Multi-Aperture Aerosol Extractor and Retractor

A device, and method of using same, to evacuate aerosols generated proximate to teeth of a patient during dental procedures, including a central housing having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end defines a proximal housing opening and the distal end defines a distal housing opening having a first open area. The housing defines (i) at least one housing side port on each side of the housing and (ii) at least one internal passage in fluid communication with the distal housing opening, the proximal housing opening, and the housing side ports. The proximal end of the housing is shaped to be connectable to a conduit for a source of negative pressure. The device further includes a right-side cheek retractor and a left-side cheek retractor, each retractor defining a concave buccal-side surface, a convex oral-side surface, a retractor chamber, and at least a first arc of retractor openings (i) positioned along a portion of the oral-side surface, (ii) communicating with the retractor chamber, and (iii) having a first distribution of total open area along that retractor. A right-side arm extends between the housing and the right-side cheek retractor to support the right-side cheek retractor at a substantially fixed distance from the housing, and a left-side arm extends between the housing and the left-side cheek retractor to support the left-side cheek retractor at a substantially fixed distance from the housing. At least one right-side passageway connects one of the housing side ports with the retractor chamber of the right-side cheek retractor, and at least one left-side passageway connecting one of the housing side ports with the retractor chamber of the left-side cheek retractor.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to retractors for dentistry and more particularly to combination devices which also provide multi-port aspiration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A common challenge in dentistry is to provide a dry-field isolation of the operative field. The lips, cheeks, and tongue often interfere with good dental operative technique. In addition, the mouth is full of saliva, operative debris, fluid, and aerosol which must be removed. Most importantly, the oral cavity is a reservoir for bacteria, viruses, and oral pathogens. With the advent of the COVID-19 virus, infection control and aerosol management has moved to the forefront of dentistry.

Many dental devices have been invented in attempts to solve the oral tissue retraction issue. A combined mouth retractor and saliva remover is disclosed by Gelarie in U.S. Pat. No. 3,455,024. Rhoades discloses a jaw rest and ejector in U.S. Pat. No. 4,802,851. Schoolman et al. describe a collector placed around the exterior of lips of a patient. An oral isolation device with evacuation chambers is discussed by Costello in U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,772. Boada et al. describe an auxiliary dental device in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2019/0365214A1. However, the oral aerosol evacuation issue has not been adequately addressed by such devices.

Dental offices are already well-equipped in high-volume evacuation (“HVE”) in the form of conventional saliva ejectors. However, using only a saliva ejector is not sufficient in aerosol control. The ability to catch and remove aerosols at the source makes the whole office a safer and healthier place for team members and patients. Putting together both tissue retraction and aerosol control would be a very successful tool for aerosol control. Dental professionals play an important role in the prevention of transmission of COVID-19. Coronaviruses are airborne viruses. Many studies show that the ultrasonic scaler can be the most dangerous aerosol emission producer. In addition, many dental hygienists work solo and are not able to use HVE system by themselves. The use of HVE has been shown to reduce contamination at the operative site by more than 90%.

Some known devices serve both as a cheek retractor and an HVE source, but with limitations. Some devices contain only one large HVE port at the base of each device. Many studies have indicated that single-source HVE is inadequate for aerosol management.

Numerous studies have shown that using only one HVE opening in a device (“pinpoint HVE suction”) does not provide adequate aerosol control. These studies also show that having HVE located 6-15 mm from the work zone, the source of aerosol, can provide adequate aerosol control. “Pinpoint HVE suction,” through a single orifice, leaves large areas of the oral cavity without HVE coverage, as most molars being treated by the dentist are outside of the 6-15 mm window of coverage.

There are benefits to utilizing a single-use device which does not cause any damage to the oral cavity or to the surrounding tissue. A single-use device provides patient safety and results in no exposure to pathogens via cross-contamination among patients. No maintenance or cleaning of the single-use device is required.

It is therefore desirable to create a device which is multi-faceted, one that provides mechanical retraction of the oral tissues and also removes pathogen-laden aerosols and fluids.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-purpose device which serves as a lip and cheek retractor, optimizes the size and isolation of the operating field, and successfully evacuates aerosol, fluids, and other operative debris.

Another object of the invention is to keep the operative field dry without causing damage or irritation to oral tissues.

Yet another object of the invention is to enable a single practitioner, working solo, to effectively control air quality at the source during dental work.

This invention results from the realization that arranging multiple HVE (“high-speed evacuation” or “high-volume evacuation”) holes around the periphery of a cheek retractor portion of an improved dental device can effectively control aerosols while utilizing a single conventional source of negative pressure. It is the size, distribution, and arrangement of these HVE holes which provide the significant reduction of aerosols and serve as a key differentiating factor from previous designs. The present invention utilizes “broad sweep suction” as the most effective aerosol mitigation method and achieves optimum air control by installing openings substantially all around the periphery of the device. By arranging these openings in various sizes, such as from smallest to largest size approaching a central distal opening, we can achieve equalized suction around the entire oral cavity—not just in one location. Preferably, there will be no portion of the oral cavity left outside of an optimum 6-15 mm window of coverage.

This invention features a device, and method of using same, suitable for evacuating aerosols generated proximate to teeth of a patient during dental procedures, including a central housing having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end defines a proximal housing opening and the distal end defines a distal housing opening having a first open area. The housing defines (i) at least one housing side port on each side of the housing and (ii) at least one internal passage in fluid communication with the distal housing opening, the proximal housing opening, and the housing side ports. The proximal end of the housing is shaped to be connectable to a conduit for a source of negative pressure. The device further includes a right-side cheek retractor and a left-side cheek retractor, each retractor defining a concave buccal-side (cheek-side) surface, a convex oral-side (tongue-side) surface, a retractor chamber, and at least a first arc of retractor openings (i) positioned along a portion of the oral-side surface, (ii) communicating with the retractor chamber, and (iii) having a first distribution of total open area along that retractor. A right-side arm extends between the housing and the right-side cheek retractor to support the right-side cheek retractor at a substantially fixed right-side distance from the housing, and a left-side arm extends between the housing and the left-side cheek retractor to support the left-side cheek retractor at a substantially fixed left-side distance from the housing. At least one right-side passageway connects one of the housing side ports with the retractor chamber of the right-side cheek retractor, and at least one left-side passageway connecting one of the housing side ports with the retractor chamber of the left-side cheek retractor.

In some embodiments, at least one of the right-side passageway and/or the left-side passageway is defined by tubing such as flexible polymeric tubing which is placeable proximate to the respective arm. In other embodiments, at least one of the right-side passageway and/or the left-side passageway is defined by the right-side arm and/or the left-side arm, respectively; in other words, at least one of the arms may be hollow or otherwise contain the respective passageway.

In certain embodiments, (i) the oral-side surface of each cheek retractor includes (a) an inner portion positionable toward the pharynx of the patient, (b) an outer portion positionable toward a practitioner, and (c) a middle portion disposed between the inner portion and the outer portion, and (ii) the first arc of retractor openings extends along at least one of the outer portion and the middle portion of the oral-side surface of each cheek retractor. In a number of embodiments, at least one of the arcs of retractor openings has openings that occur in a selected progression, such as decreasing in size progressing away from the distal housing opening, such as an arc of “descending” openings having progressively smaller open areas. In some embodiments, the device further includes a second arc of retractor openings positionable closer to the pharynx of the patient and having a second distribution of total open area along that retractor that is smaller than the first distribution of total open area along that retractor. In one embodiment, the second arc of retractor openings extends along the inner portion of the oral-side surface of each cheek retractor

This invention further features a method of evacuating aerosols including selecting a device as described above, positioning the device such that the buccal-side surface of the right-side cheek retractor contacts a left cheek of the patient and the buccal-side surface of the left-side cheek retractor contacts a right cheek of the patient, with the distal housing opening positioned below the mouth of the patient, and applying negative pressure to the proximal housing opening to evacuate aerosols, generated proximate to the teeth of the patient during a dental procedure, through the retractor openings and the distal housing opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This invention may be accomplished by a device, and method of using same, suitable for evacuating aerosols generated proximate to teeth of a patient during dental procedures, including a central housing having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end defines a proximal housing opening and the distal end defines a distal housing opening having a first open area. The housing defines (i) at least one housing side port on each side of the housing and (ii) at least one internal passage in fluid communication with the distal housing opening, the proximal housing opening, and the housing side ports. The proximal end of the housing is shaped to be connectable to a conduit for a source of negative pressure. The device further includes a right-side cheek retractor and a left-side cheek retractor, each retractor defining a concave buccal-side surface, a convex oral-side surface, a retractor chamber, and at least a first arc of retractor openings (i) positioned along a portion of the oral-side surface, (ii) communicating with the retractor chamber, and (iii) having a first distribution of total open area along that retractor. A right-side arm extends between the housing and the right-side cheek retractor to support the right-side cheek retractor at a substantially fixed right-side distance from the housing, and a left-side arm extends between the housing and the left-side cheek retractor to support the left-side cheek retractor at a substantially fixed left-side distance from the housing. At least one right-side passageway connects one of the housing side ports with the retractor chamber of the right-side cheek retractor, and at least one left-side passageway connecting one of the housing side ports with the retractor chamber of the left-side cheek retractor.

The term “effective” as utilized herein refers to an actual parameter experienced during use of a device according to the present invention, such as an “effective barrier” that prevents at least ninety-five percent (95%) of aerosols from escaping past the device during dental procedures.

The term “evacuation” includes aspiration by negative pressure of gases, liquids including blood and saliva, debris including pieces of dental plaque and bodily tissues loosened during hygienic and/or surgical procedures, and aerosols. The rate of evacuation, also referred to as “airflow”, is typically measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute).

The term “HVE source” as utilized herein refers to a source of negative pressure that can withdraw by evacuation at least one-hundred (100) CFM (cubic feet per minute) of air during HVE (“high-speed evacuation” or “high-volume evacuation”) operation.

The terms “left” and “right” as utilized herein refers to an orientation of a device according to the present invention as viewed by a practitioner. For example, a “left-side cheek retractor” will engage the right cheek of a patient.

The term “open area” as utilized herein refers to the overall orifice size of a single opening or of a set of openings, depending on context, and includes the area of irregularly-shaped and non-circular openings including holes and apertures through which air and aerosols may pass.

The term “practitioner” as utilized herein includes healthcare professionals such as dental hygienists and/or persons having a degree of Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Doctor of Dental Medicine, Doctor of Dental Surgery, and/or Doctor of Medicine.

The term “substantially” as utilized herein encompasses deviations of up to ten percent, such as a retractor being at “a substantially fixed distance from the housing” encompassing deviations up to ten percent distance from each other. As another example, “substantially facing a longitudinal axis” encompasses angles of 80 degrees up to 100 degrees, that is, plus or minus ten degrees, relative to a radial line or a lateral line that is perpendicular to that longitudinal axis, or relative to a plane containing that longitudinal axis.

Device100,FIGS. 1A-6B, has a central housing102having a proximal end104and a distal end106. The proximal end104defines a proximal housing opening105and the distal end106defines a distal housing opening107having a first open area. The housing102defines (i) at least one housing side port110,112on each side of the housing and (ii) at least one internal passage114in fluid communication with the distal housing opening107, the proximal housing opening105, and the housing side ports110,112. The proximal end104of the housing is shaped to be connectable, such as by having an outer cylindrical sleeve surface103, to a conduit for a source of negative pressure such as a vacuum pump unit to serve as a HVE source.

The device100further includes a right-side cheek retractor120and a left-side cheek retractor140. Each retractor120,140defines a concave buccal-side surface122,142, respectively, and a convex oral-side surface124,144, respectively, also referred to herein as lingual-side surface124,144because it is closer to the tongue of the patient. The oral-side surface124,144of each cheek retractor includes an inner portion164,184positionable toward the pharynx of the patient, an inwardly-facing middle portion163,183, and an outer portion162,182, respectively, positionable toward a practitioner. Middle portions163,183substantially face each other and face a longitudinal axis LA,FIG. 2C, that is, each middle portion lies substantially in a plane that contains longitudinal axis LA and distal housing opening107.

Each retractor120,140defines a retractor chamber126,146, such as shown in dashed lines inFIG. 2C, and at least a first arc166,186of retractor openings (i) positioned along one of the portions162,163,164and182,183,184of the oral-side surface124,144, (ii) communicating with the retractor chamber126,146, and (iii) having a first distribution of total open area along that retractor120,140, respectively.

A right-side arm130extends between the housing102and the right-side cheek retractor120to support the right-side cheek retractor120at a substantially fixed right-side distance from the housing102, and a left-side arm150extends between the housing102and the left-side cheek retractor140to support the left-side cheek retractor140at a substantially fixed left-side distance from the housing102. In some constructions, the left-side and right-side fixed distances are substantially the same distance. At least one right-side passageway similar to passageway128a,FIG. 8, connects the housing side port110,FIGS. 1A-6B, with connector129for the retractor chamber126of the right-side cheek retractor120, and at least one left-side passageway similar to passageway148a,FIG. 8, connects the housing side port112,FIGS. 1A-6B, with the retractor chamber146of the left-side cheek retractor140. In this construction, separate tubing (seeFIG. 8for right and left tubing TR, TL) defines a portion of the passageways128a,148a.In other constructions, such as described below in relation toFIGS. 9A-14B, the passageways are integral with at least one arm.

In certain constructions, the first arc166,186of retractor openings168,188extends along the outer portion162,182of the oral-side surface124,144of each cheek retractor120,140. In other constructions, the first arc of retractor openings extends along the middle portion, such as described below for arcs163a,183a,FIGS. 7A-8. In some constructions, the device further includes a second arc170,190of retractor openings172,192positionable closer to the pharynx of the patient and having a second distribution of total open area along that retractor that is smaller than the first distribution of total open area along that retractor. In one embodiment, the second arc170,190of retractor openings extends along the inner portion164,184of the oral-side surface124,144of each cheek retractor120,140. In yet other constructions, holes of an arc alternative between two portions, such as alternating between the outer portion and the middle portion of at least one cheek retractor.

Suitable materials for housing102and retractors120,140include single-use, biocompatible polyethylene and polycarbonate materials, especially if materials for retractors120,140and arms130,150are formulated to be substantially resilient to return quickly to original shape after force is applied, especially to resist bending of support arms relative to the central housing such that cheeks of a patient remain retracted throughout a dental procedure.

FIGS. 7A-8illustrate an alternative device100aaccording to the present invention having raised, inwardly-facing middle sections165a,185aof middle portions163a,183a,respectively, to define arcs166aand186aof openings. Device100ahas a central housing102ahaving a proximal end104aand a distal end106a.The proximal end104adefines a proximal housing opening105aand the distal end106adefines a distal housing opening107ahaving a first open area. The housing102adefines (i) at least one housing side port110a,112aon each side of the housing and (ii) at least one internal passage114ain fluid communication with the distal housing opening107a,the proximal housing opening105a,and the housing side ports110a,112a.The proximal end104aof the housing is shaped to be connectable, such as by having an outer cylindrical sleeve surface103a,to a conduit for a source of negative pressure, particularly to a HVE source.

The device100afurther includes a right-side cheek retractor120aand a left-side cheek retractor140a.Each retractor120a,140adefines a concave buccal-side surface122a,142a,respectively, and a convex oral-side surface124a,144a.The oral-side surface124a,144aof each cheek retractor includes an inner portion164a,184apositionable toward the pharynx of the patient, a middle portion163a,183a,and an outer portion162a,182a,respectively, positionable toward a practitioner. Middle portions163a,183asubstantially face a longitudinal axis LAa,FIG. 7C, that is, each middle portion lies substantially in a plane containing that longitudinal axis LAa and distal housing opening107a.

In this construction, each retractor120a,140adefines a retractor chamber126a,146a,such as shown in dashed lines inFIG. 7C, and only a first arc166a,186aof retractor openings (i) positioned along only middle portion163aand183aof the oral-side surface124a,144a,(ii) communicating with the retractor chamber126a,146a,and (iii) having a first distribution of total open area along that retractor120a,140a,respectively.

A right-side arm130aextends between the housing102aand the right-side cheek retractor120ato support the right-side cheek retractor120aat a substantially fixed right-side distance from the housing102a,and a left-side arm150aextends between the housing102aand the left-side cheek retractor140ato support the left-side cheek retractor140aat a substantially fixed left-side distance from the housing102a.At least one right-side passageway connects the housing side port110awith connector129afor the retractor chamber126aof the right-side cheek retractor120a,and at least one left-side passageway connects the housing side port112awith the retractor chamber146aof the left-side cheek retractor140a.In this construction, the right-side passageway and the left-side passageway are defined by separate right and left tubing TR, TL,FIG. 8, such as flexible polymeric tubing which is placeable proximate to the respective arm130a,150a,FIGS. 7A-8.

When connected to a standard dental HVE suction source, device100a,FIG. 8, preferably removes upwards of 90% of the aerosol, and hence viral pathogens, generated by dental operative or hygiene procedures. In some constructions, the bottom orifice of the device100ais connected to a typical plastic dental HVE suction tip. The suction tip can be shortened if necessary, with scissors.

Proper use of the device100ais critical for safe and effective dental treatment in the era of COVID-19. This device should only be used by, or under direct supervision of, a trained and licensed dental professional, referred to herein as a practitioner.

In one construction, at least the cheek retractors120a,140aare both sufficiently flexible and resilient to enable the practitioner to gently compress the retractor portions and insert them the patient's mouth, between upper jaw UJ and lower jaw LJ as illustrated inFIG. 8, after connection of the proximal end of device100ato the HVE suction source. The lips of the patient are gently retracted by carefully releasing the cheek retractors120a,140a,which opens the operative field for access by the practitioner. Only then the dental HVE be started, slowly ramping up to full strength. In some constructions, the device comes with adjustable suction orifice plugs, which the dentist or hygienist can add or remove in order to obtain optimal aerosol suction.

Once finished with the dental procedure, please remove the device from the patient's mouth. Please discard the suction device, the plastic HVE tip, and any adjusting plugs. Multiple uses of the device is not recommended.

Yet another alternative construction according to the present invention, device200,FIGS. 9A-14B, has at least one of the right-side passageway and/or the left-side passageway defined by the right-side arm230and/or the left-side arm250, respectively; in other words, at least one of the arms may be hollow or otherwise contain the respective passageway. Flat section231may serve as a strut to add further support to arms230,250. Section231may also serve as a rest or stop against the lower lip or chin of a patient.

Device200has a central housing202having a proximal end204and a distal end206. The proximal end204defines a proximal housing opening205and the distal end206defines a distal housing opening207having a first open area. The housing202defines at least one housing side port210,212on each side of the housing within arms230,250in this construction, such as ports210and212indicated in phantom inFIGS. 10B and 13B. The housing202also defines at least one internal passage214in fluid communication with the distal housing opening207, the proximal housing opening205, and the housing side ports210,212. The proximal end204of the housing is shaped to be connectable, such as by having an outer cylindrical sleeve surface203, to a conduit for a source of negative pressure, particularly to a HVE source.

The device200further includes a right-side cheek retractor220and a left-side cheek retractor240. Each retractor220,240defines a concave buccal-side surface222,242, respectively, and a convex oral-side surface224,244, respectively. The oral-side surface224,244of each cheek retractor includes an inner portion264,284positionable toward the pharynx of the patient, a middle portion263,283, and an outer portion262,282, respectively, positionable toward a practitioner.

Each retractor220,240defines a retractor chamber226,246, and at least a first arc266,286of, retractor openings: (i) positioned along one of the portions262,263,264and282,283,284of the oral-side surface224,244, respectively; (ii) communicating with the retractor chamber226,246, respectively; and (iii) having a first distribution of total open area along that retractor220,240, respectively. In some constructions, the device further includes a second arc270,290of retractor openings positionable closer to the pharynx of the patient and having a second distribution of total open area along that retractor that is smaller than the first distribution of total open area along that retractor. In one embodiment, the second arc270,290of retractor openings extends along the inner portion264,284of the oral-side surface224,244of each cheek retractor220,240.

FIG. 15is a schematic top view of a device according to the present invention defining a distal opening307and having a left-side retractor310defining an arc312of “ascending” openings314,316,318,320,322having progressively larger open areas and a right-side retractor410defining an arc412of “descending” openings414,416,418,420,422having progressively smaller open areas.

In some alternative constructions according to the present invention, at least one opening has an open area that is selectively adjustable, such as by providing at least one plug440,FIG. 15B, that is selectively deployable to decrease the size of, or totally occlude, the open area of at least one opening450. In another construction, a single-use punch-out460,FIG. 15Chaving score lines SC extending partially through a retractor wall, is depressed to reveal or enlarge the opening. In yet other constructions, one or more slidable or rotatable orifice adjustments are provided for selective adjustment of effective open area.

A polymeric central housing prototype500,FIG. 16, was 3D printed (made by additive manufacturing) with proximal and distal openings505,507and opposing side ports510,512. An adaptor (not shown) was made to connect tubing from the proximal opening505to a shop vacuum (ShopVac negative pressure equipment, six-gallon capacity, 3.0 HP motor,143CFM). Most dental HVE systems have a lower rating of around 100 CFM.

The side ports510,512on the central housing prototype500,FIG. 16, were connected to a pair of tubing520,540to represent cheek retractors with openings according to the present invention for testing purposes. The tubing length on the prototype500matches the length of the arms and the tubing connection for device100a,FIGS. 7A-8. Arms530,550,FIG. 16, were added to central housing502to support middle portions of tubing520,540, respectively. Plugs513514were placed in the distal openings of the tubing520,540, respectively. Inner diameters ID and circular cross-sectional areas are listed in Table 1:

FIG. 17depicts known preferred relationships among cross-sectional areas of branching passageways, beginning with primary central passageway A which branches into secondary passageways B1and B2. In turn, secondary passageway B1branches into tertiary passageways C1and C2, while secondary passageway B2branches into tertiary passageways. C3and C4. Preferably, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of each branch should be equal to or greater than the cross-sectional areas of the proceeding branches; the minimum “equal to” relationship is expressed by Equation 1:

Inner diameters ID for the 3D printed central housing prototype500,FIG. 16, including ports510,512and tubing520,540, were chosen to minimize restrictions in branching passageways therein as shown above in Table 1.

For Example 1, the central housing and a continuous aerosolizer501were placed on test stands and spaced from each other at a distance D as schematically illustrated inFIGS. 18A-18C. A reservoir of water with blue-color food-grade dye was connected to the aerosolizer501. The central distal hole507of the central housing502was 9 mm in diameter. This 9 mm ID is equivalent to the ID of the distal opening of a standard HVE tip. Therefore, the central housing502was utilized without added tubing as a baseline sample to represent conventional HVE devices. The tubing adapter ports510,512were plugged for “conventional” use as shown inFIG. 18Awith aerosolizer501generating aerosol clouds508A,508Eand508CinFIGS. 18A-C, respectively. Tests were conducted at two distances D of 5.5 inches and 12 inches.

Three patterns were tested where the combined cross-sectional area was lower than that of the proceeding branches confirm that this pattern is less effective, as listed in the last three rows in Table 2 below. Preferably, the combined cross-sectional area of the holes should be greater than the combined cross-sectional area of the proceeding branch (≥0.098 in2).

It was determined that, for an arc of constant-diameter holes, suction power decreases distally along the length of the arms. For an arc of ascending diameter holes, increasing the diameter along the length of the arms increases CFM but decreases suction power towards the end of the arms; as shown inFIG. 18B, a portion of aerosol cloud508Bescaped past the tubing520,540. By comparison, for an arc of descending diameter holes, decreasing the diameter along the length of the arms decreases CFM but increases suction power along the length of the arms, which improves aerosol capture as represented by captured aerosol cloud508c,FIG. 18C.

In summary, a descending hole pattern, proceeding distally along the cheek retractors, was found to be more effective at capturing aerosol than having a constant hole size or an ascending hole pattern. When an aerosol cloud is focused and non-dispersed, the descending hole pattern performed comparably to a conventional HVE device. However, when the aerosol cloud is larger and more dispersed, which is more likely to occur with actual patients, then the descending hole pattern performed better than the HVE-equivalent as tested.

TABLE 2Hole Patterns tested and their cross-sectional areasCrossSectionalPatternAreaHoleTypeDescription(in{circumflex over ( )}2)QuantityAscendingHoles were 2-5 mm, increasing 0.50.1137mm along the length of the arm sothe largest hole is at the top. Theholes were spaced evenly.3.5 mm3.5 mm holes were spaced evenly0.1047holesalong the arms.DescendingHoles were 2-5 mm, decreasing 0.50.1137mm along the length of the arm sothe smallest hole is at the top. Theholes were spaced evenly.DescendingHoles were 3-5 mm, decreasing 0.50.1005mm along the length of the arm sothe smallest hole is at the top. Theholes were spaced evenly.5 mm5 mm holes were spaced evenly0.0913holesalong the arm.5 mm5 mm holes were spaced evenly0.0612holesalong the arm. The bottom holewas plugged.5 mm5 mm holes were spaced evenly0.0301holesalong the arm. The two bottomholes were plugged.

It is currently preferred to have openings in a descending hole pattern, with holes positioned toward the middle portion of each cheek retractor.

A list of reference numerals utilized to describe device100,FIGS. 1A-6B, is provided below. Equivalent numerals utilized in other Figures represent equivalent features unless indicated otherwise.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

102central housing
103outer cylindrical sleeve surface
104proximal end
105proximal housing opening
106distal end
107distal housing opening having a first open area
110right-side housing side port
112left-side housing side port
114internal passage of housing102
120right-side cheek retractor
122concave buccal-side surface
124convex oral-side surface
162outer portion of124positionable toward a practitioner
163middle portion of124
164inner portion of124positionable toward the pharynx of the patient
166first arc of openings168
168openings of first arc166
170second arc of openings172
172openings of second arc170
126retractor chamber
129connector
130right-side arm
140left-side cheek retractor
142concave buccal-side surface
144convex oral-side surface
182outer portion of144positionable toward a practitioner
184inner portion of144positionable toward the pharynx of the patient
186first arc of openings188
188openings of first arc186
190second arc of openings192
192openings of second arc190
146retractor chamber
149connector
150left-side arm

In yet another construction, a single member, or stem, which inserts onto a traditional dental HVE line. It forms a “T” at the base of the cheek-retractor portion of the device. It has an HVE opening at the base of this “T” portion. The above described are made of a semi-rigid, hollow plastic. The device then transitions into the cheek-retractor portion. This is also made from a hollow, semi-rigid plastic. However, it will be of a more flexible type of plastic then the base, or “T” portion.” The cheek-retractor portion is composed of two semi-lunar sections of plastic which are cupped to contain the lips/cheeks within. It will have HVE holes located around the periphery of the oral cavity, ranging from small holes near the base to large holes at the terminal ends. It is the size, distribution, and arrangement of holes which provide the “broad field” suction.

This invention may also be expressed as a device suitable for evacuating aerosols generated during dental procedures, including a housing having a proximal end and a distal end with a distal housing opening having a first cross-sectional area, and the housing defining at least one internal passage in fluid communication with the distal housing opening and at least one housing port, the at least one housing port adapted to be connected to a source of negative pressure. A right-side cheek retractor and a left-side cheek retractor extend from the housing, each retractor defining an outer arc of holes having a second cross-sectional area. In certain constructions, at least one retractor includes an inner arc of holes having a third average cross-sectional area, the third average diameter being smaller than the second average diameter. The term “average cross-sectional area” as utilized herein refers to the sum of cross-sectional areas of each opening along an arc of holes divided by the number of such openings along that arc, and includes irregularly-shaped and non-circular openings.

Although specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only, as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the invention. While there have been shown, described, and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or steps that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way, to achieve the same results be within the scope of the invention. Substitutions of elements from one described embodiment to another are also fully intended and contemplated. It is also to be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but that they are merely conceptual in nature.

It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art after reviewing the present disclosure and are within the following claims.