Ultrasonic device for precise detection of dental canal orifices and pathways

Description

Ultrasonic Device for Precise Detection of Dental Canal Orifices and Pathways

[0001] This invention pertains to a specialized device designed to enhance the efficacy of endodontic procedures by improving the detection of dental canal orifices.

[0002] Dentists commonly face challenges in locating the orifice (entry point) of the tooth canal by manually exploring the access cavity using sondes or files. However, factors such as canal bleeding or calcification often hinder the accurate identification of these orifices.

[0003] Upon examining the access cavity, dentists typically insert a file into the canal to a specific depth guided by an apex locator and then utilize periapical (PA) radiographic images to evaluate the tooth's root structure and functional length. However, the inherent two-dimensional nature of these images often falls short in accurately representing the root canal structure and count.

[0004] Although Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) provides detailed topographical images of the tooth, its limitations, such as high radiation exposure and cost, restrict its routine application in root canal treatments. The apex locator, utilized to locate the root end and determine tooth length, alerts dentists as the file nears the root tip. However, the apex locator falls short in identifying the canal orifice or its topography.

[0005] In this field, pertinent patents, including Canadian patents 2385527 and 2485247, involve inserting a probe into the canal to detect the apical foramen by analyzing light reflection or electromagnetic waves. Regrettably, these designs do not offer solutions for identifying the orifices or pathways of the canal.

[0006] In the field of endodontic treatment, the proposed ultrasonic detector aims to increase the accuracy of procedures by locating the entrances and pathways of dental canals. After creating an access cavity for root canal treatment, finding the orifices of the canals can be challenging due to bleeding or calcification at the canal entrances. Furthermore, understanding the canal pathways and mastering the complex anatomy significantly impacts the quality of treatment. This technology enhances the accuracy of root canal treatments by overcoming difficulties associated with canal calcification, bleeding, and anatomical variations.

[0007] Our design utilizes ultrasonic waves to detect orifice locations and, to the extent possible, map the canal topography by analyzing the reflected waves. This approach is based on the physical principle that different tissues absorb these waves to varying degrees, resulting in different levels of reflected waves.

[0008] Traditional methods often struggle to accurately identify all tooth canal entrances, leading to potential treatment inaccuracies. Complex root canal systems and inadequate imaging techniques further compound these challenges, impacting treatment outcomes.

[0009] Upon the creation of an access cavity for root canal therapy, the task of locating all tooth canal entrances and determining their precise positions becomes challenging. Various factors such as canal calcification, bleeding, and individual or racial anatomical differences contribute to this challenge. This complexity can result in the failure to identify and treat a specific tooth canal. Subsequent steps involve dentists inserting hand files into the canals to establish the working length, often relying on radiographic images or an apex locator. However, a significant issue is that the root canal systems are often complex, and conventional PA radiography does not provide an accurate depiction of the canal structure's topography.

[0010] Ultrasonic waves, characterized by frequencies exceeding 20,000 hertz, exhibit unique tissue interaction properties wherein absorption and reflection vary based on tissue type. This fundamental principle has found widespread utility in industrial and medical applications. Notably, the distinct hardness of dentin surrounding dental pulp versus the softness of pulp itself leads to differential wave reflection, enabling precise identification of canal orifices and topography.

[0011] Current practices rely on manual probing of the pulp chamber floor and radiographic analysis to estimate canal pathways during root canal treatment, heavily dependent on the dentist's expertise. The incorporation of our ultrasonic detector promises enhanced accuracy compared to conventional methods, potentially elevating treatment quality and augmenting patient satisfaction significantly.

[0012] Additional features of the present invention elucidated through the accompanying drawings, of which:Fig. 1

[0013] The back view of the device showcasing the dental mirror-like tool and detector.Fig. 2

[0014] The front view of the device displaying the dental mirror-like tool and detector.Fig. 3

[0015] The side view of the device featuring the dental mirror-like tool and detector.Fig. 4

[0016] Overview of the device's components.

[0017] [Fig. 4A] Illustrates the wave generator and receiver.

[0018] [Fig. 4B] Represents the LED light of the dental mirror-like tool.

[0019] [Fig. 4C] Depicts the detector's microcontroller ESP32.

[0020] [Fig. 4D] Shows the buzzer of the dental mirror-like tool.

[0021] In,, and, various perspectives of the device are presented, primarily comprising a dental mirror-like tool 2 and an ultrasonic detector 5.

[0022] Ultrasound waves, with frequencies exceeding 20,000 hertz and inaudible to humans, are extensively applied in diverse industries, notably medicine, due to their absorption, transmission, and reflection properties, harnessed for medical examinations. Our device is based on this physical principle.

[0023] Referring to, after the access cavity has been prepared, the dentist can promptly employ this device to locate the entrances of the dental canals, called orifices. The dentist grasps the dental mirror-like tool 9, which easily fits into the patient’s mouth, situates the head of the device in front of the access cavity, then presses and holds button 8. Pressing this button activates the ultrasonic wave generator 10 in [Fig. 4A], which initiates the production of waves within a frequency range of 4 to 8 megahertz utilizing the piezoelectric method. Simultaneously, the wave receiver 10 in [Fig. 4A] captures the reflected waves.

[0024] The dentist maintains button 8 until sufficient waves are emitted and reflections received to generate an image, indicated by the cessation of the buzzer's 4 sound in [Fig. 4D] or the LED's 7 deactivation in [Fig. 4B], prompting button release.

[0025] Ultrasound waves are generated by the wave generator 10 in [Fig. 4A] and are directed towards the access cavity, where their reflections are captured by the same component, acting as the receiver 10 in [Fig. 4A]. The received data is then transmitted via a wire to the detector 5. The detector 5 comprises a microcontroller ESP32 1 in [Fig. 4C], an LCD screen 2, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery 3. The data is gathered and processed by the microcontroller ESP32 1 in [Fig. 4C] and converted into an image, which is subsequently displayed on the LCD screen 2.

[0026] Following the emission of ultrasound waves by the wave generator 10 in [Fig. 4A], these waves interact with the access cavity. Locating the entrances to the canals and determining their number can be challenging due to factors such as canal calcification, bleeding, or anatomical variations. The wave reflects off the floor of the access cavity, and this reflection is received by the wave receiver 10.

[0027] Variances in wave absorption between hard tissue (dentin) and soft tissue (dental pulp), along with differences in wave return speeds, allow the microcontroller ESP32 1 in [Fig. 4C] to analyze this data for image formation.

[0028] Furthermore, the dentist can employ the dental mirror-like tool 9 in subsequent stages of root canal treatment to assess the pathways of the dental canals, such as determining working length, canal topography, and confirming proper shaping during treatment.

[0029] The device is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery 3.Examples

[0030] Following the preparation of the access cavity, the dentist grips the dental mirror-like tool and situates it directly above the access cavity. Subsequently, they press and hold the activation button until the sound of the buzzer ceases or the LED turns off. At this point, the dentist can observe the LCD screen showing the location of the orifices, after which they release the button.

[0031] Once the locations of the orifices are identified, the dentist inserts small-diameter K-files, such as size 8 or 10, into the canal path as deeply as possible. The mirror-like tool is then utilized again, revealing the canal pathway on the screen up to the extent of wave penetration. This visualization presents as a cross-section from the orifice to the apical foramen.

[0032] This device holds significant potential for widespread application in treatment centers (clinics and dental offices) as well as in research and educational institutions.

[0033] The list of signs is:

[0034] 1. Microcontroller ESP32

[0035] 2. LCD screen

[0036] 3. Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

[0037] 4. Buzzer

[0038] 5. Ultrasonic Detector (Image Converter)

[0039] 6. Wire

[0040] 7. LED light

[0041] 8. Button

[0042] 9. Dental mirror-like tool

[0043] 10. Wave generator and receiver

[0044]

[0045]

[0046]

[0047] CA2485247A1

[0048] CA2385527A1

[0049] US12525856A1

[0050] US10772104A1

[0051] NPL1:

Claims

A method utilizing ultrasonic wave analysis for the rapid and enhanced identification of the position and quantity of dental canal orifices, as well as their pathways. This method encompasses the emission of ultrasonic waves, reception of their reflections, data processing, and image creation.A method according to claim 1, wherein the device produced based on this method generally comprises a detector and a dental mirror-like tool.A method according to claim 2, wherein the dental mirror-like tool consists of an ultrasonic wave generator and receiver.A method according to claim 3, The ultrasonic wave generator produces waves with a frequency range of 4 to 8 megahertz based on the piezoelectric method.A method according to claim 2, the dental mirror-like tool can be easily inserted into the patient's mouth, with its head positioned in front of the access cavity.A method according to claim 2, the dental mirror-like tool additionally includes an LED screen and a buzzer, aiding the dentist in determining the required duration for button holding.A method according to claim 2, the dental mirror-like tool activates and begins transmitting waves by pressing and holding the power button, continuing the transmission and reception of waves as long as the button is held.A method according to claim 2, the reflected waves are received by the wave receiver.A method according to claim 2, where the information is transmitted to the detector via a wire.A method according to claim 2, The information is collected, processed, and converted into an image by the microcontroller within the detector.A method according to claim 2, The image displaying the location and number of canal orifices is shown on the LCD screen.A method according to claim 2, The dentist can use the device to check the working length of the canal during the procedure.A method according to claim 2, The dentist can also use the device to assess the topography of the canal and determine whether the canals are interconnected during the procedure.A method according to claim 2, The dentist can view a cross-sectional representation of the dental canal on the LCD screen during the procedure.The power for this device is supplied by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

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