DENTAL INSTRUMENT WITH MACHINED HANDLE

Abstract: An instrument for dental use, of the type comprising a handle (3) and one or two active ends (5) that are pointed or variously shaped for use in various types of procedures, has a substantially smooth handle with at least one satinized or sand-blasted grip zone.

Description: DENTALINSTRUMENTWITHMACHINEDHANDLE DESCRIPTION Technical field The invention relates to an instrument for dental use, of the type comprising a handle and one or two active ends that are pointed or variously shaped for use in various types of procedures. Background art Currently known instruments of this type have a handle of which a portion has a knurled or ridged surface, in particular a knurled surface with deep indentations. The portion of the surface machined in this way is currently thought to be necessary to enable the dentist to have a firm grip on the instrument. The knurling, while considered necessary for gripping the instrument, has proved to be a source of major disadvantages, particularly with regard to hygiene. The indentations in the knurled surface trap contaminants and dirt that could transmit microorganisms. Although they are sterilized, instruments of this type may not be perfectly cleaned because contaminants can accumulate in the indentations in the knurled surface. Objects and summary of the invention The object of the present invention is a surgical instrument, particularly intended for dental use, which does not have the above disadvantages but nevertheless still has the advantage of enabling the dentist to grip the instrument correctly and firmly. The instrument according to the present invention is substantially characterized in that the handle is substantially smooth and has at least one grip zone which is satinized or blasted, such as sandblasted or shot-blasted. The entire surface of the handle is preferably satinized or blasted. The satinization or blasting treatment gives the grip surface sufficient roughness to ensure that the user can grip it correctly and there is no need for indentations, cavities or other forms of uneven surface that could trap contaminants or pathogens. In the context of the present description the term satinization or blasting should cover any surface treatment which allows sufficient roughness to be obtained without the formation of indentations which could form a trap for contaminants or pathogens. Detailed description of the preferred embodiment The design in the single figure shows a dental instrument according to the invention. The instrument generically illustrated by 1 and made of steel or another suitable material has a central handle zone 3, at the ends of which 3A are provided two parts 5 which constitute the functional elements of the instrument. The parts 5 are generally almost symmetrical and can be of any shape. In dentistry various shapes of instruments are known for the various procedures that have to be performed. The present invention can be applied indiscriminately to any type of instrument with the general structure illustrated in the figure, apart from the shape of the parts 5, the size and the shape of the cross-section of the handle. Characteristically, the central zone of the handle 3 has a satinized or sand-blasted grip surface. In the example illustrated the entire surface of the handle 3 • is satinized, but it is clearly sufficient to satinize those portions 3C of the handle that are gripped by the dentist.

Claims: Claims 1. Instrument for dental use of the type comprising a handle (3) and one or two active ends (5) that are pointed or variously shaped for use in various types of procedures, characterized in that the handle is substantially smooth and has at least one satinized or sand or shot blasted grip zone. 2. Instrument according to Claim 1, characterized in that the entire handle (3) is satinized or sand blasted or shot blasted. 3. Instrument according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is made of metal, and in particular of steel or aluminium.

Inventors: COZZI GUALTIERO, COZZI, GUALTIERO
Applicants: COZZI GUALTIERO, COZZI, GUALTIERO
Application year: 1995
Main classification: A61C3
IPC codes: A61C3