The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to an apparatus and method for determining the distance of a probe from the apex of a root during a root canal procedure.
In root canal therapy, the interior of a root is removed with a dental probe, such as a reamer or file, prior to filling the root with replacement material. If all the root material not completely removed from the root prior to filling with replacement material, leftover root material can retard healing and even act as a focus for infection. On the other hand, if the probe is entered too deeply in the root canal, the probe penetrates the jaw tissue and causes swelling and unnecessary trauma to the patient.
It is therefore important to determine the exact location of the root canal apex in order to determine how far to clean the root canal. Several apparatuses and methods are known in the art for locating an apex of a root canal.
Some of the devices of the prior art are stand-alone devices which are used for apex location only. The apex locator is used for determining the location of the root canal apex and a file or handpiece is then used in order to remove the root material down to the apex.
International Patent Publication WO 2008/155751 to MedicN.R.G., for example, discloses an apex locator comprising a probe and an electrode for touching a soft tissue in the mouth. A voltage is applied to the probe upon which a signal responsive to the position of the probe and the voltage is received. Two response waveforms are then generated from the signal and the distance of the probe from the apex is estimated utilizing both waveforms.
Other prior art devices include a file or handpiece with an integral apex locator.
A “handpiece” is a term commonly used in the art and refers to a hand held dental instrument used to hold rotary instruments such as files or reamers. A handpiece includes a body portion including a motor and a head. The head is attached to the body portion at one end and has a holder for the rotary instruments at the other end. A handpiece may be connected by a cable to a power source or include a power source in the handpiece itself.
US Publication No. 2008/0241783 to Yamashita et al. for example discloses a handpiece with an integral apex locator which enables on-line measurement of the apex during treatment.
Additional background art includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,968,229 to Siemons A., U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,875 to Reifman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,759,159 to Masreliez C. J., U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,105 to Uejuma et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,833 to Chihiro et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,556 to Kobayashi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,315 to Nakayama et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,248 to Kusakabe et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,929,476 to Katsuda et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,557 to Messick.
An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to an apex locator which is adapted to fit on existing handpiece.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided an apex locator for measuring a root canal apex, comprising:
a first connection adapted for removably electrically connecting the apex locator to a file or reamer held by a motorized handpiece; and
a second connection connected to a lip hook.
According to some embodiments, the apex locator is also removably mechanically mounted on the handpiece. According to some embodiments, the apex locator is connected to the file or reamer by a cable.
According to some embodiments, the apex locator is electrically connected to the file or reamer by an adaptor mounted on the handpiece. According to some embodiments, the adaptor is configured for mounting on handpieces of different diameters. According to some embodiments, the adaptor is mounted on the handpiece and the apex locator is mounted on the adaptor. According to some embodiments, the adaptor and apex locator are an integral unit.
According to some embodiments, the adaptor is configured for electrically connecting to the file or reamer by an electrical connection between a head and motor of the handpiece. According to some embodiments, the adaptor is configured for electrically connecting to the file or reamer by connecting to an external surface of a head of the handpiece.
According to some embodiments, the apex locator further includes an outlet for removably connecting the apex locator to a non-motorized probe.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided, an adaptor adapted to removably electrically connect an apex locator to a motorized handpiece, the adaptor comprising:
an apex locator connector portion for electrical connection to the apex locator;
a handpiece connector portion adapted for removably electrically connecting to the motorized handpiece; and
an electrically conductive portion connecting the apex locator connector portion and the handpiece connector portion.
According to some embodiments, the apex locator connector portion is adapted for removably mechanically mounting the apex locator to the adaptor.
According to some embodiments, the adaptor is adapted for mechanically mounting on an existing handpiece. According to some embodiments, the adaptor is adapted for mechanically mounting on handpieces of different diameters.
According to some embodiments, the handpiece includes a body portion containing a motor and a file or reamer head portion removably attachable to the body portion, and wherein the handpiece connector portion is adapted to be inserted in a space between the head and body portions.
According to some embodiments, the handpiece connector portion is adapted to be electrically connected to an external surface of a head of the handpiece.
According to some embodiments, the adaptor is adapted to be mechanically mounted onto handpieces of different lengths.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a method of retrofitting an existing handpiece, the method comprising:
removably electrically connecting a first outlet of an apex locator to a file or reamer held by a motorized handpiece; and
connecting a second outlet of the apex locator to a lip hook.
According to some embodiments, removably electrically connecting further comprises:
electrically connecting the apex locator to an adaptor; and
electrically connecting the adaptor to the file or reamer held by the handpiece.
According to some embodiments, electrically connecting the adaptor to the file or reamer held by the handpiece comprises electrically connecting the adaptor between a head and motor of the handpiece.
According to some embodiments, the method further comprises mechanically mounting the adaptor on the handpiece. According to some embodiments, mechanically mounting the adaptor to the handpiece comprises fitting the adaptor to the diameter of the handpiece. According to some embodiments, mechanically mounting the adaptor to the handpiece comprises fitting the adaptor to the length of the handpiece.
According to some embodiments, the method further comprises mechanically mounting the apex locator on the adaptor.
According to some embodiments, electrically connecting the apex locator to an adaptor is performed by mechanically mounting the apex locator on the adaptor.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided, a method of measuring and treating a root canal, the method comprising:
removably electrically connecting an apex locator on a motorized handpiece for root canal treatment; and
measuring the root apex by the apex locator during treatment by the handpiece.
According to some embodiments, measuring comprises:
electrically connecting the apex locator to a file or reamer; and
processing, by the apex locator, signals received from the file or reamer.
According to some embodiments, the method further comprises:
electrically connecting the apex locator to a non-motorized probe; and
processing, by the apex locator, signals received from the probe.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.
Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.
In the drawings:
The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to an apparatus and method for determining the distance of a probe from the apex of a root during a root canal procedure. The distance of a probe from the apex is preferably determined during periods between when the file or reamer held by the handpiece is rotating, for example during periods when the handpiece is drilling.
An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to an apex locator adapted to be electrically connected to existing handpieces holding files or reamers for cleaning out root canals. Optionally, the apex locator is also mechanically mounted onto the handpiece.
In order to distinguish between mechanical and electrical connection, in the description that follows the verb “connect” will be used to refer to electrical connection and the verb “mount” will be used to refer to mechanical connection.
An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to an apex locator which is adapted for root canal measurement without being permanently or integrally connected to a handpiece or file or reamer. The term “integral” as used herein refers to having a common housing.
An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to an apex locator which is adapted to be removably electrically connected to a file, reamer or handpiece. The term “removably connected” or “removably mounted” as used herein refers to a connection which can be easily separated and connected again, for example a connection that can be separated without unscrewing any screws or the like. In some embodiment, “removably” refers to a connection that can be separated using one hand or by performing a single action.
The inventors of the present application have discovered that for almost existing handpieces holding files or reamers the space between the head of the handpiece and the motor of the handpiece can be accessed (for example by removing the head) allowing an electrical connection with the reamer or file tip. Thus, it is possible to electrically connect an adapter to which the apex locator is also electrically connected at this point, such that the file or reamer acts as a probe for the apex locator.
In addition, in most handpieces the head is made from a conductive material. Thus, for some embodiments, it is possible to allow an electrical connection to the file or reamer by electrically connecting to the conductive material of the head.
In some embodiments of the invention the removable apex locator can be used either when it is connected to the handpiece via the adaptor, or, as a stand alone unit, for example, when it is removed from the handpiece.
According to some embodiments of the invention, there is provided an adaptor which is adapted to provide removable electrical connection between an apex locator and a handpiece. The apex locator is electrically connected on one side of the adaptor and a handpiece is electrically connected to another side of the adaptor. The adaptor, according to some embodiments, provides electric connection between the file held by the handpiece and the apex locator. Root apex is measured using signals received from the file, through the adaptor, to the apex locator.
In some embodiments, the adaptor is removably electrically connected to the apex locator and handpiece such that the apex locator and the handpiece can be connected and detached from each other as desired.
In some embodiments, the adaptor is also removably mechanically mounted onto the handpiece. Optionally, the apex locator is removably mechanically mounted onto the adaptor. Alternatively, the adaptor is an integral part of the apex locator and is removed from the handpiece together with the apex locator.
In some embodiments, the adaptor is electrically connected to the handpiece between the head of the handpiece and the motor of the handpiece. In other embodiments, the adaptor is electrically connected to the external surface of the head of the handpiece. Preferably, electrical connection of the apex locator through the adaptor to the handpiece does not have any effect on the normal operation of the handpiece.
An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to an apex locator which is used both for initial root canal measurement and for root canal measurement during treatment.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the apex locator is further adapted for measuring a root canal by being connected to a non-motorized probe, without being connected to an adaptor or handpiece as described above.
An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to a method of root canal therapy wherein the apex locator is used for initial measurement by being connected to a non-motorized probe and the apex locator is further used for root canal measurement during treatment by being connected to a handpiece via an adaptor as for example described above.
An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to a method of retrofitting an existing handpiece. According to some embodiments of the invention, an existing handpiece is retrofitted by providing apex locating capabilities to the handpiece. In some embodiments, an apex locator is electrically connected to the handpiece, optionally by use of an adaptor as described above. Optionally, the apex locator is removably mounted onto the handpiece.
Measurement of the root apex with the apex locator may be performed (whether attached to or detached from the handpiece) according to any method known in the art, for example according to the methods described in WO 2008/155751 or U.S. Pat. No. 7,326,053, both assigned to MedicN.R.G. Ltd. or any other method of apex locating.
Before explaining several embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.
Reference is now made to
Apex locator 100 is further connected to a lip hook 130 by a connector 170 and a cable 150. It is noted that any other connection of apex locator 100 to lip hook 130 known in the art may be used. Lip hook 130 is electrically connected to the lip of the patient (or gum or other tissue around the mouth) when probe 125 is inserted into the root canal for closing an electric circuit. In some embodiments, cable 150 is separable by a safety connector 195. Safety connector 195 is adapted to disconnect when pulling the apex locator as a safety measurement in case the operator forgets to remove lip hook 130 from the patient's gum or lip when moving the apex locator to another location.
In operation, apex locator 100 sends an input electric signal through probe holder 110 to probe 125 and processes the returned signals for measuring the distance of the probe from the root canal apex. The signals received in response to the pulse are preferably digitized and processed, for example, as shown in WO 2008/155751 or U.S. Pat. No. 7,326,053, both assigned to MedicN.R.G. Ltd or according to any other method known in the art.
Apex locator 100 preferably includes a display for indicating the distance of the probe from the apex of the root to the operator. This display may include LEDs 105 which light up to indicate the distance or any other visual display of distance. Alternatively or additionally, the apex locator is adapted to generate sound and/or vibrations indicating the distance of the probe from the apex.
Handpiece 225 includes a body portion or motor 220 and a head 280, holding a file or reamer 290. As shown in
Adaptor 210 is adapted to be electrically connected to handpiece 225, preferably at motor connector 270. Motor connector 270 is preferably made from a conductive material and serves to provide electrical connection between head 280 and motor 220. In some embodiments, adaptor 225 includes a conductive handpiece connector 260 which is preferably shaped to fit in between motor 220 and head 280 and be in connection with motor connector 270 of handpiece 225. Handpiece connector 260 is shown horse-shoe shaped in
In some embodiments of the invention, adaptor 210 electrically connects to other places of handpiece 225, for example by directly connecting to head 280 or file 290.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In other embodiments of the invention, adaptor 410 may be mechanically mounted on handpiece 425 near to head 480 so that no elongate element 450 is required.
The embodiment shown in
Referring back to
In some embodiments, handpiece connector 260 is connected with a strip 293 to an apex locator connector 295. Apex locator 100 is adapted to be electrically connected to connector 295, connecting its electric circuit with connector 295. Handpiece connector 260, strip 293 and apex locator connector 295 are preferably made from a conductive material, such as metal, in order to allow electric connection between apex locator 100 and handpiece 225.
Adaptor 210 further optionally includes an upper surface 230 for holding apex locator 100 in place during treatment and measurement. Upper surface 230 preferably only covers or encases strip 293, allowing apex locator connector 295 to connect to a mating connection on apex locator 100 and motor connector 260 to connect to handpiece 225.
Adaptor 210 is preferably also removably mechanically mounted onto handpiece 225. In some embodiments, adaptor 210 further includes a strap 240 for fastening around handpiece 225 and stabilizing the mechanical mounting of adaptor 210 to handpiece 225. Strap 240 may have a fixed shaped adapted to fit on standard handpieces or be designed to adapt its shape to the handpiece it is attached to. For example, strap 240 may be made from an elastic material which is adapted to stretch according to the diameter of the handpiece it is attached to. In some embodiments, strap 240 may be closed by a belt or Velcro according to the desired diameter. In some embodiments, a mechanical adaptor may be used to assure a solid fit of apex locator 200 onto handpiece 225. Any removable mounting means known in the art may be used to mount adaptor 210 onto handpiece 225.
Upper surface 230 and strap 240 are preferably made from a non-conductive material in order to prevent electrification of the operator.
Apex locator 100 operates as described with respect to
As described above, in some embodiments, apex locator 100 may generate sounds or vibrations for indication of the distance between the file and the apex. In some embodiments, the operator may mute the sound or vibrations during treatment by tilting the apex locator (and optionally handpiece on which it is mounted), for example by 180°. The sound may be turned on by tilting the apex locator again.
In some embodiments, apex locator 100 also includes a battery 276 and is not required to be connected to an external power source.
Apex locator 300 is shown connected to adaptor 320 by a cable 320 having a connector 365. Adaptor 310 is shown mounted on handpiece 325. Cable 320 is optionally connected to a conductive strip 345 of adaptor 310 having a handpiece connector 360 for connecting to handpiece 325. Similar to handpiece connector 260 shown and described with respect to
Adaptor 310 further optionally includes a non-conductive upper surface 330 for holding cable 320 and a strap 340 for grasping around handpiece 325. Upper surface 330 and strap 340 are similar to upper surface 230 and strap 240 described with respect to
Apex locator 300 is further preferably connected to a lip hook 335 by a connector 375 and a cable 350. Lip hook 335 is electrically connected to the lip of the patient, or gum or other tissue around the mouth, when file 390 is inserted into the root canal for closing an electric circuit. In some embodiments, cable 350 is separable by a safety connector 395. Safety connector 395 is adapted to disconnect when pulling the apex locator or handpiece as a safety measurement in case the operator forgets to remove lip hook 335 from the patient's gum or lip.
Apex locator 300 optionally includes a display for indicating the distance of the probe from the apex to the operator. This display may include LEDs 305 which light up to indicate the distance or any other visual display of distance. Alternatively or additionally, apex locator 300 is adapted to generate sound or vibrations indicating the distance of the probe from the apex.
It is noted that apex locator 300 shown in
In some existing handpieces, the file of the handpiece is not electrically connected to an easily accessible portion of the handpiece. In some embodiments of the invention, a brush or sheet spring is used for electrically connecting the file to the handpiece. An exemplary brush 510, according to some embodiments of the invention, is shown in
It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant apex locators, apex locating methods and handpieces will be developed and the scope of the invention is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.
As used herein the term “about” refers to ±10%
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”.
The term “consisting of means “including and limited to”.
The term “consisting essentially of” means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.
As used herein, the singular form “a”, an and the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.
Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.
This application claims from the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61/202,327 filed on Feb. 19, 2009. The contents of the above documents are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/IL2010/000144 | 2/18/2010 | WO | 00 | 8/16/2011 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61202327 | Feb 2009 | US |