Dental Implant Centering Device with Pivotable Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inserting dental implants are inefficient due to the need for pre-operative CT scans or CBCT, costly template creation, and inaccuracies in reproducing anatomical morphology, especially for single or small numbers of implants, leading to reliance on dentist skill for inclination guidance.
Innovation Solution
A centering device with pivotable arms and an elastic element that automatically adjusts to maintain the correct drilling axis, allowing for precise guidance and self-centering on the maxillary or mandibular bone, independent of anatomical morphology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a template is created based on CT scan or CBCT to guide implant insertion, then the insertion position can be planned in advance, but the process requires expensive imaging equipment, has relevant execution costs, and requires a waiting period for template creation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of the template (guiding implant insertion) and separates it from the complex CT scan/CBCT imaging process. The centering device provides guidance based on simple anatomical landmarks visible to the naked eye, eliminating the need for expensive imaging equipment and complex template fabrication while maintaining insertion accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The centering device is a simple, inexpensive, disposable tool that can be directly used in the surgical procedure without requiring expensive imaging equipment or complex template fabrication. It provides the necessary guidance function at minimal cost and can be discarded after single use
2Measurement precision
If a template is created to define holes for drills, then the insertion position can be predetermined, but the template structure does not exactly reproduce the morphology of anatomical parts due to inaccuracies in transferring information from CT scan or CBCT images
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating a physical template that copies anatomical morphology from images (which introduces inaccuracies), the invention uses a centering device that directly positions itself on anatomical landmarks visible during surgery. This eliminates the intermediate step of transferring information from images to a template, preserving anatomical accuracy without the losses inherent in image-based copying
3Ease of manufacture
If no guide is manufactured for single or two implants, then the procedure is simpler and more cost-effective, but the implant placement inclination is left to the dentist's sensitivity and skills without precise guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The centering device is self-positioning and self-centering, requiring no complex manufacturing or pre-operative planning. The dentist simply places the device on the anatomical landmark, and it automatically centers itself to provide precise inclination guidance. This maintains procedural simplicity while delivering accurate implant placement without relying solely on the dentist's skill
4Measurement precision
If the arms are kept in closed position during device movement, then the anatomical morphology reproduction would be more accurate, but the device cannot be properly positioned on the operating surface
Solution Approach 1:
The arms are designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing the device to adapt its configuration during positioning. The elastic element enables the arms to move between open and closed positions as needed, with the closed position being achieved automatically when the device is properly positioned on the anatomical landmark, thus resolving the contradiction between positioning ease and morphology reproduction accuracy
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 device enables precise and cost-effective insertion of dental implants by providing accurate guidance and maintaining the correct drilling direction, reducing reliance on expensive templates and improving accuracy for single or multiple implants.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element adapted to push the arms towards said closed position
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a centering and guiding device (1) for a dental drill which comprises a body (10) including a guiding hole (15) for a dental drill and two arms (20, 30) pivotally coupled to the body (10). Each arm includes a respective free end (22, 32). Said arms (20,30) are capable of pivoting between a first open position, in which said respective free ends (22, 32) are mutually spaced apart to promote the movement of the device (1) from and towards an operating surface, and a second closed position, in which the free ends (22, 32) are approached to each other to match an operating surface. The device according to the invention also comprises an elastic element (40) to push the arms (20, 30) towards the closed position. According to the invention, each of said arms (20, 30) comprises a cylindrical end (27, 37), opposite to the corresponding free end (22, 32), accommodated in a corresponding seat (10A) defined by the body (10). Moreover, the cylindrical ends (27, 37) of said arms (20, 30) comprise respective toothed sectors (25, 35) mutually meshing each other to guide the rotation of said arms (20, 30) between said closed and open positions.