Suction device for sucking substances during dental treatment, and attachment for such a suction device

Abstract

The suction device (1) for aspirating material during dental treatment comprises a handpiece (10) having a suction opening (15) allowing the passage of aspirated material and further comprises an attachment (20) designed to be attached to the handpiece (10) for splash protection, the attachment (20) comprising a mounting part (25) for replaceably or permanently attaching the attachment (20) to the handpiece (10), a suction opening (26) for passing the aspirated material through the suction opening (26) and the suction opening (15) when the attachment (20) is attached to the handpiece, and at least a side wall (23) extending from the suction opening (26) and surrounding the molar tooth partially or on at least two sides of the molar tooth and forming a working channel (30) designed in particular to simultaneously accommodate a dental tool (2), the working channel having at least one introduction part for introducing the dental tool (2) into the working channel.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction device for aspirating materials such as splatter (water / saliva / bacteria) and aerosols (small amounts of airborne contaminants) during dental treatment, an attachment for such a suction device, and a method for aspirating materials during dental treatment. [Background technology]

[0002] The suction of material during dental treatment is well known in the art. Typically, material such as biofilm, saliva, biological debris, and other protrusions are removed by a suction system placed in the patient's oral cavity during treatment. In particular, the present invention relates to a suction device for use with a scaler or powder jetting device for suctioning material during dental treatment. The use of such tools, i.e., scalers or powder jetting devices, presents particular challenges for effective suction and prevention of debris, as the interaction of the tool with the patient's teeth in the oral cavity can generate a large amount of debris that can actually leave the oral cavity.

[0003] For example, the invention of Patent Document 1 is known as a prior art, which relates to a suction system that is inserted into a patient's oral cavity during surgery and spreads throughout the oral cavity. In particular, the suction device of Patent Document 1 includes two wall portions that are arranged opposite each other and have a suction opening arranged inside the side wall portions. The space between the opposing walls is closed during suction operation.

[0004] Patent document 2 relates to a funnel-like attachment that can be attached to a suction unit. Patent document 3 relates to a device that includes both a handpiece for providing fluid exiting a supply line and a suction line for removing the fluid. The supply line and the suction line are fixed to a common anti-splash device so that the supply line cannot move relative to the suction line. Therefore, the relative position between the opening of the supply line, i.e., the handpiece for treating teeth, on the one hand, and the opening of the suction line on the other hand, cannot be changed.

[0005] The invention of (Patent Document 4) relates to a pot-like attachment of a suction device that mainly completely blocks the patient's mouth. (Patent Document 5) relates to a dental handpiece with a tongue retractor. Furthermore, the prior art is known from the invention of (Patent Document 6), which relates to a handpiece that ejects fluid and the arrangement of walls to form a splash guard. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 3145442 [Patent Document 2] German Utility Model No. 202009003818 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 4,865,021 [Patent Document 4] European Patent Application Publication No. 1131015 [Patent Document 5] International Publication No. 2014209504 [Patent Document 6] European Patent Application Publication No. 3360508 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a suction device for sucking material during dental treatment, which can effectively reduce the amount of debris leaving the oral cavity area, especially when the suction device is used together with other independent tools, preferably a dental scaler and / or a powder sprayer. In particular, the suction device for suction should be adapted to the specific characteristics of the tool with which it is used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This object is achieved by a suction device for suctioning material during dental treatment according to claim 1, an attachment for a suction device according to claim 14, and a method for suctioning material during dental treatment according to claim 15. Further embodiments are incorporated in the description, the drawings and the dependent claims.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suction device for aspirating material during dental treatment, the suction device comprising a handpiece having a suction aperture to allow the passage of aspirated material, and further comprising an attachment designed to be attached to the handpiece for preventing splashing. a mounting portion for replaceably or permanently mounting an attachment to the handpiece; a suction opening through which aspirated material passes when the attachment is attached to the handpiece; - at least a side wall extending from the suction opening and forming a working channel designed to partially surround the molar or at least two sides of the molar, and in particular designed at the same time to receive a dental tool, the working channel having at least one introduction portion for introducing the dental tool into the working channel.

[0010] In contrast to the prior art, in an advantageous embodiment, a working channel can be formed to reduce the volume above the tooth through which suction is applied, thereby increasing suction efficiency. In particular, it is possible to reduce the volume subjected to high suction forces, thus enabling more effective suction. As a result, by placing the attachment on the tooth, particularly over the treatment zone, it is possible to create a dome-shaped covering of the molar. Preferably, the suction device is shaped like a toothbrush, making it easy to access any part of the oral cavity. In addition to creating a high suction volume around the treatment zone, it is also possible to avoid reducing the visibility of the treatment zone. In the case of molars, it is also possible to place the dome-shaped covering over the treatment zone and / or the tool. The dome-shaped covering can be positioned very close to the tooth to aid in splash prevention through the inner side walls and increase splash prevention efficiency. In particular, the geometric shape of the attachment even allows for the placement of additional tools, such as a dental scaler or powder sprayer, between the attachment and the treatment zone or tooth. In particular, "at least partially surrounding" a molar means that at least two, preferably three, sides of the molar can be covered.

[0011] The working channel is configured to accommodate a set of teeth. In particular, the working channel is configured to surround a plurality of teeth on at least two sides, preferably three sides. Preferably, the length of the working channel is greater than the width of the working channel, preferably greater than 1.5 times, more preferably greater than 2.5 times, and most preferably greater than 3.5 times.

[0012] Preferably, the working channel is formed by two wall portions arranged opposite each other, and the wall portions preferably have the same or similar lengths, measured in a direction perpendicular to the suction opening. The term "similar length" includes a difference in length of about 10% relative to the maximum length. The length is measured in a direction perpendicular to the suction opening, particularly at the attachment portion of the attachment. In particular, the length is measured from the attachment portion. When the length is adjusted along the circumferential direction of the side wall, the maximum length preferably defines the length of the side wall or side wall portion. Furthermore, the distal end of the suction device is configured to be placed inside the mouth of a patient, particularly a human patient, and / or can be placed on a molar to surround it.

[0013] In particular, the side wall surrounds the suction opening, especially in the area outside the attachment. The side wall portion can be arched along the longitudinal direction of the handpiece, and preferably is arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal direction of the handpiece. Preferably, the attachment forms an interface between the handpiece, especially the suction opening, and the attachment.

[0014] Preferably, the attachment comprises: - side wall portions arranged opposite each other and extending over their length from the suction opening at the attachment portion; and further side wall portions, which are arranged opposite each other and extend from the suction opening over a further length, the ratio of the mean of the minimum further lengths to the maximum length being 0 to 0.8, preferably 0 to 0.4, most preferably 0 to 0.2. In particular, the further side wall portions / side wall portions are distinguished from each other with respect to the further minimum / maximum lengths, so that the mean of the further minimum / maximum lengths is taken into account. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the side wall portions / side wall portions are adjusted with respect to their lengths so that the maximum length and the further minimum length are taken into account by determining the ratio between the length of the side wall portion and the length of the further side wall portion. Preferably, the difference between the further minimum / maximum lengths is less than 25%, preferably less than 15%, most preferably less than 10% of the mean of the further minimum / maximum lengths. The side wall portions and the further side wall portions are arranged opposite each other, and the suction opening is located between the side wall portions and / or the further side wall portions, respectively. Preferably, the side wall portion and the further side wall portion, in particular their overall course, are mainly oriented at about 90° to each other. Furthermore, preferably, the further side wall portion, in particular each side wall portion, has a single further minimum length, and in particular the side wall portion, in particular each side wall portion, has a single maximum length.

[0015] In particular, the working channel extends along a direction primarily parallel to the longitudinal direction of the handpiece or along a direction inclined primarily at about 45°, preferably 30°, and most preferably 15°, relative to the longitudinal direction of the handpiece. This allows for the creation of a channel that extends primarily parallel to the row of molar teeth or that is adapted to such an arrangement. To adjust the channel orientation by rotating the attachment, it is also possible to rotate the attachment around an axis that extends primarily perpendicular to the suction opening. Preferably, such rotation is limited to an angle of 45°. It is also possible to adjust the orientation in stages between predetermined rotation angles of the attachment relative to the longitudinal direction of the handpiece. The direction of the working channel is primarily determined by the longitudinal direction of the side wall portion or parallel wall portion having the greatest length.

[0016] Preferably, according to the present invention, the extension of the sidewall of the attachment, particularly its maximum length, is small compared to the extension or dimensions of the suction opening. Preferably, the maximum length of the sidewall is smaller than the maximum extension of the suction opening. In other words, the attachment provides a comparable large suction opening, while the sidewall protruding from the suction opening is small, particularly as measured from the suction opening at the attachment portion. This geometry has been found to support the creation of a suction device for aspirating material with a comparable thin distal end portion and to support the simultaneous use of the suction device with another tool, particularly a powder sprayer and / or a scaler. In particular, the flat configuration of the attachment allows it to be used without completely blocking the patient's mouth and further provides flexibility for appropriately positioning the suction device to effectively aspirate material above the treatment zone, where splashing typically occurs. Preferably, the attachment and suction device can be positioned above the treatment zone and additional treatment tools, such as a scaler or powder sprayer, to create a dome-like covering over the treatment zone and / or handpiece.

[0017] Preferably, the suction opening and / or the suction opening are non-circular. For example, the suction opening and / or the suction opening have an oval or elliptical cross section. As a result, the suction opening is provided with a comparable large cross section, particularly compared to the circular cross section of a handpiece having the same diameter. It is also conceivable that the suction opening and / or the suction opening have a trapezoidal, rectangular, or polygonal cross section. Furthermore, the side wall is formed by one or more side wall sections, preferably merged with each other to form a closed circumferential side wall surrounding the opening. It is also conceivable that the wall sections are spaced apart from each other to form an interrupted side wall.

[0018] Preferably, the size of the suction opening is defined by a first extension and a second extension in the case of a non-circular suction opening. The first extension and the second extension, respectively, represent the maximum lengths in two mutually perpendicular directions in the plane of the suction opening. For example, in the case of an elliptical cross section, the first and second extensions of the suction opening / suction opening correspond to the dimensions of the minor and major axes of the ellipse. In the case of a circular cross section, the first and second extensions have the same dimensions, and the dimension of the suction opening is given by a single value. Preferably, the maximum length of the side wall is smaller than the first extension, and the first extension is larger than the second extension. Preferably, the first extension is 1.5 or 2 times smaller than the maximum length of the side wall, and the first extension is larger than the second extension.

[0019] Preferably, the length of the side wall is adjusted along the circumferential direction of the suction opening. Therefore, the length of the side wall portion can be adapted to the typical tooth arrangement in the patient's oral cavity. In particular, the side wall portion with the maximum length extends mainly parallel to the tooth arrangement, while the additional side wall portion with the minimum length is typically positioned above the teeth during treatment, especially during treatment of molars. Therefore, it is possible to effectively cover the treatment zone with the attachment. In particular, the adjusted length is adapted so that the attachment forms a wave-like pattern and / or includes at least one arched portion. Therefore, it is further possible for the attachment to provide a dome-like structure during treatment.

[0020] Preferably, the attachment includes an interruption, particularly a slit or hole, in one of the sidewall sections, preferably having the longest length, to prevent possible cheek sticking. Furthermore, the attachment is made of a flexible and / or soft material. For example, the material has a Shore value of 20 to 80. Therefore, it can contact the tooth without damaging or injuring it. Particularly when treating non-molar teeth, the sidewall, particularly the sidewall section, can be deformed. This allows for the size of the suction volume in front of the treatment zone to be adjusted depending on the type of tooth and its location in the oral cavity. Furthermore, it allows for more comfortable contact when contacting the inside of the patient's mouth. For example, the attachment is made of a deformable, elastic material. This aids the attachment process when pulling the attachment over the collar of the suction opening of the handpiece.

[0021] Preferably, the attachment is designed and constructed to be disposable, so that it can be used and removed and then replaced with a new one. Alternatively, the attachment can be designed to be reused. In this case, the attachment is made from a specific material that allows it to be sterilized or come into contact with a sterilizing means. In this case, it is reasonable to remove the attachment from the handpiece in order to sterilize it and reuse it on another patient.

[0022] Preferably, the attachment is made of a transparent material. The use of a transparent material allows the operator to see the additional tool, such as a tartar remover or a powder sprayer, especially when the additional tool is placed between the suction device for sucking material and the tooth, especially below or next to the attachment. This simplifies handling of the tool to be used simultaneously with the suction device for sucking material.

[0023] Preferably, the maximum length of the side wall is between 3 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 8 mm and 14 mm, most preferably about 12 mm. Preferably, the suction opening extends in a plane inclined at a first angle of about 70° to 90°, more preferably about 75° to 85°, and most preferably about 75° to 80° relative to a reference plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the handpiece. This allows the cross section of the suction opening to be relatively large, resulting in a cross section at the distal end portion that is larger than the circular cross section at the front end of the handpiece having the same diameter.

[0024] Preferably, the handpiece has a distal end portion including a suction opening, the distal end portion being inclined relative to the longitudinal direction at a second angle of preferably 1° to 40°, more preferably 1° to 25°, and most preferably 1° to 20°. As a result of such an inclined arrangement of the distal end portion, other tools can be easily placed at the treatment site and handling of the suction device for aspirating materials during dental treatment is further simplified.

[0025] Preferably, the suction opening and / or the extension of the suction opening is 10 mm to 50 mm, preferably 15 mm to 50 mm, most preferably 20 mm to 40 mm. In the case of a non-circular cross section, the first extension has a value of 10 mm to 50 mm, preferably 15 mm to 50 mm, most preferably 20 mm to 40 mm, for example about 31 mm, and the second extension has a value of 10 mm to 40 mm, preferably 15 mm to 35 mm, most preferably 20 mm to 30 mm, for example about 23 mm.

[0026] Preferably, the thickness of the distal end portion including the suction opening, measured along its length, is less than 25 mm, preferably less than 20 mm, and most preferably about 18 mm, thereby providing a very flat distal end portion that does not completely block the patient's mouth during treatment, and which allows for easy repositioning and reorientation of the suction device, thereby most effectively preventing debris from escaping the oral cavity area.

[0027] Preferably, the attachment is attached to the handpiece by a snap connection or overmolding. For example, for a snap connection, the attachment is made of a material that is more flexible and elastic than the material of the handpiece, allowing the attachment to be pulled onto the distal end portion of the handpiece, particularly a portion such as a collar surrounding the suction opening of the handpiece. Preferably, the attachment and the distal end portion of the handpiece allow for a form fitting and / or a force fitting along a direction perpendicular to the cross section or plane of the suction opening and the suction opening. In the case of overmolding, a permanent connection can be achieved in a simple and robust manner.

[0028] Preferably, the suction opening of the attachment differs in size and / or position from the suction opening of the handpiece. It has been found that by varying the dimensions of the suction opening and the suction opening relative to each other, the suction action of the suction device can be optimized. In particular, a more uniform suction effect can be achieved from the proximal end of the suction device to the distal end of the attachment, i.e., along the longitudinal extension of the attachment. This allows optimal suction even in the floor of the mouth (the last molars), i.e., at the distal end of the attachment. Preferably, the first cross-section of the suction opening of the handpiece is smaller than the second cross-section of the suction opening of the attachment. In particular, the attachment and / or the handpiece include an element, in particular a collar or sheet-like element, that covers the suction opening and / or the suction opening to create the difference in size and / or position of the suction opening and the suction opening. Preferably, the tubing of the handpiece extends at least partially within the area of ​​the suction opening of the attachment to cover at least a portion of the suction opening of the attachment. This allows for the formation of a suction opening that differs in size and / or position compared to the suction opening of the handpiece. Furthermore, preferably, a first center of the first cross section of the suction opening is shifted relative to a second center of the suction opening of the attachment. Preferably, the first center and the second center are shifted from each other along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the handpiece.

[0029] Preferably, the suction opening is located closer to the distal end of the suction device / attachment than the second centre of the suction opening. The first and second centers may be offset from each other along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, an additional element may be inserted into the suction device to form a smaller suction opening compared to the suction opening. For example, a wall may be disposed between the handpiece and the attachment to set a preferred size and / or position of the suction opening and the suction opening.

[0030] Preferably, the suction device includes a mirror element, which is preferably positioned on the suction device opposite the suction opening. The mirror element allows, for example, checking the treatment zone immediately after stopping suction. For example, the operator can simply turn the suction device to reflect an area that is difficult to see from the operator's perspective. The mirror element is preferably positioned so that its reflective surface faces away from the suction opening on the outside of the suction device. The mirror element can be fixed to the suction device, for example, by forming a suitable cavity and / or by gluing, press-fitting, or overmolding the mirror element at a desired position, particularly within the cavity. In particular, the mirror element is positioned on the back of the handpiece.

[0031] Another aspect of the invention is an attachment for a suction device according to the invention. All advantages and details described in relation to the suction device apply equally to the attachment and vice versa.

[0032] Another aspect of the invention is a method for aspirating material during dental treatment by using a suction device according to the invention, wherein the treatment zone is covered by a working channel and preferably a further tool is at least partially positioned between the suction device for aspirating material and the treatment zone. All advantages and details described in relation to the suction device and attachments apply equally to the method and vice versa.

[0033] Even if not already explicitly stated, individual embodiments or individual aspects and features thereof can be combined or exchanged with one another whenever such combination or exchange is meaningful and within the meaning of the invention, without limiting or expanding the scope of the invention as described. Advantages described with respect to one embodiment of the invention are also advantages of other embodiments of the invention, whenever applicable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates schematically a suction device for aspirating material during dental treatment in use according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] The suction device of FIG. 1 is shown diagrammatically in two side views. [Figure 3] 2 shows the suction device of FIG. 1 in another side view, schematically; [Figure 4] 2 shows the suction device of FIG. 1 diagrammatically in a perspective view. [Figure 5] 1 in another use situation. [Figure 6] 2 illustrates schematically a suction device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 10 shows a schematic representation of a suction device according to another further embodiment; [Figure 8a] 1 shows a simulation of the suction effect. [Figure 8b] 1 shows a simulation of the suction effect. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] 1 shows a suction device 1 for aspirating material during dental treatment according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in use. In particular, such a suction device 1 for aspirating material is intended to remove material during treatment, such as debris and / or aerosols, which may otherwise collect or accumulate in the treatment zone TZ and prevent the operator from properly treating the target, i.e., tooth surface area, within the treatment zone TZ.

[0036] In particular, the suction device 1 for sucking materials during dental treatment is intended and configured to be able to be used simultaneously with an independent tool 2 for treating teeth during operation. The term "independent" means that the suction device 1 for sucking materials during dental treatment, on the one hand, and the tool 2, on the other hand, are movable relative to each other and are not rigidly fixed to each other. Preferably, the tool 2 is a scaler or powder sprayer for removing tartar and / or dental membrane from the tooth surface. Using such a tool 2 usually involves the occurrence of intense splashing, which may even actually leave the patient's oral cavity.

[0037] To reduce the amount of debris that leaves the oral cavity area during operation, an attachment 20 is arranged on the distal end portion 11 of the suction device 1 for aspirating material during dental treatment. In particular, the attachment 20 is configured for use with a tool 2, preferably a scaler and a powder sprayer, in particular a nozzle head of a powder sprayer. As a result, the suction device 1 and the tool 2 can be placed and directed simultaneously in the patient's oral cavity. In particular, the attachment 20 can be arranged above the tool 2 during treatment to provide a dome-like covering of the treatment zone TZ and / or the tool 2.

[0038] Figure 2 shows the suction device 1 for aspirating material during dental treatment of Figure 1 in two side views. The suction device 1 for aspirating material during dental treatment comprises a handpiece 10 extending along a longitudinal direction LD and an attachment 20 preferably removably attached to the handpiece 10. The handpiece 10 has a suction opening 15 located in particular at a distal end portion 11 of the handpiece 10. The suction opening 15 is arranged to extend in a plane P inclined at a first angle W1 of preferably about 70° to 90°, more preferably about 75° to 85°, and most preferably about 75° to 80° with respect to a reference plane RP extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LD of the handpiece 10. As a result, the suction opening 15 has a non-circular, preferably elliptical, cross-section with a first extension E1 and / or a second extension E2 which correspond to the respective maximum extensions of the suction opening 15 along two directions which are perpendicular to each other in the plane P and inclined relative to the reference plane RP. Preferably, the suction opening 26 is arranged at least partially in front of the suction opening 15 and / or is oriented at an angle relative to the suction opening 15.

[0039] As a result, the suction opening 15 has a comparable large opening dimension, allowing more material to be collected and removed during the suction procedure. Additionally, the distal end portion 11 of the handpiece 10 is inclined at a second angle W2 with respect to the longitudinal direction LD of about 1° to 40°, more preferably about 1° to 25°, and most preferably about 1° to 20°.

[0040] In the suction device 1 shown in the left-hand view of Figure 2, the attachment 20 is attached to the handpiece 10, and in particular to the suction opening 15 of the handpiece 10. In the right-hand view of Figure 2, the attachment 20 is spaced apart from the suction opening 15 of the handpiece 10.

[0041] In particular, attachment 20 has a suction opening 26 through which material to be aspirated passes during use of attachment 20. In particular, suction opening 26 is formed by a non-circular ring element, which preferably includes a mounting portion 25 intended to support and secure attachment 20 to distal end portion 11 of handpiece 10, particularly in front of suction opening 15.

[0042] Preferably, the handpiece 10, particularly the distal end portion 11 of the handpiece 10, and the attachment 20 are configured to form a snap connection for establishing a reversible connection between the handpiece 10 and the attachment 20. For example, the attachment 20 is made of a material that is more flexible and / or elastic than the material of the distal end portion 11 of the handpiece 10, so that the attachment portion 25, particularly the ring-shaped attachment portion 25, can be pulled onto the distal end portion 11 of the handpiece 10 having the suction opening 15.

[0043] In particular, the mounting portion 25 of the attachment 20 interacts with the collar portion 14 that surrounds the suction opening 15 of the distal end portion 11 of the handpiece 10. Furthermore, the collar portion 14 and the distal end portion 11 of the handpiece 10 interact with the mounting portion 25 in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner in a direction perpendicular to the plane P of the suction opening 15.

[0044] In particular, suction opening 15 and suction opening 26 have primarily the same shape and size so that attachment of attachment 20 to handpiece 10 does not reduce the cross-section of the opening used to aspirate material during use of suction device 1. Attachment 20 preferably includes a sidewall 23 extending or projecting from mounting portion 25 of attachment 20.

[0045] The side wall 23 of the attachment 20 is adjusted in length, measured along a direction perpendicular to the suction opening 26 or plane P. In particular, the side wall 23 has at least one side wall portion 21, which extends from the suction opening 26 at the mounting portion 25 over a length L1. In particular, two side wall portions 21 are located on either side of the suction opening 26 of the attachment 20 and form a working channel 30. The working channel 30 is dimensioned to ensure a high suction volume while allowing the inner side of the side wall 23 to be used as a splash guard. Preferably, the suction device 1 with the attachment 20 is configured similarly to a toothbrush to ensure optimal access to all teeth, especially molars. In particular, the length L1 assigned to the side wall portion 21 represents the maximum length of the side wall 23 protruding from the mounting portion 25 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane P of the suction opening 26. The side wall 23 may extend perpendicular to the plane P of the suction opening 26 or may be inclined relative to the direction perpendicular to the plane P of the suction opening 26 .

[0046] In particular, the side wall portion 21 having the greatest length is arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to the axis of the suction opening 26, the axis being the long axis or first extension E1 of the cross section of the suction opening 26 and / or the axis extending mainly parallel to the longitudinal direction LD.

[0047] Furthermore, the maximum length L1 of the side wall portion 21 is preferably smaller than the maximum extension of the cross-section of the suction opening 26 and / or the suction opening 15 of the suction device 1. In particular, the length L1 is smaller than both the extension along the long axis of the elliptical cross-section, i.e., the first extension E1, and the extension along the small axis, i.e., the second extension, assigned to the suction opening 26. In other words, the side wall portion 21 protruding from the distal end portion 11 of the handpiece 10 in the attached state is relatively small, thereby supporting the use of additional tools 2, which can be placed, for example, between the treatment zone, i.e., the tooth, and the suction device 1 for aspirating material during dental treatment. In particular, it has been found that the specific geometric shape described above allows for effective removal of material while preventing debris generated during treatment, in particular during dental treatment with a dental scaler and / or powder sprayer, from leaving the treatment zone TZ or the patient's mouth.

[0048] In particular, the suction device 1 has a thickness D of less than 25 mm, preferably less than 20 mm, most preferably less than 18 mm at the distal end portion 11 including the suction opening 15. Furthermore, the maximum length L1 of the side wall 23 is preferably between 3 and 20 mm, preferably between 8 and 14 mm, most preferably about 12 mm.

[0049] 3 shows another side view of the suction device 1 for suctioning substances during dental treatment according to a preferred embodiment. In fact, the side view includes a top view of the suction opening 15 and the suction opening 26, which preferably have a first extension E1 and a second extension E2, the first extension E1 being the maximum extension along the longitudinal direction LD of the handpiece 10, and the second extension E2 being the maximum extension of the suction opening 15 and / or the suction opening 26 extending along a direction perpendicular to the first extension E1 and the longitudinal direction LD of the handpiece 10.

[0050] 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the suction device 1 for aspirating material during dental treatment. This perspective view shows that the side wall 23 is adjusted with respect to its length L1 and includes additional side wall portions 22 that are positioned opposite each other, particularly along a direction extending primarily perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LD of the handpiece 10. The additional side wall portions 22 have an additional length L2 that is shorter than the length L1 of the side wall portion 21, allowing the suction device 1 for aspirating material to be positioned above or below the treatment zone TZ such that the side wall portion 21, including the maximum length L1, extends primarily parallel to the arrangement of the teeth in the patient's oral cavity. The reduced additional length L2 of the additional side wall portions 22 also allows a nozzle head and / or another tool 2 to be simultaneously positioned between the suction device 1 and the teeth.

[0051] Furthermore, the length L1 of the side wall 23 protruding from the mounting portion 25 changes continuously from the side wall portion 21 to the further side wall portion 22, and in particular there are no abrupt changes in its path so as to prevent injury to the patient during treatment.

[0052] Figure 5 shows a suction device 1 for suctioning substances during dental treatment according to a second preferred embodiment during treatment. In particular, the suction device 1 of Figure 5 corresponds to the suction device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 and additionally includes interruptions in the form of slits 28 in the side wall portion 21, which interruptions are preferably located on the maximum length L1 of the side wall portion 21. Such slits 28 prevent the suction device 1 from being sucked onto the tooth and / or oral cavity during suction. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the interruptions are formed by holes in the side wall portion 21.

[0053] FIG. 6 shows three different perspective views of the suction device 1 according to another preferred embodiment. In addition to the features of the previous embodiments, the embodiment of FIG. 6 includes a mirror element 40 located on the rear surface of the handpiece 1. The mirror element 40 is particularly located on the side facing away from the suction opening 26 or the attachment 20, allowing the operator to use the suction device 1, particularly the handpiece 10, after completing a suction procedure by simply turning it around. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the mirror element 40 is smaller than that of the suction opening 26, both measured in a direction parallel to the extension of the suction opening 26. For example, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the mirror element 40 to that of the suction opening 26 is smaller than 0.6, more preferably smaller than 0.4, and most preferably smaller than 0.35. The mirror element 40 may be flat or curved, for example, to create a magnifying effect through imaging.

[0054] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the suction device 1 according to the present invention. In particular, the suction device 1 of FIG. 7 corresponds primarily to the suction device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6. In particular, the embodiment of FIG. 7 relates to a suction device 1 having a suction opening 15 of the handpiece 10 that is different from the suction opening 26 of the attachment 20. In particular, the handpiece 10 and the attachment 20 are configured such that the suction opening 15 is distinguishable from the suction opening 26 of the attachment 20. In particular, in the embodiment of FIG. 7, the suction opening 15 of the handpiece 10 is smaller than the suction opening 26 of the attachment 20. In particular, the distal end DE of the handpiece 10 is shaped such that the portion of the tube formed by the handpiece 10 at the distal end portion 11 of the handpiece 10 at least partially covers the suction opening 26 of the attachment 20. In other words, the sidewall of the tube extends into the area of ​​the suction opening 26 to cover the suction opening 26, particularly at the distal end DE of the attachment 20 / suction opening 26. Preferably, suction opening 15 has a first cross-section extending in plane P and suction opening 26 has a second cross-section extending in plane P. Preferably, the ratio of the first cross-sectional area to the second cross-sectional area is less than 0.8, preferably less than 0.75, and most preferably less than 0.65.

[0055] Preferably, the ratio of the first cross-sectional area to the second cross-sectional area is 0.3 to 0.9, more preferably 0.4 to 0.8, and most preferably 0.5 to 0.75. Furthermore, the first center M1 can be assigned to the first cross-section of the suction opening 15, and the second center M2 can be assigned to the second cross-section of the suction opening 26. Preferably, the first center M1 is offset relative to the second center M2, particularly along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction LD of the handpiece 10, particularly its tube. In particular, the first center M1 is located near the distal end DE of the suction device 1, and the second center M2 is located near the proximal end PE of the attachment 20. This offset, particularly toward the distal end DE of the suction device 1, allows for more uniform suction during operation and also allows for the removal of particles or material from the floor of the mouth (the area of ​​the last molars), which is usually difficult to access. Preferably, the first center M1 and the second center M2 are offset by at least about 1 mm, more preferably at least about 3 mm, and most preferably at least about 8 mm.

[0056] Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the shape of the suction opening 26 and the shape of the suction opening 15 differ from each other. The suction opening 26 may be elliptical, while the suction opening 15 may have a shape other than a regular ellipse.

[0057] 8a and 8b show simulations illustrating the suction effect of the suction device 1, particularly in the embodiment of FIG. 7. FIG. 8a shows a suction device 1 having similar suction openings 26 and 15. FIG. 8b shows a suction simulation of the suction device 1 of FIG. 7. As shown, the suction effect is more uniformly distributed in the example of FIG. 8b, particularly along the longitudinal direction LD, while the maximum suction effect of FIG. 8a is concentrated at the proximal end PE of the attachment 20 of the suction device 1 of FIG. 8a. As a result, the offset arrangement and different sizes of the suction openings 26 and 15 of the embodiment of FIG. 7 allow for optimization of the suction effect of the suction device 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1...suction device, 2...tool, 10...handpiece, 11...distal end portion, 14...collar portion, 15...suction opening, 20...attachment, 21...side wall portion, 22...further side wall portion, 23...side wall, 25...mounting portion, 26...suction opening, 28...slit, 30...working channel, 40...mirror element, P...plane, RP...reference plane, L1...length, L2...further length, LD...longitudinal direction, D...thickness, W1...first angle, W2...second angle, E1...first extension, E2...second extension, TZ...treatment zone, DE...distal end, PE...proximal end, M1...first center, M2...second center.

Claims

1. A suction device (1) for aspirating substances during dental treatment, comprising: The instrument comprises a handpiece (10) having a suction opening (15) that allows the passage of aspirated material, and further comprises an attachment (20) designed to be attached to the handpiece (10) for preventing splashing, the attachment (20) comprising: - a mounting part (25) for replaceable or permanent mounting of the attachment (20) to the handpiece (10); - a suction opening (26) through which aspirated material passes through the suction opening (26) and the suction opening (15) when the attachment (20) is attached to the handpiece; - at least a side wall (23) extending from the suction opening (26) and surrounding three sides of the molar tooth and simultaneously forming a working channel (30) designed to accommodate a dental tool (2), the working channel having at least one introduction portion for introducing the dental tool (2) into the working channel; The working channel (30) extends along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction (LD) of the handpiece (10) or along a direction inclined up to about 45° to the longitudinal direction (LD) of the handpiece (10); the side wall (23) has two side wall portions (21) arranged opposite each other, the working channel (30) is formed by the two side wall portions (21), each of the two side wall portions (21) having a length (L1) measured in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the suction opening (26); The suction device (1), wherein the side wall (23) further has two further side wall portions (22) adjacent to each of the two side wall portions (21) and arranged opposite each other, each of the two further side wall portions (22) having a further length (L2) measured in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the suction opening (26), the further length (L2) being shorter than the length (L1) to form the introduction portion.

2. 2. The suction device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the suction opening (26) is non-circular.

3. 2. The suction device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the two side wall portions (21) and the two further side wall portions (22) extend continuously along the circumferential direction of the suction opening (26).

4. A suction device (1) according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the attachment (20) has slits (28) and / or holes in the two side wall portions (21).

5. Suction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the attachment (20) is made from a flexible and / or soft material.

6. The suction device (1) according to any one of claims 1, 3 and 4, wherein the maximum length (L1) of the two side wall portions (21) is between 3 and 20 mm.

7. The suction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the suction opening (15) extends in a plane (P) that is inclined at a first angle (W1) of approximately 70° to 90° with respect to a reference plane (RP) perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (LD) of the handpiece (10).

8. A suction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the suction opening (26) of the attachment (20) differs from the suction opening (15) of the handpiece (10) in terms of its dimensions and / or position.

9. The suction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a mirror element (40) arranged on a rear surface of the handpiece (10) facing away from the suction opening (26).

10. An attachment (20) for a suction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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