Intra-Oral Dental Tool Tracking for Precise Subgingival 3D Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dental procedures for preparing teeth for restorations involve invasive and painful separation of gingiva and require accurate 3-D modeling of tooth surfaces, which current technologies struggle to achieve with precision and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for tracking the intra-oral position of dental tools using magnetic and optical sensors, allowing precise measurement of tooth surfaces during drilling and grinding, including subgingival areas without invasive procedures, and integrating this data with 3-D modeling for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional dental impression methods are used to measure tooth crowns, then the measurement process can be completed, but the procedure becomes invasive and painful requiring gingiva separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical impression taking methods with a magnetic field-based tracking system. Magnetic sensors detect the position of a dental tool equipped with magnetic markers, eliminating the need for mechanical separation of gingiva and invasive impression materials. This substitution of mechanical measurement with magnetic field detection resolves the contradiction by enabling non-invasive measurement.
2Manufacturing precision
If current digital impression technologies are used, then 3-D modeling can be performed, but precision and efficiency in capturing tooth surfaces remain insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback through magnetic tracking of the dental tool position during tooth preparation. The system continuously monitors the spatial coordinates of the tool relative to the tooth surface and provides immediate feedback for adjusting the preparation path. This feedback mechanism enables precise 3-D modeling by accurately capturing the evolving tooth geometry during the preparation process, resolving the contradiction between precision and efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If magnetic sensors are positioned far from the dental tool for safety, then patient comfort is maintained, but tracking accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the dynamic characteristics of magnetic fields by detecting changes in field strength and direction as the dental tool moves. By monitoring temporal variations in magnetic field parameters rather than relying solely on static field strength, the system achieves high tracking accuracy even when sensors are positioned at a safe distance from the patient's mouth. This parameter-based approach resolves the contradiction between maintaining patient comfort and achieving precise tracking.
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 non-invasive, precise tracking of dental tool positions within the oral cavity, reducing inaccuracies and time, and enhancing the accuracy of dental restorations by integrating real-time data into 3-D models for improved fit and durability of prosthetics.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor configured to sense a relative position of the magnet portion
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Methods and systems for tracking a dental tool within an oral cavity for taking and/or updating of a dental impression are described. In some embodiments, a marker, optionally a magnetic marker, is coupled to position movements of a rotatable dental tool. In some embodiments, detected movements of the marker are used, optionally in combination with other tracking data, to map contours which a portion of the rotatable dental tool follows during interaction with a dental surface. Optionally, the interaction occurs during grinding, drilling, and/or other procedures; which may be preparatory, for example, to the manufacture and/or fitting of a dental prosthetic.