Endodontic Irrigating Instrument

Abstract

An endodontic irrigating instrument including a body portion which has at least one chamber capable of receiving a disposable syringe, with said chamber being in communication with a through bore in the body. The instrument also has a second through bore in its handle which can be connected to a vacuum source and has a valve which is movable between a position in which the bore leading from the syringe chamber is connected to the through bore of the body to a position in which the bore in the handle is in communication with the through bore of the body. The operative end of the instrument is adapted to receive a disposable needle which communicates with the through bore of the body. The instrument is then capable of selectively performing variable and different functions through a common orifice. The instrument also can include a heating element in association with the syringe chamber to preheat the solution contained in the syringe.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention, in general, relates to endodontics which is the branch of dentistry dealing with the cause, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp and includes pulp canal therapy and root canal therapy. In particular, the invention relates to an irrigating device which is capable of dispensing a liquid under variable pressure into the canal to loosen up dentin chip and then providing a variable suction to remove these chips from the canal.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

In root canal preparation, the reaming and filing operation in effect removes dentin chips from the tooth, and these chips are susceptible of becoming trapped within the canal. Since the purpose, of course, is to keep open the canal while enlarging it, this is self-defeating.

At the present time there is no really satisfactory way of loosening and removing the chips which can become compacted and prevent the proper filling or sealing of the root canal. This operation is presently accomplished by using instruments, one of which injects liquid under pressure to loosen the chips, and paper points are then used to dry the root canal. The process is tedious and inefficient. Applicant is not aware of any prior patent art in this regard other than a device that provides pressure and exhaust simultaneously, which has been found unsatisfactory by the Council on Dental Materials and Devices of the American Dental Association.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been discovered that the difficulties encountered in endodontic surgery can be greatly lessened by the utilization of an irrigating device having a chamber (with the preferred form capable of receiving a disposable syringe) containing irrigating flud, with the device also being connected to a vacuum source and with both functions being performed through a common orifice or channel.

It has also been found that by providing the device with a gripping handle and a valve which can alternately be moved into communication with either the bore or passage leading from the chamber with the irrigating fluid or with the bore or passage leading to the exhaust or vacuum, that two operations can be performed alternately with the same device without removing the device or changing hands. This device permits the operation to be performed with a single hand quickly and easily and with selectivity in the force of injection or suction.

Furthermore, it has been found that two channels, one channel for each function, can be designed with the collar of the disposable needle serving to form a common channel and orifice.

Furthermore, it has been found that a disposable needle and tubing can be used so that the entire device has improved sanitary properties as well.

Furthermore, it has been found that a switch used with the valve handle can serve to activate or inactivate the evacuation source.

Finally, it has been found that means can be provided for heating the fluid in the syringe prior to the time it is forced into the tooth.

Accordingly, production of an improved endodontic irrigating instrument having the above-noted characteristics becomes the principal object of this invention, with other objects thereof becoming more apparent upon a reading of the following brief specification, considered and interpreted in the light of the accompanying drawings.

OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an end elevation of one form of the improved irrigating instrument.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation in section taken along the line 2--2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3--3 of FIG. 2 showing the interconnection of the various bores or passages.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of a modified form of the invention in section similar to FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an end elevation of another modified form of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation in section taken along the line 6--6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an end elevation of a still further modified form of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 8--8 of FIG. 7 showing the modified form of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view taken along the line 9--9 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view similar to FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and 8 showing a further modification.

FIG. 11 is a partial end elevation of the modification of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing a modified valving arrangement as well as a single orifice form of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view similar to FIG. 12 and showing the valving means in a different position.

FIG. 14 is an end elevation of a still further modified form of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken on the line 15--15 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a side elevation of the valving means employed in the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along the line 17--17 of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an end elevation of a still further modified form of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along the line 19--19 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a partial sectional view showing the valving means of the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 in a different position.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view of a still further modified form of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a partial sectional view showing the valving means in a different position.

FIG. 22a is an elevational view of the valving means of FIGS. 21 and 22.

FIG. 22b is a side elevation of the valving means shown in FIG. 22a.

FIG. 23 is a partial sectional view showing still another form of valving means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning first then to FIG. 1, it will be seen that the improved irrigating device generally indicated by the numeral 10 includes a handle 11 and a body 12. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, this would be a molded handle of plastic or some suitable material which is light-weight yet durable.

Considering FIGS. 1 and 2 for a detailed description of the device, it will be seen that handle 11 has a through bore or passage 11a therein, with this passage continuing from the handle portion 11 up into the body portion 12.

At the bottom end of the handle 11, there is a molded contoured fitting 11b intended to permit a hose 40 to be snapped over it with the hose 40 leading to another snap-type fitting 41 which in turn is connected to a vacuum source (not shown).

The body 12 has a first chamber 13 therein for reception of a disposable syringe. One end of the chamber 13 opens into a bore or passage 15 in the body as clearly shown in FIG. 2.

The body 12 also includes a second chamber 14 within which the valving means 20 are received. These valving means consist of an elongate cylindrical unit 21 having a head 22 which is capable of being snapped into the chamber 14 and held in place against axial movement relatively of body 12 by the annular rib 24 and a corresponding groove in the wall of the chamber 14.

The valving means 20 also includes a handle 23 movable between the full and chain-dotted line positions of FIGS. 1 and 2 for purposes which will be described.

Valving means 20 also includes an L-shaped passage 25 in the end thereof and in FIG. 2 of the drawings, this passage is in communication with bore or passage 15 leading from the syringe chamber 13.

The body 12 also has a through passage 17 in its end 16. This end is dimensioned and shaped so as to receive a snap-on needle 30 which can be a disposable needle, if desired, the passage 17, of course, communicating with the central bore 31 in the needle.

In operation of the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and assuming that the device is in the condition shown in FIG. 2, the disposable syringe (not shown) is inserted in chamber 13 and actuation of the syringe will cause the irrigating fluid therein to pass through passage 15 in the head 12 and thus through the bore or passage 25 in valve 20 and bore or passage 17 in the head. This enables the irrigating solution, which may be hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorite or any suitable solution, to then be forced through needle 30 into the canal at the option of the user.

When it is desired to evacuate the loose chips contained in the canal, it is simply necessary to move the handle 23 on the valving means 20 to the chain-dotted line position of FIG. 2, at which time the passage 25 of valving means 20 will come into communication with passage 11a leading to the vacuum source. Since passage 25 is at all times in communication with passage 17 and thus with needle 30 and assuming that the vacuum source has been actuated at this time, the chips will be removed from the canal through the various passages.

In this connection, it is also possible to provide for automatic actuation of the vacuum source. This can be accomplished by providing an electrical cord 80 in the handle 11 with the cord having a plug 81 on its outboard end and a contact switch 82 on its inboard end. In this fashion, the handle 23 can be brought into contact with switch 82 thereby automatically energizing the vacuum source and eliminating the need to do it manually.

Considering next FIG. 4, which is a modified form of the invention, it will be noted that this form is very similar to the form shown and described above, with the exception of the provision of a heating element or coil 50 which surrounds the syringe chamber 13. This element is connected to an electrical cord 51 and has a plug 52 which can be secured to any suitable electric source. In this fashion, the device is capable of preheating the solution contained in the syringe before it is forced into the canal as described above. The suction or vacuum portion of the device operates similarly to that described above.

This form of the invention also discloses an alternative valving means in which the handle 22 is eliminated and the knurled head 21 is simply rotated manually. A stop 80 is provided on the head 12 so that the operator will know when he has rotated the valving means 20 sufficiently to bring the appropriate passages into communication with each other. This valving system could also be utilized with the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Considering next then FIG. 6, a still further modified form of the invention is shown. In this form, a projection 60 is provided within chamber 13 to puncture the end of the syringe 70. The body 12 also has a projecting end portion 12a which is appropriately threaded as at 18. A cap 19 screws onto this and a plunger 71 is utilized to force the end of the syringe 70 against the projection 16, thereby puncturing it and enabling the liquid to be forced through the appropriate passages.

Operation of the vacuum or exhaust portion of the device is the same as described above and again either the valving means of FIGS 1 and 2 or that of FIG. 4 can be used.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a still further modification in which a pair of parallel syringe chambers 113 and 114 are provided so that more than one type of irrigating solution can be utilized.

In this fashion, alternative chemical solutions can be used for irrigating purposes. The operation of the valving means 120 in this form of the invention is similar to that shown and described in conjunction with FIG. 4, except that three stops 180, 180, 180 are utilized since the valve must be capable of being moved into three separate positions. Otherwise, the operation is similar to that described above.

Turning next to FIGS. 10 and 11, a still further modified form of the invention is disclosed. In this form of the invention, a still different type valving means is utilized. Thus, the valving means 220 are mounted on the body 212 and are capable of moving between the full and chain-dotted line positions. The syringe 270 fits in the head 212 as described above. When the handle 222 is in the position shown in FIG. 11, the passage leading from the syringe to the needle is open and the irrigating fluid can be introduced into the canal. When the handle 222 is moved to a position abutting the control stop 223, the passage leading to the vacuum is opened, and in this way the normal vacuum procedure as called for above can be employed.

It is also possible in the form of the invention, for example, in FIGS. 2 and 11, to provide a switch on the outside of the head 12 so that when the handle 222 is moved to open up the vacuum or exhaust passage, the switch will be activated to energize or actuate the vacuum source. This obviates the necessity of having this continually running.

In this form of the invention a hose connector plug 230 would be used to connect the instrument with the vacuum source. This connector is contoured to be snapped into a complementally shaped opening 231 in handle 211.

It should be noted that while plastic has been mentioned as possible material for the device, any suitable material could be employed, and the invention is not intended to be so limited.

Furthermore, it will be noted that while in the modification of FIG. 7 more than one chamber for receiving the syringe is employed, it is apparent that even more could be provided although Applicant has only illustrated two in the drawing.

It should also be noted that the vacuum source and heat source referred to in the specification are conventional in nature and have not been shown in detail since they would be well within the skill of anyone skilled in this art and, as a matter of fact, are commercially available.

Turning next then to FIGS. 12 and 13 for a still further modified form of the invention and the preferred form, it will be seen that the irrigating device includes a handle portion 311 and a body portion 312. The usual passageway 311a is provided in the handle for access to the vacuum source, and the usual passageway 312a is provided in the head so that it can communicate with the chamber 313 which receives syringe 370. A common passageway 312b is also provided in the outboard end of the head 312.

The valving means of this form of the invention are somewhat different. The head 312 has a bore 314 and a counterbore 314a therein. The valving means 320 comprise a head 321 and an enlarged body member 322 which has secured to one end thereof a projection 316, and this projection has at its outboard end a through passage 316a.

Seated in the bottom of the counterbore portion of the head 314a is a spring 315 which bears against the bottom of the body portion 322 of the valving means 320. This body portion 322 also has an elongate slot 322a therein which receives a pin 317 which is mounted to the body and which serves to locate the overall valving means.

In the condition shown in FIG. 12, the spring is at its extended position which would be its normal position, and thus the overall valving means 320 are retracted to the right. Due to the fact that a through bore 316b is provided in the end of the projecting portion 316 of the valving means, a through passage is formed between passageways 312a, bore 316b, and passageway 312b. This permits the irrigating solution to be passed into the canal.

An examination of FIG. 13 shows the valving means depressed and moved to the left of the device. In this condition the bore 316a of the valving means 320 is in communication with passageway 312b of the head and 311a of the handle, thereby permitting the exhaust or vacuum system to operate.

This form of the invention also may utilize a base connector 330 which snaps into contoured opening 331.

Turning next then to FIGS. 14, 15, 16, and 17, a still further modified valving operation and means is disclosed.

Thus, the handle 411 has a passageway 411a for vacuum and exhaust purposes.

The head or body portion of the irrigating device has a chamber 413 for reception of the syringe and a passageway 412a communicating therewith. The head or body portion 412 also has a through passage 412b leading to its outboard end.

The valving means 420 consist of a head 422 and a body portion 423 projecting therefrom. A through slot 424 is cut in the outboard end of the body portion 423.

The valving means 420 also have a half-ring 422a which snaps over the projection 412c on the body. A half-ring 412d is provided, and in this fashion turning of the head 422 will move the slotted portion 424 from the position shown in FIG. 15 in which it is in communication with the passageways 412 and 412b to a position in which the passageway 412a is cut off and 411a is opened. In this way the irrigation and exhaust functions can be readily performed as described before.

Again a snap-in connector 430 is used.

The form of the invention shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 envisions the utilization of separate channels in the head or body portion 512, with these channels being identified by the numerals 512a and 511a. The needle 530 snaps over the end of the body portion 512 and, of course, depending upon which passageway is being utilized, will either receive the irrigating fluid or will permit operation of the vacuum or exhaust.

The valving means 520 is a snap-in type valve which has a through opening 521. In the position shown in FIG. 21, the suction or vacuum system is opened, with the passageway 521 in the valve permitting a completely open system.

In FIG. 22, it will be noted that the valve has been rotated so as to close off the exhaust system, and at this time actuation of the syringe 570 permits the lubricating fluid to be passed into the root canal.

FIG. 23 shows a modified valve means 520a suitable for use with the instrument shown in FIG. 21. This is a flexible snap-in type valve and is movable between a position in which the suction or vacuum system is open to a position in which it is closed. The position shown in FIG. 23 is closed, and when the top of the flexible dome 520a is depressed, the channel 511a in the body and 511a in the handle have direct communication with the suction source.

FIGS. 18, 19, and 20 show a still further modified form of the invention employing a transverse valve which is adaptable to being mounted on either the right or left hand side of the instrument depending upon the desires of the user.

This form of the invention discloses a handle 611 which has a through opening 611a therein through which the hose leading to the suction source can be passed. It is understood that this hose can be snapped over the end 614 of the body 612 so that the exhaust system is in communication with passageway 611b.

The head or body portion 612 has the normal chamber 613 for reception of the syringe 670 and also has a short passageway 612a to communicate with the chamber 613. Finally, the body has a common passageway 612b leading to the needle.

The valving means themselves consist of a handle 620 and a body 621, with the body having parallel through bores 621a and 621b therein. This handle is press-fit into a transverse bore in the body 12, and as noted above can be employed on either the right or left hand side of the instrument with the same being on the right hand side in the form shown in FIG. 19.

It is believed apparent that in the position of FIG. 19, the irrigating passageways are open and the handle 620 is resting against the stop member 631. The reference to FIG. 22 will show that the valving means has been rotated about its axis so that the handle 620 contacts the stop member 630. In this position the vacuum or suction system is opened since passageway 621b is now in position to interconnect 611b and 612b and also to close off 612 a.

Reference to FIG. 18 will show that stops 632 and 633 are provided on the opposed side of the body so that the valve can be taken out and snapped in from the other side for left-hand operation if desired.

It has been shown, therefore, how a dual purpose syringe can be utilized to provide in one instrument the capability of performing two separate operations, which heretofore have been slowly and awkwardly handled by separate instruments. Thus, both the irrigating and the cleaning operation can be performed with the same instrument simply by turning the valves. The instrument is compact, light-weight and easy to handle and greatly simplifies this facet of the endodontic treatment.

While a full and complete description of the invention has been set forth in accordance with the dictates of the Patent Statutes, it is understood that modifications can be resorted to without departing from the spirit hereof or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An endodontic irrigating instrument for use with a vacuum source and a prepackaged, disposable, hand-operated fluid source and being capable of selectively performing the functions of introducing irrigating fluid into a root canal and evacuating said canal through a common orifice, comprising;

A. a body portion having

1. at least one elongate chamber in one end thereof adapted to telescopically receive said prepackaged disposable fluid source

2. and a through passageway in the opposed end of the body interconnecting the said chamber

3. a second passageway leading from said chamber to said through passageway

B. a handle portion having a through passageway therein adapted to be connected to said vacuum source;

C. a valve

1. carried by said body and having a through bore therein

2. said valve being movable from a position in which its bore interconnects said second passageway and said through passageway in said body to a position in which its bore interconnects said passageway in said handle and said passageway in said body; and

D. needle-receiving means disposed on said opposed end of said body

1. whereby a hollow needle received thereon will have its central passageway in communication with said passageway in said body.

2. The instrument of claim 1 further characterized by the presence of heating means carried by said body portion adjacent said chamber.

3. The instrument of claim 1 further characterized by the presence of a switch carried by said body portion and being electrically connected to said vacuum source; said switch being activated by said valve means.

4. The instrument of claim 3 further characterized by the fact that said valve means are releasably carried by said body.

5. The instrument of claim 1 further characterized by the presence of stop means carried by said body portion for controlling the movement of said valve between said positions.

6. An endodontic irrigating instrument for use with a vacuum source and a prepackaged, disposable fluid source and being capable of selectively performing the functions of introducing irrigating fluid into a root canal and evacuating said canal through a common orifice, comprising;

A. a body portion having

1. at least one elongate chamber in one end thereof adapted to telescopically receive said prepackaged, disposable fluid source

2. and a through passageway in the opposed end thereof interconnecting with said chamber;

B. a handle portion having a through passageway therein adapted to be connected to said vacuum source;

C. a spring-loaded valve

1. carried by said body

2. having a through bore therein

3. and a through slot in one end thereof;

D. said valve being normally urged to a position in which said slot is in registry with said through passageway in said body whereby said passageway remains open to said chamber while said passageway in said handle is closed;

E. said valve being movable to a position in which said through bore thereof interconnects said passageway in said handle and said passageway in said body;

F. needle-receiving means disposed on said opposed end of said body

1. whereby a hollow needle received thereon will have its central passageway in communication with said passageway in said body.

7. The instrument of claim 6 further characterized by the presence of means carried by said handle portion for connection with said vacuum source.

8. The instrument of claim 6 further characterized by the presence of heating means carried by said body portion adjacent said chamber.

9. The instrument of claim 6 further characterized by the presence of a needle received on said needle-receiving means and having a through aperture which communicates with said through passageway of said body.

10. An endodontic irrigating instrument for use with a vacuum source and a prepackaged, disposable, hand-operated fluid source and being capable of selectively performing the functions of introducing irrigating fluid into a root canal and evacuating said canal, comprising;

A. a body portion having

1. at least one elongate chamber in one end thereof adapted to telescopically receive said prepackaged, disposable fluid source and

2. a first through passageway from said chamber to the opposed end of said body;

B. a handle portion having a through passageway therein adapted to be connected to said vacuum source;

C. said body portion having a second through passageway therein interconnecting said opposed end of said body with said passageway in said handle;

D. a valve

1. carried by said handle portion and having a through bore therein

2. said valve being movable from a position in which its bore interconnects said second passageway in said body and said passageway in said handle to a position in which said valve closes off said passageway in said handle;

E. needle-receiving means disposed on said opposed end of said body

1. whereby a hollow needle received thereon will have its central passageway in communication with said passageways in said body.

11. The instrument of claim 10 further characterized by the presence of means carried by said handle portion for connection with said vacuum source.

12. The instrument of claim 10 further characterized by the presence of heating means carried by said body portion adjacent said chamber.

13. The instrument of claim 10 further characterized by the presence of a needle received on said needle-receiving means and having a through central aperture therein which communicates with said passageways in said body.