Gingival Ovate Pontic for Socket Preservation and Tissue Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively reestablish a biologic seal after tooth extraction, leading to aesthetic and anatomical challenges in maintaining the soft and hard tissue architecture, and existing devices are prone to infection and plaque accumulation due to inadequate sealing.
Innovation Solution
A gingival ovate pontic device with a curved apical end and concave coronal end is used to conform to the tooth extraction site, forming a seal with the surrounding tissue and maintaining the shape of the extraction socket, which can be part of a fixed dental prosthesis or used independently to preserve the tissue architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional extraction socket management is used, then the extraction socket is left open, but tissue collapse and loss of aesthetic architecture occur
Solution Approach 1:
The pontic device is placed in the extraction socket immediately after tooth extraction, before tissue collapse can occur. This preliminary action maintains the socket architecture and prevents the harmful effect of tissue collapse and aesthetic degradation that would otherwise occur in the open socket.
Solution Approach 2:
The pontic device acts as an intermediary structure between the extraction socket and the surrounding gingival tissue. It mediates the interaction by providing a form-giving element that prevents direct contact between the open socket and oral environment, thereby preventing tissue collapse while allowing controlled tissue interaction for seal formation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pontic device forms a tight seal with gingival tissue, then bacterial invasion is prevented, but plaque accumulation may occur on the device surface
Solution Approach 1:
The pontic device exhibits different surface qualities at different locations: the apical end has a convex shape that conforms to the socket and prevents bacterial invasion, while the coronal end has a smooth contour that minimizes plaque accumulation. This local differentiation of surface properties allows the device to simultaneously prevent harmful factors at different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pontic device features a convex apical end that curves to conform to the extraction socket geometry, creating a smooth seal against the gingival tissue. This curved surface prevents bacterial invasion by eliminating crevices where bacteria could accumulate, while the overall smooth contours minimize plaque retention.
3Shape
If the pontic device maintains precise anatomical form, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pontic device is segmented into distinct functional zones: a convex apical end for socket conformity and seal formation, and a smooth coronal end for aesthetic appearance and plaque resistance. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through modular design principles.
Solution Approach 2:
The pontic device is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it maintains anatomical form for aesthetics, prevents tissue collapse, forms a bacterial seal, and resists plaque accumulation. This multi-functionality is achieved through a relatively simple convex-concave geometry that can be manufactured using standard dental laboratory techniques, avoiding excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A pontic device for preserving soft tissue in a tooth-extraction site includes a generally curved apical end. The apical end has a first perimeter and is configured to rest in a tooth extraction socket and substantially conform to soft tissue of a tooth-extraction site immediately after a tooth has been extracted. The pontic device further includes an opposing, generally concave coronal end. The coronal end has a second perimeter that is configured to substantially correspond to and form a seal with gingival tissue surrounding the tooth-extraction site. The coronal end is configured to receive a tooth-shaped coronal pontic portion to form a final restoration.