Root Canal Disinfection via Controlled Electrical Energy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current root canal sterilization methods are ineffective in ensuring complete removal of bacteria, often require repeated treatments, and can cause discomfort due to uneven power distribution and risk of current overload, while also posing challenges in avoiding healthy tissue at the apex of the tooth.

Innovation Solution

A device with a pair of electrodes that can be extended into the root canal to deliver controlled electrical energy, with a controller that adjusts energy levels based on tooth cavity resistance and includes an apex detection unit to prevent damage to healthy tissue, ensuring precise and controlled disinfection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high power (500 Watts) is used to ensure sterilization effectiveness, then sterilization capability is improved, but risk of current overload and tissue damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidcurrent overload and tissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts power delivery based on real-time impedance measurements and detection signals from the apical area, transitioning from fixed high power to adaptive power control that responds to actual canal conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through detection units that monitor the apical area and provide real-time information to adjust power delivery, ensuring sterilization effectiveness while preventing tissue damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If electrode is placed close to apical area to improve sterilization coverage, then sterilization uniformity is improved, but risk of damaging healthy tissue increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization uniformityVSAvoiddamage to healthy tissue at apex

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of the apical area before delivering sterilization power, using detection units to identify the precise location and establish safety margins in advance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different power levels to different regions of the root canal, with reduced power near the apical area where healthy tissue is located, creating a gradient that ensures sterilization effectiveness while protecting sensitive areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If cleaning fluid is used to disinfect root canal, then disinfection capability is improved, but treatment time increases and multiple visits are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfection capabilityVSAvoidtreatment duration and number of visits

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces chemical cleaning fluids with electrical energy delivery through electrodes, using electromagnetic fields and thermal effects to achieve disinfection without requiring prolonged fluid contact time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses pulsed or cyclic electrical energy delivery patterns that intensify disinfection during active phases while allowing tissue recovery during intermission periods, achieving effective sterilization in shorter overall treatment time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Ease of operation

If high frequency (300-KHz) is used to create current path through patient's flesh, then current path establishment is improved, but power consumption increases and sterilization effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent path establishmentVSAvoidpower consumption and sterilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes frequency and power parameters based on real-time measurements of the specific patient's anatomy and canal characteristics, adjusting parameters to minimize energy waste in path establishment and maximize sterilization efficiency

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 device provides targeted and controlled electrical energy to the root canal, effectively killing bacteria without damaging surrounding tissues, ensuring thorough disinfection and reducing the need for repeated treatments.

Implementation Method 1

pass a current between the two, closing the circuit via the human body. The electromagnetic field and in some case the temperature kills bacteria

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

The electromagnetic field and in some case the temperature kills bacteria

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field effect: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11090486B2Root canal treatment

Publication Date: 2021.08.17 MDT MICRO DIAMOND TECH LTD

AI summary

A device for disinfecting and/or sterilization of a dental cavity includes: an electrode pair that extends into the cavity to provide current along a portion of the cavity; and a controller that sends controlled electrical energy to the cavity via current flowing between the electrodes when located in the cavity, thereby to provide electrical energy for disinfection and/or sterilization.