U.S. patent application number 16/392659 was filed with the patent office on 2019-09-19 for apparatus and method for endodontic treatment.
This patent application is currently assigned to Fluidfile Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Fluidfile Ltd.. Invention is credited to Yehuda DARSHAN, Amnon LIFSHITZ.
Application Number | 20190282332 16/392659 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46614921 |
Filed Date | 2019-09-19 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190282332 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LIFSHITZ; Amnon ; et
al. |
September 19, 2019 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ENDODONTIC TREATMENT
Abstract
An apparatus for endodontic treatment, comprising: a nozzle
connected to a fluid source comprising: a tip small enough to be
inserted into a pulp chamber of a tooth; an inner geometry which
forms a flow parameters including non-axial flow direction of
nozzle fluid flowing through the inner geometry such that discharge
fluid discharged from the inner geometry increase rotation of root
canal fluid within a root canal sufficiently to remove tissue from
the root canal.
Inventors: |
LIFSHITZ; Amnon;
(Petach-Tikva, IL) ; DARSHAN; Yehuda;
(Petach-Tikva, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fluidfile Ltd. |
Petach-Tikva |
|
IL |
|
|
Assignee: |
Fluidfile Ltd.
Petach-Tikva
IL
|
Family ID: |
46614921 |
Appl. No.: |
16/392659 |
Filed: |
April 24, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15657292 |
Jul 24, 2017 |
10327866 |
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16392659 |
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14522250 |
Oct 23, 2014 |
9713511 |
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15657292 |
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14394292 |
Oct 14, 2014 |
10314671 |
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PCT/IL2013/050330 |
Apr 15, 2013 |
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14522250 |
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61895316 |
Oct 24, 2013 |
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61894762 |
Oct 23, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 5/40 20170201; A61C
17/0202 20130101; A61C 17/08 20190501; A61C 17/022 20130101; A61C
1/087 20130101; A61C 1/12 20130101; A61C 17/0208 20130101; A61C
1/0061 20130101; A61C 17/02 20130101; A61C 3/025 20130101; A61C
1/0092 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61C 5/40 20060101
A61C005/40; A61C 3/025 20060101 A61C003/025; A61C 17/022 20060101
A61C017/022; A61C 17/02 20060101 A61C017/02; A61C 17/08 20060101
A61C017/08; A61C 1/00 20060101 A61C001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 15, 2012 |
IL |
219169 |
Claims
1. A method for endodontic treatment comprising: placing a nozzle
at an entrance to a root canal; discharging at least one fluid jet,
from said nozzle, at an angle which causes said fluid jet to flow
along a wall of a root canal; and suctioning root canal fluid and
debris from said root canal; wherein said discharging and said
suctioning are controlled to maintain one or more of root canal
fluid flow along said wall, root canal fluid flow at a root canal
apex.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/657,292 filed on Jul. 24, 2017, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/522,250 filed
on Oct. 23, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,713,511, which claims the
benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos.
61/895,316 filed on Oct. 24, 2013 and 61/894,762 filed on Oct. 23,
2013.
[0002] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/522,250 is also
Continuation-in-Part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/394,292 filed on Oct. 14, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,251,728,
which is a National Phase of PCT Patent Application No.
PCT/IL2013/050330 having International Filing Date of Apr. 15,
2013, which claims the benefit of priority of Israel Patent
Application No. 219169 filed on Apr. 15, 2012, now Israel Patent
No. 219169.
[0003] The contents of the above applications are all incorporated
by reference as if fully set forth herein in their entirety.
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates
to an apparatus and method for endodontic treatment and, more
particularly, but not exclusively, to an apparatus and method for
treating a root canal using one or more angled fluid jets.
[0005] In cases where a tooth is decayed, infected, or abscessed, a
root canal procedure may be performed to eliminate infection and
decontaminate the tooth. During the root canal procedure,
substances such as nerve and pulp tissue are removed in order to
prevent future infection.
[0006] Current methods for treating a root canal may involve the
use of files, such as metal files, for removing tissue such as
nerve tissue, magma, pulp tissue or blood vessels from the root
canal. In some cases, a rotary file drill is used for shaping a
root canal and optionally widening a portion of it to enable
access. One of the risks of the use of files for endodontic
treatment is the spreading of a smear layer, which may include
organic and/or inorganic debris, on the root canal wall after
instrumentation. Another potential risk of the use of files may
include wounding of the root canal wall or apex.
[0007] Endodontic treatment devices have been disclosed by several
publications.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,378 to Valdes et al. discloses "A method
and apparatus for dental procedures using a dental hydrojet tool
having a cannula extending therefrom. The cannula is connected to a
source of high pressure liquid, and delivers a high velocity, high
pressure jet. For root canal procedures, the cannula is directed
through an opening formed in the crown of the tooth, and the
hydrojet is directed at the pulp, nerve and vascular tissue within
the interior chamber."
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,021,921 to Detaille discloses "a device for
treating the pulp canals and -chamber of a tooth, the crown of
which presents a previously opened pulp-chamber in which said
canals open, comprising an apparatus tightly adaptable to the crown
of the tooth and providing in the pulp-chamber and the pulp-canals
of said tooth for the circulation of a treating solution acting
substantially upon the vasculo-nervous bundle or the necroticmagma
of the tooth; the pressure of the treating solution being subjected
within the pulp-chamber and the pulp-canals to periodical impulses
combined to oscillations of substantially higher frequency."
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates
to an apparatus and method for endodontic treatment and, more
particularly, but not exclusively, to an apparatus and method for
treating a root canal using one or more angled fluid jets.
[0011] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present
invention there is provided an apparatus for endodontic treatment,
comprising: a nozzle connected to a fluid source comprising: a tip
small enough to be inserted into a pulp chamber of a tooth; an
inner geometry which forms a flow parameters including non-axial
flow direction of nozzle fluid flowing through said inner geometry
such that discharge fluid discharged from said inner geometry
increase rotation of root canal fluid within a root canal
sufficiently to remove tissue from said root canal.
[0012] According to some embodiments of the invention, said flow
parameters are sufficient to remove tissue from said root canal
including an apex of said root canal. According to some embodiments
of the invention, said flow parameters prevent tissue removal in an
apical direction of a root canal apex. According to some
embodiments of the invention, said at least one discharge fluid jet
is at an angle to a vertical axis of said nozzle. According to some
embodiments of the invention, said at least one discharge fluid jet
enhances a helical flow pattern of said rotation of root canal
fluid in said root canal. According to some embodiments of the
invention, said inner geometry comprises a lumen and said nozzle
fluid circulates along lumen walls, and an exit point of said
nozzle fluid is located at a lumen wall at an exit aperture of said
nozzle. According to some embodiments of the invention, said nozzle
comprises an internal cone and an external cone defining a lumen
between them for said nozzle fluid to flow through. According to
some embodiments of the invention, said inner geometry comprises a
lumen; wherein said nozzle comprises one or more part adapted to
move to adjust a geometry of said lumen. According to some
embodiments of the invention, an angle of said discharge fluid jet
does not intersect a vertical axis of said nozzle. According to
some embodiments of the invention, said nozzle fluid comprises
liquid and at least one of gas and abrasive powder. According to
some embodiments of the invention, a density of a particle of said
abrasive powder is larger than a density of other particles
comprising said nozzle fluid. According to some embodiments of the
invention, said abrasive powder is salt that dissolves following
abrasion of said root canal wall. According to some embodiments of
the invention, said apparatus comprises one or more inlet connected
to a suction source, through which inlet root canal fluid and
debris is collected from said root canal. According to some
embodiments of the invention, a diameter of said angled discharge
fluid jet is approximately 10% of a diameter of an entrance of said
root canal or smaller.
[0013] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present
invention there is provided an apparatus for endodontic treatment
comprising: a nozzle connected to an input pipeline; wherein said
nozzle comprises: a tip small enough to be inserted into a pulp
chamber of a tooth; and a rotating element disposed inside a nozzle
lumen; wherein said rotating element is operable to impart motion
to nozzle fluid passing through said lumen such that, after said
nozzle fluid is discharged from said lumen, the root canal fluid
flows helically within a root canal.
[0014] According to some embodiments of the invention, said
rotating element comprises an inlet connected to said input
pipeline, through which inlet flows at least a portion of nozzle
fluid supplied to said nozzle. According to some embodiments of the
invention, said rotating element comprises a plurality of
blades.
[0015] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present
invention there is provided an apparatus for endodontic treatment
comprising: a nozzle connected to an input pipeline; wherein said
nozzle comprises: a tip small enough to be inserted into a pulp
chamber of a tooth; and a inner cone disposed inside a nozzle
lumen; wherein said inner cone is adapted to move with respect to
said nozzle lumen thereby changing parameters of a nozzle flow
through said nozzle lumen.
[0016] According to some embodiments of the invention, said nozzle
comprises an outer cone and nozzle fluid flow is through a lumen
defined between said outer cone and said inner cone.
[0017] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present
invention there is provided an apparatus for endodontic treatment
comprising: a nozzle connected to an input pipeline comprising: a
tip small enough to be inserted into a pulp chamber of a tooth; a
lumen; wherein said input pipeline extends into said lumen such
that flow of pipeline fluid from said pipeline impinges on walls of
said lumen such that said nozzle fluid within said lumen has a
helical pattern along walls of said lumen.
[0018] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present
invention there is provided an apparatus for endodontic treatment
comprising: one or more chamber containing material comprising: one
of more of: pressurized gas, fluid and abrasive material; a nozzle
comprising a tip small enough to be inserted into a pulp chamber of
a tooth; said nozzle shaped to create a beam comprising at least
one discharge fluid jet in an angle to a vertical axis of said
nozzle, so that said jet flows along a wall of a root canal to
remove tissue; and a pipeline connecting said chamber lumen and a
nozzle lumen.
[0019] According to some embodiments of the invention, the
apparatus comprises more than one chamber, wherein each said
chamber is connected to said nozzle lumen by a pipe, wherein said
beam is at least partially created by said material; wherein
material flowing from each chamber mixes within said nozzle lumen.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus
comprises a powder cartridge connected between said chamber and
said nozzle lumen; wherein said powder cartridge comprises internal
cylinders formed with holes of various sizes for filtration of
components within said cartridge.
[0020] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present
invention there is provided a system comprising: a nozzle
comprising a tip small enough to be inserted into a pulp chamber of
a tooth; said nozzle shaped to create a beam comprising at least
one discharge fluid jet in an angle to a vertical axis of said
nozzle, so that said jet flows along a wall of a root canal to
remove tissue; and a powder cartridge connected to a nozzle lumen;
a pipeline connecting one of a fluid tank and a compressor to said
powder cartridge.
[0021] According to some embodiments of the invention, said powder
cartridge comprises internal cylinders formed with holes of various
sizes for filtration of components within said cartridge.
[0022] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present
invention there is provided a method for endodontic treatment
comprising: discharging at least one fluid jet in a manner which
increases speed of rotation of root canal fluid in a root canal,
said rotating root canal fluid within said canal removing material
from said root canal.
[0023] According to some embodiments of the invention, said
discharging comprises discharging at least one angled discharge
fluid jet, from a nozzle, at an angle where said angle of said
discharge fluid jet does not intersect a vertical axis of said
nozzle. According to some embodiments of the invention, said angled
discharge fluid jet is created by circulating said fluid helically
within a nozzle of an apparatus. According to some embodiments of
the invention, said removing comprises separating soft tissue from
said wall of a root canal. According to some embodiments of the
invention, said soft tissue comprises at least one of nerve tissue,
pulp tissue, and or blood vessels. According to some embodiments of
the invention, said rotating root canal fluid within said canal
flows helically along a wall of said root canal. According to some
embodiments of the invention, said root canal comprises at least
one narrowing portion, and said rotating root canal fluid within
said canal flows through said narrowing portion along a wall of
said root canal. According to some embodiments of the invention,
said root canal comprises at least one wide portion, and said
rotating root canal fluid within said canal flows through said wide
portion along a wall of said root canal. According to some
embodiments of the invention, said root canal comprises at least
one of a curvature and branching, and said rotating root canal
fluid within said canal flows through said at least one curvature
and branching. According to some embodiments of the invention, the
method comprises aligning said nozzle with respect to an entrance
of said root canal so that a vertical axis of said nozzle unites
with a vertical axis of said root canal; wherein said rotating root
canal fluid within said canal does not directly hit a root canal
apex. According to some embodiments of the invention, said root
canal fluid in said canal has a level reaching to a tip of said
nozzle. According to some embodiments of the invention, the method
comprises eroding a layer of dentin tissue from at least a portion
of a root canal wall. According to some embodiments of the
invention, eroding is obtained by abrasive particles of said root
canal fluid applying radially outward force onto said root canal
wall. According to some embodiments of the invention, said abrasive
particles rotate about an axis of said angled jet. According to
some embodiments of the invention, the method does not leave a
smear layer on said root canal wall. According to some embodiments
of the invention, the method comprises suctioning root canal fluid
and debris from said root canal. According to some embodiments of
the invention, suctioning comprises suctioning said root canal
fluid and debris in pulses. According to some embodiments of the
invention, discharging comprises discharging said at least one
discharge fluid jet in pulses. According to some embodiments of the
invention, the method comprises suctioning root canal fluid and
debris from said root canal in pulses. According to some
embodiments of the invention, pulses are controlled through a
control panel electrically connected to said apparatus. According
to some embodiments of the invention, discharging includes clearing
a root canal to prepare for sealing. According to some embodiments
of the invention, said rotating root canal fluid within said canal
removes material from tubules extending from said root canal.
According to some embodiments of the invention, said root canal
fluid in said root canal fills at least 20% of a volume of said
root canal. According to some embodiments of the invention, said
root canal fluid in said root canal comprises at least 10%
liquid.
[0024] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present
invention there is provided a method for endodontic treatment
comprising: placing a nozzle at an entrance to a root canal;
discharging at least one fluid jet, from said nozzle, at an angle
which causes said fluid jet to flow along a wall of a root canal;
and suctioning root canal fluid and debris from said root canal;
wherein said discharging and said suctioning are controlled to
maintain one or more of root canal fluid flow along said wall, root
canal fluid flow at a root canal apex.
[0025] According to some embodiments of the invention, discharging
and said suctioning are alternating.
[0026] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present
invention there is provided a method for endodontic treatment
comprising: placing a nozzle at an entrance to a root canal;
inserting fluid into a lumen defined between nozzle inner walls and
an element adapted to move within said nozzle walls; discharging at
least one discharge fluid jet from said lumen at an angle which
causes said discharge fluid jet to flow along a wall of said root
canal; and changing a geometry of said lumen, by moving said
element, to change a velocity of said fluid jet.
[0027] According to some embodiments of the invention, said element
is an internal cone and said lumen is defined between said internal
cone and said nozzle inner walls and changing comprises moving said
internal cone with respect to said nozzle inner walls.
[0028] According to some embodiments of the invention, moving
comprises retracing and advancing said internal cone in the
proximal and distal directions within said nozzle inner walls.
According to some embodiments of the invention, comprises moving
said internal cone in a lateral direction within said nozzle inner
walls. According to some embodiments of the invention, moving
comprises changing an angle of a vertical axis of said inner cone
with respect to a vertical axis of said nozzle inner walls.
[0029] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present
invention there is provided an apparatus for endodontic treatment
comprising: a nozzle connected to an input pipeline; wherein said
nozzle comprises: a tip small enough to be inserted into a pulp
chamber of a tooth; a lumen through which fluid flows through the
nozzle; and a element located inside said lumen which, when moved,
changes a geometry of said lumen thereby changing flow parameters
through said nozzle.
[0030] According to some embodiments of the invention, said element
is a rotating element; wherein said rotating element is operable to
impart motion to fluid passing through said lumen. According to
some embodiments of the invention, said rotating element comprises
an inlet connected to said input pipeline, through which inlet
flows at least a portion of fluid supplied to said nozzle.
According to some embodiments of the invention, said element is an
inner cone; wherein a position of said internal cone is adjustable
within said lumen in proximal and distal directions.
[0031] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present
invention there is provided an apparatus for mixing particles with
fluid comprising: an outer element connected to an fluid source,
said outer element comprising a plurality of inlets through which
fluid from said fluid source pass; an inner element disposed inside
a lumen of said outer cylinder comprising a plurality of inlets
through which fluid from said outer element pass into a lumen of
said inner element; an outlet connected to said lumen of said inner
element; wherein flow of fluid through the apparatus from said
fluid source to said outlet collects particles within one or more
of said inner element and said outer element.
[0032] According to some embodiments of the invention, said outer
element inlets and said inner element inlets are different sizes
for filtration of one or more of fluid and particles. According to
some embodiments of the invention, said powder cartridge comprises
internal cylinders formed with holes of various sizes for
filtration of components within said cartridge. According to some
embodiments of the invention, the method comprises circulating
fluid along nozzle lumen walls; wherein discharging comprises
discharging said jet from said nozzle from an edge of an exit
aperture of said nozzle. According to some embodiments of the
invention, discharging and suctioning are balanced to maintain
fluid within said root canal. According to some embodiments of the
invention, discharging and suctioning are balanced to maintain flow
of fluid along root canal walls. According to some embodiments of
the invention, pulses are controlled through a control panel
electrically connected to said nozzle. According to some
embodiments of the invention, discharging and said suctioning
includes clearing a root canal to prepare for sealing. According to
some embodiments of the invention, removing comprises removing
material from tubules extending into said tooth from said root
canal.
[0033] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present
invention there is provided a method for endodontic treatment
comprising: placing a nozzle at an entrance to a root canal;
inserting fluid into a lumen of said nozzle; discharging at least
one fluid jet from said lumen at an angle which causes said fluid
jet to flow along a wall of said root canal; and changing one or
more of a shape or size of said lumen to change a velocity of said
fluid jet.
[0034] According to some embodiments of the invention, changing
comprises moving an internal cone inside said lumen. According to
some embodiments of the invention, said moving comprises retracing
and advancing said internal cone in the proximal and distal
directions within said lumen. According to some embodiments of the
invention, changing comprises rotating a rotating element inside
said lumen. According to some embodiments of the invention,
inserting comprises inserting fluid into said lumen through said
rotating element.
[0035] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present
invention there is provided an apparatus and method for endodontic
treatment.
[0036] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present
invention there is provided an apparatus for endodontic treatment
comprising a nozzle, the nozzle comprising a tip small enough to be
inserted through a pulp chamber of a tooth, the nozzle is shaped to
create a beam comprising at least one fluid jet in an angle to a
vertical axis of the nozzle, so that it flows along a wall of a
root canal to remove soft tissue in a helical flow pattern, and the
nozzle is connected to an input pipeline. In some embodiments, the
nozzle is positionable above an entrance of the root canal such
that the vertical axis of the nozzle unites with a vertical axis
the root canal. According to some embodiments, the nozzle comprises
an internal cone and an external cone defining a lumen between them
for the fluid to flow through. According to some embodiments, the
nozzle comprises a tube extending between a lumen of the internal
cone and the lumen between the internal cone and the external cone.
According to some embodiments, the fluid circulates in a helical
flow through the lumen for exiting the nozzle in an angle, wherein
an exit point of the fluid is located along walls of the nozzle at
a location of an exit aperture. In some embodiments, the lumen
between the cones is modified by movement of the internal cone with
respect to the external cone. In some embodiments, movement
comprises retraction and advancement of the internal cone in the
proximal and distal directions within the external cone. In some
embodiments, movement comprises positioning the internal cone at a
different angle with respect the external cone. In some
embodiments, a velocity of the flow ranges between 200-300 m/sec.
In some embodiments, the nozzle is adapted for discharging at least
1000 angled fluid jets simultaneously. According to some
embodiments, the angled fluid jet does not intersect a vertical
axis of the nozzle. According to some embodiments, the nozzle
comprises channels for creating at least one angled jet. According
to some embodiments, there is provided a system comprising: the
apparatus, a liquid tank, and an air compressor, wherein the input
pipeline of the apparatus passes through a handle to connect the
liquid tank and/or air compressor to the nozzle. According to some
embodiments, the system is electrically controlled using a control
panel configured for operating an electric circuit. In some
embodiments, the handle comprises a fusion tank for mixing between
liquid, gas, and/or abrasive powder. In some embodiments, the
handle comprises a disposable powder cartridge. In some
embodiments, the powder cartridge comprises internal cylinders
formed with holes of various sizes for filtration of components.
According to some embodiments, the fluid comprises gas and/or
liquid and/or abrasive powder. According to some embodiments, the
gas is air, and the fluid comprises between 50-95% air, and between
5-50% liquid. In some embodiments, a density of a particle of the
abrasive powder is larger than a density of other particles
comprising the fluid. In some embodiments, the abrasive powder is
salt that dissolves following abrasion of the root canal. According
to some embodiments, the nozzle is shaped so that the fluid exits
the nozzle as an aerosol. According to some embodiments, the
apparatus is connected to an air compressor with a pressure ranging
between 5-200 PSI. According to some embodiments, the apparatus is
connected to a fluid tank which provides fluid at a volumetric flow
rate ranging between 0.1-50 ml/sec. According to some embodiments,
the angled jet has tangential and vertical velocity components in
respect to the root canal wall. According to some embodiments, the
apparatus comprises a suction cone for collecting returning fluid
and debris, and the suction cone has a tip sized to fit within a
pulp chamber of a tooth. In some embodiments, the apparatus is
connected to a device suitable for removing the fluid and debris
externally to the tooth. In some embodiments, the apparatus is
suitable for treating a root canal of a tooth in a human mouth. In
some embodiments, a diameter of the angled jet is 10% of a diameter
of an entrance of the root canal, or smaller.
[0037] According to some embodiments there is provided a method for
endodontic treatment comprising discharging at least one fluid jet
in a manner which enhances rotation of fluid in a root canal, the
rotation sufficient to remove material from a wall of the canal.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention
there is provided a method for endodontic treatment comprising
discharging at least one fluid jet at an angle which causes it to
flow along a wall of a root canal so that the flow removes material
from the root canal wall. According to some embodiments, removing
comprises separating soft tissue from the root canal wall.
According to some embodiments, the flow comprises a helical flow
along the root canal wall. According to some embodiments, the root
canal comprises at least one narrowing portion, and the flow
comprises flowing through the narrowing portion along the wall of
the root canal. In some embodiments, the root canal comprises at
least one wide portion, and the flow passes through the wide
portion along the wall of the root canal. According to some
embodiments, the root canal comprises a curvature and/or a
branching, and the flow comprises flowing through the curvature
and/or the branching. According to some embodiments, the method
comprises positioning a nozzle above an entrance to the root canal
so that at least one angle fluid jet hits a wall of the root canal.
In some embodiments, positioning comprises aligning the nozzle with
respect to an entrance of the root canal so that a vertical axis of
the nozzle unites with a vertical axis of the root canal.
[0038] In some embodiments, the method comprises discharging at
least 20000 jets. In some embodiments, the fluid jet merges with
fluid contained within the root canal for intensifying a
circulating motion of the fluid. In some embodiments, the fluid in
the canal has a level reaching to a tip of the nozzle. According to
some embodiments, fluid flows along the wall of at least a portion
of the root canal so that the fluid returns upwards along at least
a portion of a central lumen of the root canal. According to some
embodiments, the method comprises eroding a layer of dentin tissue
from at least a portion of the root canal wall. In some
embodiments, eroding is obtained by abrasive particles of the fluid
applying radially outward force onto the root canal. According to
some embodiments, the layer has thickness ranging between 100-200
.mu.m. According to some embodiments, the angled jet is created by
circulating the fluid in a helical flow within a nozzle of an
apparatus. According to some embodiments, the soft tissue comprises
nerve tissue, and/or pulp tissue and/or blood vessels. According to
some embodiments, the method does not leave a smear layer on the
root canal wall. According to some embodiments, directing comprises
directing the fluid jets in pulses. In some embodiments, a duration
of a pulse ranges between 1-25 seconds, and debris and excess fluid
are removed in intervals between pulses. In some embodiments, the
pulses are controlled through a control panel electrically
connected to the apparatus. According to some embodiments,
directing includes clearing a root canal to prepare for sealing. In
some embodiments, the components of the fluid rotate about an axis
of the angled jet. In some embodiments, the flow removes material
from tubules extending from the root canal. In some embodiments,
within a root canal dentine wall, a layer of tubules is removed,
exposing further tubules which are clean and non-contaminated.
[0039] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] 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.
[0041] In the drawings:
[0042] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an exemplary endodontic treatment
procedure, according to some embodiments of the invention;
[0043] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for cleaning
and/or abrading a root canal using one or more angled fluid jets,
according to some embodiments of the invention;
[0044] FIG. 3 is an illustration of angled fluid jets entering a
root canal and advancing along the root canal wall in a helical
flow, according to some embodiments of the invention;
[0045] FIGS. 4A-4C are illustrations of a conical nozzle positioned
at an entrance to a root canal, according to some embodiments of
the invention;
[0046] FIG. 5 is a side view of various outlines of a beam of
angled fluid jets exiting a nozzle, according to some embodiments
of the invention;
[0047] FIGS. 6A-6B are a cross section and an outline view of an
apparatus comprising a handle and a conical nozzle, according to
some embodiments of the invention;
[0048] FIGS. 7A-7B are a cross section of a conical nozzle and a
side view of an internal cone configured within the conical nozzle,
according to some embodiments of the invention;
[0049] FIGS. 8A-8B are schematic diagrams of exemplary systems for
treating a root canal, according to some embodiments of the
invention;
[0050] FIGS. 9A-9D are illustrations of a conical nozzle comprising
a pipe extending between a handle and an exit aperture of the
nozzle, according some embodiments of the invention;
[0051] FIGS. 10A-10B are illustrations of a nozzle comprising a
suction cone, and a horizontal cross section of the nozzle
respectively;
[0052] FIGS. 11A-11B are illustrations of a nozzle including one or
more directing channels for creating the one or more angled fluid
jets, according to some embodiments of the invention;
[0053] FIGS. 12A-12C are illustrations of a nozzle comprising a
valve for controlling the flow through the nozzle, according to
some embodiments of the invention;
[0054] FIGS. 13A-13D are illustrations of a nozzle comprising a
cone and a pin shaped element occupying at least a portion of the
internal lumen of the cone, according to some embodiments of the
invention;
[0055] FIG. 14 shows an exemplary assembly of a nozzle, according
to some embodiments of the invention;
[0056] FIG. 15 is an illustration of a nozzle including exit flow
shaping elements for creating the one or more angled fluid jets,
according to some embodiments of the invention;
[0057] FIGS. 16A-16B is a table of experimental results of an
experiment for testing the feasibility of an apparatus for
endodontic treatment, according to some embodiments of the
invention;
[0058] FIG. 17 is an image of a dentin layer and dentinal tubules
taken by an electro scan microscope after treating a root canal
using the apparatus;
[0059] FIGS. 18A-18B show a conical nozzle in which a lumen between
the internal cone and external cone can be modified, according to
some embodiments of the invention;
[0060] FIGS. 19A-19B illustrate an additional configuration of a
nozzle comprising an internal cone movable with respect to an
external cone, according to some embodiments of the invention;
[0061] FIGS. 20A-20B illustrate a nozzle comprising a suction cone
and an internal cone that are movable with respect to an external
cone, according to some embodiments of the invention;
[0062] FIGS. 21A-21C illustrate an internal cone comprising an
expandable portion, according to some embodiments of the
invention;
[0063] FIGS. 22A-22B illustrate an internal cone comprising an
expandable portion configured to occupy a relatively large volume
of the lumen between the cones, according to some embodiments of
the invention;
[0064] FIG. 23A illustrates a conical nozzle comprising one or more
internal channels, according to some embodiments of the
invention;
[0065] FIG. 23B illustrates a conical nozzle comprising a movable
pipe, an internal channel, and a movable internal cone, according
to some embodiments of the invention;
[0066] FIGS. 24A-24B are exemplary configurations of a handle
comprising a fusion tube and a powder cartridge, according to some
embodiment of the invention;
[0067] FIGS. 25A-25C illustrate various configurations of a powder
cartridge supply system, according to some embodiments of the
invention;
[0068] FIG. 25D is an exemplary configuration of a handle in which
powder and gas are delivered separately from fluid, according to
some embodiments of the invention;
[0069] FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of exemplary system for
treating a root canal, according to some embodiments of the
invention;
[0070] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of exemplary system for
treating a root canal, according to some embodiments of the
invention;
[0071] FIG. 28 illustrates a nozzle comprising a turbine for
imparting spin to a working fluid, according to some exemplary
embodiments of the invention;
[0072] FIG. 29 illustrates a nozzle comprising an air turbine
coupled to a pipe of the nozzle for spinning the fluid, according
to some exemplary embodiments of the invention;
[0073] FIG. 30 illustrates a conical nozzle comprising an air
turbine configured for rotating an internal cone, according to some
exemplary embodiments of the invention;
[0074] FIGS. 31A-31B show a conical nozzle in which only a
narrowing portion of the internal cone is movable with respect to
the external cone, according to some exemplary embodiments of the
invention;
[0075] FIGS. 32, 33 and 34 show the operation of a system in which
a plurality of jets are discharged by the nozzle, according to some
embodiments of the invention;
[0076] FIGS. 35, 36 and 37 show the operation of a system in which
fluid is delivered through a needle-like cylinder, according to
some embodiments of the invention;
[0077] FIG. 38 shows various configurations of needle-like tubes
which can be assembled onto a nozzle, according to some embodiments
of the invention;
[0078] FIG. 39A is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a
nozzle lacking an internal cone, according to some embodiments of
the invention;
[0079] FIG. 39B is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a
nozzle lacking an internal cone, according to some embodiments of
the invention;
[0080] FIG. 40A is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a
nozzle including a rotating inlet element, according to some
embodiments of the invention;
[0081] FIGS. 40B-40C are simplified schematic cross sectional views
of a nozzle including a rotating inlet element, according to some
embodiments of the invention;
[0082] FIG. 41 is a simplified schematic cross section of a nozzle
including a rotating element, according to some embodiments of the
invention;
[0083] FIG. 42A is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a
nozzle treating a root canal, controlling apical parameters,
according to some embodiments of the invention;
[0084] FIG. 42B is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a
nozzle treating a root canal, controlling apical parameters,
according to some embodiments of the invention;
[0085] FIG. 42C is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a
nozzle surrounded by a sealing element, according to some
embodiments of the invention;
[0086] FIG. 43A is a simplified schematic side view of a nozzle
including an external cone with a hollow portion and an internal
cone with a hollow portion, according to some embodiments of the
invention;
[0087] FIG. 43B is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a
nozzle including external cone with a hollow portion and an
internal cone with a hollow portion, according to some embodiments
of the invention;
[0088] FIG. 44 is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a
system including a supply apparatus connected to a nozzle,
according some embodiments of the invention; and
[0089] FIG. 45 is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a
supply apparatus supplying two separate flows to a nozzle,
according to some embodiments of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0090] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates
to an apparatus and method for endodontic treatment and, more
particularly, but not exclusively, to an apparatus and method for
treating a root canal using one or more angled fluid jets.
[0091] In some embodiments, the apparatus is used for cleaning,
abrading, and/or decontaminating a root canal of a tooth before
sealing the tooth.
Overview
[0092] A general aspect of some embodiments of the invention
relates to cleaning and/or abrading a root canal (e.g. in a human
tooth within a human mouth) where a flow of fluid, for example a
fluid jet (e.g. an angled fluid jet) or a plurality of jets (e.g. a
plurality of angled fluid jets) and/or a flow beam and/or a flow
cone is discharged hitting fluid within a root canal. In some
embodiments, the flow is discharged from a nozzle inserted into the
tooth (e.g. into a pulp chamber and/or into a root canal). In some
embodiments, the flow from the nozzle (e.g. one or more jet, beam)
comprises significant non-axial (e.g. at an angle to a vertical
axis of the nozzle) velocity components, for example, more than
10%, more than 30%, more than 50%, more than 90% non-axial
components, or lower or higher or intermediate percentages. In some
embodiments, the flow from the nozzle includes a small proportion
of axial velocity components. In some embodiments, the flow
includes less than 60%, or less than 40%, or less than 20%, or less
than 10%, or lower or higher or intermediate percentages axial
velocity components.
[0093] In some embodiments, for example, when the root canal is at
least partially filled with fluid, the flow, (e.g. jet/s and/or a
beam) hits fluid within the root canal causing and/or intensifying
spinning motion of the fluid within the canal. In some embodiments,
the jet/s and/or beam increase a speed of rotation of the fluid
within the canal and/or a proportion of fluid which is rotating
within the canal.
[0094] In some embodiments, the flow from the nozzle intensifies
spinning of fluid adjacent to the root canal walls (e.g. fluid
within 1 mm or 0.5 mm or 0.25 mm or 0.1 mm or 0.01 mm from the root
canal walls), for at least a coronal portion of the root canal
(e.g. the upper 10%, or 30%, or 50%, or 70%, or 90%, or the entire
root canal, or intermediate, higher or lower percentages of the
root canal).
[0095] In some embodiments, the flow from the nozzle (e.g. one or
more jet, beam) does not travel through air after discharge from
the nozzle, but may directly hit fluid within the root canal or is
contiguous with such fluid (e.g. a nozzle exit aperture is level
with or under the surface of fluid within the root canal). In some
embodiments, when discharge from the nozzle is contiguous with
fluid within a root canal, movement (e.g. rotation) of fluid within
the nozzle (e.g. due to viscosity and/or surface tension) causes
fluid within the root canal to move, for example, in the same
direction and/or with approximately (e.g. within 20% of) the same
velocity.
[0096] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the flow discharged from
the nozzle hits fluid within the root canal indirectly, for
example, hitting a portion of the tooth (e.g. root canal wall)
before hitting and/or merging with the fluid in the root canal. For
example, in some embodiments, the flow discharged from the nozzle
passes through an air gap before hitting the fluid in the root
canal. In some embodiments, an air gap between a nozzle aperture
and fluid in the root canal is measured by a straight line between
an exit point of fluid from the exit aperture (or a central point
of the aperture) and a point on the fluid level in the canal where
discharge hits the fluid in the canal (or a central point on the
fluid level in the canal. In some embodiments, the air gap is 0.1
mm, or 0.5 mm, or 1 mm, or 3 mm, or 5 mm or lower, or higher, or
intermediate distances.
[0097] A general aspect of some embodiments of the invention
relates to a nozzle for insertion into a tooth (e.g. a tooth pulp
chamber and/or a tooth root canal) where the behavior of material
discharged from the nozzle is controlled and/or adjusted by
movement of one or more part of the nozzle.
[0098] In some embodiments, movement is movement which changes the
size and/or shape of a nozzle lumen. In some embodiments, an inner
cone moves within a nozzle lumen e.g. with respect to an external
cone. In some embodiments, an inner cone moves distally-proximally
within the lumen. In some embodiments, an inner cone moves changing
an angle of vertical axis of the inner cone with respect to a
vertical axis of the nozzle lumen and/or external cone. In some
embodiments, reduction of a lumen size increases flow rate and/or
pressure of fluid passing through the nozzle.
[0099] In some embodiments, one or more part of the nozzle rotates.
In some embodiments, the nozzle includes an internal rotating
element located within a lumen of the nozzle which stirs and/or
moves and/or agitates fluid (e.g. liquid and/or gas and/or abrasive
powder and/or nonabrasive powder) passing through the lumen.
[0100] In some embodiments of the invention, momentum, potentially
including angular momentum, is transferred from the motion of the
rotating element to the fluid passing through the nozzle lumen
and/or fluid passing through the rotating element before the fluid
is ejected from the nozzle: In some embodiments, movement of the
rotating element causes fluid with the nozzle lumen to rotate
and/or have helical movement. In some embodiments, movement of the
rotating element causes fluid in the lumen to flow along the lumen
walls, for example, due to centrifugal force applied to the fluid
by the rotating element. Potentially, fluid exiting the nozzle does
so at an angle which is broadened by the tangential component of
its momentum at the exit aperture of the nozzle.
[0101] In some embodiments, for example, due to fluid surface
tension and/or cohesion between fluid parts, fluid with helical
and/or rotational movement within the lumen continues to move with
helical and/or rotational movement once discharged from the nozzle
(e.g., in an airspace and/or inside the root canal).
[0102] In some embodiments, movement of the material is such that,
after the fluid is discharged from the lumen, the fluid flows
helically within the root canal e.g. due to the angle the
discharged jet/beam to the root canal wall, e.g. due to maintaining
of helical flow initiated in the nozzle lumen.
[0103] In some embodiments, a rotating element stirs fluid in a
wide diameter/cross sectional area portion of a nozzle lumen (e.g.
the widest 10%, or 30%, or 50%, or 70%, of the nozzle lumen length,
or lower, higher or intermediate percentages) and, as the fluid
flows distally through the lumen to a nozzle exit aperture, the
lumen diameter/cross sectional area reduces (e.g. the lumen is a
cone shaped lumen), the fluid continues to rotate.
[0104] In some embodiments, the rotating element includes one or
more inlet through which fluid (a portion of or all of the fluid
passing through the nozzle) flows into the nozzle lumen.
[0105] In some embodiments, the rotating element includes blades
which are shaped and/or angled such that rotation of the blades
pushes fluid towards the nozzle exit aperture.
[0106] In some embodiments, a shape of discharged rotating fluid
changes upon entry into a root canal, in some embodiments following
the shape of the root canal. For example, in some embodiments,
discharged rotating fluid flows along the root canal walls (e.g.
due to centripetal force of the rotating fluid and/or due to
surface tension and/or boundary effects). In some embodiments,
rotating of fluid along the root canal walls widens the walls of
the root canal optionally increasing a size of the root canal in
all three dimensions.
[0107] An aspect of some embodiments relates to cleaning and/or
abrading a root canal using concurrent control of discharge of
fluid into a root canal and removal (e.g. suction by suction) of
material from the root canal. In some embodiments flow of fluid
and/or pressure is controlled within the root canal. In some
embodiments, the root canal is sealed such that material can only
enter or exit the root canal through a nozzle (e.g. the root canal
is sealed at a coronal opening of the root canal). A potential
benefit of sealing is prevention of introduction into the root
canal of atmospheric contaminants such as dirt, bacteria. In some
embodiments, control of discharge and suction controls a depth
(apically) of penetration of fluid and/or a depth (apically) of
abrasion and/or pressure within the canal and/or at the canal apex
and/or a canal region proximal to the apex and/or a quantity of
fluid within the root canal. A potential benefit being reduction of
risk of rupture and/or break-through of the root canal at the
apex.
[0108] In some embodiments, discharge of fluid into the root canal
and/or suction of material from the root canal are in pulses. A
discharge pulse is a discrete action where discharge is for a time
period where before and after the pulse there is no discharge.
Similarly, a suction pulse is a discrete action where suction is
for a time period where before and after the pulse there is no
suction.
[0109] In some embodiments, discharge and suction are controlled
such that the root canal remains at least partially filled with
fluid.
[0110] In some embodiments, discharge and suction are in
alternating pulses, where a discharge pulse is followed by a
suction pulse. In some embodiments, suction and discharge pulses
overlap, were there is a time period where both suction and
discharge occur. In some embodiments, between discharge and suction
pulses there is a pause where there is neither suction nor
discharge. In some embodiments, discharge and suction are in
simultaneous pulses.
[0111] In some embodiments, parameters of discharged fluid from the
nozzle (e.g. speed, volume, angular velocity, location of
discharge) and/or parameters of suction (e.g. pressure or suction,
quantity of material removed, position within the root canal where
suction is supplied) are controlled to achieve desired flow
characteristics and/or parameters within the root canal, for
example, quantity of material within the canal, speed of rotation
of fluid within the root canal.
[0112] An aspect of some embodiments relates to mixing fluid (e.g.
air and/or liquid) with abrasive powder before discharging the
fluid including powder from a nozzle. In some embodiments, fluid is
passed through (e.g. under pressure) a powder cartridge including
powder (e.g. abrasive powder). In an exemplary embodiment, the
powder cartridge includes internal cylinders each cylinder
including holes for passage of the fluid (e.g. air) through the
power cartridge, for example, to mix powder within cylinder/s with
the fluid and/or for ejection of components (e.g. abrasive powder)
from one cylinder to another cylinder and/or out the powder
cartridge. Optionally, in some embodiments, powder cartridge
components are non-cylindrical. In some embodiments, the powder
cartridge includes internal cylinders each cylinder including holes
for filtration of components (e.g. abrasive powder).
[0113] An aspect of some embodiments relates to cleaning and/or
abrading a root canal using a system including a nozzle where fluid
is supplied to the nozzle (e.g. through a pipe) by one or more
chamber, for example, within an (optionally disposable) pressurized
gas container (e.g. a canister) containing pressurized gas and one
or more of fluid and abrasive material. In some embodiments, the
nozzle is connected to more than one chamber containing material
(e.g. gas and/or liquid and/or abrasive powder). In an exemplary
embodiment, the system includes a first chamber containing
pressurized gas and fluid and a second chamber containing abrasive
powder.
[0114] In an additional exemplary embodiment, a system supplies,
e.g. using chamber/s containing pressurized gas, more than one flow
of material to the nozzle, where the flows meet and/or mix within
the nozzle. For example, in some embodiments a first flow includes
abrasive powder and gas and a second flow includes liquid. In some
embodiments, abrasive powder is mixed with gas and liquid in the
container and/or at a container exit.
[0115] In some embodiments, a supply apparatus is integrally
packaged
[0116] In some embodiments, a geometry of the nozzle and/or other
parameters such as the fluid composition, the fluid pressure, or
others may be selected to achieve the desired conditions (e.g.
pressure of fluid flow, speed of fluid rotation and speed/pressure
of flow of fluid from the nozzle tip).
[0117] In some embodiments fluid flow within the nozzle (and
optionally a rotating element) is not exposed to the atmosphere,
for example, preventing introduction of contaminants into the tooth
and/or preventing degradation of the fluid and/or component/s of
the fluid. Degradation being e.g. by atmospheric contaminants such
as dirt, bacteria, e.g. by exposure of reactive fluid component/s
to atmospheric oxygen.
[0118] Optionally, in some embodiments, flow input parameters (e.g.
flow rate, flow composition) are varied with rotation to provide
desired jet/beam characteristic and/or parameter.
[0119] Optionally, a nozzle includes a narrow, needle like tip, for
example, providing a narrow beam of jets for cleaning of a narrow
root canal and/or providing a focused, high pressure beam and/or
facilitating insertion of the tip into a narrow root canal.
[0120] Optionally, a nozzle tip (e.g. a needle like tip) includes
an angled outlet aperture, or a rounded edged outlet aperture, or
any other shape outlet aperture. In some embodiments, a shape of a
nozzle outlet aperture changes beam flow characteristics and/or
parameters, for example, flow direction, and/or improving
acceleration of fluid circulation and/or spinning rate in the root
canal. In some embodiments, a shape of nozzle tip is selected to
affect flow direction of fluid discharged through the tip, for
example, by flow sticking to a surface of the nozzle tip edge, for
example a notch, a projection, an angled section.
[0121] Optionally, at least a portion of an inner surface of lumen
walls is textured (e.g. grooved), potentially assisting and/or
enabling helical flow of the fluid e.g. as flow is preferentially
in the direction of helical grooves which spiral downward towards a
nozzle outlet.
[0122] In some embodiments, nozzle structures (e.g. lumens, suction
cones, nozzle tip) are cone-shaped. Alternatively, in some
embodiments, one or more nozzle structure has a portion with
parallel walls, and/or rounded walls (e.g. a straight walled
portion terminating in a semi-hemispherical portion). In some
embodiments, one or more nozzle structure has a different shape,
for example, a nozzle with an outer cone shape and a cylindrical
lumen. In some embodiments, an angle of the cone-shaped walls of a
nozzle structure to a nozzle structure long axis is 5-75 degrees,
or 20-60 degrees, or lower or higher or intermediate angles. In
some embodiments, a nozzle has a flattened shape at a nozzle tip.
In some embodiments, a cross sectional area of a nozzle tip
enlarges distally (e.g. as illustrated in FIGS. 42A-42B).
[0123] An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to
cleaning and/or abrading a root canal using one or more angled
fluid jets. In some embodiments, once the angled jet hits the root
canal wall, the force exerted by the wall channels the jet to
travel down the root along the wall. In some embodiments, the angle
includes a component outside the plane of the axis of root canal,
so that the flow spins in a helical flow along some or all the root
canal. In some embodiments, the fluid advances along the root canal
wall to remove organic substance and/or abrade the canal wall. In
some embodiments, the angled fluid jet does not cross a vertical
axis of the root canal and/or a vertical axis of the nozzle. In
some embodiments, as described below, an angled jet or a plurality
of angled jets are not used, but instead a flow beam than comprises
significant non-axial velocity components is used. In some
embodiments, the beam does not travel through air when exiting the
nozzle, but may directly hit fluid within a root canal or be
contiguous with such fluid.
[0124] In some embodiments, the jet does not flow straight
downwards towards the apex of the root canal. In some embodiments,
one or more jet meets the root canal wall at an angle to a plane of
the root canal wall where the jet meets the root canal, of 20-45
degrees, or 30-45 degrees, or lower, or higher, or intermediate
ranges and/or angles to the root canal wall.
[0125] In some embodiments, the passing of the flow through the
canal is facilitated by the fluid advancing along the wall. In some
embodiments, the flow of fluid passes through a narrowing portion
of the root canal to clean and/or abrade the narrowing and/or
distal section of the root canal. In some embodiments, the flow of
fluid continues to the apex of the root canal. In some embodiments,
at least some of the fluid flows back up through the root canal
(herein termed returning fluid), washing away soft tissue such as
nerve tissue, blood vessels, magma and/or debris. In some
embodiments, since the flow of fluid advances along the canal wall,
the returning fluid passes upwards through the center of the
canal.
[0126] Optionally, the resulting flow path allows continual
irrigation for cleaning and/or abrading the root canal. In some
embodiments, maximum abrasion of the fluid flow is where the fluid
flow changes direction, for example, where the flow returns upwards
(e.g. in a coronal direction) through the root canal, e.g. at the
apex. Alternatively, in some embodiments, for example, due to
friction and/or turbulence, as the fluid flows apically abrasion
reduces.
[0127] Optionally, fluid including liquid and/or gas (including
different ratios of liquid to gas) is self-abrasive, for example,
where bubbles within fluid abrade the root canal. Optionally, fluid
where bubbles abrade the root canal includes nonabrasive powder. In
some embodiments, bubbles include powder and/or act as powder
and/or are abrasive.
[0128] Optionally, irrigation is performed periodically to allow
fluid to exit the canal. In some embodiments, a volumetric flow
rate of fluid that passes through the root canal ranges between
0.5-50 ml/second, for example between 1-9 ml/second, 30-40
ml/second.
[0129] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the flow
travels along the wall of the root canal for at least 20%, 50%,
70%, 90% or intermediate or greater percentages of the length of
the root canal. In some embodiments, flow travels along at least
20%, or at least 50%, or at least 70%, or at least 90%, or
substantially all of the surface area of the root canal. In some
cases, part of the flow, for example, at the distal end of the
canal, includes a significant turbulent flow (e.g., away and
towards the wall). In some embodiments, the flow travels a length
of 0.1 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm along the wall of the canal.
Optionally, the flow travels beyond the fluid level within the
canal, for example 0.2 mm, 0.6 mm, 1 mm, beyond. In some
embodiments, the fluid level is defined as a level which contains
30%, 50%, 70% of fluid vs. an air/void component.
[0130] In some embodiments, the direction and/or magnitude of the
momentum of the fluid exiting a nozzle of the apparatus is
determined by the structure of the nozzle. In an exemplary
embodiment, the fluid is circulated in a lumen formed between two
cones within the nozzle so that it exits the nozzle in an angle to
a vertical axis of the nozzle. In another embodiment, passing the
fluid within a structural element of the nozzle, such as an
inclined tube configured on a plane that crosses the vertical plane
of the tooth may create the angled direction of the jets.
[0131] In some embodiments, a flow (e.g. a fast flow) of fluid
passes through the root canal and optionally enters at least a
portion (e.g. 1%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 50%, 100%) of the dentinal
tubules. In some embodiments, a ratio between gas (such as air) and
liquid (such as water, disinfectant, antiseptic medication, and/or
any other solution) is used. In one example, a fluid may comprise
90% air and 10% liquid. Other examples include 80% air and 20%
liquid, 98% air and 2% liquid, 30% air and 70% liquid. In some
embodiments, the selected ratio may affect parameters such as the
elasticity of the fluid, the velocity of the fluid, and/or the flow
rate. Optionally, components of the fluid such as air bubbles (e.g.
pressurized gas bubbles) may facilitate the removal of organic
substance from the canal wall and/or erode root canal hard tissue
(e.g. dentine). In some embodiments, fluid including bubbles
includes nonabrasive powder.
[0132] In some embodiments, a relatively low source pressure of the
jet or a beam of jets exiting a nozzle is used, for example ranging
between 10-200 PSI, 50-100 PSI, 20-30 PSI, 200-300 PSI. In some
embodiments, the pressure of the angled jet when hitting a wall of
the root canal is lower, for example ranging between 5-150 PSI,
10-30 PSI, 70-120 PSI.
[0133] In some embodiments, the fast flow of fluid erodes a layer
of tissue, for example dentin tissue. Optionally, eroding is
accomplished by adding abrasive particles to the fluid, which are
then pushed against the walls of the canal, sweeping away a layer
of dentinal tissue, magma, debris and/or bacteria. In some
embodiments, eroding of at least or 50-80%, or 20-30%, or 80-90%,
or 40-70%, or substantially all of a surface of the root canal wall
is performed.
[0134] In some embodiments, the flow of fluid smoothes the root
canal wall, for example removing grooves. A potential advantage of
smooth or groove-free canal walls and/or a lack of a smear layer is
that there is no need or there is a reduced need for chemical
and/or disinfecting flushes of the root canal.
[0135] In some embodiments, a layer of eroded dentine tissue is
thin in comparison to traditional root cleaning treatments, a
potential benefit being a less invasive treatment and/or a stronger
tooth after treatment, and/or less risk of rupturing the root
canal. In some embodiments, the layer has thickness ranging between
100-200 .mu.m, or between 40-400 .mu.m, or less than 400 .mu.m.
[0136] In some embodiments, the root canal wall is subjected to
shear forces exerted by the flow of fluid. Optionally, a thin layer
of tissue is removed due to the applied force.
[0137] In some embodiments, turbulent flow may be observed in at
least a portion of the root canal, for example in proximity to the
apex. Optionally, a turbulent flow may increase the shear forces
exerted by the flow of fluid. In some embodiments (for example,
when fluid is discharged into a root canal containing fluid) a root
canal is cleaned and/or abraded by turbulent fluid flow in the
canal. In some embodiments, debris and/or eroded material is not
pushed into root canal walls, but is pulled away (e.g. into a
central portion of the root canal) and/or pushed along root canal
walls. A potential benefit being that debris and/or contamination
is not pushed into tubules.
[0138] In some embodiments, various parameters of the apparatus
and/or system such as the angle of the fluid jet, the ratio between
gas and liquid, the type of abrasive powder and/or any other
parameters or combinations of them may be selected to optimize the
effectiveness of the apparatus and/or system. In some embodiments,
structural components of the nozzle such as an internal cone within
the nozzle are movable with respect to each other. Optionally, the
movement modifies a volume of the lumen. In some embodiments, a
structure of an internal cone can be modified to change a shape of
the lumen, for example by comprising a radially expanding portion
which occupies a volume of the lumen. Optionally, the modification
of the lumen affects the flow parameters of fluid passing within
the nozzle and/or exiting the nozzle.
[0139] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a plurality of
jets are used. Optionally, the use of a plurality of jets allows
more freedom (e.g. less manual precision and/or allowing matching
to various geometries) in the orientation of the nozzle, as it is
more likely that at least one jet will have an angle needed for
proper treating of the root canal. Optionally or alternatively, the
use of multiple jets may assist in ensuring that all portions of
the root canal wall are hit by fluid flow at sufficient velocity
and/or other parameters.
[0140] In some embodiments, the jets will be contiguous with each
other, for example, in the form of a cone and/or a segment thereof.
Alternatively, a cone shaped flow is formed without distinct angled
jets. Additionally or alternatively, the cone shaped flow or other
form of flow comprises a vertical velocity component as well as a
circumferential velocity component. Additionally or alternatively,
the velocity comprises a radial component. Exemplary ratios of a
relative weight of each of the components out of the total velocity
may include 70% vertical component, 20% circumferential component,
10% radial component, or 40% vertical, 30% radial, and 30%
circumferential, or other ratios thereof. In some embodiments, for
example when the root canal is at least partially filled with
fluid, the angled jet hits the fluid within the canal. Optionally,
the jet merges with the fluid, and may intensify the spinning
motion of the flow within the canal. An aspect of some embodiments
relates to cleaning and/or abrading a root canal using turbulent
flow in the canal. In some embodiments, the turbulent flow is
created by providing one or more fluid jets at an angle. In some
embodiments, the turbulent flow is created by providing a spinning
beam of fluid which merges with fluid within the canal.
[0141] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention a turbine such
as an air turbine is coupled to an internal pipe within the nozzle,
the turbine configured for rotating the pipe so that fluid
circulates within the pipe. In some embodiments, the turbine spins
a cone of the nozzle which contains the fluid. In some embodiments,
the circulating flow of fluid exits the nozzle and enters the root
canal, where the spinning momentum may cause the flow the flow
along the canal walls, thereby removing tissue.
[0142] Various embodiments are described in this application, some
of which describe a relation between the nozzle structure and the
flow regime within the nozzle, the nozzle structure and the flow
within the canal, the shape of the beam and the flow within the
canal, desired flow parameters of flow effects in the canal, or
others. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a geometry of
the nozzle and/or other parameters such as the fluid composition,
the fluid pressure, or others may be selected to achieve the
desired conditions. In some embodiments, a calibration is performed
to match up such parameters and achieve a desired effect,
optionally using different parameter value sets for different
dental conditions. An exemplary device may include a knob which
selects different parameter sets determined by such a calibration,
and/or according to the selected nozzle geometry.
[0143] Before explaining at least one embodiment 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.
[0144] In some embodiments, a nozzle tip is sufficiently small such
that at least a portion of the tip can be inserted into a pulp
chamber of a tooth. In some embodiments, a maximum extent of a
nozzle tip perpendicular to a vertical axis of the nozzle is less
than 0.05 mm, or 0.1 mm, or 0.2 mm or 0.5 mm, or 1 mm, or 2 mm, or
5 mm, or 10 mm, or smaller, or larger, or intermediate
measurements.
[0145] In some embodiments, tissue is removed from a root canal,
for example by rotating fluid within the root canal, at a rate of
at least 1 .mu.g/s, or 0.1 mg/s, or 1 mg/s, or 20 mg/s, or lower,
or higher or intermediate rates.
[0146] In some embodiments, discharge of fluid from a nozzle into
fluid within a root canal causes the flow within the root canal to
start rotating helically and/or for a speed (e.g. revolutions per
second) of already rotating fluid within the canal to increase
and/or for a number of revolutions of the fluid along the wall of
the root canal to increase.
[0147] In some embodiments, fluid in said root canal fills at least
5%, or at least 10%, or at least 20%, or at least 30%, or at least
50%, or at least 90% or lower, or higher or intermediate
percentages of a volume of said root canal.
[0148] In some embodiments, fluid in said root canal comprises at
least 10% liquid, or at least 20%, or at least 30%, or at least
50%, or at least 90% or lower, or higher or intermediate
percentages.
A Description of an Endodontic Procedure, According to Some
Embodiments of the Invention
[0149] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an
endodontic treatment procedure, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention.
[0150] In some cases, for example if a tooth is decayed, infected,
and/or cracked, a dentist may decide to perform procedure for
treating the root canal of a human tooth, e.g. as described at
101.
[0151] Commonly, the number of root canals in a tooth depends on
the number of the tooth roots, for example ranging between 1-5. In
some cases, such as in root canal anastomosis, a single canal may
split into branching canals.
[0152] In some embodiments, a root canal procedure includes
removing pulp tissue (pulpectomy), magma, nerve tissue, and/or
blood vessels from the pulp chamber and root canal to prevent
future infection and/or an abscessed tooth. In some embodiments,
the root canal procedure includes shaping the root canal. In some
embodiments, the root canal procedure includes decontaminating the
tooth. A feature of some embodiments includes not performing one or
more of the above, for example not performing shaping of the root
canal.
[0153] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, for example, as
will be described below, the root canal is cleaned without leaving
a smear layer which, for example, would otherwise block tubules
and/or serve as a substrate for infection.
[0154] Prior to and/or during the procedure, imaging of the tooth
may be performed, as described at 103. For example, X-ray imaging
may be performed to determine the shape (or number) of the root
canals and/or detect signs of infection.
[0155] At 105, an access cavity to the pulp chamber and root canal
is created through the crown of the tooth, for example using a
dental drill. Once the access cavity is created, the entrance to
the root canal is exposed, as described at 107, optionally using a
root canal file inserted through the access cavity into the pulp
chamber. In some embodiments, access is provided via a side of the
tooth. This may be possible if no files are used on the root canal,
for example, as described below.
[0156] At this stage, in order to clean, shape and/or decontaminate
the root canal through the exposed entrance, a distal tip of the
apparatus, optionally including a nozzle as will be further
described, is inserted through the pulp chamber, as described at
109, and an exit aperture of the nozzle is positioned above the
exposed entrance to the root canal, as described at 111.
Optionally, the exit aperture of the nozzle is positioned within
the root canal, as will be further described. Optionally, the exit
aperture of the nozzle is positioned in an angle to the root canal
entrance. At 113, one or more angled fluid jets discharged from the
exit aperture of the nozzle passes through the root canal, as will
be explained by the following figure. In some embodiments, as the
flow of fluid advances along the root canal wall, it removes
tissue. In some embodiments, the flow of fluid removes organic
substance such as pulp tissue, nerve tissue, blood vessels, magma
and/or debris from the root canal. In some embodiments, the flow of
fluid erodes a thin layer of dentin tissue from the wall of a root
canal. In some embodiments, the flow of fluid smoothes the root
canal wall. In some embodiments, the flow of fluid disinfects the
root canal.
[0157] In some cases, manual cleaning (e.g. using a file or other
methods known in the art) is used to remove some or all bulk debris
from a canal before using fluid jets as described herein.
Optionally, fluid jets are used to remove a smear layer created by
manual cleaning.
[0158] At 115, the dentist may optionally evaluate the
effectiveness of the cleaning and/or abrading procedure, for
example by inserting a file to reach the apex of the root canal and
test for remains of infected tissue. Optionally, a dentist may
re-wash and/or dry and/or disinfect the root canal (116).
[0159] At this stage, sealing of the root canal (and/or the pulp
chamber) is optionally performed (117). Optionally, sealing
includes filling a hollow interior of the root canal. In some
embodiments, a rubber compound such as Gutta Percha material may be
used for sealing the root canal. Optionally, the Gutta Percha
material is softened and injected into the root canal, in which it
then hardens. Alternatively, a more solid form of Gutta Percha, for
example shaped as a cone, is inserted into the root canal to fill
it. In some embodiments, the sealing process begins by inserting
the filling material to the apex of the root canal, and then
advancing upwards. In some embodiments, a temporary filling is
used, which is later replaced by a permanent filling.
[0160] In various acts described above, techniques that are known
in the art may be used. The acts described at 109-113 desirably use
an embodiment of an inventive apparatus and method for cleaning
and/or abrading a root canal, for example, as described below.
[0161] Optionally, the procedure described at 101-117 is repeated
for one or more additional root canals, for example an additional
root canal of the same tooth and/or a root canal of a different
tooth. Optionally, sealing is performed for the one or more root
canals that were treated.
[0162] Various types of root canals may be treated using the
described methods and/or apparatuses, such as a curved shaped
canal, L shaped canal, C shaped canal, S-shaped canal, V-shaped
canal, U-shaped canal, isthmus canal, root canal anastomosis, webs
canal, fins canal, lateral canal, accessories canal, MB2 canal,
root canal type 1-8.
[0163] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for cleaning
and/or abrading a root canal using one or more angled fluid jets,
according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0164] At 201, one or more angled fluid jets are directed into a
root canal to clean and/or abrade it.
[0165] In some embodiments, a jet is a directed flow of fluid,
optionally exiting from an exit aperture of a nozzle. Different
embodiments may have jets with different shapes and/or forms. For
example, the jet may have a narrow ray form. In some embodiments, a
beam of a plurality of jets is used. In some cases, the jet is thin
and flat and may spread out angularly. In other embodiments, a jet
is substantially pencil like, but spreads when contacting the root
canal wall. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the jet
shape is determined by the shape of the nozzle used. For example,
in some embodiments, the jet/beam shape is determined by the shape
of the tip of the nozzle used. For example, in some embodiments, a
shape of a jet/beam discharged is the same shape as a shape of the
nozzle outlet. For example, in some embodiments, a nozzle with a
narrow tip portion (e.g. see FIG. 9B) discharges a narrow jet/beam.
In some embodiments, the shape of the jet may depend on the fluid
parameters, such as air/liquid ration and/or pressure and/or
pulsatility. In other embodiments, the nozzle may be able to
selectively provide one of several jet forms. Optionally, at least
a portion of the nozzle is shaped as a needle-like tube, forming a
relatively narrow passage for the fluid to flow through.
[0166] In some embodiments, each of a plurality of angled jet has
hits the root canal wall at a different angle so that the plurality
of jets are channeled to flow together along the root canal wall in
a helical pattern, as will be further described. In some
embodiments, a helical pattern within a nozzle and/or within a root
canal is where the path of fluid flow changes angle while flowing
apically. In some embodiments, the fluid flow follows a number of
revolutions where a direction of the fluid flow repeats, at least
in an axis perpendicular to a vertical axis of the root canal.
[0167] In some embodiments, the one or more jets are directed into
the root canal. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a single
jet or a plurality of jets hits the wall of the root canal. In some
embodiments, force exerted by the wall channels the jets to advance
along the root canal wall. In some embodiments, the fluid flows in
a helical flow pattern along the walls of the root canal, for
example, as will be further described in the following figure.
[0168] In some embodiments, as will be further explained, the one
or more jets are discharged from a nozzle such that they are angled
to a vertical axis of the nozzle. In some embodiments, the one or
more jets enter the root canal such that they are angled to a
vertical axis of the root canal. Optionally, the vertical axis of
the nozzle unites with the vertical axis of the root canal.
[0169] In some embodiments, the shunting of the one or more jets in
a specific angle and/or direction is created by a designated inner
structure of the nozzle, for example, as will be further explained
below.
[0170] In some embodiments, a plurality of angled jets such as 2,
4, 8, 12, 50, 1000, 2000, 3000, or any intermediate or higher
numbers are used. In some embodiments, the nozzle is adapted for
discharging at least 2, or at least 4, or at least 8, or at least
12, or at least 50, or at least 1000, or at least 2000, or at least
3000 angled fluid jets simultaneously. A potential advantage of
using a plurality of jets may include a more effective cleaning
and/or eroding of the canal wall. For example, in some embodiments,
a large number of jets (e.g. more than 5, 10, 50, 100, 300, 1000)
means that the entire root canal wall is contacted by the jet. In
some embodiments, a larger number of jets and constant liquid flow
rate (e.g. jets have a higher proportion of air) results in faster
circulation of fluid within the root canal.
[0171] In some embodiments, a plurality of jets includes
disinfecting material and/or abrasive material.
[0172] Optionally, a thickness of the layer of tissue eroded by the
flow is substantially equal at various portions of the root
canal.
[0173] In some embodiments, rotational flow of fluid along the
canal walls means that the root canal wall continues to be abraded
when the shape of the wall changes due to the abrasion process
(e.g. the fluid continues to flow along the canal walls despite
changes in shape and/or angle of the walls). In some embodiments,
rotation flow of the fluid along the canal walls causes enlargement
of the canal in all three dimensions. In some embodiments, abrasion
is complex shaped, for example, in a shape other than
cylindrical.
[0174] In some embodiments, characteristics and/or parameters of
the flow and/or fluid (e.g. speed, number of jets, angle of jets,
composition of fluid) are changed to be suitable for abrading the
root canal during treatment, for example, to maintain erosion as
the canal widens. In some embodiments, a proportion of abrasive
powder in the fluid and/or a speed of fluid flow is increased
during a treatment, for example, so that the root canal wall
continues to be abraded as the root canal increases in size (due to
abrasion). In some embodiments, abrasion is reduced (e.g. by
reducing a proportion of abrasive powder in the fluid and/or a
speed of fluid flow) during treatment, for example, to smooth the
root canal wall after the majority of the abrasion/erosion has
occurred.
[0175] In some embodiments, one or more portion of a root canal is
smoothed, for example due to fluid flow and/or abrasion.
[0176] Another potential advantage of using a plurality of jets
includes the ability to select a hitting angle, for example an
angle of 30.degree., 45.degree., 70.degree. between the angled jet
and the root canal wall, and additionally and/or alternatively to
assure that at least some of the jets of the beam will hit the root
canal wall.
[0177] In some embodiments, a single angled jet may be used, for
example being narrow enough to effectively advance along the canal
wall, creating a thin coating-like layer of fluid. Optionally, in
the above described phenomena, the angled jets advance along the
canal wall, optionally allowing some or all of the returning fluid
to flow back up through a central lumen along the vertical axis of
the canal, as will be shown by the following figure. For example,
60-80%, 40-50%, 80-95% of the fluid may flow back through the
central lumen, and 10-30%, 5-8%, 30-40%, may flow back up along the
canal wall.
[0178] In some embodiments, as described at 203, the flow of fluid
passing through the root canal removes soft tissue such as pulp
tissue, magma, nerve tissue, and/or blood vessels. In some cases,
the tissue removed is infected tissue. In some embodiments, the
flow of fluid flushes away organic substance and/or debris. In some
embodiments, flow of fluid cuts soft tissue (e.g. nerves and blood
vessels) without pulling the soft tissue from the tooth e.g. a
blood vessel is cut in half, with half of the vessel remaining in
the tooth. In some embodiments, abrasion removes a layer of
dentine, cutting tubules and/or blood vessels within the dentine,
optionally including an apical area and/or apex (e.g. cutting blood
vessels) of the root canal.
[0179] Optionally, a thickness of the layer of tissue eroded (e.g.
soft tissue and/or dentine) by the flow (e.g. rotation of fluid
within the root canal) is substantially equal at various portions
of the root canal. In some embodiments, a thickness of the layer of
tissue eroded is between 50-90 .mu.m thick, or between 10-150 .mu.m
thick, or between 100-200 .mu.m thick, or lower, or higher, or
intermediate thicknesses.
[0180] In some embodiments, the flow of fluid erodes a layer of
tissue, for example a thin layer, such as a thin layer of dentin
tissue. Optionally, the flow of fluid causes widening of the canal.
In some embodiment, the flow of fluid smoothes the surface of the
root canal wall. For example, the thickness of the eroded layer may
range between 100-200 .mu.m, 10-70 .mu.m, 200-300 .mu.m.
Optionally, the thickness of the eroded layer and/or the amount of
debris removed by the flow depends on various parameters, such as
the application time.
[0181] In some embodiments, the fluid comprises liquid, such as
water and/or antibacterial liquid. Additionally and/or
alternatively, the fluid comprises gas, such as air. Optionally,
the mixture of air and liquid dispersed from the nozzle is an
aerosol. Optionally, the pressure of the aerosol exiting a nozzle
ranges between 10-200 PSI.
[0182] In some embodiments, a ratio between air and liquid is
selected according to the need, for example a ratio between air and
liquid may affect the viscosity of the fluid which in turn may
affect the velocity of the fluid flowing through the canal.
[0183] In some embodiments, the gas is air, and the fluid comprises
between 50-95% air, and between 5-50% liquid, or the fluid
comprises between 20-95% air and between 5-80% liquid or lower, or
higher, or intermediate ratios of liquid to air.
[0184] In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid comprises between
60-90% air, and between 10-40% liquid, such as 70% air and 30%
liquid, 85% air and 15% liquid, 98% air and 2% liquid, or another
higher or lower ratio, or an intermediate ratio.
[0185] In some embodiments, composition (e.g. percentage of
components within the fluid) of the fluid comprising liquid and one
or more of air, abrasive material and disinfecting material is
chosen to be suitable for the type of treatment and/or the type of
root canal. For example, in some embodiments, a proportion of
abrasive powder is increased to increase a rate of erosion of the
root canal walls. For example, in some embodiments, disinfecting
material is increased and/or added to the fluid at the end of the
treatment, e.g. to leave a sterile and/or clean root canal. In some
embodiments, for example, if there is a buildup of debris in the
root canal, a proportion of gas (e.g. air) in the flow is increased
to increase a speed of the flow, for example to flush the root
canal from debris. In some embodiments, a proportion of gas in the
fluid is reduced for flushing the canal, e.g. as a final stage of
treatment.
[0186] In another example, the ration between air and liquid is 90%
liquid, and 10% air. In another example, the fluid comprises 100%
liquid. Optionally, by having fluid with relatively high air
content, faster spinning motion may be obtained. Optionally, by
obtaining a relatively high angular velocity of the spinning fluid,
the radially outward force (i.e. centrifugal force) applied by the
flow and/or by particles of the flow such as abrasive powder
particles onto the root canal wall is increased. A potential
advantage includes eroding a thicker layer of tissue, thereby
optionally increasing the treatment effectiveness. Optionally, a
friction produced between the gas (e.g. air) components of the
fluid when contacting the root canal wall is relatively low with
respect to the friction produced by the abrasive particles of the
fluid during contact with the root canal wall. In some embodiments,
a density of an abrasive particle is higher than a density of a
liquid and/or gas particle comprising the fluid. In some
embodiments, the percentage of abrasive powder in the fluid ranges
between 0.05-15%, such as 0.1%, 2%, 10%, or higher, for example,
20%, 50% .
[0187] In some embodiments, eroding of the tissue is achieved by
adding abrasive particles such as an abrasive powder to the fluid.
Optionally, the abrasive powder comprises between 0.01-3%, 2-2.5%,
0.8-1.2%, 3-8%, 5-7% of the fluid.
[0188] In some embodiments, the abrasive powder includes
natural/organic material and/or mixed material (e.g. containing
more than one component), and/or synthetic material.
[0189] In some embodiments, the fluid does not include abrasive
powder and abrades the canal itself e.g. in some embodiments,
bubbles within the fluid abrade the canal. In some embodiments,
abrasive properties of fluid are affected by fluid density and/or
viscosity, and/or particle size.
[0190] In some embodiments, abrasive particles can change form
and/or volume (e.g. dissolve, e.g. absorb fluid to enlarge).
[0191] In some embodiments, size and/or proportion and/or
composition of abrasive particles affect flow within the nozzle
and/or nozzle tip and/or angle jets and/or from the nozzle outlet
and/or within the root canal. In some embodiments, abrasive
particles size and/or type are selected to be suitable for the type
of treatment and/or type of root canal. For example, in some
embodiments, large abrasive particles are selected for a canal
which requires heavy abrasion. In some embodiments, a temperature
of fluid and/or other components (e.g. abrasive powder and/or gas)
is selected for the type of treatment and type of canal. For
example, in some embodiments, a higher fluid temperature is used
for cauterization. For example, in some embodiments, a higher
temperature fluid has lower viscosity optionally associated with
higher velocity flow, for example facilitating a heavy abrasive
particle load with high velocity rotation of fluid. Some examples
of abrasive powder that may be added to the mixture of air and
liquid include crystallite, silicon powder, garnet powder, aluminum
powder, magnesium powder, ceramic powder, plastic powder,
synthetic, emery powders, sea shell powder, cement powder, salt,
ground seeds, diamond powder, carbide powder, glass powder,
iron/iron oxide powder, steel powder, aluminum oxide powder, baking
soda, acrylic powder, granite powder, fruit powder, tree shell
powder, plant seed powder, sea sand powder, synthetic diamond
powder, stone powder, marble powder, copper powder, silica and/or
combinations of the above. In some embodiments, the powder grains
may have a diameter ranging between 2-500 .mu.m, 10-50 .mu.m, 3-6
.mu.m, 0.1-1 .mu.m, 0.5-2 .mu.m. In some embodiments, the powder
grains may be selected according to the type of tissue that is to
be removed. In some embodiments, air bubbles can act as an abrasive
substance, for example to erode tissue, for example hard tissue
(e.g. dentine). In some embodiments, reducing a size of the nozzle
lumen increases a number of bubbles within the fluid, generating
more abrasion. In some embodiments, pressure of air within the flow
is increased, increasing a pressure of the bubbles, increasing
abrasion. In some embodiments, the powder may comprise a
disinfection component. In some embodiments, the powder particle
may generate a disinfection process during the cleaning and/or
eroding process in the canal.
[0192] In some embodiments, the flow of fluid disinfects the root
canal, as described at 205, for example by adding disinfectant to
the fluid. Optionally, an antibacterial substance and/or medicine
is added. In one example, Sodium Hypochlorite is added to the fluid
to be passed through the root canal, optionally followed by saline
and hydrogen peroxide, to disinfect the root canal. In some
embodiments, there are three fluid sources that can be used such as
water, disinfectant, and medicine. Optionally, the fluid comprises
one or more of these liquids.
[0193] In some embodiments, the duration of the process of removing
organic substance, eroding the tissue and/or disinfecting the
interior of the root canal ranges between 15-45 seconds, for
example 20 seconds, 27 seconds, 43 seconds. In some embodiments,
for example if the root canal has an extremely narrow portion, the
duration of the above process may range between 45-60 seconds, for
example 50 seconds, 55 seconds. Optionally, shorter, intermediate
and/or longer time periods are required to complete the process. In
some embodiments, the treatment is provided in periodic pulses, for
example a 10 second duration followed by a 10 second interval, or a
2 second duration followed by a 5 second interval, or another
combination of larger, smaller and/or intermediate intervals. In
some embodiments, during the interval access fluid is collected
from the root canal, for example by suctioning.
[0194] In some embodiments, a duration of a pulse ranges between
0.2-0.3, or 0.5-1, or 1-25 seconds, or intermediate values, and,
optionally, debris and excess fluid are removed in intervals
between pulses. In some embodiments, the pulses are controlled
through a control panel electrically connected to the apparatus. In
some embodiments, pulses have different durations, and/or flow
rates and/or volumes of discharged fluid. In some embodiments
0.1-300 cc/s, or 0.5-155 cc/s, or 0.5-70 cc/s, or any intermediate,
larger or smaller ranges and/or values of fluid flow in a
pulse.
[0195] In some embodiments, suction and/or removal of material from
the root canal enables flow of fluid along the root canal wall. For
example, because suction empties and/or partially empties the root
canal revealing portions and/or the entire root canal wall. For
example, because suction creates negative pressure within the root
canal, encouraging flow of fluid along the root canal wall.
[0196] In some embodiments, suction increases the speed of
circulation of the fluid inside the root canal (e.g. due to lack of
or reduction in resistance from fluid in the root canal and/or due
to reduction of pressure in the root canal). In some embodiments,
suction increases the speed of circulation of fluid at the root
canal apex and a lower portion of the root canal proximal to the
apex.
[0197] In some embodiments, suction reduces pressure at the root
canal apex and/or an apical portion of the root canal proximal to
the apex, potentially reducing the risk of rupture of the apex
and/or break-through at the apex.
[0198] In some embodiments, the treatment time period and/or the
length of the periodic pulses of the treatment are determined
according to a ratio between air and liquid in the fluid and/or a
ratio between air and powder and/or a ration between liquid and
powder. Optionally, operation parameters of the apparatus are
determined according to calibrated values.
Application of Fluid by the Apparatus into the Root Canal,
According to Some Embodiments of the Inventions
[0199] FIG. 3 shows angled fluid jets entering a root canal and
advancing along the root canal wall in a helical flow, according to
some embodiments of the invention.
[0200] In some embodiments, angled fluid jet 301 hits wall 303 of
the root canal 305. In some embodiments, the plane in which the
angled fluid jet passes before and/or during entrance to the root
crosses a vertical plane of the tooth, for example a plane in which
vertical axis y passes, as will be explained.
[0201] In some embodiments, an angle .gamma. is formed between jet
301 and an axis extending longitudinally along the canal wall 303,
such as axis AA. In some embodiments, for example if a portion of
the root canal is shaped as a cylinder, axis AA may be parallel to
vertical axis y. In some embodiments, angle .gamma. is an acute
angle, for example ranging between 10-85 degrees, for example 20
degrees, 45 degrees, 73 degrees. In some embodiments, angle .gamma.
is zero.
[0202] In some embodiments, one angled jet 301 or a plurality of
angled jets hit the root canal wall. In some embodiments, the jets
advance along the root canal wall. In some embodiments, once the
jets hit the root canal wall, the force exerted by the wall
channels the jets to spin in a helical flow 313 through the root
canal. Optionally, other forms of flow such as longitudinal stream
lines along the root canal wall are formed.
[0203] Additionally or alternatively, when root canal 305 is at
least partially filled with fluid, for example during steady state
operation of the apparatus, angled jet 301 hits the fluid 325
within the canal. Optionally, jet 301 merges with the fluid, and
may intensify the spinning motion of flow 313 within the canal.
[0204] In some embodiments, a centrifugal force may be applied to
canal wall 303 by spinning flow 313. Optionally, a spiral path of
the flow is maintained due to rotational momentum acquired when the
fluid is advanced within and/or discharged by the nozzle of the
apparatus. Optionally, the spinning pattern of flow 313 is achieved
when a sufficient amount of angled jets enters the canal, such as,
3, 10, 100, 1000, 20000 jets or intermediate, larger or smaller
amount, such that the jets merge together to form the helically
spinning flow. Optionally, the plurality of applied jets comprise
different angles, for example so that they cover the root canal
opening circumferentially. Optionally, by hitting the opening
circumferentially, a homogenous distribution of the flow is
achieved with respect to a periphery of the root canal.
[0205] In some embodiments, flow 313 advances along a portion 315
of the root canal. In some embodiments, portion 315 is cylindrical.
In some embodiments, flow 313 passes through a narrowing portion
317 of the root canal. In some embodiments, flow 313 passes through
a narrowing portion and then through a widening portion. In some
embodiments, flow 313 passes through a curve 323.
[0206] In some embodiments, narrowing portion 317 includes a
portion having a diameter less than 0.1 mm, less than 0.05 mm,
and/or intermediate or smaller values. In some embodiments, curve
323 has a radius of curvature less than 0.05 mm, less than 0.08 mm,
and/or intermediate or smaller numbers. In some embodiments, a
length of a root canal past curvature and/or past a narrowing which
the fluid flows through ranges, for example, between 0.1-4 mm, for
example 1 mm, 0.5 mm, 2 mm.
[0207] In some embodiments, flow 313 reaches apex 319 of the root
canal. In some embodiments, flow 313 passes through branches of the
root canal, for example reaching at least a portion of branching
dentinal tubules, (not shown in this figure). In some embodiments,
for example if the anatomy of root canal 305 is unusual, such as an
L-shaped or C-shaped root canal, and/or if root canal 305 has an
extremely narrowing portion, flow 313 may pass through and clean at
least most of the canal. A potential advantage of cleaning and/or
eroding the root canal using the flow of fluid includes the ability
to reach locations such as curves, narrowings and/or branches of
the root canal which otherwise would have been impossible or hard
to reach, for example when using a file. Optionally, a centrifugal
force that is applied to canal wall 303 by flow 313 (for example by
abrasive powder particles within the fluid) increases a thickness
of the eroded layer, thereby optionally increasing treatment
effectiveness.
[0208] In some embodiments, root canal wall 303 is subjected to
shear forces, which may be applied by flow 313. Optionally, due to
the shear forces, a thin layer of tissue such as dentin tissue is
removed by the flow. In some embodiments, the removal of tissue is
homogenous. In some cases, for example in a narrowing and/or curvy
portion of the root canal, the removal is non-homogenous. In some
embodiments, homogenous removal depends on the diameter of root
canal 305. For example, in a narrowing having a smaller diameter
than 0.1 mm, removal may be non-homogenous. Optionally, in that
case, a file may be used for widening the narrowing. In some
embodiments, the thickness of the dentin layer removed by the flow
of fluid ranges between 10-300 .mu.m, or between 100-200 .mu.m, for
example 50 .mu.m, 80 .mu.m, 12 .mu.m. Optionally, intermediate
and/or lower thickness layers are removed. In some embodiments, the
shear viscosity of the fluid affects the thickness of the removed
layer.
[0209] In some embodiments, for example, as the root canal is
abraded gradually and as, in some embodiments, debris is removed
from the canal by the abrading flow, treatment does not result in a
smear layer on the root canal walls.
[0210] In some embodiments, for example, if a drill has been used
to remove material (e.g. generating a smear layer on the root canal
walls) removal of material (e.g. a layer of dentine) removes a
contaminated layer of material from the root canal
[0211] In some embodiments, removal of a layer of dentine, for
example a layer 100-200 .mu.m thick of dentine from the root canal
reveals tubules.
[0212] In some embodiments, a rate of removal is controlled, for
example, by applying shorter pulses, for example to prevent
perforation. In some embodiments, imaging may be performed, for
example during treatment, to decide if additional cleaning and/or
abrading is needed.
[0213] In some embodiments, flow 313 reaches apex 319 of the root
canal. In some embodiments, flow 313 may become turbulent along
some portions of the root canal, for example in proximity to apex
319.
[0214] In some embodiments, flow 313 erodes apex 319, optionally
resulting in a duller root canal. In some embodiments, the flow 313
is applied so that it does not widen a natural opening of the apex,
for example ranging between 0.3-0.5 mm, 0.1-0.2 mm, 0.4-0.5 mm.
Optionally, treatment duration is selected so that penetration of
at least some of the flow through the apex is avoided.
[0215] In some embodiments, at least some portion of flow 313,
optionally including the removed organic substance and/or debris,
returns back up through the canal. Optionally, when a lumen of the
canal is filled with fluid up to its maximal capacity, at least
some of the fluid is caused to exit the canal. Optionally, the
amount of fluid that accumulates within the canal before at least
some of the fluid is caused to exit the canal is determined by the
components of the fluid and their respective amounts, for example
determined by the gas-liquid ratio of the fluid. Optionally, fluid
accumulating within the canal applies pressure on the apex and/or
on the canal wall, and/or on tubulates, and/or branches, and/or on
isthmus canals and/or on accessory canals.
[0216] Optionally, the flow passes along path 321, for example in a
central lumen along vertical axis y. A potential advantage of the
advancing and returning flow path may include the ability to use a
large volume of fluid to clean the root canal. For example, a
volumetric flow rate may range between 0.5-50 ml/sec, 10-30 ml/sec,
1-5 ml/sec.
[0217] In some embodiments, the velocity of flow 313 passing
through root canal 305 may be affected by various parameters, such
as the ratio between air and liquid of the fluid, the diameter of
the root canal (which may vary along portions of the root canal),
the viscosity of the fluid, the initial velocity of the fluid in
the jet, the angular velocity of the fluid, the vertical velocity
of the fluid, the ratio between components such as gas, liquid and
powder in fluid, the centrifugal acceleration of the fluid, and/or
other parameters or combinations of them. Optionally, the velocity
of flow 313 increases along some portions of the root canal, for
example in a narrowing portion. Optionally, the typically conical
shape of the root canal, in which a diameter of the root canal
decreases, causes the velocity of the fluid to increase as it
advances towards the apex. In one example, the velocity of flow 313
advancing along the root canal wall ranges between 0.5-50 m/sec,
30-80 m/sec, 50-300 m/sec, 10-100 m/sec, 0.6-2 mm/sec, 180-350
m/sec, or any intermediate, larger or smaller ranges. In some
embodiments, the flow velocity upon exiting to the atmosphere is,
for example, 120 m/sec. Optionally, the velocity of flow 313
changes according to a current location within the root canal. For
example, rotational flow velocity potentially increases with
increasing root canal depth, while axial velocity decreases. In
some embodiments, an estimated level of dynamic stress applied
during operation of the nozzle within the root canal is about 6
PSI, corresponding to a root canal wall velocity range of about
30-80 m/sec. In some embodiments, the velocity of the flow enables
a relatively high volumetric flow rate, for example 50 ml/sec.
[0218] FIG. 4A illustrates a conical nozzle 401 positioned above
the entrance to root canal 403, according to some embodiments of
the invention. FIG. 4B illustrates an apparatus comprising conical
nozzle 401 and a handle 421, positioned within access cavity 423 of
a tooth above the entrance to root canal 403. FIG. 4C is a
geometric representation of an angled fluid jet 405.
[0219] As seen in FIG. 4A, at least one angled fluid jet 405 is
discharged from nozzle 401 and directed into entrance 407 of root
canal 403.
[0220] In some embodiments, for example, as will be further
described in FIG. 7, nozzle 401 includes one or more conical
structures. Optionally, nozzle 401 includes an internal cone 411
positioned within an external cone 413. In some embodiments,
circulating the fluid in a lumen between cones 411 and 413 creates
the angled direction of fluid jet 405 or a plurality of fluid
jets.
[0221] In some embodiments, the angled direction of fluid jet 405
or a plurality of fluid jets is obtained by the conical structure
of nozzle 401. In an exemplary embodiment, fluid 415 flows into
internal cone 411, passes (for example through a slanted tube as
will be shown further on) into external cone 413, and circulates
within a narrowing lumen 417 between external cone 413 and internal
cone 411, until reaching exit aperture 419 of nozzle 401. In some
embodiments, the velocity of the fluid is increased and/or
decreased when circulating through the lumen, for example by
changing the radius of the circulating path.
[0222] In some embodiments, the diameter of a portion of nozzle
401, for example a diameter of exit aperture 419 is smaller than a
diameter of the root canal opening. In some embodiments, a diameter
of the angled jet measured at the exit aperture of the nozzle is
2%, or 5%, or 10%, or 30%, or 50%, or lower, or higher, or
intermediate percentages of a diameter of an entrance of the root
canal, or smaller. Additionally or alternatively, a diameter of
aperture 419 is smaller than a diameter of the pulp chamber of a
tooth. Alternatively, the diameter of aperture 419 is similar to
the diameter of the root canal opening and/or the diameter of the
pulp chamber.
[0223] In some embodiments, nozzle 401 and/or exit aperture 419 of
nozzle 401 are positioned above entrance 407 to root canal 403, for
example 1 mm, 7 mm, 1 cm and/or intermediate or higher distances
above. In some embodiments, as shown for example in FIG. 4A, exit
aperture 419 is positioned vertically above entrance 407 such that
a longitudinal axis 433 of nozzle 401 and a longitudinal axis 435
of root canal 403 unite. Optionally, when both axes unite, the exit
aperture of the nozzle and the root canal opening act as a unified
structure, imposing a similar flow regime of the fluid that
advances from the nozzle and into the root canal. Optionally, the
velocity of the fluid is maintained when passing between the nozzle
and the root canal. In some embodiments, the velocity of the fluid
increases, for example if pressure in the root canal is lower than
the pressure within the nozzle.
[0224] A potential advantage may include irrigating root canal 403
with one or more angled fluid jets 405 while nozzle 401 is
positioned directly above entrance 407 of root canal 403. Another
potential advantage of discharging angled jets may include
preventing the need for a diverting element for causing fluid
discharged by the nozzle to contact the root canal wall.
[0225] Alternatively, in some embodiments, nozzle 401 is positioned
such that axis 433 of the nozzle and axis 433 of the root canal do
not unite. Optionally, axis 433 is parallel to axis 435.
Alternatively, nozzle 401 is positioned such that axis 433 is at an
angle to axis 435 of the root canal.
[0226] In some embodiments, a diameter of angled jet 405 is smaller
than a diameter 423 of exit aperture 419. For example, if a
diameter of exit aperture 419 is 0.8 mm, a diameter of fluid jet
405 for example when passing through exit aperture 419 may be 10
.mu.m, 90 .mu.m 0.5 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.3 mm, and/or intermediate or
lower diameters. In some embodiments, the diameter of angled jet
405 changes as it flows between exit aperture 419 and entrance 407
to the root canal. In some embodiments, a maximal diameter of
angled jet 405 is 30%, 20%, 10%, 4%, 2%, 0.15%, 1%, 0.2%, or
intermediate or smaller percentages of a maximal diameter 437 of
root canal entrance 407.
[0227] In some embodiments, when a plurality of angled jets 405 are
used, a distance between any pair of angled jets exiting through
exit aperture 419 ranges between 0.01-3 mm, such as 0.05 mm, 0.8
mm, 2 mm. Optionally, this distance affects the formation of a
coating-like layer of the flow of fluid advancing along root canal
wall 421, for example, as described above.
[0228] In an exemplary embodiment, a relatively high number of
angled jets is discharged by the nozzle, for example ranging
between 2000-60,000 jets, such as 3000, 15,000, 45,000, jets.
Optionally, a diameter of a single jet out of the plurality of jets
in such a case ranges between, 1 .mu.m-2 mm, such as 50 .mu.m, 1
mm, 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, as fluid 415 circulates within
lumen 417, a direction and/or magnitude of its momentum are
determined by the structure of nozzle 401. In some embodiments, one
or more parameters are selected (by a dentist and/or manufacturer)
to create the designated flow of fluid along the root canal wall
for the removal of soft tissue. In some embodiments, these
parameters include: the number of angled fluid jets, the pressure
of the angled fluid jets, the velocity of the jets, the diameter of
the jets, the viscosity of the fluid, the ratio between gas and
liquid, the amount of abrasive powder added to the fluid, the
duration of the treatment, the positioning of the nozzle, and/or
any other parameters or combinations of them. In one example, the
velocity and pressure of the fluid jet may be selected so that once
the jet hits a wall at the root canal entrance, fluid does not
spray beyond the entrance to the root canal, for example in the
direction of the crown of the tooth. In some embodiments,
parameters may depend on each other, for example the ratio between
gas, liquid and/or may affect the viscosity of the fluid.
[0229] Table 1, now made reference to, presents a table of
parameters describing relative amounts and amounts of flow useable
with some exemplary embodiments of the invention, for example,
embodiments where fluid discharged from a nozzle intensifies
rotation of fluid within a root canal. The mass and volumetric flow
rates and air/fluid mix percentages are exemplary. It should be
understood that values in ranges between the given values, or
higher or lower are also used and/or producible in some embodiments
of the invention.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Air Flow Rate Mass Fluid (cc/min) % Air Rate
(kg/min) % Fluid Mass Rate (kg/min) 1 815 84% 0.00425 16% 0.1293 2
682 80% 0.00338 20% 0.1364 3 570 75% 0.00266 25% 0.1421 4 456 65%
0.00184 35% 0.1594
[0230] In some embodiments, (e.g. embodiments where fluid
discharged from a nozzle intensifies rotation of fluid within a
root canal) a pressure of air at an exit from a nozzle aperture is,
for example, about 75 PSI. In some embodiments of the invention, a
pressure of fluid at an exit from a nozzle aperture is, for
example, about 75 PSI. In some embodiments of the invention, the
pressures are, for example, about 50-60 PSI, about 60-65 PSI, about
65-70 PSI, about 70-75 PSI, about 60-80 PSI, about 75-100 PSI,
about 90-130 PSI, or another higher or lower range of pressures
suitable for producing cleansing of the pulp chamber.
[0231] Associated, for example, with line 1 of Table 1 are other
parameters describing flow through the nozzle in some embodiments
of the invention (e.g. embodiments where fluid discharged from a
nozzle intensifies rotation of fluid within a root canal). These
include a velocity at the slanted tube of about 27 m/sec (for a 0.8
mm tube exit aperture), corresponding to a tangential velocity of
about 24.5 m/sec, and an axial velocity of about 11.5 m/sec (for a
25.degree. slanted tube angle). In some embodiments, the flow
velocity is 5-10 m/sec, 10-20 m/sec, 20-22 m/sec, 22-25 m/sec,
24-30 m/sec, 20-30 m/sec, 25-40 m/sec, 35-50 m/sec, or another
larger or smaller velocity. In some embodiments, velocity
components (e.g. of flow discharged from the nozzle) are divided
between axial and tangential velocities according, for example, to
the angle set by the slanted tube and/or an angle set by a lumen of
the nozzle (e.g. conical lumen of the nozzle). In some embodiments
of the invention, the tangential velocity is, for example, 5-10
m/sec, 8-15 m/sec, 10-20 m/sec, 15-30 m/sec, 25-35 m/sec, 20-40
m/sec, 40-60 m/sec, or another larger or smaller velocity. In some
embodiments of the invention, the axial velocity is, for example,
5-10 m/sec, 7-15 m/sec, 8-20 m/sec, 15-22 m/sec, 20-25 m/sec, 22-30
m/sec, or another larger or smaller velocity.
[0232] Rotational velocity parameters describing flow through the
nozzle comprise (e.g. in embodiments where fluid discharged from a
nozzle intensifies rotation of fluid within a root canal), for
example, a rotational velocity at the top of the cone of about (2
k-15 k) 8,000-12,000 RPM (optionally in the range of 2,000-4,000
RPM, 3,000-5,000 RPM, 4,000-8,000 RPM, 7,000-13,000 RPM, or
10,000-15,000 RPM, or a larger or smaller RPM) and a rotational
velocity at the bottom of the cone of about 95,000 to 135,000 RPM
(optionally in the range of 30,000-40,000 RPM, 30,000-50,000 RPM,
40,000-80,000 RPM, 70,000-130,000 RPM, or 100,000-160,000 RPM, or a
larger or smaller RPM). These correspond also, for example, to a
centrifugal acceleration near the top of the cone of about 150-220
m/s.sup.2. In some embodiments, the centrifugal acceleration near
the top of the cone is about 100-120 m/s.sup.2, about 115-140
m/s.sup.2, about 130-150 m/s.sup.2, about 140-180 m/s.sup.2, about
170-200 m/s.sup.2, about 190-220 m/s.sup.2, about 210-250
m/s.sup.2, or another larger or smaller range of angular
velocities. In some embodiments, the rotational speeds are higher
or lower by, for example, 10-15%, 12-20%, 17-25%, 20-50%, or
another higher or lower range of relative rotational speeds.
[0233] In some embodiments of the invention, (e.g. embodiments
where fluid discharged from a nozzle intensifies rotation of fluid
within a root canal) the mixing of gas and fluid (for example, air
and water), contributes to the determination of a Reynolds number
at the exit aperture of the slanted tube and/or at other places in
the nozzle apparatus and/or external to the nozzle apparatus. In
some embodiments for example, the Reynolds number at the exit
aperture of the slanted tube is in the range of 22,500 to 49,000
(for a 0.8 mm exit aperture). In some embodiments, the range of
Reynolds numbers at the exit aperture of the slanted tube is, for
example, about 5,000-12,000, about 10,000-15,000, about
12,000-22,000, about 20,000-30,000, about 28,000-40,000, about
35,000-60,000, about 50,000-85,000, about 80,000-120,000, about
100,000-180,000 or another higher or lower range of Reynolds
numbers.
[0234] In some embodiments, a desired effect is achieved by
selecting various parameters. In some embodiments, a table is used
for selection of parameters, where device parameters and/or
treatment parameters (e.g. fluid parameters such as fluid speed,
fluid pressure, fluid composition, treatment length) are listed
based on inputs such as characteristics and/or parameters of a root
canal (e.g. diameter, shape, type of tissue to be removed, extent
of tissue to be removed).
[0235] In some embodiments, a desired effect is achieved by
inserting inputs into a function or neural network.
[0236] In some embodiments, a desired effect is achieved by
changing a portion of the apparatus. For example, in some
embodiments, an apparatus includes interchangeable nozzles, where
different nozzles are adapted for different treatments and/or
desired effect. For example, a different nozzle for a curved root
canal, a different nozzle for a straight canal, a different nozzle
for abrading a root canal and a different nozzle for flushing a
root canal. For example, different a supply apparatus for each of
abrading a root canal and smoothing a root canal and flushing a
root canal.
[0237] In some embodiments, a desired effect is achieved by
changing device parameters and/or treatment parameters according to
feedback. In some embodiments, feedback is manual, where a user
witnesses the treatment and changes parameters based on the visual
and/or manually measured parameters. In some embodiments, feedback
is automatic, for example, the apparatus includes one or more
sensor e.g. thermometer e.g. scale for weighing extracted material
from the tooth and, for example, a processing application changes
device and/or treatment parameters based on measured
parameters.
[0238] In some embodiments, (e.g. embodiments where fluid
discharged from a nozzle intensifies rotation of fluid within a
root canal) one or more jet flows along a wall of the nozzle. In
some embodiments, a jet follows a path where the jet exits the
nozzle (e.g. through exit aperture 419) while in contact with a
nozzle wall, for example exiting a nozzle exit aperture at a
periphery of the exit aperture. In some embodiments, jet 405 passes
through exit aperture 419 adjacent to the wall of nozzle 401, for
example an exit point of jet 405 from nozzle 401 is positioned
along a periphery of aperture 419, defined by the walls of the
nozzle. Optionally, jet 405 does not exit aperture 419 from a
central point of the aperture.
[0239] In some embodiments, as seen on FIG. 4B, an access cavity
423 is created, as previously mentioned, through crown 425 of the
tooth. Optionally, access cavity 423 passes through layers of
dentin and enamel tissue. In some embodiments, access cavity 423
exposes pulp chamber 427. In some embodiments, pulp chamber 427 is
cleaned using the described system and/or method. Optionally, the
pulp chamber is cleaned using other means. In some embodiments, the
system and/or method as described are used for cleaning and/or
abrading any other part of the tooth, but may have special
advantages when used for treating a root canal.
[0240] In some embodiments, at least a portion of nozzle 401 passes
through access cavity 423. In some embodiments, at least a portion
of nozzle 401 is inserted through pulp chamber 427. In some
embodiments, at least a portion of nozzle 401, for example the tip
including exit aperture 419, is narrow enough to enter into at
least a portion of the internal lumen of root canal 403.
[0241] In some embodiments, nozzle 401 is connected to a handle
421. In some embodiments, an input pipeline passes through handle
421 and connects to nozzle 401, as will be further explained. In
some embodiments, handle 421 is used for maneuvering nozzle 401
(e.g. a user grasps handle 421).
[0242] FIG. 4C is a geometrical representation of angled jet 405.
In the described figure, angled jet 405 exits a nozzle at point A,
and hits root canal wall at point B. In some embodiments, point B
is located on a circumference of the root canal entrance.
Alternatively, point B is located below the circumference of the
root canal entrance, for example 0.1 mm, 1 mm, 3 mm and/or
intermediate distances below.
[0243] As shown in this figure, axis x extends along a diameter of
the root canal, perpendicular to the root canal wall. As mentioned
herein, axis y is vertical axis running longitudinally, for example
in parallel to the root canal wall. Axis z is perpendicular to both
axis x and y. Line A'B is a projection of angled jet 405 on the xz
plane. In some embodiments, an angle .alpha. between angled jet 405
(line AB) and the xz plane, is a sharp angle, for example an angle
between 10-85.degree., such as 20, 35, 75.degree.. In some
embodiments, an angle .beta. between the projection A'B of angled
jet AB and tangential axis z is a sharp angle, for example an angle
smaller than 90.degree., such as 20.degree., 50.degree.,
70.degree.. In some embodiments, the size of angle .beta. affects
the path of the flow. A potential advantage of a sharp angle
.beta., for example ranging between 5-10.degree., 15-20.degree.,
includes creating a more effective flow path, in which the flow
passes closely along the canal wall. Optionally, the size of angle
.beta. may affect the radii of the helical flow through the root
canal. In some embodiments, angle .beta. may be selected to
encourage adhesion of flow to wall and/or reduce bouncing.
Optionally, for example if the longitudinal axis of the nozzle
unite with the longitudinal axis of the root canal, as previously
mentioned, a similar angle .beta. is formed with respect to exit
aperture 419 of the nozzle (i.e. tangential to the walls of the
nozzle at exit aperture 419).
[0244] In some embodiments, a velocity vector V of angled jet 405
(line AB) can be described by its three velocity components along
the axis, showed in this figure as Vx (along axis x), Vy (along
axis y) and Vz (along axis z). In one example, velocity component
Vy may be 2-50 m/sec, and the velocity component Vz may be 0.5-25
m/sec.
[0245] In some embodiments, additionally and/or alternatively to
the angled jets, an axial jet (for example extending in parallel to
vertical axis y) may be used.
[0246] In some embodiments, the fluid forming jet 405 and/or
components of the fluid rotate around the jet's axis.
[0247] In some embodiments, any of the described above ideas and/or
methods or combinations them may be implemented in the embodiments
described below and/or any other embodiment of the invention.
[0248] FIG. 5 shows a side view of various outlines of a beam 501
of angled fluid jets (not shown in this figure), according to some
embodiments of the invention. The outlines of the beams shown in
this figure describe beams that exit a nozzle 503, which have not
yet entered a root canal.
[0249] In some embodiments, as previously described, a beam of a
plurality of angled fluid jets is discharged from nozzle 503. In
some embodiments, the structure of the nozzle affects the shape of
the beam. In some embodiments, the size and/or shape of the tip of
the nozzle affects the shape of beam. For example, an elongated
tip, as will be further shown, may be used to create a narrower,
focused beam of angled jets. Alternatively, a shorter tip may be
used to create a more scattered beam of angled jets.
[0250] In some embodiments, a diameter 505 of a beam extends beyond
a diameter 507 of the exit aperture of the nozzle. In some
embodiments, as shown in this figure, a diameter of the beam
changes, for example increases as the flow advances towards the
root canal entrance. Optionally, this outline is created due to
opposite angled jets (for example jets exiting from opposite ends
of a diameter of the nozzle). In some embodiments, for example as
shown in this figure, various beams may have different diameters at
a certain axial distance from the exit aperture of the nozzle. For
example, diameter 505 is shorter than diameter 509.
[0251] In some embodiments, the outline of the beam is the
circumscribing shape of the beam. Optionally, the outline of the
beam is fully filled with flowing fluid. Alternatively, the outline
of the beam is formed with constant spaces, for example between
angled jets comprising the beam. Alternatively, the beam is formed
with transient spaces.
[0252] In some embodiments, a large number of angle jets make up
the circumscribed beam. In some embodiments, the circumscribed beam
is a symmetric shape, for example, with circular cross-section. In
some embodiments, the circumscribed beam, once discharged into a
root canal, matches the shape of the root canal.
[0253] In some embodiments, for example when an exit aperture of
the nozzle is positioned within a lumen of the root canal, the jets
of the beam may immediately hit the root canal wall, which may
channel the fluid to a helical flow along the wall.
[0254] In some embodiments, the designated flow along the root
canal wall is a result of the original direction in which the
angled jets exit the nozzle, and/or a result of the angle created
when the jets hit the root canal.
[0255] In some embodiments, at least some of the angled jets flow
in the same direction.
[0256] In some embodiments, a ratio between air and liquid affects
the shape of the beam. Optionally, the fluid density affects the
shape of the beam.
[0257] In some embodiments, the beam shape is affected by one or
more of the following: a vertical velocity component of fluid
within the nozzle, an angular velocity component of the fluid
within the nozzle, a centrifugal effect formed within the nozzle, a
pattern of flow (e.g. circular) within the nozzle, a pressure
difference between the nozzle and the atmospheric pressure and/or
pressure formed within the canal.
[0258] In some embodiments, structural elements such as internal
guide tubes within the nozzle may affect the shape of the beam. In
some embodiments, the outline of the beam may have other shapes
such as, for example, a bottle-neck shape, a cylindrical shape, a
bell shape, and/or any other shapes.
[0259] In some embodiments, the exit aperture comprises a circular
rim. Alternatively, the exit aperture comprises a rim having a
different shape, for example elliptical. In some embodiments, at
least a portion of the fluid flows adjacent and/or on the walls of
the nozzle, for example forming a central portion of the exit
aperture in which air exists.
[0260] In some embodiments, structural components of the nozzle are
movable for example to manipulate a geometry of the beam, for
example change a beam diameter.
[0261] In some embodiments, the angle jet and/or beam of angled
jets exit through a center of the exit aperture. Additionally or
alternatively, the jet or beam exit the nozzle while flowing along
the walls of the nozzle at the exit aperture.
[0262] In some embodiments, the beam is shaped a cylinder, for
example having a diameter ranging between 0.2-4 mm, such as 0.3 mm,
1 mm, 2.3 mm. The beam may rotate around its axis. The rotating
beam may widen to a conical configuration, comprising one more
angled jets which are formed at the external periphery of the
beam.
[0263] In some embodiments, fluid exiting the nozzle may partially
stick to the nozzle walls at the exit aperture. In some
embodiments, the beam will be diverted as a result of adhering to
the wall.
[0264] In some embodiments, the flow forming the beam comprises a
turbulent flow regime, which may affect the shape of the beam
and/or may divert the beam.
[0265] In some embodiments, the beam is shaped as a cone and the
flow within the cone flows at an angle. Optionally, the cone is a
continuous cone. In some embodiments, the flow does not flow only
along a longitudinal axis of the cone, but further comprises a
circumferential component, so that it effectively comprises a
plurality of angled jets. In some embodiments, the velocity of the
fluid determines the angular spread of the cone. For example, the
vertical and/or angular velocity component of the fluid may affect
the angular spread of the cone. In some embodiments, a pressure
difference between the nozzle and externally to the nozzle, for
example in the root canal, affects the angular spread of the cone.
In some embodiments, the centrifugal acceleration of the fluid
within the nozzle affects the angular spread of the cone.
[0266] In some embodiments, the cone shaped beam is formed of a
single angled jet. Alternatively, the cone shaped beam is formed of
a plurality of jets flowing on a plane defined by the cone and/or
at an angle to a plane defined by the cone.
[0267] In some embodiments, an angular velocity of the flow ranges
between 1-300.degree./sec, such as 1.degree./sec, 10.degree./sec,
100.degree./sec.
[0268] In some embodiments, a thickness of the walls of the cone
(i.e. flow walls) ranges between 0.01-5 mm, such as 0.03 mm, 0.1
mm, 2 mm, 4.5 mm.
Exemplary Apparatus Structure, According to Some Embodiments of the
Invention
[0269] FIG. 6A is a cross section view of an embodiment of an
apparatus comprising a handle 601 and a nozzle 603, for cleaning
and/or abrading a root canal with one or more angled fluid jets.
FIG. 6B is an outline of the apparatus comprising the handle and
nozzle.
[0270] In some embodiments, handle 601 comprises one or more pipes
605, optionally passing longitudinally along an internal lumen of
the handle.
[0271] In some embodiments, pipe 605 ends at its distal end in an
entrance aperture to nozzle 603, for example an entrance aperture
leading to an internal cone of the nozzle, as will be further
described.
[0272] In some embodiments, a proximal end 607 of handle 601 is
configured for manual gripping by a user.
[0273] In some embodiments, a distal end 609 of handle 601
connected to nozzle 603 is configured for insertion into a tooth,
for example through a pulp chamber, to allow the positioning of an
exit aperture of nozzle 603 above a root canal entrance as
previously described. Optionally, handle 601 comprises a narrowing
portion in proximity to nozzle 603 (not shown in this figure),
which may facilitate inserting distal end 609 through, for example,
an access cavity created in a tooth. In some embodiments, a height
of the nozzle is small enough to enable its insertion into the
mouth, for example ranging between 5-15 mm.
[0274] In some embodiments, inner pipe 605 extends beyond the
proximal end 607 of handle 601. Optionally, liquid passes through
inner pipe 605, for example by being connected at the proximal end
to a liquid tank. Optionally, air passes through inner pipe 605,
for example by being connected at the proximal end to an air
compressor. In some embodiments, the fluid comprising both air and
liquid passes through pipe 605. In some embodiments, two pipes are
used, one for passing liquid and the other for passing air. In some
embodiments, air and abrasive powder (for example transferred from
an abrasive powder tank) pass together through at least one of the
pipes. In some embodiments, a pipe may be surrounded by another
pipe (co-centered pipes), such that the inner pipe is used, for
example, for transferring liquid, and the outer pipe is used, for
example, for transferring air. In some embodiments, air, liquid,
abrasive powder and/or combinations of them pass through at least
one of the pipes through the handle.
[0275] In some embodiments, the pipes may connect, for example at
the proximal end 607 of handle 601, to create the fluid of air and
liquid which then circulates within nozzle 603 until discharged in
the form of angled jets.
[0276] In some embodiments, nozzle 603 has conical structure, for
example, as will be explained in the following figure. In some
embodiments, nozzle 603 comprises an internal cone 613 positioned
within an external cone 615. In some embodiments, a slanted tube
617 is used for passing fluid from internal cone 613 to a lumen
between the two cones, for example, as will be explained by the
next figure. In some embodiments, the slanted tube 617 may deflect
in any direction within the internal cone. Optionally, one or more
additional tube (e.g. additional slanted tubes next to slanted tube
617) is used for passing fluid from internal cone 613 to a lumen
between the two cones and/or is located in the region of space
above internal cone 613.
[0277] In some embodiments, nozzle 603 comprises an additional cone
611, for example used for suctioning the fluid returning upwards
through the root canal, for example, as will be further explained
in FIG. 10. In some embodiments, the sucked fluid may pass through
the handle, for example passing in an opposite direction to the air
and/or liquid passed into nozzle 603. Optionally, the sucked fluid
passes through one or more pipes in the handle. Optionally,
proximal end 607 of handle 601 is connected to a pipe and/or tank
and/or any other element used for disposing the sucked fluid.
[0278] In some embodiments, the nozzle and/or any components of it
and/or the handle may be made of various materials, such as, for
example, one or more of stainless steel, titanium, aluminum,
anodized coated aluminum, PPM, plastic, or other biocompatible
and/or sterilizable materials and/or combination of materials. In
some embodiments, at least a part of the nozzle and/or handle is
disposable. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the nozzle
is formed of rigid materials and/or geometries, however, a tip
thereof may be made flexible.
[0279] In some embodiments, the nozzle may be manufactured and/or
used separately from the handle and/or the rest of the system,
described below.
[0280] In some embodiments, the handle may comprise controls such
as on/off button to control the duration of the treatment, a dial
to control the ration between air and liquid, etc. In some
embodiments, the device comprises a calibration table and settings
are selected according to the table.
[0281] FIG. 7A is cross section view of a conical nozzle 701, and
FIG. 7B a side view of an internal cone 703 configured within
conical nozzle 701, according to some embodiments of the
invention.
[0282] In some embodiments, nozzle 701 comprises an internal cone
703 positioned within an external cone 705. In some embodiments,
internal cone 703 and external cone 705 are connected by a tube,
for example a slanted tube or channel 707 extending between an
inner lumen of internal cone 703 and a lumen 709 between an
external face of internal cone 703 and an internal face of external
cone 705.
[0283] In some embodiments, external cone 705 has a cylindrical
upper portion 711. In some embodiments, external cone 705 has a
recess 713 for example configured along a face the cylindrical
upper portion 711, optionally in continuance to a pipe of a handle
as described above, for allowing fluid to enter into internal cone
703. In some embodiments, the recess may be circular, triangular,
rectangular or any shape allowing the flow of fluid through into
internal cone 703. Optionally, the size and/or shape of the recess
is determined according to the size and/or shape of an entrance
aperture 719 to internal cone 703.
[0284] In some embodiments, external cone 705 has an exit aperture
715, which may be positioned above the entrance to a root canal. In
some embodiments, the exit aperture may is circular, for example
having a diameter 717 ranging between 0.3-2 mm. Optionally, the
diameter of the exit aperture is determined according to a need,
for example according to a diameter of the root canal entrance.
[0285] In some embodiments, external cone 705 comprises a narrow
needle-like tip portion 737. In some embodiments, the length of
narrow needle-like tip portion 737 ranges between 0.2-7 mm. In some
embodiments, narrow tip 737 (comprising exit aperture 715) is
inserted into a lumen of the root canal. Optionally, narrow tip
portion is inserted to a distance of 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2.5 mm
and/or any intermediate or higher distances measured longitudinally
from the root canal entrance. In some embodiments, an external
diameter of tip portion 737 ranges between 0.5-2.5 mm, and an
internal diameter (optionally being the diameter of the exit
aperture, as previously mentioned) ranges between 0.3-2 mm. in some
embodiments, the diameter of tip portion 737 is small enough to
allow insertion of tip portion 737 into at least a portion of the
root canal. Optionally, tip portion 737 is flexible, for example
made of flexible material. In some embodiments, needle like tip
portion 737, for example shaped as a narrow tube, is made of a
disposable material. Optionally, needle like tip portion 737 can be
assembled on the nozzle, for example by a user.
[0286] In some embodiments, cylindrical upper portion 711 is
covered by a covering lid 721, for example for preventing fluid
from exiting through the top of nozzle 701.
[0287] In some embodiments, covering lid 721 may be screwed on top
of the cylindrical upper portion 711.
[0288] In some embodiments, internal cone 703 comprises a
cylindrical upper portion 723, which may be sized and/or shaped
according to cylindrical upper portion 711 of external cone
705.
[0289] In some embodiments, internal cone 703 comprises an entrance
aperture 719, for example configured along a face of the
cylindrical upper portion 723. In some embodiments, entrance
aperture 719 is configured in continuance to recess 713 of external
cone 705. In some embodiments, the entrance aperture may be
circular, triangular, rectangular or any shape allowing the flow of
fluid through.
[0290] In some embodiments, cylindrical upper portion 723 fits
within cylindrical upper portion 711 such that no space is formed
between them, for example preventing fluid from flowing between the
two upper portions of the cones. In some embodiments, a diameter of
cylindrical upper portion 723 is only slightly smaller than a
diameter of cylindrical upper portion 711. For example, a diameter
of cylindrical upper portion 723 ranges between 2-18 mm and a
diameter of cylindrical upper portion 711 ranges between 3-20
mm.
[0291] In some embodiments, a top 725 of cylindrical upper portion
723 is open. In some embodiments, if cylindrical portion 723 of
internal cone 703 extends to the same height as cylindrical portion
711, covering lid 721 may cover both internal and external
cones.
[0292] In some embodiments, a tip 727 of internal cone 703 is
closed, to avoid fluid from passing through. In some embodiments,
tip 727 extends to exit aperture 715, and/or extends beyond exit
aperture 715, for example 1 mm beyond.
[0293] In some embodiments, a slanted tube 707 extends between an
inner lumen of internal cone 703 and a lumen 709 between an
external face of internal cone 703 and an internal face of external
cone 705. Optionally, the entrance 729 to slanted tube 707 serves
as the exit aperture for the fluid exiting internal cone 703.
Optionally, exit 731 of slanted tube 707 is configured at the
lowest point along a face of the cylindrical upper portion 723,
such that it leads to lumen 709.
[0294] In some embodiments, the size of lumen 709 is determined
according to a difference in diameters of narrowing portions 733
and 735 of external cone 705 and internal cone 703 respectively.
For example, an initial diameter of narrowing portion 733 is 3 mm
and an initial diameter of narrowing portion 735 is 0.3 mm. In some
embodiments, a distance between the internal and external cones
forming lumen 709 is constant, for example a distance of 1 mm. In
some embodiments, a distance between the internal and external cone
changes, for example increases along a vertical axis.
[0295] In some embodiments, the flow in lumen 709 increases in
velocity as it advances from the upper part of the lumen (e.g.
close to exit 731), distally towards the lower part of lumen
709.
[0296] In some embodiments, fluid, optionally including liquid,
air, and/or abrasive powder or combinations of the above, flows
through recess 713 of external cone 705, into entrance aperture 719
of internal cone 703, and into a lumen of internal cone 703. In
some embodiments, as the fluid accumulates within internal cone
703, pressure may rise and the fluid may be forced through entrance
729 into slanted tube 707. Once the fluid exits slanted tube 707
through exit 731, the fluid circulates within lumen 709 between the
internal and external cones. Optionally, the circulation is
helical. Optionally, as the lumen narrows, the velocity of the flow
of fluid increases. In some embodiments, the helical circulation
causes the fluid to exit nozzle 701 through exit aperture 715 of
external cone 705 in the form of one or more angled fluid jets as
describe above. In some embodiments, helical circulation continues
once the fluid exits the nozzle, for example, the helical
circulation continues in air (e.g. before impact with the root
canal wall and/or fluid within the root canal). For example, in
some embodiments, helical circulation continues in the root canal.
In some embodiments, helical circulation continues due to surface
tension of the flow (e.g. jet).
[0297] In some embodiments, a suction pulse is short enough in
duration so that rotation in the root canal does not stop and/or
does not reduce to below 10% of a maximum. In some embodiments,
rotation of fluid in the root canal is stopped and/or reduced to
zero e.g. by discharge of fluid at an opposing direction to
rotation and/or by suction.
[0298] In some embodiments, rotating and/or helical movement of
fluid within the nozzle continues when the fluid is discharged from
the nozzle, and/or continues when the fluid enters a root canal
which optionally contains or is full of fluid.
[0299] In some embodiments, due to the ratio between air and
liquid, for example 90% air and 10% liquid, the fluid entering
lumen 709 is an aerosol. A potential advantage of the aerosol
includes reducing the friction created between the surface of the
cones and the fluid, which may optionally allow for a higher
velocity of the fluid (aerosol).
[0300] In some embodiments, any of the cones may be nonsymmetrical
and/or otherwise distorted. In some embodiments, a needle-like tube
can be assembled onto the nozzle, for example onto the exit
aperture.
Exemplary Systems for Treating a Root Canal, According to Some
Embodiments of the Invention
[0301] FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic diagrams of exemplary systems
for treating a root canal, according to some embodiments of the
invention.
[0302] In some embodiments, the system comprises a liquid tank 801,
for example for storing liquid such as water, disinfectant, and/or
medicine. Optionally, more than one liquid tank is used, for
example for storing medicine separated from water, or disinfectant
separated from medicine. In some embodiments, the capacity of the
liquid tank ranges between 0.2-50 L. In some embodiments, the
liquid tank may be made of aluminum, steel, plastic, or any
material capable of containing the liquid and withstanding air
pressure. In some embodiments, liquid tank 801 may comprise a
mixing element, such as a mechanical, hydraulically, or electrical
whirling element for continuous mixing of the liquid.
[0303] In some embodiments, liquid tank 801 is connected to an air
compressor 803. In some embodiments, the air compressor pushes air
into liquid tank 801. In some embodiments, the pressure created by
the air compressor ranges between 5-500 PSI, 1-100 PSI, 100-200
PSI. Optionally, as the air compressor pushes air into the liquid
tank, the pressure rises within the tank and liquid is forced
through an exit aperture of the tank. In some embodiments, the exit
aperture of the tank is connected a handle 805 of an apparatus as
described above, for example connected by a pipe.
[0304] In some embodiments, the system comprises a collection tank
809. Optionally, collection tank 809 is used for the returning
fluid exiting the root canal, which may comprise organic substance,
nonorganic substance, and/or debris. In some embodiments,
collection tank 809 is connected to a pump 811 and/or to a venturic
connector. In some embodiments, the pump is used for suctioning the
returning fluid, for example through a suctioning cone of a nozzle
(not shown in this figure), through handle 805, and through one or
more pipes leading to collection tank 809. Optionally, a suction
cap may be placed on the tooth and/or inside the mouth for
collecting returning fluid, saliva, and/or debris.
[0305] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8B, a powder tank 813
is used for storing the abrasive powder. In some embodiments,
powder tank 813 is connected to air compressor 803.
[0306] Air, liquid, abrasive powder and/or any combinations of them
may pass through one or more pipes of the system.
[0307] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8A, a pipe connected
to air compressor 803 and a pipe connected to liquid tank 801 are
joined at any point along a path leading to handle 805, so that the
air and liquid are mixed together before entering handle 805. In
some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8B, a plurality of pipes may
lead air, liquid, abrasive powder and air, liquid and air and/or
any combination of them into handle 805. In some embodiments,
liquid and air or any other combination may flow through
co-centered pipes.
[0308] In some embodiments, a pipe includes micro pores, for
example allowing air to flow inside but preventing liquid from
exiting the pipe.
[0309] In some embodiments, any of the above described components
and/or combinations of them are passed separately, and mixed
together only at a lumen of the nozzle (not shown in this
figure).
[0310] In some embodiments, a control panel 815 is used for example
for controlling the passing of air, liquid, and/or abrasive powder.
In some embodiments, pressure, velocity, volume, flow rate and/or
any other parameters may be controlled. In some embodiments, the
duration of treatment is controlled using control panel 815. In
some embodiment, control panel 815 may be connected to a power
supply 817.
[0311] In some embodiments, two or more components of the system
such as the liquid tank, air compressor, pump, and/or any other
components are connected by an electrical circuit 819. In some
embodiments, control panel 815 is used for activating electrical
circuit 819 to control the functioning of one or more components of
the system. For example, an electrical signal may be sent using
control panel 815 to activate air compressor 803, to release liquid
from liquid tank 801, to pass fluid into the handle, open a valve
along a pipe or junction, and/or any other functions of the
system.
[0312] In some embodiments, the system is configured for connecting
to a standardized pressurized air and/or gas source which may be
available in a dental clinic, for example replacing and/or in
addition to air compressor 803.
[0313] In this figure, the thin lines connecting between components
may represent control and/or sensing connections, such as
electrical connections, while the thick lines represent a pipeline
in which liquid, gas, powder, or any combination thereof are
delivered to and from the nozzle.
Various Structures of a Nozzle of the Apparatus, According to Some
Embodiments of the Invention
[0314] FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate an embodiment of a conical nozzle 901
comprising a pipe 903, extending between handle 905 and exit
aperture 907 of nozzle 901. FIG. 39, as described above,
illustrates an additional exemplary nozzle comprising a pipe.
[0315] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate two embodiments including pipe
903. FIG. 9B shows conical nozzle 901 having a narrow tip portion
911 as previously described. FIG. 9A conical nozzle 901 having flat
tip portion 913. FIG. 9C is a cross section of a nozzle similar to
the one described in the above figures that further includes pipe
903. FIG. 9D is a side view of an internal cone of that nozzle.
[0316] In some embodiments, longitudinal pipe 903 is used for
passing air, abrasive powder, liquid and/or combination of them
flow through nozzle 901. In some embodiments, flowing is performed
through pipe 903 in parallel to a fluid flowing through a main path
of nozzle 901, as described above.
[0317] In some embodiments, a distal portion of pipe 903 protrudes
from exit aperture 907. In some embodiments, for example as shown
in FIG. 9B, if narrow tip portion 911 is inserted into at least a
portion of the root canal, pipe 903 may be used for delivering any
of the above materials into a location within the root canal.
[0318] In some embodiments, pipe 903 affects the direction of the
discharged angled fluid jets by diverting them.
[0319] In some embodiments, a proximal end of pipe 903 is connected
to any of the above described components of the system, such the
fluid tank, the air compressor, the powder tank and/or any of the
pipes.
[0320] In some embodiments, the internal and external cones
comprising nozzle 901 include an aperture 915 for the passing of
pipe 903, for example configured along a face of the upper
cylindrical potion of both cones, such as above or below a recess
917 and entrance aperture 919 of the external and internal cones
respectively.
[0321] In some embodiments, as shown on FIGS. 9C and 9D, pipe 903
passes on a parallel plain to slanted tube 909. In some
embodiments, pipe 903 intersects tube 909, for example to enable
mixing of the fluid with the substance passing through pipe
903.
[0322] In some embodiments, nozzle 901 does not include an internal
cone.
[0323] FIG. 10A illustrates a nozzle comprising a suction cone
1001, as previously mentioned, and FIG. 10B illustrates a
horizontal cross section of the nozzle.
[0324] In some embodiments, suction cone 1001 is shaped and/or
sized according to an external cone and/or an internal cone of the
nozzle.
[0325] In some embodiments, suction cone 1001 is assembled
externally to the nozzle. In some embodiments, suction cone is
attached to the nozzle during a molding process. In some
embodiments, other mechanical means such as pins or screws are used
for attaching the suction cone.
[0326] Optionally, a lumen 1011 is formed between the narrowing
portions of suction cone 1001 and an external cone 1013 of the
nozzle. In some embodiments, this lumen comprises channels or
tubes.
[0327] In some embodiments, the distal tip of the nozzle 1015
protrudes from suction cone 1001.
[0328] In some embodiments, suction cone 1001 has one or more exit
apertures 1005 and/or 1007. Optionally, exit apertures 1005 and/or
1007 are configured along a cylindrical upper portion 1009 of
suction cone 1001. In some embodiments, exit apertures 1005 and/or
1007 are connected to handle, optionally through pipes. In some
embodiments, the pipes are connected to a pump such as a vacuum
pump for sucking the returning fluid upwards through the nozzle and
through the handle to dispose it, as previously described in FIG.
8.
[0329] In some embodiments, the sucked fluid may pass through
suction cone 1001 in a lumen between an internal face of the
suction cone and an external face of the external cone of the
nozzle. In some embodiments, if the lumen comprises channels or
tubes, the fluid may be sucked directly through the tubes.
[0330] In some embodiments, the fluid returning upwards through the
root canal may contain the removed organic and/or inorganic
substances such as pulp tissue, nerve tissue, blood vessels,
abrasive powder, and/or other debris removed by the flow.
[0331] In some embodiments, suction cone 1001 is covered by a lid,
which is optionally screwed on top of a lid of the external cone of
the nozzle to prevent fluid from exiting through the top of suction
cone 1001.
[0332] FIG. 10B shows a horizontal cross section of the nozzle
along line AA. A central circular lumen 1017 is the lumen formed
between the internal and external cones. The three arched lumens
1019 are the lumens formed between the external cone and suction
cone 1001. In some embodiments, a space 1021 between arched lumens
includes anchors for attaching suction cone 1001 to the narrowing
portion of the nozzle.
[0333] FIGS. 11A-11B show two embodiments of a nozzle including one
or more directing channels for creating the one or more angled
fluid jets, according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG.
11A includes a nozzle 1101, a horizontal cross section of the
distal end of the nozzle 1105, and a longitudinal cross section of
the nozzle 1107. FIG. 11B includes a conical nozzle 1101, a
horizontal cross section 1109 of the distal tip of the nozzle (exit
aperture), and a horizontal cross section 1111 of the proximal tip
of the nozzle.
[0334] In some embodiments, a nozzle 1101 of an apparatus may
comprise one or more channels for directing the angled fluid jets.
In some embodiments, the channels are formed as tubes 1103. In some
embodiments, nozzle 1101 is a cylinder. In some embodiments, tubes
1103 are configured along the internal wall of nozzle 1101.
[0335] In some embodiments, an angle of the tube is determined
according to a resulting angle of the fluid jet formed by the tube.
In some embodiments, the configuration (such as angle) of the tube
is adjustable, for example by connecting a back plate of a tube
using a screw to the wall of nozzle 1101.
[0336] In some embodiments, tubes 1103 have a similar diameter. In
some embodiments, tubes 1103 have various diameters. In some
embodiments, a single tube may change in diameter.
[0337] FIGS. 12A-12C are drawings of a nozzle comprising at least
one valve for controlling the flow through the nozzle, according to
some embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 12A, the nozzle has
conically shaped outline 1219, and in FIG. 12B, the nozzle has an
elliptically shaped outline 1221. In both FIGS. 12A and 12B, the
nozzle is formed as one piece, for example formed using molding
methods. In FIG. 12C, the nozzle may be formed of separate
components, for example cones connected together, as will be
further explained.
[0338] In some embodiments, a valve 1201 is used for controlling
flow, for example the flow of air (or any other gas), liquid,
abrasive powder and/or combinations of those into the nozzle. In
some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, valve 1201 is
positioned between the end of a pipe 1203 passing through the
handle, and the lumen 1205 formed between an external and internal
cones of the apparatus. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12C,
valve 1201 is positioned between the end of pipe 1203 and a
connecting lumen 1217. Optionally, when the valve is in open
position, a flow of any of the above substances and/or combinations
of them enters connecting lumen 1217, from which it then passes to
lumen 1205. Additionally and/or alternatively, at least one valve
may be positioned between connecting lumen 1217 and lumen 1205.
Additionally and/or alternatively, a valve is positioned at any
junction, entrance aperture, exit aperture, along a pipe, a lumen
of the nozzle, or any other portion of the nozzle.
[0339] In some embodiments, valve 1201 comprises a sealing element
1207. In some embodiments, the sealing element prevents fluid
and/or any other substance from flowing upwards into pipe 1203.
[0340] In some embodiments, valve 1201 comprises a spring 1209. In
some embodiments, the spring extends or compresses due to air
and/or liquid pressure. In some embodiments, spring 1209 and/or
sealing element 1207 is controlled using other means, such as
mechanical means (for example by connecting valve 1201 to a lever
controlled from the handle), hydraulic means (operated for example
by the pressure of fluid passing through) and/or electrical
means.
[0341] In some embodiments, when spring 1209 extends, it pulls
sealing element 1207 into an open position. Optionally, in the open
position, a material such as air, liquid, abrasive powder and/or
combinations of them may flow into lumen 1205.
[0342] Additionally and/or alternatively, a valve 1211 is used for
controlling the flow of fluid from a lumen of the internal cone
into lumen 1205 between the external and internal cones.
Optionally, sealing element 1213 of the valve is positioned at the
end of slanted tube 1215. In some embodiments, this valve is used
for controlling the treatment duration, for example by periodically
pushing the valve to a closed position.
[0343] In some embodiments, other elements such as a cord may be
used instead of a spring. In some embodiments, only sealing element
1207 may be used, for example formed as a flap which opens due to
air pressure.
[0344] A potential advantage of using valve 1201 or similar
includes the ability to add any substance to the fluid immediately
before the fluid enters the root canal. In one example, abrasive
powder that may dissolve in fluid, such as salt, may be passed
(with or without air) through pipe 1203, and enter lumen 1205.
Optionally, since the addition of salt to the fluid is performed at
a relatively short time before entering the root canal, a portion
of the salt does not dissolve and can be used as abrasive powder
for the removal of soft tissue from the root canal.
[0345] FIGS. 13A-13D illustrate a nozzle comprising a cone 1301
with a pin shaped element 1303 occupying at least a portion of the
internal lumen of cone 1301, according to some embodiments of the
invention. FIG. 13B is a horizontal cross section along line AA of
the nozzle. FIG. 13C shows an enlarged view of pin shaped element
1303.
[0346] In some embodiments, a distal end of tube 1305 passes into a
lumen 1307 of cone 1301 which is not occupied by pin shaped element
1303. In some embodiments, other elements, for example a cylinder,
may be used for occupying a portion of the nozzle, to create a
lumen which may be used for flowing fluid in a specific flow
pattern and/or direction.
[0347] In some embodiments, pin shaped element 1303 has a diameter
smaller than the diameter of cone 1301. In some embodiments, fluid
passes within lumen 1307. In some embodiments, a distance between a
face of the rod portion 1309 of pin shaped element 1303 and an
internal face of cone 1303 ranges between 0.2-3 mm.
[0348] In some embodiments, as seen on FIG. 13A, rod portion 1309
is shaped as a cylinder comprising a rounded elliptical tip 1315.
In some embodiments, as seen on FIG. 13D, rod portion 1309 is
shaped as a narrowing cone, having a sharp pointed tip 1317.
[0349] In some embodiments, a head 1311 of pin shaped element 1303
fits within cone 1301 such that an upper portion of cone 1301 is
fully occupied by head 1311. Optionally, this prevents fluid from
passing through. In some embodiments, head 1311 is disposed on a
long axis end of rod portion 1309. In some embodiments, pin-shaped
element is inserted into a nozzle, providing an inner cone (inner
cone is not necessarily cone shaped) within the nozzle. In some
embodiments, head seals and/or closes a nozzle lumen.
[0350] In some embodiments, tube 1305 may be connected at its
proximal end to a pipe in the handle (not shown in this figure). In
some embodiments, fluid such as liquid, air, and/or abrasive powder
or combinations of them may pass through tube 1305. In some
embodiments, the fluid circulates within lumen 1307, for example in
a helical flow. Optionally, the helical flow is caused by rod
portion 1309, since fluid is forced to pass around it. In some
embodiments, the fluid exits the nozzle through exit aperture 1313
in the form of an angled jet due to the helical flow.
[0351] In some embodiments, tube 1305 has an elliptical cross
section 1319. Alternatively, tube 1305 has a circular cross
section, a rectangular cross section, or any other shape. In some
embodiments, tube 1305 twists around rod 1309, for example adjacent
to the rod.
[0352] In some embodiments, as seen on 13A, cone 1301 has a narrow
elongated tip portion 1315. In some embodiments, as seen on 13D,
cone 1301 has a flat-shaped tip portion 1317.
[0353] FIG. 14 shows an exemplary assembly of a nozzle, according
to some embodiments of the invention.
[0354] In some embodiments, the nozzle comprises an internal cone
1401, an external cone 1403, a suction cone 1405, and one or more
lids 1407. In some embodiments, for example during manufacturing,
internal cone 1401 is inserted into an external cone 1403. In some
embodiments, internal cone 1401 is assembled within external cone
1403, and optionally both cones are assembled within suction cone
1405.
[0355] In some embodiments, at least two of the cones are connected
by mechanical means, such as pins or screws. In some embodiments,
the cones are connected by molding means, for example by casting at
least two of the cones together using a designated mold.
Optionally, any two and/or all cones are molded together, for
example creating a nozzle made of one piece.
[0356] In some embodiments, any of the cones is detachable, for
example to enable cleaning.
[0357] FIG. 15 is an illustration of a nozzle including exit flow
shaping elements for creating the one or more angled fluid jets. In
some embodiments, the exit flow shaping elements may be shaped as
wings 1505.
[0358] In some embodiments, nozzle 1503 includes one or more wing
elements 1505. In some embodiments, wing elements 1505 are used for
diverting the fluid exiting nozzle 1503 to create one or more
angled jets, for example, as previously described.
[0359] In some embodiments, the fluid passes in a parallel flow
through the cylindrical nozzle 1503, and wing elements 1505 shunt
the parallel fluid to an angled direction. In some embodiments,
nozzle 1503 comprises parallel tubes, and wing elements 1505 are
positioned at a distal end of the tubes.
[0360] In some embodiments, wing elements 1505 are configured along
an exit aperture of nozzle 1503.
Additional Features of the System and/or Apparatus, According to
Some Embodiments of the Invention
[0361] FIGS. 18A-18B illustrate a conical nozzle configured for
modifying a positioning of an internal cone with respect to an
external cone, according to some embodiments of the invention. In
some embodiments, an internal cone orientation is modified. In some
embodiments, an inner cone is non-symmetrical and/or can be
rotated. In some embodiments, an inner cone includes at least a
portion with textured surface e.g. grooves. In some embodiments,
internal cone 1801 is movable with respect to external cone 1803.
Optionally, movement of cone 1801 modifies a volume of lumen 1805
formed between the cones, for example reducing the volume.
Optionally, modifying the volume includes changing an angle of
positioning of internal cone 1801 with respect to external cone
1803. In some embodiments, movement of the internal cone reduces
the spacing between the cones and increases the pressure and/or the
rotation speed and/or the turbulence of the fluid in the lumen.
[0362] Optionally, modifying the volume affects the path of fluid.
In some embodiments, cone 1801 is movable along the longitudinal
axis of the nozzle, for example movable in the proximal and/or
distal directions. FIG. 18A shows cone 1801 in a retracted
position, closer to a proximal end of the nozzle. FIG. 18B shows
cone 1801 in an advanced position, closer to a distal end of the
nozzle, in which the shape of lumen 1805 is modified For example,
cone 1801 is advanced towards exit aperture 1807 of the nozzle,
reducing a size of a passage 1809 formed between the internal and
external cones through which fluid advances to exit the nozzle.
Optionally, cone 1801 is advanced in the distal direction by a
distance ranging between 0.7-3 mm, or 0.1-0.9 mm, such as 0.3 mm,
0.5 mm, 0.7 mm or any intermediate, larger or smaller ranges and/or
values. Optionally, tip 1819 of cone 1801 is advanced towards exit
aperture 1807, and in some embodiments may level with the exit
aperture. Optionally, by modifying a shape of lumen 1805, for
example reducing a size of passage 1809, a velocity of fluid
circulating between the cones (e.g. vertical and/or angular
velocity components of the fluid) is increased. Optionally, by
modifying a shape of lumen 1805, the fluid pressure of fluid
approaching exit aperture 1807 may change. A potential advantage of
increasing a velocity of the fluid circulating within the nozzle
and/or within a guide tube assembled onto the nozzle may include
increasing the velocity of the flow within the root canal.
Optionally, the respective positioning of internal cone 1801 with
respect to external cone 1803 is determined such as to change the
velocity of the fluid circulating between the cones, for example
increasing the velocity along some portions and/or decreasing the
velocity along other portions of the nozzle. Optionally, the angle
of a jet exiting the nozzle is modified as a result of modifying
the lumen between the cones. Optionally, a diameter of a jet
exiting the nozzle changes as a result of modifying the lumen, for
example by modifying the lumen to change a velocity of the flow,
which may increase or decrease the jet diameter. Optionally, the
jet diameter is determined by the ratio between air and liquid in
the flow. In some embodiments, the fluid jet may have a higher
velocity, for example as a result of the lumen modification. A
potential advantage of a jet having high velocity may include a
higher eroding ability of the jet when entering and flowing within
the root canal.
[0363] In some embodiments, when cone 1801 is advanced in the
distal direction, for example as shown in FIG. 18B, a passage of
the fluid is narrowed. If the flow pressure is maintained at a
constant level, the velocity of the flow (e.g. the axial velocity
component, the vertical velocity component, the angular velocity
component and/or the total combined velocity changes. In some
embodiments, a change in the angular velocity component and/or a
change in the vertical velocity component of the flow may cause a
change in the tangential velocity component of the flow exiting the
nozzle.
[0364] In some embodiments, modifying the lumen changes the angle
in which the jet hits the root canal wall and/or hits fluid within
the root canal. Optionally, modifying the lumen includes changing a
cross section shape and/or size of the lumen, thereby optionally
affecting the flow rate.
[0365] Various mechanisms can be utilized for moving internal cone
1801. For example, a stepper motor 1811 is utilized for advancing
and retracting cone 1801 along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle.
Optionally, internal cone 1801 is connected to motor 1811, which in
turn rotates in predetermined intervals for advancing and/or
retracting cone 1801. Optionally, stepper motor 1811 is activated
through a control panel of the system. In some embodiments, stepper
motor 1811 is coupled to cone 1801 by a threaded element 1817.
Optionally, stepper motor 1811 is configured to rotate a predefined
step (i.e. rotate a certain angle) to lower and/or retract cone
1801.
[0366] In some embodiments, movement of nozzle parts, for example,
the internal cone is manual e.g. where a user manually moves one or
more part (e.g. by pressing a button mechanism optionally including
a spring to move the internal cone).
[0367] In some embodiments, as shown at the transverse cross
section profile along line BB, a track 1813 (only a cross section
is shown here) extends along a portion of the internal wall of
external cone 1803. A respective projection 1815 formed along the
external wall of internal cone 1801 is received within the track,
for example for preventing rotation of the cones with respect to
each other during advancement and/or retraction of internal cone
1801. Optionally, the track prevents rotational movement of the
internal cone when threaded element 1817 is rotated by motor
1811.
[0368] FIGS. 19A-19B illustrate an additional configuration of an
internal cone 1901 movable with respect to external cone 1903,
according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 19A shows cone
1901 in a retracted position, closer to a proximal end of the
nozzle. FIG. 19B shows cone 1901 in an advanced position, closer to
a distal end of the nozzle, in which the shape of lumen 1905 is
modified.
[0369] In some embodiments, a radial distance between internal cone
1901 and external cone 1903 remains constant. Alternatively, the
radial distance changes, for example increases and/or decreases,
for example decreasing in the proximal direction as shown by the
following figure.
[0370] In this configuration, advancement of cone 1901 changes a
position of lumen 1907 in which fluid accumulates before passing
through tube 1909, with respect to the entrance 1911 to lumen
1907.
[0371] In some embodiments, advancing cone 1901 causes a
modification of lumen 1905, for example of a distal portion 1903.
In some embodiments, a passage within portion 1913 is reduced in
size, for example narrowed. The narrowing may cause a change in
flow parameters such as: the flow velocity, the flow pressure, the
flow rate, the angle of the one or more jets exiting the nozzle,
the shape of a beam of jets exiting the nozzle, the flow pattern
within the nozzle, speed of circulation/rotation of fluid within
the lumen, acceleration of flow within the lumen, or other flow
related parameters.
[0372] Cross section A-A shows fluid entrance 1911 leading into
lumen 1907.
[0373] FIGS. 20A-20B illustrate an additional configuration of an
internal cone 2001 movable with respect to external cone 2003,
according to some embodiments of the invention. This configuration
also includes a suction cone 2005, for example as described above.
Optionally, suction cone 2005 is movable with respect to external
cone 2003, for example it can be lifted or lowered such as by being
connected to stepper motor 2007. Optionally, lumen 2009 between the
cones is shaped such that a radial distance between the cones
changes, for example with the narrowing of the cone. Optionally, a
varying distance between the cones is obtained by the internal cone
2001 having an angle .theta. different than angle of external cone
2003. Optionally, one or both angles range between 10-85 degrees,
such as 20 degrees, 35 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees or
intermediate, larger or smaller angles. In some embodiments,
internal cone 2001 is advanced in the distal direction such that
tip 2011 enters narrow needle portion 2013 of external cone 2003.
The modification of lumen 2009 may cause a change in the axial
(vertical) fluid velocity, the angular velocity, the flow pressure,
the circular acceleration of the flow, the velocity of the exiting
jet (e.g. vertical, angular, and/or tangential velocity
components), the angle of the exiting jets, the shape of the beam
of jets exiting the nozzle, and/or other flow related
parameters.
[0374] Cross section B-B shows a locking configuration of internal
cone 2001 to external cone 2003, whereby notch 2015 is received
within a respective channel 2017 for example for preventing
rotation of cone 2001 when motor 2007 is operated (e.g. rotated a
certain step) to advance the internal cone.
[0375] FIGS. 21A-21C illustrate an internal cone comprising an
expandable portion, according to some embodiments of the invention.
FIG. 21A shows the non expanded configuration, FIG. 21B shows the
expanded configuration, and FIG. 21C shows a non expanded
configuration in which the internal cone is advanced in the distal
direction. In some embodiments, internal cone 2101 comprises at
least one portion 2103 adapted for expanding within lumen 2105
between the cones. Optionally, portion 2103 is formed of an elastic
material, such as rubber. Optionally, expandable portion 2103 is
configured for extending radially outwards, such as to occupy a
larger volume with lumen 2105. Optionally, portion 2103 expands to
occupy at least 10%, 30%, 40%, 60% or another larger, smaller, or
intermediate percentage of lumen 2105. Optionally, expandable
portion 2103 affects the flow of fluid along at least a portion of
lumen 2105, for example a portion in proximity to the exit aperture
of the nozzle. Optionally, by expanding portion 2103, the angle of
the fluid jet discharged by the nozzle changes, for example a
tangential angle of the jet with respect to the exit aperture may
be modified. Optionally, by expanding portion 2103, the flow rate
of fluid passing through may change. Optionally, expansion of
portion 2103 affects the velocity of the flow.
[0376] In some embodiments, portion 2103 is caused to expand by a
rigid structure, for example comprising a rod 2107, a conical
portion 2109 and a conical tip 2111. Optionally, rod 2107 is
coupled only to tip 2111. Tip 2111 may be positioned at various
locations within lumen 2105.
[0377] Optionally, the structure is advanced and/or retracted by a
stepper motor 2113. Optionally, advancement of the structure in the
distal direction causes conical tip 2111 to press against the
elastic walls of expandable portion 2103, thereby occupying a
larger volume within lumen 2105. Optionally, expansion of portion
2103 is combined with modifying a positioning of internal cone 2101
with respect to external cone 2103, to define a shape of lumen
2105.
[0378] In some embodiments, cone 2115 is movable with respect to
the external cone, by being coupled to motor 2213 for example by a
threaded element. In some embodiments, by activation of motor 2213,
radial expansion and/or movement of the internal cone can be
obtained, simultaneously or separately.
[0379] In some embodiments, a distal portion 2115 of lumen 2105 is
modified, for example the local expansion of portion 2103 narrows
down the passage in which fluid flows. Optionally, this increases
the velocity of the fluid, for example if the fluid pressure is
maintained at a constant level. Optionally, this changes the angle
in which the one or more jets exit the nozzle. Optionally,
parameters such as the flow pressure, fluid velocity, and/or the
angular velocity of the fluid within lumen 2105, and/or the shape
of the beam of angled jets discharged by the nozzle are affected by
the modification of lumen 2105.
[0380] In some embodiments, internal cone 2101 comprises one or
more narrowing portions (not shown in this figure), which may
modify a shape of lumen 2105.
[0381] FIG. 22 shows an additional configuration of an internal
cone 2213 comprising an expandable portion 2203. FIG. 22A shows the
internal cone in a non-expanded configuration, and FIG. 22B shows
the internal cone expanded radially in the lumen between the cones,
in the direction of the external cone. Optionally, expandable
portion comprises a smaller cone 2201 constructing internal cone
2213. In this example, the expandable portion 2203 extends
longitudinally within lumen 2205 so that when expanded radially, it
may occupy most of the volume of lumen 2205, such as 51%, 70%, 80%
or 90% of lumen 2205. Optionally, the expandable portion is an
elastic layer surrounding cone 2201 of internal cone 2213. In some
embodiments, as shown in this figure, the expansion is operated by
a rod 2207 having a proximal end connected to a threaded element
2209, which in turn is coupled to a stepper motor 2211, and a
distal end of the rod is connected to cone 2201. Optionally, motor
2211 is also connected to internal cone 2213, for example through a
second threaded element 2215, for being movable for example in the
distal and/or proximal directions within the external cone.
Optionally, the distal tip 2217 of cone 2213 is advanced is in the
distal direction towards exit aperture 2219 of the nozzle, any may
optionally level with the aperture.
[0382] In some embodiments, by activation of motor 2211, the radial
expansion and/or the movement of internal cone 2213 can be
obtained, simultaneously or separately.
[0383] In some embodiments, lumen 2205 is modified by the radial
expansion of portion 2203. Additionally or alternatively, lumen
2205 is modified by the movement of cone 2213. Optionally, a distal
portion of lumen 2205, for example in proximity to exit aperture
2219, is reduced in volume. The modification of lumen 2205 may
cause a change in the axial (vertical) velocity of the fluid within
the nozzle. Additionally or alternatively, the modification of
lumen 2205 may cause a change in the angular velocity of the fluid
within the nozzle. Additionally or alternatively, the modification
of lumen 2205 may cause a change in the angle of the jet exiting
the nozzle.
[0384] In some embodiments, the modification of lumen 2205 is
changed to cause a change in the flow regime, for example it is
controlled by a dentist. Optionally, lumen 2205 is modified to suit
a certain type of treatment, for example, a modification that
causes a beam of jets having a relatively narrow profile or a wide
profile may be more efficient when treating a root canal, for
example a wide beam may be more suitable for treating a wide root
canal, and a narrow beam may be more suitable for treating a narrow
or complex canal, such as isthmus or webs canal. A wider beam may
be more efficient when treating a complex shaped root canal, for
example a root canal having many tubules, a root canal connected to
a second root canal (webs canal or isthmus canal), or other canal
forms.
[0385] FIG. 23A illustrates a conical nozzle 2303 comprising one or
more internal channels 2301, according to some embodiments of the
invention. In some embodiments, channels 2301 are formed in a
spiral configuration. Alternatively, channel 2301 is formed in
other configurations such as parallel to the walls of nozzle 2303,
parallel to a longitudinal axis of nozzle 2303, or transversely
extending within nozzle 2303. In some embodiments, nozzle 2301
comprises more than one internal channel, such as 2, 4, 6, 8 or a
larger or intermediate number. Optionally, a channel conducts a
component such as liquid, gas (e.g. air), and/or abrasive powder
and/or disinfection material and/or irrigation solutions. In some
embodiments, exit aperture 2305 of channel 2301 is positioned close
to an internal wall of cone 2303, so that flow exiting channel 2301
will flow along the walls of cone 2303 and optionally circulate at
a high velocity along the walls, advancing towards exit aperture
2307. In some embodiments, the exit aperture 2305 of channel 2301
is positioned in proximity to exit aperture 2307 of nozzle 2303,
for example to conduct abrasive powder. Such a channel may be
especially useful if a powder that is dissolvable in liquid over
time is used, such as salt, in order to mix it into the fluid right
before the fluid enters the root canal. Optionally, channel 2301 is
movable with respect to the internal lumen of nozzle 2303, for
example by being connected at its proximal end to a stepper
motor.
[0386] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 23A, channels
2301 includes more than one channel. In some embodiments, as
illustrated in FIG. 23A channels merge into a single channel and
the separate flows merge in a combined channel. In some
embodiments, separate flows merge after emerging from separate
channel exit apertures e.g. in some embodiments separate exit
apertures are in close proximity (e.g. within 1 mm of each other)
and the flows mix substantially immediately after emerging from the
channels. Merging can occur at any point within the channel and/or
nozzle.
[0387] Optionally, channel/s 2301 are movable with respect to the
internal lumen of nozzle 2302, e.g. distally-proximally and/or by
rotation. In some embodiments, movement of channel/s 2301 is by
connection of the channel/s to a stepper motor. In some
embodiments, movement of channel/s 2301 is manual.
[0388] FIG. 23B illustrates a conical nozzle combining one or more
internal channels 2305, a pipe 2307 movable along a longitudinal
axis of the nozzle, and a movable internal cone 2309, for example
as described herein.
[0389] In some embodiments, channel 2305, for example having a
spiral configuration, conducts liquid, gas and/or abrasive powder
and/or disinfection solution and/or irrigation solution.
Optionally, channel 2305 is connected to a pipe configured within
the handle, and/or connected to a fluid-receiving lumen 2311 within
the nozzle. In some embodiments, a cross section profile of the
channel is circular, for example having a diameter ranging between
0.2-4 mm. Alternatively, the cross section of the channel is
elliptical or otherwise shaped.
[0390] In some embodiments, channels 2305 are formed by hollows in
a solid component, for example, inner cone 2309.
[0391] In some embodiments, channels 2305 are formed by hollows in
an non-solid component, for example channels 2305 being pipes
supported by a mesh.
[0392] In some embodiments, movable pipe 2307 delivers at least one
of liquid, gas, abrasive powder. Optionally, pipe 2307 delivers a
disinfection solution (e.g. solution including antibacterial
agent/s) and/or other medication and/or a flushing solution. In
some embodiments, pipe 2307 is connected to a pipe configured
within the handle. Optionally, pipe 2307 is movable along the
longitudinal axis of the nozzle, for example it can be lifted up in
the proximal direction (e.g. using the stepper motor) or lowered in
the distal direction. Optionally, a distal end 2313 of pipe 2307 is
positioned in proximity to exit aperture 2315. Optionally, the
location of distal end 2313 with respect to external cone 2317
and/or with respect to exit aperture 2315 affects the flow of fluid
within the nozzle and/or the angle or beam shape of fluid exiting
the nozzle. Optionally, movement of pipe 2307, the flow within
channel 2305, and/or movement of internal cone 2309 with respect to
the external cone are combined to form a desired flow regime.
Optionally, activation of the one or more components of the nozzle
is performed using a controller.
[0393] In some embodiments, e.g. as illustrated in FIG. 23B,
channel 2305 includes more than one channel (in the figure two
channels are illustrated). In some embodiments channels 2305 merge
into a single channel (in FIG. 23B channels 2305 merge at cross
section C-C) and the separate flows merge in a combined
channel.
[0394] In some embodiments, separate flows merge after emerging
from separate channel exit apertures in inner cone 2309. In some
embodiments separate exit apertures are in close proximity (e.g.
within 1 mm of each other) and the flows mix substantially
immediately after emerging from the channels.
[0395] In some embodiments, inner cone 2309 includes a portion
2309a adapted to move independently from inner cone: For example,
to rotate at a different speed and/or in a direction and/or to move
distally and proximally independently from inner cone 2309.
[0396] FIGS. 24A-24B are two configurations of a handle 2401
comprising a fluid mixer 2403 for mixing between components of the
fluid, such as gas, liquid and/or abrasive powder, in accordance
with some embodiments of the invention.
[0397] In some embodiments, handle 2401 comprises a cartridge 2405,
for example filled with abrasive powder. Alternatively, cartridge
2405 is filled with liquid such as medication, or any other
component and/or particles intended to be delivered into the
nozzle. Optionally, cartridge 2405 is replaceable and/or
disposable, for example it can be replaced between patients and/or
between treatments. Optionally, cartridge 2405 is refillable.
Optionally, by mixing between components of the fluid within the
handle, the need for external containers in which mixing is
performed can be reduced, thereby optionally reducing the number of
system components In some embodiments, the volume of the cartridge
ranges between 0.5 CC-20 CC.
[0398] FIG. 24A shows a pipe 2407 configured for delivering air
and/or powder into the nozzle, in accordance with some embodiments
of the invention. Optionally, a valve is placed for example at the
entrance to the nozzle to control the flow. Pipe 2409, also leading
into the nozzle, may deliver air and/or powder, or liquid, into the
nozzle. Pipe 2411 connects to fluid mixer 2403, and delivers, for
example liquid. Pipe 2413 connects to fluid mixer 2403, delivering,
for example, air and powder. In some embodiments, flows from pipes
2411, 2413 mix within fluid mixer 2403 (e.g. the flows mix
uniformly to produce a uniform composition flow exiting the
mixer).
[0399] Pipe 2423 is a suction pipe which delivers fluid and/or
debris in an opposite direction from the nozzle. In some
embodiments, each of pipes 2407, 2409, 2413, 2411 deliver one or
more of gas (e.g. air) and/or fluid and/or powder and/or
disinfection solution and/or irrigation liquid. In some
embodiments, flows from pipes 2407, 2409, 2413, 2411 join and mix
in a lumen 2425 (e.g. a region of lumen 2425 proximal to a nozzle
exit aperture) of a nozzle 2427 before passing out of nozzle 2427
through a nozzle exit aperture.
[0400] In FIG. 24B, suction pipes 2415 lead fluid and/or debris
away from the nozzle, pipe 2417 leads air and/or powder into
cartridge 2405. The air and powder may be mixed within cartridge
2405 at dry conditions, where no moisture or humidity exist.
Optionally, a valve is installed at junction 2419 for example for
preventing fluid from fluid mixer 2403 entering cartridge 2405.
Pipe 2421 leads fluid into fluid mixer 2403 where, in some
embodiments, flow from pipe 2421 and flow from cartridge 2405 merge
and flow into mixer 2403 for mixing. The mixed flow including
liquid, air and abrasive powder then flows from mixer 2403 into the
nozzle lumen 2427. In some embodiments, each of pipes 2417, 2421
deliver one or more of gas (e.g. air) and/or fluid and/or powder
and/or disinfection solution and/or irrigation liquid.
[0401] The above exemplary pipeline configurations can be coupled
to any type of nozzle, such as, for example, described herein.
[0402] FIGS. 25A-25C illustrate various configurations of a powder
cartridge supply system, according to some embodiments of the
invention. Optionally, the cartridge is disposable. Optionally, the
cartridge is replaceable, and can be assembled or detached from the
handle for example through a designated opening. In some
embodiments, the powder cartridge supply system is configured for
supply and mixing abrasive particles with gas immediately before
the fluid enters fusing tank (e.g. fluid mixer 2403) before
entering the nozzle. Optionally, the cartridge comprises a
predefined amount of abrasive powder, for example suitable for
performing 1, 3, 5, 10 or another number of treatments. FIG. 25A
shows abrasive powder 2501 contained within the cartridge, prior to
mixing with gas. The cartridge comprises a cylinder formed with a
plurality of internal cylinders, as will be explained in FIG. 25C.
Optionally, the one or more internal and/or external cylinders
comprise holes. Optionally, the one or more cylinders are coated
with a flexible cover.
[0403] FIG. 25B shows powder 2501 once gas and/or liquid have
entered the cartridge, and the cross section B-B shows the
direction in which air flows into the inner lumen 2513 for mixing
with the powder. In some embodiments, a volume of the cartridge
ranges between 0.2-10 cc, 5-15 cc, 10-25 cc, 25-60 cc, or
intermediate, larger or smaller volumes. In some embodiments, the
cartridge is formed of a metal, PPM, plastic, or any material that
can withstand the pressure.
[0404] In some embodiments, gas such as air is compressibly forced
into the cartridge, for example through opening 2509. In some
embodiments, air is forced into the cartridge at a pressure ranging
between 2-300 PSI. In some embodiments, the compressed air
generates a circulation, turbulence or other swirling motion of the
powder within the cartridge.
[0405] In some embodiments, as shown for example in FIG. 25C, the
cartridge comprises one or more cylinders positioned one within the
other. Optionally, the cylinders comprise one or more openings
2503, 2511, 2505 for enabling the passing of certain components
through and blocking the passage of other components through.
Optionally, a diameter of an opening may range between 40
.mu.m-300.mu., or 100 .mu.m-2 mm or 20 .mu.m-5 mm. For example, an
internal cylinder 2505 may be formed with holes that allow powder
2501 to exit through in the radial direction, for example when air
flows into the cartridge. Optionally, external cylinder 2507
comprises openings shaped as X shaped slots 2511 that enable only
the passing of air entering the cartridge (e.g. blocking powder
cartridges from returning). In some embodiments, x-shaped slots act
as a one way valve. In some embodiments, external cylinder 2507 is
formed of an elastic material. FIGS. 25E and F show an X shaped
slot 2511 in its closed configuration (E) and expanded star shaped
configuration (F) in which air is allowed into the cartridge,
blocking powder cartridges from returning (e.g. one way valve). In
some embodiments, the air passes through one or more openings 2503,
2511 in the cylinders and mixes with the powder, for example within
lumen 2513a. In some embodiments, prior to entry of gas such as air
into the lumen of the cartridge, the powder particles remain at a
bottom of lumen 2513. In some embodiments, even when the
pressurized air supply to the cartridge is reduced or stopped, the
powder does not sink back to the bottom of the cartridge for
example as shown in FIG. 25A.
[0406] In some embodiments, entrance 2509 to the cylinder is sealed
by an external cylinder 2500 and/or by cover 2507 so that gas such
as air which enters through entrance 2509 is forced to pass through
slots 2511 to enter the internal cylinder 2502, for example through
holes 2503. In some embodiments, fluid ejected through holes 2505
flows through lumen 2513 to a fusion tank within a handle connected
to a nozzle.
[0407] Optionally, the fluid comprising the powder is then
delivered to a fusion tank within the handle.
[0408] FIG. 25D shows an exemplary configuration of a handle in
which the air and powder supply, for example being mixed together
in powder cartridge system 2509, are delivered into the nozzle
separately from liquid (for example delivered through mixer/tank
2511). Optionally, by separating the liquid from the air and powder
mixture, each component can be delivered separately into the
nozzle, for example, mixing within the nozzle and/or root canal.
For example, the nozzle may deliver only air and powder into the
canal, and/or deliver only liquid into the canal.
[0409] In some embodiments, tube 2510 may be used for delivery of
air, liquid, and/or powder and/or irrigation fluid and/or
disinfection solution.
[0410] In some embodiments, suction tube 2512 is used to extract
fluid and/or debris (e.g. from the root canal).
[0411] Alternatively, in some embodiments, suction tube 2512 in the
handle may be used for discharge (e.g. of gas, liquid, and/or
powder) instead of suction.
[0412] In some embodiments, the handle may be used with different
types of nozzles, such as, for example, described herein.
[0413] In some embodiments, each of pipes 2531, 2533, 2535, 2537
deliver one or more of gas (e.g. air) and/or fluid and/or powder
and/or disinfection solution and/or irrigation liquid.
[0414] FIGS. 26 and 27 are schematic diagrams of exemplary system
for treating a root canal, according to some embodiments of the
invention. FIG. 26, for example, includes the system described in
FIG. 8 above, further including a fluid mixer, a disinfecting fluid
tank connected to a pump, and a liquid filter. Optionally, liquid
flows directly into the handle and nozzle. Alternatively, fluid is
first passed through the fluid mixer.
[0415] In some embodiments, one or more liquid tubes connects
between the liquid tank and the fluid mixer, and/or connects the
liquid tank directly to the handle. In some embodiments, one or
more air tubes connect between the air compressor to the powder
mixer, and/or from the air compressor directly to the handle.
[0416] FIG. 27 further includes a powder mixer, which mixes air and
powder together for example before entering the handle. Optionally,
one or more components of the system are activated through a
control panel connected to a controller. In some embodiments, the
components of the system are separately controllable and can be
operated with or without other components (for example, the air
pump may be operated independently of the fluid mixer).
[0417] FIG. 28, now made reference to, illustrates a nozzle 2800
comprising a turbine 2801 for imparting spin to a working fluid,
according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention.
[0418] In some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a
turbine 2801, operable to impart momentum to flow exiting the
nozzle aperture 2802. The turbine design potentially allows
transfer of energy from, for example, a pressurized gas supply,
into a working fluid for cleaning and/or eroding of a root canal.
In some embodiments, combining of turbine-driven and direct
pressure-driven working fluid sources that meet in flow coming from
2827 into the lumen between the internal cone and external cone.
Fusion of these flows potentially allows control to achieve a
broadened range of exit jet and angles properties at the meeting
between two flows 2806.
[0419] In some embodiments, the turbine 2801 is activated by a flow
of air, for example from inlet 2804. Optionally, the flow of air
enters through pipe 2804 configured within the handle. In some
embodiments, the turbine is operable at one or more frequencies in
a range of, for example: 2000-10,000 RPM, 5,000-25,000 RPM,
10,000-100,000 RPM, 10,000-400,000 RPM, 2000-400,000 RPM, or
another range of rotational frequencies. In some embodiments, the
pressure of air for driving the turbine is, for example: 10-20 PSI,
15-25 PSI, 10-30 PSI, 30-40 PSI, 30-60 PSI, or another range of
driving pressures.
[0420] In some embodiments, turbine 2801 is operable to rotate pipe
2807, which extends from a fluid inlet in the region of the turbine
toward a distal end of the nozzle 2800. In some embodiments, the
turbine is operable to spin fluid that enters pipe 2807, provided,
for example, through pipe 2805. Additionally or alternatively,
fluid (provided, for example, from pipe 2803) flows into lumen
2825, and optionally passes through the slanted tube 2827. In some
embodiments, turbine 2801 causes an axial rotation of pipe 2807,
thereby spinning the fluid contained within. Optionally, the fluid
exiting pipe 2807 has a helical flow profile. In some embodiments,
spinning of the fluid within pipe 2807 affects a velocity and/or
pressure of the fluid.
[0421] In some embodiments of the invention, pipe 2807 is provided
with a helically formed lumen. A helically formed lumen provides a
potential advantage for imparting directionality to fluid therein,
by urging the fluid along the length and/or around the axis of pipe
2807.
[0422] In some embodiments, turbine 2801 is coupled to motor 2809,
for being movable, for example, in the proximal and/or distal
directions. In some embodiments, motor 2809 comprises a stepper
motor. Optionally, coupling is through threaded element 2811 and/or
rods 2813. In some embodiments, motor 2809 comprises, additionally
or alternatively, a driving means for moving internal cone 2815 in
distal and proximal directions, optionally coupled through threaded
element 2811 and/or for moving pipe 2807 in distal and proximal
directions. Optionally, movement of internal cone 2815 and pipe
2807 in distal and proximal directions is independent for example,
at different speeds and/or directions and/or frequencies e.g. as
internal cone 2815 moves distally, pipe 2807 moves proximally.
Alternatively, movement of internal cone 2815 and pipe 2807 is
synchronized.
[0423] In some embodiments, movement of the internal cone and/or
pipe is manual, e.g. where a user manually moves one or more part
(e.g. by pressing a button mechanism optionally including a spring)
to move the internal cone and/or pipe.
[0424] The cross section along line A-A shows rods 2813. The cross
section along lines C-C, for example, shows the internal cone 2815,
external cone 2817, a lumen 2819 within the internal cone 2815,
pipe 2807, a lumen 2823 of pipe 2807 through which fluid passes,
and a suction cone 2821 positioned externally to both cones.
[0425] In some embodiments, the turbine is sealed by a sealing
element 2830, for example preventing fluid and/or air to pass in
the proximal direction.
[0426] In an example of nozzle operation, fluid injected into pipe
2803 finds its way to region 2806 from tube 2807, having acquired
during its transit a pattern of flow which may be, for example,
helical. Some control of flow pattern properties is optionally
exercised by relative motion of inner cone 2815 relative to
external cone 2817, driven, for example, by stepper motor 2809. In
some embodiments, fluid injected into pipe 2805 finds it way,
optionally simultaneously, through pipe 2807, also reaching region
2806. In some embodiments, the two fluid flows are combinable at
region 2806. In some embodiments, advancing or retracting pipe 2807
potentially allows control of parameters of fluid flow patterns
exiting from aperture 2802. Parameters adjustable potentially
include, for example, the cone exit angle and/or the vertical
and/or horizontal velocity components of exiting fluid. In some
embodiments, fluid of different compositions is supplied to pipes
2805 and 2803 (or one of pipes 2805, 2803), and control of mixing
is provided, for example, by positioning of pipe 2807 and inner
cone 2815.
[0427] It should be noted that the turbine and its related features
such as the frame connecting to the motor can be assembled in
nozzles of various configurations, such as nozzles having a
geometry other than conical (for example, cylindrical).
[0428] FIG. 29, now made reference to, illustrates a nozzle
comprising a turbine 2901, according to some exemplary embodiments
of the invention.
[0429] In some embodiments of the invention, turbine 2901 is driven
by pressurized air, for example as described in connection with
FIG. 28, hereinabove.
[0430] In some embodiments the nozzle does not comprise an internal
and external cone, but rather one solid cone 2903 which is
optionally positioned within a suction cone 2905. In this figure,
fluid entering the nozzle--for example, through pipe 2907 in the
handle flows into pipe 2909 which is coupled to turbine 2901, for
example as described hereinabove.
[0431] In some embodiments corresponding to FIG. 29, fluid passes
to the nozzle tip only through pipe 2909. In some embodiments, pipe
2909 is axially rotated by turbine 2901, causing fluid passing
through it to spin. Potentially, the spun fluid within pipe 2909
exits nozzle tip 2902 at an angle imparted by its momentum. In some
embodiments, stepper motor 2911 is coupled to turbine 2901 and/or
to pipe 2909 for moving one or both of them in the proximal and/or
distal directions. The cross section along line C-C shows cone
2903, pipe 2909, a lumen 2913 formed within pipe 2909 through which
fluid passes, and the external suction cone 2905.
[0432] In some embodiments, the turbine is operable at one or more
frequencies in a range of, for example: 2,000-10,000 RPM,
5,000-25,000 RPM, 10,000-100,000 RPM, 10,000-400,000 RPM,
2,000-400,000 RPM, or another larger or smaller range of rotational
frequencies. In some embodiments, the pressure of air for driving
the turbine is, for example: 10-20 PSI, 15-25 PSI, 10-30 PSI, 30-40
PSI, 30-60 PSI, or another larger or smaller range of driving
pressures.
[0433] In some embodiments, pipe 2909 is smooth-bored. Potentially,
spinning motion is imparted to fluid passing therethrough by
viscous forces acting between the fluid and the lumenal wall of
pipe 2909. Advancing and retraction of pipe 2909 relative to nozzle
aperture 2902 potentially regulates the characteristics and/or
parameters of flow exiting aperture 2902, for example, by changing
its pathway through the nozzle chamber between a distal end of pipe
2909 and aperture 2902.
[0434] In some embodiments, the adjustment up and down of motor
2911 (e.g. moving pipe 2909) increases or decreases the vertical
velocity and pressure in the space under the exit of the distal end
of tube 2907 in the conical lumen.
[0435] FIG. 30, now made reference to, illustrates a nozzle
comprising a turbine 3001 coupled to an internal cone 3003 for
rotating the cone around its axis, according to some exemplary
embodiments of the invention. FIG. 30 is an example of using a flow
to rotate a flow modifying element.
[0436] In some embodiments, the internal cone 3003 is formed from a
single solid piece comprising inner channels 3005 through which the
fluid flows. In some embodiments, fluid enters the nozzle through
pipe 3007 within the handle. In some embodiments, turbine 3001
rotates cone 3003 fast enough so that a centripetal force causes
the fluid to flow along the walls of channels 3005 and/or causes
fluid within the channels to spin and/or rotate. In some
embodiments of the invention, momentum, potentially including
angular momentum, is transferred from the motion of the turbine to
the working fluid passing through cone 3003 before it is ejected
from the nozzle. In some embodiments, fluid ejected from the nozzle
is spinning/rotating/has helical flow.
[0437] Potentially, fluid exiting the nozzle does so at an angle
which is broadened by the tangential component of its momentum at
the exit aperture of the nozzle.
[0438] Cross section A-A shows rotating cone 3003, channels 3005,
and an external cone 3007. The cross section also shows a lumen
3009 between the rotating cone 3003 and external cone 3007.
[0439] It should be noted that fluid exiting the distal aperture of
cone 3003 is potentially in direct association with fluid external
to the nozzle, the distal aperture being isolated from the
surrounding tissue only by a relatively short sheathing length of
the nozzle's outer wall. In some embodiments, this potentially
improves the efficiency of energy transfer from the nozzle interior
to the exteriorly acting working fluid.
[0440] FIGS. 31A-31B, now made reference to, show a conical nozzle
in which only the narrowing portion 3101 of internal cone 3103 is
movable with respect to external cone 3105, according to some
exemplary embodiments of the invention.
[0441] In some embodiments, inner walls of a (optionally
needle-like) nozzle tip have a helical shape and/or grooves.
[0442] In some embodiments, different geometry of a nozzle tip, for
example shape and/or diameter affect beam and/or angle jet axial
velocity.
[0443] In some embodiments, geometry of the cross section of the
nozzle tip has different geometries which affect fluid flow
parameters.
[0444] In some embodiments of the invention, portion 3101 is
connected to one or more rods 3107 which are distally/proximally
positionable by stepper motor 3109. Optionally, rods 3107 are
coupled to a threaded element 3111. In FIG. 31A, narrowing portion
3101 is shown lifted in the proximal direction, while in FIG. 31B,
narrowing portion 3101 is shown advanced in the distal direction.
Optionally, movement of the narrowing portion 3101 modifies a lumen
between the cones, as described hereinabove.
[0445] In some embodiments, movement of the internal cone and/or
pipe is manual, e.g. where a user manually moves one or more part
(e.g. by pressing a button mechanism optionally including a spring)
to move the internal cone and/or pipe.
[0446] In some embodiments, there is, for example, a ratchet or
rotation of a rotating element via thread sets in different
locations.
[0447] FIGS. 32-37 show various modes of operation of a system in
accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Such modes are
optionally achieved by varying parameters of the system such as one
or more of pulse time, duty cycle, pulse rate, air/liquid ratio,
and/or added powder.
[0448] FIGS. 32-34 show the operation of a system, in accordance
with some embodiments of the invention, where a plurality of jets
4301 (optionally a part of, or in the form of, a continuous cone of
fluid or other beam shape) are discharged by the nozzle. As shown
in a first condition in FIG. 32, a root canal 4315 has fluid up to
a level 4421, in parameter conditions where a fluid level is
formed. Jets 4301 hit a wall 4303 of root canal 4315 and form a
cyclone 4313. In some embodiments, the cyclone comprises an aerosol
combination of fluid droplet and gas.
[0449] In a second condition shown in FIG. 33, after a brief time
(which may be, for example, 10-20 msec, 10-50 msec, 25-100 msec,
50-200 msec, or another larger or smaller interval of time), an
evolution of conditions has occurred. Potentially, a density of
fluid has increased above fluid level 4421, as fluid is injected
into the root canal. In some embodiments, gas which initially
exited the nozzle has been displaced by heavier fluid exiting the
nozzle during the interval of evolution. In some embodiments, fluid
which initially exited the nozzle has lost a portion of its
velocity to interactions with the environment of the root canal.
Potentially, less energetic fluid is displaced toward the center of
the developing cyclone as new fluid is injected. A counterflow
upwards potentially also begins as additional fluid is introduced
from above with sufficient axial velocity to force its way
downward. In some embodiments, the energetic fluid also begins to
set up turbulent zones, which potentially change their position,
velocity, and/or size over time.
[0450] In a third condition, shown in FIG. 34, a fully developed
cyclone has arisen. In some embodiments and conditions, the fully
developed cyclone arises after brief interval from the situation
shown in FIG. 33. The interval is, for example, 10-20 msec, 10-50
msec, 25-100 msec, 50-200 msec, or another larger or smaller
interval of time. In some embodiments of the invention, the cyclone
develops to reach an apex 4319 of the root canal.
[0451] In some embodiments, the cyclone comprises fluid that was
previously below the fluid level 4421 which has received energy
transferred to from the injected fluid. Additionally or
alternatively, the fluid injected form the nozzle carries
sufficient energy to force its way down to the tip. In some
embodiments of the invention and conditions, a counterflow develops
such that fluid which reaches the apex 4319 is forced upward again
in a counterflow by new fluid following behind it. Optionally, this
flow occurs in addition to or instead of rotation caused by fluid
traveling along the wall. In some cases, fluid below the fluid
level 4421 are turbulent and include significant flow vectors other
than parallel to and along the wall of the root canal 4315.
Optionally, the turbulence helps remove debris, dentine, and/or
soft tissues from the wall, tubules, and/or out of the canal. In
some embodiments, a fluid level can be achieved, theoretically,
even when the tooth is turned upside down.
[0452] It should be understood that the interactions of air and
water (gas and fluid) in the root canal potentially create a
condition in which inertial forces strongly dominate viscous forces
(a high Reynolds number). As new air/water mixture is injected into
the root canal, energetic and potentially turbulent flow is carried
with relatively great freedom throughout the region being
irrigated, as losses due to viscosity become relatively negligible.
It should be understood that the boundaries of various relative
fractions of gas and fluid at various depths of the root canal are
potentially continuous and/or indistinct during active irrigation,
as turbulence and other activity cause fluctuations in flow. In
some embodiments, the boundary deeper than which (reaching into the
root canal) the total volume of fluid and air in the channel is at
least 50% fluid is, for example, about 3-4 mm, about 4-5 mm, about
4-8 mm, about 6-9 mm, or another larger or smaller depth. The
conditions of initial gas/fluid mixing associated with these depths
are, for example, selected from among those described in connection
with Table 1, hereinabove.
[0453] FIGS. 35-37 show the operation of a system, in accordance
with some embodiments of the invention, where fluid is delivered
through a needle-like cylinder 5401. Optionally, cylinder 5401 is
axially rotated within the nozzle, for example by a turbine as
described above. Optionally, a distal end of the cylinder is
positioned above root canal entrance 5425. Alternatively, a distal
end of cylinder 5401 is entered, at least partially, into the root
canal, as in FIGS. 35-37. Optionally, an exit aperture of cylinder
5401 is leveled with a level of fluid 5421 within the canal.
Alternatively, the exit aperture of cylinder 5401 is advanced into
the fluid within the canal, for example 0.1 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm,
4 mm, or intermediate, larger or smaller distances.
[0454] In some embodiments, the rotating cylinder 5401 directly
couples to fluid within the canal to rotate it (for example, as in
FIG. 36). In some embodiments, the helical flow exiting cylinder
5401 induces a helical, rotational and/or turbulent flow within the
canal, for example when the hitting fluid that accumulated within
the canal (FIG. 35), and additionally or alternatively by
replacement of the accumulated fluid with fluid and/or air that has
been energetically injected into the root canal. In some
embodiments, the rotating cylinder forms a cone shaped beam of
fluid exiting the cylinder. In some embodiments, the flow of the
cone shaped beam has an angular component (i.e. not only a vertical
component) so that the conical beam is effectively formed of a
plurality of angled jets.
[0455] In some embodiments, flows, counterflows, turbulence, and
other features of the motion of fluid described hereinabove in
relation, for example, to FIGS. 32-34, are induced. In particular,
helical and/or turbulent flow potentially propagates all the way to
the apex 5319 of the root canal. Potentially, full penetration of
the root canal is assisted by high energy and relatively low
viscosity of an air/water mix ejected from the tip of the
nozzle.
[0456] FIG. 38 shows various configurations of needle-like tubes
which can be assembled onto a nozzle, for example assembled on a
distal exit aperture of the nozzle. The various configurations are
suitable for use with root canals having different anatomical
structures. The various configurations may comprise different
lengths, different profiles of exit apertures, different diameters.
In some embodiments, a proximal end of the needle like tube is
coupled to a distal end of a nozzle. Optionally, the needle like
tube is attachable by a threaded connection. In some embodiments, a
nozzle is structured such as to connect, such as by fastening means
(a screw, clasp or other) by adhesive means, and/or by a structural
geometrical connection to one or more types of needle-like tubes.
In some embodiments, the needle like tubes form different types of
beams and flow patterns. Optionally, a needle like tube is selected
to affect the velocity of the flow, for example between the angular
velocity of the fluid circulating within the nozzle and the
tangential velocity of the flow exiting the nozzle. In some
embodiments, the distal aperture of the needle like tube comprises
a circular profile, an elliptical profile, an oval profile, a
beveled form, a trapezoid profile, a triangular profile or any
other profile and/or geometry.
[0457] FIG. 39A is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a
nozzle 3901 lacking an internal cone, according to some embodiments
of the invention. In some embodiments, one or more angled jet (e.g.
a jet at an angle which does not intersect a vertical axis of the
nozzle) is discharged from a cone lacking an internal cone. In some
embodiments, fluid discharged from a jet without an internal cone
intensifies or causes rotation of fluid within an at least
partially filled root canal.
[0458] In some embodiments, fluid flows through a nozzle lumen
lacking an inner cone with a helical and/or rotating path and/or
the fluid flows in contact with lumen walls.
[0459] In some embodiments, a pipe 3903 (optionally, in some
embodiments, more than one pipe) carrying material (e.g. fluid
including one or more of liquid, air, abrasive powder, disinfection
component/s) extends into nozzle lumen 3907 and pipe 3903 includes
a pipe outlet 3909 which is proximal to a portion nozzle lumen
walls 3916. In some embodiments, the pipe and/or pipe outlet is
angled and/or positioned and/or shaped such that a flow 3911 (e.g.
jet) of fluid from pipe 3903 impacting a portion of nozzle lumen
walls 3916 flows in a radial and/or centrifugal and/or helical
and/or spiral manner, e.g. spiraling downwards through nozzle lumen
3907. In some embodiments, an angle of the flow (e.g.) exiting pipe
3907 is at an angle which does not intersect a vertical axis of the
nozzle.
[0460] In some embodiments, flow speed and/or pressure and/or
composition contribute to helical flow of fluid within the nozzle
and/or characteristics and/or parameters of jet/s discharged from
the nozzle.
[0461] In some embodiments, pipe 3903 is runs through a handle 3904
attached to nozzle 3901.
[0462] In some embodiments, flow 3911 substantially remains in
contact with the nozzle lumen wall (e.g. flowing within 5 mm of, or
within 2 mm of, or within 1 mm of, or within 0.5 mm of, or within
0.1 mm of or within 0.01 mm, of the walls or smaller, or larger, or
intermediate measurements. In some embodiments, flow 3911 exits
nozzle 3901 through a nozzle outlet (also termed nozzle exit
aperture) 3913.
[0463] Optionally, nozzle 3901 includes a narrow, needle like tip
3915, e.g. with a diameter of, for example, less than 5 mm, or less
than 2 mm, or less than 1 mm, or less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.2
mm, or less than 0.1 mm, or less than 0.05 mm, or less than 0.01
mm. Alternatively, in some embodiments, nozzle tip 3915 is larger
e.g. with a diameter of more than 0.5 mm, or more than 1 mm, or
more than 2 mm, or more than 5 mm, or more than 10 mm.
[0464] Optionally, at least a portion of an inner surface of nozzle
lumen walls 3916 is textured (e.g. grooved), potentially assisting
and/or enabling helical flow of the fluid. In some embodiments,
grooves are helical and/or spiral downward towards nozzle outlet
3913. In some embodiments, grooves are other than helical, for
example in some embodiments, grooves form a double helix, in some
embodiments grooves form two opposing helixes. Optionally, in some
embodiments, nozzle outlet 3913 is textured (e.g. grooved)
potentially assisting and/or enabling helical flow of the fluid as
it exits through outlet 3913.
[0465] In some embodiments, helical and/or spinning and/or rotating
of the flow within the nozzle results in emission from the nozzle
outlet of angled fluid jet/s.
[0466] Optionally, nozzle 3901 includes one or more inlet through
which material is removed from the tooth, e.g. by suction. In an
exemplary embodiment, nozzle 3901 includes a suction cone 3917
which, in some embodiments, is a structure (optionally cone-shaped)
at least partially surrounding the nozzle lumen walls where there
is a lumen 3921 (optionally cone shaped) between the nozzle lumen
walls 3916 and suction cone 3917. In some embodiments, lumen 3921
connects to an extraction pipe 3923 within handle 3904 and suction
of material through inlets 3919a, 3919b is applied by pressure
reduction at extraction pipe 3923 (e.g. using a pump connected to
extraction pipe 3923).
[0467] FIG. 39B is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a
nozzle 3901 lacking an internal cone, according to some embodiments
of the invention. FIG. 39B shows a cross section perpendicular to
the cross section illustrated in FIG. 39A taken along the line A-A
illustrated on FIG. 39A. In some embodiments, as illustrated in
FIG. 39B, the portion of pipe 3903 which extends into nozzle lumen
3911 is curved and/or bent, for example, bending so that the pipe
is in close proximity to nozzle lumen walls 3916.
[0468] In some embodiments, one or more inlet into a nozzle lumen
moves, for example, rotates. FIG. 40A is a simplified schematic
cross sectional view of a nozzle 4001 including a rotating inlet
element 4005, according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0469] In some embodiments, fluid is inserted into a nozzle through
a rotating inlet element 4005. In some embodiments, rotating inlet
element 4005 includes one or more exit aperture (e.g. two exit
apertures 4023) through which fluid is inserted into a nozzle lumen
4007. In some embodiments, each exit aperture 4023 is located on a
rotating inlet element arm 4025. In some embodiments, fluid (e.g.
including one or more of liquid, gas (e.g. air), abrasive powder,
disinfection component/s, and flushing fluid) is supplied to
rotating inlet element 4005 through a pipe 4003 connected to
rotating inlet element 4005. In some embodiments, pipe 4003 runs
through a handle 4037 connected to the nozzle 4001.
[0470] In some embodiments rotating inlet element 4005 is disposed
within a nozzle lumen 4007 where the lumen is a space between an
inner cone 4019 and an outer cone including nozzle lumen walls
4021. In some embodiments, nozzle 4001 includes a nozzle tip 4041
through which fluid is discharged. Alternatively, the nozzle does
not include an inner lumen and the rotating element is disposed
inside a nozzle lumen defined by nozzle lumen walls 4021.
[0471] In some embodiments, rotation and/or movement of rotating
element 4005 and/or the shape of the conical lumen causes the fluid
to flow in a rotating and/or helical downwards motion.
[0472] In some embodiments, rotating element 4005 and fluid flow
within the nozzle is not exposed to the atmosphere, a potential
benefit being that fluid flowing through the nozzle is not exposed
to the atmosphere, for example, preventing degradation of the fluid
and/or component/s of the fluid e.g. by exposure to atmospheric
contaminants such as dirt, bacteria, e.g. by exposure of reactive
component/s to atmospheric oxygen.
[0473] In some embodiments of the invention, momentum, potentially
including angular momentum, is transferred from the motion of the
rotating element 4005 to the working fluid passing through lumen
4007 before it is ejected from nozzle. In some embodiments, fluid
ejected from the nozzle is spinning/rotating/has helical flow.
[0474] Potentially, fluid exiting the nozzle does so at an angle
which is broadened by the tangential component of its momentum at
the exit aperture of the nozzle.
[0475] Optionally, in some embodiments, nozzle 4001 includes one or
more additional pipe, e.g. a second pipe 4003a through which air
flows into an air turbine 4043. In some embodiments, rotating inlet
element 4005 is rotated by air turbine 4043. Alternatively,
rotating inlet element 4005 is rotated by mechanical and/or
electrical means e.g. by a stepper motor connected to the rotating
inlet element.
[0476] Optionally, in some embodiments, a second material is
inserted into lumen 4007. In some embodiments, the second material
is air and/or pressurized gas (e.g. pressurized air) which
optionally pushes fluid towards a nozzle outlet 4015. Optionally,
movement and/or rotation of rotating inlet element 4005 mixes the
second material with the fluid inserted through pipe 4003.
[0477] Optionally, in some embodiments, an additional pipe, a third
pipe 4003b inserts material and/or fluid into a second conical
lumen 4029. In some embodiments, third pipe discharges disinfecting
fluid and/or flushing fluid.
[0478] Optionally, nozzle 4001 includes one or more inlet through
which material is removed from the tooth, e.g. by suction. In an
exemplary embodiment, nozzle 4001 includes a suction cone 4017
which, in some embodiments, is a structure (optionally cone-shaped)
at least partially surrounding the nozzle lumen walls 4021 where
there is a lumen 4031 between nozzle lumen walls 4021 and suction
cone 4017 through which material is extracted. In some embodiments,
lumen 4031 connects to an extraction pipe 4033 within handle 4037
and suction of material is by pressure reduction at extraction pipe
4033 (e.g. using a pump connected to extraction pipe 4033).
[0479] In some embodiments, suction of material from the root canal
reduces pressure in a root canal apex and/or an apical area
(portion of the root canal proximal to the apex).
[0480] In some embodiments, movement of nozzle parts, for example,
movement of the internal cone, is manual e.g. where a user manually
moves one or more part (e.g. by pressing a button).
[0481] In some embodiments, suction can be used to control an
extent of rotation and/or fluid within a root canal. For example,
in some embodiments, increased suction reduces a length and/or
strength (e.g. velocity of flow) of a water column within the root
canal.
[0482] FIGS. 40B-40C are simplified schematic cross sectional views
of a nozzle including a rotating inlet element 4005, according to
some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 40B and FIG. 40C show cross
sections perpendicular to the cross section illustrated in FIG. 40A
taken along the line A-A and line B-B illustrated on FIG. 40A
respectively. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 40C,
lumen 4007 is optionally divided by one or more divider 4035 for
dividing the flow through lumen 4007. Optionally, in some
embodiments, dividers are located along the length of lumen
4007.
[0483] In some embodiments, a rotating element mixes and/or
agitates fluid flowing through a nozzle lumen. FIG. 41 is a
simplified schematic cross section of a nozzle 4101 including a
rotating element 4105, according to some embodiments of the
invention.
[0484] In some embodiments, rotating element 4105 rotates 4141
around a rotating element long axis. In some embodiments, rotating
element 4105 includes one or more protruding element, e.g. blades
4119. In some embodiments, blades have a flattened shape, for
example, where a thickness of the blade is less than half, or a
quarter, or a tenth or smaller, larger or intermediate proportions,
of a length and/or a depth of the blade. In some embodiments, the
blades provide a large surface area of contact between the rotating
element and fluid flowing through the nozzle, potentially
increasing energy and/or momentum transfer between the rotating
element and the fluid.
[0485] In some embodiments, the blade/s are shaped such that the
blades push and/or pump the fluid through the nozzle toward a
nozzle exit aperture 4121, for example, the rotating element acts
as an impellor. For example, in some embodiments, one or more blade
is at an angle to a vertical axis of the nozzle where a
length-depth plane of the blade is at an angle to the vertical axis
of the nozzle e.g. by at least 2 degrees, or 10 degrees, or 25
degrees, or 45 degrees, or 90 degrees, or smaller, or larger, or
intermediate angles.
[0486] In some embodiments, fluid (e.g. including one or more of
liquid, air, abrasive powder, disinfection component/s) is inserted
into the lumen through a fluid pipe 4103.
[0487] In some embodiments, rotating element is rotated by an air
turbine 4123 where air is supplied to the turbine through a second
pipe 4103a.
[0488] In some embodiments, a second material, for example, air
and/or another gas is inserted into the lumen through pipe 4103. In
some embodiments, pressurized material inserted through pipe 4103
(e.g. pressurized air) pushes fluid inside lumen 4143 towards
outlet 4121 and/or rotating element blades 4119.
[0489] In some embodiments, movement of rotating element 4105 mixes
material inserted into nozzle lumen 4143. For example, mixing fluid
inserted through pipe 4103.
[0490] For example, in some embodiments, materials are inserted
separately, e.g.
[0491] through pipe 4103 where different materials are inserted in
alternative pulses, e.g. through pipe 4103 and optionally through
additional pipe/s.
[0492] In some embodiments, helical and/or spinning and/or rotating
of the flow within the nozzle results in emission from the nozzle
outlet of angled fluid jet/s.
[0493] A potential benefit of mixing materials within a nozzle
lumen is that the materials are not exposed to the atmosphere, for
example, preventing degradation of the materials e.g. by exposure
to atmospheric contaminants such as dirt, bacteria, e.g. by
exposure of reactive materials to atmospheric oxygen.
[0494] Optionally, nozzle 4101 includes one or more inlet through
which material is removed from the tooth, e.g. by suction. In an
exemplary embodiment, nozzle 4101 includes a suction cone 4117
which, in some embodiments, is a structure (optionally cone-shaped)
at least partially surrounding the nozzle lumen walls 4121 where
there is a lumen 4131 between nozzle lumen walls 4121 and suction
cone 4117 through which material is extracted. In some embodiments,
lumen 4131 connects to an extraction pipe 4133 within handle 4125
and suction of material is by pressure reduction at extraction pipe
4133 (e.g. using a pump connected to extraction pipe 4133).
[0495] Optionally, rotating element 4105 includes a hollow portion
through which material is inserted into lumen 4143.
[0496] Optionally, nozzle 4101 does not include an internal
cone.
[0497] Additionally and/or alternatively, rotating element 4105
moves within lumen 4143, e.g. proximally-distally.
[0498] In some embodiments, nozzle 4101 includes a nozzle tip 4145
through which fluid is discharged.
[0499] In some embodiments the pressure in apical area and apex is
controlled (e.g. kept low), for example, by spreading or dividing
the flow of fluid. In some embodiments, fluid is discharged into a
root canal such that the fluid does not directly impact the apex
and/or apical area. For example, in some embodiments, fluid is
discharged such that fluid hits a wall of the root canal above
(coronal) an apical area of the root canal. For example, in some
embodiments, fluid is discharged at an angle at least 10 degrees,
or at least 30 degrees, or at least 90 degrees from an angle of a
straight line connecting a discharge point of the fluid from the
nozzle and the apex.
[0500] A potential benefit of helical flow of fluid within a root
canal is that fluid is less likely to directly impact the apex
and/or apical region, for example, in a time period at a beginning
of a treatment and/or at a beginning of discharging of fluid (e.g.
the first 0.1 s, 0.5 s, or 1 s, or 5 s or higher, lower or
intermediate times) into a root canal before the root canal fills
with fluid. In some embodiments, a root canal is filled with fluid
e.g. manually and/or through the nozzle (e.g. at a low speed and/or
pressure and/or flow rate) potentially protecting the apex.
[0501] In some embodiments, a needle tip 4241 including a needle
tip lumen which increases in cross sectional area distally towards
a nozzle aperture 4243. The liquid exiting from the nozzle through
tip 4241 exits with a wide angle of, for example, 20-70 degrees, or
lower, or higher, or intermediate angles, flowing and filling the
root canal e.g. from the apex of the canal upward (coronal), with
wide angle of flow, meaning that the pressure of the flow is
divided along the wall surface e.g. as a non-direct flow.
[0502] In some embodiments, pulsed suction and/or discharging
reduces pressure of fluid flow at the apex and/or apical area e.g.
fluid is extracted before it reaches the apex and/or apical area.
In some embodiments, for example, due to the narrow space in the
apical area pressure reduction from suction is more rapid than in
the remainder of the root canal (e.g. at 1.5.times. the rate, or at
double the rate, or at triple the rate).
[0503] FIG. 42A is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a
nozzle 4201 treating a root canal 4203, controlling apical
parameters, according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG.
42B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 42A.
[0504] In some embodiments, flow of fluid within a root canal is
controlled and/or balanced by control of insertion of fluid into
the root canal and suction of material from the root canal. In some
embodiments, depth of penetration (e.g. to the apex, e.g. not past
the apex in the apical direction) of flow into the root canal is
controlled. In some embodiments, pressure of flow and/or amount of
abrasion at an apex of a root canal is controlled.
[0505] In some embodiments, pressure inside a root canal is
controlled and/or balanced, for example, by controlling insertion
of fluid into the root canal (increasing pressure in the canal) and
suction of material from a root canal (decreasing pressure in the
canal). In some embodiments, rhythms and/or durations of pulses of
insertion (jetting) and/or suction control pressure in the canal
e.g. with suction and jetting independently and/or simultaneously,
e.g. with suction and/or jetting periodically.
[0506] A potential benefit of controlling pressure within the canal
is the ability to control pressure at the root canal apex e.g.
reducing pressure at the apex, e.g. potentially preventing rupture
of the tooth e.g. at the root canal apex.
[0507] In some embodiments, suction and/or insertion of fluid is
controlled to reduce pressure inside the root canal e.g. at and/or
including pressure at the apex of the root canal. A potential
benefit of reduced pressure within the root canal is a reduction in
risk of breaking and/or rupturing the root canal and/or tooth.
[0508] In some embodiments, the root canal is sealed such that
material can only enter or exit the root canal through a nozzle
(e.g. the root canal is sealed at a coronal opening of the root
canal). In some embodiments, control of pressure within the canal
is enhanced by sealing of the root canal. In some embodiments,
sealing of the root canal enables the nozzle to apply higher and/or
lower pressures to the root canal.
[0509] In some embodiments, a nozzle 4201 and a sealing element
4207 are placed at an entrance to a root canal 4203, sealing the
root canal, for example, only allowing movement of material in and
out of the root canal through nozzle 4201 (e.g. only allowing
movement of material out of the root canal through a suction cone
4217).
[0510] In some embodiments, sealing element 4207 surrounds the
nozzle, for example, is ring-shaped. In an exemplary embodiment,
the sealing element includes rubber e.g. silicone rubber. In some
embodiments, sealing element 4207 is a separate component. In some
embodiments, sealing element is coupled to and/or forms part of the
nozzle.
[0511] In some embodiments, nozzle 4201 introduces fluid (e.g.
fluid jet/s optionally including air and/or abrasive material) into
the root canal 4203, for example, to clean the root canal. In some
embodiments, nozzle 4201 includes a suction cone 4217 which
extracts material through channel 4235, where suction cone inlets
4239 are apical of sealing element 4207. In some embodiments, a
cross sectional area of a nozzle tip 4241 enlarges distally.
[0512] In some embodiments, the jet does not flow straight
downwards towards the apex of the root canal e.g. the jet flows
along the canal walls cleaning the walls. In some embodiments, one
or more jet meets the root canal wall at an angle of 20-45 degrees,
or 30-45 degrees to the root canal wall. Jet flow along the wall
potentially reduces pressure at the apex, for example, as pressure
of the jet is spread over a surface of the root canal wall.
[0513] FIG. 42C is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a
nozzle surrounded by a sealing element 4207, according to some
embodiments of the invention. FIG. 42C shows a cross section
perpendicular to the cross section illustrated in FIG. 42A taken
along the line A-A illustrated on FIG. 42A. Visible in FIG. 42C is
sealing element 4207 surrounding the nozzle. Also visible is a
nozzle inner cone 4245.
[0514] Optionally, nozzle 4201 includes an internal cone with a
lumen e.g. as illustrated in FIG. 31A.
[0515] In some embodiments, nozzle 4201 includes a pipe 4231 for
supplying fluid to a nozzle lumen 4237.
[0516] In some embodiments, a wide or fan-like beam of fluid is
discharged. For example, a wide or fan-like beam is discharged from
a nozzle tip where a tip lumen cross sectional areal (perpendicular
to nozzle tip long axis) increases distally. For example, a wide or
fan-like beam where the beam broadens as a distance between the
beam and nozzle exit aperture increases e.g. at least doubles in
cross sectional area (cross section perpendicular to nozzle
vertical axis) at 0.01 mm, or 0.1 mm, or 0.5 mm. or 1 mm. or 1 mm.
or 5 mm from the nozzle exit aperture.
[0517] In some embodiments, a wide and/or fan-like beam has lower
pressure. Potentially reducing pressure at a root canal apex or
apical area.
[0518] In some embodiments, the lumen walls and/or the internal
cone include a hollow portion, for example, increasing a length of
a path of fluid within the nozzle.
[0519] FIG. 43A is a simplified schematic side view of a nozzle
4301 including an external cone 4305 with a hollow portion 4303 and
an internal cone 4311 with a hollow portion 4309, according to some
embodiments of the invention. FIG. 43B is a simplified schematic
cross sectional view of a nozzle 4301 including external cone 4305
with a hollow portion and an internal cone 4311 with a hollow
portion, according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 43B
shows a cross section perpendicular to the cross section
illustrated in FIG. 43B taken along the line A-A illustrated on
FIG. 43A.
[0520] In some embodiments, external cone 4305 includes hollow
walls and internal cone 4311 includes hollow walls: A first lumen
4303 is within external cone 4305 and a second lumen 4309 is within
internal cone walls 4311.
[0521] In some embodiments, internal cone 4311 is smaller than and
located within a lumen within external cone, forming a third lumen
4350 in the space between the external cone and the internal cone.
In some embodiments, internal cone 4311 includes a fourth lumen
4315. In some embodiments, an additional internal cone 4311a is
located inside internal cone 4311.
[0522] Referring now to FIG. 43B, In some embodiments, external
cone and/or internal cone 4311 rotate, for example, to increase
energy and/or momentum of discharged fluid from the nozzle (e.g. to
enhance rotation of fluid within the root canal and/or enhance
cleaning of the root canal). Optionally, external cone 4305 and
internal cone 4311 rotate at different times and/or with different
speeds and/or with different direction of rotation, for example, to
increase mixing of the fluid from the internal and external cone
when the flows meet.
[0523] In some embodiments, fluid is inserted into lumens 4303,
4309 is supplied by pipes 4303p, 4309p respectively.
[0524] Referring now to FIG. 43B, fluid inserted into the hollow
portion of the inner cone (lumen 4309) flows radially and/or
helically through the hollow portion of inner cone to the lumen
between the inner cone and the additional inner cone (lumen 4315).
Fluid inserted into the hollow portion of the external cone (lumen
4303) flows radially and/or helically through the hollow portion of
external cone to the lumen between the external cone and the inner
cone (lumen 4305).
[0525] In some embodiments, flows emerging from lumens 4350 and
4315 merge and/or mix in a central lumen 4345 before being
discharged.
[0526] In some embodiments, fluid is inserted into lumens 4303,
4309 concurrently and/or in a pulse pattern e.g. where material is
inserted into one or more lumen intermittently. In some
embodiments, fluid inserted into lumens 4303, 4309 combines and/or
mixes adjacent to a nozzle tip 4319.
[0527] Optionally, nozzle 4301 includes one or more lumen 4317
through which fluid is extracted.
[0528] Optionally, nozzle 4301 includes an additional cone 4319
external to external cone 4305, and fluid from pipe 4341 (e.g.
flushing and/or disinfecting fluid) is inserted into the tooth
through a lumen 4343 between additional cone 4319 and external cone
4305.
[0529] In some embodiments, fluid flows through one or more lumen
with helical movement. In some embodiments, rotation of the cone/s
and/or a shape of the lumen/s causes emission from the nozzle
outlet of angled fluid jet/s and/or a flow with helical flow.
[0530] In some embodiments, a system for cleaning and/or abrading a
root canal operates without an external compressor. In some
embodiments, the system includes one or more pressurized
container.
[0531] FIG. 44 is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a
system including a supply apparatus 4403 connected to a nozzle
4401, according some embodiments of the invention.
[0532] In some embodiments, a supply apparatus is disposable and/or
includes one or more disposable part. In some embodiments, a supply
apparatus including one or more chamber containing pressurized gas,
is located within a handle connected to a nozzle, forming a hand
held endodontic cleaning device. A potential benefit being high
portability and/or maneuverability of the device and/or a cleaning
device which operates without any other infrastructure (e.g.
compressor and/or external power supply).
[0533] Alternatively, in some embodiments, a supply apparatus is
not located in the handle, e.g. supply apparatus includes a
standing box.
[0534] In an exemplary embodiment, supply apparatus 4403 includes a
first chamber 4405 which holds pressurized gas and fluid 4405a.
Optionally, the chamber comprises a predefined amount of gas and
fluid, for example suitable for performing 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100
or another number of treatments. Upon opening first chamber 4405,
the pressurized gas forces dispensing of fluid from the chamber
(operation e.g. similar to an aerosol canister). In some
embodiments, the gas includes air and/or CO.sub.2.
[0535] In some embodiments, the chamber is opened by pressing a
button 4407 which opens a valve 4409 between first chamber 4405 and
a second chamber 4411 and opens a second valve 4413. In some
embodiment, button 4407 is connected to a rod 4447 which pushes
element 4449 towards valve 4409, opening valve 4409. In some
embodiments, second chamber is enclosed inside a housing 4441. In
some embodiments, pushing button 4407 compresses a spring 4445. In
some embodiments, spring 4445 returns button 4407 to an original
position after the button is released.
[0536] In some embodiments, second chamber 4411 holds abrasive
powder and optionally pressurized gas. Optionally, the chamber
comprises a predefined amount of abrasive powder and/or fluid, for
example suitable for performing 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 or another
number of treatments. Gas and fluid flow from first chamber 4405
through second chamber 4411, collecting and/or mixing (optionally,
mixing uniformly) with abrasive material from second chamber 4411.
The fluid mixture of gas, fluid and abrasive material then travels
through pipe 4415 to a handle 4417 connected to nozzle 4401.
Optionally, in some embodiments (e.g. so that the user can switch
the flow on and off at a location near to the nozzle) flow through
handle 4417 (e.g. passing through a pipe 4453 in handle 4417) is
upon activation of the handle, e.g. by sliding a switch 4419 on the
handle to an on position. The fluid mixture then flows through the
nozzle, passing through a nozzle tip 4457, and is discharged
through a nozzle exit aperture 4459. In some embodiments, nozzle
4401 includes outer walls 4455.
[0537] In some embodiments, pressure inside one or both chambers
4405, 4411 is 100-120 PSI, or 50-200 PSI or higher, or lower or
intermediate pressure ranges or values. In some embodiments, a
starting pressure of the first chamber is sufficient to dispense
all of the fluid within the first chamber. In some embodiments, as
a chamber empties a chamber size is reduced (e.g. second chamber
moves towards first chamber) so that a chamber internal pressure is
maintained.
[0538] In some embodiments, a ratio of gas to fluid within first
chamber 4405 is 75% air 25% fluid, or 50% fluid 20% air, or 90% air
60%, or lower, higher or intermediate ratios. In some embodiments,
the fluid mixture dispensed from supply apparatus through pipe 4415
includes 3-5% abrasive material (e.g. abrasive powder).
[0539] In some embodiments, the supply apparatus is and/or includes
a part (e.g. a chamber) which is designed for single use, for
example the apparatus or part is disposed after a single treatment.
Alternatively, the supply apparatus and/or a part of the supply
apparatus contains sufficient materials for 1, or 2, or 3, or 4, or
5, or, 10, or 50, or 100 treatments, or lower, or higher, or
intermediate numbers of treatments.
[0540] In some embodiments, the supply apparatus weighs 20 g-3 kg,
or 50 g-1 kg, or 50 g-500 g, or 50 g-200 g, or lower, higher or
intermediate weights. In some embodiments, the supply apparatus is
light enough so that it can be maneuvered by a user e.g. with one
hand.
[0541] Optionally, in some embodiments, one or more chamber is
refilled when empty. In some embodiments, one or more chamber
and/or the supply apparatus is changed when empty and/or between
treatments and/or between patients. A potential advantage of a
supply apparatus operating using pressurized gas is that the nozzle
need not be connected to a compressor and/or electricity
supply.
[0542] Optionally, in some embodiments, a supply apparatus includes
less than or more than two chambers, each chamber including one or
more of gas, fluid, abrasive powder, and disinfecting material.
[0543] In some embodiments, two or more flows of material mix
within a lumen of a nozzle, e.g. before discharge of the mixed flow
into a root canal. In some embodiments, flows which mix inside the
lumen of the nozzle are supplied by a supply apparatus including
more than one pressurized chamber.
[0544] FIG. 45 is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a
supply apparatus 4503 supplying two separate flows to a nozzle
4501, according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0545] In an exemplary embodiment, supply apparatus 4503 includes
two chambers supplying two flows of material to the nozzle, for
example, through two separate channels (e.g. pipes) which connect
the chambers to the nozzle. In some embodiments, pressure within
one or more chamber is 100-120 PSI, or 50-200 PSI or higher, or
lower or intermediate pressure ranges or values.
[0546] In some embodiments, a first chamber 4505 contains
pressurized gas (e.g. air) and a second chamber 4507 contains
pressurized gas and fluid. In some embodiments, activating first
chamber 4505, for example by pressing on first button 4509 opens
the chamber (e.g. by opening a first chamber valve 4511) allowing
flow of air from first chamber 4505 (optionally through a pipe
4541) through valve 4511 into chamber 4549, and then to exit
chamber 4549 through an opening 4547 connected to first pipe
4513.
[0547] In some embodiments, first button 4509 is attached to a rod
4553 and pushing the first button pushes element 4545 towards valve
4511, opening the valve.
[0548] Flow then flows through a powder cartridge 4573 optionally
located in a nozzle handle 4570 and passes to the nozzle 4501. The
powder and air mix with fluid in a lumen 4501a of nozzle 4501.
Fluid in lumen 4501a flows through nozzle, and through a nozzle tip
4569 before being discharged through nozzle exit aperture 4567.
[0549] In some embodiments, pressing on a second button 4517 opens
a second chamber valve 4519, allowing flow of air and fluid from
second chamber 4507 (optionally through a pipe 4565) to flow into
chamber 4559 and then to pass through opening 4557 connected to a
second pipe 4521, and then through a pipe 4515 in handle 4570 to
the nozzle lumen mixing with the abrasive powder and air in the
nozzle lumen. Optionally, one or more flow is controlled by an
activation element (e.g. slide switch 4523) on the handle.
Optionally, one or more of the flows passes through a powder
cartridge 4573 (optionally located in the handle), collecting
and/or mixing with abrasive material which the flow then carries to
the nozzle lumen.
[0550] In some embodiments, second button 4517 is attached to a rod
4579 and pushing second button 4517 pushes an element 4561 towards
valve 4519, opening the valve. In some embodiments, pipes 4513 and
4521 can be closed by valves 4551 and 4577 respectively. In some
embodiments, the chambers include a housing 4543.
[0551] In some embodiments, more than two flows emanating from more
than one chamber mix within the nozzle where each chamber contains
one or more of gas, fluid, abrasive powder, and disinfecting
material.
EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLES
[0552] Reference is now made to the following examples, which
together with the above descriptions illustrate some embodiments of
the invention in a non limiting fashion.
An Experiment for Testing the Feasibility of an Apparatus and
Method for Endodontic Treatment Using Angled Fluid Jets
[0553] The inventors conducted an experiment for testing the
feasibility of a system which comprises an apparatus for cleaning,
abrading, and/or disinfecting a root canal as described above.
Experimental Design
[0554] 41 human teeth specimens were extracted from patients. The
specimens included a group of molars having 2-4 root canals, and a
group of incisors having a single root canal. In total, 182 root
canals were tested in the experiment. Each tooth specimen had one
or various types of root canals, as indicated below.
[0555] 5 types of root canals were tested: a standard root canal
(53 specimens), a curved root canal (40 specimens), a sharp curved
root canal (32 specimens), a root canal with an enlarged opening at
the apex, ranging between 2-3 mm, which was created naturally as a
result of calcification (33 specimens), and specimens with an
extremely narrow root canal (24).
[0556] 11 teeth specimens having 2-3 root canals each were
extremely narrow, having an entrance aperture with a diameter
smaller than 0.5 mm.
[0557] Immediately after the extraction, the specimens were placed
in a 10% bleach solution, containing 10% chlorine and 90%water,
(other solutions may also be used), to prevent dehydration of the
root canals.
[0558] The following procedure was performed for each specimen. At
first, an access cavity was drilled through the crown of the tooth
to enable access through the pulp chamber to the root canal. An
entrance to the root canal was exposed, and the specimen was placed
back in the bleach solution. The specimen was then removed from the
solution, and placed in a rubber mold. At this stage, the specimen
was imaged using a 320 slices CT imaging device. Optionally, other
imaging devices may be used.
[0559] An apparatus and system for example as described in FIG. 8
above were used for cleaning, abrading, and disinfecting each of
the specimens. A nozzle of the apparatus was inserted through the
pulp chamber and positioned such that an exit aperture of the
nozzle was configured vertically above the entrance to a root
canal, at an approximate distance of 1-3 mm.
[0560] The fluid used for the treatment of the root canals
contained water, air, and glass powder (used as an abrasive
powder). The pressures used were a water pressure of 80 PSI, and an
air pressure of 80 PSI. The fluid passed through the pipeline of
the system, for example through pipes in the handle of the
apparatus, reaching the nozzle and exiting through the exit
aperture in the form of angled fluid jets, as previously
described.
[0561] Cleaning, abrading and disinfecting of the root canal of
each specimen was achieved by the flow of fluid advancing along the
root canal wall, removing organic substance such as nerve tissue,
pulp tissue, and/or debris, as previously described.
[0562] The treatment duration for each of the specimens was
determined according to parameters such as the existence of a
narrowing portion, the existence of curvature, the length of the
root canal, and/or other parameters or combinations of them. The
treatment duration used in this experiment was 15 seconds (applied
to 13 specimens), 30 seconds (applied to 15 specimens), and 45
seconds (applied to 13 specimens). Optionally, other durations may
be used.
[0563] Imaging of each specimen using a 320 slices CT imaging
device was performed again at the end of the process.
[0564] Each specimen was tested for apex penetration (referred to
in this example as further widening of a natural, normal opening of
the apex), grade of apex penetration (if occurred), penetration
along the canal wall, and the thickness of the eroded layer.
[0565] To prove that the root canals of the specimen are clean, an
electro-scan microscope image was acquired from each specimen, as
will be further explained.
Data Analysis and Results
[0566] FIG. 16A-B is a table of the experiment results. The table
shows that in all tested root canals, the apex was not penetrated
(i.e. an initial natural opening was not widened). The table also
shows that in all tested root canals, the root canal wall was not
penetrated as well. The thickness of the removed dentin layer
ranged between 100-200 .mu.m for all tested root canals.
[0567] FIG. 17 shows an image of the dentin layer and dentinal
tubules of one of the specimens, taken at the end of the experiment
described above. This image was taken by an electro scan
microscope, using a magnification of .times.5000.
[0568] Before acquiring the image, the specimen was stored in the
bleach solution. Once the specimen was removed from the solution,
it was sliced along a longitudinal cross section, to expose the
internal lumen of the root canal. This exemplary image shows that
the dentin layer 1701 and the tubules 1703 shave been cleaned and
cleared by the flow of fluid, and do not have a smear layer.
General
[0569] It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing
from this application many relevant endodontic apparatuses will be
developed and the scope of the term endodontic apparatuses is
intended to include all such new technologies a priori.
[0570] The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes",
"including", "having" and their conjugates mean "including but not
limited to".
[0571] The term "consisting of" means "including and limited
to".
[0572] 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.
[0573] As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the"
include plural references unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one
compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures
thereof.
[0574] Throughout this application, various embodiments of this
invention may be presented in a range format. It should be
understood that the description in range format is merely for
convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an
inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly,
the description of a range should be considered to have
specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as
individual numerical values within that range. For example,
description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to
have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1
to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as
well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the
range.
[0575] Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant
to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the
indicated range. The phrases "ranging/ranges between" a first
indicate number and a second indicate number and "ranging/ranges
from" a first indicate number "to" a second indicate number are
used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and
second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral
numerals therebetween.
[0576] As used herein the term "method" refers to manners, means,
techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including,
but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures
either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means,
techniques and procedures by practitioners of the chemical,
pharmacological, biological, biochemical and medical arts.
[0577] As used herein, the term "treating" includes abrogating,
substantially inhibiting, slowing or reversing the progression of a
condition, substantially ameliorating clinical or aesthetical
symptoms of a condition or substantially preventing the appearance
of clinical or aesthetical symptoms of a condition.
[0578] 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.
[0579] Various embodiments and aspects of the present invention as
delineated hereinabove and as claimed in the claims section below
find experimental support in the examples.
[0580] 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.
[0581] 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. In addition,
any priority document(s) of this application is/are hereby
incorporated herein by reference in its/their entirety.
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