Solid Phosphonate Salts for Root Canal Smear Layer Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current dental treatments for root canals face challenges in efficiently removing the smear layer, as existing agents like EDTA and citric acid interact with oxidizing agents, reducing their effectiveness, and calcium hydroxide has a slow onset of disinfecting action and is difficult to remove.

Innovation Solution

A phosphonate salt, such as tetrasodium (1-hydroxyethane)-1,1'-di-phosphonate, in solid form is used, which can be dissolved in an aqueous solution or with an alkaline agent like sodium hypochlorite or calcium hydroxide, providing a user-friendly and effective decalcifying agent for smear layer removal and disinfection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If EDTA and citric acid are used to remove smear layer, then inorganic portion is removed, but organic smear layer remains intact and oxidizing agents are rendered ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmear layer removal effectivenessVSAvoidoxidizing agent effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces phosphonate salts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the need for smear layer removal and the preservation of oxidizing agent effectiveness. Phosphonate salts chelate calcium ions from the smear layer while having minimal interaction with oxidizing agents, thus removing the harmful interaction between chelating agents and oxidizing agents

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If NaOCl is used to dissolve organic smear layer, then organic components are removed, but strong interaction with chelating agents accelerates degradation of hypochlorite anion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorganic smear layer dissolution rateVSAvoidhypochlorite anion stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs phosphonate salts as a disposable alternative to traditional chelating agents like EDTA. Phosphonate salts provide the necessary calcium chelation function without the harmful side effect of accelerating hypochlorite degradation, effectively replacing a substance that causes problems with one that does not

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If calcium hydroxide is used as disinfectant, then antibacterial effect is achieved, but onset of disinfecting effect is slow and removal is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantibacterial effectVSAvoidonset of disinfecting effect
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the disinfecting system by introducing phosphonate salts that can chelate calcium while maintaining high solubility and fast action. This allows for faster onset of disinfecting effect compared to traditional calcium hydroxide while maintaining the necessary antibacterial properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter 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 phosphonate salt allows for quick and thorough removal of the smear layer, maintains the effectiveness of oxidizing agents, and provides a faster onset of disinfection, simplifying handling and storage, and facilitating the removal of calcium hydroxide slurry from the root canal.

Implementation Method 1

phosphonates are ideal substances for dentin debridement... the high calcium binding capacity of phosphonates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChelation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

NaOCl is a very efficient agent to dissolve the organic smear layer components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

phosphonates in combination with their reduced interaction with oxidizing agents that are used to dissolve organic dentin components are ideal features to quickly and thoroughly remove a smear layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon complexation: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3284456B1Solid phosphonate salts as an add-on in endodontics
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 SMARTODONT GMBH
  • EP3284456B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3284456B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3284456B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A phosphonate salt for use in a dental treatment, in particular in a root canal treatment, for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical preparation, in particular as decalcifying agent and a pharmaceutical preparation for use in the dental treatment comprising a phosphonate salt and/or a phosphonate salt and a hydroxide compound in solid form are provided. A method of producing a pharmaceutical preparation and a kit of parts (1, 1') for manufacturing a pharmaceutical preparation for use in the dental treatment are provided.