Application nozzle for discharging a dental active substance in the oral cavity of a patient, and active substance applicator having such an application nozzle

Abstract

The invention relates to an application nozzle (16, 16') for discharging a dental active substance in the oral cavity of a patient, comprising a nozzle body (22) which extends in a longitudinal direction from a connection region (36) to a free treatment end (38) and into which at least two media channels (34) are incorporated which extend independently of one another from the connection region (36) towards the free treatment end, wherein the application nozzle is intended to be designed such that it is suitable for production in a particularly cost-effective manner. For this purpose, according to the invention, the media channels (34) are guided in a carrier body (50) of the nozzle body (22), wherein at least one side wall of the respective media channel (34) is formed by a functional film (52) integrally bonded to the carrier body (50).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Application nozzle for applying a dental active ingredient in the oral cavity of a patient and active ingredient applicator with such an application nozzle

[0003] The invention relates to an application nozzle for delivering a dental agent into the oral cavity of a patient, comprising a nozzle body extending longitudinally from a connection area to a free treatment end, into which at least two media channels extending independently from the connection area to the free treatment end are integrated. It further relates to an active agent applicator with such an application nozzle.

[0004] In a variety of situations during dental treatment or pre- or post-operative care, there is a need to deliver a dental agent, such as a rinse, disinfectant, medication, or the like, precisely and accurately into the patient's mouth. This can involve dental care measures or therapeutic measures, for example, as part of pre- or post-operative care, such as periodontal treatment. There is a general desire to provide a simple application instrument that enables such precise administration in the patient's mouth.Given that this application system should enable not only therapeutic but also prophylactic or care measures, the component intended for the actual administration into the patient's mouth, i.e., the so-called application nozzle, should be particularly simple and cost-effective to manufacture, thus making it suitable for large-scale production. Furthermore, such an application system should also be easy and reliable to use even for non-medically trained users, especially for self-treatment, similar in simplicity to a toothbrush, for example.

[0005] Furthermore, particularly in the area of ​​dental care or pre- and post-operative care, there is a desire to be able to create a particularly intensive rinsing effect in particularly affected areas, such as the periodontal pockets, in order to remove food residues or contaminants, such as biofilms or their excretions, with high efficiency and thus minimize the corresponding bacterial or germ contamination. A particularly suitable application nozzle for this purpose, designed according to the above-mentioned type, is known from the unpublished patent application PCT / EP2023 / 071323.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of providing an application nozzle for delivering a dental agent into a patient's mouth, enabling the application of the treatment concept described therein, particularly in prophylaxis, even with a particularly simple and thus cost-effective design. Furthermore, an agent applicator particularly suitable for use by private individuals is to be provided.

[0007] With regard to the application nozzle of the above-mentioned type, this object is achieved according to the invention in that the media channels are guided in a carrier body of the base or nozzle body, wherein at least one side wall of the respective media channel is formed by a functional film which is integrally connected to the carrier body.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. Further and / or alternative advantageous embodiments of the invention, as well as further embodiments considered independent inventions, are also apparent from the description of the figures.

[0009] The invention is based on the consideration that, especially when using the application nozzle in prophylaxis, a particularly simple design should be aimed for in view of the associated large quantities, while on the other hand, particular reliability of the components is desirable while also being particularly easy to handle. As has surprisingly been found, the nozzle body of the application nozzle mentioned at the outset should have a high level of intrinsic stability and a certain degree of rigidity, in particular to enable precise and localized application of the active ingredients in a reliable manner. This is to be understood in particular as contrast to an application nozzle design that is too soft or too deformable, in which twisting or deformation of the application nozzle could lead to a lack of precision in the application of a treatment liquid, especially when treating within a patient's periodontal pocket.To accommodate this even with a simple design, according to one aspect of the invention, the application nozzle should have a relatively stiff or rigid support body that remains dimensionally stable even under corresponding stress, for example, during treatments in the periodontal pocket. The media channels provided for transporting the cleaning electrolyte can be integrated into these.

[0010] In order to enable a comparatively simple and cost-effective construction, according to one aspect of the invention, this basic shaping and stability-promoting carrier body can be additionally provided with a number of film pieces attached in a materially bonded manner, i.e. in particular by gluing or welding, in particular laser or ultrasonic welding, which can each form one of the side walls of the respective media channel. Thus, the carrier body can be designed in the manner of a shaping skeleton for forming the media channels. However, to keep production particularly simple, complex openings, undercuts, or the like should be avoided as far as possible in the design of the carrier body; instead, externally attached film pieces can be provided for the final production of the media channels, in particular for providing any side walls that may still be missing.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the application nozzle or treatment head is designed as a substantially flat component. This does not mean that the treatment head could or should be designed two-dimensionally; rather, it is to be understood that the application nozzle or the nozzle body forming it should be a body extending substantially along a basal plane or base plane, while still exhibiting a certain thickness in the third spatial direction. Viewed in cross-section, however, this also means that the lateral extent of the nozzle body in the basal plane is significantly greater than the thickness in the direction perpendicular to it.For use in, for example, a prophylactic treatment of a dental implant, this means that the free or treatment end of this nozzle body can be introduced comparatively easily into the periodontal pockets by, for example, aligning the basal plane of the nozzle body essentially parallel to the outer surface of the implant.

[0012] To further facilitate handling, according to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the base or nozzle body is designed as a body that extends flatly in a longitudinal direction from a connection region to a free treatment end, in which both the width and the thickness taper towards the treatment end. In other words, in this embodiment, the free or treatment end of the nozzle body thus has a substantially flat contour that is pointed or tapered in both width and thickness, making insertion into the periodontal pockets particularly easy. In particular, the base body can have a sword-like or leaf-like spatial shape, particularly in the region of the treatment end, with which both the periodontal pockets and the spaces between the teeth can be easily reached.Thanks to a laterally radiating application opening, it is also possible to ensure that undercuts on the tooth surfaces, for example concave segments in the interdental spaces, can be well and reliably supplied with the medium.

[0013] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the carrier body is also designed as a stiffening body, wherein it has a width of at least 0.8 mm transversely to the longitudinal direction of the base or nozzle body in the area of ​​the treatment end.

[0014] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, and to particularly support a particularly cost-effective design, the carrier body is designed as an injection-molded part. This enables mass production of such a carrier body without any problems and using widely established manufacturing methods. Advantageously, the carrier body consists of a material particularly suitable for use in injection molding technology, preferably a thermoplastic, a thermoset, or an elastomer, in particular PA6, PA66, PBT, PES, POM, or PSU. In an alternative advantageous embodiment, the carrier body can also be made of PC (polycarbonate), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PETG, or a COC (cycloolefin copolymer).

[0015] Depending on the individual design, the application nozzle could comprise one or more of the aforementioned carrier bodies. Advantageously, the or each carrier body is constructed in one piece, with a media channel formed into each carrier body to form the respective media channel, which is covered by the functional film integrally bonded to the carrier body. This allows the routing of the media channels in the carrier body to be defined during its manufacture by the corresponding molding in the form of a channel. The channel shape facilitates production and allows access "from the outside" at any time.The final completion of the media channels can then be achieved by attaching the functional film to the carrier piece, for example by gluing or welding (in particular laser or ultrasonic welding) or generally by laminating it to the edge region. The functional film then covers and closes the respective channel, with its side facing the carrier body forming a side wall of the media channel formed in combination with the underlying media channel. In particular, according to one aspect of the invention, the carrier body can be designed as a flat, extending central body, the base and top surfaces of which are each provided with a media channel. In other words, the carrier body in this embodiment can be provided in the manner of a central stiffening and shaping element, into which a media channel is incorporated on each side to form a media channel.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the functional film can be provided for covering both sides of the central body in the sense of a particularly simple and cost-effective production, in that the central body is provided with a common functional film which is connected to both the base and the cover surface and is folded over at the treatment end of the carrier body.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, two (or more) supply channels are to be provided via the application nozzle, which are kept separate from one another on the media side, through which different active ingredients can be delivered without mixing and independently of one another into a common spatial area near the free treatment end. The invention is based on the idea that such a design allows not only active ingredients per se, but also reactions between two active ingredients to be deployed in a targeted manner in a localized position in the oral cavity, for example in a periodontal pocket. This allows not only the active ingredients themselves, but also the reaction processes between them and any reaction products released in the process to be used for the purpose of treatment and for defined goals.

[0018] For example, according to an aspect of the invention considered to be independently inventive, active ingredients or components can be brought together directly at the site of application and react with one another to form bubbles, whereby the resulting gas bubbles can be used to remove and carry away impurities, food residues and the like. Such a concept is therefore suitable, for example, for use in a targeted care and cleaning program for the teeth, in which the periodontal pockets are also treated and cleaned. For example, and according to an aspect of the invention considered to be independently inventive, the active substances or components could be, on the one hand, a bicarbonate, preferably a sodium or potassium bicarbonate, and, on the other hand, an acid, preferably a carboxylic acid (e.g. citric acid or lactic acid).These are then applied together, come into contact with each other at the application site, and react with the formation of bubbles (CO2 formation). This effect could be particularly advantageous for cleaning or rinsing purposes, for example.

[0019] In order to enable the use of reaction effects between two or more active ingredients or components, as provided for in one aspect of the invention, particularly reliably and also precisely in a selected application area, for example a periodontal pocket, the outlet or application openings assigned to the two media channels are advantageously positioned as close to one another as possible, so that the intended mixing of the components takes place reliably and specifically in the spatial area selected by the user by positioning the treatment tip. Thus, in an advantageous embodiment, the application openings assigned to the two media channels are spaced apart from one another by at least 0.01 mm and at most 10 mm, preferably at least 0.1 mm and / or at most 2 mm, and in a particularly advantageous embodiment by at most 0.1 mm to 0.6 mm.

[0020] According to an alternative aspect of the invention, which is considered to be independently inventive, two (or more) feed channels are to be provided via the application nozzle, which are kept separate from one another on the media side and through which different active ingredients can be dispensed without mixing and separately from one another into a common spatial area, namely a mixing point integrated into the nozzle body. This allows the mixing of the active ingredients to be controlled and carried out under adjustable boundary conditions. This allows targeted use to be made of effects triggered by the mixing, for example reactions between the active ingredients. In particular, it can be provided to specifically trigger a reaction which, starting from originally liquid active ingredients, is accompanied by gas formation and a corresponding considerable increase in pressure.For example, and according to one aspect of the invention, the active ingredient could be, on the one hand, a bicarbonate, preferably potassium, sodium, or calcium bicarbonate, particularly preferably sodium bicarbonate, and, on the other hand, an acid / carboxylic acid (e.g., malic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, etc.), preferably each in an aqueous solution and in a concentration suitable for the intended use. These are then fed together to the mixing point, where they come into contact with one another and react to form bubbles (CCh formation). As a result of this reaction, a very high pressure can be generated in the mixing point without active external influence, so that the medium emerges from the mixing point at a comparatively high pressure and, as a result, as a directed jet from the application opening of the nozzle body.This effect could be used particularly effectively for cleaning or rinsing purposes, for example, where the generation of a directed jet under high pressure is particularly useful. According to one aspect of the invention, the mixing point is connected to a discharge opening on the outlet side via a pressure channel that is also integrated into the carrier body in addition to the media channels.

[0021] Within the scope of this aspect, the invention is therefore based on the consideration that a directed, pressurized media jet should be provided to enable the desired, particularly high cleaning or rinsing effect. This is possible in a particularly simple, “automatic” design without the need for external intervention thanks to the aforementioned design, which enables the targeted triggering of reactions between two active substances in a localized position in the nozzle body. This means that not only the active substances themselves, but also the reaction processes between them and any reaction products released in the process can be used for the purpose of treatment and for defined goals. In particular, by suitable shaping of the chamber geometry and / or the geometries of the media channels and, if necessary,According to one aspect of the invention, the provision of further components such as valve flaps makes it possible to specifically specify the pressure conditions or other parameters in the resulting media jet.

[0022] Such a concept is therefore suitable, for example, for use in a targeted care and cleaning program for the teeth, in which the periodontal pockets are also treated and cleaned.

[0023] Advantageously, the mixing point is designed as a mixing chamber, toward which the media channels run and into which they flow. The mixing chamber can be specifically adapted to the desired reaction dynamics, particularly by selecting a suitable geometry or volume; advantageously, it has a volume of no more than 1000 mm 3 , preferably not more than 500 mm 3 , particularly preferably not more than 100 mm 3,. In particular, the active ingredient chamber can have an internal volume adapted to the patient dose to be administered. Advantageously, polyamide is provided as the base material for the functional films; alternatively, however, another suitable film material such as PVC, PP or PE or even a combination of different film materials can also be considered advantageous. According to one aspect of the invention, the material is selected in particular with regard to the fact that the application nozzle should be suitable for use by trained medical personnel, for example in connection with treatment by a dentist, but on the other hand also for use by private individuals who are generally not particularly trained, in particular the patient themselves in the context of dental care.Particularly preferably, the film material is selected with regard to its material properties, in particular its stiffness or strength, such that the stiffness of the composite body formed from the film pieces is not too great and thus injuries in the oral cavity are largely excluded.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, a light guide or a light guide film can be integrated into the nozzle body. This construction can be used for tooth or soft tissue side detection according to an approach considered to be independently inventive. In particular, it is provided that white light is introduced into the film package and thus into the application area, for example in the periodontal pocket, through a centrally arranged light guide. This light is reflected there, and the reflected light can then be redirected via externally arranged light guides. If the reflection occurred on tooth or implant material, the red component in the reflected light is lower than if the reflection occurred on the soft tissue. By comparing the red components in the reflected light, it is thus possible to determine which side surface of the nozzle body is facing the tooth or implant and which is facing the soft tissue.Using this information, the media channels arranged on both sides of the central foil can then be fed as needed. Furthermore, a distinction between tooth and implant can be made by determining the difference in brightness: the comparatively brighter reflected light is assigned to the tooth, and the comparatively darker light to the implant.

[0025] Preferably, the application opening(s) and thus the “double nozzle” formed thereby are arranged in an outflow region of the nozzle body located in the area of ​​the treatment end. With regard to the outflow direction from the respective application opening, this can be designed for an outflow of the medium from the application opening that is aligned essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle body, or else for an oblique or lateral outflow. The mouth region of the respective media channel can be aligned in a straight line or can be curved or angled. Furthermore, the nozzle body preferably has a triangular contour in plan view, which can also be designed as a type of curved triangle for optimized application.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, which is considered to be independently inventive, the application nozzle is specifically designed for use in dental care, wherein reliable rinsing that is simple for the user, even in areas that are difficult to access, such as the periodontal pockets, can be particularly important. To particularly promote this, in addition to a media channel that opens into an application opening on the outlet side and is provided as an application media channel, at least one further media channel is advantageously provided, which is designed as a suction channel. The application media channel can then be used to precisely supply the rinsing medium, for example into the periodontal pocket, wherein the particles, food residues or dirt discharged as a result of the rinsing can be specifically carried away or removed by means of the suction channel(s).This can be particularly useful during dental treatment, wherein the suction channel according to one aspect of the invention can be connected to a saliva ejector, the suction device on the patient chair, a surgical suction unit or other external suction device.

[0027] According to a further aspect considered to be independently inventive, the application nozzle, in addition to the media channels, has a pressure channel that is also integrated into the nozzle body and connected to the mixing point. This pressure channel can be connected or connectable, in particular, to an external pressure source, for example a pump, so that the mixing point can be additionally pressurized in a targeted manner to support the pressure buildup during the application of the medium. The pressure medium can be air, water, or a mixture thereof, optionally also mixed with powder or particles. The pressure is advantageously applied in a pulsed or intermittent manner, so that a particularly intensive application of the medium can be achieved as required.

[0028] In an advantageous development, the application nozzle according to the type described above is designed as a disposable or single-use product and is therefore intended for single use only. This can be achieved, for example, by destroying the treatment head after use, i.e., after removing it from the other components of the treatment system, or otherwise rendering it unusable.

[0029] In a manner considered to be independently inventive, the nozzle body, in a design otherwise largely identical to the design described above, can also be designed as an intermediate piece instead of an application nozzle, in which the media is introduced into the patient's oral cavity not via application openings arranged at the treatment end of the nozzle body, but via a separate application part, for example a hose package, a treatment snorkel or the like. With such a design, the actual application part can be suitably connected to the outlet area of ​​the nozzle body, whereby a pressurized treatment medium generated in the mixing point or in particular in the mixing chamber can be guided to the intended application location in the patient's oral cavity via a corresponding pressure line provided in the application part.Accordingly, suitable additional media channels can be provided in the dispensing part for additional media guided in the nozzle body, such as individual media that are only to be brought into contact with each other at the dispensing point in the patient's mouth.

[0030] With regard to the active ingredient applicator, the above-mentioned object is achieved with an application nozzle of one of the designs described above, wherein each of the two media channels opening into an outlet opening or into the mixing chamber is connected on the media side to a separately assigned active ingredient chamber.

[0031] This design enables the intended use of the invention, whereby the active ingredients stored in the active ingredient chambers can be dispensed separately and independently of one another via the application openings at the designated position, according to one embodiment of the invention, and only then mixed there or, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, fed into the mixing chamber for mixing. The design can be provided as a cartridge with a nozzle for manual squeezing, as a handheld device similar to an electric toothbrush, or as a stand-alone device with a hose to the handpiece / mouthpiece, optionally also with a light. The active ingredient applicator can comprise the application nozzle as a separate, independent component that is connected to the active ingredient chambers via suitable connection points.These could be permanently installed or, like a standalone component, already connected to the application nozzle during manufacture, so that the application nozzle is delivered to the user together with the already connected active ingredient chambers, like a pre-assembled system. This enables, for example, the portioned, pre-dosed dispensing of the active ingredient to the user, whereby, in particular, all hygiene requirements, such as necessary disinfection or sterilization measures, can be easily met using the usual concepts for this, such as appropriate outer packaging. The application nozzle can be designed as a replaceable disposable part, whereby a new, unused nozzle is first connected to the actual device for each use.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the active ingredient applicator can also be designed in an integrated, one-piece construction, in the sense that the active ingredient chambers are integrated together with the nozzle body into a base body and, if appropriate, together with the connecting hose. In such a construction, the "application nozzle" forms the end section of this common base body facing the treatment end and thus does not represent a physically independent component. In this construction, the design of the common base body as a carrier body provided with cover or functional films of the type described above is considered particularly advantageous.By appropriately shaping the carrier body, both the media channels and the active ingredient chambers, and if necessary, the connecting elements, can be integrated into the body. The film properties and the resulting flexibility allow the appropriate spatial configuration to be selected as needed. In particular, the applicator can be designed in the form of an ampoule. Utilizing the flexible properties of the respective films and the active ingredient chambers they form, these are suitable for squeezing out by the patient at home. The applicator can be provided to the patient at home or to the dentist, similar to a toothbrush with an ampoule.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, which is also regarded as independently inventive, the application nozzle can also be designed to administer pre-dosed or portioned amounts of active ingredient. For this purpose, according to one aspect of the invention, the respective active ingredient chamber is advantageously designed with an internal volume adapted to the patient dose to be administered. This can then contain a predefined dose of active ingredient, e.g. chlorhexidine for disinfection or a rinsing solution. The patient can then apply this themselves at home. On the one hand, the design of the application nozzle enables correct positioning in the oral cavity, and on the other hand, the portioned storage in the nozzle body ensures the correct dosage of the active ingredient. The application of the active ingredient held in the active ingredient chamber or its introduction into the active ingredient chamber can then, if necessary,by utilizing the material-related deformability of the film composite body, by pressing on the composite body, whereby the active ingredient is pushed out through the respective media channel and the associated application opening.

[0034] Advantageously, the active ingredient chamber is sealed from the associated media channel by a sealing or closing element, thus preventing accidental leakage of the active ingredient. The sealing element is advantageously designed such that it tears, breaks, or is otherwise destroyed if pressure is exerted on the active ingredient chamber or if it is separated from the application nozzle. Preferably, the film elements are laminated or welded and embossed to be extra thin, creating a weak point that forms a separation or tear-off point / area, thus opening the media channels. As a result of the applied pressure or separation, the media channel is exposed for the active ingredient, allowing it to be dispensed.

[0035] The above-mentioned design could also further improve the logistics for the provision of active ingredients as a whole, as self-administration by the patient would be made possible for some active ingredients or medications in the first place.

[0036] In a particularly preferred embodiment, also considered to be independently inventive, a bicarbonate, preferably potassium, sodium, or calcium bicarbonate, particularly preferably sodium bicarbonate, is stored as the active ingredient in one of the active ingredient chambers. With an application nozzle prepared and prefilled in this way, the patient or user could independently monitor and track the success of the treatment, for example, during periodontal treatment or its aftercare. If the carbonate is applied into the affected periodontal pocket using the application nozzle and an infection is present there, the carbonate interacts with the acidic environment in the periodontal pocket caused by the infection, forming bubbles.This effect of bubbling in the pocket can, on the one hand, serve as an indicator for the user: the bubbling only occurs when the environment is acidic, indicating an infection in the pocket. The bubbling provides the user with both tactile and visual feedback about the presence of an infection and thus the progress of the treatment. Furthermore, the bubbling in the pocket also promotes additional rinsing success, thus facilitating aftercare.

[0037] Such a concept, namely the provision of a carbonate or bicarbonate as an active ingredient in an active ingredient chamber connected to an application opening via a media channel, and an active ingredient applicator constructed in this way are considered to be independently inventive, also (but not only) in a configuration with only one media channel and / or only one active ingredient chamber, i.e. in particular without the provision of a further active ingredient, and preferably in combination with the above-mentioned aspects with regard to the spatial and / or functional configuration of the applicator components.According to an aspect of the invention considered to be independently inventive, such a diagnosis of the presence of inflammation can also be made by inserting a paper tip, a cotton tip, a fluid-collecting silicone element, or the like into the periodontal pocket and taking a sample there, which is then placed in a solution containing sodium or potassium bicarbonate. Thus, an indicator for detecting inflammation can be provided in a simple manner, suitable for use by the patient at home.

[0038] According to the aforementioned aspect of the invention, two or more active ingredient chambers are provided, each of which is connected to at least one application opening via an associated media channel. According to one aspect of the invention, different active ingredients can then be stored in the chambers, which, in combination or interaction with one another, trigger the desired effects. The active ingredients are then released together when activated by the user and mix at the application site, thereby triggering the expected interaction at the application site. For example, two active ingredient chambers could be provided, one containing the bicarbonate and the other an acid / carboxylic acid (e.g., malic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, etc.), preferably in an aqueous solution and in a concentration suitable for the intended use.These are then applied together, come into contact with each other at the application site, and react to form bubbles. This effect could be particularly beneficial for cleaning or rinsing purposes, for example.

[0039] As an active ingredient, one of the active ingredient chambers can be filled, in particular, with disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, and / or sodium monohydrogen phosphate, each optionally also as a dihydrate. Alternatively or additionally, according to one aspect of the invention, a softening substance, for example, docusate sodium, and / or an antibacterial substance, such as clove oil, CHX, or H2O2, can also be included.

[0040] The advantages achieved by the invention lie in the fact that the provision of two or more active ingredients in separate active ingredient chambers, which are distributed via separate media channels into a common spatial area and mixed there, enables the targeted and localized use of the reaction dynamics of the active ingredients and / or their reaction products, such as the gas bubbles formed. Especially when applied to the otherwise difficult-to-access periodontal pockets, special care or treatment measures can be performed there, even by the user or patient themselves, and without prior medical training.The design of the application nozzle as a carrier body sealed with adhesive film elements, preferably designed as an injection-molded body, also enables suitable application nozzles to be provided cost-effectively and in large quantities using comparatively simple means and with enormous flexibility in spatial design. This also enables or at least facilitates the provision of care in a wide variety of applications, ranging from therapeutic applications by trained personnel to preventive or care measures that the user or patient can perform themselves.

[0041] Furthermore, it must be taken into account that a user does not have sterile media, especially gases, available at home. In contrast, a dentist usually has access to sterile air and sterile water for rinsing the periodontal pockets. The now provided mixture of at least two sterile active ingredients with a comparatively small volume creates a sterile gas with a very high volume as a reaction product directly on site, i.e. already in the periodontal pocket, which enables sterile rinsing of the periodontal pocket even for private users. This is particularly important when the patient rinses the periodontal pocket themselves. Furthermore, the inventive concept can provide a sterile gas for rinsing directly at the site of use.

[0042] By introducing a bicarbonate solution into the periodontal pocket, not only does it detect an inflamed pocket, but it also raises the pH within the pocket. In particular, the tooth substance and the hard and soft tissue surrounding the tooth react with inflammation to a biofilm-induced pH reduction within the periodontal pocket. Consequently, it is possible to create a more favorable environment within the periodontal pocket, the tooth substance, and / or the hard and soft tissue surrounding the tooth, and to establish a higher pH, which supports tissue regeneration.

[0043] The reaction of hydrogen carbonates dissolved in water, such as potassium and / or sodium hydrogen carbonate, with acids (e.g., malic acid, citric acid, or lactic acid dissolved in water) or the H+ ions of acids results in the formation of carbon dioxide gas (CO2), water (H2O), and the sodium salt of the acid anion (in the example, sodium malate - Na2C4H4Os, sodium citrate - NasCeHsO?, or sodium lactate - NaCsHsOs). It is considered particularly advantageous and independently inventive with regard to the substances now envisaged that, apart from the rinsing and gas-bubble-forming carbon dioxide formation, this chemical reaction does not produce any toxic or medically hazardous substances.

[0044] Ammonium bicarbonate itself would be a conceivable alternative, but it is already harmful in itself. Furthermore, a reaction with an acid or carboxylic acid would produce harmful substances. Reaction with an acid or carboxylic acid produces water (H2O), the beneficial and desirable carbon dioxide (CO2), and the harmful and toxic ammonia (NH3).

[0045] Calcium bicarbonate, which exists exclusively in water, is therefore considered to be the only real alternative to potassium and sodium bicarbonate.

[0046] This type of irrigation can, of course, also be used in many other medical applications on the human or animal body, due to the high sterility of the resulting gas. An exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail with the aid of a drawing. It shows:

[0047] FIG. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section of a tooth in the oral bone of a patient,

[0048] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of an active ingredient applicator in a multi-part design,

[0049] FIG. 3 shows an application nozzle of the active ingredient applicator, as in FIG. 2, in a perspective view,

[0050] FIG. 4 shows a one-piece drug applicator in perspective view,

[0051] FIG. 5 shows an application nozzle of the active ingredient applicator according to FIG. 2 or FIG. 4 in a perspective view of the treatment end,

[0052] FIG. 6 the application nozzle FIG. 4 in exploded view,

[0053] FIG. 7 shows a treatment end of an embodiment of the active ingredient applicator.

[0054] FIG. 2 or FIG. 4,

[0055] FIG. 8 shows a carrier body of the application nozzle in a side view,

[0056] FIG. 9 shows the active ingredient applicator. FIG. 4 in different perspectives,

[0057] FIG. 10 shows a carrier body of the application nozzle in plan view,

[0058] FIG. 11 shows the carrier body. FIG. 10 in the version with constant thickness in perspective view,

[0059] FIG. 12 shows the carrier body of FIG. 10 in the version with tapered thickness in perspective view,

[0060] FIG. 13 shows a variant of the active ingredient applicator shown in FIG. 4 in a perspective view with different partial sections, and FIG. 14 shows another variant of the active ingredient applicator shown in FIG. 4 in a perspective view with different partial sections.

[0061] Identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0062] FIG. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section of a tooth 1 in the jawbone 2 of a patient. This tooth 1, which serves merely as an example to illustrate the mode of action of the present invention, is shown in the exemplary embodiment in the status following periodontal treatment, wherein a comparatively deep periodontal pocket 6 has formed in the vicinity of the tooth neck 4. This periodontal pocket 6 has become inflamed as a result of the periodontitis due to the penetration of bacteria or germs into the tissue area, particularly in the area of ​​the tooth neck 4 and the surrounding soft tissue 8. Therefore, after the actual therapeutic treatment of periodontitis, subsequent treatment in the form of aftercare is provided, which should optionally be carried out by the patient themselves from home, for example on a daily basis.This treatment involves the precise application of a dental agent, for example a disinfectant to kill the existing bacteria or germs or a rinsing solution, into the periodontal pocket 6 in the patient's mouth and thus the affected area in the surrounding soft tissue.

[0063] For this purpose, an active ingredient applicator 10 is provided, shown in FIG. 1 in spatial proximity to the periodontal pocket 6 and in FIG. 2 in an enlarged side view, which is made available to the patient so that they can carry out the respective treatments themselves and from home and precisely deliver the intended active ingredient into the oral cavity. It is pointed out that the structure and function of the active ingredient applicator 10, 10' are described here only by way of example with reference to the delivery of active ingredient into the periodontal pocket 6; however, a wide variety of other uses are of course possible, for example within the framework of (non-therapeutic) dental care or cleaning, for cleaning interdental spaces, for the targeted delivery of active ingredients to local inflammations in the oral cavity or the like, and are also covered by the present inventive concept.

[0064] The active ingredient applicator 10 shown in FIG. 2 is designed as a mobile, multi-part system in the exemplary embodiment. It comprises a handpiece or grip 12 configured in the manner of a housing, which has an application nozzle 16 at its free or distal end 14 as the actual treatment head or actual treatment element. In the exemplary embodiment, this application nozzle 16 is designed for single use only and thus as a single-use or disposable product due to hygiene and care considerations. The application nozzle 16 is connected via connecting elements, in the exemplary embodiment a hose section 18 guided in a protective sheath 17, to a supply container 19 arranged in the grip 12, in which the intended active ingredients are stored. The hose section 18 together with the protective sheath 17 is led out of the housing formed by the grip 12 via a passage that can be closed off with a hose valve 11.

[0065] Furthermore, a system for actuating the active ingredient container for the automated dispensing of active ingredient, for example a mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic pressure system 23, with which the active ingredient(s) can be pumped out, as well as a control unit 20 and a power supply unit 21, for example a battery or rechargeable battery, are arranged in the handle 12. The mechanical system could, for example, be a pressure stamp acting on the active ingredient container or its design similar to a double syringe or double cannula or double carpule system. In principle, the active ingredient applicator 10 is therefore similar in nature and design to an electric toothbrush, the active (electrical) components of which are also integrated in the handle forming the outer housing. In the exemplary embodiment, the application nozzle 16 is attached to the fixing piece 15.Alternatively, the active ingredient applicator 10 could also be designed as a stationary application system, for example in the treatment rooms of a dentist; in this case, the handle could, for example, be designed in several parts and have a mouthpiece that carries the application nozzle 16 and that is in turn connected to a supply system 19 in which the active ingredients are stored.

[0066] The application nozzle 16 is shown in FIG. 3 in an enlarged perspective view in a design in which four access nozzles 30 are connected on the inlet side, each with a media channel running within its nozzle body 22. Alternatively, a different number of such access nozzles 30 can of course also be provided, for example, a single one, two, or more. The application nozzle 16 can be connected, for example, to the hose assembly 18 via these access nozzles 30.

[0067] An alternative, one-piece design of the active ingredient applicator 10' is shown in perspective view in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the application nozzle 16 is an integrated part of the active ingredient applicator 10' and molded onto it. In view of the intended preferred use in the field of dental care or as a treatment agent, including for personal use, the application nozzle 16 in both embodiments (FIG. 2, 3 and 4) is specifically designed for high functionality with a particularly simple construction, so that production is possible even in extremely large quantities with only limited manufacturing costs. For this purpose, the application nozzle 16 has the nozzle body 22 as an essential functional component, in which a number of media channels 34 for the active ingredient to be applied are arranged, each of which opens into an application opening 32 on the outlet side.

[0068] As can be clearly seen from the perspective views in FIGS. 3 and 4, the nozzle body 22 is designed as a body extending in a longitudinal direction from a connection region 36 to a free treatment end 38. In the one-piece design (FIG. 4), the connection region 36 lies within the applicator body; in the design provided for the multi-part variant (FIG. 3), however, the connection region 36 functionally corresponds to the connection side of the application nozzle 16. In the exemplary embodiment, this connection side is provided with suitable means for mechanically fastening the nozzle body 22 to the handle 12 and is connected to the hose section 18; in the alternatively provided independent design (FIG. 4), however, such a connection is not required.

[0069] The shape of the nozzle body 22 takes particular account of the fact that, despite the very limited space in the oral cavity, the user should be able to position the treatment end 38 very precisely in order to deliver the active ingredient in a precisely localized manner. To enable this, the spatial shape of the nozzle body 22 is suitably selected, taking into account the fact that the periodontal pocket 6 typically develops as a gap extending along the tooth surface.

[0070] To take this into account, according to one aspect of the invention, the nozzle body 22 of the application nozzle 16 is designed in the manner of a flat spatial body as a substantially planar component. The application nozzle 16, or the base body 22 forming it, is thus designed as a body extending substantially along a basal plane or base plane, the thickness of which, viewed in cross-section, is significantly smaller than its lateral extent in the basal plane. For application, this means that the free or treatment end 38 of the nozzle body 22 can be introduced into the periodontal pockets 6 relatively easily, for example by aligning the basal plane of the nozzle body 22 substantially parallel to the outer surface of the tooth 1.

[0071] Furthermore, the cross-section of the base body 22 tapers toward the treatment end 38. The free or treatment end 38 of the nozzle body 22 thus essentially has a flat, comparatively narrow, or even tapered contour, making insertion into the tooth pockets 6 particularly easy. In the exemplary embodiment, this results, as can be seen, for example, from the perspective views in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the nozzle body 22 having a triangular-shaped contour in plan view.

[0072] In order to enable precise application of the active ingredient into the periodontal pocket 6, the nozzle body 22 is provided with application openings 32 for the respective active ingredient in an outflow area 40 arranged in the region of the treatment end 38, each of which is connected to one of the media channels 34. This allows the respective active ingredient to be applied in a targeted manner in the region of the treatment end 38 of the application nozzle 16 and thus, if necessary, directly into the respective periodontal pocket 6. A number of the application openings 32 are also arranged in an outflow direction aligned laterally to the longitudinal axis, as can be seen, for example, from the perspective views in FIGS. 3 and 4. This allows the entire space in the periodontal pocket 6 around the treatment end 38 of the nozzle body 22 to be flooded with active ingredient in a simple manner.

[0073] With regard to the guidance of the media channels 34 in the nozzle body 22, two preferred design concepts are basically provided within the scope of the present invention, each of which is considered to be independently inventive.

[0074] According to the first of these design concepts, in both embodiments shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the active ingredient applicator 10, 10' is designed, in each case by a suitable configuration of the application nozzle 16, according to one aspect of the invention, for the concept that two or more active ingredients are applied separately and separately from one another at the application site, where they are mixed with one another and reacted, so that the reaction itself and / or the reaction products can have an effect at the application site. For this purpose, at least two media channels 34 are integrated into the nozzle body 22, which run independently of one another from the connection region 36 to the free treatment end 38 and each open into an application opening 32 on the outlet side.In the embodiments shown, the application openings 32 assigned to the two media channels 34 are each spaced approximately 1 mm apart from one another, so that the active ingredients can be applied sufficiently close to one another at the application site to enable the desired local mixing.

[0075] According to the second design concept, which is considered to be independently inventive, in both embodiments shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the active ingredient applicator 10, 10' is designed, in each case by a suitable configuration of the application nozzle 16, according to one aspect of the invention, for the concept that two or more active ingredients are fed to the nozzle body 22 separately and separately from one another and are then mixed together at a mixing point 42 and thus possibly caused to react with one another. Starting from the mixing point 42, a further media channel 34 then leads to the free treatment end 38, so that the mixed media are applied at the application site. For this purpose, at least two media channels 34 leading independently of one another from the connection area 36 to the mixing point 42 and a further media channel 34 running towards the free treatment end 38 and opening into an application opening 32 on the outlet side are integrated into the nozzle body 22.In addition, additional media channels 34 can also be provided, for example, leading directly from the connection area 36 to the free treatment end 38, so that additional media can also be conveyed directly through the nozzle body 22 to the free treatment end 38, for example, according to the first design concept described above. The application openings 32 assigned to these media channels 34 are each spaced approximately 1 mm apart in the illustrated embodiments, so that the active ingredients can be applied sufficiently close to one another at the application site to potentially enable the desired local mixing.

[0076] In both design concepts, each of the media channels 34 extending from the connection area 36 is connected on the inlet side, for example, via the respective access port 30, to a separately assigned active ingredient chamber 44 on the media side. According to one aspect of the invention, the respective active ingredient chamber 44 has an internal volume adapted to the patient dose to be administered, so that no additional dosing is necessary for the user.

[0077] In the active ingredient applicator 10 (see FIG. 2), the active ingredient chambers 44 are integrated into the supply container, and the media channels 34 individually assigned to the active ingredient chambers 44 are guided within the hose section 18 up to the connection area 36. When the active ingredient chambers 44 are pressurized in this embodiment, the active ingredient contained is transported via the media channels 34 and the application nozzle 16 to the outflow area 40 and there applied via the application openings 32. In contrast, the active ingredient chambers 44 in the active ingredient applicator 10' (see FIG. 4) are integrated into a common base body 46 comprising the nozzle body 22.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, according to an aspect considered to be independently inventive, two active ingredient chambers 44 are provided in each of which different active ingredients suitable for the desired effect are stored, which in combination or interaction with one another trigger the desired effects. For example, two active ingredient chambers 44 could be provided, one containing a carbonate, in particular a hydrogen carbonate, and the other an acid (e.g. citric acid). These are then discharged together, come into contact with one another at the mixing point 42, and react there to form gas and bubbles. This allows a gas under comparatively high pressure to be specifically formed in the mixing point 42, which gas is then discharged at the treatment end 38 via the media channel 34 downstream of the mixing point 42.This effect could be used particularly effectively for cleaning or rinsing purposes, for example, where the gas escaping under high pressure achieves a particularly good cleaning effect.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, such an active ingredient chamber 44, which is closed with a sealing or closure element after filling to the adjacent media channel 34, can contain, for example, a predefined dose of active ingredient, e.g., chlorhexidine for disinfection or a rinsing solution. The patient can then apply this at home. On the one hand, the design of the application nozzle 16 enables correct positioning in the oral cavity, and on the other hand, the portioned provision in the nozzle body ensures the correct dosage of the active ingredient.

[0080] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the invention, in addition to a media channel 34 provided as an application media channel, which opens into an application opening 32 on the outlet side, at least one of the media channels 34 in the nozzle body 22 can be designed as a suction channel. Such a configuration is particularly suitable for the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 with four access ports 30 and correspondingly four media channels running in the nozzle body 22. With regard to the desired cost-effective design suitable for high volumes, according to one aspect of the invention, the application nozzle 16, and with it the nozzle body 22, is, as shown in the illustration of the treatment end 38 in perspective view. FIG.5, according to a basic concept of the invention, the application nozzle 16 is designed using film material that can be easily provided in large quantities and modified using a variety of available processing methods, for example, embossed, punched or processed in some other way, specifically and selectively coated with functional materials, spatially modified such as folded, and otherwise processed in a variety of ways suitable and usable for mass production. However, particularly in the area of ​​the treatment end 38 of the nozzle body 22, a certain dimensional stability is also necessary in order to carry out the intended treatment safely and reliably. According to a general concept of the invention, the application nozzle 16 is therefore designed using a functional film that is shape-stabilized in the area of ​​the treatment end 38 by a suitable stabilizing or stiffening body.This aspect is considered to be independently inventive within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0081] In the exemplary embodiment, as can be seen from the exploded view for the variant of the active ingredient applicator 10' in FIG. 6, this is achieved in a manner considered to be independently inventive in that the application nozzle 16, 16' - and with it the nozzle body 22 - comprises two basic components, namely on the one hand a carrier body 50 designed as a stiffening body or shaping and dimensionally stable element and on the other hand a number of functional films 52 combined with the carrier body 50 and integrally connected to it, preferably glued or welded. According to one aspect of the invention, the or each media channel 34 is guided in the carrier body 50, wherein at least one side wall of the respective media channel 34 is formed by the respective functional film 52 integrally connected to the carrier body 50.

[0082] According to one aspect of the invention, the carrier body 50 is provided as a stiffening body and is accordingly made of a suitable dimensionally stable, sufficiently rigid and mechanically stable material, according to one aspect of the invention as an injection-molded part. Accordingly, the carrier body 50 preferably consists of a material suitable for injection molding, such as in particular a thermoplastic, a thermoset or an elastomer, in particular PA6, PA66, PBT, PES, POM or PSU. This is considered particularly advantageous and independently inventive because the use of injection molding as a manufacturing method enables cost-effective production of even enormous quantities of the carrier body 50, even if it should have a comparatively complex geometry and in particular surface due to the intended routing of the media channels 34.However, in order to keep this particularly simple, according to an independently inventive aspect, the combination of the carrier body 50 - which is comparatively stiff and preferably designed as an injection-molded body - with the functional films 52 is provided, so that the media channels 34 or other geometric shapes are only introduced superficially into the injection-molded body and the channels or the like are only completed and "closed" by the attachment of the functional film 52 which then forms a side wall of the channel.

[0083] Accordingly, this concept of the invention encompasses a wide variety of configurations with regard to the number, positioning, and connection of the components carrier body 50 and functional film 52 to one another, provided that corresponding media channels 34 are formed and completed only by attaching the functional film 52 to the carrier body 50. In particular, a film stack, a number of film pieces, or the like could also be provided for the functional film 52. In particular, the advantage of the flexibility of the functional film 52 used is clearly evident in the illustrated embodiment of the active ingredient applicator 10': in the area of ​​the nozzle body 22, the functional film 52, which is integrally connected to the carrier body 50 there, is used as a "cover surface" to close off the media channels 34 running underneath. In the area of ​​the active ingredient chambers 44, however, the respective functional film 52 is curved and forms the side wall of the respective active ingredient chamber.

[0084] One aspect of the invention is considered to be the combination of an injection-molded part (in this case forming the carrier body 50) with integrally bonded functional films 52. Deviating from the illustration shown, the outer region forming the active ingredient chambers 44 could also be designed as an injection-molded part and connected to an "inner" film as a functional film. The elements forming the active ingredient chambers 44 represent the volume-providing liquid containers for the active ingredients and, in one aspect of the invention, can be deep-drawn. Polyamide is preferably provided as the base material for the functional film 52; alternatively, however, another suitable film material such as PP or PE or even a combination of different film materials could also be considered advantageous.

[0085] According to one aspect of the invention, as can be seen from the illustration in FIG. 6, the carrier body 50 is constructed in one piece. To form the respective media channel 34, a media channel 54 is formed into the carrier body 50, in the illustrated embodiment both on the top and bottom sides, which is covered after the assembly of the functional film 52 by means of the functional film 52, which is then integrally bonded to the carrier body 50.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, the support body 50 is thus designed as a stiffening body, having a width of approximately 0.9 mm transversely to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle body 22 in the region of the treatment end 38. The support body 50 is designed as a flat, extending central body 56, the base and cover surfaces 58, 60 of which are each provided with at least one molded-in media channel 54.

[0087] On the inlet side, the media channels 54 are suitably connected to the active ingredient chambers 44. Depending on the design and desired channel routing, the respective media channel 54 can branch in the carrier body 50 so that on the outlet side it can open into a plurality of the application openings 32 arranged in the outflow area 40 provided in the area of ​​the treatment end 38. Some of the application openings 32 are arranged in an outflow direction aligned laterally to the longitudinal direction so that the active ingredient to be applied can be distributed particularly effectively in the area of ​​the dental pocket 6 during application. As a result, the application nozzle 16, 16' is designed in particular for a precise and comprehensive application of the active ingredient into the pocket 6 so that it can be flooded as comprehensively as possible, particularly efficiently.

[0088] Through this design of the application nozzle 16 or its nozzle body 22 as a composite body with a comparatively rigid and thus dimensionally stable carrier body 50 and glued or laminated functional films 52, suitable application nozzles 16 can be provided cost-effectively and in large quantities using comparatively simple means and with enormous flexibility in spatial design. The implementation of even comparatively complex channel geometries is easily possible by suitably incorporating the corresponding media channels 54 during the production of the injection-molded body. According to one aspect of the invention, this basic design has the considerable advantage that the media channels 34 can be incorporated into the carrier body 50 in a comparatively simple manner and, in particular, with considerable flexibility with regard to channel routing, geometry, and the like, using conventional injection-molding processes.This allows a particularly high degree of flexibility to be achieved with simple means with regard to the geometric but also functional design and layout of the media channels 34 in the nozzle body 22.

[0089] In one aspect of the invention, the carrier body 50 can be designed with a substantially constant thickness. For this embodiment, the treatment end 38 is shown as an example in FIG. 7. The media channels 54 in the carrier body 50 can extend to the treatment end 38, where they terminate in the application openings 32. The distance between the application openings 32 is determined in this case by the thickness of the carrier body 50 and can thus be precisely specified in a particularly simple and reliable manner; in the exemplary embodiment, a distance of approximately 0.9 mm is set.

[0090] Alternatively, and according to an aspect considered to be independently inventive, the carrier body 50, and with it the nozzle body 22 as a whole, but both in its width and thickness, are designed to taper toward the treatment end 38. This aspect is clearly evident from the side view of a carrier body 50 shown in FIG. 8. The active ingredient applicator 10' is additionally shown in FIG. 9 in plan view (FIG. 9a), in side view (FIG. 9b), and in perspective view (FIG. 9c).

[0091] The proposed design of the application nozzle 16 and the proposed manufacturing method, in particular lasering, punching, or inserting the contours for the media channels 34 during injection molding, allows for enormous flexibility in the design and configuration of the cavities, hollow spaces, or media volumes provided in the carrier body 50. The active ingredient stored in the respective active ingredient chamber 44 can then be dispensed, utilizing the material-related deformability of the functional films 52, by pressing on the composite body formed by the carrier body 50, which is integrally bonded to the functional films 52, whereby the active ingredient is forced out through the respective media channel 34 and the associated application opening 32. Some aspects of the invention considered to be independently inventive are further explained below. These largely relate to the channel routing or other elements in the area of ​​the carrier body 50.They are therefore explained using a top view of the carrier body 50, i.e., with reference to the embodiment of the one-piece active ingredient applicator 10' shown in FIG. 4; of course, however, these aspects are also applicable to the variant of the application nozzle 16 shown in FIG. 3.

[0092] Thus, according to one aspect of the invention and in accordance with the first of the above-mentioned design concepts, as can be clearly seen from the top view of the carrier body 50 in FIG. 10, the carrier body 50 is provided on its upper side (and correspondingly also on the underside) with two media channels 54, each intended to form a media channel 34, which are each connected on the inlet side to one of the active ingredient chambers 44. Furthermore, a mixing point 42 in the form of a mixing chamber 62 incorporated into the carrier body 50 is provided within the carrier body 50. According to one aspect of the invention, the mixing chamber 62 - in contrast to the media channels 54 - can completely penetrate the carrier body 50, so that active ingredients supplied independently from the upper side and the lower side via the media channels 54 are brought together in the mixing chamber and mixed there.On the output side, the mixing chamber 62 is connected to an outlet opening 32 via a media channel 34.

[0093] For example, and according to one aspect of the invention, the active ingredient could be, on the one hand, a bicarbonate, preferably potassium, sodium, or calcium bicarbonate, particularly preferably sodium bicarbonate, and, on the other hand, an acid / carboxylic acid (e.g., malic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, etc.), preferably each in an aqueous solution and in a concentration suitable for the intended use. These are then applied separately into the spatial area requiring treatment according to the first design concept and, according to the second design concept, are fed together to the mixing point 42, where they come into contact with each other and react to form bubbles (CO2 formation).As a result of this reaction, a very high pressure can be generated in the mixing point 42 without any active external influence, so that the medium exits the mixing point 42 at a comparatively high pressure and, as a result, as a directed jet from the downstream application opening 32 of the nozzle body 22. This effect could be used particularly advantageously for cleaning or rinsing purposes, for example, where the generation of a directed jet under high pressure is particularly useful.

[0094] FIG. 11 shows this support body 50 in a perspective view for the design with a constant thickness up to the treatment end 38. In contrast, FIG. 12 shows this support body 50 in a perspective view for the "sword-shaped" design with a thickness that tapers towards the treatment end 38.

[0095] Below, some aspects considered inventive regarding the design of the active ingredient chambers 44 of the active ingredient applicator 10' (see FIG. 4) are explained in more detail. For this purpose, partial sections or half sections of the perspective view analogous to FIG. 4 are shown, without further detailing the channel routing within the carrier body 50. However, the above explanations regarding the channel routing can also be fully provided in the following examples.

[0096] The active ingredient applicator 10', shown in FIG. 13 in perspective and in different partial sections, has two active ingredient chambers 44, which are arranged on either side of the central carrier body 50 and are separated from it. Different active ingredients can thus be easily stored in the two active ingredient chambers 44. Furthermore, FIG. 17a clearly shows that the mixing chamber 62 is formed in the area of ​​the upper functional film 52 by suitable shaping. Due to the shaping shown in the film material, the volume of the mixing chamber 62 can be adapted to the intended purpose and the expected demand for the intended gas formation and the associated pressure build-up, particularly in an embodiment considered to be independently inventive; in the exemplary embodiment, the mixing chamber 62 is designed for a volume of approximately 100 mm 3 designed.

[0097] In the further variant shown in FIG. 14, which is otherwise identical in construction, the active ingredient applicator 10' has active ingredient chambers 44 with different internal volumes. This allows the active ingredients to be stored in the active ingredient chambers 44, for example, in quantities that are suitably selected and adjusted with regard to the intended reaction. In this variant, too, the mixing chamber 62 is formed by a corresponding shaping in the upper functional film 52 with a suitably selected volume. List of Reference Symbols

[0098] 1 tooth

[0099] 2 jaw bones

[0100] 4 tooth neck

[0101] 6 periodontal pockets

[0102] 8 Soft tissue

[0103] 10, 10', 10" drug applicator

[0104] 11 Hose valve

[0105] 12 Handle

[0106] 14 End

[0107] 15 Fixing piece

[0108] 16, 16' application nozzle

[0109] 17 Protective cover

[0110] 18 hose piece

[0111] 19 supply containers

[0112] 20 Control unit

[0113] 21 Power supply unit

[0114] 22 nozzle bodies

[0115] 23 mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic pressure system

[0116] 30 access nozzles

[0117] 32 Application opening

[0118] 34 Media Channel

[0119] 36 Connection side

[0120] 38 End of treatment

[0121] 40 outflow area

[0122] 42 mixing point

[0123] 44 active ingredient chamber

[0124] 46 basic bodies

[0125] 50 carrier bodies

[0126] 52 functional foil

[0127] 54 Media channel

[0128] 56 Central body

[0129] 58 floor space

[0130] 60 lid area

[0131] 62 Mischkammer

Claims

Claims 1. Application nozzle (16, 16') for applying a dental active ingredient in the oral cavity of a patient, comprising a nozzle body (22) extending in a longitudinal direction from a connection region (36) to a free treatment end (38), into which at least two media channels (34) are integrated, extending independently of one another from the connection region (36) to the free treatment end, wherein the media channels (34) are guided in a carrier body (50) of the nozzle body (22), and wherein at least one side wall of the respective media channel (34) is formed by a functional film (52) which is integrally bonded to the carrier body (50).

2. Application nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 1, whose carrier body (50) is designed as a stiffening body and has a width of at least 0.8 mm transversely to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle body (22) in the region of the treatment end (38).

3. Application nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 1 or 2, whose carrier body (50) is designed as an injection-molded part.

4. Application nozzle (16, 16') according to one of claims 1 to 3, whose carrier body (50) is formed from a thermoplastic, a thermosetting plastic or an elastomer, in particular from PA6, PA66, PBT, PES, POM or PSU.

5. Application nozzle (16, 16') according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the or each carrier body (50) is designed in one piece, wherein in each case a media channel (54) is formed into the respective carrier body (50) to form the respective media channel (34), which is covered by means of the functional film (52) integrally connected to the carrier body (50).

6. Application nozzle (16, 16') according to one of claims 1 to 5, whose media channels (34) each open into an application opening (32) on the outlet side.

7. Application nozzle (16, 16') according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the application openings (32) assigned to the two media channels (34) are spaced apart from one another by at least 0.01 mm and at most 10 mm, preferably at least 0.1 mm and / or at most 2 mm.

8. Application nozzle (16, 16') according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the application openings (32) are arranged in an outflow region (40) of the nozzle body arranged in the region of the treatment end (38).

9. Application nozzle (16, 16') according to one of claims 1 to 8, whose at least two media channels (34) run independently of one another from the connection region (36) to a mixing point (42) connecting them on the media side, wherein the mixing point (42) is connected on the outlet side via a further media channel (34) to an application opening (32) provided in an outflow region (40) arranged in the region of the treatment end (38).

10. Application nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 9, whose mixing point (42) is designed as a mixing chamber (62) towards which the media channels (34) run and into which they open.

11. Application nozzle (16, 16') according to claim 10, whose mixing chamber (62) has a volume of at most 1000 mm 3 , preferably not more than 500 mm 3 , particularly preferably not more than 100 mm 3 , has.

12. Application nozzle (16, 16') according to one of claims 9 to 11, with a pressure channel provided in addition to the media channels (34), also integrated in the nozzle body (22) and connected to the mixing point (42).

13. Application nozzle (20, 20', 20") according to one of claims 1 to 12, whose carrier body (50) is designed as a flatly extending central body (56), the base and / or cover surface (58, 60) of which are each provided with at least one molded-in media channel (54).

14. Application nozzle (16, 16') according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the nozzle body (22) is designed as a body extending flatly in a longitudinal direction from a connection region (36) to a free treatment end (38), in which both the width and the thickness taper in the direction of the treatment end (38).

15. Application nozzle (16, 16') according to one of claims 1 to 14, with a suction channel provided in addition to the media channels (34) and also integrated into the nozzle body (22).

16. Application nozzle (16, 16') according to one of claims 1 to 15, which is designed as a disposable product.

17. Active ingredient applicator (10, 10') for applying a dental active ingredient in the oral cavity of a patient, with an application nozzle (16, 16') according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein a media channel (34) is connected on the media side to a separately assigned active ingredient chamber (44).

18. Active ingredient applicator (10, 10') according to claim 17, wherein the active ingredient chambers (44) are integrated into a common base body (46) comprising the nozzle body (22).

19. Active ingredient applicator (10, 10') according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the respective active ingredient chamber (44) has an internal volume adapted to the patient dose to be administered.

20. Active ingredient applicator (10, 10') according to one of claims 17 to 19, wherein one of the active ingredient chambers (44) is filled with a bicarbonate.

21. Active ingredient applicator (10, 10') according to one of claims 17 to 19, preferably according to claim 20, wherein one of the active ingredient chambers (44) is filled with an acid, in particular malic, citric or lactic acid.

Images