Flexible Nitinol Tooth Extraction Blade for Atraumatic PDL Severing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tooth extraction tools, such as dental forceps and elevators, cause pain and damage to adjacent teeth, alveolar bone, and surrounding tissues due to the application of brute force to rupture the periodontal ligament, particularly in cases of structurally compromised teeth.
Innovation Solution
A tooth extraction tool configured as a flexible knife with a Nitinol blade that cuts through the periodontal ligament, reducing the tooth's attachment force to the alveolar bone, allowing for a controlled and atraumatic extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional forceps and elevators are used to extract teeth by applying brute force, then the tooth can be removed from the socket, but the periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and surrounding tissues are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical system of forceps and elevators that rely on brute force with a surgical knife system that uses controlled cutting. The knife is inserted through the gingiva to sever the periodontal ligament and apical fibers, allowing the tooth to be removed with minimal force and without damaging surrounding tissues. This substitution of cutting mechanism for forceful extraction directly resolves the contradiction between extraction efficiency and tissue preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by first cutting and severing the periodontal ligament and apical fibers before removing the tooth. The surgical knife is used to divide the connective tissue attachments in advance, which weakens the tooth's retention to the alveolar bone. This preliminary cutting action reduces the force required for subsequent tooth removal and prevents damage to surrounding structures during extraction.
2Ease of operation
If high force is applied to break the periodontal ligament attachment, then the tooth can be extracted, but the tooth's structural integrity is compromised and adjacent teeth may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical force application system with a cutting system. Instead of applying high force to break the periodontal ligament, the surgical knife mechanically severs the connective tissue through cutting action. This allows the tooth to be extracted with minimal force while preserving the structural integrity of the tooth and surrounding bone, directly resolving the contradiction between extraction ease and strength preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using a precise, localized cutting action with the surgical knife at specific attachment points (periodontal ligament and apical fibers) rather than applying diffuse force. The knife targetedly severs only the connective tissue attachments while leaving the tooth structure and surrounding bone intact. This localized cutting approach maintains tooth structural integrity while facilitating easy extraction.
3Productivity
If conventional extraction tools are used, then teeth can be removed, but pain and discomfort are caused to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the painful brute force extraction system with a controlled cutting system. The surgical knife allows for precise severing of periodontal attachments with minimal tissue trauma and reduced pressure on the alveolar bone. This substitution of cutting for forceful extraction significantly reduces patient pain and discomfort during the extraction process while maintaining extraction productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary cutting action to sever the periodontal ligament and apical fibers before tooth removal. This preliminary action weakens the tooth's retention mechanisms in advance, allowing the actual extraction to proceed with minimal force and reduced tissue trauma. By performing the cutting action beforehand, the extraction process becomes less painful for the patient while maintaining efficient tooth removal.
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 tool significantly reduces the mechanical stress required for extraction, minimizing pain and trauma to surrounding tissues, and preserving the structural integrity of adjacent teeth and bone.
Implementation Method 1
The blade is made substantially thin and is made of Nitinol or similar alloys that exhibit elastic properties and are biocompatible, allowing the blade to bend.
Implementation Method 2
The blade's elastic property enables it to flex and comply with the PDL space between the gum, which is curved with multiple radii.
Data Source
AI summary
A tooth extraction tool to sever through a periodontal ligament for atraumatic extraction of a tooth in humans is provided. The tool includes an elongated handle with two ends. The tool further includes a blade attached to one end of the elongated handle. The blade flexes to adapt to the shape of the periodontal ligament when the blade is vertically moved between the alveolar bone and the tooth to be extracted along selected tooth surfaces. The vertical movement of the blade relays an axial force to sever the periodontal ligament.