FERTON HOLDING S.A.

MSP Ref: 42014 PT-WO PM/SK

Imaging device and system being formed by such imaging device and powder gas jet device

The present invention concerns an imaging device and a system being formed by such an imaging device and a powder gas jet device.

Powder gas jet devices are well-known in the technical field of dental treatments. These powder gas jet devices are intended to provide a powder gas mixture, being ejected via a nozzle element, for cleaning, in particular air-polishing of teeth. Especially, the powder being used in the powder gas mixture includes abrasive material, being intended to remove biofilm, plaque or other materials and/or colorations from a surface of teeth. The powder gas mixture is thereby generated by the powder gas jet device by swirling pressurized gas and powder inside a powder gas mixing chamber. For example, the powder gas mixing chamber is realized as a powder chamber storing powder while the pressurized gas enters the powder chamber for creating the powder gas mixture inside the powder gas mixing chamber. The powder gas mixture exits the powder chamber and is provided to the nozzle element

In practice of dental prophylaxis, the progress of the dental treatment has to be permanently observed by the operator. Typically, a mirror is used, which is inserted into the mouth of the patient in addition to the dental tool. As result, plenty instruments such as the mirror element, a suction device and the cleaning tool, in particular the powder gas jet device, are arranged inside the mouth of the patient making the treatment uncomfortable for the patient. In practice, the operator needs to put back the cleaning tool to grasp a mirror to observe the progression of the treatment, while the second hand uses the suction device, such as a cannula. Considering the prior art it was an object of the present invention to support the comfort of a dental treatment experienced by a patient and to minimize manipulations of the operator, in particular when the operator works without any assistance.

This object is achieved by the imaging device according to claim 1 and a system according to claim 13. Preferred embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

According to a first aspect an imaging device for an active dental tool, being preferably a powder gas jet device or a scaler, the imaging device being configured for being arranged to a distal end of the dental tool in a mounted state to form a system the imaging device being preferably reversibly attachable to a distal end of the dental tool, is provided, comprising

- a fastening part for attaching the imaging device to the dental tool, in particular for reversibly attaching the imaging device to the dental tool, and

- an imaging element configured to image a mouth region of a patient.

Contrary to the approaches, known from the prior art, the present invention suggests to use an imaging device being reversibly attachable to the dental tool, allowing to form a system that replaces two devices, namely the cleaning tool and the mirror. As a result, the operator does not need to switch between cleaning tool and mirror for permanently monitoring the progress of the treatment, in particular when the operator works without assistance.

For example, it is possible to use electromagnetic forces, such as a magnet, for a reversibly attachment of the imaging device. It is also possible to establish a force fitting connection, such as a press-fit connection for a reversible connection and/or a form fitting connection, such as a bayonet connection between the dental tool and the imaging element. Another connection mechanism is a velcro fasting mechanism. As a result, no separate mirror element has to be introduced during the dental prophylaxis treatment, when the imaging device is attached. As a result, a more compact assembly is provided instead of inserting a plurality of different and separate instruments into the mouth of a patient. This makes the treatment more comfortable for the patient. In addition, it is not necessary to rearrange each time the mirror element, when the dental tool is newly orientated. Instead, the orientation of the imaging element is always fixed with respect to the dental tool. As a result, each new orientation or movement of the dental tool is accompanied by the same new orientation of the mirror element. Consequently, the individual coordination of mirror element and dental device is no longer necessary. This is especially of advantage in such scenarios, when the mirror element and the dental powder gas jet device are otherwise handled by two different persons. Instead, using the imaging device allows that one person can easily change the position of the powder gas jet device and it is not necessary to perform a new alignment of the mirror element, since this automatically happens, when the imaging device is attached to the dental tool.

The skilled person understands as active tool a tool, which perform a dental treatment at the surface of the tooth, such as a powder gas jet device or scaler. Contrary to active dental tools, passive dental tools are intended to observe the surface of teeth, such as a mirror, or to remove material out of the mouth of the patient, such as a suction device, in particular in form of a cannular. While active dental tools act on the surface of the teeth, passive tools might be used in the dental treatment, but they are not intended to act on the teeth. In particular, the imaging device is configured for reversibly attaching the imaging device, in particular its fastening area, to the dental tool.

Preferably, it is provided that the attached imaging device is configured such that the imaging device images a region being treated by the dental tool. Especially, the dental element is orientated such that it is directed always in the same direction such that the operator has visual access to the treatment zone, being handled by the dental tool. For example, the imaging element images, in particular reflects, the surface area of the teeth, on which the powder gas mixture is hit by the powder gas jet device.

Preferably, it is provided that the attached imaging element is orientated in a defined and fixed manner with respect to the dental tool. As a result, it is possible in an advantageous manner that the orientation of the imaging element with respect to the dental tool is always the same. As a result, the operator is trained to know in which direction they have to look to have visual access to the treatment zone. Furthermore, it is avoided that the orientation of the imaging element is rotated or shifted during the dental treatment. As a consequence, it is avoided that the operator loses the visual access to the treatment zone when, for example, due to a new alignment of the dental treatment device, the imaging element or the imaging device, when they unintentionally contact the inner side of the mouth, a tooth or another dental treatment device.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the imaging device is configured such that the imaging element can be orientated with respect to the fastening part, at least in a certain defined manner or amount. As a result, it is possible to adapt and optimize the orientation especially to the need and demands of the operator.

Preferably, it is provided that the fastening part includes a channel section to surround at least partially a part of the dental tool, preferably a distal end of the dental tool, in the attached state. In particular, using a surround fastening part, especially a channel section, allows to create a strong connection between the fastening part and the nozzle element, which is even stable during a dental treatment. Preferably, the fastening part and especially the channel section surround a nozzle element of a powder gas jet device, when the dental tool is a powder gas jet device. Furthermore, a channel section is of advantage to guide the distal end of a dental tool during the attachment process. Preferably, an inner side or an inner cross section of the channel section tapers. Thus, the channel section supports the attachment process of the dental tool, especially since the tapering channel section supports and/or guides the movement of the dental tool, in particular of a nozzle element, during the attachment process.

In particular, the fastening part is configured to attach the dental imaging device by a pivoting movement. This is especially of advantage, when the dental tool is a powder gas jet device having a nozzle element and the dental imaging device is attached to this nozzle element. Due to the specific geometric shape of such a nozzle element it is necessary to create a pivoting movement to attach the imaging device to the dental tool. Preferably, the imaging device includes a recess, in particular in the section of the fastening part, to allow insertion of a part of the dental tool inside the fastening part by the pivoting movement.

Such an attachment by the pivoting movement is for example necessary in such cases, in which the distal end of the dental tool is formed by a nozzle element being slanted with respect to the longitudinal direction of a handpiece of the dental tool. Due to the specific geometric shape of such a nozzle element a pivoting movement is necessary to pull the imaging device over the distal end of the nozzle element. Preferably, the nozzle element is mainly shaped like a L.

Preferably, it is provided that the imaging device includes a protrusion for reinforcement of the fastening part. Such a protrusion supports in an advantageous manner a handling of the imaging device, especially during the attachment process. In addition, the protrusion also increases the mechanical stability of the imaging device.

Preferably, it is provided that the imaging device is a mirror and/or camera. A mirror element is a well-established component in the field of dental treatment and is easy to clean. A camera system might be used and has the benefit to zoom into the treatment zone. As a result, it is possible to have an optimized and adapted view on the treatment zone. For example, the camera records the treatment results and/or the recorded image is displayed on a display such that the operator can take a look on the display to be informed about the process in the dental treatment.

In particular, the dental tool includes a nozzle element, wherein the distal end of the nozzle element, which defines the ejection direction of the powder gas mixture, is angled to the plane being defined by the mirror element forming the imaging element by an angle, when the imaging device is attached, wherein the angle has a value between 5° and 25°, preferably between 10° and 20° and most preferably about 10° to 15°. Preferably, the distal end of the nozzle element, being slanted relative to the extension direction of the handpiece of the dental tool, is arranged between the fastening part and the imaging element, when the imaging device is attached.

Preferably, it is provided that the imaging device is at least partially made from a plastic material, preferably an elastic plastic material. As a result, it is possible to establish and adjust a clamping force, which acts on the outer surface of the dental tool, especially of the nozzle element. As a result, a force fitting is established, preferably by a clamping, which fixes the imaging device to the nozzle element, when it is attached. Preferably, the fastening part includes a region for clamping the imaging device to the dental tool in a force fitting manner. It is also conceivable that alternatively and/or additionally the imaging device is fixed to the dental tool in a form fitting manner. Attaching the imaging device to the dental tool and fixing the imaging device to the dental tool in a form and/or force fitting manner guarantees a mechanical stable attachment and simultaneously allows an easy removal of the attachment, especially without any additional tool.

Preferably, it is provided that the dental tool passes through the imaging device in the attached state. In particular, the fastening part of the imaging device is capelike and the imaging device includes a ring-like section, which surrounds the nozzle element in the attached state. Preferably, it is provided that the fastening part extends of over a first length, measured along a longitudinal direction, wherein the first length has a value between 3 cm to 7 cm. The longitudinal direction is defined by the main extension direction of the dental tool, when the dental tool is attached.

Another aspect of the present invention is a system including a powder jet device and an imaging device according to the present invention. All specifications being discussed in context of the imaging device applies analogously to the system and vice versa.

Wherever not already described explicitly, individual embodiments or their individual aspects and features can be combined or exchanged with one another without limiting or widening the scope of the described invention, whenever such a combination or exchange is meaningful and in the sense of this invention. Advantages, which are described with respect to one aspect of the present invention are, wherever applicable also advantages of other aspects of the present invention.

In the drawings is:

Fig. 1 shows a system including a powder gas jet device and an imaging device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an exploded view,

Fig. 2 shows the system of figure 1 in an assembled/attached state,

Fig. 3 shows an imaging device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a side view,

Fig. 4 shows the imaging device of figure 3 in a perspective view,

Fig. 5 shows a backside of the imaging device of the figures 3 and 4 and

Fig. 6 shows a front side of the imaging device of the figures 3 and 4. In figure 1 a system including a dental tool 10, namely a powder gas jet device, and an imaging device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Such powder gas jet devices are used preferably for a dental treatment to remove biofilms, plaque and/or calculus. The powder gas jet device provides a powder gas mixture being ejected from a nozzle element 11 at the distal end of the dental tool 10. In particular, it is provided that in addition to the ejected powder gas mixture, the powder gas jet device also provides a liquid, preferably water, which surrounds the ejected powder gas mixture. The ejected liquid surrounds the ejected powder gas mixture and especially forms a kind of curtain. Thus, it is possible to reduce the dusk formation in the treatment area, when the gas powder mixture hits on the teeth being treated in the dental treatment.

In the exploded view of figure 1 , the nozzle element 11 and the base body 13 of a handpiece of the dental tool 10 are shown separately. Preferably a ring element 12 is incorporated between the base body 13 and the nozzle element 11 in the dental tool 10.

In particular, it is provided that the dental tool 10, in particular the powder gas jet device, uses an imaging device 1 being reversibly attachable to the dental tool 10. In an attached state of the imaging device 1 , an imaging element 2, such as a mirror and/or a camera, is directed or orientated such that the treatment area, being treated by the dental tool, is imaged and preferably visualized for the operator (not shown).

Furthermore, the imaging device 1 is configured such that the imaging element 2 is orientated in a fixed manner with respect to the dental tool 10. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the imaging element 2 is configured to be rotated and/or shifted with respect to a fastening part 21 of the imaging device 1 . Thus, it is possible to adapt the orientation of the imaging element 2 for improving the view on the desired treatments region. In case of a fixed orientation it is of advantage that the risk of an undesired rotation can be avoided in an advantageous manner. The fastening part 21 of the imaging device 1 is configured to be in contact with the dental tool 10, when the imaging device 1 is attached. In particular, the fastening part 21 is configured to attach the imaging device 1 by pulling the imaging device 1 over a distal end of the dental tool 11 , preferably by using a channel section 27 and/or a channel-like section, which is used to pull over the imaging device 1 over the distal end of the dental tool 10. In the embodiment of figure 1 , the fastening part 21 forms such a channel section 27 by side wall sections being attached to the distal end of the nozzle element 11 or to the nozzle element 11. These side walls are preferably configured to create a force, which fix the imaging device 1 at the nozzle element 11 . For example, it is provided that the fastening part 21 at least include side walls formed by an elastic material, which supports a clamping effect of the attached imaging device 1 .

In figure 2, the system of the powder gas jet device and the attached imaging device 1 is illustrated. In particular, it is provided that the distal end of the nozzle element 11 protrudes from the fastening part 21 and is arranged between the fastening part 21 and the imaging element 2 when the imaging device 1 is attached to the dental tool 10. In particular, the imaging element 2 is configured such that it is adjacent to the distal end of the nozzle element 11 . Thus, the system of the imaging device 1 and the dental tool 10 forms a very compact system, which provides the imaging device 1 as well as the dental tool 10 without the need of an additional tool, which has to be inserted otherwise into the mouth of a patient during the dental treatment. This allows a more comfortable dental treatment for the patient. Furthermore, it is provided that the distal end of the nozzle element 11 , which defines the ejection direction of the powder gas mixture, is angled to the plane being defined by a mirror element forming the imaging element 2 in the imaging device 1 of figure 2. Preferably, the angle has a value between 5° and 25°, preferably between 10° and 20° and most preferably about 10° to 15°.

Furthermore, it is provided that the nozzle element 11 being screwed and/or being plugged to the base body 13 of the handpiece is covered at least up to 50 %, more preferably up to 60 % and most preferably up to 75 % by the imaging device 1 , in particular by the fastening part 21 of the imaging device 1.

Preferably, the distal end of the nozzle element 11 , which defines the ejection direction of the powder gas mixture, is angled to a plane, being defined by the mirror element forming the imaging element 2 by an angle A, when the imaging device is attached, wherein the angle W between the distal end of the nozzle element and the plane is determined as complementary angle between an extension direction of the distal end of the nozzle element 2 and a direction being perpendicular to the plane.

In the figures 3 to 6 the imaging device 1 is illustrated in different perspective views or different views without the dental tool 10. The imaging device 1 has a front side and a backside. The front side is orientated during the dental treatment such that the front side faces to the teeth to be treated. The backside is opposite to the front side.

Figure 5 shows the backside and figure 6 shows the front side of the dental imaging device 1 . Figure 3 shows a side view. In addition to the fastening part 21 the imaging device 1 also includes a holding element 22 to hold the imaging element 2. In the embodiment of figure 3 the holding element 2 is formed as a pot-like section, wherein a mirror element can be located inside the pot-like section such that the mirror element is surrounded by a side wall forming the pot-like region of the imaging device 1. Furthermore, the imaging device 1 includes a protrusion 24 as gripping element, being localized preferably at the front side of the imaging device 1 . Such a protrusion supports the handling during the attachment and the removable of the imaging device 1 to and from the dental tool 10.

In figure 4 the side walls of the fasting area 21 is shown, the side walls being slanted with respect to each other. As a consequence, a channel section 27 is formed, which tapers. This supports or simplifies the attachment process, since said channel section 27 guides the dental tool 10 while the attachment until the final position is reached. Especially, the channel section 27 is configured to guide the dental tool 10 to its final position. In particular, it is provided that the fastening part 21 , especially the channel section 27, includes an open side facing to the front side or being included into the front side of the imaging device 1.

The recess or free space at the front side preferably extends from the proximal end of the imaging device 1 , in particular the fastening part 21 , to the protrusion 24 being also realized at the front side of the imaging device 1. As for example shown in the illustration of figure 5 or figure 6 the fastening part 21 of the imaging device 1 also includes a recess 25 being arranged at the backside of the imaging device 1 . This recess 25 allows to insert the nozzle element 11 by a pivoting movement.

In other words: for attaching the imaging device 1 not a pure translation movement is provided. Instead, the imaging device 1 is attached to the dental tool 10 by a combination of a translation movement and a pivoting movement, for pulling the imaging device over the nozzle element 11 .

Preferably, during the attachment process the nozzle element 11 is inserted into channel section 27 by entering the free space at the front side and the distal end of the nozzle element 1 is entered into the fastening part 21. By pivoting the imaging device 1 and the nozzle element 11 to each other the nozzle element 11 is transferred into its desired final position, while the nozzle element passes through the recess 25 of the fastening part 21 .

In the final position the fastening part 21 surrounds the nozzle element 11 and especially covers more than 50 %, preferably more than 60 % and more than 70 % of the outer surface of the nozzle element 11 .

Furthermore, it is provided that at the backside the imaging device 1 has a ramplike section, increasing to the distal end of the imaging device 1. As a result, the stability of the imaging device 1 is increased, in particular without influencing the compactness of the imaging device 1 .

Reference numerals: 1 imaging device

2 imaging element

10 dental tool 11 nozzle element

12 ring element

13 base body

21 fastening part

22 holding element 24 protrusion

25 recess

27 channel section