Trichloroacetic Acid Dehydration for Root Canal Debridement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current endodontic debridement methods, such as those using sodium hypochlorite, are inefficient in accessing and dissolving dental pulp and debris within the root canal system, particularly in areas like fins, anastomoses, and accessory canals, and are slow in action.

Innovation Solution

A composition and kit utilizing trichloroacetic acid (TCA) for debridement, which dehydrates the pulp, allowing for quicker and more thorough access and dissolution by subsequent solutions like sodium hypochlorite, and includes a syringe device for precise delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sodium hypochlorite is used for debridement, then soft tissue digestion and disinfection are achieved, but the action is slow and viscosity limits access to fins and anastomoses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisinfection effectivenessVSAvoidaction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by combining sodium hypochlorite with other agents such as EDTA, alcohol, or organic solvents to create a multi-component irrigation solution that maintains disinfection effectiveness while improving penetration speed and access to complex canal structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite irrigation solutions combining multiple chemical agents (sodium hypochlorite + EDTA + alcohol/organic solvent) to achieve synergistic effects where each component contributes different properties: sodium hypochlorite for disinfection, EDTA for demineralization, and alcohol/organic solvents for enhanced penetration and drying

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If sodium hypochlorite is used for debridement, then soft tissue digestion is achieved, but viscosity limits ability to access fins, anastomoses, and accessory canals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue dissolution capabilityVSAvoidaccessibility to root canal structures
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the physical parameters of the irrigation solution by adding low-viscosity components like alcohol and organic solvents to reduce overall viscosity, enabling the solution to flow into and access fins, anastomoses, and accessory canals while maintaining tissue dissolution capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary substances (alcohol, organic solvents) that act as carriers or mediators to facilitate the delivery of sodium hypochlorite and EDTA into difficult-to-reach areas of the root canal system, improving distribution and contact with all tissue surfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If sodium hypochlorite is used for debridement, then soft tissue digestion is achieved, but it is unable to dissolve exogenous materials from prior treatments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoft tissue digestionVSAvoidability to dissolve different materials
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite irrigation solutions containing multiple specialized agents: sodium hypochlorite for soft tissue digestion, EDTA for demineralization and removal of inorganic materials, and alcohol/organic solvents for dissolving organic exogenous materials like gutta-percha and sealing cements, creating a versatile system that handles all types of root canal materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional irrigation system where a single combined solution or sequential protocol can perform multiple functions: disinfection, soft tissue dissolution, demineralization, and removal of various exogenous materials from prior treatments, making the system adaptable to different clinical scenarios and treatment histories

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If trichloroacetic acid is used for debridement, then quick and thorough dissolution of dental pulp is achieved, but safety concerns arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedebridement speedVSAvoidsafety concerns
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully controls the concentration parameter of trichloroacetic acid (using dilute solutions typically 10-50%) and limits the exposure time parameter to achieve effective pulp dissolution while minimizing harmful effects on surrounding healthy tissues and structures through precise parameter optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

5Reliability

If EDTA, chlorhexidine, and alcohol are used for debridement, then disinfection is achieved, but strength and ability to access all areas of the root canal are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisinfection capabilityVSAvoiddebridement effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines EDTA, chlorhexidine, and alcohol with sodium hypochlorite and other active agents in composite irrigation solutions, where each component contributes its specific strength: EDTA for demineralization, chlorhexidine for broad-spectrum disinfection, alcohol for drying and penetration, and sodium hypochlorite for rapid tissue dissolution, creating a synergistic system that achieves both thorough disinfection and effective debridement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 use of TCA composition results in improved access to microscopic root canal branches, reduced bleeding and pain, cleaner apexes, and superior healing outcomes during endodontic treatment.

Implementation Method 1

a method of dehydrating root canal pulp including the step of administering, to dental pulp within the mouth of a patient, a composition including trichloroacetic acid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDehydration: Desiccation

Data Source

PatentUS12186414B2Composition and method for endodontic debridement
Publication Date: 2025.01.07 PANNKUK TERRELL F
  • US12186414B2 patent drawing
  • US12186414B2 patent drawing
  • US12186414B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided herein are compositions and kits including trichloroacetic acid, and methods of using the same for debridement during endodontic treatment.