Device for dental interventions

Abstract

Device for performing dental interventions on a dental arch, comprising : - a support module comprising a curved external wall having a first end and a second end, and a back wall that links the first end and the second end and defines with the external wall an internal volume delimited by an apex edge and a root edge, the support module being positionable so that at least an apex portion of the arch is housed in the internal volume; - an operative module comprising a floor and operative means supported by the floor and operable to perform dental interventions, the operative module being connectable to the support module so that part of the floor hermetically and entirely matches the apex edge, and that the operative means are housed in the internal volume; - remote control means configured to selectively operate the operative means.

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR DENTAL INTERVENTIONS

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for dental interventions , and in particular to a device placeable on a dental arch for performing dental interventions .

[0003] The broad technical field of dental care comprises various and complex disciplines , whose purpose is usually to formulate diagnoses or perform therapies for dental , periodontal , or maxillary diseases : such actions are hereinafter collectively referred to as dental interventions .

[0004] Typical examples of diagnostic dental interventions are dental records acquisition and intra-oral radiography acquisition, while therapeutic dental interventions comprise , for example , conservative therapies , endodontic therapies , prosthetic therapies , periodontal therapies , and surgical therapies (which in particular comprise surgical implant therapies ) .

[0005] All these dental interventions generally require the use , by a specialized operator, of bulky tools , which are inserted and maneuvered inside the mouth o f the patient ; examples of such tools are intra-oral scanners , intraoral plates , and impression holders for diagnostic interventions , or micromotors and turbines that operate burs and drills for di f ferent types of therapy, employed together with suction cannulas , or even forceps , levers , spatulas , and osteotomes for surgical therapies .

[0006] However, inserting multiple bulky tools into the mouth can be particularly uncomfortable for the patient, potentially causing a strong pharyngeal reflex, possibly leading to emesis . Such discomforts can further cause di f ficulties in completing dental interventions , particularly in non-cooperative or minimally cooperative patients , such as for example people characteri zed by intellectual disabilities and / or not sel f-suf ficient (who are also the subj ects at higher risk of developing dental , periodontal , or maxillary diseases ) .

[0007] Furthermore , dental interventions usually require performing complex and unpleasant manual manoeuvres , which must necessarily be performed, as previously mentioned, by a speciali zed operator, who can only perform a limited number of them during a single session . For this reason, particularly in geographical areas characteri zed by a limited number of active special i zed operators , patients can be forced to wait long periods before receiving the necessary treatments or, in most extreme cases , to give up on treatment .

[0008] It is further apparent that the outcome of each intervention is strongly related with the manual skills and technical and scienti fic expertise of the individual operator, which makes it di f ficult to always ensure a high-quality standard in dental interventions .

[0009] An obj ect of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks and, in particular, to make a device that allows dental interventions to be performed quickly while simultaneously limiting discomfort for patients , thus being safely usable even on non- cooperative or minimally cooperative patients .

[0010] Another obj ect of the present invention is to make a device that simplifies and speeds up the activity of speciali zed operators and allows the achievement of a high-quality standard in dental interventions .

[0011] This and other results are achieved according to the present invention by making a device according to claim 1 .

[0012] Further features of the device are the subj ect of the dependent claims .

[0013] The present invention will now be described, by way of illustration but not limitation, according to its preferred embodiments , with reference to the figures of the attached drawings , in which :

[0014] - Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a device according to a first embodiment o f the invention, with parts removed for clarity;

[0015] - Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the device of Figure 1 fixed to a dental arch;

[0016] - Figure 3 is a three-dimensional perspective view of the device of Figure 1 , comprising supply ducts and suction ducts ;

[0017] - Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of a device according to a second embodiment of the invention, with parts removed for clarity .

[0018] With reference to Figure 1 , number 1 indicates , as a whole , a device for performing dental interventions on a dental arch of a patient , in a first embodiment .

[0019] As previously explained, the term "dental interventions" means all interventions aimed at preventing dental diseases , formulating diagnoses of dental diseases , and treating dental diseases , where the term "dental diseases" means all dental , periodontal , and maxillary diseases .

[0020] The device 1 comprises a support module 2 and an operative module 3 reversibly connectable to each other . The support module 2 comprises a curved external wall 20 , substantially semicircular in shape and having a first end 201 and a second end 202 , and a substantially planar back wall 21 that links the first end 201 to the second end 202 . In this way, when viewed in plan, the support module 2 substantially has a D-shape .

[0021] The external wall 20 and the back wall 21 have a substantially uni form height, thereby defining a substantially semi-cylindrical internal volume between them .

[0022] The support module 2 can be worn on the arch of the patient undergoing treatment , so that at least an apex portion ( i . e . , a portion comprising the apex portions of the teeth crowns ) of the arch is housed in the internal volume , with the external wall 20 facing the buccal surface of the arch . Preferably, the support module 2 is shaped so that the internal volume can house the entire arch .

[0023] The internal volume of the support module 2 is delimited at the top by a closed root edge 22 , defined on the upper portion of the external wall 20 and the back wall 21 , and at the bottom by a closed apex edge 23 (visible in Figure 2 ) , defined on the lower portion of the external wall 20 and the back wall 21 .

[0024] The operative module 3 comprises a floor 30 configured so that , when the operative module 3 is connected to the support module 2 , a part of such floor 30 hermetically and entirely matches the apex edge 23 of the support module 2 . In this way, when the operative module 3 i s connected to the support module 2 , the internal volume of the support module 2 is hermetically closed at the bottom, creating a watertight chamber for dental interventions on the arch .

[0025] With reference to Figure 2 , the operative module 3 is connectable to the support module 2 so that it can rotate relative to the latter around a rotation axis A passing through the first end 201 and the second end 202 . To this end, the operative module 3 can be connected to the support module 2 by two hinges 210 , 211 , positioned at the first end 201 and the second end 202 , respectively . Alternatively, the operative module 3 can be revers ibly connected to the support module 2 by one or more magnets , arranged on the operative module 3 and / or on the support module 2 .

[0026] The operative module 3 further comprises operative means 31 , supported by the floor 30 , so that when the operative module 3 is connected to the support module 2 , such operative means 31 are arranged within the internal volume .

[0027] The operative means 31 are operable to perform dental interventions , and in particular, they can comprise intra-oral scan means capable of scanning the arch, in more detail an intra-oral scanner and motion means capable of moving the scanner within the internal volume . Such motion means can comprise , for example , guiding rails configured to guide the movement of the scanner along the entire arch, both along the buccal surface and the lingual surface , so as to al low the operate on each tooth from any angle , and electromechanical actuators configured to move the scanner along the rails .

[0028] Additionally, or alternatively, the operative means 31 can comprise further scan means , preferably electronic, configured to perform examinations of the occlusal planes and / or the masticatory dynamics of the patient . As a further alternative , the operative means 31 can comprise rotating tools , piezoelectric tools , and / or ultrasonic tools , together with motion means as described above , configured to move such tools along the entire arch to perform conservative therapies , endodontic therapies , prosthetic therapies , periodontal therapies , or surgical therapies .

[0029] As an application example , the operative means 31 could allow to perform complete surgical implant interventions dispensing with implant guides , also known as surgical implant guides , which are currently necessary in the well-known PC-guided implantology techniques .

[0030] In this application example , the ideal implant sites are first identi fied following a bone evaluation (performed by means of known techniques like CT or CBCT , or by means of operative means 31 part of a speci fic operative module 3 and comprising speci fic scan means ) and a thorough analysis performed using a dedicated software . Afterwards , the operative means 31 of one or more further operative modules 3 are used to drill the maxillary bone and to insert the implants in the obtained seats , with the depth and the angle being selected by the speciali zed operator .

[0031] The operative module 3 further comprises a power and transmission cable 32 , configured to supply power to the operative means 31 and to transmit detected data and control signals to and from the operative means 31 . When the operative module 3 is connected to the support module 2 , the power and transmi ssion cable 32 passes through a dedicated opening 203 , made in a front portion of the support module 2 ( such front portion being arranged opposite the first end 201 and the second end 202 , i . e . , defined so that when the support module 2 is worn, such front portion faces the buccal surface of the incisor teeth of the patient ) . The power and transmission cable 32 and the opening 203 are shaped so that , when the operative module 3 is connected to the support module 2 , a hermetic seal is ensured between the external surface of the power and transmission cable 32 and the opening 203 .

[0032] The device 1 further comprises remote control means (not represented in the figures ) configured to selectively operate the operative means 31 . Such remote control means are configured to provide control signals to the operative means 31 : the control signals are generated by dedicated software capable of making the operative means 31 perform a fully automated dental intervention, adapted to the specific needs and oral morphology of the patient , without the direct intervention of the speciali zed operator, who can limit himsel f to supervising the intervention .

[0033] Alternatively, the control signals can be generated by computer inputs entered by a speciali zed operator, for example , by a j oystick or keyboard .

[0034] Referring again to Figures 1 and 2 , the support module 2 further comprises a root seal 24 (visible in Figure 1 ) sustained by the root edge 22 , and an apex seal 25 (visible in Figure 2 ) sustained by the apex edge 23 . Such seals 24 , 25 are loop-closed on the entire corresponding edge 22 , 23 , and can be housed in dedicated seats that extend in a closed path on the entire length of the corresponding edge 22 , 23 . When the support module 2 is worn, the root seal 24 provides a hermetic seal between the root edge 22 and the buccal surface of the arch, while the apex seal 25 i s configured to provide a hermetic seal with the operative module 3 when the latter is connected to the support module 2 . The root seal 24 and the apex seal 25 are removable from the corresponding edges, so as to be sterilized separately from the rest of the support module 2. Indeed, the seals are made of an elastic silicone material that can be sterilized with vapour up to 134 degrees Celsius at the pressure of 2 bar.

[0035] Preferably, the root seal 24 is made of an elastically deformable material (e.g., a silicone material) and defines a cavity (e.g., internally therein, or between the root seal 24 and the root edge 22) . In such case, the device 1 further comprises inflation means, which are operable to introduce an inflation fluid (e.g., air) into the cavity, thereby reversibly increasing the volume of the root seal 24: in this way, the support module 2 can be reversibly fixed to the arch, as the "inflated" root seal 24 exerts a pressure on all sides of the buccal surface of the arch itself, temporarily fixing the support module 2 to the arch.

[0036] As an alternative to the possibility of an "inflatable" root seal 24, or in combination with it, the cross section of the root seal 24 could vary along the root edge 22 of the support module 2, in order to better adapt to the buccal surface of the arch and to better reversibly fix the support module 2 to the arch. In particular, some parts of the root seal 24 (e.g., those corresponding to the interdental spaces) could have a substantially circular cross section, while the other parts could have a substantially elliptical cross section .

[0037] The support module 2 further comprises fixing means 26, configured to reversibly fix the support module 2 to the arch, when the support module 2 is worn by the patient. In detail , such fixing means 26 may consist of screws or pins , adapted to contact the buccal surface of the arch, securing the support module 2 . Such fixing means 26 can be provided as an alternative or in combination with the possibility of reversibly increasing the volume of the root seal 24 by means of the inflation means .

[0038] The support module 2 further comprises a plurality of hydraulic connections 27 , configured to allow the entry of a fluid from the outside to the internal volume , through the external wall 20 and / or the back wall 21 . More speci fically, preferably, the support module 2 comprises two back hydraulic connections (visible in Figure 3 ) arranged in the proximity of the first end 201 and the second end 202 , respectively, two front hydraulic connections arranged in the front portion of the support module 2 , and two intermediate hydraulic connections arranged in an intermediate position between the back hydraulic connections and the front hydraulic connections . In this way, the incoming fluid can be uni formly distributed across the entire arch within the internal volume .

[0039] The device further comprises a plurality of supply ducts 28 (visible in Figure 3 ) , which are connected to the hydraulic connections 27 and can convey the fluid towards the internal volume of the support module 2 .

[0040] The fluid can consist , for example , of water, air, aerosol , gel and / or medical gases , including di f ferent formulations of anaesthetic substances .

[0041] The support module 2 further comprises two suction outlets 29 (visible in Figure 1 ) , through which fluids can be suctioned from the internal volume to the outside through the external wall 20 or the back wall 21 . Preferably, the suction outlets 29 are made on the back wall 21 .

[0042] The device further comprises two suction ducts 290 (visible in Figure 3 ) , which are connected to the suction outlets 29 and can suction f luids from the internal volume of the support module 2 .

[0043] With reference to Figure 3 , the supply ducts 28 and the suction ducts 290 have respective middle portions gathered in a single bundle 280 , from which the respective terminal portions extend, which are connected to the hydraulic connections 27 or the suction outlets 29 .

[0044] In use , the support module 2 is connected to the operative module 3 which comprises the necessary operative means 31 for performing the required dental interventions . The device 1 thus formed is worn in the mouth by the patient such that the arch to be treated is housed in the internal volume , and it is fixed to the arch by the fixing means 26 . The operative means 31 are then remotely operated by the remote control means , performing the required dental interventions .

[0045] Once the dental interventions have been completed, the device 1 is removed from the mouth of the patient , and the operative module 3 is disconnected from the support module 2 . I f further dental interventions of a di f ferent type are required, a further operative module 3 , comprising operative means 31 of a di f ferent type , is connected to the support module 2 , and the device 1 , thus reconfigured, is worn in the mouth of the patient to perform these further dental interventions .

[0046] It is therefore clear that the device 1 according to the invention allows to achieve the prefixed obj ects . In particular, the device 1 has a very compact design, and once worn on the dental arch, it causes signi ficantly less discomfort to the patient compared to known instruments . Furthermore , since the device 1 in use i s fixed to the arch in use , any sudden movements of the head of the patient do not af fect the ongoing dental interventions , which can therefore continue safely . Furthermore , the device 1 i s much simpler to use for the speciali zed operator compared to known instruments , as the operative means 31 can be automatically controlled by dedicated software adapted to the speci fic needs of the single patient , or in any case they can easily be controlled remotely by the speciali zed operator himself ; this allows the achievement of a high-quality standard in dental interventions . Finally, the device 1 is cost- ef fective to make , as a plurality of operative modules 3 can be made , each operative module 3 being provided with the operative means 31 suitable for performing a speci fic dental intervention for which it is designed; the di f ferent operative modules 3 are then alternately connectable to the same support module 2 , depending on the needs .

[0047] The present invention has been described, by way o f illustration but not limitation, according to its preferred embodiments , but it should be understood that variations and / or modi fications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the related scope of protection as defined in the appended claims . A second embodiment , represented in Figure 4 , comprises a support module 2 having a curved back wall 21 that extends substantially parallel to the external wall 20 , i . e . , that extends maintaining a substantially equal distance from the external wall 20 . In this way, when viewed in plan, the support module 2 substantially assumes a U-shape .

[0048] When the support module 2 is worn, the back wall 21 is thus facing the lingual surface of the arch .

[0049] In this second embodiment , the operative module 3 also substantially has a U-shape , so that the related floor 30 can hermetically and entirely match the apex edge (not visible in Figure 4 ) of the support module 2 . The second embodiment di f fers from the first embodiment essentially only in the shape of the support module 2 and the operative module 3 , while all other elements described above in relation to the first embodiment are identically reproduced in the second embodiment . This second embodiment is particularly suitable for performing dental interventions on the lower arch of the patient , as it allows the tongue to move freely outside the internal volume .

Claims

CLAIMS1) Device (1) for performing dental interventions on a dental arch, comprising:- a support module (2) comprising a curved external wall (20) having a first end (201) and a second end (202) , and a back wall (21) that links said first end (201) and said second end (202) and defines, together with said curved external wall (20) , an internal volume delimited by an apex edge (23) and a root edge (22) , said support module (2) being positionable so that at least an apex portion of said arch is housed in said internal volume;- an operative module (3) comprising a floor (30) and operative means (31) supported by said floor (30) and operable to perform said dental interventions, said operative module (3) being connectable to said support module (2) so that part of said floor (30) hermetically and entirely matches said apex edge (23) and that said operative means (31) are housed in said internal volume;- remote control means configured to selectively operate said operative means (31) .2) Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said support module (2) comprises an apex seal (25) sustained by said apex edge (23) and configured to achieve a hermetic seal between said apex edge (23) and said floor (30) , and / or a root seal (24) sustained by said root edge (22) and configured to achieve a hermetic seal between said root edge (22) and a buccal surface of said arch.3) Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said apex seal (25) and / or said root seal (24) are removable respectively from said apex edge (23) and / or from said root edge (22) and are made of an elasticsilicone material sterilizable with vapour without substantially modifying its own features up to a temperature of 134 degrees Celsius.4) Device (1) according to any of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that said root seal (24) is made of an elastically deformable material and defines a cavity, and characterized by further comprising inflation means operable to introduce an inflation fluid into said cavity to reversibly increase a volume of said root seal (24) and reversibly fix said support module (2) to said arch.5) Device (1) according to any claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said root seal (24) has a cross section that varies along said root edge (22) , preferably being partially substantially circular and partially substantially elliptical.6) Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said operative module (3) is connectable to said support module (2) so as to rotate relative to it around a rotation axis (A) passing through said first end (201) and said second end (202) .7) Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support module (2) comprises fixing means (26) configured to reversibly fix said support module (2) to said arch.8) Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support module (2) comprises a plurality of hydraulic connections (27) configured to allow the entry of a fluid in said internal volume through said external wall (20) and / or said back wall (21) .9) Device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said support module (2) comprises two back hydraulicconnections (27) arranged in the proximity of said first end (201) and second end (202) , two front hydraulic connections (27) arranged in a front portion of said support module (2) opposite to said first end (201) and second end (202) , and two intermediate hydraulic connections (27) arranged between said back hydraulic connections (27) and said front hydraulic connections(27) .10) Device (1) according to any of claims 8 or 9, characterized by comprising a plurality of supply ducts(28) connected to said hydraulic connections (27) and configured to convey to said support module (2) water, air, aerosol, gel, and / or medical gases.11) Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support module (2) comprises at least one suction outlet (29) , by which fluids can be suctioned from the internal volume through said external wall (20) and / or said back wall (21) by at least one suction duct (290) .12) Device (1) according to any of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that said supply ducts (28) and / or suction ducts (290) have respective middle portions gathered in a single bundle (280) .13) Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said operative means (31) comprise intra-oral scan means configured to perform a scan of said arch when said arch is housed in said internal volume and said operative module (3) is connected to said support module (2) .14) Device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that said scan means comprise an intra-oral scanner and motion means configured to move said scanner within saidinternal volume.15) Device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said operative means (31) comprise rotating, piezoelectric, and / or ultrasonic tools, configured to perform said dental interventions on said arch .16) Device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said operative means (31) comprise further scan means configured to perform scans of occlusal planes and / or masticatory dynamics.17) Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said back wall (21) is curved and extends substantially parallel to said external wall (20) .

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