Root Canal Electrode Current Control by Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental treatment apparatuses using high-frequency currents for root canal treatment lack the ability to adjust the current value based on the electrode's position, potentially causing pain and tissue damage, and require anesthesia with a delay that reduces treatment efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dental treatment apparatus with a holder, power supply, root canal length measurement unit, and controller that adjusts the high-frequency current value based on the electrode's position within the root canal, ensuring optimal energization and minimizing tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-frequency current with same current value is applied to both hard tissue and soft tissue, then treatment effectiveness is maintained, but pain is caused in soft tissue where nerves exist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different current values based on the local characteristics of the tissue being treated. When the electrode is near the root apex where soft tissue with nerves exists, a lower current value is used to avoid pain. When treating hard tissue portions of the root canal, a higher current value is used for effective treatment. This local differentiation of current intensity resolves the contradiction between maintaining treatment effectiveness and avoiding pain in sensitive soft tissue areas.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If anesthesia is applied to reduce pain during energization, then patient comfort is improved, but treatment time increases by 10 to 15 minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of current intensity based on the electrode position rather than using anesthesia. By dynamically adjusting the current value according to whether the electrode is in hard tissue or near soft tissue with nerves, the system provides effective treatment without causing pain, thereby eliminating the need for anesthesia and reducing treatment time by 10-15 minutes.
3Reliability
If high-frequency current is applied near the root apex, then treatment of apical tissue is achieved, but tissue damage may occur due to excessive current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality control by detecting the electrode position relative to the root apex and applying appropriate current values. When the electrode is positioned near the root apex, a lower current value is used to prevent damage to the delicate apical tissue. When the electrode is in more robust portions of the root canal, a higher current value is applied for effective treatment. This position-dependent current adjustment prevents tissue damage while achieving treatment goals.
4Ease of operation
If fixed current value is used for energization, then device operation is simplified, but optimal treatment cannot be achieved at different electrode positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the system automatically detects the electrode position and adjusts the current value without requiring manual intervention from the operator. The root canal length measurement unit continuously monitors electrode position, and the controller automatically selects the appropriate current value based on this information. This automation maintains ease of operation while achieving optimal treatment at all electrode positions.
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 efficient and safe high-frequency treatment by optimizing the current value according to the electrode's position, reducing pain and tissue damage while maintaining treatment efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a root canal length measurement unit that electrically measures a position of a distal end of the electrode in the root canal
Implementation Method 2
a power supply that energizes the electrode with the high-frequency current
Implementation Method 3
energizes a root canal with a high-frequency current
Data Source
AI summary
A dental treatment apparatus includes a holder, a power supply, root canal length measurement circuitry, and control circuitry. The holder holds an electrode placed in a root canal. The power supply energizes file with a high-frequency current. The root canal length measurement circuitry electrically measures a position of a distal end of electrode in the root canal. The control circuitry causes, in accordance with information on the position of the distal end of the electrode measured by root canal length measurement circuitry, the power supply to control a current value of the high-frequency current which energizes the electrode.