Anti-calculus Dental Composition Using Pyrophosphate and Polyphosphate Agents

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for removing dental calculus, such as mechanical scaling, are invasive, painful, and can damage healthy gum tissue, while chemical agents often cause side effects like discoloration and toxicity, and are ineffective in reaching subgingival calculus.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising pyrophosphate and polyphosphate agents, potentially combined with alkali bicarbonate and fluoride, is applied topically to dissolve and remove subgingival calculus, using a device to deliver the solution directly to the calculus pocket.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical scaling is used to remove calculus, then calculus removal effectiveness is improved, but gum tissue damage and pain occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalculus removal effectivenessVSAvoidgum tissue damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical scaling system with a chemical dissolution system. The composition uses pyrophosphate and polyphosphate agents to chemically dissolve calculus through chelation of calcium ions, eliminating the need for mechanical force that damages gum tissue while maintaining effective calculus removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the oral environment by introducing specific phosphate compounds that alter the solubility equilibrium of calculus minerals. The composition modifies the chemical composition and pH parameters to create conditions favorable for calculus dissolution without mechanical intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If chemical agents are used to prevent calculus formation, then calculus prevention is improved, but tooth discoloration and oral mucosa irritation occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalculus prevention effectivenessVSAvoidtooth discoloration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the chemical parameters of the composition including pH control (buffered to physiological range), concentration of phosphate agents, and ionic strength to achieve calculus prevention without the side effects of earlier chemical agents. The buffered composition maintains parameters that are effective against calculus but safe for oral tissues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite chemical system combining pyrophosphate, polyphosphate, and buffering agents in specific proportions. This composite composition achieves synergistic effects where the combined formulation provides superior calculus prevention while the buffering components neutralize potential irritating effects on oral mucosa.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If standard mouthwashes are used for oral care, then ease of application is improved, but effectiveness in reaching subgingival calculus is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication convenienceVSAvoidsubgingival calculus treatment effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes hydraulic principles by formulating the composition as a liquid or gel that can be delivered through subgingival irrigation devices. The fluid dynamics of the composition allow it to be propelled under pressure into subgingival pockets, achieving deep penetration while maintaining ease of application through simple irrigation protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The composition effectively reduces dental pockets and gum disease, preventing tooth loss by dissolving subgingival calculus without the drawbacks of conventional treatments, promoting healthier gums and reducing inflammation.

Implementation Method 1

a composition comprising pyrophosphate and polyphosphate agents, potentially combined with alkali bicarbonate and fluoride, is applied topically to dissolve and remove subgingival calculus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChelation:

Implementation Method 2

the composition effectively reduces dental pockets and gum disease, preventing tooth loss by dissolving subgingival calculus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution:

Data Source

PatentEP2099416B1Anti-calculus dental composition and methods for using same
Publication Date: 2022.02.09 THE PERIOGEN CO INC

AI summary

The present invention relates generally to an anti-calculus composition and method for treating subgingival calculus. The anti-calculus composition comprises a pyrophosphate and a tripolyphosphate in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The composition may also comprise a fluoride providing compound, a fluorine providing compound, a C2-C12 organic acid, and sodium or potassium bicarbonate.