Computer-Guided Endodontic Access With Phantom Implant Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endodontic procedures face challenges in accurately preparing access cavities to the pulp chamber due to the lack of computer-guided systems for tracking instrument position within the tooth anatomy, leading to inefficiencies and potential tooth fracture.
Innovation Solution
A microprocessor- and camera-based surgical system is used to create a 2D or 3D image of the tooth, define a phantom implant for the desired access cavity path, and overlay it over the tooth image, guiding the drilling process with real-time visual feedback to ensure alignment and depth accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional manual drilling is used for access cavity preparation, then the endodontist has flexibility in operation, but the precision and accuracy of the drilling path are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical drilling with a computer-guided system that uses optical tracking and visual feedback to control the drilling path. The surgical system captures images, processes them to generate guidance overlays, and provides real-time visual feedback to guide the drill along the precise planned path, substituting manual mechanical control with an automated optical-mechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy or replica of the tooth anatomy through image capture and processing. This digital model is then used to plan the optimal drilling path and generate visual guidance overlays that are superimposed on real-time images, allowing the operator to follow a pre-planned precise path without directly visualizing the internal anatomy.
2Productivity
If repeated drilling attempts are made to achieve proper access cavity preparation, then the endodontist may adjust the path, but chair time increases and tooth structure is unnecessarily removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all necessary planning and path determination before the actual drilling begins. The system captures images, processes them to identify anatomical structures, plans the optimal drilling path, and generates visual guidance overlays in advance. This preliminary digital planning allows the operator to execute the procedure in a single attempt without repeated adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time visual feedback during the drilling process. The system continuously captures images, compares the actual drilling path with the planned path, and provides visual guidance overlays that show the drill's position relative to the target. This feedback loop allows the operator to maintain precise control and avoid deviations that would require corrective drilling.
3Measurement precision
If the endodontist relies on direct visualization during drilling, then they can monitor progress, but ergonomic position is compromised and precision is limited by visual constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct visual inspection with an optical imaging and digital processing system. The surgical system captures images of the tooth, processes them to identify anatomical structures and drill position, and displays enhanced visual information on a screen. This allows the operator to maintain a comfortable ergonomic position while the system performs the precise measurement and tracking functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary digital imaging system between the operator and the tooth anatomy. Instead of directly visualizing the drilling process, the operator views processed images and guidance overlays displayed on a screen. This intermediary system enhances the visual information and provides precise position tracking without requiring the operator to be in a compromised ergonomic position.
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments of a method for visually guided access cavity preparation, the method makes use of a 2D image of a phantom implant matching a desired access cavity path to a pulp chamber of a tooth anatomy, the phantom implant being non-tapered along its length and having a diameter no greater than 1.0 mm. The phantom implant is overlaid over a 2D or 3D image of the tooth anatomy and drilling of the access cavity path is monitored using a visual display that compares the drilled access cavity path to the desired access cavity path.