Automated In-Situ Dental Preparation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current clinical treatment for mounting fixed dental prostheses typically requires multiple sessions, involving extensive enamel removal and temporary prosthesis fabrication, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A system for automated in-situ preparation of a preparation stub based on a computational geometrical model, using digital imaging, three-dimensional data digitization, and computer-aided manufacturing to form a precise fit for a prefabricated custom dental prosthesis, with feedback-controlled ablation tools for precise tissue removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual tooth preparation and multiple treatment sessions are used, then the dentist can visually assess and adjust the preparation, but the treatment time is extended and clinical efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tooth preparation with an automated robotic system that uses digital imaging and computer-controlled ablation tools. The system captures 3D images of the tooth, processes them through software to create a preparation plan, and executes the preparation automatically, eliminating the need for multiple visual assessment sessions while maintaining precision through digital measurement and control.
2Ease of manufacture
If extensive enamel removal is performed during the first treatment session, then the preparation stub can accommodate the prosthesis, but more dental tissue is lost and the process becomes more invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary digital planning and simulation before actual tooth preparation. The software calculates the optimal preparation geometry and simulates the fitting process virtually, allowing the dentist to approve the plan before any enamel is removed. This preliminary digital action ensures that the minimal necessary enamel is removed while still achieving the required preparation stub geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from 3D imaging during the preparation process to monitor and adjust the ablation depth and geometry. The digital model is continuously compared with the actual preparation progress, allowing precise control over enamel removal and ensuring that the preparation stub matches the digital plan exactly, minimizing unnecessary tissue loss.
3Productivity
If temporary prosthesis fabrication is performed at the clinic using rapid polymeric hardening, then immediate temporary restoration is achieved, but additional materials and processing time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temporary prosthesis fabrication step from the clinical workflow by using digital design and automated manufacturing. Instead of fabricating temporary prostheses at the clinic using complex rapid polymeric hardening equipment, the system designs the temporary prosthesis digitally and can manufacture it externally using simpler, more controlled processes, reducing both equipment complexity and clinical time requirements.
4Reliability
If multiple treatment sessions are scheduled for prosthesis mounting, then each step can be carefully executed and verified, but patient convenience is reduced and overall treatment duration is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuity of the treatment process by performing digital imaging, preparation planning, and prosthesis design in an integrated digital workflow that connects all steps without interruption. The 3D images captured during preparation are directly used to generate the prosthesis design and manufacturing files, eliminating the need for separate impression taking, model casting, and manual design steps that would require additional sessions and extend treatment duration.
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
This approach significantly reduces the number of treatment sessions and enhances precision, allowing for the efficient and accurate formation of a preparation stub for custom dental prostheses, improving clinical efficiency and patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a digital imaging facility, configured to generate a digitized three-dimensional imprint model of at least one subject tooth of a patient
Implementation Method 2
an ablation tool configured to controllably remove dental tissue from the subject tooth, so as to form the preparation stub
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method of automated formation of a preparation stub, based on an a priori created computational geometrical model, configured to conform to a prefabricated fixed dental prosthesis, is described. The system includes a digital imaging facility with an image acquiring device and a three-dimensional data digitizer, a modeling facility with an exterior surface design module and an interior surface design module, a fabrication facility operatively with a computer-aided manufacturing module, as well as an application facility including an ablation tool and in-situ preparation module; application facility preferably includes an intra-oral feedbacking appliance with a distance measurement probe for automated feedback-controlled formation of a preparation stub.