The application is directed generally to the field of treatment systems used to disrupt bacteria from surgically implanted devices, and more specifically to supporting and configuring electrodes used in systems for treating infected metal dental implants.
Metal implants are used in patients with many different injuries or medical problems. For example, various orthopedic devices such as knee, hip or shoulder joint replacements can be surgically implanted. Similarly, metal implants may be used for any individual that needs to replace a tooth in a dental procedure. Dental implants are commonly used to completely replace a tooth. More specifically, dental implants are made up of three (3) components; namely, a metallic post that is osseointegrated to the jaw bone of the patient, an abutment extending from the metallic post, and a prosthetic tooth (a dental crown), in which the latter can be made from an electrically non-conductive material, which is disposed over the abutment.
One potential problem with metal implants in general is that they tend to allow for the growth of bacteria on the surface. This may increase the patient’s risk for an infection. This issue is especially prevalent in the mouth due to a large bacterial presence. As bacteria colonize upon foreign surfaces such as metal, biofilms are formed. Biofilms are protective extracellular matrix materials that encapsulate bacterial colonies onto a surface and protect them. Biofilms can be 500-5000 times more resistant to antibiotics than common planktonic bacteria because the antibiotics cannot penetrate the biofilm. Statistically, a significant percentage (greater than 14 percent) of dental implants acquire periimplantitis, or bacterial infection of the implant that can cause complications with implant loosening, gum and bone loss.
To decrease the risk of infection, electrodes can provide electrical stimulation to disrupt the growth of bacteria. It has been shown in scientific literature that the application of a suitable cathodic current to metal samples create chemical reactions at the surface of the implant that can disrupt and kill bacterial biofilms that exist on the metal.
For electrochemical processes to occur, there must be an anode and a cathode within an electrolyte solution. The anode is a metallic surface where oxidative reactions occur, and the cathode is another metallic surface where reduction reactions occur. A reduction reaction is essentially when the material of interest gains electrons and thereby decreases the oxidation state of the molecules. The electrolyte that the electrodes each reside in provides the electrical connection by facilitating the flow of electrons shuttled by ion carriers such as sodium or potassium ions. Electrons are driven from the anode to the cathode through the electrical path via a potentiostat. A potentiostat is an instrument used to drive current from a counter electrode to a working electrode in order to keep the voltage on the working electrode at a constant value compared to a stable reference electrode. A treatment technique based on cathodic voltage controlled electrical stimulation (CVCES) is described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,616,142, herein incorporated in its entirety by reference. In this treatment technique, the anode represents the counter electrode and the cathode represents the working electrode. Using a potentiostat, a user can dictate which electrochemical process is occurring on the working electrode and at what rate it occurs simply by adjusting the applied voltage parameters with respect to a separate reference electrode. The cathodic reactions occurring at the working electrode produce hydroxide ions, resulting in an alkaline pH at on the implant surface while also producing different reactive oxidative chemical species that are bactericidal for existing biofilms.
In a research setting, the above treatment technique has been shown as a way to fight bacterial biofilm infections on metallic implants in the most minimally invasive way possible. In this setting, the patient’s bodies can act as an electrochemical cell by using the metal implant as the cathode and the counter electrode as the anode. The treatment system uses the electrochemical properties of the two electrodes in a DC circuit to chemically kill the biofilm, which means the electrodes must be submersed or contacting an electrolyte that transports the electrical energy through chemical reactions to the other electrode. Human bone and soft tissue provide this electrolyte media for conduction, and thus the complete surface area of the dental implant embedded in the bone receives treatment. Full surface treatment optimizes effectiveness against biofilm infections.
For dental implants in particular, an electrical connection to the implant can be difficult due to the non-conductive crown or crown coating that sits on top of the metal post and abutment, and above the gum line. Various approaches to electrically connect to the metal post for treatment include removing the crown or using a needle to pierce through the gum. Each of these approaches are impractical and inconvenient, as well as uncomfortable for the patient. Moreover, the design of any dental apparatus or medical device must highly consider patient safety and comfort. The treatment device must be both efficient and non-toxic relative to the patient.
As described above, it has been demonstrated that applying cathodic voltages to a metallic material kills any form of bacterial biofilm that exists on the metal. When applying this therapy to an infected dental implant, it is preferable to keep the prosthetic crown attached, as opposed to alternative attachment mechanisms that need to connect to the implant abutment directly with no crown. The disclosed apparatus provides means of contact to exposed portions of the abutment, or specialized electrical contact points provide on a specialized crown, such as that described in U.S. Pat. Application No. 16/884,664, herein incorporated by reference or other variants. The apparatus and related method of the present invention also involves novel features that optimize the cathodic voltage system for patient safety in the oral cavity.
The disclosed invention presents a novel apparatus to both make electrical contact with an exposed dental abutment or a specialized crown with exposed metal, as well as novel embodiments of the application of the counter electrode (anode) and the reference electrode within the mouth. Optimal application of the implant (working electrode) connector, the counter electrode, and the reference electrode allows for efficient and concise connection to an external voltage source. This system and related method allows the physician to treat the fully bone-embedded implant surface, while still maintaining patient safety parameters and its minimally invasive profile.
The present invention relates to the use of voltage controlled electrical treatment to metallic surfaces as a method to prevent and eradicate microbial colonization on the surface, such as in the case of periimplantitis, common to dental implants. This invention is implemented when a DC electrical current is applied to a metallic implant. The system requires at least two (2) electrodes, but can also utilize three (3) or more electrodes. Specifically and in the case of three (3) electrodes, a counter electrode, a working electrode, and a reference electrode are provided in which the counter electrode delivers the current to the working electrode in order to maintain a steady DC potential with respect to the stable reference electrode. In the case of a dental implant, the metallic surface of the implant post and abutment act as the working electrode.
Novel mechanisms are disclosed to reliably attach electrodes to the dental implant and the tissue within the mouth to enable the chemical reaction for biofilm treatment to proceed safely and effectively. The herein disclosed apparatus provides a novel way of incorporating all elements necessary to provide an effective cathodic voltage electrical stimulation to a dental implant while maintaining patient safety and optimizing the treatment of the biofilm infection. These elements include the various electrodes of the treatment system, as well as physical applicator apparatus as described herein.
Therefore and according to one aspect, there is provided an apparatus for use with a treatment system that disrupts bacteria from a metallic dental implant, the treatment system comprising a device capable of producing a stimulation voltage, a counter electrode, and a working electrode each coupled to the device capable of producing the stimulation voltage. The apparatus comprises a connective body configured for connection to the device capable of producing a stimulation voltage and having at least one feature configured for attachment to the mouth of a patient, the body including at least one metal contact configured for electrical contact with an exposed metal area of the metallic dental implant as the working electrode.
The connective body according to at least one embodiment can comprise a mouth guard, which is shaped and configured to fit over the teeth and gums of a patient. In at least one version, the at least one metal contact is integrated into a wall of the mouth guard. In another version, the at least one metal contact can be releasably attached to a wall of the mouth guard.
The mouth guard can include a grounding plate imbedded in the wall of the mouth guard, wherein the at least one metal contact is formed on a clip member that is releasably attachable to the mouth guard. According to at least one version, the apparatus can comprise two or more clip members that can be releasably disposed on the mouth guard.
In an embodiment, the at least one metal contact of the mouth guard is biased into contact with an exposed metal area of at least one dental implant when attached to the mouth of a patient. The biasing can occur in a number of ways. For example and according to one version, the at least one metal contact can comprise a section of a conductive sponge or steel wool. According to another version, the at least one metal contact comprises a spring section of steel or other conductive material.
According to at least one other version, the connective body comprises at least one clip member configured for direct attachment to at least one tooth of a patient. The at least one clip member can include a torsional spring configured to bias the at least metal contact into contact with an exposed metal area of at least one dental implant when attached. The at least one clip member can further comprise a soft pad opposite the at least one metal contact configured for contacting the tooth of a patient when attached.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is described an apparatus for use with a treatment system that disrupts bacteria from a metallic dental implant, the treatment system comprising a device capable of producing a stimulation voltage, a counter electrode, and a working electrode each coupled to the device capable of producing the stimulation voltage, the working electrode comprising the metallic dental implant, the apparatus comprising the counter electrode including a connective body adapted for attachment to the gum line of the patient.
According to at least one version, the connective body comprises a flexible member configured to wrap about the teeth and gums of at least a portion of the mouth of a patient, the flexible member comprising a conductive anodic layer.
According to another version, the apparatus comprises a conductive member disposed within a container external to the mouth of the patient, the container containing a conductive fluid that is fluidically connected to an applicator disposed within the mouth of the patient. The conductive fluid is preferably neutral to basic in pH, wherein the container is configured to deliver conductive fluid to the connective body. In at least one version, the connective body supports at least one cotton roll that is saturated by the conductive fluid wherein the conductive fluid is transferred using a hollow tube disposed between the container and at least one cotton roll.
According to yet another aspect, there is provided a treatment system to disrupt bacteria from a metallic dental implant comprising a device capable of producing a cathodic stimulation voltage, a working electrode that comprises the metallic dental implant and a counter electrode. Each of the counter electrode and working electrode are connected via a circuit to the device capable of producing a stimulation voltage. The counter electrode comprises a container retaining a conductive fluid and an electrically conductive member, the container being connected to the device capable of producing the stimulation voltage. The system further comprises a connective body fluidically coupled to the container and the gum interface of a patient in relation to the metallic dental implant, the connective body being configured to receive conductive fluid and current created by the device capable of producing the stimulation voltage.
According to another aspect, there is provided an apparatus for use with a treatment system that disrupts bacteria from a metallic dental implant, the treatment system comprising a device capable of producing a stimulation voltage, a counter electrode, and a working electrode each coupled to the device capable of producing the stimulation voltage, the apparatus comprising a mouth guard configured for attachment to the mouth of a patient and having at least one metal contact configured for electrical contact with an exposed metal area of the metallic dental implant as the working electrode.
According to yet another aspect, there is provided an apparatus for use with a treatment system that disrupts bacteria from a metallic dental implant, the treatment system comprising a device capable of producing a stimulation voltage, a counter electrode, and a working electrode each coupled to the device capable of producing the stimulation voltage, the apparatus comprising at least one clip member configured for attachment to at least one tooth of a patient.
According to yet another aspect, there is provided a treatment system for disrupting bacteria from a metallic dental implant, the system comprising a device capable of providing a cathodic stimulation voltage, a working electrode capable of making electrical contact with at least one metallic dental implant; and a counter electrode electrically coupled with the gum line of a patient in proximity to the at least one metallic dental implant, each of the working and counter electrode being coupled in a circuit.
In at least one embodiment, the treatment system further comprises a reference electrode coupled to the circuit, the reference electrode being configured for monitoring treatment of the at least metallic dental implant.
According to at least one embodiment, the working electrode further comprises a connective body configured for attachment to the mouth of a patient, the connective body including at least one metal contact for engaging an exposed metal area of the at least one metallic dental implant. In at least one version, the connective body comprises a mouth guard shaped and configured to fit over the teeth and gums of a patient in which the at least one metal contact is integrated into a wall of the mouth guard or alternatively the least one metal contact is releasably attachable to a wall of the mouth guard.
A grounding plate is imbedded in the wall of the mouth guard wherein the at least one metal contact can be formed on a clip member that is releasably attachable to the mouth guard. According to at least one version, two or more clip members are configured to be releasably disposed on the mouth guard.
In at least one embodiment, the connective body comprises at least one clip member configured for attachment to at least one tooth of a patient. Means are provided for biasing the at least one metal contact into contact with the exposed metal area of at least one dental implant when the connective body is attached to the mouth of a patient. In one version, the at least one metal contact can comprise a section of conductive sponge or steel wool. In another version, the at least one metal contact can comprise a spring section made from conductive material.
In at least one version, the clip member can comprise a torsional spring configured to bias the at least metal contact into contact with an exposed metal area of at least one dental implant when attached. The at least one clip member can further comprise a soft pad opposite the at least one metal contact configured for contacting the tooth of a patient when attached.
The metallic dental implant comprises a crown disposed over a post, wherein the crown includes a metallic core having an exposed end in electrical contact with a metallic post fused to the jaw of the patient.
According to another embodiment, the connective body can comprise a flexible member configured to wrap about the teeth and gums of at least a portion of the mouth of a patient, the flexible member comprising a conductive anodic layer. The flexible member can further comprise a conductive mesh layer disposed between the conductive anodic layer and an exterior adhesive layer. In addition, a hydrogel layer having a buffered agent is disposed between the conductive anodic layer and exterior adhesive layer.
According to another embodiment, the counter electrode comprises at least one conductive member disposed within a container external to the mouth of the patient, the container containing a conductive fluid that is fluidically connected to the connective body disposed within the mouth of the patient. In some versions, the conductive fluid is neutral to basic in pH.
The container is configured to deliver conductive fluid to the connective body in which conductive fluid can be delivered to the connective body by at least one hollow tube and wherein the connective body includes at least cotton roll configured to receive conductive fluid from the container.
An advantage is that the herein described apparatus provides alternative means for dentists to treat infections that statistically affect roughly 14% of all people who receive a dental implant in a manner that is very minimally invasive.
The novel embodiments of the herein described dental implant treatment system that include abutment and crown contact mechanisms, as well as novel counter electrode embodiments give the physician optimal ability to apply a cathodic voltage system that can effectively disrupt and eliminate biofilm from a dental implant without removing the crown. A distinct differentiator from alternative dental treatment techniques is that this system promotes conduction over the entire bone-embedded surface of the dental implant, not just within the abscess pocket. This is key, especially in regard to dental implant posts. The posts are manufactured to have a very rough, coarse microsurface to promote osseointegration. One issue this surface can create is that bacteria are able to “hide” within the crevices of the microstructure, even when bone matrix are apparently grown into the surface. The approach and design of this novel system allows for thorough treatment of all microstructures in the metal, even with bone present, to eliminate all bacteria from those location. It has been found in scientific literature that at optimizes treatment parameters, matrix embedded bone cells that are local to the reaction are not affected to a high degree.
These and other technical features and advantages will be readily apparent from the following Detailed Description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The present disclosure provides several novel embodiments of apparatus used in conjunction with treatment systems in order to disrupt and remove biofilms from a metallic dental implant. The treatment systems discussed utilize electrochemical stimulation therapy through an established electrical connection to the metallic dental implant and application of a suitable cathodic voltage. Connection is described in the following embodiments to a specific form of dental implant that enables treatment without requiring removal of the crown portion. It will be readily apparent, however, that this implant is an example and the herein described apparatus can be adapted for use with other types of dental implants. The novel apparatus designs that are discussed improve the overall ease and efficiency of treating metallic dental implants with suitable cathodic stimulation voltages.
As a matter of background and when a patient has a tooth that needs to be removed, the standard procedure is to replace that tooth with a dental implant. The dental implant typically is made up of three (3) main components that include a metallic post that is osseointegated to the jaw bone of a patient and a prosthetic tooth (crown) that is placed over an abutment of the metallic post. The tooth and roots are extracted and the bone is reamed to properly fit the metal post. A healing abutment is placed until the site is sufficiently healed. The healing abutment is then removed, and another metal abutment is screwed onto the post. The prosthetic crown can then be adjoined to the abutment. The crown typically has a hollowed core that allows the abutment to be press fit inside. It is also common to have an abutment that screws into the crown itself. The screw hole is typically at the top of the tooth and then is filled once the complete implant is in place. In many cases of this implantation, especially if there is an infection present that causes recession of tissue, the metal abutment is visibly exposed at the base. This situation provides a means of directly contacting with the abutment via a working electrode connection in order to provide cathodic stimulation for treatment of the infection and to disrupt biofilm layers.
The herein described system and method relies upon the introduction of an electrical current to an electrochemical cell. As a matter of background and for electrochemical (redox) processes to occur, there must be an anode and a cathode within an electrolyte solution. The anode is a metallic surface where oxidative reactions occur, and the cathode is another metallic surface where reduction reactions occur. A reduction reaction occurs when the material of interest gains electrons and thereby decreases the oxidation state of the molecules. The electrolyte that the electrodes each reside in provides the electrical connection by facilitating the flow of electrons shuttled by ion carriers, such as electrolytic sodium or potassium ions. Electrons are driven from the anode to the cathode through the electrical path via a potentiostat or similar device. More specifically, a potentiostat is an instrument used to drive current from a counter electrode to a working electrode in order to keep the voltage on the working electrode at a constant value compared to a stable reference electrode. One such procedure used for the treatment of biofilms on a metallic implant is described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,616,142, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
According to this treatment procedure, the anode represents the counter electrode and the cathode represents the working electrode. Using a potentiostat, a user can dictate which electrochemical process is occurring on the working electrode and at what rate the process occurs simply by adjusting the applied voltage parameters with respect to a separate reference electrode. The cathodic reactions occurring at the working electrode produce hydroxide ions, resulting in an alkaline pH at on the implant surface, while also producing different reactive oxidative chemical species that are bactericidal for existing biofilms.
In a research setting, the above-noted technique has been shown as a way to fight bacterial biofilm infections on metallic implants in the most minimally invasive way possible. In this setting, the patient’s body can act as an electrochemical cell by using the metal implant as the cathode and the counter electrode as the anode. It has been shown that the above techniques can be used for the treatment of various orthopedic implants, including metallic dental implants.
Referring to
More specifically and according to this specific embodiment, the metallic core 230 extends upwardly, as shown more specifically in
The overall shape and configuration of the metallic core 230 can be suitably varied provided that the dental crown 220 can adequately and structurally function primarily as a prosthetic tooth. For example and in lieu of extending transversely as shown, the proximal end of the metallic core 230 can extend vertically through the hollow cavity 224 until exposed at a top surface of the crown 220. Other similarly based versions of implants that enable access to the metallic abutment and post, but without requiring removal of the crown are described in U.S. Pat. Application No. 16/884,664, which is incorporated herein by reference. As noted, this implant design provides a great advantage, when compared to other technologies, because the crown does not have to be removed in order to perform treatment.
Various systems are shown schematically in
Each CVCES treatment system 400, 500 and 600, as shown diagrammatically in
Advantageously, each of the above systems/configurations permit reliable treatment of the dental implant 200, but without requiring removal of the crown. The exposed metallic surface area 234 of the crown permits electrical conduction to the remainder of the dental implant. Exposed metal surfaces are both safe and cosmetically acceptable when applying these designs and embodiments. A distinct differentiator from alternative dental treatment techniques is that the herein described implant promotes conduction over the entire bone-embedded surface of the dental implant, and not just conduction, for example, within the abscess pocket. This differentiator is a significant advance, especially in regard to dental implant posts. Implant posts are typically manufactured with a very rough, coarse microsurface to promote osseointegration. One issue this microsurface can create is that bacteria are able to “hide” within the crevices of the microstructure, even when bone matrix are apparently grown into the surface. The approach and design of herein described apparatus allows for thorough treatment of all microstructures in the metal, even with bone present, to eliminate all bacteria from those locations. It has been found and substantiated in scientific literature that at optimized treatment parameters, matrix embedded bone cells that are local to the reaction are not affected to a high degree.
Apparatus are now described in accordance with a number of embodiments according to various aspects of the present invention for use in a treatment system. More specifically, the following described apparatus can be used in connection with treatment systems for enabling electrical contact with the working electrode (metallic dental implant) and/or retaining the counter and/or reference electrode.
With reference to
As previously described and in a CVCES treatment system such as system 500,
According to this embodiment and as shown in
In terms of electrical connection and still referring to
According to at least one version, the mouth guard 720 may be reusable or alternatively could be designed as a single patient or single use apparatus. According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one metal contact 752 is biasedly positioned on the interior surface (i.e., the surface facing the circumferential recess 736) of either the outer or inner circumferential sections 728, 732 of the mouth guard 720 to promote electrical contact with the exposed metal area 234,
Various means for biasing the at least one metal contact 752 of the mouth guard 720 can be employed. For example, the at least one metal contact 752 can be spring loaded relative to one of the circumferential sections 728, 732 of the mouth guard 720. Alternatively, biasing can be provided by manufacturing the at least one metal contact 752 from a section of a spring steel, as shown in
Alternatively and as shown in
When using a conductive sponge or steel wool 756, 760 as a metal contact as shown in
The at least one electrical contact, as described according to this embodiment and having embedded contact points, allows for treatment of a dental implant without having to remove the crown. As previously discussed, removing the crown is an option that many dentists prefer not to perform because the dental crown may break or cause extra trauma to the afflicted tissue. In the case where a biofilm exists on the post and abutment, the flow of electrons into the bulk metal, out the metal surface, and into the electrolytic environment, will create bactericidal chemical species that attack the biofilm from the metal surface outwards. pH is also a large factor in the bactericidal effect as laboratory testing has shown that microenvironment pH levels microns away from the surface can reach an alkaline level of 12 within minutes of electrical stimulation.
Alternatively and for dental implants in which the abutment of the dental implant is not exposed or the crown does not provide an exposed electrical contact point, the contact mechanism embedded in the mouth guard 720 may alternatively include a needle (not shown), the latter being appropriately sized and configured to pierce the tissue and contact the abutment of a metal dental implant directly.
With reference to
As shown in
According to this specific embodiment and rather than specifically integrating at least one electrical contact, at least one releasably attachable contact 850 is configured for placement over one of the inner and outer circumferential sections 826, 830 of the mouth guard 820. As shown in
As further shown in
Advantageously and according to this embodiment, the number and location of releasably attachable contacts 850 can be varied as needed in order to create alignment with an implant, irrespective of the implant’s location in the mouth of the patient. Again referring to
The ability to attach the herein releasable attachable contact(s) 850 to one of the wall sections 826, 830 of the mouth guard 820 provides considerable versatility, enabling placement of the contact(s) in literally any portion of the mouth of a patient as shown in
Referring to
According to this exemplary embodiment, the metal contact 968 is configured to make electrical contact with the exposed metal area 234 of the dental implant 200,
As previously discussed and in order to complete a circuit, there must at least exist one other electrode in a CVCES or other electrochemically based treatment system other than the metal dental implant, the latter acting as a working electrode, as previously shown in
Though any number of electrodes can be used, a three-electrode system that includes an additional stable reference electrode is more favorable due to its balance of sufficient electrochemical control and number of electrodes that need to be in the mouth of the patient. In a preferred embodiment, the reference electrode is made from Ag/AgCl, thus providing a stable electrochemical biopotential for the working electrodes voltage to be referenced to. This function keeps the working electrode in safe electrochemical regions of thermodynamics. Although the counter electrode needs to interface with the gums to promote electrochemical current through the tissue to the dental implant, the electrode’s metal surface can exist either internal or external to the mouth as described herein.
According to one version, shown in
According to this embodiment and as shown in
In a preferred embodiment, the flexible connective body 1006 of the apparatus 1000 interfaces with the gums on both the inner and outer sides of the jaw around the implant, though in a less preferred embodiment there may exist only one electrode on only one side of the implant. Preferably, the electrode 1008 of the herein described apparatus 1000 is sufficiently flexible and may wrap over the teeth to adhere to both sides of the gum, or alternatively exist as two (2) separate electrodes that adhere to both sides of the gum, but are electrically connected to one another. Having the flexible electrode 1008 on both sides of the gums creates a more evenly distributed treatment on the dental implant itself. The electrode 1008 may incorporate flexible segments that contour more effectively to the jaw. The anodic reaction will build up an acidic pH within the hydrogel, and thus the starting pH of the hydrogel will be neutral or basic, preferably with a pH between 6 and 11. Preferably, the surface area of the electrode 1008 should be at least the same as the surface area of the dental implant to promote a more optimized treatment. This embodiment is directed to the counter electrode of a CVCES treatment system, such as treatment system 500,
The foregoing described an apparatus used in connection with a CVCES or other suitable treatment system, such as treatment systems 400, 500, 600,
According to this embodiment and in order to create an electrolytic bridge, the conductive fluid 1242 exits the container 1240 through a lid 1248 via a hollow tube 1250 having one proximal end extending through the lid 1248 and into the interior of the container 1240. The electrode 1220 according to this embodiment is defined by a carbon sheet or a platinum mesh that is fully or substantially immersed within the conductive fluid 1242 retained in the container 1240. The conductive fluid 1242 according to this embodiment can possess any pH and can be mildly acidic (pH of about 5.0), but preferably is neutral to basic and even more preferably is basic in pH in order to counteract the acid generation during treatment.
According to this embodiment, at least one cotton roll 1254 is disposed at a distal end 1249 of the hollow tube 1250. The at least one cotton roll 1254 can preferably be made from traditionally used dental cotton that often lines the gums for dental procedures. Alternatively, the roll 1254 can be made from synthetic cotton or other similar material. In a preferred embodiment, the distal end 1249 of the tube 1250 inserts into an end of the cotton roll 1254, as opposed to the cotton roll 1254 being inserted into the opening of the hollow tube 1250. A single cotton roll 1254 is shown for illustrative purposes, but it will be understood that one or more cotton rolls can be used. According to a preferred embodiment, the tube 1250 can be bifurcated with tube portions being separately attached to two cotton rolls that are disposed within the oral cavity of a patient.
The conductive fluid 1242 can be caused to flow from the container 1240 to the cotton roll(s) 1254 via the hollow tube 1250 by various means. For example, the container 1240 can be made from a flexible material that can be squeezed. According to another version, the container 1240 can be pressurized during its manufacture and provided with a seal (not shown) that can be broken by the dentist or physician/caregiver prior to use. In another version, the container 1240 can be provided with a one-way valve 1262,
As noted, it is preferable that a three-electrode treatment system or configuration such as shown in
The fluidic configuration of the external system 1200 is shown in
A main advantage of the foregoing external electrolytic system 1200, as compared to the version of
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The preceding embodiments are examples and it will be understood to the reader that a number modifications and variations can be made in accordance with the present invention including the following claims. For example and though the embodiments have been described for use with specific electrodes, the various apparatus could be used in conjunction with other electrodes. For example, the internal mouth disposed counter electrode could also be optimal to use in conjunction with the torsional clip working electrode contacting mechanism.
This application is a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Application No. PCT/US2020/041022, filed Jul. 7, 2020, which claims priority under applicable portions of 35 U.S.C. §§119 and 120 to U.S. Pat. Application Serial No. 16/884,664, filed on May 27, 2020 and U.S. Pat. Application Serial No. 62/984,332, filed Mar. 3, 2020, the entire contents of each application being herein incorporated by reference.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/US2020/041022 | 7/7/2020 | WO |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62984332 | Mar 2020 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 16884664 | May 2020 | US |
Child | PCT/US2020/041022 | WO |