WO2004069084A1

WO2004069084A1 - Vacuum sealed saliva control device

Info

Publication number: WO2004069084A1
Application number: PCT/EP2004/001103
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernard Wilhelm Stephan Odenkirchen
Original assignee: Odenkirchen Bernard Wilhelm St
Priority date: 2003-02-07
Filing date: 2004-02-06
Publication date: 2004-08-19
Also published as: NL1022627C2; EP1633274A1

Abstract

A saliva control device for controlling or isolating the production by a salivary gland. Controlling the production of saliva helps a dental practitioner or oral surgeon when working within the oral cavity. The saliva control device includes a body, an outer rim for forming a seal against the soft tissue surrounding a salivary gland, a vacuum chamber in the body, and an air evacuation passage. The air evacuation passage is used to selectively apply and then maintain a vacuum to the vacuum chamber. When under a reduced pressure, the vacuum chamber pulls the body of the saliva control device toward soft tissue surrounding a mouth of a salivary gland.

Description

VACUUM SEALED SALIVA CONTROL DEVICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to saliva control devices for use in keeping the oral cavity free of saliva so as to facilitate procedures performed by a dental practitioner or oral surgeon.

2. The Relevant Technology

When performing various procedures within the oral cavity, it is often desireable or necessary for the dental practitioner to slow or at least divert the flow of saliva produced by the salivary glands. There are four principle salivary glands within the oral cavity. The two parotid salivary glands are located inside the mouth and near each ear. There are also two sublingual salivary glands located near the base of the tongue. The vast majority of saliva produced enters a patient's mouth through these principle salivary glands. A minor amount also enters through the mucoseals. Several devices and techniques have been employed in order to prevent the saliva from interfering with the dental practitioner's work inside the oral cavity.

Rolls of cotton have been used in an attempt to prevent saliva produced by the principle salivary glands from interfering with the work of a dental practitioner within the oral cavity. The cotton roll is placed below the salivary gland. As saliva is produced, it drains downward, and is absorbed by the cotton. One disadvantage of using cotton rolls is that they are rather large and restrict the ability of the dental practitioner to work within the oral cavity because they take up so much space. In addition, they quickly saturate, necessitating removal and replacement of the cotton during the procedure. It is often difficult to maintain the cotton roll in the position placed. Finally, cotton rolls can be uncomfortable for the patient.

Rubber dams have also been used for isolating an area of the mouth from saliva. Rubber dams are difficult to use as they must be assembled, which can take a significant amount of time. In addition, when using a rubber dam, the patient cannot completely close his or her mouth. This makes it difficult for the dental practitioner to check the patient's occlusion, and is generally uncomfortable for the patient.

Dental suction tubes have also been used to remove excess saliva produced by the salivary glands. Generally, the suction tube is inserted periodically to remove excess saliva as it pools in the patient's mouth. This either requires an assistant to periodically insert the suction tube, or it requires interrupting the dental practitioner's work.

Finally, systemic medications (e.g., scapolquinine and atropine) have been used to control the production of saliva. While useful in arresting saliva production, side effects include disorientation, amnesia, and lingering dry mouth.

Figure 1 illustrates a saliva collection device 10, also .called a "Lashley cup," which is used to continuously collect saliva produced by the parotid salivary glands. Lashley cups have not been used to isolate a person' s mouth from saliva during dental procedures, perhaps because they require two different vacuum tubes to feed into the patients during use, thereby causing obstruction and discomfort.

In view of the forgoing, it would be an improvement in the art to provide devices for isolating a person's mouth from unwanted saliva produced by the salivary glands while avoiding the discomfort and intrusiveness of conventional devices and methods.

BRIEF SUM- Y OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a saliva control device for controlling or isolating the production of saliva by a salivary gland. Controlling the production of saliva helps a dental practitioner when working within the oral cavity. The saliva control device includes a body, an outer rim for forming a seal against the soft tissue surrounding a salivary gland, a vacuum chamber in the body, and an air evacuation passage. The air evacuation passage is used to selectively apply and then maintain a vacuum to the vacuum chamber. When under a reduced pressure, the vacuum chamber pulls the body of the saliva control device toward the soft tissue surrounding a mouth of a salivary gland and causes the outer rim to form a seal against the soft tissue. In other words, the vacuum chamber assists the outer rim in forming a seal against soft tissue upon placing the saliva control device over a salivary gland and applying a vacuum to said vacuum chamber. In this way, the device prevents saliva produced by the salivary gland from flowing beyond the confines of the device. According to one embodiment, the saliva control device may further include an inner rim that divides the vacuum chamber from an inner chamber bounded by the inner rim. The inner chamber is configured to receive a mouth of a salivary gland. The one-way valve is used to selectively apply a vacuum to the vacuum chamber. When under a reduced pressure, the vacuum chamber pulls the body of the device toward the soft tissue, causing the outer rim to form a seal, while the inner rim forms a seal around the mouth of the salivary gland. In this way, saliva produced by the salivary gland is held within the confines of the inner chamber bounded by the inner rim. If the inner chamber becomes filled with saliva, further saliva production is largely halted as a result of back pressure.

In another embodiment, the device includes a raised portion that directly blocks the salivary gland when the device is vacuum sealed against the surrounding soft tissue. The raised portion may be provided instead of, or in combination with, the inner rim.

The saliva control device may be configured to fit over one salivary gland (e.g. a parotid salivary gland) or two salivary glands (e.g. the sublingual salivary glands). Multiple devices may be used simultaneously to cover some or all of a person's salivary glands as desired.

In use, the saliva control device is positioned over a person's salivary gland and vacuum adhered to the soft tissue surrounding the gland. A conventional dental suction tube may be used to apply the vacuum, as well as other suction or vacuum devices known in the art. One of ordinary skill can select any suction device and modify the saliva control devices as needed to vacuum seal the device over the salivary gland. The dental practitioner is then able to perform the work needed within the oral cavity without having to worry about the buildup of saliva. Once the dental practitioner has finished the desired dental procedure, the saliva control device is removed from the patient' s mouth by simply breaking the vacuum (e.g., by prying it off using a flat tool).

In one embodiment, a dental suction tube is used to position and vacuum adhere the saliva control device over at least one of a person's principle salivary glands. The air evacuation passage of the device is connected to the dental suction tube. The device may further include a button, a raised rim, or a groove near the air evacuation passage for assisting in temporarily connecting the saliva control device to a suction device (e.g. a dental suction tube).

The saliva control device may include a lifeline to prevent the device from inadvertently falling down the patient's throat. One end of the lifeline is attached to the device through a depression or protrusion (e.g. through an eyelet) and the other end is attached to any suitable anchor so as to prevent the device from being swallowed, choked on, inhaled, or otherwise lost in the event it becomes detached from the inside of the patient's mouth. Examples of suitable lifeline materials include ordinary string, dental floss, and monofilament .

These and other benefits, advantages and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above recited and other benefits, advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an existing saliva collector device;

Figure 2A illustrates top and bottom views of an exemplary embodiment of a vacuum sealed saliva control device;

Figure 2B illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a vacuum sealed saliva control device;

Figure 2C illustrates top and bottom views of an alternative embodiment of a vacuum sealed saliva control device; Figure 2D illustrates top and bottom views of an alternative embodiment of a vacuum sealed saliva control device for use with the sublingual salivary glands;

Figures 3A and 3B illustrate cross sectional views of an exemplary vacuum sealed saliva control device before and after vacuum extractions- Figure 4A illustrates a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a vacuum sealed saliva control device;

Figure 4B illustrates a cross sectional side view of the device of Figure 4A in use;

Figure 5A illustrates a cross sectional side view of yet another embodiment of a vacuum sealed saliva control device in use;

Figure 5B illustrates a cross sectional side view of yet another embodiment of a vacuum sealed saliva control device in use;

Figure 5C illustrates a cross sectional side view of yet another embodiment of a vacuum sealed saliva control device in use;

Figure 5D illustrates a cross sectional side view of yet another embodiment of a vacuum sealed saliva control device in use; and

Figure 6 illustrates placement of an exemplary vacuum sealed saliva control device over a parotid salivary gland. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I . Introduction

A detailed description of the invention will now be provided with specific reference to figures illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated that like structures will be provided with like reference designations .

The present invention is directed to a vacuum sealed saliva control device for controlling or isolating the production of saliva by a salivary gland. Controlling the production of saliva helps a dental practitioner when working within the oral cavity. The saliva control device includes a body, an outer rim for forming a seal against the soft tissue surrounding a salivary gland, a vacuum chamber in the body, and an air evacuation passage. The air evacuation passage is used to selectively apply and then maintain a vacuum to the vacuum chamber. When under a reduced pressure, the vacuum chamber pulls the;. • body of the saliva control device toward soft tissue surrounding a mouth of a salivary gland. In other words, the vacuum chamber assists the outer rim in forming a seal against soft tissue upon placing the saliva control device over a salivary gland and applying a vacuum to said vacuum chamber.

II . Exemplary Vacuum Sealed Saliva Control Devices Figure 2A illustrates an exemplary saliva control device 100. The device 100 includes a body 102, an outer rim 104, an inner rim 106, a vacuum chamber 108, an inner chamber 110, and an air evacuation passage 112. Although illustrated as substantially circular in Figure 2A, the outer rim 104 may be of any shape. An alternative heart-shaped outer rim is depicted in the device illustrated in Figure 2D. The outer rim 104 is configured for forming a seal against the soft tissue surrounding a salivary gland. According to one embodiment, the outer rim 104 may be formed of a soft, adaptable material, resulting in a higher degree of comfort for the patient.

The device of Figure 2A includes an optional inner rim 106. The inner rim 106 divides the vacuum chamber 108 from an inner chamber 110 bounded by the inner rim 106. The inner chamber 110 is configured to receive a mouth of one or more salivary glands. According to one embodiment, saliva produced by the salivary gland is confined to the inner chamber 110 of the device 100. The inner rim 106 and outer rim 104 may optionally be connected by any number of bridges, as illustrated in the various embodiments of Figures 2B-2D.

According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2A, the air evacuation passage 112 is located near the center of the top of the body 102, so as to be easily accessible to the dental practitioner during placement of the device. It is preferred that the air evacuation passage 112 be located near the center of the top of the body 102, although it may alternatively be located elsewhere on the device 100. The air evacuation passage 112 is configured so as to selectively evacuate the air from the vacuum chamber 208, allowing the dental practitioner to vacuum adhere the device over a person's salivary gland.

Figure 2B illustrates a perspective view of an alternative device 200 that includes a body 202, an outer rim 204, an inner rim 206, a vacuum chamber 208, an inner chamber 210, an optional lifeline 213, and an air evacuation passage (not shown). The outer rim 204 is substantially circular. The air evacuation passage (not shown) is connected to the vacuum chamber 208 so as to allow the dental practitioner or oral surgeon to selectively evacuate the vacuum chamber 208 of air and vacuum adhere the device 200 over a person's salivary gland. The optional lifeline 213 prevents the device from inadvertently falling down the patient's throat. One end of the lifeline 213 is attached to the device through a depression or a protrusion (e.g. through an eyelet) and the other end is attached to any suitable anchor so as to prevent the device from being swallowed, choked on, inhaled, or otherwise lost in the event it becomes detached from the inside of the patient's mouth.

Figure 2C illustrates top and bottom perspective views of an alternative device 300 that includes a- body 302, an outer rim 304, an inner rim 306, a vacuum chamber 308, an inner chamber 310, and an air evacuation passage comprising a one-way valve 312. The outer rim 304 is substantially circular. The oneway valve 312 is one embodiment of an air evacuation passage. The one-way valve 312 is connected to the vacuum chamber 308 so as to allow the dental practitioner or oral surgeon to -selectively evacuate the vacuum chamber 308 of air and vacuum adhere the device 300 over a person's salivary gland. The one-way valve 312 in the embodiment illustrated comprises a slit formed in a button on the top of the body 302. The button is easily received within the end of a dental suction tube, facilitating positioning of the device 300 over a person's salivary gland, as will be illustrated in Figure 4. With the embodiment of Figure 2C or any other embodiment, instead of a button, a raised rim or a groove may alternatively be used to facilitate temporary attachment of the device to a dental suction tube or other suctioning device.

Figure 2D illustrates top and bottom perspective views of an alternative device 400 that includes a body 402, an outer rim 404, an inner rim 406, a vacuum chamber 408, an inner chamber 410, and an air evacuation passage comprising a one-way valve 412. The outer rim 404 is heart-shaped. The one-way valve 412 is connected to the vacuum chamber 408 so as to allow the dental practitioner or oral surgeon to selectively evacuate the vacuum chamber 408 of air and vacuum adhere the device 400 over a person's two sublingual salivary glands. As illustrated, the inner cavity 410 may be configured to easily receive the mouths of both sublingual salivary glands. The one-way valve 412 in the embodiment illustrated comprises a slit formed in a button on the top of the body 402. The button is easily received within the end of a dental suction tube, facilitating positioning of the device 400 over one or more of a person's salivary glands.

III. Exemplary Method of Use

Figures 3A-5D illustrate various embodiments of the saliva control device in use to control production of saliva. Each device includes a body, an outer rim for forming a seal against the soft tissue surrounding a salivary gland, a vacuum chamber in the body, and an air evacuation passage for selectively applying and maintaining a vacuum to the vacuum chamber. Figures 3A and 3B illustrate cross sectional views of an exemplary device 500 before and after vacuum extraction. Figure 3A illustrates the device 500 before vacuum extraction of the air in vacuum chamber 508. The device 500 is positioned over the mouth of salivary gland 514. The mouth of salivary gland 514 is received within the inner cavity 510. Figure 3B illustrates the device 500 after vacuum extraction of the air from vacuum chamber 508. The vacuum is applied through air evacuation passage 512. The soft tissue 516 surrounding the salivary gland 514 is pulled into the vacuum chamber 508. The vacuum is sufficient to hold the device 500 over the salivary gland for up to a few hours. Most procedures performed by a dental practitioner may require placement of the device for 30 minutes to an hour, although some procedures may require longer times.

Figures 4A and 4B illustrate use of one embodiment of the saliva control device. The saliva control device 600 of Figures 4A and 4B includes a body 602, an outer rim 604 for forming a seal against the soft tissue 616 surrounding salivary gland 614, a vacuum chamber 608 in body 602, a raised portion 618, and an air evacuation passage comprising a tube 612. Tube 612 is one embodiment of an air evacuation passage. Tube 612 is used to selectively apply and then maintain a vacuum to vacuum chamber 608. When under a reduced pressure, the vacuum chamber 608 pulls the body 602 of the saliva control device 600 toward soft tissue 616 surrounding the mouth of salivary gland 614. Raised portion 618 directly blocks the salivary gland 614 when the device 600 is vacuum sealed against the surrounding soft tissue 616. Figure 5A illustrates use of another embodiment of the saliva control device. The saliva control device 700 of Figure 5A includes a body (not shown), an outer rim 704 for forming a seal against the soft tissue 716 surrounding salivary gland 714, a vacuum chamber 708 bounded by outer rim 704, and an air evacuation passage comprising a one-way valve 712. Oneway valve 712 is used to selectively apply and then maintain a vacuum to vacuum chamber 708. When under a reduced pressure, the vacuum chamber 708 pulls the body of the saliva control device 700 toward soft tissue 716 surrounding the mouth of salivary gland 714. In the illustrated embodiment, any saliva secreted by salivary gland 714 is confined within the vacuum chamber 708.

Figure 5B illustrates use of another embodiment of the saliva control device. The saliva control device 700' of Figure 5B includes a body (not shown) , an outer rim 704 for forming a seal against the soft tissue 716 surrounding salivary gland 714, a vacuum chamber 708 bounded by outer rim 704, a lifeline 713, a raised portion 718, and an air evacuation passage comprising a one-way valve 712. One-way valve 712 is used to selectively apply and then maintain a vacuum to vacuum chamber 708. When under a reduced pressure, the vacuum chamber 708 pulls the body of the saliva control device 700' toward soft tissue 716 surrounding the mouth of salivary gland 714. Raised portion 718 directly blocks the salivary gland 714 when the device 700' is vacuum sealed against the surrounding soft tissue 716.

Figure 5C illustrates use of another embodiment of the saliva control device. The saliva control device 800 of Figure 5C includes a body (not shown), an outer rim 804, an inner rim 806, a vacuum chamber 808, an inner chamber 810, and an air evacuation passage comprising a one-way valve 812. One-way valve 812 is used to selectively apply and then maintain a vacuum to vacuum chamber 808. When under a reduced pressure, the vacuum chamber 808 pulls the body of the saliva control device 800 toward soft tissue 816 surrounding the mouth of salivary gland 814. In the illustrated embodiment, any saliva 815 secreted by salivary gland 814 is confined within the inner chamber 810.

Figure 5D illustrates use of another embodiment of the saliva control device. The saliva control device 800' of Figure 5D includes a body (not shown) , an outer rim 804 for forming a seal against the soft tissue 816 surrounding salivary gland 814, a vacuum chamber 808 bounded by outer rim 804, a raised portion 818, and an air evacuation passage comprising a oneway valve 812. One-way valve 812 is used to selectively apply and then maintain a vacuum to vacuum chamber 808. When under a reduced pressure, the vacuum chamber 808 pulls the body of the saliva control device 800' toward soft tissue 816 surrounding the mouth of salivary gland 814. Raised portion 818 directly blocks the salivary gland 814 when the device 800' is vacuum sealed against the surrounding soft tissue 816.

In order to provide a better seal, an adhesive may be applied to the bottom of the body of the device prior to positioning and vacuum adhering the device over a person's salivary gland. According to one embodiment, the adhesive comprises a hydrophilic adhesive, for example, one or more of polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxymethylcellulose, or carbopol. According to another embodiment the adhesive is a light curable adhesive such as a hydrophilic polyurethane, a hydrophilic acrylic, or a hydrophilic polyurethane-acrylic. Figure 6 illustrates use of a dental suction tube 920 to position and vacuum adhere a device 300 over one of the patient's parotid salivary glands. Figure 6 illustrates another device 300 as already having been placed over the patient's other parotid salivary gland, and the device 400 as already having been placed over the patient' s sublingual salivary glands. Although illustrated with a device over each principle salivary gland, any number of devices may be used (e.g., as little as 1, or as many as 3) . Once the dental practitioner has finished working within the oral cavity, the devices are removed from the inside of the patient's mouth by simply breaking the vacuum (e.g., by prying the device off using a flat tool) .

It will also be appreciated that the present claimed invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A saliva control device for controlling production of saliva by a salivary gland comprising: a body; an outer rim on said body for forming a seal against soft tissue surrounding a salivary gland; a vacuum chamber in said body that assists said outer rim in forming a seal against soft tissue upon placing the saliva control device over a salivary gland and applying a vacuum to said vacuum chamber; and an air evacuation passage for selectively applying and maintaining a vacuum to said vacuum chamber.

2. A saliva control device as recited in claim 1, wherein said air evacuation passage comprises a one-way valve.

3. A saliva control device as recited in claim 1, wherein said air evacuation passage is located on the top of said body.

4. A saliva control device as recited in claim 3, wherein said air evacuation passage is located near the center of the top of said body.

5. A saliva control device as recited in claim 1, further comprising at least one of a button, a raised rim, or a groove near said air evacuation passage for assisting in temporarily connecting the saliva control device to a suctioning device.

6. A saliva control device as recited in claim 5, wherein the air evacuation passage comprises a slit formed in a button.

7. A saliva control device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a depression or protrusion for attaching a lifeline to said body.

8. A saliva control device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a lifeline attached to said body.

9. A saliva control device as recited in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the device is formed of a soft, adaptable material .

10. A saliva control device as recited in claim 1, wherein said outer rim is substantially circular.

11. A saliva control device as recited in claim 1, wherein said outer rim is heart-shaped.

12. A saliva control device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a raised portion formed on the floor of said vacuum chamber configured to directly block a salivary gland when the device is vacuum sealed against surrounding soft tissue .

13. A saliva control device as recited in claim 1, further comprising: an inner rim that divides said vacuum chamber from an inner chamber bounded by the inner rim; wherein said inner chamber is configured to receive a mouth of a salivary gland.

14. A saliva control device as recited in claim 13, wherein saliva produced by a salivary gland is confined to said inner chamber .

15. A saliva control device as recited in claim 13, wherein said inner chamber is configured to receive one salivary gland.

16. A saliva control device as recited in claim 13, wherein said inner chamber is configured to receive two salivary glands .

17. A saliva control device as recited in claim 13, further comprising a raised portion formed on the floor of said inner chamber configured to directly block a salivary gland when the device is vacuum sealed against surrounding soft tissue.

18. A method of using a saliva control device comprising: providing a saliva control device as recited in claim 1; positioning said saliva control device over a person' s salivary gland; vacuum adhering said saliva control device over a person' s salivary gland so as to block saliva flow from the salivary gland into the intra-oral cavity; and removing said saliva control device.

19. A method as recited in claim 18, wherein said saliva control device is positioned and vacuum adhered over a person's salivary gland using a dental suction tube.

20. A method as recited in claim 18, wherein said saliva control device is positioned over a parotid salivary gland.

21. A method as recited in claim 18, wherein said saliva control device is positioned over the sublingual salivary glands.

22. A method as recited in claim 18, further comprising applying an adhesive to the bottom of said body of said saliva control device prior to positioning and vacuum adhering said device over a person's salivary gland.

23. A method as recited in claim 22, wherein said adhesive comprises at least one of polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxymethylcellulose, and carbopol.

24. A method as recited in claim 22, wherein said adhesive is a light curable adhesive comprising at least one of a hydrophilic polyurethane, a hydrophilic acrylic, and a hydrophilic polyurethane-acrylic .