Motorized Dental Apex Locator with Optical Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental treatment systems using apex locators with acoustic signals cause stress for patients and distraction for dentists, leading to potential inaccuracies in locating the tooth apex during root canal treatments.
Innovation Solution
A dental treatment system that incorporates a motorized handheld device with an illuminating means to indicate the tooth apex through changes in illumination state, eliminating the need for acoustic signals and allowing the dentist to maintain focus on the operating field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If acoustic signals are used to indicate apex location, then the dentist can receive feedback about file position, but the patient experiences stress and the dentist is distracted from the operating field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic feedback system with an optical feedback system. The illuminating means (light source) is integrated into the motorized handheld device, and the optical output unit provides visual feedback through color-coded LED indicators that show the file's proximity to the apex. This substitution eliminates the harmful acoustic signals while maintaining the essential feedback function, allowing the dentist to monitor apex location without distracting sounds that stress the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of the illuminating means and optical output unit. Instead of directly using acoustic signals to convey file position information, the system uses light as an intermediary carrier of information. The optical signals provide the same feedback function as acoustic signals but without the harmful effects, mediating between the measurement unit and the dentist's perception.
2Loss of information
If the dentist monitors acoustic signals or display illumination, then apex location information is received, but the dentist must turn head away from the operating field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the feedback mechanism directly into the operating instrument. The illuminating means is integrated into the motorized handheld device's housing, and the optical output unit is positioned to be visible within the dentist's field of view during the procedure. This integration allows the dentist to receive apex location feedback without turning the head away from the operating field, combining the treatment and monitoring functions into a single unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the feedback from an external dimension (acoustic signals requiring head movement to monitor) to an integrated dimension (visual indicators within the field of view). By positioning the optical output unit to display information in the same spatial plane as the operating field, the system eliminates the need for head movement and allows simultaneous monitoring of both the procedure and the feedback signals.
3Measurement precision
If separate lip clip and endodontic file clip devices are used, then electrical impedance measurement can be established, but the device complexity increases and requires additional cables and connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the endodontic file clip functionality into the motorized handheld device itself. The second electrode is integrated into the rotating hub of the handheld device, eliminating the need for a separate endodontic file clip and its associated cables and connectors. This integration maintains the electrical impedance measurement capability while significantly reducing the number of separate components and connection points required in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized handheld device is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical rotation of the endodontic file, integrates the second electrode for electrical impedance measurement, and incorporates the illuminating means for optical feedback. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized devices for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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
Enables safer and more precise location of the tooth apex by allowing the dentist to monitor the illumination state without diverting attention from the procedure, reducing patient stress and improving treatment accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The tooth has an electrical impedance which can be measured with an electronical measurement device commonly known as an apex locator
Implementation Method 2
an illuminating means which is adapted to emit visible light and mounted into the housing at a location such that it can illuminate the distal end of the endodontic file
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a dental treatment system for locating the apex of a tooth of a patient, including: a lip clip having a first electrode attachable to the lip of the patient; a motorized handheld dental device having a housing which includes: a rotating hub; a second electrode connected to the rotating hub; and an illuminating means which is adapted to emit visible light and mounted into the housing; an electrical measurement unit which is connectable to both the lip clip and the motorized handheld dental device, and adapted to locate the apex of the tooth based on a measurement of the electrical impedance between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an optical output unit adapted to output a signal indicative of the located apex. The signal changes the illumination state of illuminating means in accordance with the distance of the endodontic file to the apex.