted into the root canal 2a of the subject's tooth 2. The intra-root canal electrode 31A is made of a conductive material (e.g., conductive metal such as stainless steel, nickel titanium, or tungsten). The intra-root canal electrode 31A has a tip diameter of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably 0.2 mm, and has flexibility (pliability) that allows it to be adapted to a curved root canal 2a.

[0038] The intra-root canal electrode 31A may have a blade 31a formed on its outer circumferential surface. The blade 31a is a spiral-shaped blade capable of cutting the inner circumferential surface of the root canal 2a, and has the function of a file and / or a reamer. The blade 31a may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the intra-root canal electrode 31A in a portion where the catalytic part 40 described below is not arranged, or in a portion where the catalytic part 40 is arranged, or may be formed over both of these portions.

[0039] The blade portion 31a as a file is formed in a spiral shape and has a cutting edge at the tip of the intra-root canal electrode 31A. The blade portion 31a is used to scrape out and remove necrotic dental tissue, enlarge the root canal 2a, and form the root canal by reciprocating in the axial direction within the root canal 2a. The helical twist of the blade portion 31a as a file is formed tighter than the helical twist of the blade portion 31a as a reamer.

[0040] The blade portion 31a as a reamer is formed in a spiral shape and does not have a cutting edge at the tip of the intra-root canal electrode 31 A. Such blade portion 31a is used to cut the inner wall of the root canal 2a by twisting it to remove the nerve of the tooth or to form a root canal.

[0041] The intra-root canal electrode 31A constitutes an intra-root canal electrode unit U1 together with a catalytic part 40 described later. That is, the intra-root canal electrode unit U1 includes the intra-root canal electrode 31A and the catalytic part 40 arranged on the intra-root canal electrode 31A.

[0042] <Counter electrode> The counter electrode 32 is a plate-shaped electrode attached to the body of the subject (e.g., the gums 4). The counter electrode 32 is formed of a conductive material (e.g., a conductive metal such as stainless steel, nickel titanium, or tungsten). The counter electrode 32 may be a counter electrode plate attached to the gums 4, an electrical connection terminal such as a mouth corner clip hung on the gums 4, a crocodile clip attached to the body of the subject, an electrode held by the subject, a saliva ejector made of a conductive metal and placed at the corners of the mouth, or the like. That is, the shape of the counter electrode 32 is not limited to a plate shape, and may be a rod shape, a sphere shape, or the like. In addition, the attachment position of the counter electrode 32 is not limited to the gums 4, which is the surface of the oral cavity, and may be any part of the body of the subject, such as the lips, the surface of the oral cavity, the hands, or the skin.

[0043] Here, the intra-root canal electrode 31A in which the catalyst section 40 is arranged and the counter electrode 32 are configured to be detachable (replaceable) with respect to the transmission section 20A. Alternatively, the transmission section 20A is configured to be detachable (replaceable) with respect to the excitation energy supply device 10A.

[0044] <Catalyst section> The catalyst section 40 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface (more preferably, the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion) of the intra-root canal electrode 31A. The catalyst section 40 is disposed in the injectate IS injected into the root canal 2a, and causes a catalytic action by the excitation energy supplied from the excitation energy supply device 10A to generate free radicals in the injectate IS. In this embodiment, the catalyst section 40 generates free radicals by electric power as the excitation energy. The material of the catalyst section 40 is a metal oxide semiconductor that is an n-type semiconductor (photoactive anatase or rutile type titanium oxide (TiO 2, i.e., titanium dioxide), zinc oxide (ZnO), tungsten oxide (WO 3 ), strontium titanate (SrTiO 3 ) and metal sulfides (zinc sulfide (ZnS) etc.). These substances are photocatalysts that act as catalysts when irradiated with light, and also act as catalysts when excitation energy is applied by electricity or vibrations other than light.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, when excitation energy is applied to titanium oxide as the catalyst portion 40 and absorbed by the titanium oxide, electrons in the valence band move beyond the band gap to the conduction band by the excitation energy, and excited electrons (e - ) in the conduction band inside titanium oxide. - ) is generated, and holes (h + ) is generated. The electrons generated in the conduction band react with the oxygen contained in the injection liquid IS (reduction action), generating free radicals called superoxide (O 2 - ) occurs. e - +O 2 →O 2 - In addition, the positive holes generated in the valence band react with water, which is the injection liquid IS, (oxidation), generating hydroxyl radicals (OH) as free radicals. h + +H 2 O→OH+H + Such free radicals, namely superoxide and hydroxyl radical, exert bactericidal, antibacterial and purifying effects by decomposing organic substances, and kill bacteria and the like in the root canal 2a and lateral branch 2b.

[0046] In titanium oxide, when the crystal system is rutile type, the excitation energy is 3.0 eV, and when the crystal system is anatase type, the excitation energy is 3.2 eV. Therefore, the root canal treatment system 1A can generate free radicals in the injection liquid IS by applying an excitation energy of this magnitude or more to the catalyst part 40 formed of titanium oxide. The excitation energy can be applied to the catalyst part 40 as light or vibration other than electric power.

[0047] Titanium oxide is chemically stable and is an abundant resource. In addition, because titanium oxide has no harmful effects on living organisms, it is used as a white pigment in cosmetics and in medical devices such as catheters. Titanium oxide is also used in the dental field as a denture cleaner and tooth whitening agent, taking advantage of its antibacterial properties.

[0048] In addition to the above, titanium oxide has a band gap that does not cause the self-dissolution phenomenon in water, and therefore is suitable from the standpoint of durability and practicality as a material for the catalyst section 40. Here, the self-dissolution phenomenon is a phenomenon in which, when excitation energy is applied to a material with a small band gap (less than 3.0 eV) in water, holes generated in the conduction band oxidize themselves, causing metal ions to dissolve in the water.

[0049] The catalyst portion 40 is formed by a dip coating method. As shown in FIG. 4(a), the tip of the intra-root canal electrode 31A is immersed in a solution Sa containing a catalyst substance (e.g., rutile-type titanium oxide) 41 at a first predetermined speed (e.g., 10 mm / sec) (first step). Then, the tip of the intra-root canal electrode 31A is held in the solution Sa for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 sec) (second step). Then, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the tip of the intra-root canal electrode 31A is pulled out of the solution Sa at a second predetermined speed (e.g., 10 mm / sec) (third step). Then, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the pulled-out tip of the intra-root canal electrode 31A is dried (fourth step). Then, the first to fourth steps are repeated a first predetermined number of times (e.g., five times). Then, the tip of the intra-root canal electrode 31 is heated (e.g., at 200° C. for 10 minutes) (fifth step). Subsequently, the first to fourth steps are repeated and the fifth step is repeated a second predetermined number of times (for example, twice).

[0050] The film thickness of the catalyst substance 41 forming the catalyst portion 40 becomes thicker as the second predetermined speed for withdrawing the intra-root canal electrode 31A from the solution Sa becomes faster, and becomes thinner as the second predetermined speed becomes slower.

[0051] <Stopper> As shown in Fig. 1, the stopper 50A is a plate-like member disposed at the occlusal end of the tooth 2 (the tip of the occlusal surface; the lower end of the upper tooth and the upper end of the lower tooth) and fixes the intra-root canal electrode 31A inserted into the root canal 2a at a desired insertion depth. The stopper 50A is formed, for example, from a rubber material. The intra-root canal electrode 31A is press-fitted into the hole 51 of the stopper 50A so as to be movable (slidable) in the axial direction of the intra-root canal electrode 31A.

[0052] The stopper 50A abuts against the occlusal end of the tooth 2, thereby becoming a reference position for measuring the root canal length, which is the length of the root canal 2a. That is, the surgeon abuts the stopper 50A against the occlusal end of the tooth 2 in a state where the apex position detection unit 16a detects that the tip of the intra-root canal electrode 31A is located at the root apex 2a1. Next, the surgeon takes out the intra-root canal electrode 31A and the stopper 50A in this state from the oral cavity of the subject, and measures the distance from the stopper 50A to the tip of the intra-root canal electrode 31A, thereby measuring the root canal length. The surgeon can also measure the position of the lateral canal 2b (the distance from the occlusal end of the tooth 2 to the connection site of the lateral canal 2b) by a similar method.

[0053] <Injection suction part> The injection and suction unit 60A injects the injection liquid IS into the root canal 2a (and the lateral branch 2b) of the subject's tooth 2 and suctions it from the root canal 2a (and the lateral branch 2b). The injection and suction unit 60A includes a storage unit 61 in which the injection liquid IS is stored, a piston unit 62 for pushing the injection liquid IS out of the storage unit 61 and for suctioning the injection liquid IS into the storage unit 61, and a gripping unit 63 that is disposed to cover the storage unit 61 and can be gripped by the surgeon.

[0054] <Injection liquid passage section> 3, the infusion liquid passage 70A is a passage that is installed in the root canal 2a of the subject and outside the oral cavity, and communicates between the reservoir 61 and the root canal 2a so that the infusion liquid IS can pass through. In this embodiment, the infusion liquid passage 70A is a through hole that passes through the intra-root canal electrode 31 in the axial direction.

[0055] <Example of operation> First, the operator (dentist, dental hygienist, dental assistant, etc.) attaches the counter electrode 32 to the gum 4, inserts the intra-root canal electrode 31A into the root canal 2a, and injects the injection liquid IS into the root canal 2a and the lateral branch 2b by operating the injection and suction unit 61A. Next, the operator operates the operation unit 13 to connect the switch unit 11c to the apex position detection signal generating unit 11b (at time t 1(see above). The apex position detection unit 12c detects the position of the apex 2a1 and the position of the lateral branch 2b based on the apex position detection signal. In this operation, an intra-root canal electrode 31A without a catalyst unit 40 may be used. The injectant IS may be injected into the root canal 2a and the lateral branch 2b after the positions of the apex 2a1 and the lateral branch 2b are detected. That is, the positions of the apex 2a1 and the lateral branch 2b can be detected even when the injectant IS is not injected into the root canal 2a and the lateral branch 2b. When the positions of the apex 2a1 and / or the lateral branch 2b are detected with the injectant IS injected into the root canal 2a and the lateral branch 2b, the treatment of the root canal 2a1 and the lateral branch 2b by generating free radicals is also performed at the same time.

[0056] More specifically, when detecting the position of the root apex 2a1, the surgeon operates the operation unit 13 to cause the root apex position detection signal generating unit 11b to generate a root apex position detection signal. In this state, the surgeon uses his fingertip to slowly move the intra-root canal electrode 31A from the opening of the root canal 2a toward the root apex 2a1. The intra-root canal electrode 31A moves relative to the stopper 50A arranged so as to abut against the measurement reference point g, which is the occlusal side end of the tooth 2 as the inspected tooth, and when the movement is stopped, the intra-root canal electrode 31A is fixed relative to the stopper 50A. When the intra-root canal electrode 31A approaches the root apex 2a1, the root apex position detecting unit 12c notifies (warns) the surgeon by displaying a meter on the display unit 14 and generating a warning sound from the sound output unit 15. The surgeon can measure the dimension L (i.e., the root canal length) from the measurement reference point g, where the stopper 50 is arranged, to the tip of the intra-root canal electrode 31A.

[0057] When detecting the position of the lateral canal 2b, the surgeon operates the operation unit 13 to generate an apex position detection signal (here, a lateral canal position detection signal) in the apex position detection signal generating unit 11b. In this state, the surgeon uses his fingertip to slowly move the intra-root canal electrode 31A from the opening of the root canal 2a toward the root apex 2a1. The intra-root canal electrode 31A moves relative to the stopper 50A arranged so as to abut against the measurement reference point g, which is the occlusal side end of the tooth 2 as the inspected tooth, and when the movement is stopped, the intra-root canal electrode 31A is fixed relative to the stopper 50A. When the intra-root canal electrode 31A approaches the lateral canal 2b, the apex position detecting unit 12c notifies (warns) the surgeon by displaying a meter on the display unit 14 and generating a warning sound from the sound output unit 15. The surgeon can measure the dimension L from the measurement reference point g, where the stopper 50 is arranged, to the tip of the intra-root canal electrode 31A (i.e., the position length of the lateral canal 2b).

[0058] By measuring and recording the dimension L from the measurement reference point g when the root apex 2a1 and the lateral branch 2b are detected to the tip of the intra-root canal electrode 31A, the surgeon can set the position of the tip of the intra-root canal electrode 31A to the position of the root apex 2a1 and the lateral branch 2b even after the intra-root canal electrode 31A is pulled out of the root canal 2a.

[0059] Next, the surgeon operates the operation unit 13 to input the amount and duration of DC power supply, and connects the switch unit 11c to the DC power generation unit 11a side (time t 1 (See below). Power supply amount setting unit 12a sets the amount of power (in this embodiment, DC power) to be supplied per unit time based on the input value, and power supply time setting unit 12b sets the power supply time based on the input value. Control unit 12A causes DC power generation unit 11a to generate DC power based on the set amount of DC power to be supplied per unit time and supply time.

[0060] Here, the surgeon can place the tip of the intra-root canal electrode 31A at a desired position (for example, the position of the lateral canal 2b) based on the detection result of the position of the tip of the intra-root canal electrode 31A by the apex position detection section 12c.

[0061] The catalytic section 40 is activated by the DC power, generating free radicals in the injectate IS. The free radicals are generated intensively near the catalytic section 40, and are also generated throughout the injectate IS. The generated free radicals have a bactericidal effect, killing bacteria, viruses, and the like in the root canal 2a and the lateral branch 2b, thereby treating the root canal 2a and the lateral branch 2b.

[0062] Next, the surgeon aspirates the injectate IS from the root canal 2a and the lateral branch 2b by operating the injecting and suction part 61A. Then, the surgeon pulls out the intra-root canal electrode 31A from the root canal 2a and removes the counter electrode 32 from the gums 4.

[0063] Next, the surgeon removes the intra-root canal electrode 31A and the counter electrode 32 that have been used from the transmission unit 20A (and the injection and suction unit 60A), and discards (discards as general waste) the injectate IS that has been sucked and stored in the injection and suction unit 61A. When performing root canal treatment on another patient, the surgeon replaces the intra-root canal electrode 31A and the counter electrode 32 with new ones, and fills the injection and suction unit 61A with new injectate IS.

[0064] The catalyst unit 40 can also generate free radicals in the injection solution IS by catalyzing the apex position detection signal. In this case, the DC power generation unit 11a and the switch unit 11c can be omitted. That is, in a state where the intra-root canal electrode 31A is held by the stopper 50A at the position of the detected apex 2a1 or lateral branch 2b, the apex position detection signal generation unit 11b supplies the apex position detection signal to the intra-root canal electrode 31A and the counter electrode 32, so that the catalyst unit 40 generates free radicals. In addition, the power supply amount setting unit 12a and / or the power supply time setting unit 12b can set the supply amount and / or supply time of the apex position detection signal as power per unit time based on the operation result of the operation unit 13 by the surgeon.

[0065] Therefore, the root canal treatment system 1A has a function of detecting the position of the root apex 2a1 and a function of generating free radicals in the root canal 2a, so that it is possible to reduce the number of devices (systems) required for treating the root canal 2a.

[0066] A root canal treatment system 1A according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes an intra-root canal electrode 31A arranged in a root canal 2a of a tooth 2 of a subject, a counter electrode 32 arranged on the body of the subject, a power supply unit 11A arranged outside the oral cavity of the subject and supplying an apex position detection signal as power to the intra-root canal electrode 31A and the counter electrode 32, and an apex position detection unit 12c arranged to detect the position of the apex 2a1, which is the tip of the root canal 2a, while the apex position detection signal is applied to the intra-root canal electrode 31A and the counter electrode 32. The root canal treatment system 1A further includes a catalyst unit 40 arranged on the intra-root canal electrode 31A, which generates free radicals in an injection liquid IS injected into the root canal 2a1 by catalytic action caused by the power in the injection liquid IS. Therefore, the root canal treatment system 1A has a function of detecting the position of the root apex 2a1 and a function of sterilizing the root canal 2a, thereby reducing the number of devices (systems) required for treating the root canal 2a. The root canal treatment system 1A can continuously generate free radicals in the root canal 2a by using electric power as excitation energy, and can suitably treat the root canal 2a in a short period of time and in a simple manner. The root canal treatment system 1A can generate free radicals by disposing the intra-root canal electrode 31A at a position close to the root apex 2a1, which is the narrowed portion of the root canal 2a, and can suitably reduce the occurrence of apical lesions. The root canal treatment system 1A can suitably treat the root canal 2a by disposing a catalyst part in the intra-root canal electrode of the existing root apex position detection system. The root canal treatment system 1A can simultaneously detect the position of the root apex 2a1 (measure the root canal length) and treat the root canal 2a (sterilize the root apex 2a1).

[0067] In the root canal treatment system 1A, the power supply unit 11A includes a root apex position detection signal generating unit 11b that generates the root apex position detection signal, and a DC power generating unit 11a that generates DC power as the power for causing the catalytic action of the catalyst unit 40. Therefore, the root canal treatment system 1A can suitably detect the position of the root apex 2a1 using the root apex position detection signal, and efficiently generate free radicals with a DC signal at a power greater than that of the root apex position detection signal, thereby suitably treating the root canal 2a.

[0068] In the root canal treatment system 1A, the apex position detection unit 12c detects the position of a lateral branch 2b extending from the root canal 2a while the apex position detection signal is applied to the intra-root canal electrode 31A and the counter electrode 32. Therefore, the root canal treatment system 1A can assist in appropriately treating the root canal 2a and the side branch 2b by positioning the intra-root canal electrode 31A according to the position of the side branch 2b. Also, the root canal treatment system 1A can generate free radicals by positioning the intra-root canal electrode 31A at a position close to the opening of the side branch 2b, and can appropriately reduce the occurrence of side branch lesions.

[0069] In the root canal treatment system 1A, the power supply unit 11A is configured to be able to change the amount of power supplied per unit time and / or the supply time of the power. Therefore, the root canal treatment system 1A can generate free radicals quantitatively according to the diagnosis results of, for example, an operator (dentist, dental hygienist, dental assistant, etc.), facilitate the control of the generation of free radicals according to symptoms, and realize suitable treatment of the root canal 2a.

[0070] In the root canal treatment system 1A, the catalyst portion 40 is made of titanium oxide. Therefore, the root canal treatment system 1A can suitably generate free radicals through catalytic action.

[0071] In the root canal treatment system 1A, the injectate IS is water, oxygen water, hydrogen peroxide, or a neutral aqueous solution having a pH of 4.5 to 8.9. Therefore, the root canal treatment system 1A exerts bactericidal, antibacterial and purifying effects due to free radicals when excitation energy is applied, and can return the injection liquid IS to its original harmless state by ceasing the application of excitation energy, thereby enabling safe disposal.

[0072] In the root canal treatment system 1A, the catalyst unit 40 is disposed so as to cover the tip end of the excitation energy application unit 30A. Therefore, the root canal treatment system 1A can preferably treat the root canal 2a and the side branch 2b by concentrating the generation of free radicals at the tip of the excitation energy application unit 30A and aligning the position of the tip of the excitation energy application unit 30A with the position of the side branch 2b, for example.

[0073] In the root canal treatment system 1A, the catalyst portion 40 is formed by a dip coating method in which the tip portion of the excitation energy applying portion 30A is immersed in a solution Sa containing a catalyst substance 41. Therefore, the root canal treatment system 1A can realize the catalyst portion 40 having a desired thickness by a simple manufacturing method, and can realize suitable treatment of the root canal 2a.

[0074] The root canal treatment system 1A includes a stopper 50A that is placed at the occlusal end of the tooth 2, and the excitation energy application unit 30A is attached to the stopper 50A so as to be movable and fixable in the axial direction of the root canal 2a. Therefore, the root canal treatment system 1A can suitably position the excitation energy application unit 30A within the root canal 2a, and can detect the position of the root apex 2a1 (root canal length) and the position of the lateral branch 2b based on the distance from the stopper 50A to the excitation energy application unit 30A.

[0075] The root canal treatment system 1A is provided with an injectant passage portion 70A that is installed within the root canal 2a and outside the oral cavity and through which the injectant IS can pass. Therefore, the root canal treatment system 1A can facilitate the movement of the injectate IS to the root canal 2a.

[0076] The root canal treatment system 1A includes an injection and suction section 60A that injects the injection liquid IS into the root canal 2a through the injection liquid passage section 70A and suctions the injection liquid IS from inside the root canal 2a. Therefore, the root canal treatment system 1A can suitably realize the injection and suction of the injection liquid IS into and from the root canal 2a.

[0077] In the root canal treatment system 1A, the intra-root canal electrode 31A has flexibility. Therefore, the root canal treatment system 1A can achieve suitable insertion of the intra-root canal electrode 31A into the root canal 2a.

[0078] In the root canal treatment system 1A, a blade portion 31a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the intra-root canal electrode 31A. Therefore, the root canal treatment system 1A can realize the function of enlarging the root canal 2a in addition to detecting the position of the root apex 2a1 and sterilizing the inside of the root canal 2a.

[0079] In the root canal treatment system 1A, the intra-root canal electrode 31A and the counter electrode 32 are separable from the power supply unit 11A. Therefore, the root canal treatment system 1A makes it possible to replace the intra-root canal electrode 31A and the counter electrode 32 for each subject, thereby realizing suitable treatment of the root canal 2a.

[0080] In addition, the intra-root canal electrode unit U1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes an intra-root canal electrode 31A that can be placed in the root canal 2a of the tooth 2 of a subject, and a catalyst section 40 that is placed on the intra-root canal electrode 31A and that undergoes a catalytic action when electric power is applied as excitation energy, thereby generating free radicals in the injection solution IS injected into the root canal 2a, and the intra-root canal electrode 31A is flexible. Therefore, the intra-root canal electrode unit U1 can be suitably inserted into the root canal 2a, and sterilization, antibacterial treatment, and purification of the inside of the root canal 2a can be achieved.

[0081] In the intra-root canal electrode unit U1, a blade portion 31a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the intra-root canal electrode 31A. Therefore, the intra-root canal electrode unit U1 can be suitably inserted into the root canal 2a, and can achieve the functions of sterilization, antibacterial properties, and purification of the inside of the root canal 2a as well as the enlargement of the root canal 2a.

[0082] <Second embodiment: Modification of DC power generating unit and apex position detection signal generating unit> Next, a root canal treatment system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the root canal treatment system 1A according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the root canal treatment system 1B according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes an excitation energy supply device 10B instead of the excitation energy supply device 10A. The excitation energy supply device 10B includes a power supply device 11B instead of the power supply device 11A. The power supply device 11B does not include the DC power generation device 11a, and the apex position detection signal generation device 11b also functions as the DC power generation device 11a.

[0083] In this embodiment, when the switch unit 11c arranged in parallel with the apex position detection signal generating unit 11b is in a disconnected state, the apex position detection signal generating unit 11b generates the apex position detection signal (at time t 1 5C), when the switch unit 11c is in a connected state, a DC signal (which may be positive or negative) is generated (see time t 1 (see below).

[0084] In a root canal treatment system 1B according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 11B includes an apex position detection signal generating unit 11b that generates the apex position detection signal, and the apex position detection signal generating unit 11b is configured to be able to switch between the apex position detection signal and a DC signal as the power for causing the catalytic action of the catalyst unit 40 and supply this to the intra-root canal electrode 31A and the counter electrode 32. Therefore, by generating a root canal position detection signal and a DC signal in one signal generating unit, the root canal treatment system 1B can efficiently generate free radicals with greater power using the DC signal than the root apex position detection signal, and can reduce the number of parts.

[0085] <Third embodiment: modified example of injection and suction part> Next, a root canal treatment system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the root canal treatment system 1A according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, the root canal treatment system 1C according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes an injection and suction unit 60C instead of the injection and suction unit 60A.

[0086] <Injection suction part> The injection / suction section 60C includes, instead of the reservoir section 61 and the piston section 62, a dropper section 64 in which the injection liquid IS is stored.

[0087] When the user grips the dropper portion 64 tighter, the dropper portion 64 discharges the injection fluid IS into the injection fluid passage portion 70A, and when the user grips the dropper portion 64 looser, the injection fluid IS is sucked into the dropper portion 64 from the injection fluid passage portion 70A.

[0088] The root canal treatment system 1C according to the third embodiment of the present invention can realize the injection and suction of the injection liquid IS with a simple operation.

[0089] <Fourth embodiment: modified example of injection liquid passage portion> Next, a root canal treatment system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the root canal treatment system 1A according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the root canal treatment system 1D according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes an intra-root canal electrode 31D, a stopper 50D, and an injectate passage section 70D, instead of the intra-root canal electrode 31A and the stopper 50A. The intra-root canal electrode 31D and the catalyst section 40 constitute an intra-root canal electrode unit U2.

[0090] <Intra-root canal electrode> The intra-root canal electrode 31D does not have a through hole as a passage for the injection liquid IS and does not have a blade portion 31a.

[0091] <Stopper> The stopper 50D is formed with a hole 52 into which the injection liquid passage 70D is press-fitted.

[0092] <Injection liquid passage section> The infusion fluid passage portion 70D is disposed along the intra-root canal electrode 31D and is a tube through which the infusion fluid IS can pass.

[0093] In the root canal treating system 1D according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the intra-root canal electrode 31D can be simplified, thereby reducing the cost.

[0094] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be appropriately modified within the scope of the present invention. For example, the injectant suction units 60A, 60C and the injectant passage units 70A, 70D may be realized using a syringe, a dropper, or the like separate from the intra-root canal electrode 31A, and the injectant IS may be injected or sucked before and after root canal treatment using the syringe, the dropper, or the like. The apex position detection signal generating unit 11b may be configured to generate three or more apex position detection signals with different frequencies. In this case, the apex position detecting unit 12c selects two apex position detection signals with the largest impedance ratio and / or difference among the three or more apex position detection signals, and detects the position of the apex 2a1 (and the lateral branch 2b) based on the selected two apex position detection signals, thereby improving the position detection accuracy. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D Root Canal Treatment System 2 Teeth (tested teeth) 2a Root canal 2a1 Apical 2b Side branch 10A, 10B Excitation energy supply device 11A power supply 11a DC power generation section 11b apex position detection signal generating unit 12c Apex position detection unit 20A Transmission part (electric wire) 30A Excitation energy supply unit 31A Root canal electrode 32 Counter electrode 40 Catalyst section 41 Catalyst material 50A stopper 60A injection suction section 70A Injection liquid passage section

Claims

1. an intracanal electrode for placement within a root canal of a subject's tooth; A counter electrode for placement on the subject's body; a power supply unit arranged outside the oral cavity of the subject and supplying a root apex position detection signal as power to the intra-root canal electrode and the counter electrode; a root apex position detection unit that detects the position of the root apex, which is the tip of the root canal, in a state in which the root apex position detection signal is applied to the intra-root canal electrode and the counter electrode; A root canal treatment system comprising: A catalyst portion is provided in the intracanal electrode, The catalytic portion generates a catalytic action in the injection liquid injected into the root canal by the electric power, thereby generating free radicals in the injection liquid. A root canal treatment system comprising:

2. The power supply unit includes: a root apex position detection signal generating unit for generating the root apex position detection signal; a DC power generating unit that generates DC power as the power for causing the catalytic action of the catalytic unit; The root canal treatment system according to claim 1 , further comprising:

3. the power supply unit includes an apex position detection signal generating unit that generates the apex position detection signal, The apex position detection signal generating unit is configured to be able to switch between the apex position detection signal and a DC signal as the power for causing the catalytic portion to act catalytically, and supply the switched signal to the intra-root canal electrode and the counter electrode. The root canal treatment system according to claim 1 .

4. The apex position detection unit detects the position of a lateral canal extending from the root canal while the apex position detection signal is applied to the intra-root canal electrode and the counter electrode.

4. A root canal treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the root canal treatment system is a endodontic treatment system.

5. The power supply unit is configured to be able to change the amount of power supplied per unit time and / or the supply time of the power.

4. A root canal treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the root canal treatment system is a endodontic treatment system.

6. The catalyst portion is formed of titanium oxide.

4. A root canal treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the root canal treatment system is a endodontic treatment system.

7. The injection liquid is water, oxygen water, hydrogen peroxide, or a neutral aqueous solution with a pH of 4.5 to 8.

9.

4. A root canal treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the root canal treatment system is a endodontic treatment system.

8. The catalytic portion is disposed so as to cover the tip portion of the intra-root canal electrode.

4. A root canal treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the root canal treatment system is a endodontic treatment system.

9. The catalytic portion is formed by a dip coating method in which the intracanal electrode is immersed in a solution containing a catalytic substance.

9. The root canal treatment system according to claim 8.

10. a stopper disposed at an occlusal end of the tooth; The intra-root canal electrode is attached to the stopper so as to be movable and fixed in the axial direction of the root canal. The root canal treatment system according to claim 1 .

11. The injection liquid passage is disposed in the root canal and outside the oral cavity, and allows the injection liquid to pass therethrough.

4. A root canal treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the root canal treatment system is a endodontic treatment system.

12. The injection suction section is provided for injecting the injection liquid into the root canal through the injection liquid passage section and for suctioning the injection liquid from inside the root canal. The root canal treatment system according to claim 11 .

13. The intracanal electrode is flexible.

4. A root canal treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the root canal treatment system is a endodontic treatment system.

14. The intracanal electrode has a blade formed on its outer circumferential surface.

5. A root canal treatment system according to claim 1 or 4.

15. The intra-canal electrode, the counter electrode and the power supply unit are separable from each other.

4. A root canal treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the root canal treatment system is a endodontic treatment system.

16. an intracanal electrode positionable within a root canal of a subject's tooth; a catalyst portion that is disposed in the intra-root canal electrode and that generates a catalytic action by being supplied with electric power as excitation energy, thereby generating free radicals in the injection liquid injected into the root canal; Equipped with The intracanal electrode is flexible. An intracanal electrode unit characterized by the above.

17. The intracanal electrode has a blade formed on its outer circumferential surface.

17. An intracanal electrode unit according to claim 16.

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