Segmented Viscosity Gutta-Percha Endodontic Obturator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current obturators for filling endodontically prepared root canals face challenges in effectively filling the root canal anatomy, with excess gutta-percha often ending up in the pulp chamber and inadequate filling of the canal space.
Innovation Solution
The obturator features an elongated carrier with a working portion coated with a combination of filler materials having multiple viscosities, arranged in at least three segments to enhance flow and filling capabilities apically and laterally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single viscosity gutta-percha is used on the obturator, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the filler material does not flow effectively to fill the root canal anatomy completely
Solution Approach 1:
The obturator is divided into multiple segments along its length, with each segment coated with filler material of different viscosity. The apical segment has lower viscosity for better flow into curved canals, while coronal segments have higher viscosity for structural support, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and filling completeness
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the obturator are assigned different filler material viscosities tailored to their specific functional requirements. The apical end uses lower viscosity material for flowability in curved canals, while the coronal end uses higher viscosity material for maintaining shape, achieving both effective filling and manufacturing feasibility
2Stability of the object's composition
If the filler material has high viscosity, then it maintains its shape well, but it does not flow apically and laterally to fill the canal anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The filler material is segmented into different viscosity zones along the obturator length. The apical segment uses low viscosity for flowability and filling efficiency, while the coronal segment uses high viscosity for shape maintenance, allowing both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously in different locations
Solution Approach 2:
The viscosity parameter of the filler material is changed along the length of the obturator. Lower viscosity is applied to the apical portion for better flow and filling efficiency, while higher viscosity is applied to the coronal portion for shape stability, resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements
3Reliability
If the gutta-percha is scraped off or stuck in the pulp chamber, then it is not filling in the canal space, but using a single viscosity material does not allow for controlled flow
Solution Approach 1:
The coating structure is segmented into multiple viscosity zones that work together to ensure reliable filling. The low viscosity apical segment prevents sticking in the pulp chamber, while the high viscosity coronal segment maintains structural integrity, achieving reliable filling without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different local regions of the obturator are coated with filler materials having different viscosities appropriate to their function. The apical region uses low viscosity to prevent sticking and ensure flow, while the coronal region uses high viscosity for structural support, improving filling reliability with manageable complexity
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 configuration allows for improved flow properties of the filler material, enabling more effective filling of the root canal anatomy, reducing excess material in the pulp chamber, and ensuring a more complete three-dimensional filling.
Implementation Method 1
The obturator is heated to a temperature at which the filler material is melted or plasticized
Implementation Method 2
the filler material has a low operating temperature at which it becomes plasticized or partially molten
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an obturator and methods of manufacturing an obturator for filling an endodontically prepared root canal. The obturator comprises an elongated carrier having a distal end, proximal end, and working portion with a combination of filler materials having multiple viscosities coated on the working portion.