A method for determining a type of powder chamber, a dental treatment device for such a method and use of a powder or scaler tip in such a dental treatment device

Abstract

A method for determining a type of powder chamber (13) being attached to powder jet unit (10), the powder jet unit being configured to operate at least two types of powder chamber and the powder chamber (13) being configured to store a powder and to create a powder gas mixture, the powder chamber (13) having a gas inlet (41) and a powder gas mixture outlet (42), the method comprising - monitoring a pressure progression over time, and - determining a type of powder chamber based on the pressure progression.

Description

[0001] FERTON HOLDING S.A.

[0002] MSP Ref: 49510 PT-WO PM / SK

[0003] A method for determining a type of powder chamber, a dental treatment device for such a method and use of a powder or scaler tip in such a dental treatment device

[0004] The present invention deals with a method to determine a type of powder chamber, a dental treatment device for such a method and a use of a powder or scaler tip in such a dental treatment device

[0005] Powder jet units are well-known in the field of dental prophylaxis for removing calculus, tartar, discolorations and / or biofilms from the surface of a tooth. Such powder gas jet unit usually comprises a handpiece, including a nozzle element to provide a powder gas mixture stream, being preferably surrounded by an irrigation fluid to reduce the dust formation, when the powder gas mixture hits the surface of the tooth. The developments in the last years allowed that the powder jet units are also suitable for a treatment in the periodontal pocket to perform a subgingival treatment of a root of the tooth.

[0006] However, these regions of the teeth are more sensitive to the abrasive effects of powder gas mixtures such that corresponding adaptations are necessary with respect to the type of powder and / or pressure, being used when applying the powder gas mixture. This makes it necessary that dependent on the intended treatment, the proper operation settings are provided in such devices, which are intended to handle different dental treatments, in particular a subgingival and a supragingival treatment. For example, the prior art knows coding means, which are attached to powder chambers to inform a base station, which type of powder chamber is attached to the base station. The types of powder chamber might distinguish between each other with respect to the way of generating the powder gas mixture and / or its content, in particular the intended powder, which should be included into the powder chamber.

[0007] By knowing the type of powder chamber, being currently used, it is possible to automatically adapt the operating parameters for the specific type of powder chamber to create the desired and intended powder gas mixture stream for the specific treatment.49510 PT-WO PM / SK ©

[0008] It is the task of the present invention to improve the powder gas jet units, which are intended to handle a different type of powder chamber, in particular with respect to increasing the flexibility in operating the dental treatment device without increasing the risk for the patient.

[0009] Therefore, a method according to claim 1 is suggested, a dental treatment device according to claim 9 and an use of a powder or a scaler tip according to claim 15. Advantages and preferred embodiments of the invention are discussed in the dependent claims, the description and in the figures.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention a method for determining a type of powder chamber being attached to powder gas jet unit is provided, the powder gas jet unit being configured to operate at least two types of powder chamber, the powder chamber being configured to store a powder and to create a powder gas mixture, the powder chamber having a gas inlet and a powder gas mixture outlet, the method comprising

[0011] - monitoring a pressure progression over time, and

[0012] - determining a type of powder chamber based on the pressure progression.

[0013] Contrary to the prior art, the powder gas jet unit is configured such that it can use the recorded or monitored pressure progression over time to determine the type of powder chamber. For example, a pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure inside the powder chamber, in particular inside an accumulation component, which stores the powder and in which the powder and gas are mixed to form the powder gas mixture, or directly upstream to the gas inlet. It turned out that the pressure progression over time distinguishes for different powder chamber type, which are configured to handle different pressures inside the powder chamber. This for example allows identifying the powder chamber, when the gas inlet is configured to provide different pressures inside the powder chamber to create different powder gas mixtures. Depending on the way of providing the gas inside the powder chamber, it is possible to deduce the configuration and size of the gas inlet being used by the specific powder chamber. For example, it is conceivable that the pressure is continuously detected or on a regular manner after starting the formation of the gas powder mixture inside the powder chamber. Surprisingly, it turned out that dependent on the size of the aperture being provided by the gas inlet the pressure progression over time modifies. It also seems to be reasonable that at a defined time the pressure is detected, in particular49510 PT-WO PM / SK © at a predetermined time, which allows a reasonable comparison for distinguishing types of powder chambers.

[0014] The at least two powder chambers might be part of a set of powder chambers, which can be exchangeable arranged at the base station or incorporated into the base station. It is also conceivable that the powder chamber is directly attached to the handpiece to form a so called handy. This is also included in the context of the suggested approach. In particular, the present invention makes use of the concept that the pressure drop in the region of the gas inlet distinguishes for the two different types and thus helps to identify the correct type of powder chamber. It is in particular beneficial of this approach, that after determining the powder chamber type, an optimization of the operating parameter might be realized. For example, the flow rate or the pressure of the gas entering the powder chamber might be adjusted slightly after determining the type of powder chamber and / or the power / pressure of an ejected irrigation fluid is adapted. By receiving the information about the pressure progression being monitored over time, it is possible to identify the type of powder chamber and compare the detected values with the usual values, being used for the corresponding treatment. At the same time a corresponding adaptation might be reasonable, for example to increase or decrease the power of the ejected powder gas mixture in an amount being small to the pressure modification issued by the exchange of the apertures of the gas inlets. It is also conceivable that the powder chamber itself can be modified to represent a different type of powder chamber, for example by changing the aperture by using an adjustable aperture, including an exchangeable insert forming the gas insert.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, a type of powder chamber is determined by a size of aperture at the gas inlet. In particular, it is provided or intended to use different sized gas inlets, i. e. sizes of aperture at the gas inlet to define the pressure inside the powder chamber. For example, the two types of powder chambers are part of a set of powder chambers having gas inlets with different sizes of apertures. In this case the powder chamber just can be exchanged at the base station and by identifying the pressure progression over time, it is possible to determine the type of powder chamber.

[0016] Preferably, the pressure is detected downstream and / or upstream to the gas inlet. It is possible to detect the gas pressure both upstream and downstream to the gas inlet, in particular the aperture of the gas inlet, to determine the type of powder chamber. Dependent on the location of the pressure sensor, pressure increases and / or decreases over49510 PT-WO PM / SK © time. It is about the size or amount of increase / decrease, which is necessary or required, for determining the type of powder chamber based on the pressure progression. Preferably, it is provided that data of the type of powder chamber and / or use data are provided at an interface. For example, it is conceivable that a control unit detects and / or stores the data of the type of powder chamber or the determined type of powder chamber and / or the use data, for example in a memory device, preferably correlated with a time stamp. This memory device might be read out, for example via an interface. Therefore, it is possible, for example during a maintenance, to use this interface to extract the information about the number and extent of exchanges regarding the powder chambers. Furthermore, other use data, such as a duration of the treatment cycle, an use duration during the individual treatment cycles and / or an overall time of being switched on can be registered and stored in the memory device and / or extracted via the interface. Preferably, it is provided that a log file is created for being extracted at the interface.

[0017] Preferably, it is provided that for changing the size of the aperture, at least a part of the gas inlet is exchanged. Preferably, it is provided that the gas inlet itself is an insert having an aperture defining the inlet cross-section, which is relevant for the pressure being set within the powder chamber. This, for example, allows to use the same structure or main structure of the powder chamber. By exchanging the insert being included into the powder chamber it is possible to change between the different types of powder chambers. This also simplifies the manufacturing process. It is also conceivable that the insert is permanently included into the powder chamber for defining this powder chamber in a long term for one of the specified treatments, such as the subgingival or supragingival treatments.

[0018] Preferably, it is provided that parameters of the powder jet unit are set based on the determined status and / or the monitored pressure progression over time. For example, it might be possible that the identified status and the pressure being detected by the pressure detector show that a specific type of powder chamber is used but the pressure is deviating from a reference value, preferably such that it exceeds a threshold. In this case an adaptation of the pressure might be reasonable, for example to overcome any kind of unintended deviation in pressure, which might for example caused by a cross-section variation, which is established due to a deposition inside of the supply lines. It is also possible to optimize the generated powder gas mixture for the intended use, especially in dependency of the patient. It is also possible to adapt the power of the ejected irrigation fluid. After identifying the powder chamber, there might be a chance to have a set of different po-49510 PT-WO PM / SK © tential pressures to generate the optimized powder gas mixture stream, wherein the different opportunities, for example, allows different power levels of ejection. Thus, it is possible to modify within the defined range the power for generating the powder gas mixture.

[0019] Preferably, it is provided that the monitored pressure progression over time and / or the determined type of powder chamber are provided in a data collection, such as a log file. Thus, it is possible to get information about the amount of used powder. This, in turn, allows to inform the operator in advance that they need to order more powder to continue the treatments.

[0020] Another subject matter of the present invention is a dental treatment device for the method according to the present invention. The dental treatment device being configured for handling a powder chamber, chosen from at least two types of powder chambers, wherein the dental treatment device comprises a pressure sensor to detect a pressure progression over time. The features being discussed as well as their benefits applies analogously for the dental treatment device and vice versa.

[0021] The powder gas jet unit is intended to provide a powder gas mixture stream, which is directed to a tooth surface to remove calculus, tartar, discoloration and / or biofilms. Thereby, the powder gas jet unit also ejects an irrigation fluid, in particular irrigation liquid, which surrounds the ejected powder gas mixture stream. Thus, when the powder gas mixture hits the dental tooth to affect the tooth surface abrasively, a dusk formation can be reduced due to the irrigation fluid. For providing the powder gas mixture, the dental treatment device comprises a powder chamber. The powder chamber might be reversibly attachable to the base station, in particular a topside of the base station and / or a lateral side wall of the base station.

[0022] The powder chamber is preferably configured to store and accumulate powder, preferably in a powder accumulation component. Such a powder accumulation component might be conically, semi conically and / or funnel-like shaped. The accumulation component might an inner side wall facing the tube, the inner side wall being inclined with respect to a longitudinal direction of the tube. Preferably the inclination of the inner side wall is varied along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction, in particular to avoid bridging effects of the powder.49510 PT-WO PM / SK © The powder chamber is especially configured to create the powder gas mixture within the powder chamber. Therefore, the powder chamber for example comprises a gas inlet and a powder gas mixture outlet. As a result, the powder chamber does not only store the powder, it is also used for generating the powder gas mixture inside the powder chamber. For example, a tube, such as a venturi tube, is used to generate such a powder gas mixture. The tube is preferably arranged within the powder chamber, in particular inside the powder accumulation component. The tube has a first frontside end and a second frontside end being arranged opposite to each other. The first frontside end faces the gas inlet, while the second frontside end terminates within the swirl section. In operation gas, entering the gas inlet, is directed to the first frontside end of the tube and passes a section between the gas inlet and the first frontside within the powder accumulation surface, which includes powder. As a result, powder is transported through the tube to the second frontside to enter the swirl section of the powder chamber. The powder is mixed with the gas in the swirl section to create the powder gas mixture, which exits the powder chamber via the powder gas mixture outlet. The gas inlet and the powder gas mixture might be incorporated in components at opposite sides or in a common component, such as a socket on one side of the powder chamber. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the powder gas mixture outlet is in a closure, preferably removable closure or cap, while the gas inlet is localized at the bottom side in a socket of the powder chamber. The tube might be localized centrally, especially concentrically to a housing of the powder chamber, or offset to the centre in a cross section extending perpendicular to the tube. In this case, preferably an asymmetric funnel might be used which has no rotational symmetry against each rotation.

[0023] In particular, the dental treatment device is configured to perform at least two different treatments for the powder gas jet unit respectively. In particular, it is provided that the powder gas jet unit is configured to perform a subgingival treatment and / or a supragingival treatment. Dependant on the type of treatment, the powder chamber might be exchanged to provide especially the correct powder being applied in the abrasive powder gas mixture.

[0024] The scaler is used to remove calculus, biofilms and / or dirt from the surface of a tooth by scratching it away. In particular, the dental treatment device comprises an ultrasonic scaler, which is configured to perform a vibrational movement of the scaler tool tip in operation. Preferably, the scaler tool tip can be exchangeable attached to a handpiece of the scaler. The handpiece of the scaler preferably comprises a vibration source, being, for example, realized by a stack of piezo elements. Dependant on the shape and design and / or49510 PT-WO PM / SK © the wear status of the dental tool tip, the amplitude and / or frequency of the vibration movement might be adapted. The handpiece of the powder gas jet unit might include a permanent installed nozzle element. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the nozzle element can be exchangeable attached to the handpiece. The powder gas jet unit, in particular the handpiece including the nozzle element, is configured to be modified for a specific dental treatment. For example, it is conceivable that a nozzle tip can be attached at the outlet frontside of the powder gas jet unit, i. e. on the distal end of the powder gas jet unit to adapt the powder gas jet unit for a specific treatment, in particular for a subgingival treatment, which makes the lateral exit of the powder gas mixture necessary.

[0025] Furthermore, it is provided that the handpiece of the powder gas jet unit is connected to the base station via a supply line. It is also conceivable that the handpiece is connected to the powder chamber directly without transferring the powder gas mixture firstly into the base station and subsequently to the supply line which is connected to the handpiece of the powder gas jet unit. The handpiece of the scaler is preferably connected to the base station and comprises electrical signal lines and an irrigation fluid line to provide electric signals, in particular, for the vibrational source and the irrigation fluid, respectively.

[0026] It is also conceivable that the powder chamber is directly arranged at the handpiece. Such devices, being called “handys”, are also included in the understanding of a handpiece and a dental treatment device in consistency with the invention.

[0027] The base station is, in particular, the centre of organizing the supply materials and / or signals to operate the scaler and / or powder gas mixture. Therefore, it provides the necessary signals and / or materials such as the powder gas mixture and / or the irrigation fluid on the one hand and electric signals such as the signal for the scaler to operate the powder gas jet unit and scaler in a proper way on the other hand. The base station might also a part of a dentist chair.

[0028] In particular it is provided that the base station also comprises a control unit, being preferably configured to adapt the operating parameters during the treatment. For example, the base station comprises a human machine interface, which for example includes a command button and / or a display to adjust the operating parameters during the dental treatment.49510 PT-WO PM / SK © In particular, it is provided that the pressure sensor is located inside the powder chamber, preferably inside the accumulation component for the powder or in a socket. Preferably, it is provided that the dental treatment device comprises an interface to communicate information about the use of the powder gas jet unit. Preferably, the interface is configured for a Lan or WIFI communication. For example, the interface is formed by a USB and / or HDMI slot. This allows a fast access to the data, especially the raw data and / or the data concerning the determined type of powder chamber, for example in case of maintenance by a technician.

[0029] Preferably, it is provided that the interface is configured to connect a readout device to the dental treatment device. This allows a technician to have direct access to the data and store them. Further the technician can use them for analysing the dental treatment device.

[0030] Preferably, it is provided that the powder chamber is removable from a base station of the dental treatment device. Preferably, the powder chamber is arranged at the top side of the base station in a corresponding coupling section, which provides at least gas for the gas inlet. It is also conceivable that the generated powder gas mixture re-entered the base station or alternatively is directly provided to the handpiece via a corresponding supply line or supply hose.

[0031] Preferably, it is provided that the pressure sensor is incorporated into the powder chamber. In particular, it is localized close to the gas inlet, especially upstream to the gas inlet and / or downstream to the gas inlet. Preferably the distance between the aperture of the gas inlet and the pressure detector is less than 4 cm, preferably less than 3 cm and more preferably less than 1 cm.

[0032] In particular, it is provided that the dental treatment device comprises a control unit being configured and determined to communicate with an external central unit. Preferably, it is provided that this control unit can inform the central unit, for example via internet communication about the number of exchanges and / or other use data of the specific dental treatment device.

[0033] Preferably, it is provided that the dental treatment device also comprises a scaler. As a consequence, it is impossible to incorporate this approach in a device which is intended for prophylaxis and includes in addition to the powder gas jet unit also a scaler. Thus, both49510 PT-WO PM / SK © components are incorporated in the system and corresponding use data can also be provided for the scaler and included in the log file which is provided at the interface.

[0034] Another aspect of the present invention is a use of powder in the dental treatment device, in particular its powder chamber or in a scaler, in particular an ultrasonic scaler, according to the present invention. Another aspect of the present invention is a use of scaler tip in the dental treatment device according to the present invention. All benefits and specifications being discussed in context of the dental treatment device apply analogously to the use of the powder I scaler tip and vice versa. Preferably the powder has a grain size smaller than 25 pm. In particular the powder is for a subgingival or a supragingival treatment. This guarantees a smooth and comfortable treatment, in particular in case of a supragingival treatment. In particular the powder comprises glycin, erythritol and / or chlorhex-idine digluconate. The use of such a powder is in particular of benefit, since it guarantees that a probability of a clogging or clumping is reduced, in particular by using the filter liquid from the network, in particular in the nozzle element, in particular if a filter system is used. Furthermore, the dental treatment device is optimized for the powder and the scaler tip, such that an establishment of benefits of the invention are in particular guaranteed by using the powder and / or scaler. In case of the scaler tip, the ejected irrigation fluid is optimized to the position of the pointed tip end of the scaler tip, in particular to support the removal in the treatment zone. Furthermore, analyzes of data can be evaluated in a more precise way since they are based on the experiences of those powders and / or scaler tips, which can be used in the dental treatment device. The dental treatment device is preferably distributed as EMS AIRFLOW Prohylaxis Master or EMS Airflow One.

[0035] Wherever not already described explicitly, individual embodiments or their individual aspects and features can be combined or exchanged with one another without limiting or widening the scope of the described invention, whenever such a combination or exchange is meaningful and in the sense of this invention. Advantages which are described with respect to one embodiment of the present invention are, wherever applicable, also advantageous of other embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] In the drawings:49510 PT-WO PM / SK O Fig. 1 shows a dental treatment device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view and

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a dental treatment device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a schematic view.

[0038] Fig. 3a und 3b two types of powder chambers for a method according to the present invention

[0039] In figure 1 a dental treatment 100 device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In particular, the dental treatment device 100 includes a powder gas jet unit 10 and / or a scaler 20. In particular, the dental treatment device 100 is a dental treatment device for dental prophylaxis and is in particular free of a tooth manipulating tool, such as a drill to remove parts of a tooth. The powder gas jet unit 10 is preferably used to provide a powder gas mixture stream to remove calculus, tartar and / or biofilms by an abrasive effect of the powder gas mixture hitting the surface of the tooth. In particular, it is provided that the powder gas jet unit 10 is configured to provide a stream of the powder gas mixture being surrounded by a fluid, in particular an irrigation fluid, which reduced the dusk formation in a targeted treatment zone, which is hit by the stream of the powder gas mixture. In particular, the powder gas jet unit comprises a handpiece 11 and a nozzle element 12. Preferably, the powder gas jet unit 10 is intended to perform different dental prophylaxis treatments, in particular a subgingival treatment on the one hand and a supragingival treatment on the other hand. Dependent on the intended treatment the nozzle element 12 might be modified, for example by exchanging the nozzle element 12 and / or by adding a nozzle tip to the nozzle element 12, the nozzle tip for example allowing to enter the periodontal pocket to treat a root of a tooth in proper manner without risking an injury of a patient.

[0040] For creating the powder gas mixture, the dental treatment device 100 comprises a powder chamber 13, which preferably is attached at an outside of the base station 30. Dependant on the intended treatment, a choice of powder and / or settings for creating the powder gas mixture can be changed. In particular, the powder chamber 13 is not only intended to accumulate and store powder, but also to generate the powder gas mixture inside the powder chamber 13. Therefore, the powder chamber 13 comprises a swirl section.49510 PT-WO PM / SK © Preferably, the powder chamber 13 comprises a powder accumulation component which for example is formed by a conically shaped funnel, preferably having a step like inner course to avoid a bridge formation of the powder.

[0041] The powder chamber 13 furthermore comprises a gas inlet, preferably at a bottom side of the powder chamber 13, and a powder gas mixture outlet, being arranged preferably at the topside of the powder chamber 13. Preferably, the powder chamber 13 comprises a tube, in particular a Venturi tube, having a first front side facing the gas inlet and a second front side end, which terminates within the swirl section. The tube is preferably arranged within the powder accumulation component, in particular such that a space is generated between the gas inlet on the one hand and the first frontside end of the tube on the other hand. This allows that the gas streaming into a powder accumulation section forces powder, being provided by the powder accumulation component, to enter the tube at the first frontside end and to be accelerated to the second frontside end and being provided to the swirl section. After generating the powder gas mixture in the swirl section, the powder gas mixtures exits the powder chamber 13, preferably via an outlet channel being incorporated into a closure at the topside of the powder chamber 13.

[0042] In the embodiment being illustrated in figure 1, the powder chamber 13 and the dental treatment device 100 are configured such that the powder chamber 13 can be exchanged in a tool free manner. In particular, in the embodiment illustrated in figure 1, there is a clamping mechanism provided such that the powder chamber 13 is clamped between the clamping element 17 and the base station 30. The clamping element 17 furthermore comprises an internal channel to guide the powder gas mixture into the base station 30 to be provided to the handpiece 11 via a supply line 14. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 1 a supply line 14 is connected to the base station 30. However, it is also conceivable that the supply line 14 is directly connected to the powder chamber 13. It is also conceivable that the powder chamber 13 is just arranged on the topside of the base station 30 and being configured such that the powder gas mixture outlet and the gas inlet are arranged in a socket region of the powder chamber 13.

[0043] For switching between different treatments, it is preferably provided that there is a set of different powder chambers 13 which are specialized each for a certain dental treatment or are at least prepared by the operator for different treatment. As a result, it is possible just by choosing the powder chamber 13 and exchanging the powder chamber 13 to the one which is desired to modify the dental treatment system 100 and prepare it for a different49510 PT-WO PM / SK O dental treatment. For example, the different powder chamber 13 comprises different powders, which for example distinguish from each other in the grain size and / or type of the powders being used. Thus, it is possible to use the proper powder, especially for the subgingival treatment, which makes a softer abrasive effect necessary.

[0044] The dental treatment device 100 of figure 1 next to the powder gas jet unit 10 also comprises a scaler 20, being used to remove calculus and / or tartar. In particular, this scaler 20 comprises a scaler tip, that means a tool tip 22, which can be exchangeable attached to a handpiece 21. The handpiece 21 is connected to the base station 30 preferably by a supply line 24, which preferably includes electronic control lines and / or an irrigation fluid line. In particular, the scaler 20 is an ultrasonic driven scaler. Such an ultrasound driven scaler preferably performs a vibration motion being initiated by an ultrasonic source being incorporated preferably inside the handpiece 21. Such an ultrasound source for example comprises piezo elements and is controlled via the electronic supply or control line.

[0045] The dental treatment device 100 furthermore includes a liquid tank 50, for example a water tank. In particular, it is intended that the liquid tank provides liquid both for the powder gas jet unit 10 to form the surrounding irrigation liquid for the powder gas mixture stream on the one hand and for the scaler tip to direct the irrigation fluid to the treatment zone of the scaler tip, i. e. tool tip 20.

[0046] In particular, it is also conceivable that the handpieces 11, 21 can be exchanged or are exchangeable attached to the supply lines 14, 24. Furthermore, the supply lines 14, 24 might be exchangeable connected to the base station 30 and / or to the powder chamber 13.

[0047] In addition, the dental treatment device 100 comprises a control unit 33 being configured and determined to control the operating parameters of the scaler 20 and / or powder gas jet unit 10. For example, it is necessary to adapt the pressure being provided to the powder chamber 13 to generate the intended powder gas mixture for the specific treatment. Furthermore, the vibration forces need to be adapted during the treatment, as well as the power of the ejected irrigation fluid for the scaler 20 and / or powder gas jet mixture 10.

[0048] Preferably, the dental treatment device 100 comprises a human machine interface which allows an operator to adjust operating parameters of the dental treatment device 100, preferably during the treatment. As a consequence, it is, for example, possible to increase49510 PT-WO PM / SK O or decrease the intensity or power of the ejected powder gas mixture stream, the ejected irrigation liquid and / or the vibration movement of the scaler tip 22, such for example with respect to its amplitude and / or frequency. For example, the human machine interface 35 is provided as a command button and / or a touch screen being incorporated into the base station 30. It is also conceivable that the human machine interface 35 is realized via a Bluetooth connection or a wireless connection between the base station 30 and a mobile receiver having a display to adapt the operating parameters, preferably during the dental treatment.

[0049] In figure 2 a more schematic illustration of a secondary exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The second exemplary embodiment mainly corresponds to the one being presented in figure 1 but uses for example no clamping element 17 to attach the powder chamber 13 such that in this version the gas inlet and the powder gas mixture outlet are localized or arranged in the socket region of the powder chamber being attached to the topside of the base station, i. e. a corresponding coupling section being adapted to the gas inlet and powder gas mixture outlet incorporated into the socket. The socket preferably forms a single pieced element, which cannot further be divided without destroying it.

[0050] Preferably, the control unit 33 is configured and determined to reset at least one operating parameter at the dental treatment device 10 for a dental treatment after and / or prior to a treatment cycle. This guarantees that each time an operator starts the treatment cycle, the same conditions are given. As a result, the operator does not need to check firstly whether the last stored parameters might cause operation modus which is dangerous for a patient. For example, it might be crucial to avoid that the patient does not experience the power of the powder gas jet unit for the supragingival treatment when the operator starts a subgingival treatment. This might damage the root of the tooth. If the operator forgot the last status or parameter and they just start the next treatment cycle, this might be a risk for an unintended misuse of the dental treatment device 100. At least the reset to the default values of the operating parameters or the at least one operating parameter makes an additional test prior to the treatment cycle superfluous or redundant. This is a different approach compared to the prior art which has a control unit 33 which does not modify the operating parameters during the or between two treatment cycles.

[0051] For triggering a reset of at least one parameter or several parameters or all parameters, a certain configuration or handling might be useful. For example, it is conceivable that the49510 PT-WO PM / SK © handpieces can be attached to the base station 30, in particular to specific holding elements 19, 29. These holding elements 19, 29 are for example arranged at the lateral sides of the base station 30 and are used to carry the handpiece 11, 21 during a non-treatment mode. After using the scaler handpiece 21 and / or the powder gas jet unit handpiece 11, the operator for example clips or hangs the handpiece 11, ,21 to the base station 30. Preferably, it is provided that the control unit 33 is configured and determined to reset the operation parameters, when the connection between the handpiece 11, 21 and the base station 30, in particular to the holding element 19, 29, is established and / or released. For such a trigger event, the holding element 19, 29 and / or the base station 30 might comprise a weight sensor or another detector, which identifies the presence or the non-pres-ence of the handpiece 11, 21 at the holding element 19, 29. As a result, it is possible for the operator to reset the default values just by putting the handpiece 11, 21 back to the holding element 19, 29. This is also beneficial, since it makes no complicated resetting at the machine interface necessary and instead automatically the default values are reset. This can be used by the operator to return fast to the parameters being stored as resetting values.

[0052] Alternatively and / or additionally, the control unit 33 is configured and determined to set the operating parameter for the dental treatment during or subsequent to a cleaning mode. Such cleaning modes are preferably performed on a regular basis and for example repeated during a non-treatment mode, preferably in each non-treatment mode between two treatment cycles. These cleaning modes are intended to provide a clean powder gas device 10 and / or scaler 20, preferably for the next patient, such that it is guaranteed that for each start of the treatment cycle the patient will experience the proper settings. Furthermore, it helps the operator to be informed that the cleaning mode has been performed.

[0053] Additionally and / or alternatively, it is provided that the control unit 33 is configured and determined to reset the operating parameters when the dental treatment device 100 is switched on and / or off. Thus, it can also be guaranteed that the proper settings are always in place if you restart the dental treatment device 100.

[0054] Preferably, the operating parameters are different from zero. As a result, it is also not necessary to change the operating parameter after a start of the dental treatment device 100 and instead the operator can start the treatment right away.49510 PT-WO PM / SK O Preferably, the operating parameter concerns a fluid pressure, in particular of the liquid being used for irrigation for the powder gas jet unit 10 and / or the scaler 20. Another operating parameter might be the pressure being used for generating the powder gas mixture in the powder chamber 13 and / or a power level of the vibration of this scaler tool tip. In particular, it is provided that the control unit 33 is configured and determined to reset a set of operating parameters such that for the scaler 20 and the powder gas jet unit 20 one defined operation is automatically established or guaranteed, when the operator starts its dental treatment cycle.

[0055] In particular, it is provided that the control unit 33 is configured and determined to communicate with an external central unit 40. Preferably, the external central unit 40 is spaced from the dental treatment device 100 more than 5 kilometres or more than 1.000 metres, and not arranged in the same office. It is also conceivable that the external central unit is a central unit being arranged in one office having several prophylaxis dental treatment devices.

[0056] The communication between the control unit 33 and the external central unit 40 is established preferably via a wired and / or WIFI communication. For example, the control unit 33 is configured and determined to communicate via internet with the central unit 40 and, therefore, for example includes an ethernet interface. In particular, the control unit 33 is configured to receive a first data set and / or to broadcast a second data set. Therefore, the control unit 33 is not only configured to provide data to the central unit, but also to receive information and instructions via the first data set from the external central unit 40. This allows, for example, to advantageously set a status of the dental treatment device 10 by the central unit 40 if a certain certification is assigned to this specific dental treatment device 10.

[0057] For example, it is conceivable that, at the external central unit 40, it is registered that a certain dental treatment device 100 is used by an operator being certified for a specific treatment. Then, the central unit 40 can broadcast the corresponding first data set to the control unit 33 of the treatment device 100, to modify a certain status of the dental treatment device 100. Further, the dental treatment device 100 might have a status signal element 31 being controlled by the control unit 33. When the control unit 33 receives a first data set, the control unit 11 is, for example, configured to extract the information concerning the status being assigned to this very specific dental treatment device 100 in the register at the central unit 40. In dependency on this information, the status signal can be49510 PT-WO PM / SK © switched and / or maintained such that it can be recognized that the specific dental treatment device 100 is operated by an operator, which has a certificate to handle this very specific dental treatment device 100. This is of benefit since the patient, in this case, is aware that the operator is well-trained with this dental treatment device, which calms the patient for the further treatment. This simplifies the treatment, at least in those cases in which the patient is otherwise concerned about the dental treatment.

[0058] Furthermore, it is possible to send a second data set to the external central unit, which uses the central unit 40 to accumulate and collect the use correlated information of the specific dental treatment device 100, especially for analysing them. As a consequence, in addition to a potential certificate further information, in particular use correlated information, can be stored at the register at the central unit 40.

[0059] This allows, for example, to analyse the second data set. This can be used to inform the operator that supply material is needed and / or can be used to organize the order of such supply material, such as powder. As a consequence, a continuous operation of the dental treatment device can be guaranteed. It is also possible to analyse the second data set to check the handling of the dental treatment device 100 by the operator. For example, it is possible to identify the consumption of certain powder materials for each treatment, and compare this with the usual amount of consumed powder. This allows, for example, a feedback to the operator to inform him that optimization regarding the handling of the dental treatment device 100 is necessary. It is also conceivable that information, concerning, for example, the forces acting on the scaler tip 22, are communicated back to the external central unit 40 to check whether the forces being applied by the operator, when handling the scaler tip 22, are too soft or too strong.

[0060] This can, for example, increase the lifetime of scaler tips 22, which, in case of unproper use, might worsen the wear status of the tool-tip. Furthermore, it is possible to check, for example, how many times the powder chambers 013 are exchanged and how much of the powder for a subgingival or supragingival treatment has been used by the operator in the past. It is also possible to establish statistics for the operator to inform him about his performances over time. As a result, it might be possible to check, whether the operator have changed behaviour. This has the advantage that modifications of the treatment or the handling in the treatment are identified, which might not be identified by the operator himself since he has gotten used to his way of handling the treatment.49510 PT-WO PM / SK © In the figures 3a and 3b two types of powder chambers 13 are shown. The two types of powder chamber 13 have the same geometry for their housing or their outer shape, such that a gas inlet 41 is at the bottom side BS and the powder gas mixture outlet 42 is at the topside TS, in particular incorporated into a closure of the powder chamber 13. It is also conceivable that by using an outlet tube or hose, it is possible to guide the powder gas mixture being generated in a swirl section towards the bottom side BS, such that the powder gas mixture outlet 42 is in the same coupling section as the gas inlet 41 , preferably incorporated into a common socket 43. The type of the powder chamber 13 type of figure 3a distinguishes from the powder chamber 13 type being illustrated in figure 3b essentially only with respect to the size of the gas inlet 41 , i.e. with respect to a size of the aperture assigned to the gas inlet 41.

[0061] The size of the aperture of the gas inlet 41 defines and determines the pressure drop at the entrance of the powder chamber 13 and therefore can be adapted in dependency on the powder being stored in the powder chamber 13, in particular in the accumulation component 47. A different pressure is needed in case of using different powders, especially smaller grain powders, which are preferred for a subgingival treatment. It is conceivable that the gas inlet 41 itself can be exchanged in the socket 43 to modify the type of powder chamber 13. This has benefits for the manufacturing process, since in this case only the gas inlet 41 can be exchanged for changing the type of powder chamber 43, while all other manufacturing processes are the same. For example, the gas inlet 41 is formed as an insert, which can be inserted in a corresponding reception area, preferably in the socket 43 of the powder chamber 13 or at least in a gas inlet region. Preferably, the inlet 41 comprises a thread at its outside for interacting with a corresponding thread at the inner side of the reception area. As a result, it is possible to simply attach the gas inlet 41 being formed as insert into the reception area. By using a set of the different inserts, it is possible to change between the two types of powder chamber 13 or define a specific type of powder chamber 13. Preferably, the gas inlet 41 being formed as insert also comprises a tapering section for providing a nozzle effect. An aperture is preferably localized or formed at the downstream front of the tapering tube of the gas inlet 41. Preferably, the insert is made massive. It is also conceivable that the insert, being screwed into the receiving region of the socket 41, is permanently attached by using an adhesive material after or during screwing it into the receiving section, for example.49510 PT-WO PM / SK © Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the whole socket 43 is manufactured such that it defines the type of chamber 13, in particular the size of aperture which defines an inlet cross-section for the gas entering the powder chamber 13.

[0062] The powder chambers 13 being illustrated in figures 3a and 3b include a pressure detector 44, which is preferably inserted into the powder chamber 13, preferably within the accumulation chamber 47 and / or the swirling section to detect the pressure within the chamber 13. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the pressure sensor 44 is located within upstream to the aperture of the gas inlet 41 , to detect the pressure in said region. Preferably, the powder chamber 13 is configured to communicate signals of the pressure sensor 44 to the base station 30. It is also possible that the pressure sensor 44 communicates with the base station 20 wirelessly, for example via Bluetooth or WIFI. By detecting and / or monitoring a pressure progression over time within the powder chamber 13 it is possible to determine the type of powder chamber 13. In particular, in case of a powder chambers 13, which distinguishes with respect to their aperture size, being used for the different types of powder chamber, the pressure progressions over time distinguish from each other. This allows a determination of a type of powder chamber 13 being currently used in comparison to other having another aperture size. This is if benefit for example in such cases, in which, for example by using a coding means, information about the powder chamber type are transmitted to the base station, when for changing the size of aperture the powder chamber type is exchanged. Then the pressure, being provided by the base station can be adapted based on the information about the type of powder chamber, for example by the base station, for a fine tuning of the provided pressure inside the powder chamber 13. The information about the type of the powder chamber 13 can also be used for informing the operator about the current powder chamber type or for storing it or for communicate it to the external central unit 40. Thereby the pressure progression over time is used to distinguish the powder chambers 13 from each other and allows an identification and determination of the type of powder chamber 13.

[0063] Thereby, it is possible that the pressure progression over time is detected by monitoring several pressure values for different points in time or it is just the pressure determined at a defined point of time, which allows a reasonable comparison between the pressures to determine the type of powder chamber 13.

[0064] Preferably, the identified type of powder chamber 13 is communicated to the control unit 33, preferably for storing it in a memory device and / or to adapt parameters for operating49510 PT-WO PM / SK © the powder jet unit 10. For example, it is conceivable that the detected or determined type of powder chamber 13 makes a specific setting of pressure necessary, such that the powder gas jet unit 10 can immediately adapt the operating parameters such as the flow rate of the gas and / or the flow rate of the irrigation fluid. In particular it is of benefit to adapt the power of the ejected irrigation fluid based on the information about the type of the powder chamber 13. Furthermore, it is conceivable that either the collected data of the pressure progression and / or the determined type is stored, preferably in a log file, which can be communicated with a central unit 40 and / or can be extracted via an interface.

[0065] This data exchange might be realized for example by an interface, which can be used to extract information being stored as log file. In addition to the raw data, other use parameters, such as a time in which the powder jet unit 10 is switched on and off, a duration of a treatment cycle, a consumption of the powder, a number of exchanges and / or a number of cleaning modes, being triggered, can easily be checked. This for example allows to simplify the maintenance of the dental treatment device 10 if a technician reads out this log filed to inform about the operating behaviour of the dental treatment device 100. This for example also allows to identify irregularities in the behaviour of the specific dental treatment device 100 to identify problems or deviations from the usual behaviour. For example, the dental treatment 100 device comprises an interface, such as a USB slot or HDMI slot, to communicate these stored lock data files.

[0066] Reference numerals:

[0067] 10 powder jet unit

[0068] 11 handpiece

[0069] 12 nozzle element

[0070] 13 powder chamber

[0071] 14 supply line

[0072] 17 clamping element

[0073] 19 holding element

[0074] 20 scaler

[0075] 21 handpiece

[0076] 22 tool tip

[0077] 24 supply line

[0078] 29 holding element

[0079] 30 base station49510 PT-WO PM / SK ©

[0080] 31 status signal element

[0081] 33 control unit

[0082] 35 human machine interface

[0083] 40 external central unit

[0084] 41 gas inlet

[0085] 42 powder gas mixture outlet

[0086] 43 socket

[0087] 44 pressure detector

[0088] 46 tube

[0089] 47 powder accumulation component 48 closure

[0090] 50 liquid tank

[0091] 100 dental treatment device

[0092] TS topside

[0093] BS bottom side

Claims

Claims1. A method for determining a type of powder chamber (13) being attached to powder gas jet unit (10), the powder gas jet unit being configured to operate at least two types of powder chamber and the powder chamber (13) being configured to store a powder and to create a powder gas mixture, the powder chamber (13) having a gas inlet (41) and a powder gas mixture outlet (42), the method comprising- monitoring a pressure progression over time, and- determining a type of powder chamber based on the pressure progression.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the type of powder chamber is determined by a size of aperture at the gas inlet.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the pressure is detected downstream to the gas inlet (41).

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the pressure is detected upstream to the gas inlet (41).

5. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the information about a type of powder chamber and / or use data are provided at an interface (35).

6. The method according to one of the claims 2 to 5, wherein for changing the size of the aperture at least a part of the gas inlet (41) is exchanged.

7. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein parameters of the powder jet unit (10) are set based on the determined status and / or the monitored pressure progression over time.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the monitored pressure progression and / or the determined type of powder chamber are provided in a data collection.49510 PT-WO PM / SK © 9. A dental treatment device (100) for a method according to one of the preceding claims, the dental treatment device (100) being configured for handling a powder chamber, chosen from at least two types of powder chambers, wherein the dental treatment device comprises a pressure sensor (44) to detect a pressure progression over time.

10. The dental treatment device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the dental treatment device (100) comprises an interface (35) to communicate information about the use status.

11. The dental treatment device (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the interface (35) is configured to connect a read-out device to the dental treatment device.

12. The dental treatment device (100) according to one of the claims 9 to 11 , wherein the powder chamber (13) is removable from a base station (30) of the dental treatment device (100).

13. The dental treatment device (100) according to one of the claims 9 to 12, wherein the pressure sensor (44) is incorporated into the powder chamber.

14. The dental treatment device (100) according to one of the claims 9 to 12, further comprising a scaler (20).

15. Use of a powder and / or a scaler tip in a dental treatment device according to one of the claims 9 to 14.

Images