Flexible Sheet Metal Probe for Broken Root Canal Fragment Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for removing broken tool fragments from root canals often result in unintended damage to the tooth structure due to lack of precision and control, leading to complications and potential bacterial repositories in voids created during the process.

Innovation Solution

A flexible sheet metal probe tool is used in conjunction with a vibratory or reciprocating dental handpiece to locate and remove broken fragments, minimizing damage by transferring oscillations through a loosely joined probe, which is less likely to cause gouging or perforation, and allowing for precise dislodging with abrasive coating for effective extraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If rigid mechanical devices or ultrasonic handpieces are used to remove broken fragments, then removal capability is improved, but damage to tooth structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval capabilityVSAvoiddamage to tooth structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible probe tool made of thin sheet material that can be inserted into the root canal to locate and engage broken fragments. The flexibility of the probe allows it to conform to the canal walls without causing gouging or perforation, while still providing sufficient mechanical engagement to enable fragment removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible probe acts as an intermediary between the rigid ultrasonic handpiece and the broken fragment. The probe is loosely joined to the handpiece, allowing the rigid device to provide vibratory energy while the flexible probe transmits this energy gently to the fragment, preventing direct transmission of damaging forces to the tooth structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If conventional rigid tools are used to extract broken files, then extraction force is improved, but risk of perforation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction forceVSAvoidrisk of perforation

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible probe tool provides sufficient mechanical strength to engage and extract broken files while its flexibility prevents it from acting as a lever that could perforate the canal wall. The probe bends rather than breaks or perforates when encountering resistance from the canal walls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The probe tool transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape during insertion and extraction. This dynamic flexibility allows the tool to navigate curved canals and engage fragments without applying excessive localized force that could cause perforation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If precise localization of fragments is required, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocalization precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible probe may incorporate visual indicators such as color changes or fluorescent markings that become visible under dental operating microscopes or other imaging systems. This allows precise localization of the fragment without requiring complex imaging or sensing devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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 probe tool reduces the risk of tissue and bone degeneration, allows for precise removal of fragments without extensive damage, and facilitates efficient extraction of broken files from root canals, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of endodontic therapy.

Implementation Method 1

A flexible sheet metal probe tool is used in conjunction with a vibratory or reciprocating dental handpiece to locate and remove broken fragments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

allowing for precise dislodging with abrasive coating for effective extraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentUS9579166B2Root canal probe tool and method of removing a broken instrument fragment from a root canal

Publication Date: 2017.02.28 LASNER JEFFREY I

AI summary

In endodontic therapy, a probe tool is disclosed which enables the removal of a broken file or instrument fragment wedged in a root canal of a tooth. A shank portion of the probe tool is made at least in part from flexible planar sheet material such as stainless spring steel. In a preferred method of use, a dental handpiece transfers oscillations or other cyclical rapid motions through the inventive probe tool to the root canal wall at the juncture with the embedded fragment. A portion of the shank end of the probe tool may be coated with abrasive material. The rapid motions or oscillations imparted to the flexible probe abrade the area where the fragment is wedged and yet minimize collateral damage to adjacent dentinal surfaces. Other types of dental handpieces can be used to transfer vibrational, reciprocating, hammering or circulatory motion to the probe tool when necessary to enhance the effectiveness of the abrading process. Another embodiment of the probe tool comprises a hook type barb to catch the loosened instrument fragment facilitating its removal from a root canal.