Abstract:
An extraction device and method for extracting some or all of a tooth from a patient, such as the root of the tooth, are disclosed. One embodiment of the device includes an extraction burr having helical structure with a positive slope transition portion, and in that manner is distinguishable from a common screw. The helical structure may be configured and shaped such that there is little frictional force placed on the burr as it enters into a tooth. Once the burr enters the tooth the configuration and shape of the burr may provide for increased friction between the tooth structure and the burr, thereby causing the burr to grip the tooth structure and maintain the burr as he tooth is extracted. The extraction burr may include a partial-spiral flute or groove formed in a tip thereof. A lockable and releasable hand piece for attaching to the extraction burr provides leverage to the user for dislodging the tooth root, and is adjustable in at least three different indexable positions in its attachment position with respect to the extraction burr.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0003]    1. The Field of the Disclosure 
         [0004]    The disclosure relates generally to tooth extraction devices and methods, and more particularly, but not necessarily entirely, to a tooth root tip extractor and method for extracting tooth roots, including severed tooth roots, from the mouth of a patient. 
         [0005]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0006]    A common problem in the field of dentistry occurs when the crown of a tooth breaks apart from the root of the tooth, thereby resulting in the root being left behind and embedded in the bone (i.e., in the maxilla, upper jaw, or the mandible, lower jaw). This can occur in several different settings, such as during a formal tooth extraction procedure by a dentist, or when the crown of a tooth is inadvertently fractured loose during physical activity, or in any other manner. 
         [0007]    It is common for the root of a tooth to fuse directly to the jaw bone, causing the root to break along a severance path or fracturing the tooth during extraction. When a tooth root has been severed or fractured, an amount of the tooth root is left behind in the jaw bone (i.e., in the maxilla, upper jaw, or the mandible, lower jaw) after removal of the majority of the tooth. A substantial amount of effort is required to extract the severed tip of the root that remains embedded into the jaw bone, especially when it has fused with the jaw bone. 
         [0008]    Conventional methods of extracting the broken tip of the root include simply drilling out part of the jaw bone and digging out the root tip with a sharp tool known as a tooth root “pick” or “elevator.” Such tooth root extraction devices and procedures are unsophisticated, and perhaps even crude in nature, causing significant trauma to a patient. Yet these devices and procedures are still being used today. For instance, a tooth root pick may be used simply to pry the severed tooth root loose from the jaw bone, which often causes painful trauma and damage to surrounding gum tissue and to the jaw bone. 
         [0009]    In some cases, dentists will loosen the tooth root with the tooth root pick, then use a tooth root pick elevator to elevate the tooth root and use forceps to grasp the tooth root and extract it. This procedure requires the dentist to drill out a sufficient amount of jaw bone with a conventional dental drill to make room for the bulky forceps and root pick elevator to access the tooth root. 
         [0010]    Such procedures cause a significant amount of the jaw bone and associated nerves, blood vessels and other tissues to be needlessly removed and damaged sometimes causing a “dry socket” condition which prevents blood from clotting in the extraction site. There is of course increased trauma to the patient, and a slower healing process, as a result. These procedures are not only crude in nature, but also require a lot of time, and therefore more money in terms of the dentist&#39;s time to perform the procedure. 
         [0011]    Attempts have been made to overcome the disadvantages of using the tooth root pick, forceps and other devices that tend to needlessly cause increased trauma and damage to the tissues of the patient. For example, prior devices use tooth root extractors having a threaded screw-like member that can be rotatably screwed into the tooth root and lodged therein, after which the user extracts the screw-like member and thereby lifts the root from the jaw bone. 
         [0012]    Such devices have not caught on in the field of dentistry, and are characterized by disadvantages. The screw member may introduce a splitting action within the tooth root as it is wedged into the tooth root, and thereby achieves an unstable grip within the tooth. Sometimes the screwing and splitting action will actually cause the root to split apart prematurely, thereby further complicating the extraction procedure. Despite the advantages of known systems and devices, improvements are still being sought. 
         [0013]    The known devices are thus characterized by disadvantages that may be addressed by this disclosure. The disclosure minimizes, and in some aspects eliminates, the above-mentioned failures, and other problems, by utilizing the methods and structural features described herein. 
         [0014]    The features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure without undue experimentation. The features and advantages of the disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the subsequent detailed description presented in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a burr in accordance with the principles of the disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a profile of an embodiment of a burr having a plurality of helix structures; 
           [0018]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a profile of an embodiment of a burr having a helical structure; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of a burr having a neck portion in accordance with the principles of the disclosure; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a complementary hand piece to be used with a burr; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of a complementary hand piece to be used with a burr; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of a component of a complementary hand piece to be used with a burr; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  illustrates a sectional view showing the profile of a helical structure; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  illustrates a sectional view showing the profile of a helical structure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  illustrates a sectional view showing the profile of a helical structure; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  illustrates a helical structure of a burr; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment of a burr in accordance with the principles of the disclosure; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  illustrates an embodiment of a burr in accordance with the principles of the disclosure; 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  illustrates an embodiment of a burr in accordance with the principles of the disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments 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 disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure claimed. 
         [0031]    Before the present device and method for extracting tooth roots are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such configurations, process steps, and materials may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. 
         [0032]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,602 is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, with the following exception: In the event that any portion of U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,602 is inconsistent with this application, this application supercedes said portion of U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,602. U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,602 is provided solely for its disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as a suggestion or admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior disclosure, or to distinguish the disclosure from the subject matter disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,602. 
         [0033]    It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0034]    In describing and claiming the disclosure, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below. 
         [0035]    As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a device for extracting at least a portion of a tooth (sometimes referred to as “tooth portion”) will be discussed. A burr  100  may comprise a helical structure  110  wherein said helical structure may comprise a first surface  112  and a substantially opposing second surface  114  that intersect with each other to form a cutting edge  116 . A burr is a boring device or instrument. The burr  100  may further comprise a body portion  118  and an attachment structure  120  wherein the body portion  118  is disposed between said helical structure  110  and said attachment structure  120 . The body portion may have a diameter equal to or larger than said the diameter of the helical revolutions of the helical structure  110 . It is to be understood that the phrase “diameter of revolution” as used herein shall refer to the diameter of a revolution, whether the revolution be helical or non-helical, and with the understanding that a continuously narrowing series of revolutions (helical or otherwise) could have a large (even infinite) number of decreasing diameters of revolution. In the latter case, the diameter of revolution of a winding surface (such as edge  116 ) at a certain point, perhaps determinable by (or corresponding to) the degree of curvature and the arc length of a section of curve where the point is a midpoint of the arc length, is different than the diameter of revolution at a point on the revolution near or adjacent to said certain point. Of course, a series of revolutions of constant diameter could also be used to comprise the edge  116 , such that a diameter of revolution of edge  116  may be constant or varying, as desired. The attachment structure  120  may comprise complementary structures  122 ,  124  that provide a gripping means whereby the burr  110  may be used in conjunction with another tool or component. 
         [0037]    The helical structure  110  may comprise the first surface  112  and the second surface  114 , which substantially opposes the first surface  112 . The first surface  112  and the second surface  114  may intersect with each other to form a cutting edge  116 . The profile of the first surface  112  may have a positive slope transition portion therein, as illustrated in  FIGS. 6-8 , such that the cutting edge  116  may be configured and dimensioned to reduce friction between the burr  100  and the tooth portion as the burr  100  is inserted into the tooth portion and also to increase friction between the burr  100  and the tooth portion as the burr  100  is manipulated, whether by hand or by a device, to extract the tooth portion. It will be appreciated that one example of a positive slope transition may result in a concave or cupped shape, which may provide a biting effect when inserted into a portion of a tooth. 
         [0038]    The helical structure  110  may comprise a first surface  112  and a substantially opposing second surface  114  that intersect with each other to form a cutting edge  116 . The first surface  112  may have a positive slope transition portion in the profile thereof, as illustrated for example in  FIGS. 6-8 , such that the cutting edge  116  is configured to reduce friction between the burr  100  and tooth portion as the burr  100  is inserted into the tooth portion and to increase friction between the burr  100  and the tooth portion as the burr  100  is manipulated to extract the tooth portion. 
         [0039]    The burr  100  may comprise a plurality of helix structures, as shown for example in  FIG. 1A  as reference numerals  110 ,  110   a,    110   b,  to provide additional cutting edges, for example  116 ,  116   a,    116   b  as shown in  FIG. 1A , and load bearing surfaces at the tip of the burr. It is to be understood that “helix” may refer to an edge  116  having either a constant or a varying diameter of revolution. The plurality of helix structures may be parallel at corresponding points along their lengths in order to provide an even distribution of force on to the tooth portion. The body  118  may also include a bearing structure  121  for inducing or preventing the rotation of the burr  100 . This bearing structure  121  may be a recess, a flat, a protrusion or other structures used for inducing or preventing the rotation of the burr  100 . 
         [0040]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , an embodiment of a burr  200  having a neck portion is illustrated and will be discussed. A burr  200  may comprise a helical structure  230  wherein said helical structure  230  may comprise a first surface  232  and a substantially opposing second surface  234  that intersect with each other to form a cutting edge  236 . The burr  200  may further comprise a body portion  210  and an attachment structure  212 . The burr  200  may further comprise a neck portion  220 , wherein the neck portion  220  is disposed between the helical structure  230  and the body portion  210 . The body portion  210  may have a diameter D 1  that is larger than a diameter D 2  of the neck portion  220 . The diameter D 2  of the neck portion  220  may be equal to or greater than a diameter D 3  of any of the helical revolutions of the helical structure  230 . The attachment structure  212  may comprise complementary structures  214 ,  216  that provide a gripping means whereby the burr  210  may be used in another tool or component. 
         [0041]    The helical structure  230  may comprise the first surface  232  and the second surface  234 , which substantially opposes the first surface  112 . The first surface  232  and the second surface  234  may intersect with each other to form a cutting edge  236 . The profile of the first surface  232  may have a positive slope transition portion therein, as illustrated in  FIGS. 6-8 , such that the cutting edge  236  may be configured and dimensioned to reduce friction between the burr  200  and the tooth portion as the burr  200  is inserted into the tooth portion and also to increase friction between the burr  200  and the tooth portion as the burr  200  is manipulated, whether by hand or by a device, to extract the tooth portion. 
         [0042]    A plurality of helix structures may be included to provide additional cutting surfaces and load bearing surfaces at the tip of the burr. The plurality of helix structures may be parallel at corresponding points along their lengths in order to provide an even distribution of force on to the tooth portion. The neck portion  220  may have the same diameter D 2  as a diameter D 1  of a revolution of the helical structure. The body  210  may also include a bearing structure  218  for inducing or preventing the rotation of the burr  200 . This bearing structure  218  may be a recess, a flat, or a protrusion or other structures used for inducing or preventing the rotation of the burr  200 . 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3-5 , an embodiment of complementary components that may be used in a system or kit will be discussed. A hand piece  310 , which operates as an extraction handle for attaching to a burr  330  during use is shown in  FIG. 3 . The hand piece  310  may include a head  312 , which operates as a gripping means for gripping an extraction burr  330  when the burr  330  is embedded in a tooth portion that is to be extracted from a patient&#39;s mouth, such that a proximal portion  314  of the head  312  or gripping means extends laterally outward from the burr  330  (shown in phantom line in  FIG. 4 ) during use. 
         [0044]    The hand piece  310  may further include a handle  320  defining a central axis  322  at a distal end  324  thereof. The distal end  324  of the handle  320  may be configured and dimensioned to receive the proximal portion  314  of the head  312 . An indexing structure  326  may be disposed on the distal end  324  of the handle  320  and may be provided for locking the proximal portion  314  of the head  312  to said handle  320  at three or more selectable positions of said proximal portion  314  about the central axis  322  of the handle  320 . Accordingly, the handle  320  and the head  312  may be releasably attached to one another by the indexing structure  326 . 
         [0045]    The handle  320  may comprises an elongate, reversible handle member, as shown most clearly in  FIG. 4 . The indexing structure  326  may comprise a biased member  328  disposed in the distal end  324  of the handle  320 . The proximal portion  314  of the head  312  may include three or more apertures  326  that may be formed therein, which may be configured and positioned to be aligned with the biased member  328 . 
         [0046]    Accordingly, the user may adjust the position of the head  312  relative to the handle  220 , and the axis  322  of the handle  220 . The adjustment may be executed by depressing the biased member  328 , releasing the biased member  328  from the aperture  326  and rotating the head  312  relative to the distal end  324  of the handle  320  about the axis  322 , until the biased member  328  is aligned with a desired aperture  326 . Once the biased member  328  is aligned with an aperture  326 , the biased member  328  is ejected into aperture  326  by a spring portion  330  to thereby releasably secure the head  312  in position relative to the handle  320 . 
         [0047]    The proximal end  314  of the head  312  may include a receiving chamber formed therein. The receiving chamber may be configured and adapted to receive the distal end  324  of the handle  320 . The apertures  326  may be formed in a sidewall defining the receiving chamber of the proximal end  314  for receiving the biased member  328  therethrough when aligned with a pin portion of the biased member  328 . The proximal end  314  of the head  312  may be designed to have at least three apertures  326  positioned either substantially equidistant from or opposite one another on opposing sides of the proximal end  314  in a symmetrical manner, to thereby permit incremental positioning of the head  312  relative to the handle  320 . Alternatively, it will be appreciated that the apertures  326  may be formed in an asymmetrical manner. In a further alternative, there may be four apertures  326  or several apertures  326  formed in the proximal end  314  of the head  312  to permit incremental positioning of the head  312  relative to the handle  320 . 
         [0048]    As shown most clearly in  FIG. 3 , the head  312  may include a plurality of sliding members  332  and structures for sliding the sliding members  332 . The structures may slide the sliding members  332  radially inward into a locking position about the burr  330  to releasably attach the burr  330  to the head  312  of the hand piece  310 . Conversely, the structures may slide the sliding members  332  radially outwardly into a releasing position to release the burr  330  from the head  312  of the hand piece  310 . 
         [0049]    The operative features of the head  312  are shown more clearly in  FIG. 5 . The sliding members  332  may each include a beveled contacting face  334 , which may engage a corresponding beveled contacting face  336  of a button  338 . As shown in FIG.  3 , there may be three separate sliding members  332  slidably disposed in a casing  333  of the head  312 . Each sliding member  332  may be biased by a lateral spring member  340  shown in  FIG. 5 . The button  338  may rest upon the beveled contacting faces  334  of the sliding members  332 , and also upon axial spring members  342 . The axial spring members  342  may be disposed between the button  338  and a stopping plate  344  and in turn the stopping plate  344  may rest in slidable engagement upon ribs  346  of the sliding members  332 . 
         [0050]    As such, when the extraction burr  330  is inserted into the head  312  it may abut the stopping plate  344 . In this position, the burr  330  may be held in position by a recess  368 , which may be annular and formed within the attachment structure of the burr  330 , being in alignment with lateral contacting faces  348  of the sliding members  332 . To insert or release the extraction burr, the button  338  may be pressed downwardly (in the direction indicated by arrow  350  in  FIG. 5 ) to force the sliding members outward, causing engagement along the beveled contacting planes between surfaces  334  and  336 . The engagement between surfaces  334  and  336  causes the lateral contacting faces  348  to be removed from recess  368  when releasing the burr  330  or causes the lateral contacting faces  348  to move sufficiently to permit insertion of the attachment structure of the burr  330  into the head  312  and against the stopping plate  344 . During insertion, once the burr  330  resides against the plate  344  with the annular recess  368  in alignment with the lateral contacting faces  348  of the sliding members  332 , and button  338  is released by the user to permit the lateral contacting faces  348  of the sliding members  332  to slide into position within the annular recess  368  of the burr  330 , the burr  330  is releasably locked within the head  312 . 
         [0051]    In operation, the burr  330  may be inserted within a dental drill, which the operator actuates to induce either a low-speed or high-speed rotational movement to the burr  330  about its elongate axis. The operator, typically a dentist, then applies the rotating burr  330  to the tooth portion. Once a sufficient portion of the helical structure of the burr  330  is properly embedded into the tooth portion with a drill, the drill may be removed. The burr  330  may be further turned by hand, or with the aid of a manually operable gripping tool, which may illustratively comprise a wrench, in order to refine the position of the burr  330  within the tooth portion. The gripping tool is thus configured and adapted for gripping the burr  330  when the burr  330  is at least partially embedded within a portion of the tooth of a patient. 
         [0052]    When the burr  330  is properly lodged within the tooth portion to the operator&#39;s satisfaction, the hand piece  310  may be releasably locked to the attachment structure  212  of the burr  330 . At this point, the handle  320  may extend laterally outward from the burr  330 . The operator may grasp the handle  320  to manipulate the burr  330  and to lift and elevate the tooth portion from the mouth of the patient. The head  312  of the hand piece  310  and its internal working structure as explained above collectively provide the advantages of a quick engagement and release of the head  312  to the burr  330 . The operator may press the button  338  to slide the sliding members  332  radially outward enough to permit entry of the attachment structure  212  of the burr  330  into the head and into position against the stopping plate  344  as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0053]    The handle  320  may be provided with an arch as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The arch of the handle  320  may aid the operator in providing an optimal lifting force to the tooth portion, in that the operator may choose whichever point along the arched portion is optimal according to experience to grip and lift as may best suit the particular position of the tooth portion and the configuration of the patient&#39;s mouth. The operator may position the arch of the handle  320  to extend upwardly from the patient&#39;s mouth when extracting a root from the upper teeth of the patient. The handle  320  may be conversely positioned downwardly from the patient&#39;s mouth when extracting a root from the lower teeth. The versatility of applicant&#39;s disclosure permits the operator to use the single hand piece  310  regardless of whether the tooth portion to be extracted resides among the upper or lower teeth or in the anterior or posterior portion of the patient&#39;s mouth. This versatility is due, at least in part, to the number of apertures  326  corresponding to a number indexable positions that the head  312  may be moved in relation to the handle  320 . The handle  320  may also be re-positioned with respect to the head  312 , by utilizing the indexing mechanism, including the biased member  328  and apertures  326 , as explained above. 
         [0054]    An embodiment may have a hand piece  310 , with a handle  320 , having an indexable head portion  312 , wherein the indexable head portion  312  comprises four holes or apertures  326  or four distinct indexable positions, thereby allowing the user of the device to extract teeth in the following areas of a patient&#39;s mouth: (1) the posterior portion of the upper jaw (consisting of teeth #1-#5 and #12-#16); (2) the anterior portion of the upper jaw (consisting of teeth #6-#11); (3) the posterior portion of the lower jaw (consisting of teeth #17-#21 and #28-#32); and (4) the anterior portion of the lower jaw (consisting of teeth #22-#27), depending upon the position of the head portion  312  with respect to the handle  320 . It will be appreciated that the indexing mechanism for indexing the head portion  312  relative to the handle  320 , may comprise a male portion, such as a biased member  328 , and a female portion, such as apertures  326 . The body or the handle  320  of the hand piece  310  may comprise either the male portion or the female portion, while the indexable head portion  312  may comprise the opposite one of the male portion and the female portion. The embodiment may have indexed positions that are radially equally placed. The embodiment may have indexed positions that are radially asymmetrically placed. 
         [0055]    In accordance with the features and combinations described above, a method of extracting at least a portion of a tooth from a mouth of a patient comprises the steps of: 
         [0056]    (a) boring a hole into the portion of the tooth with a boring instrument and displacing tooth particulates with said boring instrument, without splitting said portion of the tooth, and lodging the boring instrument into a position of stability in the portion of the tooth, wherein the boring instrument comprises a helical structure having a first surface comprising a positive slope transition portion in the profile thereof; and 
         [0057]    (b) extracting the portion of the tooth by retracting the boring instrument from the mouth of the patient. 
         [0058]    Another method of extracting at least a portion of a tooth from a mouth of a patient comprises the steps of: 
         [0059]    (a) boring a hole into the portion of the tooth with a motorized boring instrument having a partial-spiral flute formed in a tip section thereof without removing any portion of a jaw bone of the patient, and lodging at least a portion of the boring instrument into a position of stability in the portion of the tooth, wherein the boring instrument comprises a helical structure having a first surface comprising a positive slope transition portion in the profile thereof; and 
         [0060]    (b) extracting the portion of the tooth by retracting the boring instrument from the mouth of the patient. 
         [0061]    A still further method of extracting at least a portion of a tooth from a mouth of a patient comprises the steps of: 
         [0062]    (a) inserting a burr into a motorized instrument; 
         [0063]    (b) activating the motorized instrument and boring the burr into a portion of a tooth and lodging at least a portion of the burr into a position of stability in the portion of the tooth, wherein the burr comprises a helical structure having a first surface comprising a positive slope transition portion in the profile thereof; 
         [0064]    (c) attaching a handle to the burr; and 
         [0065]    (d) extracting the portion of the tooth by elevating the handle without maintaining any force-distributing member in a static position against any teeth of the patient. 
         [0066]    Additionally the burr may be disposable, such that the burr may be disposed of with the tooth portion attached to the burr so as to avoid costly labor in handling and cleaning the dirty tools. 
         [0067]    With reference to  FIGS. 6-9 , the positive slope transition of the first surface of the helical structure will be discussed.  FIG. 6  illustrates a sectional view of the helical structure  110 ,  230 . The profile of the helical structure is shown giving a two dimensional example of the lines defining the shape of the cross-section. The profile of the helical structure is defined by a line  502  representing the first surface  112 ,  232  of the helical structure  110 ,  230  and a line  504  representing the second surface  114 ,  234  of the helical structure  110 ,  230 . It can also be seen that the lines  502  and  504  intersect forming a point  514  that corresponds to cutting edge  116 ,  236  in three dimensions. Profile line  502  may comprise a linear line portion  510  that transitions into a curved lined portion  512 . It is advantageous if the transition between the line portions  510  and  512  is in a more positive slope direction, thereby providing a hooking trend of that line  502 , which represents the first surface of the helical structure. 
         [0068]      FIG. 7  illustrates a sectional view of the helical structure  110 ,  230 . The profile of the helical structure  110 ,  230  is shown giving a two dimensional example of the lines defining the shape of the cross-section. The profile of the helical structure is defined by a line  602  representing the first surface  112 ,  232  of the helical structure  110 ,  230  and a line  604  representing the second surface  114 ,  234  of the helical structure  110 ,  230 . It can also be seen that the lines  602  and  604  intersect forming a point  614  that corresponds to cutting edge  116 ,  236  in three dimensions. Profile line  602  may be curved and defined by an ever increasing positive sloping trend, thereby providing a hooking trend of that line  602 , which represents the first surface of the helical structure. 
         [0069]      FIG. 8  illustrates a sectional view of the helical structure  110 ,  230 . The profile of the helical structure  110 ,  230  is shown giving a two dimensional example of the lines defining the shape of the cross-section. The profile of the helical structure  110 ,  230  is defined by a line  702  representing the first surface  112 ,  232  of the helical structure  110 ,  230  and a line  704  representing the second surface  114 ,  234  of the helical structure  110 ,  230 . It can also be seen that the lines  702  and  704  intersect forming a point  714  that corresponds to cutting edge  116 ,  236  in three dimensions. Profile line  702  may be divided into two sub-lines  710  and  712  having an angle between them. The angle is oriented to provide an increasing positive sloping trend, thereby providing a hooking structure of that line  702 , which represents the first surface of the helical structure. 
         [0070]    The purpose of providing a hooking like profile of the first surface  112 ,  232  of the helical structure  110 ,  230  is so that the burr  100 ,  200  is easier to insert into a portion of the tooth than it is to extract the burr  100 ,  200  from a portion of the tooth. The result is that a user is able get the burr  100 ,  200  into position with less trauma to the tooth portion and yet provide additional pulling cohesion when extracting the tooth portion. 
         [0071]    The helical structure  110 ,  230  may comprise a plurality of revolutions as defined by the helical structure completing a 360 degree rotation about a central axis of the helix. The diameter of a revolution is the measure or the widest portion along the cutting edge of the helix in any given revolution as illustrated in  FIG. 2  by diameter D 3 . As can be seen in FIG.  9  the helical structure  800  in this embodiment is made up of five revolutions. The helical structure may also have revolutions of varying diameters. It can clearly be seen in the figure that revolutions  801 ,  802 , and  803  have greater diameters than revolutions  804  and  805 . By providing differing diameters of revolution a user is more easily able to insert a larger working portion of the helix in the pilot hole of a tooth. Further, it will be appreciated that revolutions  801 ,  802  and  803  may have the same diameter. 
         [0072]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , the importance of the proper proportions for the length of the structure will now be discussed. A burr  1000  may comprise a body  1006 , a neck  1002  extending from the body  1006 , and a helical structure  1004  extending from the neck, wherein the neck and the helical structure define a first length  1010 . The body  1006  of the burr  1000  may further comprise a length  1008 . The burr  1000  itself may comprise a second length  1012  that is equal to the sum of first length  1010  and the length  1008  of the body  1006 . The burr  1000  may comprise a ratio of the second length  1012  to the first length  1010  that is between about 1.5:1 to about 2.25:1. In other words it may be important that the typically wider body portion  1006  of the burr  1000  be one and half times longer than the narrower neck  1002  and helical portion  1004  in order to provide strength to the burr  1000 . These proportions ensure that the burr  1000  is reaching the full length of the root in order to extract the root in an atraumatic fashion. If the ratio was not substantially present, then the burr  1000  would either be too long or too short to remove the entire root of the tooth, thereby requiring drilling into the jaw bone and using a lever to pry the tooth out, which is highly traumatic and damaging to the patient&#39;s tissues (gums, blood vessels, bone) etc. 
         [0073]    Referring now to  FIG. 11  the importance of the proper proportions for the diameters of the structure will now be discussed. A burr  1100  may comprise a body  1106 , a neck  1102  extending from the body  1106 , and a helical structure  1104  extending from the neck  1102 . It may be advantageous for the neck portion  1102  to have the same diameter as the average diameter of the helical portion  1104 , to ensure that during use the helical portion  1104  does not experience so much leveraged force as to break the burr  1100 . These proportions increase the chances that the neck  1102  is not subjected to forces that could break the burr  1100  along the neck portion  1102 . Additionally, such proportions enable the helical portion  1104  to be driven deep enough into a tooth or portion of a tooth without bottoming out on a shoulder  1108 . If the ratio was not substantially present, then the burr  1100  would be too wide to remove the entire root of the tooth, thereby requiring drilling into the jaw bone and using a lever to pry the tooth out, which is highly traumatic and damaging to the patient&#39;s tissues (gums, blood vessels, bone) etc. These proportions ensure that the burr  1100  is slender enough at the helical structure  1104  and neck  1102  area to fit into a pilot hole and to get down into the broken or fractured root of the tooth in an atraumatic fashion. If the helical portion  1104  and the neck  1102  were not substantially the same size with respect to their diameters, then the burr  1100  would lose strength at the neck  1102  or be too wide at the neck  1102  to enter into the pilot hole. 
         [0074]    In an embodiment, a burr device  1100  may have a ratio of the body  1106  diameter to the average diameter of the helical structure  1104  that is between about 1.25:1 to about 1.75:1. 
         [0075]    It should also be noted that specific ratios within this range may be selected based on the material the burr is made out of, in order to maximize or minimize any dimension for a particular purpose. A suggested ratio of the body  1106  diameter to the helical structure diameter  1104  is about 1.5:1 to about 1.6:1. In some instances and with some materials it may be critical to ensure that the burr is slender enough to get down into the broken or fractured root of the tooth in an atraumatic fashion. If a precise ratio was not present, then the burr would either be too wide or too narrow to enter into the pilot hole with enough bite and grip to enter into and grasp the tooth and hold on to the tooth during removal of the entire root of the tooth due to the pulling and twisting forces placed on the burr as the tool is manipulated by a dental practitioner. 
         [0076]    In another embodiment the burr  1100  may comprise a ratio between the body  1106  diameter, neck  1102  diameter and the helical structure  1104  diameter that is about 1.25:1:1 to about 1.75:1:1. In some instances and with some materials it may be critical to use such a ratio to ensure that the burr is slender enough at the helical structure  1104  and neck  1102  area to fit into a pilot hole and to get down into the broken or fractured root of the tooth in an atraumatic fashion. If the ratios were not present with respect to their diameters, then the burr would lose strength at the neck  1102  or be too wide at the neck  1102  to enter into the pilot hole. 
         [0077]    With reference to  FIG. 12 , an embodiment of a burr that comprises a ratio between the length of the helical structure  1204  and its diameter is between about 2.5:1 to about 6:1 will be discussed. It may be desirable to restrict the overall length “L” of the helical structure  1204  so as to provide enough penetration into a tooth portion, but not so much so as to provide leverage that will break the burr  1200 . In use, it would be the goal of the user to have enough of the helical structure  1204 , and its corresponding teeth formed by the revolutions of the structure, securely penetrate the tooth portion to be extracted, but not so much that several revolutions of the helical structure  1204  are exposed to the lateral forces exerted thereon when extracting a tooth. 
         [0078]    The burrs described in the present disclosure, including burr  100 , burr  1100 , or burr  1200 , may be manufactured from any suitable material. The burrs described in the present disclosure may further be manufactured from any suitable bio-compatible material, including metal, such as titanium, stainless steel, cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy, titanium-aluminum vanadium alloy or other suitable metallic alloys, or non-metallic bio-compatible materials such as carbon-fiber, ceramic, bio-resorbable materials or, if desired, any suitable high strength plastic such as an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other bio-compatible materials, whether now known or later discovered, may be utilized by any embodiment of the present disclosure, and said bio-compatible materials are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0079]    A system using the features and benefits of the above embodiments may include a burr comprising a helical structure, wherein said helical structure of said burr comprise a surface that has a positive profile transition in one direction and a cutting edge, such that the surface and the cutting edge are configured and shaped to reduce friction between said burr and the tooth as said burr is inserted into the tooth and to increase friction between said burr and said tooth when said burr is manipulated to extract the tooth; and a handle that is releasably attachable to said burr for manipulating said burr during extraction of the tooth structure. 
         [0080]    An embodiment of a system for extracting at least a portion of a tooth from a patient&#39;s jaw bone may include a burr comprising a helical structure, wherein said helical structure of said burr comprise a surface a positive profile sloping transition in one direction and a cutting edge, such that the surface and the cutting edge are configured and shaped to reduce friction between said burr and the tooth as said burr is inserted into the tooth and to increase friction between said burr and said tooth when said burr is manipulated to extract the tooth, rotary device such as a drill that is releasably attachable to said burr for inserting the burr into an tooth structure and a handle that is releasably attachable to said burr for manipulating said burr during extraction of the animal tooth structure. 
         [0081]    In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the disclosure. 
         [0082]    It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the disclosure. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the disclosure has been shown in the drawings and described above with particularity and detail, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein.