Patent Publication Number: US-2022218437-A1

Title: Locking dental forceps for tooth extraction

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/199,585 filed Jan. 11, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a tool for use in the safe and efficient extraction of teeth in the dental industry. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pair of locking dental forceps which enable precise tooth extraction to minimize the chances of adverse events. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Often times various adverse dental events require that one or more teeth be removed. These events include, dental trauma, tooth disease and dental overcrowding. Dental trauma includes injury to a tooth and the associated periodontal ligament, gums and the alveolar bone; as well as the nearby soft tissues. Tooth disease includes excessive damage to the tooth due to tooth decay or periodontal disease that renders the tooth dead. Dentists will often attempt to save the tooth through crown restoration or a root canal procedure, however, extraction is required when the tooth is beyond saving. Lastly, dental crowding refers to an inconsistency between tooth size and jaw size which can result in misalignment of the row due to large teeth, small jaws or both. For cosmetic and dental health reasons patients may sometimes elect to have a tooth extraction to alleviate overcrowding. 
     Dentists commonly perform tooth extractions in either a simple or surgical context, with the surgical setting being much less frequent and reserved for more complex extractions which are required in the case of impacted, broken or otherwise difficult tooth presentations. The present invention pertains primarily to use in a simple extraction, but may be utilized in a surgical setting if desired. 
     In a conventional simple tooth extraction, the dentist numbs the tooth using an anesthetic, which is often administered locally through a number of injections around the tooth. Following sufficient numbing, the dentist may utilize elevators, which resemble small screw drivers, designed to be pressed in between the tooth and its surrounding bone so as to enable the dentist to press the tooth upwards and rock it against the jaw bone. Elevators enable the dentist to expand the socket and separate the tooth from its ligament, at least partially. Next, the dentist utilizes a pair of forceps, which resemble common pliers, to securely grasp the tooth and complete the extraction. Typically, the tooth is firmly grasped with the forceps and rocked back and forth while applying an upward force until the tooth is removed. Depending upon the size and shape of the tooth, as well as the tooth&#39;s location in the patient&#39;s mouth, the use of various types of forceps is often required. In some instances, two or more different types of forceps are used to extract the same tooth. 
     The prior art has attempted to address the need for multiple types of dental forceps by providing a single pair of forceps with interchangeable tips, commonly known as “beaks.” For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,085,235 describes a pair of conventional dental forceps with the improvement being a number of removable and interchangeable beaks. These interchangeable beaks reduce the number of forceps that a dentist must have ready, sterilized and available for a given tooth extraction. 
     Despite the above, a need still exists in the tooth extraction art to reduce the manual stress and strain required of a dentist during a tooth extraction. During a typical tooth extraction, the dentist is required to provide sufficient compressive force to the handles of the forceps in order to maintain a grip on the tooth, without squeezing too hard so as to crack the tooth, while simultaneously providing lateral and/or upward force to the tooth so as to accomplish the extraction. All the while, the dentist must ensure that the forceps and his hand and arm do not harm the patient in any way or make them more uncomfortable than necessary. This places intense pressure on the dentist in order to accomplish an optimal extraction in which unintended complications are avoided. 
     What is needed is a tooth extraction device in which the dentist may quickly and securely grip and set the desired pressure on the tooth and lock it in, thereby relieving additional stress and tension from the dentist and freeing him/her up to concentrate solely on the forces necessary to extract the tooth in an efficient manner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Various designs and techniques are disclosed for a type of dental forceps for use in tooth extraction which include a locking mechanism. In one particular form, the forceps include a locking mechanism that is located on the opposite side of the pivot point from the beak. By providing this locking mechanism, the forceps may be secured to the tooth with the requisite force thereby relieving the added strain on the dentist&#39;s hand and arm during extraction. This can lead to more successful extractions and reduced patient distress. 
     In a further form of the invention, the locking mechanism includes a row of teeth formed on one handle near the pivot point and a locking rod on the other handle, the locking rod having a head at one end which may selectively engage the row of teeth when coupled. At the opposite end of the locking rod is a release, which can be activated by the user to unlock the forceps. 
     In other forms, the dental forceps include interchangeable beaks to enable a dentist to select the desired beak in order to accomplish the extraction presented without requiring an array of forceps. In yet another form, at least one of the handles of the forceps is interchangeable to enable the dentist to select a desired arrangement based upon the position of the tooth within the patient&#39;s mouth to most safely and efficiently extract the tooth. 
     In another form, a dental forceps includes a first elongate member having a first beak portion at its distal end and a handle portion at its proximal end. A recess is defined through a portion of the first elongate member. A locking mechanism includes a locking arm that is positioned within the recess defined in the first elongate member. The locking arm includes a head at a distal end of the locking arm and a release at a proximal end of the locking arm. In some forms, the locking arm is rotatable within the recess with respect to the first elongate member. 
     A second elongate member is connected to the first elongate member at a pivot point. The second elongate member includes a second beak portion at its distal end and a handle portion at its proximal end, and the second elongate member includes a series of teeth. The pivot point may be positioned between the beak portions of the elongate members and the locking arm. The series of teeth is engageable by the head of the locking arm to maintain the position of the second elongate member with respect to the position of the first elongate member. In some forms, the series of teeth is defined on a proximal facing surface of the second elongate member. 
     In some forms, the locking mechanism includes a biasing mechanism that includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the biasing mechanism is attached to the locking arm and the second end of the biasing member is attached to the first elongate member. The biasing mechanism may bias the locking arm so that the head of the locking arm engages the series of teeth. In some instances, the biasing mechanism may be attached to the locking arm at the release. 
     In some forms, the first elongate member includes a first pivot recess and the second elongate member includes a second pivot recess. The first pivot recess may be aligned with the second pivot recess when the first and second elongate members are releasably connected. A connection member may be inserted through the first pivot recess and the second pivot recess to form the pivot point when the first pivot recess and the second pivot recess are aligned. 
     In some forms, the head of the locking arm may be configured to disengage the series of teeth when pressure is applied to the release of the locking arm. In some instances, the first elongate member and the second elongate member may pivot with respect to each other when the head of the locking arm is disengaged from the series of teeth. Additionally, the head of the locking arm may be configured to move to an adjacent tooth in the series of teeth when pressure is applied to the handle portions of the first elongate member and the second elongate member. 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are described in further detail in the detailed description and drawings contained herein. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Yet other forms, embodiments, objects, advantages, benefits, features, and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description and drawings contained herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top diagrammatic view showing a pair of dental forceps according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic top view showing the pair of dental forceps shown in  FIG. 1 , but in a partially disassembled state. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view showing the pair of dental forceps shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic top view showing a pair of dental forceps according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic top perspective view showing the pair of dental forceps shown in  FIG. 1 , but in a partially disassembled state. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS 
     For the purposes of promoting and understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
     In certain embodiments of the present application, a pair of dental forceps are disclosed which include a mechanical locking mechanism. The dental forceps may come in a set, comprising a plurality of forceps, each having a different beak configuration and perhaps a different handle arrangement, shape and/or size in order to provide a set for accomplishing many different types of extractions under varying circumstances. In other embodiments, a pair of dental forceps having interchangeable and/or adjustable beaks and/or handle(s) for use in differing periodontal situations. In either form, the interchangeable beaks and/or handle(s) of the forceps may come in a variety of shapes and sizes in order to accommodate the particular needs of a given tooth extraction procedure. 
     Referring generally to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an embodiment of a pair of dental forceps  10  for tooth extraction. The dental forceps  10  consist of two elongate members  12  and  14  which may be joined at a pivot point  20 . The two elongate members  12  and  14  include a pair of hand grips or handles  30 A and  30 B, pivot recesses  32 A and  32 B (shown in  FIG. 2 ), jaws or beak members  40 A and  40 B and locking mechanism  50 . The dental forceps  10  have a proximal end, which shall be defined as the end nearest the hand grips (shown to the right in  FIG. 1 ) and a distal end nearest the working portion or “beak” (shown to the left in  FIG. 1 ). 
     The handles  30  may be straight, arcuate, a combination of the two or in some alternative arrangement. In a further form, the handles  30  are curved in an ergonomic manner in order to fit within the user&#39;s hands comfortably so as to reduce fatigue and increase precision. In further forms, handles  30  may be at least partially coated or covered in a grip enhancing material, which is preferably capable of undergoing sterilization and/or removable, such as plastic, silicone or some other suitable material. As with traditional pliers, when the user applies compressive force to the handles  30 , that force is transferred across the fulcrum of pivot point  20  and the jaws of the beak  40  come together and ultimately contact one another or secure firmly against the side of whatever object may be positioned between them. Locking mechanism  50  enables the user to lock the dental forceps in place, such as at a given tension on an object within the beak  40 . 
     The parts of the dental forceps  10  disclosed herein are made, at least partially, from biocompatible materials that provide sufficient structural rigidity, such as stainless steel, titanium, nickel, alloys thereof or other sturdy materials. It shall be appreciated that materials other than those described above could also be used in the construction of the dental forceps disclosed  10  herein. In addition, absent a single use arrangement, the material selected should be capable of undergoing the repeated sterilization processes described herein without substantial adverse effects. 
       FIG. 2  shows, with continuing reference to  FIG. 1 , dental forceps  10  in the dissembled state with elongate members  12  and  14  separated. As shown in  FIG. 1 , elongate members  12  and  14  are joined at pivot point  20  by having their respective pivot recesses  32 A and  32 B rotatably connected. In one form, this may be done through the insertion of a connection member, such as an axle, screw, bolt, rivet or the like. However, in certain forms, the elongate members  12  and  14  must be arranged so as to allow for periodic separation from one another by the user for purposes of cleaning and sterilization. Shown in further detail, locking mechanism  50  includes a series of teeth  52  formed on the proximal end of elongate member  12 , such as adjacent to the pivot point  20 . The series of teeth  52  may include any number of teeth, such as two, three, four, five, ten or the like, with each representing a discrete position that the dental forceps may be locked into. Complementing the series of teeth  52  is a locking arm  54  which is secured to elongate member  12  and spans some portion of handle  30 A. The head  54 A of locking arm  54  is operable to engage with each of the teeth within the row of teeth  52  to secure the two handles  30  in a given orientation. As additional pressure is applied, the head  54 A moves to the next tooth in the series of teeth  52 , thereby allowing the user to simply squeeze tighter until the next tooth in the row of teeth  52  is engaged by the head  54 A, thereby locking the dental forceps  10  into a slightly tighter position. 
     In the event the user wishes to release the dental forceps  10  and in particular locking mechanism  40 , the user may simple apply sufficient pressure to the release  54 B of locking arm  54  which frees head  54 A from the row of teeth  52  and enables the two elongate members  12  and  14  to rotate freely again relative to one another. 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the dental forceps  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . As can be seen, in this particular shape, the beak  40  takes a ninety degree turn just past the pivot point  20  when compared to the elongate members  30  to enable the easy grasping and extraction of a tooth while maintaining the handles  30  outside of the patient&#39;s mouth. It shall be appreciated that many other designs for the shape and size of beak  40  as well as other components of dental forceps  10  may be desired and shall be contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. 
     In a further form, one or both of beak members  40  may be removable and/or interchangeable. For example, different beak members may have different sizes, different internal grip textures, different angles, different lengths and/or different shapes, to name a few non-limiting examples. The beak members  40  may connect to the elongate member  12  and/or  14  at their distal end, such as by a snap fit, screw in, or other secure connection method. 
     In an alternative or additional form, one or both of handles  30  may be removable and/or interchangeable. For example, different handles may have different sizes, different grip textures, different angles, different lengths and/or different shapes, to name a few non-limiting examples. The handle members  30  may connect to the elongate member  12  and/or  14  at their proximal end, such as adjacent to the pivot point  20 , such as by a snap fit, screw in, or other secure connection method, with the direction of leverage during use preferably securing the connection further. 
     An alternative embodiment of a pair of dental forceps  110  for tooth extraction is shown in  FIG. 4 . Similar to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , The dental forceps  110  consist of two elongate members  12  and  14  that may be pivoted at a pivot point  20 , and the two elongate members  12  and  14  each include a respective handle portion formed by hand grips or a handle  30 A and  30 B. The beak members  140 A,  140 B included in this embodiment have a different shape than the beak members  40 A,  40 B illustrated in  FIG. 1 . However, in other embodiments, the beak members  140 A,  140 B may have the same shape or form as the beak members  40 A,  40 B. 
     The dental forceps also include a locking mechanism  150 . The locking mechanism  150  includes a series of teeth  152  formed along a proximal facing surface of elongate member  12 . This series of teeth  152  may include any number of teeth, such as two, three, four, five, ten or the like, with each representing a discrete position that the dental forceps may be locked into. Complementing the teeth  152  is a locking arm  154  that has a head  154 A and a release  154 B. The locking arm  154  is positioned within a recess  160  that is defined in a portion of the elongate member  14  and is pivotally coupled to the elongate member  14  at a pivot point  156 . 
     The head  154  of the locking arm  154  is operable to engage with each of the teeth within the row of teeth  152  to secure the two handles  30  in a given orientation. As additional pressure is applied, the head  154 A moves to the next tooth in the series of teeth  152 , thereby allowing the user to simply squeeze tighter until the next tooth in the row of teeth  152  is engaged by the head  154 A, thereby locking the dental forceps  10  into a slightly tighter position. 
     A biasing mechanism, such as a spring  162 , may be positioned between the locking arm  154  and the elongate member  14  to bias the locking arm  154  in a certain position with respect to the series of teeth  152 . In some embodiments, a first end of the spring  162  connects to the locking arm  154  at the release  154 B of the locking arm  154  and a second end of the spring  162  is connected to the elongate member  14 . In the event the user wishes to release the dental forceps  10  and in particular locking mechanism  150 , the user may simple apply sufficient pressure to the release  154 B of locking arm  154  to overcome the bias of the spring  162  and free the head  154 A from the row of teeth  152 . This enables the two elongate members  12  and  14  to rotate freely again relative to one another. 
     In operation, the spring  162  biases the locking arm  154  so that the head  154 A engages one of the teeth of the series of teeth  152 . While the spring  162  is engaged to the series of teeth  152 , the elongate members  12 ,  14  are maintained in a set position with respect to each other so that an opening  141  formed between the beak members  140 A,  140 B is locked at a certain width. The desired width of the opening  141  between the beak members  140 A,  140 B may be dependent on the size of the tooth to be extracted, the shape of the tooth to be extracted, or any other suitable purpose. 
     In certain instances, it may be desired to modify the width of the opening  141  between the beak members  140 A,  140 B. To make the opening  141  smaller, a user may apply pressure to the hand grips  30 A,  30 B of the elongate members  12 ,  14  to bring the hand grips  30 A,  30 B closer together. When the pressure is great enough to overcome the bias applied by the spring  162  on the locking arm  154 , the head  154 A of the locking arm moves to an adjacent tooth in the series of teeth  152  and the elongate members  12 ,  14  are locked in a new position with the beak members  140 A,  140 B closer together. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , applying pressure to the hand grips  30 A,  30 B causes the head  154 A of the locking arm to move to the right along the series of teeth  152 . 
     To make the opening  141  between the beak members  140 A,  140 B larger, a user may apply pressure to the release  154 B of the locking arm  154 . This pressure causes the locking arm  154  to pivot with respect to elongate member  14  about pivot point  156 , compressing the spring  162  and disengaging the head  154 A from the series of teeth  152 . While maintaining the pressure on release  154 B to keep the head  154 A is disengaged from the series of teeth  152 , the user may push or pull hand grip  30 A away from hand grip  30 B to increase the distance between the ends of beak members  140 A,  140 B so that opening  141  is at a desired width. Then, once the pressure on release  154 B is released, the spring  162  biases the locking arm  154  back to a position where the head  154 A engages a tooth in the series of teeth  152  so that the position of the elongate members  12 ,  14  is once again maintained. 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all equivalents, changes, and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions as described herein and/or by the following claims are desired to be protected. 
     Hence, the proper scope of the present invention should be determined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all such modifications as well as all relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification.