Restricted-Flexibility Periodontal Probe for Curved Implant Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional periodontal probes are rigid and unsuitable for peri-implant probing due to the mismatch between the straight probe and the curved emergence profile of dental implants, making it difficult to determine the depth of gingival pockets accurately.
Innovation Solution
A periodontal probe with a flexible distal end that is at least 30% more flexible in the bending direction than in the non-bending direction, featuring an asymmetric cross-sectional shape or material, allowing for precise and pain-free probing of dental implants with curved emergence profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid periodontal probe is used, then the probe maintains structural stability, but it cannot adapt to the curved emergence profile of dental implants
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into distinct segments: a rigid proximal portion for structural stability and a flexible distal portion for adapting to curved surfaces. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific functional requirement independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure with varying flexibility along its length. The distal end is designed to be flexible to adapt to curved emergence profiles, while the proximal end remains rigid for stability during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible probe tip is used, then the probe can adapt to curved surfaces, but it lacks the force needed for stable probing
Solution Approach 1:
The probe structure is segmented into a rigid proximal portion that provides probing force and a flexible distal portion that adapts to curved surfaces. This allows the probe to maintain sufficient strength while achieving the necessary flexibility for implant probing.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the probe have different mechanical properties: the proximal end is rigid to provide structural support and probing force, while the distal end is flexible to conform to curved emergence profiles. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between strength and flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If a straight probe is used, then the probe structure is simple, but it is incompatible with curved implant emergence profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates a dynamic flexible section in the distal end that allows the probe to naturally conform to curved emergence profiles during operation, improving ease of use without requiring complex articulated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end of the probe utilizes a flexible structure that can bend and adapt to curved surfaces, enabling compatibility with implant emergence profiles while maintaining relatively simple overall device architecture.
4Measurement precision
If excessive force is applied during probing, then the probe can penetrate deep pockets, but it causes tissue damage and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The probe tip is designed with localized flexibility in the distal portion, allowing it to gently conform to tissue contours and penetrate deep pockets without requiring excessive force, thereby reducing tissue damage and patient discomfort while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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
Enables reliable and pain-free peri-implant probing by adapting to the implant's curved profile, ensuring accurate depth measurements without causing tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
a flexibility of the flexible distal end is at least 30% larger, preferably at least 50% larger, more preferably at least 100% larger, and even more preferably at least 200% larger in a bending direction of the probe tip than in a non-bending direction of the probe tip
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a periodontal probe configured for safe, precise, and reliable peri-implant probing. A periodontal probe disclosed herein comprises a handle, and a probe tip comprising a proximal end connected to the handle and a flexible distal end for probing an interface between a dental implant and a gingival tissue / peri-implant mucosa surrounding the dental implant. The flexible distal end is configured such that a flexibility of the flexible distal end is at least 30% larger, preferably at least 50% larger, more preferably at least 100% larger, and even more preferably at least 200% larger in a bending direction of the probe tip than in a non-bending direction of the probe tip.