WO2015132499A1

WO2015132499A1 - Optimised descaling insert and descaling kit comprising at least one such insert

Info

Publication number: WO2015132499A1
Application number: PCT/FR2015/050402
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stéphane GIGAULT
Original assignee: Scorpion
Priority date: 2014-03-03
Filing date: 2015-02-19
Publication date: 2015-09-11

Abstract

A descaling insert of which the body ends at a straight tapered tip (8), the free end (10) of the tip (8) being of smaller dimensions than the base of the tip (8) linked to the body of the insert, the tip (8) being provided, on one face (9), with a longitudinal groove (11) that opens (112) at the free end (10) of the tip (8) and is closed at the opposite end (110), at least the depth (P) of the groove (11) increasing between the free end (10) of the tip (8) and the base of the tip (8). The end portion (13) of the tip (8), over a length (L13) of between one and three times the thickness (E) of the free end (10) of the tip (8), is oriented at an angle relative to the tip part.

Description

OPTIMIZED DESCALING INSERT AND DESCALING KIT COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE SUCH INSERT

The present invention relates to an optimized descaling insert and a descaling kit comprising such an insert.

A descaling insert is a dental instrument, metal, one end of which is connected to a device emitting vibrations at high frequencies, typically ultrasonic-type vibrations. Vibrations are transmitted to the free end of the insert, the latter being configured tapered tip. A practitioner holds the end of the tip of the insert against the tartar plate covering a tooth of a patient. The vibrations ensure the destruction of the tartar plaque.

Such an insert is advantageously hollow, which makes it possible to send water under pressure to the zone to be descaled. The water facilitates the mechanical lubrication of the work area and allows the working area to cool while participating in the removal of scale particles, once they have become detached from the tooth.

It is conceivable that, by the repeated friction of the insert on the enamel of the tooth, the latter being exposed during descaling, there is wear of the pointed end of the insert. This results in a tip of the insert whose worn end is thicker than a new end, because of its initial configuration tapered tip and mode of use of the insert. Such an extra thickness decreases the effectiveness of the descaling because the extra thickness of the tip induces a decrease in amplitude of the vibrations.

To remedy this, FR-A-2 969480 discloses a descaling insert whose body is configured as a rounded hook and whose rectilinear tip is provided with a longitudinal groove opening at the free end of the point. This groove is closed in the vicinity of the junction zone between the rounded body of the hook and the rectilinear tip. The groove has a slope oriented in the opposite direction of the direction of decrease in the thickness of the tip. In this way, a sharp end is produced, the amount of material relative to its cross section is substantially constant, regardless of the degree of wear of the tip. Such a configuration makes it possible to preserve the flexibility of the free end of the insert and thus its vibration characteristics.

In the vicinity of the base of the tip, that is to say in a position distal to the free end of the insert, the depth of the groove is maximum. As a result, the amount of material is minimal near the base of the tip. This induces, potentially, a weakening of the active part of the insert. In addition, the realization of such a groove, by the depth and the slope to achieve, is not easy.

That being said, the invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a descaling insert whose body is terminated in a straight tapered tip, the free end of the tip being of smaller dimensions than the base of the tip connected to the body of the insert the tip being provided, on one side, with a longitudinal groove opening at the free end of the tip and closed at the opposite end, at least the depth of the groove increasing between the free end of the tip and the base of the tip, characterized in that the end portion of the tip, over a length of between one and three times the thickness of the free end of the tip, is angularly oriented relative to the portion of the tip receiving the rest of the groove.

The invention thus achieves the objectives mentioned above. Indeed, since the slope is not uniform throughout the tip, this allows to obtain a free end of the tip forming an underside, in the vicinity of the open end of the groove. This allows, because of the orientation of the slope, to compensate for a given distance the effect of wear, having a quantity of material relative to the cross section of the tip substantially constant. As a result, the maximum depth of the groove can be decreased. A smaller depth of the groove makes it possible to keep, substantially, the same elevation angle of the groove as well as its length. De facto, we increases the amount of material at the base of the tip, so the resistance of the latter, while facilitating the realization of the groove.

According to advantageous but non-compulsory aspects of the invention, such an insert may comprise one or more of the following characteristics:

- The length of the end portion of the tip oriented angularly is close to 1mm.

- The length of the groove is substantially 40% of the length of the tip.

- The bottom of the groove is, in the end portion of the tip, oriented angularly relative to the rest of the groove.

- The end portion of the tip forms a stop opposing any translational movement of a member mounted on the tip.

- The terminal portion of the tip forms a locking member in position, by wedging, the tip when the latter is inserted into a hollow member, such as a protective cap or a tip.

- The insert is provided with a shaped area adapted to cooperate with a relief located on the inner wall of the hollow member.

At least a portion of the external surface of at least the end portion of the tip is rough,

At least one visual marking of wear is made near the end of the groove, in the thickness of the material, under a layer of material constituting the outer face of the tip.

Another visual marking is made in the part of the point receiving the groove.

The invention also relates to a descaling kit comprising at least one insert according to one of the preceding characteristics, a hollow member and a member for mounting and dismounting a hollow member on an insert.

According to advantageous but non-mandatory aspects of the invention, such a kit may include one or more of the following features:

- The solid part of the end of the hollow organ forms the active part of the insert when the hollow member covers the tip of the insert.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly on reading the description of an embodiment of the invention which follows, given solely by way of nonlimiting example and made in reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a view from below of an insert according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view, on the same scale, along the line II-II of the insert of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of detail III in FIG. 2,

- Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view, on a larger scale, of a hollow member for capping the free end of an insert, according to one embodiment,

FIGS. 5 and 6 are views in longitudinal section, similar to FIG. 4 and on the same scale, of two other embodiments of the hollow member,

FIG. 7 is a perspective view, on another scale, of a member for mounting and dismounting hollow members on an insert and

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal section along the line VIII-VIII in FIG.

The insert 1 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 is a dental tool made of metal. It comprises a main body 2 formed of two hollow parts. A first part 3, hollow and generally circular cylindrical base, is open at one end 4. This part 3, said base, is adapted to be mounted in a removable manner and known per se, on a member of complementary shape, integral of a device for generating vibrations.

The base 3 extends, from its closed end, by a second portion 5. A countersink 6 formed at the junction zone 7 between the first 3 and the second 5 parts allows the maneuver of the insert 1 during its establishment and removal on a device generating vibrations.

The second part 5 is also hollow and generally cylindrical with a circular base. It ensures the transition between the base 3 of the body 2 and the active part of the insert, that is to say the part of the insert 1 which is intended to be in contact with the area to be descaled from the dentition of a person. The interior of part 3 communicates with the interior of part 5, thus forming a single volume.

The second part 5 extends, at its end opposite the end ensuring the connection with the first part 3, by a tip 8 defining the active part of the insert 1. This tip 8, hollow on at least a part of its length, is generally conical with a circular base. It is rectilinear along its length. It is, in a preferred embodiment, arranged angularly with respect to a main longitudinal axis A, common to the parts 3 and 5 constituting the body 2 of the insert 1. Thus, the longitudinal axis B of the tip 8 makes a angle a with the axis A between 30 ° and 35 °, advantageously close to 32 °.

An orifice, not visible, is formed on a face 9 of the tip 8, in the vicinity of the portion of the larger section of the tip 8, namely the base of the latter, connecting the tip 8 to the second portion 5. In In this case, the orifice opens out in the lower part of the tip by looking at FIG. 3, that is to say that the jet of liquid issuing through the orifice, coming from the base 3 and the second part 5, hollow, is oriented towards the base 3 of the insert 1.

Between the orifice and the free end 10 of the tip 8, a groove 11 is formed in the tip 8. Thus, the orifice is formed at a blind end of the groove 11, the other end of the groove 11 being opened.

This groove 11 extends about 4 mm, or substantially 40% of the length of the tip 8. The depth P of the groove 11 varies along the length L of the groove 11, it being understood that the groove 11 is the deepest at its blind end 110, located closer to the junction zone 12 between the tip 8 and the portion 5. In other words, the bottom 111 of the groove 11 is sloped, this slope being oriented in the direction inverse direction decrease of the cross section of the tip 8, so the taper of the latter. Thus, the bottom 111 of the groove 11 is oriented at an angle β that varies inversely with the variation of the angle Δ of the section of the tip 8. The end 112 of the groove 11, opposite the blind end 110, is open and opens on the face 9 of the tip 8, at the end 10 of the latter. In the vicinity of the end 112 of the groove 11 is defined an end portion 13 of the tip 8 which is oriented angularly with respect to a portion 80 of the tip 8 receiving the remainder of the groove 11. The length L13 of the portion 13 of the tip 8 is advantageously between 1 and 3 times the thickness E of the tip 8, measured at the end 10. Advantageously, the length L13 is close to 1, 5 times the thickness E.

The portion 13 is therefore, along its length L13, constituting a counterpane, that is to say that it has a variation of the angle Δ of the section of the tip 8 from 5 ° to the level of a portion 80 to 1 º at the portion 13, the angle β inclination of the bottom 111 of the groove 11 being close to 3 °.

Thus, when the insert is used, the practitioner positions the free end 10 of the tip 8 against the zone to be descaled. Due to the mode of use of a descaling insert, namely that the support of the insert is carried laterally, it follows that the descaling is carried out by pressing the portion 13 against the zone to be descaled, according to the length L13 of the latter. The wear at the end portion 13 is therefore effected, not with a decrease in length and a constant thickness as would have been the case if the support had taken place from the end 10, but with a thinning of the portion 13. In other words, the wear induces an angular decrease in the cross section of the portion 13. Its length L13 is little affected by wear. Thus, the wear achieves a peak configuration of the end portion 13, in the extension of the tip 8. Such a configuration preserves the vibratory characteristics of the tip 8, without altering its mechanical strength characteristics, the base of tip 8 is not affected.

Once the portion 13 used, that is to say configured substantially in peak, the wear continues by maintaining the amount of material constituting the tip 8 substantially constant thanks to the presence of the groove 11, this in a manner known from the prior art.

The length L13 of the portion 13 allows, while substantially maintaining the length L of the groove 11 to have, de facto, a depth P at the end 110 less than that of the state of the art, for an angle β similar slope.

Such a configuration makes it possible to preserve the vibratory characteristics of the tip 8. Thus, the resistance of the tip 8 is improved without altering its vibration characteristics.

To facilitate the identification of the wear status of the tip 8, a marking, advantageously visual, may be provided. This marking is, for example, positioned at the end 130 of the portion 13, that is to say at the maximum wear level of the portion 13. The marking is advantageously made in the thickness of the material under a layer constituting the outer face of the tip, so as to be apparent only when the removal of material by wear reaches a defined value.

In another embodiment, the marking is performed at several points. For example, at least one other visual marking is provided in the portion 80 of the tip receiving the groove 8. In such a configuration, the practitioner has several markings allowing him to appreciate the different degrees of wear of the insert and therefore, according to this wear, to adapt the operating mode of use of the insert, or to change the latter to preserve effective descaling.

Furthermore, this configuration of the end portion 13 of the tip 8 with respect to the remainder of the tip defines a zone in counterpane forming a stop preventing, or at least limiting, any movement of a member freely mounted in translation on the tip 8 Such an organ may be, for example, an annular member surrounding the tip.

Alternatively, if the tip 8 is inserted into a hollow member, for example, a protection member of the tip such as a cap or tip, it allows to lock in position, by wedging, the tip in the hollow member. Thereafter, the term mouthpiece will preferably be used to designate such a hollow organ.

Such a hollow member or tip is, for example, that illustrated in Figures 4 to 8. It is made of a material that does not alter the part of the dentition devoid of enamel.

A tip is used when descaling is to be performed at, or at least near, a portion of the dentition of a hardness less than that of dental enamel. Indeed, a degradation of this part of the tooth by the metal active part of the descaling insert is possible. This part of the dentition can be of natural origin, for example the groove or sulcus located between the gum and the tooth. It can also be of artificial origin, for example a dental implant, that is to say an artificial tooth root. The latter, for reasons of biocompatibility, is frequently made of titanium or an alloy based on such a metal. It turns out that the titanium is of a lesser hardness than that of the constituent metal of the active part of the insert. With such a tip, the practitioner no longer needs to change the entire insert when the descaling is to be performed on different parts of the dentition, the tip being positioned, in the manner of a cap on the insert. The same metal end of an insert allows, without structural modification thereof, to easily descaling all the dentition of a patient, including sulcus and / or dental implants.

A tip 46 according to one embodiment is illustrated in Figure 4. It is made of a material known per se, namely a polymer, such as polyetheretherketone or PEEK. In all cases, this material is adapted to not be aggressive with respect to the material constituting the area to be descaled. The tip 46 is hollow and its internal volume 460 defines a receiving housing of complementary shape to that at least of the end portion 13 of the tip 8, preferably the tip 8. The dimensions of the volume 460 are adapted to make a contact a regular and uniform between the walls of the tip 8 and the tip 46. Such contact is necessary to ensure optimal transmission of vibration between the tip 8 and the tip 46. In other words, it is about maintain the efficiency level of the insert regardless of the usage configuration.

The base 461 of larger diameter forms the opening of the tip 46. The end 462 opposite the base 461 is closed and rounded.

In a non-illustrated embodiment, the endpiece is provided with a slot which ensures not only a quick and easy introduction of the endpiece 46 on the tip 8 but also defines a guide or keying to ensure the correct orientation of the tip during its setting in position, so that the complementarity of shapes between the volume 460 of the tip 46 and the tip 8 is achieved. The installation is then less easy, given the respective dimensions of the tip and the tip 8. Nevertheless, the tip completely caps the tip 8, without any open area thereof. To ensure good transmission of vibration, it is appropriate that the tip 46 is held in position on the tip 8 of the insert without risk of disengagement or longitudinal displacement due to vibrations. Maintaining the position of the endpiece 46 must also ensure a sufficient degree of freedom of the endpiece 46 so that it can be vibrated by contact with the tip 8. For this purpose, it is conceivable that the endpiece 46 must be maintained by a maintenance area of minimum dimensions, due to the lack of effective transmission of vibration in this area, while ensuring a setting position and disassembly of the tip fast and easy.

Maintaining is ensured, according to a first embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, by jamming the end portion 13 of the tip 8 in a housing 464 of complementary shape, formed in the closed end 462 of the nozzle 46.

As can be seen from FIG. 4, the housing 464 has dimensions and a shape that do not fit into the continuity of the geometric configuration of the housing 460. In other words, the housing 464 has a longitudinal principal axis A46 oriented angularly, at an angle a, with respect to the longitudinal axis B46 of the endpiece 46. Advantageously, the housing 464 forms an end portion disposed angularly with respect to the remainder of the volume 460, as is apparent from FIG. 4. The elbow thus created is small enough not to hinder insertion or withdrawal of the tip 8 while being sufficient to form a stop opposing any movement of withdrawal or displacement of the tip 8 out of the tip 46 under the effect of vibration. The angle α between the longitudinal axis A46 of this housing 464 and the longitudinal axis B46 of the main housing 460 is generally between 2 ° and 4 °, advantageously close to 3 ° Such an angle σ is sufficient for the endpiece 46 is held in place on the end portion 13, forming the underside of the tip 8, when the tip 46 caps the tip 8.

Moreover, the active part of the insert 1 which bears against the zone to be descaled is, de facto, formed by the solid part 620 of the end 462 of the endpiece 46. This solid part 620, as illustrated in FIG. FIG. 4 is an extension of the housing 464. Such a position guarantees optimal transmission of the vibrations because the locking in position of the tip 8 is optimal in this area.

Figure 5 illustrates another embodiment of the tip. Here, at least one, advantageously two lugs 565, shaped, advantageously, half-spheres, are formed on the inner wall 566 of the internal volume 567 of a tip 568. These lugs 565 bear against the base of the tip 8, in the vicinity of the blind end 110 of the groove 11, when the tip 8 is inserted into the volume 567. The tip 8 is thus held in place by at least one, preferably two, other (s) point (s) , in addition to maintaining the housing level 564. Such a configuration allows an optimal transmission of vibrations, without displacement of the tip in the tip. In a variant, the tip 8 is equipped with at least one cavity forming a receiving zone of the lugs 565, without modifying the structural and vibratory characteristics of the tip 8. Moreover, such a configuration forms a so-called polarizing means. orientation, by cooperation of forms, the tip 8 when introduced into the tip 568. Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment of the tip. Here, an annular relief or godron 669 is formed in the vicinity of the opening 670 of a tip 671, similarly to the position of the pins 565 in the tip 568. In this embodiment, the godron 669 forms an annular support regular on the tip. The realization of an annular groove on the tip to receive the godron 669 is possible but not mandatory, provided that the dimensions, in particular the depth of this groove does not affect the structural strength of the tip, nor its vibration characteristics . In other words, in Figures 5 and 6, the tip 8 is provided with a shaped area adapted to cooperate with at least one relief located on the inner wall of the tip.

In a non-illustrated embodiment, the tip is made of a material having sufficient elasticity to be placed in position on different points 8 having an identical geometric configuration but different dimensions. In other words, the same endpiece can cover tips of different cross section, in a given range, adapted to the elasticity of the material constituting the tip. Thus, it produces a tip whose establishment and maintenance on the tip are made in force.

It is conceivable that a mirror solution corresponding to the embodiments described in FIGS. 5 and 6 is feasible. In this case, the lugs or the gadroon are made on the tip, housing of complementary shape being formed on the inner wall of the tip. Alternatively, the inner wall of the tip is smooth.

Note that, in the modes shown in Figures 5 and 6, the active part of the insert is formed, similarly to the mode of Figure 4, by the ends 562, 662 respectively endpieces 568, 671.

In other embodiments not illustrated, at least one relief is provided either on the inner wall of the tip or on the tip and oriented in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tip. Several reliefs may be arranged in a triangle or other geometric configuration to form a plurality of contact points blocking between the tip and the tip. Alternatively, at least one relief is disposed helically either on the inner wall of the tip or on the tip, especially when the cross section of the tip is circular.

Alternatively, the closed end, so the active part of the tip, is a different material from the main body of the tip.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a member for mounting and dismounting hollow members or tips on a tip 8 of an insert. The member 81 is in the form of an elongate piece, generally of rectangular shape. It is made of a rigid material, neutral vis-à-vis the insert and tips, while being easily sterilizable. On one side 82, namely the so-called upper face intended to be visible when the member 81 is supported on a support, several housings 83 are formed. The number and dimensions of the housings 83 is variable, in general, the member 81 comprises between two and twelve housings, preferably between four and six.

The housings 83 are elongate, of complementary shape to that of the end pieces 46, 568 or 671, so generally conical. Their depth is less than that of the end pieces 46, 568 and 671 so that the latter extend partially out of the housing by their open base, the full ends 462, 562, 662 of the end pieces being inserted first into the housing. As can be seen in Figure 7, a portion 84 of the housing 83 extends partially above the face 82. The end pieces, in position in the housing 83 are easily identifiable. They are held in the housings 83 at their full ends, about 2 mm, it being understood that the rest of the housing defines a guide means of the nozzle in the housing 83, during its introduction and removal. It is possible, easily, to introduce in a guided manner the tip of the insert into a tip and to block the latter in position, using, for example, one of the holding means in position present on the tip and described previously. The user, by a withdrawal movement can easily remove the tip and tip assembly of the member 81. In order to optimize the contact between the tip 8 and the tip, and thus not only to promote the removal of the tip and tip assembly of the member 81 but also to optimize the contact between the tip and the tip, etching, for example by laser, is performed on at least some areas of the tip. Such etching is advantageously carried out on the entire point 8 and gives the surface thereof a rough appearance. The non-smooth appearance of the surface of the tip promotes contact and grip between the tip and the tip. This optimizes the transmission of vibrations and the maintenance of the tip on the tip 8.

A marking, for example by color code, can be performed and allow the identification and identification of the different end pieces.

On one side, here an end slice 85, of the member 81, a means 86 for controlling the wear of the tip and / or the tip is provided. This is an elongated groove 86 of substantially identical shape to the tip and tip assembly. The dimensions of the groove 86 are such that, when positioning in the groove the tip and tip assembly, a translational movement along the arrow F of the tip, from an opening 87, allows to remove the tip out of the mouthpiece, the dimensions of the opening 87 allowing only the passage of the tip 8 alone.

A marking, for example by color coding, in various positions in the groove 86 indicates the degree of wear of the tip. Moreover, it is conceivable that other indications, for example relating to the sterilization criteria of the organ or to the use of given tips, may be mentioned on the organ 81.

The invention also comprises a descaling kit comprising at least one insert according to one of the embodiments described above, a nozzle and a device for mounting and dismounting the tip on pinsert.

Such a kit may include several inserts whose tip is shaped and / or different dimensions. It may comprise several end pieces, for example with external shapes and / or different materials. In particular, one can have a kit in which the tips have closed ends of different shape and / or size, depending on the zone to be descaled. Such a kit can include other elements, for example means for cleaning the root canals and / or cleaning the periodontal pockets.

It is thus possible, with such a kit, to have available a plurality of inserls and / or tips allowing the practitioner to be able to effectively descale all areas of the dentition of a patient, adult or child.

Claims

1.- Inserl (1) descaling whose body (2) is terminated in a rectilinear tapered point (8), the free end (10) of the tip (8) being of smaller dimensions than the base (12) the tip (8) connected to the body (2) of the insert (1), the tip (8) being provided on one face (9) with a longitudinal groove (11) opening (112) to the free end (10) of the tip (8) and closed at the opposite end (110), at least the depth (P) of the groove (11) increasing between the free end (10) of the tip (8) and the base (12) of the tip (8), characterized in that the end portion (13) of the tip (8), over a length (L13) of between one and three times the thickness (E) of the free end (10) of the tip (8) is oriented angularly with respect to the portion of the tip receiving the remainder of the groove (11).

2. An insert according to claim 1, characterized in that the length (L13) of the end portion of the tip oriented angularly is close to 1 mm.

3. Inserl according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the length (L) of the groove (11) substantially represents 40% of the length of the tip (8).

4.- Insert according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom of the groove is in the portion (13) of the end tip (8) oriented angularly with respect to the remainder of the groove.

5. - Insert according to claim 4, characterized in that the portion (13) end of the tip (8) forms a stop opposing any translational movement of a member mounted on the tip (8).

6. - Insert according to claim 4, characterized in that the portion (13) end of the tip (8) forms a locking member in position, by wedging, the tip (8) when the latter is inserted into an organ hollow, such as a protective cap or a tip.

7. Insert according to claim 6, characterized in that it is provided with a shaped area adapted to cooperate with a relief (565; 669) located on the inner wall of the hollow member (568; 671).

8. Insert according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a portion of the outer surface of at least the end portion (13) of the tip (8) is rough.

9. - Insert according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one visual wear marking is made in the vicinity of the end (112) of the groove (11) in the thickness of the material under a layer of constituent material of the outer face of the tip.

10. - Insert according to claim 9, characterized in that another visual marking is made in the portion of the tip (8) receiving the groove (11).

11. - Descaling kit comprising at least one insert (1) according to one of the preceding claims, a hollow member (46; 568; 671) and a member for mounting and dismounting (81) of a hollow member (46; 568; 671) on an insert (1).

12. Kit according to claim 11, characterized in that the solid part (462; 562; 662) of the end of the hollow member (46; 568; 671) forms the active part of the insert (1). when the hollow member (46; 568; 671) covers the tip (8) of the insert