Fluid Jet Assembly for Dental Treatment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dental and endodontic procedures are often painful and do not effectively remove all diseased material from teeth, leading to post-procedure complications such as infection.
Innovation Solution
A dental treatment system that includes a fluid jet assembly and a high-pressure fluid supply line to generate a jet of fluid for treating teeth, along with a connector that removably couples to an interface member for fluid or electrical communication with a console.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical instruments such as drills and files are used to clean unhealthy material from teeth, then the diseased material can be removed, but the procedures are painful and do not remove all diseased material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical instruments (drills, files) with a fluid jet system that uses high-velocity fluid streams to remove diseased material. The fluid jet assembly generates a focused jet that mechanically removes carious tissue and organic material without the vibration, pressure, and discomfort associated with traditional mechanical drilling and filing, while achieving more complete removal of diseased material from tooth structures and root canals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using a high-pressure fluid supply line to deliver a focused jet of fluid through the fluid jet assembly. The high-velocity fluid stream utilizes hydraulic energy to erode and remove diseased material from tooth surfaces and root canals, providing effective cleaning without mechanical contact that causes patient discomfort.
2Manufacturing precision
If endodontic files are inserted into root canal to remove organic material, then some organic material can be removed, but not all organic material is removed which leads to post-procedure complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical endodontic files with a fluid jet system specifically designed for root canal treatment. The fluid jet assembly delivers a focused high-velocity stream that can penetrate and flush organic material from complex root canal geometries, including lateral canals and isthmuses that are difficult to reach with traditional files, achieving more complete removal and reducing post-procedure infection risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in fluid parameters (pressure, velocity, flow rate) to optimize the removal of organic material from root canals. By controlling the high-pressure fluid supply and adjusting jet parameters, the system can adapt to different root canal configurations and thoroughly clean areas that mechanical files cannot adequately access, thereby improving reliability and reducing complications.
3Productivity
If motion of endodontic file or positive pressure is applied, then organic material can be moved, but material may be forced through apical opening into periapical tissues causing trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by using fluid flow from the apical end of the root canal toward the coronal end, rather than pushing material apically with files and positive pressure. The fluid jet assembly can be positioned at the apical opening and flush material coronally, preventing extrusion into periapical tissues while maintaining efficient removal of organic debris.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a fluid stream as an intermediary medium to transport organic material from the root canal without direct mechanical contact or high positive pressure that could force material through the apical opening. The fluid acts as a carrier that gently flushes debris out through controlled pathways, preventing tissue trauma while maintaining effective cleaning.
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 system effectively removes unhealthy material from teeth with minimal discomfort, reducing the risk of post-procedure complications by ensuring thorough removal of diseased tissue and minimizing trauma to soft tissues.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid jet assembly coupled to the housing and configured to generate a jet of fluid. The apparatus can include a high pressure fluid supply line disposed in the housing and in fluid communication with the fluid jet assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A dental treatment system can include a console, a tooth coupler, and an interface member that provides at least one of fluidic, electrical, mechanical, and data communication between the tooth coupler and the console. The tooth coupler (which may comprise a handpiece or a treatment cap) can act as a working end of the system to administer a suitable treatment procedure, such as a cleaning procedure, an obturation procedure, a restoration procedure, etc. The tooth coupler can removably engage the interface member such that the clinician can easily engage and disengage the tooth coupler and interface member.