AND ASPIRATION SYSTEM"

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001]The present invention relates to the field of Endodontics, particularly an apparatus for the treatment of Root Canal Infections, more specifically the apparatus performs triple function of Irrigating, Agitating and Aspirating.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] One of the most important objectives of root canal treatment is removal of vital and necrotic pulp tissue remnants, microorganisms and microbial toxins from the root canal system. Following tooth maturation, the dental pulp is harbored within the structural elements of the tooth. Frequently, and for a variety of reasons, the pulp is irreversibly injured, resulting in inflammatory and infectious conditions which often adversely affect the tooth, its supporting structures, and the patient's health.

[0003] Clinically, as an alternative to extraction, root canal treatment is performed and ideally directed towards the elimination of pulp, bacteria, and related irritants from the root canal system, followed by three-dimensionally filling the root canal space with an inert, biocompatible, dimensionally stable, filling material, such as gutta percha. Ideally, the obturation procedures will fill not just the main canal, but the fins, webs, cul-de-sacs, lateral canals, and all portals of exit between the root canal system and the tooth's attachment apparatus.

[0004] Root canal procedures are common. Central to a successful endodontic treatment has been the use of chemical reagents during mechanical root canal shaping procedures to completely clean all aspects of the root canal system. The chemicals used to enhance canal debridement and disinfection during cleaning and shaping procedures potentially reach all aspects of the root canal system. The most popular chemicals currently used during canal preparation to actively assist in cleaning and disinfecting include bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and chelating agents. Often, a 2%-5% solution of a clear, pale, greenish-yellow strongly alkaline solution of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCI) and ethylene diamine tetracetic acid (EDTA) are used.

[0005] During canal preparation, a solution of NaOCI is liberally irrigated into the root canal space where its solvent action facilitates the digestion and removal of pulp, bacteria, viruses, spores, endotoxins and other irritants generated by the microorganisms. This solution has the potential to circulate, penetrate and, hence, clean into all aspects of the root canal space. However, studies have shown that even the most thorough use of sodium hypochlorite does not remove all the material from the root canal. The walls of a root canal are comprised of dentin, which contains millions of dentinal tubules per square millimeter. Instruments used to negotiate and shape a canal cut dentin and dentin, in combination with organic substrates, forms dentinal mud. Dentine mud, pulp, bacteria, and other related irritants have been consistently visualized histologically after cleaning and shaping procedures in the dentinal tubules and various aspects of the root canal systems. Thus, after cleaning and shaping procedures, the root canal is still covered with a film of debris, frequently described in the literature as a "smear layer." This "smear layer" includes dentinal mud and/or organic debris, including the irritants noted above.

[0006] After cleaning and shaping, the root canal has been traditionally filled with gutta percha and a root sealer. However, if the smear layer or film is not adequately removed from the root canal, the smear layer can compromise the filling and sealing of the root canal system. If obturation is incomplete then the root canal space is predisposed to bacterial leakage and failure. Post-treatment failures attributable to leakage are common and require endodontic retreatment of the tooth or extraction. Thus, for a complete and thorough cleaning, this smear layer or film should be removed. To address the smear layer, practitioners use a weak acid or surfactant, such as 17% EDTA, in an effort to remove the smear layer.

[0007] Typically, the root canal is flushed with EDTA, or other similar reagents, to accomplish this. Traditionally, some practitioners have used a metal root canal file or a cannula to activate the solution and enhance the performance of the EDTA. These devices may be used manually or mounted in an ultrasonic handpiece to produce vibrations and fluid movement. As an example, even when a file is used, it is impossible to ensure that the file is brought into contact with the complete surface of the root canal, and hence it is difficult to ensure that substantially all of the smear layer has been removed. Regrettably, the use of ultrasonically driven metal instruments has frequently led to iatrogenic events, such as broken instruments, ledges in the wall of the root canal preparation, or even perforation of the root canal.

[0008] Currently passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) is gaining popularity as an irrigant delivery system. PUI operates in ultrasonic frequency and said to be performing better for debridement of the canal due to irrigant activation. Gu et al (2009) in a review stated that irrigant agitation is required to enable better penetration of the irrigant especially into the apical inaccessible areas. Some of the other commercially available irrigant delivery systems include EndoActivator, EndoVac, Endowave, PIPS etc. But the major disadvantages with these commercially available dynamic irrigation devices are complex design, need for specialized tips and hand pieces and high cost. [0009]The present invention overcomes the above problems mentioned in the prior art and proves to be a cost effective solution. The device can perform triple function such as irrigant delivery, agitation and aspiration efficiently.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] "Vibrasp - A Novel Irrigant Delivery, Agitation And Aspiration System" is a chair side device with irrigant delivery, agitation and suction. The device utilizes conventional needle irrigation and does not require any specialized hand piece/equipment for its operation.

OBJECT OF INVENTION

[0011]The main object of the invention is to provide an irrigating system with irrigant delivery, agitation and suction system which is powered by a vibrator.

[0012]Another object of the invention is to provide a cost effective device for agitation and aspiration of irrigants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a schematic representation that of various parts of the device such as leur lock Syringe 1, vibrator 2, scalp vein needle 3, Connection between the adaptor and Vibrator 4, 5, sleeve jacket 6, Suction end 7, power adaptor 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0013] This invention relates to endodontic tools, and in particular, to tools used during and after an endodontic root canal preparation procedure, to more effectively clean the root canal system prior to obturation.

[0014] Complete debridgement of the root canal can be achieved by mechanical instrumentation and irrigation. Despite the use of best possible instrumentation techniques and irrigants, it is difficult to shape and clean the root canal system completely because of the intricate nature of root canal anatomy, especially in the apical third. In case of irregular, oval shaped and curved root canals endodontic files are unable to contact the root canal walls evenly, leading to a high percentage of (35%) uninstrumented areas*. Additionally aberrant areas of the root canal system such as canal fins, isthumi, cul-de-sac and lateral canals often remain untouched even after completion of the preparation. These areas may harbor microorganisms and tissue debris, which might compromise the prognosis of endodontic treatment as it can result in persistent periradicular inflammation.

[0015] Irrigation plays a central role during chemo mechanical preparation of the root canal. During root canal therapy, irrigation helps in removal of the microorganisms, tissue remnants and dentin chips through flushing mechanism. Irrigation also prevents packing of the hard and soft tissues in the apical root canal and extrusion of the infected material into the periapical areai. Synthetic irrigants like Sodium hypochlorite is commonly used for its tissue dissolution capability and antimicrobial activity.

[0016] Thorough debridement of the root canal is crucial for long term success in endodontic therapy. Traditionally root canal irrigation is performed with a plastic syringe and an open-ended needle, but one of the drawbacks of this conventional needle irrigation system is the vapor lock effect. This prevents the irrigant penetration to full working length. Also with conventional needle irrigation there may be increased periapical extrusion of the irrigant.

[0017]The operational setup of the apparatus is quite simple as the irrigating system is a chair, side device which is capable of performing operations such as irrigant delivery, agitation and suction which is powered by a vibrator. The vibrator used here makes use of a power adaptor which is commonly used for charging and in this case used for power generation. The device utilizes conventional needle irrigation and does not require any specialized hand piece/ equipment for its operation. A leur lock syringe with 27 gauge, needle which is commonly used in conventional needle irrigation system was used for delivering the irrigant into the canal. The irrigating syringe is made to snuggly fit into a customized horseshoe shaped plastic sleeve which is open at both the ends for easy insertion and removal of the irrigant syringe. Hence, the present invention is a cost effective device for agitation and aspiration of irrigants.

[0018]Vibration of the irrigating needle is powered by vibrator which is attached to one side of the customized sleeve. Frequency of the vibrating needle was determined using STROBOSCOPE (dax Nova-Strobe X Digital Columbia) which is in range of 0.5-2kHz.

[0019] A 27 gauge scalp vein set is also inserted along with the syringe into the customized sleeve such that it lies at the lower side of the syringe. Needle part of the scalp vein set is used for aspiration of the irrigant from within the root canal and the other end is attached to the high volume suction of the dental chair. [0020]Hence, the present invention is a cost effective device for agitation and aspiration of irrigants unlike other commercially available dynamic irrigation devices that are complex in design, require specialized tips and hand pieces and also high in cost.