Thermoplastic Dental Granulate with Zinc for Suture-Free Wound Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing periodontal plastic surgery techniques face complications such as excess blood loss, pain, and discomfort due to the use of autologous grafts and dressing materials that require additional surgical time and risk material loss, leading to postoperative pain and bleeding.
Innovation Solution
A granulate composed of a thermoplastic polymer composition with poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) and a second polymer, such as styrene-based thermoplastics or polyolefin copolymers, containing zinc ions or salts, which forms a moldable paste at 58°C, allowing for personalized dental devices that shield wounds without sutures and promote healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If autologous grafts and dressing materials are used in periodontal plastic surgery, then wound coverage is achieved, but surgical time increases and material loss risk occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the polymer material from solid granulate to moldable paste by heating to melting temperature, enabling direct application and shaping without sutures. This parameter change (temperature) transforms the material properties to eliminate time-consuming surgical securing steps while maintaining reliable wound coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite material system combining thermoplastic polymer (PCL), zinc ions/salts for antimicrobial activity, and optional second polymers for enhanced properties. This composite approach provides both wound coverage and additional therapeutic functions (hemostatic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory) in a single material, reducing the need for multiple separate materials and procedures.
2Reliability
If sutures are used to secure dressing materials, then material stability is improved, but additional surgical time and complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoplastic polymer material performs self-securing through its own thermal properties. When heated to melting temperature, it becomes moldable and can be shaped to fit the wound site, then cools and solidifies to adhere to itself and the wound bed, eliminating the need for external sutures or securing mechanisms. The material serves its own fixation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical suture system with a thermal phase-change system. Instead of using needles and threads to mechanically secure the material, the material's own phase transition from solid to molten and back to solid provides the securing mechanism, simplifying the surgical procedure.
3Reliability
If collagen and platelet-rich fibrin are used as dressing materials, then wound coverage is provided, but material loss occurs due to suture loosening and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoplastic polymer's phase change from solid to molten state and back provides inherent material stability. When cooled after application, the material solidifies and maintains its shape and position without relying on sutures that can loosen. This parameter change (temperature-induced phase transition) prevents material loss from friction and movement.
4Reliability
If retainers are used for palatal covering, then wound protection is achieved, but patient comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The moldable paste can be shaped into a thin, flexible conforming layer that adapts to the patient's anatomy. Unlike rigid retainers, this material forms a thin film that moves with the patient's tissues during chewing and speaking, providing wound protection while maintaining patient comfort and functionality.
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 granulate reduces postoperative complications by providing effective wound coverage, minimizing pain and bleeding, and accelerating healing through antimicrobial and hemostatic properties, while maintaining functionality during chewing and swallowing.
Implementation Method 1
the granulate forms a moldable paste at a temperature of at least 58° C.
Implementation Method 2
the zinc ions present promote wound healing, reducing postoperative complications
Implementation Method 3
Heating a dose of granulate to a temperature between 58 and 80° C. at which the granulate becomes a moldable paste
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a granulate for manufacturing a personalized dental device, wherein the individual granulate of the granulate has a maximum particle size of 5 mm, wherein the granulate consist of a thermoplastic polymer composition, wherein the granulate forms a moldable paste at a temperature of at least 58° C. the polymer composition comprising at least 60% poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) and at least a second polymer selected from styrene-based thermoplastics or polyolefin copolymers, and wherein the polymer composition comprises zinc ions and/or zinc salts at a concentration between 0.05% and 10%.