UV-Fluorescent Tooth Marking for Accurate Extraction Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The misidentification of teeth during exodontia procedures due to differences in tooth numbering systems across dental specialties leads to wrong tooth extractions, which are common and difficult to prevent with current safety measures.
Innovation Solution
A tooth-marking composition comprising a dental bonding agent and melamine resin that glows under UV black light, allowing precise identification of teeth for extraction or treatment by illuminating the markings under UV light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tooth numbering systems and referral forms are used for tooth identification, then the process is simple and familiar to practitioners, but misidentification errors occur due to differences in numbering systems across dental specialties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a UV-reactive marking composition that changes appearance based on lighting conditions. The marking is invisible under normal lighting but fluoresces bright under UV light, creating a clear visual distinction that eliminates confusion from traditional numbering systems. This color/state change mechanism provides reliable tooth identification without adding complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV light acts as an intermediary tool that reveals the hidden marking. By introducing this intermediate element (UV light source), the system transforms an invisible chemical marking into a clearly visible signal, resolving the identification problem without requiring practitioners to memorize or switch between multiple numbering systems.
2Reliability
If visible markings are applied to teeth for identification, then tooth identification is clear and unambiguous, but the markings become noticeable during day-to-day activities and may cause patient concern
Solution Approach 1:
The marking composition leverages the dramatic color change between invisible (normal light) and fluorescent (UV light) states. This allows the tooth to be clearly identified during the medical procedure while remaining completely invisible during the patient's normal daily activities, eliminating any psychological burden or cosmetic concern for the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking's visibility is periodic rather than continuous - it appears only when illuminated by UV light during the brief medical procedure and disappears during all other times. This periodic visibility ensures reliable identification when needed while maintaining normal appearance during daily life, reducing patient anxiety and concern.
3Reliability
If current safety measures and checklists are implemented to prevent wrong tooth extraction, then standard protocols are followed, but wrong tooth extractions continue to occur as these measures are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The marking is applied to the tooth in advance during the referral visit, creating a permanent visual identifier before the extraction procedure. This preliminary action ensures that the correct tooth is identified during the actual procedure without requiring complex checklists or verification steps, simplifying the workflow while dramatically improving safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV-reactive marking provides an intuitive visual cue that transcends language and numbering system barriers. The bright fluorescent appearance under UV light creates an unambiguous visual target that is immediately recognizable, eliminating the need for complex verification protocols and making the safe identification process simple and straightforward.
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
Ensures accurate tooth identification by making the markings invisible under normal lighting but clearly visible under UV light, reducing the likelihood of wrong tooth extractions.
Implementation Method 1
a tooth-marking composition comprising: a dental bonding agent and a melamine resin
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of marking a tooth or teeth for identification purposes by adhering a product to the tooth that is visible to the practitioner under UV (black) light. This disclosure provides a dental bonding agent containing a resin and a component that allows the material to glow under UV black light. In order to prevent wrong-site tooth extraction, the referring dentist, for example, can apply the inventive product to a particular tooth to mark and identify the tooth to be treated by another practitioner. This mark is not visible under normal circumstances (under normal lighting conditions) and therefore would not be noticeable, but identifies the particular tooth by glowing under black light.