DE102021116346A1 - Dental instrument with irrigation port - Google Patents

Abstract

Dental instrument (1), comprising a handle area (2) which extends in a main extension direction (HE), at least one functional area (3) adjoining the handle area (2) with a working end (6), and a fluid supply element (7), which is designed to supply fluid to the working end (6) and/or to an area around the working end (6).

Description

The invention relates to a dental instrument, preferably with a rinsing connection, in particular an instrument that can be used for cleaning teeth or bones and removing inflamed tissue.

There is a wide variety of dental instruments. For example, scalers and curettes are used to remove unwanted matter, such as tartar and calculus, from a patient's teeth. However, unevenness or protruding filling edges can also be removed with these instruments. The areas of the teeth to be processed are often difficult to access, especially if they are located subgingivally. Therefore, removing it is relatively complicated and often painful for the patient. It is known in the prior art to use so-called scalers or disposable instruments to remove the unwanted substances. In addition, a device for flushing away or sucking in the removed substances is usually used. However, the handling of the second instrument is awkward for a treating person and can lead to inconveniences for the patient if handled improperly.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a dental instrument that enables the teeth to be treated efficiently and in a manner that is comfortable for the patient.

This object is achieved by a dental instrument with the features of claim 1. Further advantages and features result from the dependent claims and from the description and the figures.

According to one aspect of the invention, a dental instrument is provided, comprising a grip area that extends in a main direction of extent, at least one functional area adjoining the grip area with a working end, and a fluid supply element that is designed to supply the working end and/or an area around the To supply working fluid.

Compared to the known state of the art, the present invention offers the advantage that the provision of the fluid supply element provides a medical instrument by means of which removed substances can be flushed away directly from the work area. Thus, an efficient and gentle treatment of the teeth can be provided.

The grip portion may serve as a portion to be held by a user's hand. However, it is also possible that other areas, e.g. parts of the functional area, are additionally contacted during use by the user, for example to achieve better stability and/or more favorable power transmission. The grip area can preferably be elongate, with the longitudinal direction of the grip area corresponding in particular to the main direction of extent. The grip area can have a significantly greater extent in the main direction of extent, in particular an extent that is at least 5 to 15 times greater than in the directions perpendicular thereto. The grip area can be a solid body, in particular a metal body. A solid body can require a particularly stable configuration of the instrument. The grip area can have a substantially constant cross section in the main direction of extent. The cross section of the grip area in the main extension direction can be essentially round or polygonal. The essentially constant cross-section can be modulated in sections by corrugation or roughness, in particular indentations and/or elevations, serving to improve grip. The grip area can have a rough surface structure, at least in sections. A rough surface structure can enable a user to grip securely. The grip area can have a different roughness or corrugation of the surface in sections. A roughness or corrugation that differs in sections can facilitate orientation when holding the grip area. The grip area can have a rough surface structure in at least one section and a less rough surface structure in at least one other section. Sections of the grip area, in particular in a section adjoined by the functional area, can have a rough surface structure and a less rough surface structure in sections. A rough surface structure in the vicinity of the functional area can advantageously prevent slipping into the functional area.

In addition to the grip area, the dental instrument also includes a functional area that adjoins the grip area. Connect can be understood to mean that the functional area or one end of the functional area is arranged directly on the handle area, in particular on one end of the handle area in the main extension direction. The functional area can adjoin the handle area or be arranged on the handle area in the direction of the main extension direction. The functional area can be formed in one piece with the handle area. Alternatively, the functional area can be separably connected or connected to the handle area. For example, the functional area can be attached to the handle area by means of a screw mechanism be bar or be insertable and/or attachable with a clamping mechanism or spring mechanism in the grip area. The functional area can thus advantageously be exchangeable. The functional area can largely, preferably completely, have a smaller cross-sectional area in comparison to the handle area. For example, an average diameter of the functional area can be 0.2 to 0.5 times the average diameter of the grip area. A smaller cross-sectional area or a smaller diameter of the functional area can bring about a better balance of the dental instrument by shifting the center of gravity towards the center of the gripping area. A transition from the handle area to the functional area can be tapered. The functional area can run tapering at least in sections, in particular towards the working end. Sections of the functional area can have a substantially constant cross section. The functional area can be a device or partial device designed for the treatment and/or cleaning of teeth. The functional area can include the front end of a scaler or a curette.

The working end can be an end part or outer end of the functional area and/or the part or section of the functional area which is the furthest distance from the gripping area in the main direction of extension. The working end can be formed integrally with the remainder of the functional area and/or with part of the remainder of the functional area. The working end can be designed to come into contact with the teeth, gums, deposits, tartar and/or calculus of a patient and to treat teeth, in particular cleaning or scraping off unwanted deposits or substances such as calculus, tartar, etc . to effect. Alternatively, the functional area can also be a mouth mirror, a probe or a spatula, or can include one of these instruments. The working end can optionally be exchangeable. For example, provision can be made for the working end to be exchanged in the event of wear and/or in order to enable different functionality with different working ends.

The fluid supply element can in particular be designed to conduct a fluid to the working end and/or to an area around the working end. The fluid supply element can have a substantially constant cross section, in particular in an intended direction of fluid flow. A constant cross section can enable a fluid line with the least possible turbulence and thus low losses. Preferably, the fluid supply element can have a cross-sectional area that is smaller than an average cross-sectional area of the handle area in the main extension direction, in particular less than a quarter of the cross-sectional area of the handle area. On the one hand, a smaller cross-sectional area of the fluid supply element can enable a better balance of the instrument, in that the center of gravity can be closer to the center of the grip area. On the other hand, a small cross-sectional area may make it easier to direct a pressurized fluid stream and/or create a very thin fluid stream, which may allow for targeted targeting of individual locations. The fluid supply element can preferably be tubular or hose-shaped. The fluid supply element can be arranged in an area surrounding the functional area, directly adjoining the functional area and/or running at least partially parallel to the functional area. The fluid supply element can be connected to the functional area, for example in a materially bonded manner. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid supply element can be integrated into the functional area. For this purpose, the fluid supply element can be formed in one piece with the functional area, for example. The fluid supply element can be configured to conduct a pressurized fluid. The fluid can be air, in particular compressed air or air under pressure, and/or a liquid, in particular water, preferably water under pressure. Preferably, the fluid supply element can be designed to conduct both compressed air and water. The fluid supply element can be designed to conduct a fluid at a flow rate, the flow rate being suitable for removing deposits, in particular tartar, and/or washing away or rinsing away particles, e.g. from gum pockets, in particular scraped off by the working end. The handle area, the functional area and/or the fluid supply element can be made of metal, in particular stainless steel. Advantageously, a dental instrument according to the invention may allow simultaneous use of the working end mechanically, e.g. for removing or scraping calculus, and using a fluid, e.g. for flushing away abraded particles or foreign bodies. It is also conceivable that gentle removal is carried out with pressurized water or compressed air, while more stubborn areas can be worked on mechanically with the working end without changing instruments. In particular, the use of a plurality of instruments, in particular two, can thus be replaced by the use of a single instrument.

Provision can advantageously be made for the functional area to be inclined relative to the main extension direction, at least in sections. The extent of the functional area can, at least in sections, have a directional component in at least one direction which is oriented transversely to the main direction of extent, in particular in addition to a directional component in the main direction of extent. Inclining the functional area relative to the main extension direction can make it easier to reach areas that are difficult to access, eg on the molars or on the sides of the teeth facing away from the mouth opening, and at the same time make it easier to bypass obstacles located further forward, eg teeth placed further forward. The functional area can be inclined, at least in sections, by an angle of 30° to 100°, preferably 40° to 60°, to the main direction of extent. An inclination of 30° to 100° can enable a particularly effective transmission of force while at the same time allowing the rear teeth to be used relatively flexibly, while an inclination of 40° to 60° can enable some teeth or tooth regions to be reached particularly well.

Advantageously, the functional area can comprise a first functional section with the working end and a second functional section, which connects the gripping area to the first functional section, the first functional section and the second functional section being inclined at least in sections relative to one another and/or relative to the main direction of extent. The first functional section can be inclined in a first direction, in particular starting from the handle area in the main extension direction, while the second functional section can be inclined in a second direction, in particular the opposite direction to the first direction. For example, viewed from the handle area in the main extension direction, the first functional section can be inclined at an angle in the range of +40° to +60°, while the second functional section is inclined at an angle in the range of -40° to -60° . Such a multiple inclination can make it easier to reach places that are difficult to access, in particular molars and molars or places on these teeth can thus be reached particularly well. Advantageously, with differently inclined functional sections, especially if they are each inclined to the main extension direction, an adaptation to the approximately round shape of a row of teeth can be made possible, whereby individual tooth locations can be machined particularly well in a targeted manner depending on the inclination. Advantageously, the inclination of the functional sections to one another and to the main direction of extent is designed in such a way that a focal point of the functional area lies essentially on a virtual extension of the handle area in the main direction of extent. With such an arrangement of the center of gravity, it can advantageously be possible to combine good accessibility to places that are difficult to access with good balance, as a result of which user fatigue can be delayed due to the reduced effort required. Advantageously, the first functional section and the second functional section can be inclined relative to one another at an angle of 50° to 150°, preferably 70° to 130° and particularly preferably 80° to 100°. The first functional section and the second functional section can be substantially perpendicular to one another. An angle of 50° to 150° can enable a particularly flexible accessibility of different locations. An angle of 70° to 130° can make it particularly easy to support yourself with an additional finger on the work area and therefore enable a particularly effective transfer of force in places that are difficult to access. In addition, an angle of 80° to 100° can enable the side teeth in particular to be effectively reached from the side.

Advantageously, the first functional section and the second functional section can have the same extent in the main direction of extent. The extent in the main direction of extent can be defined as the distance in the main direction of extent from an end facing the grip area or the point of the functional section that is closest to the grip area in the main direction of extent to an end facing away from the grip area or the point of the functional section that is in Main extension direction is furthest away from the grip area, to be understood. The same extension for both functional areas can represent a good compromise between compactness of the functional area and efficient avoidance of obstacles, in particular other or front teeth, and thus enable better accessibility of places that are difficult to access.

Advantageously, the working end can have at least one sharp edge, in particular two or more sharp edges, be spatulate or spoon-shaped and/or tapered to a point. Additionally and/or alternatively, the working end can be designed as a file. A sharp edge can allow scraping or scraping of tartar. Two or more sharp edges can allow more flexible use with different orientations of the instrument. A spatula or spoon shape can be provided, for example, for scraping larger areas and/or as an excavator for removing tooth decay. A section of the Funk tion area can transition into the particularly spatula- or spoon-shaped working end by becoming wider in one direction and narrowing in a direction perpendicular thereto. In addition or as an alternative, it is also conceivable to use it to direct a fluid jet and/or hold up or away individual parts of the mouth for better access of the fluid jet. A tapering shape can enable good accessibility in interdental spaces and/or under the gums, eg as a scaler.

Advantageously, the fluid supply element can be arranged, at least in sections, on the functional area, so that a fluid ejection direction is coaxial to the functional area, parallel to the functional area or at an angle in a range of 5 to 25°, preferably 10 to 25°, to the functional area . For a coaxial fluid ejection direction, the fluid supply element can, for example, be embedded in the functional area and/or integrated into the functional area. Advantageously, a coaxial fluid ejection direction can make it possible to machine a spot simultaneously with the working end and with a fluid jet. A parallel alignment can be made possible, for example, by the fluid supply element being arranged on the functional area and/or running partially parallel to the functional area, in particular in the area of an output end of the fluid supply element. A parallel orientation can be used, for example, so that scraped-off calculus can be flushed away particularly efficiently by the fluid jet. An inclination with an angle in a range of 10 to 25° can, for example, allow the working end and a fluid jet to be used relatively independently of one another as required and/or to be used to use the working end to lift or hold up lips and/or gums, for example to allow better access for the fluid jet.

Advantageously, the fluid supply element can comprise a discharge end facing the working end for discharging the fluid and a connection end for connecting a fluid source. The output end may be spaced from the working end in one embodiment. The distance from the discharge end to the working end can be about 30 to 70 percent, preferably 40 to 60 percent, of the length of the first functional section as described herein. This can be advantageous, for example, in order to allow free working with the working end, undisturbed by the dispensing end or the fluid supply element. At the same time, in this way the discharge end can still be close enough to the working end to enable effective use of a fluid jet. The fluid source can be a hose, for example, in particular for supplying compressed air and/or a water flow. The connection end can advantageously make it possible to connect different fluid sources and thus in particular different fluids to the dental instrument, for example according to the needs arising from a given situation. Different applications can be realized with a single instrument. Advantageously, it can be provided that the dispensing end is not coaxial to the handle area. In other words, the fluid supply element can be designed such that an applied jet of fluid does not run along the longitudinal axis of the grip area. According to one option, the dispensing end cannot run parallel or at an angle to the handle area. This can advantageously make it possible to generate a fluid jet in a direction that differs from the main extension direction and/or offset from the grip area. For example, posterior teeth can be processed laterally with a fluid jet without the positioning of the grip area being disturbed too much by the patient's cheeks.

Advantageously, the dental instrument can further comprise a holding element for holding a fluid source for supplying fluid to the fluid supply element. The retaining element can preferably be designed in such a way that its extent runs essentially transversely to the main direction of extent. Substantially transverse can mean that an extent of the holding element transverse to the main direction of extent is at least four times, preferably at least five times, the extent in the main direction of extent. The holding element can be designed in such a way that a front end of the fluid source, which is provided for connection to the fluid supply element, can be pushed through the holding element and then in particular can be connected to the fluid supply element. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the holding element is designed in such a way that the fluid source can be pressed into the holding element. The holding element can be arranged on the functional area, in particular on the second functional section, as described herein. Advantageously, by holding the fluid source, the holding element can prevent the fluid source from slipping out, define an extension direction, in particular in the direction of the main extension direction, of the fluid source following the fluid supply element and/or prevent the fluid source from getting in the way when the dental instrument is used . The holding element can thus in particular enable simpler handling.

The retaining element can preferably be designed as a ring, tube or sleeve, with a surface normal of the cross-sectional area enclosed by the ring, tube or sleeve running parallel or inclined by up to 20° to the main direction of extent. Advantageously, the surface normal can also run parallel or at an angle of up to 20° to a longitudinal extension of the grip area. Designing the holding element as a ring, tube or sleeve can enable easier handling, in that the course of the fluid source can be influenced effectively and relatively easily by pulling the fluid source through the ring, tube or sleeve, while the ring, tube or sleeve is relatively light at the same time is producible. A cross-section of the ring, tube or sleeve may be larger than a cross-section of the fluid supply member, particularly such that a fluid source can fit through the ring, tube or sleeve and be placed over the terminal end of the fluid supply member.

Advantageously, the fluid supply element can extend at least partially parallel to the main direction of extent. A parallel extension can enable the fluid to be guided with particularly low friction losses, in particular with less turbulence. The fluid supply element can preferably extend parallel in a section that is closest to the handle area in the main direction of extension. The fluid supply element can extend parallel to the main extension direction at the connection end, as described herein, or in the area around the connection end. An extension parallel to the main extension direction can enable a particularly simple connection of a fluid source to the fluid supply element, it being possible in particular to ensure that the fluid source runs along the grip area.

It can advantageously be provided that the fluid supply element extends at least partially parallel to the functional area. A parallel extension can enable the fluid supply element to be attached to the functional area more easily. It can be provided that the fluid supply element extends parallel to the functional area in a section near and/or closest to the working end. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the fluid supply element extends parallel to the functional area in a section around the discharge end, as described herein. A parallel extension can ensure a direction of the fluid flow leaving the fluid supply element in a direction of the working end. A line of the fluid jet leaving the fluid supply element in a direction of the working end can, for example, enable particularly intuitive handling and/or the simultaneous application of the fluid jet and the working end at essentially the same point.

Advantageously, the fluid supply element can be spaced apart from the handle area in the main direction of extent and/or in a direction transverse to the main direction of extent. For example, the fluid supply element can be spaced from the handle area completely or in sections in both or in each case one of the directions mentioned. A connection end of the fluid supply element can be spaced apart from the handle area in the main direction of extent and/or in a direction transverse to the main direction of extent. A spacing of the fluid supply element can allow a connected fluid source to be routed past the handle area. It can thus be made possible that the fluid supply element does not interfere too much for a user when gripping the dental instrument.

Advantageously, the gripping area can have at least one indentation, in particular running around the gripping area. The grip area can preferably have a plurality of depressions arranged next to one another at least in sections in the main direction of extension. The indentation or indentations can be designed to be able to prevent a hand from slipping away in the main direction of extent and/or to increase the grip strength in the grip area, in particular in the main direction of extent. One or more indentations can thus be suitable for promoting secure gripping or generally the gripping properties of the gripping area. An extent of the at least one depression in the main direction of extent can be approximately one-fifth to half of the extent of the grip area transverse to the main extent. Additionally and/or alternatively, the gripping area can comprise at least one elevation, preferably several elevations. The grip area can preferably have a plurality of elevations arranged on a line oriented in the main direction of extension. The grip area can optionally have a plurality of elevations arranged on a line oriented in the main direction of extent on opposite sides of the grip area transversely to the main direction of extent. Provision can be made for the handle area to have both the at least one indentation, preferably a plurality of indentations, and the elevations. The elevations can be arranged on a line oriented in the main direction of extent, preferably on two lines arranged transversely to the main direction of opposite sides of the handle area, wherein the lines of elevations are each interrupted by the circumferential depressions.

According to one embodiment, a further functional area can be provided on the handle area, so that the functional areas are arranged on opposite ends of the handle area in the main direction of extension and/or connect to opposite ends of the handle area, in particular at opposite ends of the handle area in the main direction of extension. The two functional areas can be designed to be the same or equivalent or different. The formation of two functional areas can make it possible, in addition to the already added possibility of generating a fluid jet, to combine two different dental instruments in one dental instrument. A further fluid supply element is advantageously arranged on the further functional area, the further fluid supply element advantageously at least partially having, preferably all of the properties and features of the (first) fluid supply element described above.

Advantageously, the two functional areas can be oriented differently, in particular oppositely, in at least one direction transverse to the main extension direction. A different orientation may allow greater flexibility in terms of applicability. An opposite orientation can ensure improved balance, which can make working with the instrument easier, possibly requiring less effort and thus delaying fatigue on the part of the user. Provision can be made for the functional areas to extend at least in sections in different directions, preferably in directions that are rotated at an angle to one another, and particularly preferably in opposite directions, transverse to the main direction of extension away from the handle area. In other words, the first functional area can be arranged in a first direction perpendicular to the main direction of extent, with the second functional area being oriented in a second direction perpendicular to the main direction of extent, with the first direction and the second direction being rotated at an angle about the main direction of extent, in particular at an angle of 150° to 200°, preferably 170° to 180°. Analogously to this, the further fluid supply element can be oriented differently, in particular oppositely, to the (first) fluid supply element in at least one direction transverse to the main direction of extension.

The two functional areas can advantageously be arranged in such a way that when the two functional areas are projected along the main direction of extent onto a virtual plane that is oriented perpendicular to the main direction of extent, at least some sections of one functional area are in relation to corresponding sections of the other functional area around the point of intersection of the Level are rotated with the longitudinal axis of the grip area, in particular are rotated by about 180 °. “Approximately” is to be understood in this case as an indication with a maximum deviation of ±10°, preferably ±5°. A twist may allow for greater flexibility in applicability. A twist of approximately 180° can provide improved balance of the dental instrument.

• - Anschließen einer Fluidquelle an ein Fluidzufuhrelement des zahnmedizinisches Instruments;
• - Beim Anschließen insbesondere Stützen der Fluidquelle mit einem Haltelement, insbesondere Ring des zahnmedizinischen Instruments;
• - Behandeln, insbesondere Reinigen eines oder mehrerer Zähne mit einem Arbeitsende des zahnmedizinischen Instruments, insbesondere durch abschaben und/oder abkratzen von Zahnstein und/oder Konkrementen;
• - Gleichzeitig oder zeitlich versetzt zu dem Schritt des Behandelns, zuführen eines Fluidstrahls, insbesondere aus Druckluft und/oder Wasser, über die Fluidquelle an zumindest einen oder mehrere Zähne, zum Wegspülen von Partikeln und/oder Abtragen von Zahnstein und/oder Konkrementen durch die Reibung des Fluidstrahls.

The invention is also directed to a method for treatment, in particular cleaning, with a dental instrument, in particular a dental instrument as described herein, the method comprising the following steps:

• - connecting a fluid source to a fluid supply element of the dental instrument;
• - When connecting, in particular supporting the fluid source with a holding element, in particular a ring of the dental instrument;
• - Treating, in particular cleaning, one or more teeth with a working end of the dental instrument, in particular by scraping and/or scraping off tartar and/or calculus;
• - At the same time or at a later time than the treatment step, supplying a fluid jet, in particular compressed air and/or water, via the fluid source to at least one or more teeth, for flushing away particles and/or removing tartar and/or calculus by friction of the fluid jet.

All the advantages and features of the dental instrument can be transferred to the procedure and vice versa.

Individual features and embodiments mentioned above can be combined with one another and the advantages associated with the individual features also apply to a combination of these features.

• 1 ein zahnmedizinisches Instrument gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung,
• 2 ein zahnmedizinisches Instrument gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung,
• 3 einen Funktionsbereich eines zahnmedizinischen Instruments gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung,
• 4 ein zahnmedizinisches Instrument gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung und
• 5 einen Griffbereich eines zahnmedizinischen Instruments gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung.

Further advantages and features of the invention result from the following description of preferred embodiments of the subject according to the invention with reference to the attached figures. The following description is merely illustrative of the invention and should not be construed as accompanying the the claims to be limited to one of the embodiments. Show it

• 1 a dental instrument according to an embodiment of the invention,
• 2 a dental instrument according to a further embodiment of the invention,
• 3 a functional area of a dental instrument according to an embodiment of the invention,
• 4 a dental instrument according to a further embodiment of the invention and
• 5 a grip portion of a dental instrument according to an embodiment of the invention.

1 1 shows a dental instrument 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the dental instrument comprises a centrally arranged handle area 2 and a functional area 3 which is arranged at one end of the handle area 2 and adjoins the handle area 2 . The functional area 3 and the gripping area 3 can be manufactured in one piece, as shown here. In general, however, it is also conceivable that the functional area 3 can be plugged or screwed onto the handle area 2, for example. The longitudinal axis of the grip area 2 extends along a main extension direction HE. The functional area 3 also extends in the direction of the main direction of extension HE, but is also inclined in sections relative to the main direction of extension HE.

An enlarged view of a functional area 3 is in 3 shown. Here the functional area 3 is divided into a first functional section 4 and a second functional section 5 . The first functional section 4 is inclined by more than 90° with respect to the main extension direction HE. In addition, the first functional section 4 has a working end 6 which is designed for treating or cleaning the dental area of a patient. In this case, the working end 6 is spatulate. Optionally, it can have a sharp edge. Alternatively, working ends 6 shaped differently, for example as a sharp tip or as a curette, can also be provided. A fluid supply element 7 is also fixed here on the first functional section 4 . The fluid supply element 7 runs in sections parallel to the first functional section 4 and is fixed to it. Furthermore, the output end 10 is somewhat spaced from the working end 6, which can be advantageous so that the output end 10 does not interfere negatively during mechanical work with the working end 6 on the teeth. Furthermore, the surface of the functional section 4 in front of the discharge end 10 can be designed to guide the fluid flow which emerges from the discharge end 10 . Slightly offset in the direction of the main direction of extent HE and transversely to the direction of the main extent HE, the fluid supply element 7 has a connection end 11 which is oriented in the direction of the direction of the main extent HE. For this purpose, the fluid supply element 7 comprises a curved area, which connects the straight area of the fluid supply element 7, which runs parallel to the first functional section 4, and the connection end 11. A fluid source, for example a hose, can be connected to the connection end 11 in order to ensure a fluid supply. Exchangeable fluid sources, for example a compressed air hose or a water hose, can be connected to the connection end 11 . The connecting end 11 is arranged here above the second functional section 5 and is spaced apart from it and from the grip area 2 in a direction transverse to the main direction of extent HE. The second functional section 5 serves here in particular to connect the first functional section 4 to the grip area 2 and to arrange it in the most favorable position possible for dental treatment by the working end 6 relative to the grip area 2 . The sickle shape of the functional area 3 achieved jointly by the first functional section 4 and the second functional section 5 can simplify or even make it possible to reach hard-to-reach places, in particular on the molars and molars that are further back and harder to reach through the front teeth. The second functional section 5 includes, in addition to a section inclined to the main extension direction, also a section which runs essentially parallel to the grip area 2 . A holding element 8, in this case a ring, is arranged on this parallel section relatively close to the grip area, which can be used in particular for fixing and for arranging a fluid source which is connected to the connection end 11. For example, a tube can thus be arranged in such a way that it runs parallel to the handle area 2 .

2 Figure 12 shows another embodiment of a dental instrument according to the invention. In some aspects, this embodiment corresponds to that of FIG 1 and 3 . Therefore, essentially only the differences will be discussed here. In this embodiment, a functional area 3 is connected to two opposite ends of the handle area 2 . The functional areas 3 and the handle area 3 can be manufactured in one piece, as shown here. In general, however, it is also conceivable that the functional areas 3 can be plugged or screwed onto the handle area 2, for example. The working ends 6 of the two functional areas are here designed the same. It is also conceivable that the working ends 6 of the functional areas 4 are designed differently, for example the individual sections 4, 5 of the functional areas 3 adjoining both ends of the gripping area 2 can have a different orientation or different scaler tips can be provided. It is also conceivable for a functional area 3 or for both functional areas 3 to include only one functional section 4 . The embodiment in 2 further comprises indentations 9, which run around the handle area 2 in a direction transverse to the main direction of extension. They can provide a better grip and, in particular, prevent slipping in the direction of the functional areas. In principle, such depressions can also be used in the embodiment as shown in 1 is shown to be integrated. In addition, an embodiment as in 2 , but conceivable without the indentations and/or with a different surface structure.

Another exemplary embodiment of a dental instrument 1 is shown in 4 shown. It is similar to the in many essential points 1 , 2 and 3 instruments shown 1. On the already related to the 1 , 2 and 3 The features explained are therefore not discussed again here and instead reference is made to the above explanations. An enlarged view of the grip area is also in 5 shown. The exemplary embodiments 4 and 5 include a grip area with a structured surface, ie a surface with elevations 12 and depressions 9. These can serve to improve grip security. The depressions 9 are each arranged offset next to one another in the areas close to the functional areas 3 and in the main extension direction HE. They completely encircle the grip area here and thus each form an approximately circular indentation 9. The indentations can serve to prevent a user's hand from slipping in the main extension direction HE, and thus in the direction of the functional areas. The elevations 12 here form a continuous line that is interrupted by the depressions 9 in the main direction of extent HE. Further, similarly or essentially identically arranged elevations 12 can be arranged, for example, on the rear side of the handle area 2, which cannot be seen here. The elevations 12 can serve to prevent the instrument 1 from twisting about the longitudinal axis of the grip area 2 . Both the depressions 9 and the elevations 12 can thus enable more effective power transmission and more precise work.

Reference List

1

dental instrument

2

grip area

3

functional area

4

first functional section

5

second functional section

6

end of work

7

fluid delivery element

8th

holding element

9

deepening

10

End of issue

11

connection end

12

elevation

HE

main extension direction

Claims (16)

Dental instrument (1) comprising a handle area (2) which extends in a main extension direction (HE), at least one functional area (3) adjoining the handle area (2) with a working end (6), and a fluid supply element (7) which is designed to supply fluid to the working end (6) and/or to an area around the working end (6). Dental instrument (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the functional area (3) is inclined at least in sections relative to the main extension direction (HE). Dental instrument (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional area (3) comprises a first functional section (4) with the working end (6) and a second functional section (5) which connects the handle region (2) to the first functional section (4), and wherein the first functional section (4) and the second functional section (5) are inclined relative to each other and/or relative to the main extension direction (HE) at least in sections. Dental instrument (1) according to claim 3 , wherein the first functional section (4) and the second functional section (5) are inclined relative to one another at an angle of 50° to 150°, preferably from 70° to 130° and particularly preferably from 80° to 100°. Dental instrument (1) according to claim 3 , wherein the first functional section (4) and the second functional section (5) have the same extent in the main direction of extent (HE). Dental instrument (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the working end (6) has at least one sharp edge, is spatulate and/or tapers to a point. Dental instrument (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid supply element (7) is arranged on the functional area (3) such that a fluid ejection direction is coaxial to the functional area (3), parallel to the functional area (3) or at an angle in a range of 10 to 25° to the functional area (3). Dental instrument (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid supply element (7) comprises an output end (10) facing the working end (6) for dispensing the fluid and a connection end (11) for connecting a fluid source. Dental instrument (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a holding element (8) for holding a fluid source for supplying fluid to the fluid supply element (7). Dental instrument (1) according to claim 9 , wherein the holding element (8) is designed as a ring, tube or sleeve and wherein a surface normal of the cross-sectional area enclosed by the ring, tube or sleeve runs parallel to the main direction of extent (HE). Dental instrument (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid supply element (7) extends at least partially parallel to the main direction of extent (HE). Dental instrument (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid supply element (7) extends at least partially parallel to the functional area (3). Dental instrument (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid supply element (7) is spaced apart from the handle area (2) in the main direction of extent (HE) and/or in a direction transverse to the main direction of extent (HE). Dental instrument (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping area (2) has at least one depression (9), in particular running around the gripping area (2). Dental instrument (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a further functional area (3) is provided on the gripping area (2), so that the functional areas (3) are arranged on opposite ends of the gripping area (2) in the main extension direction (HE). . Dental instrument (1) according to claim 15 , wherein the two functional areas (3) are oriented differently, in particular oppositely, in at least one direction transverse to the main extension direction (HE).

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