Conical Endodontic Bur Design for Precise Canal Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endodontic burs are ineffective in safely and accurately accessing the pulp chamber and root canal system due to their large head size, flexibility, and tendency to gouge or damage the tooth structure, leading to potential fracturing and poor surface finish.
Innovation Solution
A self-centering endodontic bur with a long, thin shank and a conically tapered bur head featuring cutting blades on its outer surface, allowing for precise cutting and minimization of healthy tooth structure destruction, while enabling direct microscope vision for better visualization and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional large round shaped burs are used for endodontic access, then the access cavity can be prepared, but the bur causes aggressive removal of dentin and potential damage to the cervical area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the bur from conventional large round shapes to slender conical configurations with controlled head sizes (0.021-0.059 inches) and specific angle ranges (30-60 degrees), transforming the cutting action from aggressive removal to controlled access while preserving dentin structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different properties to different parts of the bur: the head portion has cutting blades for localized precise cutting, while the shaft provides flexibility and visibility. This local differentiation allows efficient cutting at the tip while maintaining control and minimizing overall tooth structure removal
2Power
If round shaped burs with large head size are used, then cutting ability is sufficient, but centering problems and bur runoff occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from symmetric round bur heads to asymmetric conical configurations with specific angle variations (30-60 degrees), enabling better directional control and self-centering capability while maintaining effective cutting through the conical geometry's inherent steering properties
3Length of moving object
If conventional burs are used for deep access, then the pulp chamber can be reached, but the access opening becomes wider internally making the tooth prone to fracturing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the access preparation into controlled incremental steps using multiple burs with progressively larger diameters (0.021 to 0.059 inches), allowing deep access to be achieved through sequential removal of small amounts of dentin rather than aggressive single-step removal, thereby preserving tooth strength
4Productivity
If round bur heads are used, then cutting function is provided, but a rough finish is left making anatomical mapping difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable carbide-tipped bur heads that can be replaced when dull, ensuring consistently smooth finishes throughout the procedure. The precise conical geometry and carbide cutting edges produce polished surfaces that facilitate anatomical mapping without the need for additional surface finishing steps
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 bur provides safer and less invasive access to the pulp chamber, reduces bur runoff and gouging, and leaves a polished surface for improved visualization of root canals, enhancing the preservation of healthy dentin and reducing the risk of tooth fracturing.
Implementation Method 1
Cutting blades are located on the outer surface of the bur head and designed to efficiently cut in vertical and lateral directions
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5~6B
AI summary
A conical dental bur for endodontic procedures, including exploration, deep troughing, enlargement of orifices, and canal navigation is presented. The bur of the present invention has a narrow, conical bur head with cutting members along its length. The head of the bur of the present invention is mounted to a shank that tapers to the bur head, allowing microscopic observations of endodontic procedures. The bur may be manufactured of tungsten carbide, diamond, ceramics, or other materials. Burs according to the present invention of various shapes and sizes, suited for particular procedures, may be packaged together in kits. Methods of using the burs in endodontic procedures are also disclosed.