Optical 3D Guide Template for Root Canal Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current root canal treatments face challenges in accurately locating and accessing multiple, curved root canals in molar teeth due to reliance on dentist experience and inadequate imaging, often leading to incorrect paths and treatment failure.
Innovation Solution
A method using optical three-dimensional measurement data to generate a 3D model of a guide template that precisely identifies the position and orientation of root canals, allowing for the planning of guide openings that correspond to the entry points and directions of the canals, enabling accurate and efficient treatment without unnecessary removal of tooth material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional panoramic radiographs or single tooth scans are used to locate root canals, then the imaging process is simple and quick, but the number and course of root canals cannot be clearly determined, leading to incorrect paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional panoramic radiographs to three-dimensional optical scanning and volume rendering, adding a spatial dimension to the imaging process. This enables clear visualization of multiple curved root canals in molar teeth, resolving the limitation of 2D imaging where canal number and course cannot be clearly determined.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical X-ray imaging with optical three-dimensional scanning methods. This substitution provides higher measurement precision for root canal location while avoiding the limitations of panoramic radiographs, achieving both improved accuracy and reduced complexity through non-invasive optical measurement.
2Manufacturing precision
If a guide template with pre-planned guide openings is used, then the tool can be precisely positioned at the root canal entry point and direction, but additional planning and manufacturing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating a guide template with pre-calculated guide openings before the actual root canal treatment. The template is planned based on 3D volume data, and the guide openings are pre-positioned to point exactly at the entry points and directions of the root canals. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for real-time calculation during treatment, achieving high precision while simplifying the actual treatment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide template serves as an intermediary device between the treatment planning software and the physical treatment. It transfers the digitally planned root canal paths into the physical domain, providing precise mechanical guidance for tool insertion. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by decoupling the complex planning phase from the execution phase, allowing high precision positioning without requiring complex real-time control during treatment.
3Manufacturing precision
If the cavity surface is measured with optical three-dimensional method to create a customized guide template, then the guide template fits precisely as a counterpart to the cavity, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating a digital 3D model of the cavity surface through optical scanning, then generating the guide template design as a virtual counterpart in the digital space. This digital copying allows precise fitting to be achieved through software algorithms before physical manufacturing, separating the complex precision requirement from the physical manufacturing process. The template is manufactured based on the digital model, achieving high precision while using standard manufacturing techniques.
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
This approach allows for precise and efficient root canal treatment by providing a guide template that accurately positions the tool for entry into the root canal, reducing errors and preserving surrounding tooth tissue, and facilitates the calculation of filling volumes to prevent overfilling.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a surface of the cavity with an optical three-dimensional method so as to generate three-dimensional measurement data of the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for planning a root canal treatment of a tooth which includes a cavity of a patient. The method includes measuring a surface of the cavity with an optical three-dimensional method to generate three-dimensional measurement data of the cavity. A 3D-model of a guide template is planned based on the generated three-dimensional measurement data. The 3-D model is designed in its dimensions as a counterpart to the cavity. Three-dimensional volume data of the tooth is displayed. A position and an orientation of a root canal of the tooth is determined based on the three-dimensional volume data of the tooth. A guide opening for a tool is planned to expose the root canal. The guide opening is arranged within the guide template so that the guide opening points at an entry point of the root canal and in an entry direction of the root canal.