Dental handpiece fluid supply technology

A dental fluid delivery system for use with a dental drill is disclosed. The dental fluid delivery system includes a coolant water supply, a drive air line, a water line, and a coolant mist air controller. The coolant water supply unit includes a controller and a water container. The controller has a drive air inlet, a water inlet communicatively connected to the water container, a drive air outlet, and a water outlet. The drive air line is connected to the drive air outlet of the water supply unit. The water line is connected to the water outlet of the water supply unit. The coolant mist air controller is connectable in use to a dental drill. The mist air controller has a drive air inlet, a drive air outlet, a water inlet, a water outlet, and a mist air outlet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS, IF ANY

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX, IF ANY

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates, generally, to dental apparatus and methods. More particularly, the invention relates to dental drills, irrigators and air supplies. Most particularly, the invention relates to a system, apparatus and methods for providing drive, coolant, irrigation liquids, and mist air in a dental handpiece. The techniques of the invention can also be used in other fields such as medical and veterinary medical apparatus and methods.

2. Background Information

Dental hand pieces may provide means for drilling, drilling coolant, irrigation, mist air, air, and combinations thereof.

High speed drills and the like used in preparing teeth for filings and other work require that such equipment be kept at a temperature sufficient to not overheat while in the patient's mouth. High speed drills generate heat from friction as the drill contacts a tooth. Contact with a hot drill could burn delicate oral tissue. To minimize this problem, hand pieces typically utilize a coolant spray or mist, commonly water spray or mist, that encompasses the work area and is emitted from the distal end of the handpiece.

A problem which can occur in apparatus is backflow of saliva, blood, bacteria or other liquids from the mouth of the patient into the reservoir which houses the coolant. Apparatus such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,261,816; 5,261,816 and 4,973,247 may permit a backflow event which may potentially result in contamination of coolant and subsequent transfer of contaminated liquid mixture to patients. Disposable or sterilizable containers disclosed in the latter two patents may aid in avoiding such transfer of contaminated material.

Another potential problem that may occur is excess coolant flow after a handpiece is deactivated. This may cause a poor work field, inconvenience for the dentist, and discomfort for the patient.

Thus, to avoid this problem, mist air is desirable in certain dental procedures. However, mist air, or any air disturbance may embed debris in soft oral tissue. Therefore, coolant/mist should be carefully controlled.

Microbial conditions of compressed air often cannot be completely assured. Thus, when sterile procedures are recommended, mist air should be shut off completely and sterile irrigant (for example water) used in it's place. Some leakage of air may still occur through the turbine bearing on some handpieces. This can be minimized by not having an exhaust tube on the handpiece which improves free flow of air. Alternatively, a handpiece may be run on an inert gas such as Nitrogen.

Some microorganisms, including those found on dental handpieces maybe resistant to chemical disinfection. Therefore, autoclave (heat and pressure) disinfection or sterilization is desirable. A complete handpiece system, including the Handpiece, Water Line and Water/Water Container, that is amenable to autoclave disinfection and use in the sterile zone is desirable. It is particularly beneficial that the entire system be operable by the user with gloves on.

For these and other reasons, a need exists for the present invention.

All US patents and patent applications, and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention provides a dental apparatus and method that is practical, reliable, accurate and efficient, and that is believed to fulfill a need and to constitute an improvement over the background technology.

In one aspect, the invention provides a dental fluid delivery system for use with a dental drill, comprising a coolant water supply, a drive air line, a water line, and a coolant mist air controller. The coolant water supply unit includes a controller and a water container, the water controller having a drive air inlet, a water inlet communicatively connected to the water container, a drive air outlet, and a water outlet. The drive air line is connected to the drive air outlet of the water supply unit. The water line is connected to the water outlet of the water supply unit. The coolant mist air controller is adapted for connection to a dental drill, the mist air controller having a drive air inlet, a drive air outlet, a water inlet, a water outlet, and a mist air outlet.

In another aspect, the invention provides a coolant water supply unit for use with a dental fluid delivery system of a dental drill, comprising a controller having a drive air inlet, a water inlet, a drive air outlet, a water outlet; and a water container connected to the water inlet.

And in a further aspect, the invention provides a coolant mist air controller for use with a dental fluid delivery system of a dental drill, comprising a body adapted for connection to a dental drill, the body having a drive air inlet, a drive air outlet, a water inlet, a water outlet, and a mist air outlet.

The aspects, features, advantages, benefits and objects of the invention will become clear to those skilled in the art by reference to the following description, claims and drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIG. 1, a prior art dental handpiece drive system310is illustrated and includes a prior art coolant delivery system312disposed between a conventional pressurized-gas (air) source (not shown) and a conventional handpiece316and is operated by a conventional, selectively-operable, closable valve activated by a foot pedal (not shown) as known in the art. The pressurized-gas line318has two branches322,324, with the first branch322thereof leading directly to the handpiece316to thereby operate a conventional turbine drive in the handpiece as known in the art within the handpiece316. The second branch324of the pressurized-gas line318leads to the coolant delivery system312for pressurization of coolant therein and ultimate delivery therefrom through a conduit326to the handpiece316. The coolant delivery system312includes a pressurized-gas distribution structure328and a removable reservoir330where coolant, for example water, is housed. Desired coolant flow volume from the reservoir330can be regulated by a conventional hand-operable screw clamp closure334, as known in the art, placed on the conduit326. Coolant flow volume is usually calibrated by the dentist who sets the screw clamp closure334for desired coolant flow at maximum turbine drive magnitude. In this manner, flow volume is reduced at lower turbine speed and increases to maximum flow velocity when the turbine drive is operated at fall speed. The coolant delivery system312can be mounted to a stand, work table or the like for convenient placement near a patient.

FIGS. 2 and 3show the prior art pressurized-gas distribution structure328and reservoir330in section. The structure328is constructed of an upper piece329and a lower piece331secured to each other by conventional screws. An entry port336accepts the second branch324of the pressurized-gas line318and permits gas, for example air, entry into a pressurized-gas entry chamber338when the foot pedal is activated by the dentist. The structure328is provided with a first passage344leading from the chamber338to the reservoir330; a second passage346leading from the reservoir330back to the chamber338; and a third passage348leading to the exterior via an exit port350. The cross-section dimension (diameter) of the first passage344is here shown at about one-third the cross-section dimension of the entry chamber338so that a Venturi effect occurs to thereby increase gas pressure entering the reservoir330. The cross-section dimension of the first passage344is no greater than about 50%, typically between 25% and 50%, of the diameter of the entry chamber338so that gas entering the reservoir330is adequately pressurized. The cross-section dimension of the second passage346is larger than that of the first passage344. A flexible circular membrane342, typically constructed of silicone rubber and secured in place at its border between the upper piece329and lower piece331of the structure328, overlays the openings of the second and third passages346,348in the chamber338. The reservoir330can directly house coolant. Coolant352can also be disposed within a flexible and collapsible bladder354from which the conduit326extends. The bladder354and conduit326may be disposable, be of one-piece construction, and be provided to the dentist with coolant352in place therein. The dentist then removes the reservoir30from the structure328and places the bladder354within the reservoir330after guiding the conduit326out the bottom of the reservoir330. Thereafter, the reservoir is once again secured to the gas distribution structure328and the coolant352within the bladder354has not been subjected to possible contamination. The amount of coolant is preferably from about 30 to 50 ml. Attachment of the reservoir330to the gas distribution structure328can be by any suitable means as would be recognized in the art to achieve an air-tight fit. The reservoir30is constructed as a conventional syringe body having opposing laterally-extending flanges356which fit within laterally opposing complimentary horizontal retainer grooves358at the base of the gas distribution structure328. The reservoir330is thereafter positioned so that a quarter-turn rotation of the reservoir30locks the reservoir in place.

In operation, when pressurized gas enters the chamber338via the entry port336, it is immediately diverted downwardly as illustrated by the arrows inFIG. 3to strike the top surface of the flexible membrane342to force the membrane342against the openings of the second and third passages346,348and thereby close these passages. The gas flows through the first passage344into the reservoir330where it pressurizes the reservoir for resultant coolant exit into and through the conduit326and delivery to the handpiece316. Because the second and third passages346,348are blocked by the membrane342while gas is flowing, the reservoir is maintained in a pressurized state.

Referring toFIG. 4, a preferred embodiment of the dental handpiece fluid supply system of the invention is shown. The system includes a mist air controller80operatively connected to a conventional handpiece50, and a liquid coolant or water supply unit51. A liquid coolant (typically water) supply hose53and a gas (typically air) supply hose52extend from the liquid coolant supply unit51to the mist air controller80. A pressurized gas (also typically air) hose extends from a conventional gas supply means (not shown), typically a foot controller and a compressor. The system components can all be placed in an autoclave or the like for sterilization.

Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, a preferred embodiment of the liquid coolant supply unit51includes a fluid controller10, a container11, and optional hanger60. The container11preferably has a bottle configuration and holds a predetermined quantity of liquid, preferably sterile water. In the example shown, the container11holds approximately 4.0 oz. (118.3 ml.) of liquid. The container11preferably has a threaded top or neck12, which connects with a threaded receiver24on the connector10. The controller10controls the distribution or delivery of fluids, gasses and liquids. It has a gas input fitting43which connects with the gas supply line15. Preferably, fitting43is a quick connect fitting which mates with the optional, intermediary, hanger60, and the hanger60is connected to the gas supply line15. The hanger60preferably has a quick connect fitting which complements the fitting43of the controller10. Hose fitting63connects with the line15. Curved arm61connects to a standard dental tool holder (not shown). Hose line15connects to an air supply or foot controller (not shown) via a fitting64. Controller10further includes a gas exit fitting46and a liquid exit fitting31. Liquid flow adjuster screw55is disposed in the top of the connector10for regulating the flow of coolant liquid to the handset drill50. Screw55has a hand knob at its top which is exposed for manual manipulation by the user, a threaded portion below the knob that is seated in threaded bore47, and a tapered bottom that is adjustably disposed in bore27to vary the size of the opening to exit bore30. This sterile arrangement is easy to hold, manipulate and adjust by a gloved user.

As is best shown inFIG. 6, the liquid coolant supply controller10is preferably constructed of a bottom member or base20and a top member or cap21which are operatively attached to each other. A diaphragm22is disposed between bottom connection surface41of the top member21and the top connection surface26of the bottom member22.

Referring also toFIGS. 7 and 8, the bottom member or base20has a body23constructed of a rigid material, preferably a metal such as stainless steel, and has a generally cylindrical configuration. In the embodiment shown, the bottom member21has a diameter of about 0.400 in. and a width or thickness of 0.345 in; at its widest aspect, the periphery of the cylinder. The threaded receiver24is disposed centrally in the bottom of the member20. Bore27extends vertically (as shown in the drawing) from the end of the threaded receiver24to the top surface26. Bore30extends substantially at a right angle (horizontally with respect to the drawing) from the side of the body23to the bore27and functions in cooperation with bore27to permit egress of liquid from container11. Hose fitting28is disposed at the bottom end of the bore27for connection of a predetermined length of hose29. Hose29preferably extends substantially the length of container11and is for facilitating egress of liquid therefrom. O-ring36is disposed about the top of the bore27. Bore33is disposed to the side of bore27and extends vertically (again with respect to the drawing) from the end of receiver24to the top surface26. Annular bore34is disposed a predetermine depth coaxially with respect to bore33. Exhaust port35extends substantially at a right angle (horizontally in the drawing) from annular bore34to exhaust at the side of the body23.

The top member or cap21has bottom connection surface41which mates with the top connection surface26of bottom member20, with the diaphragm22disposed therebetween. The top member21and bottom member20are preferably connected by bolts or screws. Top member21has a body40constructed of a rigid material which is the same as or complementary to that of bottom member20, preferably a metal such as stainless steel. Top member21also has a generally cylindrical configuration. In the embodiment shown, the top member21has a diameter equal to that of the bottom member20. Bore47extends vertically (as shown in the drawing) through the body40from a bottom connection surface41to the its top surface. Bore47has a diameter which is preferably equal to that of bore27in bottom member20. Bore44extends horizontally (with respect to the drawing) through the body and functions to permit passage of air through the connector10. Bore48is communicatively connected to bore44and extends downwardly therefrom to exit at bottom connection surface41where it is aligned for communicative connection with bore32of bottom member20. Thus, air passing through bore44may be used to pressurize the interior of container11as described further below. Bore48preferably has a diameter equal to that of bore32of bottom member20. Fitting43(with connection nut42) is disposed at one end of the bore44for connection to an adapter or directly to an air supply or air supply hose. Hose fitting46with connection nut45is disposed at the opposite end of the bore44. Bore49is disposed to the side of bore47and extends substantially at a right angle (vertically with respect to the drawing) from bore44to the bottom connection surface41. In this embodiment, bore49has a top portion with a diameter sufficient to hold the water supply bottle11, and a bottom portion with a diameter equal to the outside diameter of annular bore34in bottom member20. The diameter and thickness or height of the bottom portion of the bore49is sufficient to permit deflection of the diaphragm22.

In operation, pressurized gas (typically air) from line15(typically under control of a foot pedal or the like) enters horizontal first bore or channel44of the controller10and flows through it to gas line52, attached to fitting46, to provide air to turn the turbine on handset drill50. At the same time, the pressurized gas flowing through bore44enters vertical second bore or channel48/32to chamber24and into the interior of container11. The input gas pressurizes the container11and causes contained liquid (water) to flow out of the container11up hose29through vertical third bore47/27to horizontal fourth bore or channel30and exit via liquid line53attached to fitting31. Simultaneously, pressurized gas in bore44flows into vertical fifth bore or channel49and deflects membrane22sealingly downwardly to block sixth bore33for sealing and maintaining a pressurized state in container11. Adjuster55may be manipulated by the user to turn on/off and vary the flow of liquid coolant from the coolant controller10.

When the flow of pressurized gas ceases, for example via foot pedal actuation, pressure from gas in fifth bore49ceases to push membrane22downwardly. This permits pressure in the chamber11to deflect membrane22upwardly. Pressure in the chamber11then exits annular port34and out to the atmosphere via exhaust vent35. This shuts off the flow of liquid coolant in synchronization with cessation of turbine gas.

Referring toFIGS. 9-15, the mist air controller80controls mixing of turbine air and liquid (water) from the liquid supply unit10to create mist air for cooling the drill or dental handpiece50. The mist air controller80utilizes standard turbine drive air and does not require a separate air system. It is therefore easily sterilizable. It has a body81constructed of a rigid material, preferably a metal such as stainless steel, and has a generally cylindrical configuration. The threaded handpiece receiver82is disposed one side of the controller80and is connectable to a standard dental handpiece as shown for example inFIG. 4. The dental handpiece50has a burr tool that is driven by air input from the controller80to the burr turbine. Turbine air is input and exhausted as described further below via the mating of complementary ports. The dental handpiece50also has a water output, air output and light outputs which are communicatively connected to the controller80by complementary ports that are also described in more detail below. During use of the handpiece, a water stream can be added and impact the burr for cooling and for removing debris from the work site. Coolant air (mist air) can be added to turn the stream into a forceful spray.

Drive or turbine air supply port83extends longitudinally as a bore or channel in the body81from the end of the threaded receiver82(output end) to the opposite end (input end). Hose fitting85is disposed at the input end of the bore83for connection to drive air supply52in hose39. Drive or turbine air exhaust port88extends longitudinally as a bore or channel from the output end to the input end of the body81. Hose fitting99is disposed at the input end of the bore88for connection to the drive air exhaust channel54of hose39.

Water port84extends longitudinally through the body81from the end of receiver82to the opposite end. Hose fitting86is disposed at the input end of the bore84for connection to liquid supply53of hose39.

Mist air port97extends longitudinally as a bore or channel from the end of the receiver82, a predetermined distance through the body81towards the input end. Bore or channel87extends generally transversely from the drive air supply bore83to communicatively couple with mist air bore97. Mist air flow adjuster91is disposed in the mist air controller80for regulating the flow of mist air to the handset drill50via mist air port97. Adjuster91comprises a screw95and a nut92. Screw95has a knurled hand knob94at its top which is exposed for manual manipulation by the user. Screw95has a threaded portion below the knob94that is disposed through the nut92which is seated in bore90. Screw95has a tapered bottom portion96that is adjustably disposed to vary the size of the aperture and control mist air flow from port97. O-ring93is preferably disposed at the bottom of bore90. This sterile arrangement is easy to hold, manipulate and adjust by a gloved user.

Light port100, for example a fiber optic arrangement, extends longitudinally from the end of the threaded receiver82to the input end of the body81.

In operation, pressurized air from line52(via liquid coolant controller51and other associated dental apparatus) enters drive air input bore83and flows through it to drill50, attached to fitting82, to provide air to turn the drill turbine. With this controller80, drive air flowing through bore83may also enter mist air bore87. Adjuster91may be manipulated by the user to turn on/off and vary the flow of the mist air. Water flows into water input bore84and to the handpiece50to impact the handpiece burr without or without mist air.

The embodiments above are chosen, described and illustrated so that persons skilled in the art will be able to understand the invention and the manner and process of making and using it. The descriptions and the accompanying drawings should be interpreted in the illustrative and not the exhaustive or limited sense. The invention is not intended to be limited to the exact forms disclosed. While the application attempts to disclose all of the embodiments of the invention that are reasonably foreseeable, there may be unforeseeable insubstantial modifications that remain as equivalents. It should be understood by persons skilled in the art that there may be other embodiments than those disclosed which fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Where a claim, if any, is expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function it is intended that such claim be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof, including both structural equivalents and equivalent structures, material-based equivalents and equivalent materials, and act-based equivalents and equivalent acts.