Subgingival Training Device with Elastic Blocking Part
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental cleaning technologies face challenges in effectively removing subgingival biofilm and calculus, particularly in areas below the gumline, due to narrow access and the need for precise tool movement, which requires specialized training for practitioners to minimize invasiveness and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A training device that simulates the subgingival treatment area with a treatment part and blocking part, using an elastic blocking part to mimic gum tissue and a ceramic coating to replicate calculus, allowing for realistic training of ultrasonic scaling and air polishing techniques without damaging the gum or teeth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If ultrasonic scaling devices with thin subgingival tips are used to remove calculus, then cleaning efficacy against hard calculus is improved, but the ability to reach the most difficult locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The training device is divided into distinct functional parts: a treatment part with multiple surfaces representing different anatomical locations, and a blocking part that creates restricted access pathways. This segmentation allows practitioners to train on specific difficult-to-reach areas while maintaining the ability to address various clinical scenarios through different tool approaches.
2Adaptability or versatility
If air polishing devices are used to remove subgingival dental plaque, then accessibility to difficult locations is improved, but cleaning efficacy against hard calculus deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The training device serves as an intermediary training medium that allows practitioners to develop skills with both ultrasonic and air polishing devices before clinical application. The device's surfaces are designed to simulate real subgingival conditions, enabling practitioners to learn proper technique and tool selection without risking patient safety.
3Manufacturing precision
If subgingival treatment procedures are performed to remove biofilm and calculus, then cleaning efficacy is improved, but invasiveness and discomfort to the patient worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The training device enables practitioners to perform preliminary training and skill development before actual patient treatment. By mastering tool handling, access techniques, and removal procedures on the training device, practitioners can minimize invasiveness and discomfort during real clinical procedures through proper technique and confidence.
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 training device provides a realistic simulation of subgingival treatment, enhancing the operator's precision and reducing the risk of damage, thereby improving the efficacy of subgingival cleaning procedures while minimizing discomfort for patients.
Implementation Method 1
the blocking part is made from an elastic material. In particular, the elastic material is chosen such that the blocking part models the elasticity of the tissue of the gum pocket
Implementation Method 2
a treatment part to model at least partially a region to be treated in the subgingival treatment
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A training device (1) to train a subgingival treatment of a tooth, comprising - a treatment part (11) to model at least partially a region to be treated in the subgingival treatment - a blocking part (12) to complicate an access to the treatment part (11), wherein the treatment part (11) and the blocking part (12) are arranged such that they model at least an entrance region (ER) of a gum pocket, wherein the entrance region (ER) needs to be passed by a tool for the subgingival treatment in the subgingival treatment or to train the subgingival treatment.