A dental treatment device, a method for filtering liquid being used in a dental treatment device and use of a powder or scaler tip in such a dental treatment device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2026/057914
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-03-24
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-01
Smart Images
Figure EP2026057914_01102026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] FERTON HOLDING S.A.
[0002] MSP Ref: 49509 PT-WO PM / SK
[0003] A dental treatment device, a method for filtering liquid being used in a dental treatment device and use of a powder or scaler tip in such a dental treatment device
[0004] The present invention concerns a dental treatment device, a method for filtering liquid being used in a dental treatment device and a use of a powder or a scaler tip for such a dental treatment device.
[0005] Dental treatment devices including a powder gas jet unit and / or a scaler are well-known from the prior art. Preferably, the dental treatment device combines a scaler and a powder gas jet unit to comprehensively provide the desired tools for a dental prophylaxis. Preferably, the powder gas jet unit uses a powder gas mixture to remove biofilm, tartar, discolorations and / or dirt from the surfaces of teeth. Scalers use an ultrasonic vibration of a pointed tip end, namely the scaler tool tip end to scratch dirt from the surface of the tooth. It turned out that for both treatments, irrigation fluid is of benefit. Therefore, the scaler and the powder gas jet unit usually eject an irrigation fluid during the treatment. In particular, it turned out in the past that it is possible to use liquid from the same liquid tank for both supplying the irrigation fluid to the powder jet unit on the one hand and to the scaler on the other hand.
[0006] However, recent developments, especially in view of the nozzle elements of powder jet devices, make new requirements necessary for the quality of water to avoid clogging. Especially, the development of nozzle elements led to a significant cross reduction in the region of the nozzle element for the ejected irrigation liquid.
[0007] Considering the prior art, it is a task of the present invention to simplify the liquid supply in a dental treatment device including a powder jet device and / or a scaler.
[0008] The problem is solved by a dental treatment device according to claim 1, a method for filtering according to claim 14 and a use of a powder or a scaler tip according to claim 15.49509 PT-WO PM / SK © Further, advantageous embodiments are mentioned in the dependent claims, the description and the figures.
[0009] According to a first aspect a dental treatment device including a powder gas jet unit and / or a scaler, is provided, comprising:
[0010] a base station,
[0011] a liquid tank for providing liquid to the powder gas jet unit and / or a scaler, a terminal for attaching an external liquid supply line to the dental treatment device,
[0012] a first liquid filter for filtering liquid being stored in the tank and
[0013] a second liquid filter for filtering liquid being provided by the external supply line.
[0014] Contrary to the prior art, besides a first liquid filter a second filter is provided. In particular, it is intended to use at least a second liquid filter for filtering liquid being provided by the external supply line. This allows to directly use the liquid being provided by the external supply line for supplying liquid to either the powder gas jet unit or the scaler. This was not possible in the prior art devices, since, in particular in case of the nozzle elements having very small cross-sections for ejecting the irrigation fluid, the non-filtered liquid from the terminal would cause an increased probability for clogging the nozzle element. Preferably the nozzle element has an outlet area, which is between 0,3 and 0,6 mm2, for ejecting the irrigation fluid. Now, it is possible to provide liquid in a quality which has a reduced probability for forming a clogging in the powder jet device, especially at its nozzle, even with small outlet areas. This allows to switch between the liquid tank and the terminal as liquid source. This might for example be of special benefit if the liquid tank is empty and continuing the treatment would make it necessary to refill the liquid tank. In this case, the dental treatment device can, however just be switched, in particular automatically, to the supply via the terminal to continuously provide liquid to the scaler and / or powder gas jet unit. Preferably it is provided that the liquid from the terminal passes the first filter and the second filter.
[0015] 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 re-49509 PT-WO PM / SK © duced 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.49509 PT-WO PM / SK ©
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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 / or 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.49509 PT-WO PM / SK © 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] Preferably, it is provided that the dental treatment device is configured and determined to switch between a first mode, in which the powder gas jet unit is operated, and a second mode, in which the scaler is operated, wherein the dental treatment device is configured and determined to direct the liquid of the liquid tank and / or the terminal to the powder gas jet unit in the first mode and to the scaler in the second mode. This allows in an advantageous manner that the liquid can either be used from the liquid tank and / or the terminal dependent on, for example, the amount of needed liquid or the availability of an external supply line.
[0024] Preferably, it is provided that the powder gas jet unit and the scaler share a common liquid supply system. This significantly simplifies the complexity of the dental treatment device, especially of the liquid system, since no two separate supply systems are necessary for providing the liquid to either the powder gas jet unit or the scaler. Furthermore, it turned out to be of benefit to have one common supply system, since the maintenance can be limited to one common and shared line system instead of two different and separate systems.
[0025] Preferably, it is provided that the liquid tank is removably attachable to the base station via a first interface. The first interface is configured and determined such that the connection between the supply lines in the tank and the supply lines in the base station can be connected in a sealed manner when the liquid tank is attached to the base station. In particular it is provided, that the dental treatment system automatically uses the liquid from the terminal, when the tank is removed from the base station. Preferably, it is provided that49509 PT-WO PM / SK © the liquid tank is configured and determined to receive liquid from the base station and to provide liquid to the base station. As a consequence, there is a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet in the first interface, which needs to be connected with a corresponding connection at the base station. It is also conceivable that the water tank can be filled by a liquid outside of the system, i. e. just be filling it via an opening without using the supply lines in the base station.
[0026] Preferably, it is provided that a network liquid flow prevention element is arranged downstream to the terminal. This guarantees that independent of the liquid pressure being available at the external supply line, a proper and suitable liquid pressure is provided in the supply system.
[0027] Preferably, it is provided that the dental treatment device is configured such that the liquid is either guided to the liquid tank or to the supply system for the powder jet unit and / or scaler. This allows to easily switch between the two treatment devices dependent on the actually planned next treatment. For example, it is conceivable that the handpiece of the powder jet unit or the handpiece of the scaler are attached to corresponding holding elements. It is conceivable that if a sensor detector registers or detects a removal of the handpiece of the powder jet device, the supply system is automatically switched to provide the liquid to the powder jet device. The same also applies for the scaler.
[0028] For example, it is provided that the first filter and / or the second filter are exchangeable, in particular in a tool free manner. For example, the first filter and / or second filter is attached to a housing, in particular at the outside of the housing via a bayonet mechanism or a clamping mechanism, which allows to attach or remove the first filter and the second filter by an easy movement without a tool. This simplifies the exchange of the first filter and the second filter and supports an exchange of these components in a regular manner.
[0029] The first filter and the second filter are preferably arranged at the outside of the housing of the dental treatment device. This simplifies the access to the devices and furthermore, it might give you a visual idea how much the first filter and the second filter were used. For example, in case of a transparent housing of the first filter and the second filter, you have direct visual access to the degree of use status of the filter, which might lead to a filter exchange to avoid a clogging for example in the powder jet unit.49509 PT-WO PM / SK © Preferably, it is provided that the dental treatment device comprises a gas filter for filtering the gas used to generate the powder gas mixture in operation. This avoids that unfiltered gas and dirt can enter the system to generate the powder gas mixture, which is used to treat the tooth for prophylaxis.
[0030] Preferably, it is provided that the dental treatment device includes a temperature control element such as a heater, being arranged downstream to the first filter and the second filter. The heater can also be used to adapt the temperature of the liquid being used. Doing so allows adapting the temperature to increase the comfort for the patient during the treatment. It is also possible to heat the liquid to such a temperature that a reduction of bacteria can be initiated and the common supply system can correspondingly be cleaned.
[0031] Preferably, it is provided that the dental treatment device is configured and determined to automatically switch from the supply from the liquid tank to the supply from the terminal, for example when a liquid level is below a threshold. In this case, the operator of the dental treatment device is not forced to constantly check the level of liquid inside the water tank, instead they can just continue their treatment and knows that the supply of the irrigation fluid is guaranteed even if the tank is emptied during the treatment.
[0032] Preferably, it is provided that the liquid tank has an opening to fill liquid into the liquid tank. As a consequence, it is also possible to fill other water, such as de-ionized water into the water tank to provide corresponding liquid for supplying it to either their scaler or the powder gas jet unit. It is also conceivable to use the opening for adding an additional material, in particular if the liquid from the tank only passes the first filter. Preferably it is provided that the first filter and the second filter are different with respect to their filtering extent, in particular with respect to the filtered particles. As a result, it is possible to adapt the first filter and the second filter to the liquid, which passes the respective filters.
[0033] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for filtering liquid being used in a dental treatment device, including a powder jet unit and a scaler, in particular according to the present invention, comprising
[0034] using a first filter for liquid being provided by liquid tank and
[0035] using a second filter for liquid being provided by terminal for an external supply line.49509 PT-WO PM / SK © All the benefits and specifications being discussed and explained in context of the dental treatment device apply analogously to the method and vice versa.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] In the drawings:
[0039] Fig. 1 shows a dental treatment device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view and49509 PT-WO PM / SK ©
[0040] Fig. 2 shows a dental treatment device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a schematic view.
[0041] Fig. 3 shows a schematically illustrated supply line plan for an exemplary dental treatment device according to the invention
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.49509 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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 different49509 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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 increase49509 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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 the49509 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.49509 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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 be49509 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.49509 PT-WO PM / SK © In figure 3 an overview over a supply line plan for a dental treatment device 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, is illustrated. In particular, the scheme shows both a gas supply line system and a liquid supply line system for a dental treatment device 100, for example in line with the dental treatment devices 100 being illustrated in the figures 1 and 2. Preferably, the dental treatment device 100 comprises a base station 30 including a housing 39. A tank 50 can be removably attached to this base station 30 via a first interface 81. The first interface 81 guarantees a sealed connection between the tank 50 and the internal supply lines of the base station 30 within the housing 39. In particular, the first interface 81 is configured and determined to introduce liquid into the tank 50 vie a first line, while a second line is configured and determined to provide the liquid from the tank 50 to the base station 30. The first and second supply line are each preferably configured to be decoupled form the base station 30, especially when the tank 50 is removed. The tank 50 might be removed by a tool free movement. For example, the tank 50 can be attached to a topside of the base station 30 via a clamping mechanism and / or a bayonet mechanism, which allows a removal or attachment of the tank 50 by a single hand movement.
[0064] The second interface 82 is for the powder chamber 13, which is intended to create the powder gas mixture inside the powder chamber 13. The second interface 82 comprises a gas inlet and a powder gas mixture outlet. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 3, the gas inlet is at the bottom side of the powder chamber 13 and the powder gas mixture outlet is at the topside of the powder chamber 13, i. e. the gas inlet and the powder gas mixture outlet are on opposite sides of the powder chamber 13. In particular, the powder chamber 13 is arranged in such a clamping element 17 as illustrated in figure 1, for example. The second interface 82 therefore comprises two coupling sections being arranged opposite to each other such that the respective connection between the lines of the base station 30 on the one hand and the lines inside the powder chamber 13 on the other hand are established. Preferably, it is provided that the attached or inserted powder chamber 13 is fixed, especially due to the clamping force established by the clamping element 17, within the base station 30 such that a sealed connection is established for both the gas inlet and the powder gas mixture outlet, with the corresponding lines in the base station, respectively.
[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the powder gas jet unit 10, in particular its handpiece 11, is connected to the base station 30 via a fourth interface 84 while the scaler 20, in particular its handpiece 21 , is connected to the base station 30 via a third interface 83. At the first49509 PT-WO PM / SK © interface 81, the second interface 82, the third interface 83 and the fourth interface 84 the supply lines can be decoupled, preferably by a tool-free release mechanism and can be attached such that a sealed connection is realised for the corresponding lines in the base station 30, respectively. For example, the supply hoses or tubes can be connected to the outlets of the base station 30 at the third interface 83 or fourth interface 84 leading the supply material or electric signals to the handpieces of the scaler 20 and / or the powder gas jet unit 10. While the liquid is supplied to the scaler 20, the powder gas mixture and the liquid are supplied to the handpiece 11 of the powder gas jet unit 10.
[0066] A gas for creating the powder gas mixture enters the base station 30 preferably via a gas terminal. Preferably it is provided that the gas passes a gas filter 53. In particular, the gas filter 53 is arranged outside of the housing 39, such that a fast exchange of this gas filter 53 is possible or at least a fast access to the gas filter 53 is available. After entering the housing 39, the gas enters a gas management system 68 to handle and / or to distribute the gas from a gas supply system, the gas supply system might be incorporated into a dentist chair and / or includes a compressor, which is used to provide gas to the dental treatment device 100. These gas supply systems are intended to supply gas to different treatment devices, such that they provide no individualized, adapted pressure, which is needed in the base station 30. Therefore, gas management system 68 reduces the pressure to an amount, which is suitable for the further use in the base station 30.
[0067] In particular, it is provided in the embodiment of figure 3 that for the gas management system 68 also provide gas to the tank 50 and / or the clamping element 17. As a result, it is possible in an advantageous manner to use the gas being primarily intended for the creation of the powder gas mixture, also for the clamping element 17. The clamping element 17 is preferably a pneumatic clamping element 17, which uses the pressure to create the force, which clamps the powder chamber 13 to the base station 30. The gas management system 68 is configured and determined to provide gas, when a powder chamber 13 is installed or attached to the clamping element 17, and / or to apply the correct pressure for the clamping mechanism. Furthermore, it is possible to use the gas, which enters the base station 30 for actuating, or to support the circulation at the liquid tank 50.
[0068] Furthermore, it is possible to use a powder flow control element 69, such as a pinch valve, to adjust the stream of the powder gas mixture being provided to the handpiece 11 , especially also be using the gas from the gas terminal to steer the powder flow control element 69, in particular a pinch valve. The pinch valve for example comprises a pneumatically49509 PT-WO PM / SK O steered control. The powder flow control element 69 is preferably at least partially located at the outside of the housing 39, and is in particular incorporated into the fourth interface 84. This allows easy and fast access, especially to a region which is very prone to damages at the supply line, due to the abrasive effects at the inner side of the tube guiding the powder gas mixture to the handpiece 11.
[0069] It is also provided that the dental treatment device 100 comprises a terminal 55, via which liquid can enter the dental treatment device 100. In particular, it is provided that the dental treatment device 100 is configured to use either liquid from the terminal 55 or from the tank 50 to supply the liquid either to the scaler 20 or to the powder jet device 10. Thereby, the powder jet device 10 and the scaler 20 share a common liquid supply system 70. For switching between supplying the powder jet device 10 with the liquid on the one hand or the scaler 20 with liquid on the other hand, the common supply system 70 comprises a reversing switching valve or a third switching valve 93, which dependent on the set status of the switching valve, guides the liquid either to the powder jet device 10 or the scaler 20. For reducing the water stream or liquid stream in the line connecting the third switching valve 93 and the handpiece 21 of the scaler 20, a flow control element, in particular a fourth flow reducer 86, is arranged upstream to the handpiece 21 of the scaler 20. This guarantees that the pressures are adapted for the individual units in a proper manner, in particular for the scaler 20 on the one hand and the powder jet unit 10 on the other hand.
[0070] Furthermore, the liquid supply system 70 comprises a system of at least a first switching valve 91 and a second switching valve 92. In particular, the first switching valve 91 is configured to determine one channel of a plurality of potential channels for the liquid downstream to the first switching valve 91. For example, it is provided that the first switching valve 91 is configured and determined to switch to a first channel, which bypasses at least one flow control element, in particular a first flow reducer 87 and / or a second flow reducer 88. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow control elements 87 and 88 are bypassed by choosing the first channel at the output of the first switching valve 91. In another status of the first switching valve 91 , a second channel is used in which the flow control elements, in particular the first flow reducer 87, the second flow reducer 88 and a third flow reducer 89 are subsequently passed by the liquid. As a result, in dependency on the status of the first switching 91 valve, different discrete power levels of the water supply can be provided, especially, since dependent on the chosen channel of the first switching valve 91, different power levels of the provided liquid stream are adjusted or provided, since different numbers of flow control elements 87, 88 and 89 are passed.Furthermore, it is provided that a second switching valve 92 is arranged downstream to the serially arranged flow reducers or flow control elements 87, 88, and 89 and provides the possibility for a third channel which bypasses all flow reducers. The third channel is parallel to the second channel, in which all flow reducer 87, 88 and 89 are passed. The second switching valve switches between the third channel and the output, which is the first channel and the second channel in common. If the first switching valve 91 is switched to the output connected to the parallel arranged third and second channel, the second valve can switch such that it chooses either the third channel (passing no flow reducer) or in another status, the second channel (passing all flow reducer). If the first switching valve is switched to the first channel (bypassing the first flow reducer 87 and the second flow reducer 88), the second switching valve 92 can choose a corresponding input to block or let pass the stream of the first channel or the third channel. Therefore, depended on the status of the first switching valve 91 and the second switching valve 92 it is possible to create at least three different water power levels in dependency on the number of flow reducers 87, 88 and 89, which are bypassed or passed by the chosen channel being selected by the first switching valve 91 and the second switching valve 92.
[0071] Upstream to the ensemble of switching valves 91, 92 to adapt the power level of the provided water stream a tank switching element71 is arranged. The status of this tank switching element 71 determines which liquid source is chosen and / or whether liquid from the terminal 55 is guided into the tank 50. Downstream to the tank switching element 71 a first filter 51 and a temperature control element 73 are arranged in the common liquid supply system 70. The temperature control element 73 for example heats the temperature to a desired value, preferably regulates the water to the desired value. The first filter 51 guarantees that the water being supplied to both a scaler 20 and the powder gas unit 10 is such clean and / or filtered that the probability of clogging is reduced at the powder gas jet unit 10 or the scaler 20. In particular, it is noted that, especially in case of a nozzle element for the powder gas jet unit 10 being formed for example by grooves in the surface of the channels in the component guiding the irrigation liquid, very thin water channels are provided which makes very clean and filtered liquid necessary to avoid a clogging, especially if the powder gas jet unit 10 is in regular use.
[0072] In particular, it is provided that the dental treatment device 100 it is configured such that it can either use the liquid from the tank 50 or use directly the liquid being provided at the terminal 55. Therefore, the dental treatment device 100 comprises also a second filter 52,49509 PT-WO PM / SK © which is preferably located directly downstream to the terminal 55 to guarantee that the liquid, entering the tank 50 or being guided directly to the scaler 20 and / or powder gas jet unit 10, is sufficiently filtered. Actually, this allows the direct use of water being supplied by the external supply line 60 at the powder gas jet device 10 and the scaler 20. The tank switching element 71 decides whether the liquid entering directly from the terminal 55 or the tank 50 is used for the scaler 10 or the powder jet device 20. It is also conceivable that in another switching status, the tank switching element 71 introduces the liquid from the terminal 55 into the tank 50. In particular, it is provided that different from the sketch being illustrated in figure 3, that the first filter element 51 and the second filter 52 and the gas filter 53 are arranged at the outside of the base station 30. Preferably, the first filter 51, the second filter 52 and the gas filter 53 are configured to be removably attached to the outside of the base station 30, such that an easy exchange is possible. In particular, it allows an easy exchange of the filters 51 , 52 and 53 on a regular basis which is especially necessary, if you use water / liquid directly from the terminal 55. Preferably, it is provided that the first filter 51 , the second filter 52 and the gas filter 53 can be exchanged in a tool free manner, i. e. for example by an easy hand movement or rotational movement. For example, the first filter 51 , the second filter 52 and / or the gas filter 53 are attached to the base station 30 via a bayonet mechanism. Preferably, it is provided that the first filter 51, the second filter 52 and / or the gas filter 53 have a cylindrical shape and are arranged next to each other at the base station 30. Preferably, it is provided that the first filter 51 , the second filter 52 and the gas filter 53 are arranged at a side opposite to the contact or coupling side of the base station 30 at which the tank and the powder chamber 13 are connectable to the base station 30.
[0073] Reference numerals:
[0074] 10 powder jet device
[0075] 11 handpiece
[0076] 12 nozzle element
[0077] 13 powder chamber
[0078] 14 supply line
[0079] 17 clamping element
[0080] 19 holding element
[0081] 20 scaler
[0082] 21 handpiece
[0083] 22 tool tip24 supply line
[0084] 29 holding element
[0085] 30 base station
[0086] 31 status signal element
[0087] 33 human machine interface
[0088] 39 housing
[0089] 40 external central unit
[0090] 50 water tank
[0091] 51 first filter
[0092] 52 second filter
[0093] 53 gas filter
[0094] 55 terminal
[0095] 56 network liquid flow prevention element 60 external supply line
[0096] 67 valve
[0097] 68 valve
[0098] 69 flow control element
[0099] 71 tank switching element
[0100] 73 temperature control element
[0101] 81 first interface
[0102] 82 second interface
[0103] 83 third interface
[0104] 84 fourth interface
[0105] 86 first flow reducer
[0106] 87 second flow reducer
[0107] 88 third flow reducer
[0108] 89 fourth flow reducer
[0109] 91 first switching valve
[0110] 92 second switching valve
[0111] 92 third switching valve
[0112] 100 dental treatment device
Claims
Claims1. A dental treatment device (100) including a powder gas jet unit (10) and / or a scaler (20), comprising:- a base station (30),- a liquid tank (50) for providing liquid to the powder gas jet unit (10) and / or a scaler (20),- a terminal (55) for attaching an external liquid supply line (60) to the dental treatment device (100),- a first liquid filter (51) for filtering liquid being stored in the tank (50) and - a second liquid filter (52) for filtering liquid being provided by the external supply line (60).
2. The dental treatment device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the dental treatment device (100) is configured and determined to switch between a first mode, in which the powder gas jet unit (10) is operated, and a second mode, in which the scaler (20) is operated, wherein the dental treatment device (100) is configured and determined to direct the liquid of the liquid tank (50) and / or the terminal (55)-- to the powder gas jet unit (10) in the first mode and-- to the scaler (20) in the second mode.
3. The dental treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the powder gas jet unit (10) and the scaler (20) share a common liquid supply system (70).
4. The dental treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid tank (50) is removably attachable to the base station (30) via a first interface (81).
5. The dental treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a network liquid flow prevention element (56) is arranged downstream to the terminal (55).49509 PT-WO PM / SK © 6. The dental treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dental treatment device (100) is configured such that liquid from the terminal (55) is either guided to the liquid tank (50) or to the supply system (70) for the powder jet device and / or scaler.
7. The dental treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first filter (51) and / or the second filter (52) are exchangeable, in particular in a tool free manner.
8. The dental treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first filter (51) and the second filter (52) are arranged at an outside of a housing (39) of the dental treatment device (100).
9. The dental treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dental treatment device (100) comprises a gas filter (53) for filtering the gas used to generate the powder gas mixture in operation.
10. The dental treatment device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the gas filter (53) is arranged at the outside of the housing (39) of the dental treatment device (100).
11. The dental treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dental treatment device (100) includes a temperature control element (73), in particular a heater, being arranged downstream to the first filter (51) and second filer (52).
12. The dental treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dental treatment device (100) is configured and determined to switch automatically from the supply by the liquid tank (50) to the supply from the terminal, when a liquid level is below a threshold value.
13. The dental treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid tank (50) has an opening to fill liquid into the liquid tank (50).
14. A method for filtering liquid being used in a dental treatment device (100) including a powder-jet device (10) and / or a scaler (20), in particular according toone of the preceding claims, comprising- using a first filter (51) for liquid being provided by a liquid tank (50) and - using a second filter (52) for liquid being provided by a terminal (50) for an external supply line (60).
15. Use of a powder and / or a scaler tip in a dental treatment device according to one of the claims 1 to 13.