Flexible Pin Bundle for Canal Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for coronal-radicular dental reconstitution often weaken or perforate tooth canal walls due to the need for mechanical enlargement to fit rigid posts, which compromises mechanical strength and anchoring, especially in irregularly shaped canals.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcement structure comprising a bundle of flexible, fiber-reinforced composite pins with varying diameters and lengths, assembled to adapt to complex canal morphologies, which are inserted without significant enlargement, allowing for secure anchoring and stress distribution without wall fragilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid posts are inserted into irregularly shaped canals, then anchoring strength is improved, but canal wall perforation and fragilization risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible post made of composite material that can bend and adapt to the irregular shape of the root canal. The post includes a flexible core with longitudinal fibers embedded in a polymerizable matrix, allowing it to conform to curved and non-circular canal geometries without requiring aggressive mechanical enlargement, thereby reducing the risk of canal wall perforation and fragilization while maintaining anchoring strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by changing the physical state of the post material from flexible (before polymerization) to rigid (after polymerization). The post is inserted in a flexible, malleable state to adapt to the canal shape, then polymerized in situ to achieve the required mechanical strength for anchoring, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility for adaptation and rigidity for strength.
2Ease of operation
If canal enlargement is performed to fit rigid posts, then post insertion is facilitated, but mechanical strength of the tooth structure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible post eliminates the need for aggressive canal enlargement by adapting to the existing canal geometry. The post can be inserted into minimally prepared canals without requiring extensive mechanical enlargement, thus preserving the mechanical strength of the remaining tooth structure while facilitating post insertion through the post's inherent flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the canal to fit a rigid post (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using a post that modifies itself to fit the canal. The flexible post conforms to the existing canal shape rather than requiring the canal to be shaped to accommodate a rigid post, thereby preserving tooth structure.
3Strength
If posts are made rigid for structural support, then mechanical strength is improved, but adaptability to irregular canal shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by utilizing the phase transition of the polymerizable matrix from a flexible, uncured state to a rigid, polymerized state. The post is inserted in the flexible state to adapt to irregular canal shapes, then cured in situ to achieve the rigid structural support needed for anchoring the coronal reconstitution, thus achieving both adaptability and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by using a composite material consisting of longitudinal fibers embedded in a polymerizable matrix. The fibers provide tensile strength and structural support, while the polymerizable matrix provides flexibility before curing and rigidity after curing, creating a material that combines both adaptability and structural strength.
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 flexible pin bundle reinforces both coronal and radicular parts continuously, enhancing mechanical strength and adhesion while minimizing the risk of perforation and stress concentration, allowing for precise adjustment and polymerization to form a rigid, self-supporting coronal-radicular reconstitution.
Implementation Method 1
The material is then polymerized as required by cross-linking means to change to a second polymerized state
Data Source
AI summary
A structured reinforcement for a coronal-radicular dental reconstitution comprising:a plurality of pins having diameters ranging from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm,an assembly part configured to group the plurality of pins so as to form a bundle of pins, said assembly part partially covering the length of the pins so that each pin presents a free end mobile in flexion with respect to the other pins of the bundle of pins.