Interdental grinding dental tool tip

Abstract

The dental tool tip is detachably attached to a vibrating dental handpiece. The dental tool tip includes a mounting base configured for detachable engagement with the dental handpiece, the mounting base having an open-end internal bore extending therethrough and configured for flow with the dental handpiece, and a body having a free distal end, the body having at least a portion of which is an abrasive coating. The mounting rod extends proximal from the body and is at least partially received within the internal bore. The mounting rod has at least one open-end passage extending therethrough and flowing with the internal bore at predetermined locations, thereby allowing at least one of air or water to advance from the dental handpiece and flow onto the body through the internal bore and at least one passage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to dental tools for interdental trimming procedures.

Background Art

[0002] Interproximal reduction (IPR) is a dental procedure used to mechanically remove enamel from the interdental area between two adjacent teeth, i.e., reduce proximal contact, in order to assist in orthodontic treatment such as crowding or contour modification of teeth. Conventionally, dental practitioners have employed a manual trimming method to reduce proximal contact. That is, a trimming instrument such as a diamond-coated steel strip is inserted between two adjacent teeth and then manually reciprocated back and forth to remove not only plaque / calculus but also enamel (i.e., scaling). However, manual IPR is a time-consuming procedure and also causes fatigue in the hands of dental practitioners.

[0003] In recent years, electric dental tools have been developed for IPR procedures. For example, rotary cutting wheels powered pneumatically or electrically, and reciprocating cutting instruments powered pneumatically or electrically, have been developed for insertion between two adjacent teeth to reduce proximal contact. However, such rotary or reciprocating tools are often too powerful and tend to remove too much material at once. One risk that becomes prominent when adopting a more powerful method is "ledge formation" of teeth. Ledge formation of teeth can occur when the gap between two adjacent teeth is not centered, causing the tool to be deflected and cut more of one tooth than the other, forming a ledge on one of the teeth. Another drawback of current cutting instruments such as diamond-coated tips or cutting wheels is that they may become clogged during use, thereby reducing effective cutting power and causing discomfort to the patient.

[0004] Therefore, it would be advantageous to develop an IPR dental tool tip that can be equipped with a vibrating dental handpiece, enabling more controlled removal of material from proximal contact with minimal force applied by dental professionals. This would reduce lateral proximal contact between teeth, thereby providing an easier method that also reduces hand fatigue and treatment time. [Overview of the project]

[0005] Briefly, one aspect of the present disclosure is directed toward a dental tool tip for a removable attachment to a vibrating dental handpiece. The dental tool tip includes a mounting base configured for a removable engagement with a dental handpiece, the mounting base having an open-end internal bore extending therethrough and configured for flow with the dental handpiece, and a body having a free distal end, the body having at least a portion of which is an abrasive coating. A mounting rod extends proximal from the body and is at least partially received within the internal bore. The mounting rod has at least one open-end passage extending therethrough and flowing with the internal bore at predetermined locations, thereby allowing at least one of air or water to advance from the dental handpiece and flow onto the body through the internal bore and at least one flow path.

[0006] Briefly, other aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method for performing an IPR procedure, the method comprising: (a) positioning the body of the dental instrument between two adjacent teeth; (b) vibrating the body by the operation of a dental handpiece mounted and configured to generate vibrations of 20,000 Hz or less; and (c) advancing the strip between two adjacent teeth as interdental enamel material is removed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a side view of the tip of an IPR dental tool that can be detachably attached to a dental handpiece according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the tip of the dental tool in Figure 1, along the cross-sectional line 2-2 in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a schematic perspective view of the upper distal side of the tip of the dental tool shown in Figure 1, which is connected to a dental handpiece. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a magnified, distal lateral perspective view of the tip of a dental instrument. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a top side perspective view of an alternative configuration for the tip of a dental tool. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dental handpiece configured for a removable attachment to the tip of a dental instrument. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of the dental handpiece shown in Figure 6, along the cross-sectional line 7-7. [Figure 8] Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the rotor of the dental handpiece. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a top-view perspective of the tip of a dental instrument when used in the oral cavity. [Figure 10] This is another top perspective view of the tip of the dental tool shown in Figure 1 when used in the oral cavity. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following statements in this disclosure will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the exact arrangement and means shown in the illustrations.

[0009] Certain technical terms are used for convenience only in the following description and are not limiting. The terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” and “top” specify the direction in the drawing from which they are referenced. The terms “inward,” “outward,” “upward,” and “downward” refer to the directions toward and away from the geometric center of the dental instrument and its designated portion relating to this disclosure, respectively. When describing a dental instrument, the terms proximal and distal are used with respect to the user of the instrument, with proximal referring to the part of the dental instrument that is closer to the user (or the user's hand) when in use, and distal referring to the part of the dental instrument that is further away from the user when in use. Unless otherwise noted, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” should be read as meaning “at least one” rather than being limited to one element. Technical terms include the above terms, their derivatives, and synonyms.

[0010] When referring to the dimensions or characteristics of the components of this disclosure, the terms “about,” “approximately,” “generally,” “substantially,” and similar terms used herein indicate that the dimensions / characteristics described are not strict boundaries or parameters and do not exclude minor variations therefrom that are functionally similar. At a minimum, references involving such numerical parameters may include variations that do not change the least significant digit using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement errors or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.).

[0011] A detailed reference to the drawings will show that similar reference numerals throughout indicate similar elements. An IPR dental tool tip 10 according to an embodiment of this disclosure, configured for a removable attachment to a vibrating dental handpiece 50 (schematically shown in Figures 3 and 6-8), is shown in Figures 1-5 and 9-10.

[0012] The IPR dental tool tip 10 includes a mounting base 12 and an elastically flexible strip 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting base 12 includes a mounting base body 12a and a male threaded stud 16 extending proximal from the proximal end of the mounting base body 12a. In the illustrated embodiment, the base body 12a may take the form of a shank, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The threaded stud 16 is configured for a removable screw engagement with a dental handpiece 50 (schematically shown in Figure 3). Although the disclosure is not limited to screw engagement, the IPR dental tool tip 10 may be removablely attached to the dental handpiece 50 by any of a number of different removable mounting mechanisms currently known or to be known later, such as snap connections, bayonet connections, or combinations thereof.

[0013] In one configuration, the strip 14 may define a substantially rectangular body 14a with rounded corners, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In one configuration, the strip body 14a may have a thickness of approximately 0.01 mm to approximately 10 mm, for example, approximately 0.04 mm to 1.5 mm, as various thicknesses may be required for different IPR procedures depending on the initial and desired interdental spacing. In one configuration, the strip body 14a may define a substantially constant thickness throughout. Alternatively, the strip body 14a may exhibit a gradually increasing thickness from the thinnest distal end to the thickest proximal end to allow for gradual increase in interdental spacing during dental procedures. In one configuration, the strip 14a may define a height H between approximately one-quarter (×0.25) of the patient's smallest tooth height (measured from the cementoenamel boundary to the highest cusp ridge of the tooth) and approximately five times (×5) of the patient's largest tooth height (measured from the cementoenamel boundary to the highest cusp ridge of the tooth). For example, the strip 14 may specify a height H of approximately 0.50 mm to approximately 12.5 mm. In one configuration, the strip 14 may specify a length L between a length approximately equal to the width of the patient's largest tooth (measured from the facial side to the lingual surface) and a length approximately equal to 10 times (×10) the width of the patient's largest tooth (measured from the facial side to the lingual surface). For example, the strip 14 may specify a length L of approximately 10 mm to approximately 30 mm.

[0014] The strip body 14a may take the form of an elastically deflectable diamond-coated polishing steel strip, for example, stainless steel of the 300 or 400 series, without limitation, or may include at least a diamond-coated polishing portion 14b. For example, the distal portion (non-polishing portion) 15a of the strip body 14a may be uncoated or non-polishing. This uncoated distal portion 15a may be thinner than the polishing portion 14b and may provide a starting area for the strip body 14a to slide between two adjacent teeth. In one configuration, the distal portion 15a may be specified to be approximately 1 mm to approximately 15 mm in length, for example, approximately 10 mm. The proximal portion (non-polishing portion) 15b of the strip body 14a may optionally be uncoated or non-polishing. Diamond-coated polishing portions of different grits may be employed by different amounts / sizes of medium (diamond) used in the coating process. Different grits may be visually identified by color coding of the strip 14, or by other appropriate methods for easy identification of the grit level during dental procedures, such as lettering or number coding of the strip 14, or a combination thereof. The strip body 14a may be diamond-coated on one or both sides.

[0015] In the illustrated embodiment, the strip 14 includes a mounting rod 18 that defines a free distal end and extends proximal from the strip body 14a, for example, from near the proximal end of the strip body 14a. The mounting rod 18 may extend proximal linearly from the strip body 14a, i.e., substantially parallel to the upper edge 14c of the strip body 14a, or at a predetermined angle with respect to the upper edge 14c. In the illustrated configuration (most clearly shown in Figures 3 and 4), the distal end of the mounting rod 18 includes a proximal slit 18b for permanently receiving the strip body 14a, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, without limitation, the strip body 14a may be integrally formed with the mounting rod 18, i.e., formed together as a single piece. As best illustrated in Figure 2, the mounting base 12 includes, but is not limited to, an open-end internal hole 20 extending throughout the mounting base body 12a and the threaded stud 16. The open distal end 12b of the mounting base 12 is configured to receive, through which a mounting rod 18 into the hole 20. The mounting rod 18 may be fixed in the hole 20 in a manner that is substantially rotatable and axially fixed by complementary / interlocking fit within the hole 20, but is not limited to such a manner. As should be understood, the mounting rod 18 may be fixed in the hole 20 in a manner that is substantially rotatable and axially fixed by any of a number of different individual or combined fixing mechanisms that are currently known or may be known later.

[0016] As best illustrated in Figures 2-4, the mounted rod 18 includes at least one open-end passage / channel 19 in the form of a groove-shaped channel along the proximal portion of the uppermost peripheral edge 18c of the mounted rod 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel 19 takes the form of a substantially v-shaped channel, i.e., defines a v-shaped cross-section, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The channel 19 is located in a predetermined position and flows through the hole 20, causing water to flow along the channel 19 by capillary action. In one configuration, as best illustrated in Figure 4, the upper edge 14c of the strip body 14a is recessed relative to the uppermost peripheral edge 18c of the mounted rod 18. Thus, the open-end channel 18a is defined between the upper edge 14c of the strip body 14a and the uppermost peripheral edge 18c of the mounted rod 18, along the portion of the slit 18b of the mounted rod 18 occupied by the strip body 14a. The flow path 18a is positioned distally in series with the flow path 19, thereby allowing air and / or water advancing from the dental handpiece 50 to flow out from the hole 20 through the flow paths 19 and 18a onto the strip body 14a, i.e., onto the cutting / grinding surface, thereby reducing the effect of any clogging by debris, i.e., allowing accumulated debris to be removed along the surface of the strip body 14a during treatment, and lubricating the cutting surface during use, thereby increasing the efficiency of polishing (assisting in the removal of material) and extending the lifespan of the strip 14.

[0017] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1-4, the mounting rod 18 takes the form of a substantially linear rod. However, the mounting rod 18 may have other nonlinear shapes, such as being curved, inclined, or tapered, as required to accommodate the specific needs of the IPR treatment. Figure 5 shows a non-limiting example of a curved rod 18' defining a curve of approximately 90°. That is, the curve of the rod 18' defines a curvature angle (bending angle) θ of approximately 90°. The bending angle θ of the mounting rod 18' can range between approximately 90° and approximately 180°, i.e., a linear rod 18.

[0018] In one configuration, as shown in Figures 6-8, the dental handpiece 50 may take the form of a vibrating dental handpiece, such as those specified in U.S. Patents RE29687, 4330282, and 506279, the entirety of each of which is incorporated herein by reference. That is, the dental handpiece 50 may include an elongated handle 52 configured to removably engage with / secure a mounting base 12 for a dental tool tip 10 at the distal end of the handle 52 in the manner described above. A substantially rigid hollow shaft 54, which is generally coaxial and vibrable, is fixed within the elongated handle 52. The mounting base 12 for the dental tool tip 10 is connected to the distal end of the hollow shaft 54, for example, by screwing. As is most clearly shown in Figure 8, the hollow shaft 54 ​​has shaft outlet ports 56 formed circumferentially around the shaft 54 ​​on its radial sidewall to allow for the flow of a fluid medium between the inside of the tubular shaft 54 ​​and the space adjacent to the sidewall of the shaft 54 ​​on the outside. The rotor 60 is arranged radially in substantially concentric circles with respect to the shaft 54, and a gap 62 is defined between them through which the fluid medium is introduced from the shaft outlet port 56.

[0019] The dental handpiece 50 is pneumatically operated. That is, a fluid medium such as compressed air is supplied from a source (not shown) through a supply pipe 64 that flows through a proximal end cap 66 mounted on the handle 52 and into the hollow shaft 54. The flow of compressed air moves through the hollow shaft 54 ​​to the shaft outlet port 56. The flow of compressed air is discharged through the shaft outlet port 56 and comes into contact with the inner wall 60a of the rotor 60, causing the rotor 60 to rotate around the shaft 54. Each of the shaft outlet ports 56 is inclined / tilted non-perpendicular to the inner wall 60a of the rotor 60, for example, at an angle of less than 90°, so that each directs the jet of air relative to the inner wall 60a of the rotor 60 at an oblique angle, thereby providing thrust to the rotor 60 and giving it rotational motion. Air enters the handle 52 through the open end portion 62a of the gap 62 and is then discharged into the atmosphere through the handle outlet port 68 of the handle 52. The hollow, elongated tube 70 is located inside the hollow shaft 54 ​​and extends from the proximal portion of the handle 52 to the distal portion of the handle 52. Proximal to the handle, the elongated tube 70 is in circulation with the water supply pipe 72. Distal to the handle, the elongated tube 70 is in circulation with the hole 20 of the dental tool tip 10. The elongated tube 70 helps to transport water supplied via the water supply pipe 72 from the water source (not shown) to the dental tool tip 10, thereby assisting in the removal of debris (as described above) and lubricating the cutting surface of the tool tip 10.

[0020] The dental handpiece 50 is operated by connecting the handpiece 50 to a source of air and water. During operation, compressed air flows into the hollow shaft 54 and ultimately rotates the rotor 60 (as described above). When the dental handpiece 50 operates, the rotor 60 oscillates in both the axial and radial directions in addition to rotating. When the rotor 60 rotates and oscillates, the rotor 60 repeatedly impacts the hollow shaft 54, thereby vibrating the hollow shaft 54. The flow rate of the compressed air is adjusted to a desired value configured to generate a desired vibration speed generally below 20000 Hz, for example, generally at the sonic vibration level. For example, the air flow rate can be adjusted to about 1.5 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm) of air at a gauge pressure of about 40 pounds per square inch (psig). Under such conditions, the rotor 60 will vibrate the shaft 54 at about 5000 Hz to about 6500 Hz, such as about 5500 Hz to about 6400 Hz, with vibration amplitudes of about 0.17 G and about 1.04 G.

[0021] A plurality of IPR dental tool tips 10 may be provided together in the form of a kit so that a dental healthcare provider can select appropriately sized tips 10 to perform IPR procedures. The dental healthcare provider may exchange the tip 10 throughout the procedure by a removable connection between each tip 10 and the handpiece 50. Alternatively, a single dental tool tip 10 may be sufficient for the entire procedure. In use, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, one or more strips 14 of a desired dimension, i.e., thickness, length, and height corresponding to the initial spacing between two adjacent teeth, are positioned between the desired adjacent teeth 1a, 1b at the free end of the tooth tip, and the handpiece 50 is operated in the apical direction (e.g., by a vibration shaft 54 powered by air pressure). As should be understood, the two exemplary adjacent teeth are labeled 1a, 1b in FIGS. 9 and 10, but the tool tip 10 can be employed for IPR procedures between any two adjacent teeth along the mandible or maxilla in the oral cavity. As the interdental substance, e.g., enamel, between the adjacent teeth 1a, 1b is removed, the strip 14 is advanced, i.e., advanced in the apical direction toward the gingival margin.

[0022] When employing a strip 14 that is substantially entirely abrasive (Figure 9), the abrasive strip body 14a vibrates / oscillates and removes interproximal substances without substantially reciprocating the body in the buccal and lingual directions. Optionally, when employing a strip 14 having non-abrasive portions (distally (15a) and / or proximally (15b)) (Figure 10), the non-abrasive portions 15a, 15b may first be positioned between the desired adjacent teeth, for example, near the tip of their crowns, and the handpiece 50 is operated. When a larger space is formed between the teeth 1a, 1b, the strip 14 can be translated in the buccal or lingual direction to position the abrasive portion 14b between the adjacent teeth 1a, 1b to further remove substances. Additionally or alternatively, when more substances need to be removed between the teeth 1a, 1b, a thicker strip 14 can be subsequently employed and the process can be repeated. Air and / or water is advanced (as described above) from the handpiece 50, flows through the channels 19 and 18a to the holes 20, and flows onto the strip body 14a, for example, surrounding the surface of the abrasive surface and reducing the effect of clogging of swarf along the surface of the strip body 14a and lubricating the grinding surface to assist in substance removal. Advantageously, the substantially elastic flexibility of the strip 14 allows the strip 14 to bend around the teeth and substantially maintain the natural contour of the teeth. One factor contributing to the flexibility of the strip body 14a is its geometry. For example, the strip body 14a can define a length-to-thickness ratio of about 50:1 to about 150:1, such as about 100:1. The strip body 14a can additionally or alternatively define a length-to-height ratio of about 4:1 to about 10:1, such as about 7:1. As should be understood, the larger the ratio, the more easily the strip body 14a can be bent. A combination of one or more of the vibration from the dental handpiece 50, the flexibility of the strip 14, and the air / water cleaning / lubrication improves and simplifies the IPR procedure.

[0023] The IPR dental tool tip 10 may be used to reduce proximal contact with the adjacent zirconia crown during the procedure. Advantageously, the vibration / oscillating motion of the tip 10 can facilitate cutting / grinding operations performed by dental professionals, reducing hand fatigue and decreasing the time required for grinding. Furthermore, IPR procedures performed using the IPR dental tool tip 10 are safer for the patient because there are no rotating cutting instruments or reciprocating saw elements that come into contact with the patient's soft tissues. The introduction of air and water through the passage / flow channel 18a also helps to maintain a debris-free diamond-coated surface and prevent clogging, resulting in more efficient cutting / grinding.

[0024] Therefore, those skilled in the art will see that various modifications and changes can be made to the above disclosure without departing from the broad concept of the invention. Some of these are described above, and others will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but rather encompasses variations within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as described in subsequent claims.

Claims

1. A dental tool tip for a removable attachment to a vibrating dental handpiece, A mounting base configured for a removable engagement with the vibrating dental handpiece, the mounting base having an open-end internal hole extending therethrough and configured for flow with the vibrating dental handpiece, A body having a free distal end, wherein at least a portion of the body has an abrasive coating, A mounting rod extending proximal to the main body and at least partially received within the internal bore, the mounting rod having at least one open-end passage extending therethrough and flowing with the internal bore at a predetermined location, thereby enabling at least one of air or water to advance from the vibrating dental handpiece and flow out onto the main body through the internal bore and at least one flow path, A dental tool tip equipped with [a specific feature].

2. The dental tool tip according to claim 1, wherein the mounting base further includes a male threaded stud extending proximal from the mounting base, the stud being configured to be removably screwed into and engage with the vibrating dental handpiece.

3. The dental tool tip according to claim 2, wherein the internal hole extends through the mounting base.

4. The dental tool tip according to claim 1, wherein the main body is substantially flat and rectangular in shape.

5. The dental tool tip according to claim 1, wherein the mounted rod includes a slit for receiving a portion of the main body therein.

6. The upper edge of the main body is recessed relative to the uppermost peripheral edge of the mounting rod, thereby forming an open-ended channel defined between the upper edge of the main body and the uppermost peripheral edge of the mounting rod, along a portion of the slit occupied by the main body, and the open-ended channel is configured to allow water to flow through it onto the main body, as described in claim 5.

7. The dental tool tip according to claim 6, wherein the mounted rod includes at least one open-end groove-shaped channel formed along the uppermost peripheral edge of the mounted rod, the groove-shaped channel flows through the internal hole and flows through the open-end channel.

8. The dental tool tip according to claim 7, wherein the cross-section of the groove-shaped channel is substantially v-shaped.

9. The dental tool tip according to claim 1, wherein the main body has a thickness of approximately 0.01 mm to approximately 10 mm.

10. The dental tool tip according to claim 1, wherein the main body has a thickness that gradually increases from the thinnest distal end to the thickest proximal end.

11. The aforementioned body is a dental tool tip according to claim 1, wherein the height is defined as approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 12.5 mm.

12. The aforementioned body is a dental tool tip according to claim 1, wherein the length is defined as approximately 10 mm to approximately 30 mm.

13. The dental tool tip according to claim 1, wherein the main body has a length-to-thickness ratio of approximately 50:1 to approximately 150:

1.

14. The dental tool tip according to claim 1, wherein the main body has a length-to-height ratio of approximately 4:1 to approximately 10:

1.

15. The mounting rod is nonlinear, as described in claim 1, for the dental tool tip.

16. The dental tool tip according to claim 1, wherein the polishing coating comprises a diamond coating.

17. The dental tool tip according to claim 1, combined with the aforementioned vibrating dental handpiece.

18. The dental tool tip according to claim 1, which is combined with the vibrating dental handpiece and configured to generate vibrations of 20,000 Hz or less.

19. A method for performing IPR treatment, A step of positioning the body of the dental tool described in claim 18 between two adjacent teeth, The steps include: causing the main body to vibrate due to the operation of the attached vibrating dental handpiece; The steps include advancing the strip between the two adjacent teeth as the interdental enamel material is removed, A method for providing this.

20. The positioning step described above is: The method according to claim 19, further comprising the steps of positioning the portion of the main body having the polishing coating between the two adjacent teeth near the tip of the crown, and moving the vibrating dental handpiece toward the gingival line without reciprocating the main body in the buccal and lingual directions.

21. The positioning step described above is: The method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of positioning a portion of the body without the polishing coating between two adjacent teeth, and further comprising the step of translating the strip in the buccal and lingual directions to position a portion of the body having the polishing coating between the two adjacent teeth.

22. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of advancing at least one of air or water from the vibrating dental handpiece through the internal hole, the grooved channel and the open-end channel and along the upper edge of the body, wherein the air or water surrounds the surface of the polishing coating.

23. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of bending the main body toward one of the two adjacent teeth.

24. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of selecting a dental tool tip of an appropriate size from a kit comprising several different sizes of dental tool tips according to claim 18.

25. The aforementioned vibration step, The method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of vibrating the strip at a frequency of approximately 5500 Hz to approximately 6400 Hz with an amplitude of approximately 0.17 G to approximately 1.04 G.

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