Patent Description:
In conventional dental and endodontic procedures, mechanical instruments such as drills, files, brushes, etc. are used to clean unhealthy material from a tooth. For example, dentists often use drills to mechanically break up carious regions (e.g., cavities) on a surface of the tooth. Such procedures are often painful for the patient and frequently do not remove all the diseased material. Furthermore, in conventional root canal treatments, an opening is drilled through the crown of a diseased tooth, and endodontic files are inserted into the root canal system to open the canal spaces and remove organic material therein. The root canal is then filled with solid matter such as gutta percha or a flowable obturation material, and the tooth is restored. However, this procedure will not remove all organic material from the canal spaces, which can lead to post-procedure complications such as infection. In addition, motion of the endodontic file and/or other sources of positive pressure may force organic material through an apical opening into periapical tissues. In some cases, an end of the endodontic file itself may pass through the apical opening. Such events may result in trauma to the soft tissue near the apical opening and lead to post-procedure complications. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for improved dental and endodontic treatments.

<CIT> discloses various systems, method, and compositions for treating a tooth are disclosed herein. For example, an apparatus for treating a tooth is disclosed. The apparatus can include a chamber having an access port which places the chamber in fluid communication with a treatment region of the tooth when the chamber is coupled to tooth. A fluid motion generator can be coupled to the chamber. The fluid motion generator can be configured to direct fluid across the access port to generate fluid motion in the chamber.

<CIT> discloses various systems, method, and compositions for treating a tooth are disclosed herein. For example, an apparatus for treating a tooth is disclosed. The apparatus can include a chamber having an access port which places the chamber in fluid communication with a treatment region of the tooth when the chamber is coupled to tooth. A fluid motion generator can be coupled to the chamber. The fluid motion generator can be configured to direct fluid across the access port to generate fluid motion in the chamber. In various embodiments, fluid motion (e.g., vortices, swirl, etc.) can be induced at or near treatment regions of the tooth, such as a root canal or carious region.

The invention is as defined by the appended claims and concerns an apparatus for treating a tooth, the apparatus comprising: a fluid platform comprising a wall and a chamber at least partially defined by the wall, the fluid platform to be disposed against a tooth to retain fluid in the chamber and provide fluid communication between a treatment region of the tooth and the chamber by way of an access port, the chamber having a central axis; a suction port exposed to the chamber, a liquid supply port disposed to direct a liquid stream across the chamber along a stream axis non-parallel to the central axis to impinge on a portion of the wall opposite the liquid supply port; and wherein the chamber has a maximum lateral dimension in a first plane extending substantially transverse to the central axis, the first plane delimited by the wall along a boundary, a projection of the suction port onto the first plane being closer to the boundary than to the central axis of the chamber, wherein the central axis lies on a second plane substantially transverse to the stream axis and the stream axis intersects the second plane at a location closer to the central axis than to the boundary.

The foregoing and other features, aspects, and advantages of the embodiments of the apparatus and methods of treating teeth (e.g., cleaning teeth), the methods not forming part of the claimed invention, are described in detail below with reference to the drawings of various embodiments, which are intended to illustrate and not to limit the embodiments of the invention. The drawings comprise the following figures in which:.

Throughout the drawings, unless otherwise noted, reference numbers may be re-used to indicate a general correspondence between referenced elements. The drawings are provided to illustrate example embodiments described herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

The present disclosure describes apparatus, methods, and compositions for performing dental and/or endodontic procedures. Various embodiments disclosed herein can effectively and safely remove unhealthy material from a treatment region of a tooth, e.g., from within the tooth and/or from outside surfaces of the tooth. In particular, the embodiments disclosed herein can remove unhealthy materials, such as unhealthy organic matter, inorganic matter, pulp tissue, caries, stains, calculus, plaque, biofilm, bacteria, pus, decayed tooth matter, and food remnants from the treatment region without substantially damaging healthy dentin or enamel. For example, the disclosed apparatus, methods, and compositions advantageously may be used with root canal cleaning treatments, e.g., to efficiently remove unhealthy or undesirable materials such as organic and/or inorganic matter from a root canal system and/or to disinfect the root canal system. The disclosed embodiments may also be used to treat carious regions (e.g., remove decayed material) on an exterior surface of the tooth. Organic material (or organic matter) includes organic substances typically found in healthy or diseased teeth or root canal systems such as, for example, soft tissue, pulp, blood vessels, nerves, connective tissue, cellular matter, pus, and microorganisms, whether living, inflamed, infected, diseased, necrotic, or decomposed. Inorganic matter includes calcified tissue and calcified structures, which are frequently present in the root canal system. In some embodiments, the root canal can be filled with an obturation material (e.g., a flowable obturation material that can be hardened into a solid or semi-solid state, gutta percha or other solid or semi-solid materials) after treatment of the root canal.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a system <NUM> that includes components capable of removing unhealthy or undesirable materials from a tooth <NUM>. The tooth <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is a premolar tooth, e.g., a tooth located between canine and molar teeth in a mammal such as a human. Although the illustrated tooth <NUM> comprises a premolar tooth, it should be appreciated that the tooth <NUM> to be treated can be any type of tooth, such as a molar tooth or an anterior tooth (e.g., an incisor or canine tooth). The tooth <NUM> includes hard structural and protective layers, including a hard layer of dentin <NUM> and a very hard outer layer of enamel <NUM>. A pulp cavity <NUM> is defined within the dentin <NUM>. The pulp cavity <NUM> comprises one or more root canals <NUM> extending toward an apex <NUM> of each root <NUM>. The pulp cavity <NUM> and root canal <NUM> contain dental pulp, which is a soft, vascular tissue comprising nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue, odontoblasts, and other tissue and cellular components. Blood vessels and nerves enter/exit the root canal <NUM> through a tiny opening, the apical foramen or apical opening <NUM>, near a tip of the apex <NUM> of the root <NUM>. It should be appreciated that, although the tooth <NUM> illustrated herein is a premolar, the embodiments disclosed herein can advantageously be used to treat any suitable type of tooth, including molars, canines, incisors, etc..

As illustrated in <FIG>, the system <NUM> can be used to remove unhealthy materials (such as organic and inorganic matter) from an interior of the tooth <NUM>, e.g., from the root canal <NUM> of the tooth <NUM>. For example, an endodontic access opening <NUM> can be formed in the tooth <NUM>, e.g., on an occlusal surface, or on a side surface such as a buccal surface or a lingual surface. The access opening <NUM> provides access to a portion of a pulp cavity <NUM> of the tooth <NUM>. The system <NUM> can include a console <NUM> and a treatment instrument <NUM> comprising a pressure wave generator <NUM> and a fluid platform <NUM> adapted to be positioned over or against a treatment region of the tooth <NUM>. The fluid platform <NUM> can define a chamber <NUM> configured to retain fluid therein. In some embodiments, the fluid platform <NUM> can be part of a removable tip device that is removably coupled to a handpiece which can be held or pressed against the tooth <NUM> by the clinician. In other embodiments, the fluid platform <NUM> may not be removably connected to the handpiece, e.g., the fluid platform <NUM> may be integrally formed with the handpiece, or may be connected to the handpiece in a manner intended to be non-removable. In some embodiments, the fluid platform <NUM> can be attached to the tooth, e.g., using an adhesive. For example, in some embodiments, the fluid platform <NUM> may not be used with a handpiece. One or more conduits <NUM> can electrically, mechanically, and/or fluidly connect the console <NUM> with the fluid platform <NUM> and pressure wave generator <NUM>. The console <NUM> can include a control system and various fluid management systems configured to operate the pressure wave generator <NUM> during a treatment procedure. Additional examples of system components that can be used in the system <NUM> are disclosed throughout <CIT>.

As explained herein, the system <NUM> can be used in cleaning procedures to clean substantially the entire root canal system. For example, in various embodiments disclosed herein, the pressure wave generator <NUM> can generate pressure waves with a single frequency or multiple frequencies. The single frequency may be a low frequency below the audible range, a frequency within the audible range, or a relatively higher frequency above the audible range. For example, in various embodiments disclosed herein, the pressure wave generator <NUM> can generate pressure waves <NUM> of sufficient power and relatively low frequencies to produce fluid motion <NUM> in the chamber <NUM> - such that the pressure wave generators <NUM> disclosed herein can act as a fluid motion generator - and can generate pressure waves of sufficient power and at relatively higher frequencies to produce surface effect cavitation on a dental surface, either inside or outside the tooth. That is, for example, the pressure wave generators <NUM> disclosed herein can act as fluid motion generators to generate large-scale or bulk fluid motion <NUM> in or near the tooth <NUM>, and can also generate smaller-scale fluid motion at higher frequencies. In some arrangements, the fluid motion <NUM> in the chamber <NUM> can generate induced fluid motion such as vortices <NUM>, swirl, a chaotic or turbulent flow, etc. in the tooth <NUM> and root canal <NUM> that can clean and/or fill the canal <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the system <NUM> can additionally or alternatively be used in filling procedures to fill a treated region of the tooth, e.g., to obturate a treated root canal system. The treatment instrument <NUM> can generate pressure waves and fluid motion that can cause a flowable filling material to substantially fill the treated region. The flowable filling material can be hardened to restore the tooth. Additional details of systems that utilize pressure wave generators <NUM> to fill a treatment region can be found throughout <CIT>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a system <NUM> that includes components capable of removing unhealthy or undesirable material from a treatment region on an exterior surface <NUM> of the tooth. For example, as in <FIG>, the system <NUM> can include a treatment instrument <NUM> including a fluid platform <NUM> and a pressure wave generator <NUM>. The fluid platform <NUM> can communicate with the console <NUM> by way of the one or more conduits <NUM>. Unlike the system <NUM> of <FIG>, however, the fluid platform <NUM> is coupled to a treatment region on an exterior surface <NUM> of the tooth <NUM>. For example, the system <NUM> of <FIG> can be activated to clean an exterior surface of the tooth <NUM>, e.g., a carious region of the tooth <NUM>. In such embodiments, the clinician can provide the chamber <NUM> over any surface or region of the tooth <NUM> that includes diseased tissue to provide fluid communication between the pressure wave generator <NUM> and the treatment region. As with the embodiment of <FIG>, fluid motion <NUM> can be generated in the fluid platform <NUM> and chamber <NUM>, which can act to clean the treatment region of the tooth <NUM>. Further, as explained above, the system <NUM> can additionally or alternatively be used to fill the treatment region, e.g., the treated carious region on the exterior surface <NUM> of the tooth <NUM>.

As explained herein, the disclosed pressure wave generators <NUM> can be configured to generate pressure waves <NUM> with energy sufficient to clean undesirable material from a tooth. The pressure wave generator <NUM> can be a device that converts one form of energy into pressure waves <NUM> within the treatment liquid. The pressure wave generator <NUM> can induce, among other phenomena, fluid dynamic motion of the treatment liquid (e.g., in the chamber <NUM>), fluid circulation, turbulence, and other conditions that can enable the cleaning of the tooth <NUM>. The pressure wave generators <NUM> disclosed in each of the figures described herein may be any suitable type of pressure wave generator.

The pressure wave generator <NUM> can be used to clean the tooth <NUM> by creating pressure waves <NUM> that propagate through the treatment liquid, e.g., through treatment fluid retained at least partially retained in the fluid platform <NUM>. In some implementations, the pressure wave generator <NUM> may also create cavitation, acoustic streaming, shock waves, turbulence, etc. In various embodiments, the pressure wave generator <NUM> can generate pressure waves <NUM> or acoustic energy having a broadband power spectrum. For example, the pressure wave generator <NUM> can generate acoustic waves at multiple different frequencies, as opposed to only one or a few frequencies. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that the generation of power at multiple frequencies can help to remove various types of organic and/or inorganic materials that have different material or physical characteristics at various frequencies.

In some embodiments, the pressure wave generator <NUM> can comprise a liquid jet device. The liquid jet can be created by passing high pressure liquid through an orifice. The liquid jet can create pressure waves <NUM> within the treatment liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure wave generator <NUM> comprises a coherent, collimated jet of liquid. The jet of liquid can interact with liquid in a substantially-enclosed volume (e.g., the chamber <NUM>) and/or an impingement member (e.g., a distal impingement plate on a distal end of a guide tube, or a curved surface of the chamber walls) to create the pressure waves <NUM>. In addition, the interaction of the jet and the treatment fluid, as well as the interaction of the spray which results from hitting the impingement member and the treatment fluid, may assist in creating cavitation and/or other acoustic effects to clean the tooth. In other embodiments, the pressure wave generator <NUM> can comprise a laser device, as explained herein. Other types of pressure wave generators, such as mechanical devices, may also be suitable.

The pressure wave generators <NUM> disclosed herein can generate pressure waves having a broadband acoustic spectrum with multiple frequencies. The pressure wave generator <NUM> can generate a broadband power spectrum of acoustic power with significant power extending from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, including, e.g., significant power in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM> (e.g., the bandwidth can be about <NUM>). The bandwidth of the acoustic energy spectrum may, in some cases, be measured in terms of the <NUM>-decibel (<NUM>-dB) bandwidth (e.g., the full-width at half-maximum or FWHM of the acoustic power spectrum). In various examples, a broadband acoustic power spectrum can include significant power in a bandwidth in a range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, in a range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, in a range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or some other range of frequencies. In some implementations, a broadband spectrum can include acoustic power above about <NUM>. Beneficially, a broadband spectrum of acoustic power can produce a relatively broad range of bubble sizes in the cavitation cloud and on the surfaces on the tooth, and the implosion of these bubbles may be more effective at disrupting tissue than bubbles having a narrow size range. Relatively broadband acoustic power may also allow acoustic energy to work on a range of length scales, e.g., from the cellular scale up to the tissue scale. Accordingly, pressure wave generators that produce a broadband acoustic power spectrum (e.g., some embodiments of a liquid jet) can be more effective at tooth cleaning for some treatments than pressure wave generators that produce a narrowband acoustic power spectrum. Additional examples of pressure wave generators that produce broadband acoustic power are described in <FIG>-<NUM> and the associated disclosure of <CIT>, and in <FIG> and the associated disclosure of <CIT>.

The dental treatments disclosed herein can be used with any suitable type of treatment fluid, e.g., cleaning fluids. In filling procedures, the treatment fluid can comprise a flowable filling material that can be hardened to fill the treatment region. The treatment fluids disclosed herein can be any suitable fluid, including, e.g., water, saline, etc. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid can be degassed, which may improve cavitation and/or reduce the presence of gas bubbles in some treatments. In some embodiments, the dissolved gas content can be less than about <NUM> % by volume. Various chemicals can be added to treatment solution, including, e.g., tissue dissolving agents (e.g., NaOCl), disinfectants (e.g., chlorhexidine), anesthesia, fluoride therapy agents, EDTA, citric acid, and any other suitable chemicals. For example, any other antibacterial, decalcifying, disinfecting, mineralizing, or whitening solutions may be used as well. Various solutions may be used in combination at the same time or sequentially at suitable concentrations. In some embodiments, chemicals and the concentrations of the chemicals can be varied throughout the procedure by the clinician and/or by the system to improve patient outcomes. The pressure waves <NUM> and fluid motion <NUM> generated by the pressure wave generator <NUM> can beneficially improve the efficacy of cleaning by inducing low-frequency bulk fluid motion and/or higher-frequency acoustic waves that can remove undesirable materials throughout the treatment region.

In some systems and methods, the treatment fluids used with the system <NUM> can comprise degassed fluids having a dissolved gas content that is reduced when compared to the normal gas content of the fluid. The use of degassed treatment fluids can beneficially improve cleaning efficacy, since the presence of bubbles in the fluid may impede the propagation of acoustic energy and reduce the effectiveness of cleaning. In some embodiments, the degassed fluid has a dissolved gas content that is reduced to approximately <NUM>%-<NUM>% of its normal amount as delivered from a source of fluid (e.g., before degassing). In other embodiments, the dissolved gas content of the degassed fluid can be reduced to approximately <NUM>%-<NUM>% or <NUM>%-<NUM>% of the normal gas content of the fluid. In some treatments, the dissolved gas content can be less than about <NUM>%, less than about <NUM>%, less than about <NUM>%, less than about <NUM>%, less than about <NUM>%, less than about <NUM>%, less than about <NUM>%, or less than about <NUM>% of the normal gas amount. In some embodiments, the degassed fluids may be exposed to a specific type of gas, such as ozone, and carry some of the gas (e.g., ozone) with them into the treatment region, for example, in the form of gas bubbles. At the treatment region, the gas bubbles expose the treatment region to the gas (e.g., ozone) for further disinfection of the region. Additional details regarding the use of degassed treatment liquids may be found in <CIT>.

Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a dental treatment instrument <NUM> configured to clean and/or fill a treatment region of the tooth <NUM>. The treatment instruments disclosed herein demonstrate improved efficacy at cleaning the tooth <NUM>, including root canal spaces and associated tubules and carious regions on an exterior surface of the tooth <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an example of such a treatment instrument <NUM>. In particular, <FIG> is a schematic perspective view of a treatment instrument <NUM> according to one embodiment. <FIG> is a magnified schematic perspective view of a fluid platform <NUM> disposed at a distal end portion of a handpiece <NUM> of the treatment instrument <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic bottom perspective view of the treatment instrument <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic side sectional view of the treatment instrument <NUM> of <FIG>, taken along section 2D-2D of <FIG>. <FIG> is a magnified bottom perspective sectional view of the fluid platform <NUM>. <FIG> is a magnified view of the fluid platform <NUM> shown in the section of <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic side sectional view of the fluid platform <NUM> taken along section <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> is a top perspective sectional view of the fluid platform <NUM> taken along section <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> is a top perspective sectional view of the fluid platform <NUM> taken along section 2I-2I of <FIG>. <FIG> is a top plan view of the fluid platform <NUM> taken along section 2J-2J. <FIG> is a top plan view of the fluid platform <NUM> taken along section 2I-2I.

The treatment instrument <NUM> of <FIG> includes a handpiece <NUM> sized and shaped to be gripped by the clinician. A fluid platform <NUM> can be coupled to a distal portion of the handpiece <NUM>. As explained herein, in some embodiments, the fluid platform <NUM> can form part of a removable tip device <NUM> (see below) that can be removably connected to the handpiece <NUM>. In other embodiments, the fluid platform <NUM> can be non-removably attached to the handpiece <NUM> or can be integrally formed with the handpiece <NUM>. In still other embodiments, the fluid platform <NUM> may not couple to a handpiece and may instead serve as a treatment cap that is adhered (or otherwise coupled or positioned) to the tooth without using a handpiece. As shown in <FIG>, an interface member <NUM> can be provided at a proximal end portion of the handpiece <NUM>, which can removably couple to the one or more conduits <NUM> to provide fluid communication between the console <NUM> and the treatment instrument <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, and as explained herein, a vent <NUM> can be provided through a portion of the handpiece <NUM> to provide fluid communication between an outlet line <NUM> (which can comprise one of the at least one conduits <NUM> described above) and ambient air. As explained herein, the vent <NUM> can serve to regulate the pressure in the fluid platform <NUM> and can improve the safety and efficacy of the treatment instrument <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, an access port <NUM> can be provided at a distal portion of the fluid platform <NUM> to provide fluid communication between a chamber <NUM> defined by the fluid platform <NUM> and the treatment region of the tooth <NUM>. For example, as explained above in <FIG>, in root canal cleaning procedures, a sealing cap <NUM> at the distal portion of the fluid platform <NUM> can be positioned against the tooth <NUM> over the access opening <NUM> to provide fluid communication between the chamber <NUM> and the interior of the tooth <NUM> (e.g., the pulp cavity <NUM> and root canal(s) <NUM>). In other embodiments, as explained above in <FIG>, the sealing cap <NUM> can be positioned against the tooth <NUM> over the carious region at an exterior surface <NUM> of the tooth <NUM> to provide fluid communication between the chamber <NUM> and the carious region to be treated. The pressure waves <NUM> and fluid motion <NUM> can propagate throughout the treatment region to clean the treatment region.

Turning to <FIG>, the fluid platform <NUM> can have one or a plurality of walls that define the chamber <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG> the fluid platform <NUM> can comprise at least one wall including a curved sidewall <NUM> and an upper wall <NUM> disposed at an upper end of the chamber <NUM> opposite the access port <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the curved sidewall <NUM> can define a generally cylindrical chamber <NUM> with a generally circular cross-section, and can extend from the upper wall <NUM> at an angle. In other embodiments, however, the curved sidewall <NUM> can be elliptical or can have other curved or angular surfaces. The sidewall <NUM> can extend non-parallel to (e.g., substantially transverse to) the upper wall <NUM>. The sidewall <NUM> can extend from the upper wall <NUM> at any suitable non-zero angle, for example, by about <NUM>° in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the sidewall <NUM> can extend from the upper wall <NUM> by an angle greater than or less than <NUM>°. In other embodiments, the sidewall <NUM> can extend from the upper wall <NUM> by different angular amounts along a perimeter of the sidewall <NUM> such that the shape of the chamber <NUM> may be irregular or asymmetric. In the illustrated embodiment, the interior angle between the upper wall <NUM> and sidewall <NUM> can comprise an angle or corner. In other embodiments, however, the interior interface between the upper wall <NUM> and sidewall <NUM> can comprise a curved or smooth surface without corners. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more walls can comprise a curved profile, such as a quasi-spherical profile.

The sealing cap <NUM> can be coupled or formed with the platform <NUM>. As shown, for example, a flange <NUM> can comprise a U-shaped support with opposing sides, and the sealing cap <NUM> can be disposed within the flange <NUM>. The flange <NUM> can serve to mechanically connect the sealing cap <NUM> to the distal portion of the handpiece <NUM>. The access port <NUM> can be provided at the distal end portion of the chamber <NUM> which places the chamber <NUM> in fluid communication with a treatment region of the tooth <NUM> when the chamber <NUM> is coupled to the tooth (e.g., pressed against the tooth, adhered to the tooth, or otherwise coupled to the tooth). For example, the sealing cap <NUM> can be pressed against the tooth by the clinician to substantially seal the treatment region of the tooth.

The chamber <NUM> can be shaped to have any suitable profile. In various embodiments, and as shown, the chamber <NUM> can have a curved sidewall <NUM>, but in other embodiments, the chamber <NUM> can have a plurality of angled sidewalls <NUM> that may form angled interior corners. The sectional plan view (e.g., bottom sectional view) of the chamber <NUM> can accordingly be rounded, e.g., generally circular as shown in, e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>. In some embodiments, the sectional plan view (e.g., bottom sectional view) of the chamber <NUM> can be elliptical, polygonal, or can have an irregular boundary.

The chamber <NUM> can have a central axis Z. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the central axis Z can extend substantially transversely through a center (e.g., a geometric center) of the access port <NUM> (e.g., through a distal-most plane of the chamber <NUM> defined at least in part by the access port <NUM>). In various embodiments, and as shown in <FIG>, for a chamber <NUM> with a circular (or approximately circular) cross-section (as viewed from a bottom plan view) the central axis Z can pass substantially transversely through the approximate center of the access port <NUM> that at least partially defines a distal portion of the chamber <NUM> and/or the upper wall <NUM> that at least partially defines the top of the chamber <NUM>. For example, the central axis Z can pass substantially transversely through the geometric center of the upper wall <NUM> and/or the access port <NUM> at an angle in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, at an angle in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or at an angle in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°.

As explained above, although the illustrated chamber <NUM> has a generally or approximately circular cross-section, the chamber <NUM> may have other suitable shapes as viewed in various bottom-up cross-sections. In such embodiments, a plurality of planes (e.g., two, three, or more planes) parallel to the plane of the opening of the access port <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> (which may be at a distal-most plane of the chamber <NUM>) can be delimited or bounded by the sidewall <NUM> of the chamber. The central axis Z can pass through the approximate geometric center of each of the bounded planes parallel to the access port <NUM>. For example, the chamber <NUM> may have a sidewall <NUM> that is angled non-transversely relative to the upper wall <NUM>, and/or may have a sidewall <NUM> with a profile that varies along a height h of the chamber <NUM>. The central axis Z can pass through the geometric center of each of the plurality of parallel bounded planes.

A pressure wave generator <NUM> (which can serve as a fluid motion generator) can be arranged to generate pressure waves and rotational fluid motion in the chamber <NUM>. The pressure wave generator <NUM> can be disposed outside the tooth during a treatment procedure. The pressure wave generator <NUM> can comprise a liquid supply port that can deliver a liquid stream (such as a liquid jet) across the chamber <NUM> (e.g., completely across the chamber <NUM> to impinge upon a portion of the sidewall <NUM> opposite the pressure wave generator <NUM> or supply port) to generate pressure waves and fluid motion. For example, the pressure wave generator <NUM> can comprise a liquid jet device that includes an orifice or nozzle <NUM>. Pressurized liquid <NUM> can be transferred to the nozzle <NUM> along an inlet line <NUM>. The inlet line <NUM> can be connected to a fluid source in the console <NUM>, for example, by way of the one or more conduits <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> can have a diameter selected to form a high velocity, coherent, collimated liquid jet. The nozzle <NUM> can be positioned at a distal end of the inlet line <NUM>. In various embodiments disclosed herein, the nozzle <NUM> can have an opening with a diameter in a range of <NUM> microns to <NUM> microns, in a range of <NUM> microns to <NUM> microns, or in a range of <NUM> microns to <NUM> microns. For example, in one embodiment, the nozzle <NUM> can have an opening with a diameter of approximately <NUM> microns, which has been found to generate liquid jets that are particularly effective at cleaning teeth. Although the illustrated embodiments are configured to form a liquid jet (e.g., a coherent, collimated jet), in other embodiments, the liquid stream may not comprise a jet but instead a liquid stream in which the momentum of the stream is generally parallel to the stream axis.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the nozzle <NUM> can be configured to direct a liquid stream comprising a liquid jet <NUM> laterally through a laterally central region of the chamber <NUM> along a jet axis X(also referred to as a stream axis) non-parallel to (e.g., substantially perpendicular to) the central axis Z. In some embodiments, the jet axis X can intersect the central axis Z. In various embodiments, the liquid stream (e.g., the jet <NUM>) can intersect the central axis Z. In other embodiments, the jet axis X can be slightly offset from the central axis Z. The liquid jet <NUM> can generate fluid motion <NUM> (e.g., vortices) that can propagate throughout the treatment region (e.g., throughout a root canal, throughout a carious region on an external surface of the tooth, etc.) to interact with and remove unhealthy material. The fluid motion generator <NUM> can also act as a pressure wave generator to generate broadband pressure waves through the fluid in the chamber <NUM> to clean the treatment region.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the nozzle <NUM> can form the coherent, collimated liquid jet <NUM>, which can pass along a guide channel <NUM> disposed between the nozzle <NUM> and the chamber <NUM>. The guide channel <NUM> may provide improved manufacturability and can serve as a guide for the liquid jet <NUM> to the chamber <NUM>. During operation, the chamber <NUM> can fill with the treatment liquid supplied by the liquid jet <NUM> (and/or additional inlets to the chamber <NUM>). The jet <NUM> can enter the chamber <NUM> from the guide channel <NUM> and can interact with the liquid retained in the chamber <NUM>. The interaction between the liquid jet <NUM> and the liquid in the chamber <NUM> can create the pressure waves <NUM> (see <FIG>), which can propagate throughout the treatment region. The liquid jet <NUM> can impact the sidewall <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> at a location opposite the nozzle <NUM> along the jet axis X. The sidewall <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> can serve as an impingement surface such that, when the jet <NUM> impinges on or impacts the sidewall <NUM>, the curved or angled surface of the sidewall <NUM> creates fluid motion along the sidewall <NUM>, the upper wall <NUM>, and/or within the fluid retained in the chamber <NUM>. Moreover, the movement of the jet <NUM> and/or the liquid stream diverted by the sidewall <NUM> can induce fluid motion <NUM> in the chamber <NUM> and through the treatment region.

Without being limited by theory, for example, directing the jet <NUM> across the chamber <NUM> (e.g., completely across the chamber <NUM>) along the jet axis X at a central location within the chamber <NUM> can induce fluid motion <NUM> comprising vortices that rotate about an axis non-parallel to (e.g., perpendicular to) the central axis Z of the chamber <NUM>. The vortices can propagate through the treatment region, and can provide bulk fluid motion that flushes undesirable material (e.g., decayed organic matter) out of the treatment region. The combination of the vortex fluid motion <NUM> and the generated pressure waves <NUM> can effectively remove undesirable materials of all shapes and sizes from large and small spaces, cracks, and crevices of the treatment region. The fluid motion <NUM> may be turbulent in nature and may rotate about multiple axes, which can increase the chaotic nature of the flow and improve treatment efficacy.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the treatment instrument <NUM> can also include an evacuation or outlet line <NUM> to convey waste or effluent liquids <NUM> to a waste reservoir, which may be located in the system console <NUM>. A suction port <NUM> or fluid outlet can be exposed to the chamber <NUM> along a wall of the chamber <NUM> offset from the central axis Z. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the suction port <NUM> can be disposed along the upper wall <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> opposite the access port <NUM>. A vacuum pump (not shown) can apply vacuum forces along the outlet line <NUM> to draw waste or effluent liquids <NUM> out of the chamber <NUM> through the suction port <NUM>, along the outlet line <NUM>, and to the waste reservoir. In some embodiments, only one suction port <NUM> can be provided. However, as shown in the embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, the instrument <NUM> can include a plurality (e.g., two) of (e.g., two) suction ports positioned laterally opposite one another. In some embodiments, more than two suction ports can be provided. The suction ports <NUM> can be disposed laterally opposite one another, e.g., symmetrically relative to, the central axis Z. As shown, the suction ports <NUM> can be disposed through the upper wall <NUM> at or near the sidewall <NUM>, e.g., closer to the sidewall <NUM> than to the central axis Z of the chamber <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the suction ports <NUM> can abut or be defined at least in part by the sidewall <NUM>. In other embodiments, the suction ports <NUM> can be laterally inset from the sidewall <NUM>. In still other embodiments, the suction ports <NUM> can be disposed on the sidewall <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>.

Accordingly, in various embodiments, the chamber <NUM> can have a maximum lateral dimension in a first plane extending substantially transverse to (e.g., at an angle in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, at an angle in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or at an angle in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>° relative to) the central axis Z. The first plane can be delimited by a wall of the chamber along a boundary of the wall. A projection of the suction port <NUM> onto the first plane can be closer to the boundary than to the central axis Z of the chamber <NUM>. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the chamber <NUM> can comprise an approximately circular bottom cross-section, and the first plane substantially transverse to the central axis Z can be delimited along the sidewall <NUM> by an approximately circular boundary. A projection of the suction port <NUM> onto that first plane can be closer to the approximately circular boundary than to the central axis Z.

As shown, the suction ports <NUM> can comprise elongated and curved (e.g. kidney-shaped) openings. The curvature of the suction ports <NUM> may generally conform to the curvature of the sidewall <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the suction ports <NUM> may not be curved but may be polygonal (e.g., rectangular). Beneficially, the use of an elongate suction port <NUM>, in which a length of the opening is larger than a width, can prevent large particles from clogging the suction port <NUM> and/or outlet line <NUM>. In some embodiments, the suction port <NUM> can comprise an opening flush with the upper wall <NUM>. In other embodiments, the suction port <NUM> can protrude partially into the chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, pressure wave generator <NUM> and the suction port(s) <NUM> can be shaped and positioned relative to the chamber <NUM> such that, during operation of the treatment instrument <NUM> in a treatment procedure, pressure at a treatment region of the tooth (e.g., within the root canals of the tooth as measured in the apex) can be maintained within a range of <NUM> mmHg to -<NUM> mmHg. Maintaining the pressure at the treatment region within desired ranges can reduce the risk of pain to the patient, prevent extrusion of liquids apically out of the apical opening <NUM>, and/or improve cleaning efficacy. For example, the pressure wave generator <NUM> and the suction port(s) <NUM> can be shaped and positioned relative to the chamber <NUM> such that, during operation of the treatment instrument <NUM> in a treatment procedure, apical pressure at or near the apex <NUM> and apical opening <NUM> are maintained at less than <NUM> mmHg, at less than <NUM> mmHg, at less than -<NUM> mmHg, e.g., within a range of -<NUM> mmHg to -<NUM> mmHg, within a range of -<NUM> mmHg to -<NUM> mmHg, or within a range of -<NUM> mmHg to -<NUM> mmHg. Maintaining the apical pressure within these ranges can reduce the risk of pain to the patient, prevent extrusion of liquids apically out of the apical opening <NUM>, and/or improve cleaning efficacy.

In some embodiments, to regulate apical pressure, the suction ports <NUM> can be circumferentially offset from the nozzle <NUM>. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the suction ports <NUM> can be circumferentially offset from the nozzle <NUM> by about <NUM>°.

Further, the chamber <NUM> can have a width w (e.g., a diameter or other major lateral dimension of the chamber <NUM>) and a height h extending from the upper wall <NUM> to the access port <NUM>. The width w and height h can be selected to provide effective cleaning outcomes while maintaining apical pressure in desired ranges. In various embodiments, for example, the width w of the chamber <NUM> can be in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>, in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>, or in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> (e.g., about <NUM>). A height h of the chamber <NUM> can be in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>, in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>, or in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>.

The pressure wave generator <NUM> (e.g., the nozzle <NUM>) can be positioned relative to the chamber <NUM> at a location that generates sufficient fluid motion <NUM> to treat the tooth. As shown, the pressure wave generator <NUM> (including, e.g., the nozzle <NUM>) can be disposed outside the chamber <NUM> as shown (for example, recessed from the chamber <NUM>). In some embodiments, the pressure wave generator <NUM> can be exposed to (or flush with) the chamber <NUM> but may not extend into the chamber <NUM>. In still other embodiments, at least a portion of the pressure wave generator <NUM> may extend into the chamber <NUM>. The pressure wave generator <NUM> (for example, including the nozzle <NUM>) can be positioned below or distal the suction ports <NUM>. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the jet <NUM> can be directed substantially perpendicular to the central axis Z (such that an angle between the jet axis X and the central axis Z is approximately <NUM>°). The jet <NUM> can pass proximate the central axis Z of the chamber, e.g., pass through a laterally central region of the chamber <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the jet axis X or the liquid jet <NUM> can intersect the central axis Z of the chamber. In some embodiments, the jet <NUM> may pass through a laterally central region of the chamber <NUM> but may be slightly offset from the central axis Z. For example, the central axis Z can lie in a second plane that is substantially transverse to the jet axis X (e.g., the second plane can be angled relative to the jet axis X in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°). The stream or jet axis X can intersect the second substantially transverse plane at a location closer to the central axis Z than to the sidewall <NUM>.

Accordingly, as explained above, the chamber <NUM> can have a maximum lateral dimension in a first plane extending substantially transverse to the central axis Z, and the central axis Z can lie in the second plane extending substantially transverse to the stream or jet axis X. The first plane can be delimited by a wall (for example, the sidewall <NUM>) of the chamber <NUM> along a boundary of the wall. As explained above, the suction port <NUM> can be closer to the boundary (e.g., the sidewall <NUM> in some embodiments) than to the central axis Z. The suction port <NUM> may also be closer to the boundary than to the location at which the stream or jet axis X intersects the second plane. Further, the location at which the stream or jet axis X intersects the second plane can be closer to the central axis Z than to the suction port <NUM> (or to a projection of the suction port <NUM> onto that second plane). Although the wall illustrated herein can comprise an upper wall and sidewall extending therefrom, in other embodiments, the wall can comprise a single curved wall, or can have any other suitable shape.

As explained above, the vent <NUM> can be provided through the platform <NUM> and can be exposed to ambient air. The vent <NUM> can be in fluid communication with the evacuation line <NUM> that is fluidly connected to the suction port <NUM>. The vent <NUM> can be disposed along the evacuation or outlet line <NUM> at a location downstream of the suction port <NUM>. The vent <NUM> can beneficially prevent or reduce over-pressurization in the chamber <NUM> and treatment region. For example, ambient air from the outside environs can be entrained with the effluent liquid <NUM> removed along the outlet line <NUM>. The vent <NUM> can regulate pressure within the treatment region by allowing the application of a static negative pressure. For example, a size of the vent <NUM> can be selected to provide a desired amount of static negative pressure at the treatment region. The vent <NUM> can be positioned at a location along the outlet line <NUM> so as to prevent ambient air from entering the chamber <NUM> and/or the treatment region of the tooth <NUM>. Additional details regarding vented fluid platforms can be found throughout <CIT>.

Beneficially, the embodiment of <FIG> and like embodiments can create sufficient fluid motion and pressure waves to provide a thorough cleaning of the entire treatment region. Components such as the pressure wave generator <NUM>, the chamber <NUM>, the suction port <NUM>, the vent <NUM>, etc. can be arranged as shown and described in the illustrated embodiment, so as to provide effective treatment (e.g., effective cleaning or filling), improved pressure regulation (e.g., maintain pressures at the treatment region within suitable ranges), and improved patient outcomes as compared with other devices.

The embodiments of the treatment instrument <NUM> disclosed herein can be used in combination with the features shown and described throughout <CIT>.

<FIG> illustrate a treatment instrument <NUM> according to another embodiment. Unless otherwise noted, components of <FIG> may be the same as or generally similar to like-numbered components of <FIG>. The treatment instrument <NUM> can include the handpiece <NUM> and fluid platform <NUM> connected to or formed with the handpiece <NUM>. Unlike the embodiment of <FIG>, however, the handpiece <NUM> includes a contra-angled handpiece body <NUM>. The contra-angled handpiece body <NUM> can be curved upwardly which can improve the maneuverability and/or handling of the handpiece <NUM> by the clinician.

<FIG> is a schematic bottom right side perspective view of a treatment instrument <NUM> according to various embodiments. <FIG> is a schematic top left side perspective view of the treatment instrument <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic side perspective cross-sectional view of the treatment instrument of <FIG>. Unless otherwise noted, components of <FIG> may be the same as or generally similar to like-numbered components of <FIG>. In <FIG>, the handpiece body is hidden for ease of illustrating the other components of the treatment instrument. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the suction port <NUM> may comprise a polygonal (e.g., rectangular) elongated opening. Further, in the embodiment of <FIG>, the access port <NUM> may have a diameter or major dimension smaller than that of the chamber <NUM> disposed above or proximal the access port <NUM>. In other embodiments, the access port <NUM> may have a diameter or major dimension larger than or substantially the same as that of the chamber <NUM> disposed above or proximal the access port <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a dental treatment instrument <NUM> according to various embodiments. Unless otherwise noted, components of <FIG> may be same as or generally similar to like-numbered components of <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>. The dental treatment instrument <NUM> can include a tip device <NUM> and a handpiece <NUM> having a handpiece body 12a. The tip device <NUM> can be removably connected to a distal portion of the handpiece body 12a. In various embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can include a connector <NUM> that removably connects the handpiece body 12a to the tip device <NUM>. The tip device <NUM> can include a connector <NUM> that removably connects the tip device <NUM> to the handpiece body 12a. The connector <NUM> can couple with the connector <NUM> to removably couple the tip device <NUM> to the handpiece body 12a. The tip device <NUM> can be configured to be positioned against or over a treatment region to treat the tooth (e.g., to clean and/or fill the treatment region of the tooth).

In some embodiments, the connector <NUM> can include external threads to engage corresponding internal threads of the connector <NUM>. In some embodiments, the connector <NUM> can include internal threads to engage corresponding external threads of the connector <NUM>. In some embodiments, the connector <NUM> can include a plurality of protrusions to engage a plurality of receptacles of the connector <NUM>. In some embodiments, the connector <NUM> can include a plurality of protrusions extending from a radial wall to engage to engage a plurality of receptacles of the connector <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the connector <NUM> can couple to the connector <NUM> via a quick connect coupling. In some embodiments, the quick connect coupling includes a plurality of retractable ball bearings. In some embodiments, the quick connect coupling includes a sliding collar. In some embodiments, a sliding collar on one of the connectors <NUM> or <NUM> can slide along an axis of connection allowing ball bearings to retract. When the collar is slid forward, the ball bearings can be pushed into features on the other connector <NUM> or <NUM> to thereby prevent detachment of the disposable tip. In some embodiments, the quick connect coupling can be implemented with an active connector (e.g., collar with ball bearings) or a passive connector (e.g., a fixed geometry which interfaces with the bearings) on the handpiece body 12a. In some embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can beneficially include the passive connector to facilitate effective decontamination and sterilization.

In some embodiments, the connector <NUM> can couple to the connector <NUM> via a snap fitting. Either the connector <NUM> or the connector <NUM> can include one or more snap features which can be depressed by pressing or squeezing the feature. Complementary mating components on the other connector <NUM> or <NUM> can include features or undercuts to which the snap features engage.

In some embodiments, the connector <NUM> can include internal threads to engage corresponding external threads of the connector <NUM>. In some embodiments, the connector <NUM> can include external threads to engage corresponding internal threads of the connector <NUM>. In some embodiments, the connector <NUM> can include a plurality of receptacles to engage corresponding protrusions the connector <NUM>. In some embodiments, the connector <NUM> can include a plurality of receptacles to engage corresponding protrusions extending from a radial wall of the connector <NUM>. In some embodiments, the connector <NUM> includes a plurality of protrusions to engage corresponding receptacles of the connector <NUM>.

In various embodiments, therefore, the tip device <NUM> can be connected to the handpiece body 12a before a treatment procedure. After the tip device <NUM> is connected to the handpiece body 12a, a clinician can conduct a treatment procedure, such as a cleaning procedure. After the treatment procedure, the clinician can remove the treatment tip device <NUM> from the handpiece body 12a.

In various embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can be used in multiple procedures, e.g., a predetermined number of procedures. In various embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can be configured to connect to multiple tip devices <NUM>. In some embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can be configured to connect to multiple tip devices <NUM> having the same configuration. In other embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can be configured to connect to multiple tip devices <NUM> having different configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can connect to multiple tip devices <NUM> configured for treatment of different types of teeth, e.g., a first tip device for treatment of a molar tooth and a second tip device for treatment of an anterior or pre-molar tooth. In some embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can connect to multiple tip devices configured for treatment of different types of treatment regions, e.g., a first tip device for treatment of a root canal and a second tip device for treatment of an external carious region.

In various embodiments, the tip device <NUM> can be disposable. Beneficially, providing a disposable tip device <NUM> in conjunction with a generally reusable handpiece body 12a can enable the clinician to reduce costs associated with disposing the handpiece body 12a after a single use.

In various embodiments, the tip device <NUM> can include a fluid platform <NUM> configured to be positioned against a region of a tooth. In some embodiments, the fluid platform <NUM> can be sized and selected to be positioned against a treatment region of a tooth, e.g., over an access opening that provides access to a root canal of the tooth (see, e.g., <CIT> and <CIT>). In other embodiments, the fluid platform <NUM> can be positioned over a carious region on an external surface of the tooth (see, e.g., <CIT>).

The fluid platform <NUM> can at least partially define a chamber <NUM> to be in fluid communication with a treatment region of a tooth. In some embodiments, the fluid platform <NUM> can be sized to be applied to a tooth to substantially retain fluid in the chamber <NUM> during a treatment procedure. In some embodiments, the treatment region can be a carious region. In other embodiments, the treatment region can be a root canal. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the chamber <NUM> is positioned outside of the tooth when the fluid platform is positioned against a region of the tooth.

In some embodiments, the fluid platform <NUM> can be sized to be applied to a molar tooth to substantially retain fluid in the chamber <NUM> during a treatment procedure. In some embodiments, the fluid platform can <NUM> be sized to be applied to an anterior or pre-molar tooth to substantially retain fluid in the chamber <NUM> during a treatment procedure.

In some embodiments, the fluid platform <NUM> is sized to be positioned against and at least partially seal against an external surface of the tooth over a carious region such that the chamber <NUM> defines an enclosed volume around the carious region at the external surface of the tooth.

In some embodiments, the fluid platform <NUM> can include a fluid retainer or cap and a contact member configured to contact a portion of the treatment region. During use, the clinician can press the contact member (which can comprise a flexible member, sponge, etc.) on the treatment region so as to substantially seal the treatment region. In some embodiments, the clinician can adhere or otherwise connect the fluid platform <NUM> to the treatment region so as to substantially seal the treatment region.

In various embodiments the tip device <NUM> can include a pressure wave generator <NUM> configured to generate pressure waves and/or fluid motion in fluid provided at the treatment region of the tooth. In some embodiments, the pressure wave generator can generate pressure waves and/or fluid motion at locations remote from the pressure wave generator <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pressure wave generator <NUM> can be coupled to the platform <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the pressure wave generator <NUM> can be used to clean a treatment region (e.g., root canal or carious region) of a tooth, as explained at least in <CIT>, <CIT>, or <CIT>. In various embodiments, the pressure wave generator <NUM> can be used to fill a treatment region (e.g., root canal or carious region) of a tooth, as explained at least in <CIT>.

In some embodiments, the pressure wave generator <NUM> can include a liquid jet device. The liquid jet device can produce a liquid jet that can interact with liquid in the chamber <NUM> and/or in the treatment region to generate pressure waves and fluid motion in the treatment region. The generated pressure waves and fluid motion can be used to clean the treatment region in various procedures, such as those described in Patent No. <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>. In some arrangements, the generated pressure waves and fluid motion can be used to fill the treatment region, such as procedures described in <CIT>.

In some embodiments, the pressure wave generator <NUM> can include a laser device. The laser device can produce a laser beam that can interact with liquid in the chamber <NUM> and/or in the treatment region to generate pressure waves and fluid motion in the treatment region. The generated pressure waves and fluid motion can be used to clean the treatment region in various procedures, such as those described in Patent No. <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>. In some arrangements, the generated pressure waves and fluid motion can be used to fill the treatment region, such as procedures described in <CIT>.

In other embodiments, the pressure wave generator <NUM> can comprise other types of pressure wave generators described in, e.g., <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>. The pressure wave generator <NUM> can be arranged to generate broadband pressure waves at multiple frequencies, as explained in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>, which can be beneficial in cleaning or filling the treatment region. In various embodiments, degassed treatment liquids can be used in cooperation with the pressure wave generator <NUM>, for example, to enhance cleaning of the treatment region.

In some embodiments, the pressure wave generator <NUM> can be positioned outside of the tooth when the fluid platform <NUM> is applied to the tooth. In some embodiments, when the fluid platform <NUM> is sized to be positioned against and at least partially seal against an external surface of the tooth over a carious region, the pressure wave generator can be positioned outside of the carious region when the fluid platform is coupled to the external surface of the tooth. In some embodiments, such as root canal treatment procedures, the pressure wave generator <NUM> can extend into a chamber of the tooth. In some embodiments, the pressure wave generator <NUM> can extend into the treatment region of the tooth. In some embodiments, for example when the tooth is an anterior or pre-molar tooth, the fluid platform <NUM> can be configured to interact with the anterior or pre-molar tooth through a pre-formed side opening in the tooth, and the pressure wave generator can be positioned outside of the anterior or pre-molar tooth when the fluid platform interacts with the anterior or pre-molar tooth.

In various embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can provide fluid, electric, and/or data communication to the tip device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can include one or more conduits in communication with one or more conduits of the tip device <NUM>. The conduits of the handpiece body 12a can provide fluid, electric, and/or data communication to the conduits of the tip device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a dental treatment instrument <NUM> according to various embodiments. Unless otherwise noted, components of <FIG> may be same as or generally similar to like-numbered components of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can include a conduit 5a configured to be in communication with a conduit 5b of the tip device <NUM> to form a fluid inlet line <NUM> when the handpiece body 12a is coupled to the tip device <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the line <NUM> can be coupled to the pressure wave generator. In some embodiments, the line <NUM> can be a fluid inflow line or fluid inlet line. For example, in embodiments in which the pressure wave generator <NUM> includes a liquid jet device, the line <NUM> can deliver fluid to the liquid jet device.

In various embodiments, the tip device <NUM> can include one or more fluid outlets or suction ports <NUM> to convey fluid from the chamber <NUM>. The suction port(s) <NUM> can be in communication with a suction pump (which, for example, may be located in the console). When the suction pump is active, liquid can be drawn out of the chamber <NUM>, through the port(s) <NUM> and to an outlet line <NUM>, which can convey the removed liquid to a waste container, which may be located in the console for example.

In some embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can include a conduit 4a configured to be in communication with a conduit 4b of the tip device <NUM> to form line <NUM> when the handpiece body 12a is coupled to the tip device <NUM>. The line <NUM> can be coupled to the port(s) <NUM> to form a fluid outlet line <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the tip device <NUM> can include one or more vents <NUM> configured to permit ambient air to be drawn into the line <NUM> downstream of the port(s) <NUM>. The vent(s) <NUM> can beneficially provide a pressure regulation function, as explained in, e.g., Patent No. <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

In various embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can include one or more seals <NUM>. The seals <NUM> can provide a fluid seal between the handpiece body 12a and the tip device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the one or more seals <NUM> can include one or more O-rings. In some embodiments, the one or more seals <NUM> can include one or more face seals. In some embodiments, the one or more seals <NUM> can include one or more elastomeric sleeves.

In various embodiments, the dental treatment instrument <NUM> can include a locking mechanism <NUM> for removably securing the distal tip device <NUM> in a fixed orientation relative to the handpiece body 12a. In certain embodiments, the tip device <NUM> can include a locking member <NUM> configured to couple with a corresponding locking member <NUM> of the handpiece body 12a to secure the distal tip device <NUM> in a fixed orientation relative to the handpiece body 12a. In some embodiments, the locking member <NUM> can be coupled to or part of the connector <NUM>. In some embodiments, the locking member <NUM> can be coupled to or part of the connector <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the locking member <NUM> can include one or more protrusions positioned to be received in one or more recesses of the locking member <NUM>. In some embodiments, the protrusions can be hemispherical protrusions. In some embodiments, the locking member <NUM> can include one or more protrusions positioned to be received in one or more recesses of the locking member <NUM>. In some embodiments, the protrusions can be hemispherical protrusions. In some embodiments, the locking member <NUM> can include a sliding lock positioned to be received in a slot of the locking member <NUM>. In some embodiments, the locking member <NUM> can include a sliding lock positioned to be received in a slot of the locking member <NUM>. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism <NUM> can include one or more ball detents configured to secure the tip device <NUM> in a fixed orientation relative to the handpiece body 12a.

In some embodiments, the connection between the connectors <NUM> and <NUM> can be capable of withstanding pressures of at least <NUM>,<NUM> psi, and at least <NUM>,<NUM> psi. In some embodiments, a connection between the connectors <NUM> and <NUM> can be sufficiently secure so as to not unthread, or otherwise detach on its own, while the inlet <NUM> is pressurized. In other embodiments, for example, in some embodiments in which the connectors <NUM> and <NUM> are threads, the locking mechanism <NUM> may be employed to limit or prevent the ability of the connectors <NUM> and <NUM> from detaching. In some embodiments, the connectors <NUM> and <NUM> and seals <NUM> can be designed so that the seal is breached prior to full detachment of the tip device <NUM>. Such a mechanism can ensure that in the event of a clog or occlusion, stored pressure within the line <NUM> is released prior to full mechanical detachment of the tip device <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the tip device <NUM> can include a tracking mechanism or communication device <NUM> storing a unique identified associated with the tip device <NUM>. The communication device can be one or more of a radio-frequency identification tag (RFID), a barcode, a quick response (QR) code or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). As explained in <CIT>, the communications device <NUM> can wirelessly or otherwise communicate with a reader, which can comprise processing circuitry configured to monitor a status of the tip device <NUM> and/or the treatment procedure. In various embodiments, the system can be configured to ensure that only authorized tip devices <NUM> may be used with the handpiece body 12a. In various embodiments, the system can be configured to ensure that the tip device <NUM> is used in only a single procedure. In other embodiments, the system can be configured to determine in how many procedures the tip device <NUM> has been used. The communications device <NUM> can serve various other functions, including those described in connection with the RFID devices disclosed in <CIT>. Similarly, in certain embodiments, a handpiece body 12a can include a tracking mechanism or communications device, which can wirelessly or otherwise communicate with a reader, which can comprise processing circuitry configured to monitor a status of the handpiece body 12a and/or the treatment procedure. In certain embodiments, the communications device <NUM> can be writeable or programmable so as to provide data which allows the console to detect previous use of the tip device <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the communications device <NUM> can be integrated into the tip device <NUM>, into a protective cover for the tip device <NUM>, or into the packaging of the tip device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a dental treatment apparatus or instrument <NUM> according to various embodiments, in which the pressure wave generator <NUM> comprises a laser device. Unless otherwise noted, components of <FIG> may be same as or generally similar to like-numbered components of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>. As shown in <FIG> and as explained above, the conduits 5a and 5b can deliver a treatment liquid (e.g., a cleaning liquid) to the treatment region. Further, in <FIG>, an optical input line <NUM> can comprise a first optical input line 65a in the handpiece body 12a and a second optical input line 65b in the tip device. The optical input lines 65a, 65b can comprise optical fibers coupled by an optical coupler <NUM>. In some embodiments, one or both of the input lines 65a and 65b can be a waveguide, an optical fiber, etc. The optical coupler <NUM> can be an optical fiber connector, a spring-loaded connector, an index matching material, a screw-type connecter, a snap-type connecter, a push-pull coupling, a bayonet connector, a keyed connector, a clip connector, or any other suitable type of optical coupler <NUM> for coupling the optical input lines 65a and 65b. In some embodiments, the pressure wave generator <NUM> can comprise a distal tip at a distal portion of the second input line 65b. For example, the distal fiber tip can comprise a conical tip, or any other suitably shaped optical fiber tip. Laser light can propagate along the input lines 65a, 65b and can be discharged into liquid retained in the chamber <NUM> through the distal tip of the pressure wave generator <NUM>. In some embodiments, electromagnetic energy discharged into the liquid can create photoacoustic waves that propagate through the treatment region to treat the tooth. Although not shown in <FIG>, the fluid platform <NUM> of <FIG> can also include a suction port <NUM> that conveys effluent or outgoing fluid out of the treatment region and chamber and to a waste reservoir along an outlet line <NUM>. In addition, although not shown in <FIG>, the fluid platform <NUM> can comprise a vent <NUM> exposed to ambient air and in fluid communication with the outlet line <NUM> downstream of the suction port <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can include a proximal connector that connects to one or more conduits in fluid communication with a console or other device. The proximal connector can provide fluid, electric, and/or data communication with the conduits and the console. Additional details of portions of the treatment instrument <NUM> disclosed herein may be found throughout <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>. For example, similar to the devices shown in <CIT> and <CIT>, the instrument <NUM> can be used to clean a root canal of a tooth. The tooth can comprise a molar tooth in some embodiments (see, e.g., <CIT>). In other embodiments, the tooth can comprise an anterior or pre-molar tooth (see, e.g., <CIT>). In other embodiments, the instrument <NUM> can be configured to clean a carious region on an exterior region of the tooth (see, e.g., <CIT>). In still other embodiments, the instrument <NUM> can be configured to fill or obturate a treatment region of a tooth, as explained in <CIT>.

<FIG> is a schematic front perspective view of a dental treatment instrument <NUM> according to various embodiments. Unless otherwise noted, components of <FIG> may be same as or generally similar to like-numbered components of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>. The dental treatment instrument <NUM> can include a handpiece body 12a and a treatment tip device <NUM> configured to removably connect to a distal portion or connector <NUM> of the handpiece body 12a. In various embodiments, therefore, the treatment tip device <NUM> can be connected to the handpiece body 12a before a treatment procedure. The clinician can then conduct the treatment procedure, such as a cleaning procedure or a filling procedure. After the treatment procedure, the clinician can remove the treatment tip device <NUM> from the handpiece body 12a. In various embodiments, the tip device <NUM> can be a single-use device such that the tip device <NUM> is disposed after a single use. In other embodiments, however, the tip device <NUM> can be used more than once. In various embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can be used in multiple procedures, e.g., a predetermined number of procedures. Beneficially, providing a disposable tip device <NUM> in conjunction with a generally reusable handpiece body 12a can enable the clinician to reduce costs associated with disposing the handpiece body 12a after a single use.

The handpiece body 12a can include a proximal connector <NUM> and a proximal connector <NUM> that connect to one or more conduits (not shown) in fluid communication with a console or other device (also not shown). The proximal connectors <NUM> and <NUM> can provide fluid, electric, and/or data communication with the conduits and the console. Additional details of portions of the treatment instrument <NUM> disclosed herein may be found throughout <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>. For example, similar to the devices shown in <CIT> and <CIT>, the instrument <NUM> can be used to clean a root canal of a tooth. The tooth can comprise a molar tooth in some embodiments (see, e.g., <CIT>). In still other embodiments, the instrument <NUM> can be configured to fill or obturate a treatment region of a tooth, as explained in <CIT>. In some embodiments, a portion of a cover member <NUM> can be provided at the connector <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In other embodiments (see <FIG>), there may be no cover member.

<FIG> is a schematic magnified perspective view of the connector <NUM> of the treatment instrument <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic perspective sectional view of the connector <NUM> of the treatment instrument <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic perspective sectional view of the tip device <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic partial sectional view of the connector <NUM> of the instrument that illustrates one or more vents <NUM> that can be provided in various embodiments. <FIG> is a schematic front top perspective view of the tip device <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic rear bottom perspective view of the tip device <NUM> of <FIG> is a schematic top view of the tip device <NUM> of <FIG> is a schematic bottom view of the tip device <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic front view of the tip device <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic left side view of the tip device <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic perspective view of a tip device <NUM> in which an additional cover member 220a is provided at an exterior surface of the tip device <NUM>. In various embodiments, for example, the cover member 220a can be provided to protect and/or seal the tip device <NUM> when the instrument is not in use. In some embodiments, the communications device <NUM> can be embedded within the cover member 220a.

The tip device <NUM> can include a fluid platform <NUM> sized and selected to be positioned against a treatment region of a tooth, e.g., over an access opening that provides access to a root canal of the tooth. The fluid platform <NUM> can include a fluid retainer or cap <NUM> and a contact member <NUM> configured to contact a portion of the treatment region. During use, the clinician can press the contact member <NUM> (which can comprise a flexible member, sponge, etc.) on the treatment region so as to substantially seal the treatment region. In some embodiments, the clinician can adhere or otherwise connect the fluid platform <NUM> to the treatment region so as to substantially seal the treatment region. The fluid platform <NUM> can at least partially define a chamber <NUM> in which fluid can be retained.

The fluid platform <NUM> can include or be coupled to a pressure wave generator <NUM> configured to generate pressure waves and/or fluid motion at the treatment region of the tooth, including at locations remote from the pressure wave generator <NUM>. In various embodiments, the pressure wave generator <NUM> can be used to clean a treatment region (e.g., root canal) of a tooth. In various embodiments, the pressure wave generator <NUM> can be used to fill a treatment region (e.g., root canal) of a tooth. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure wave generator <NUM> comprises a liquid jet device. In other embodiments, the pressure wave generator <NUM> can comprise other types of pressure wave generators described in, e.g., <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>, such as a laser device. The pressure wave generator <NUM> can be arranged to generate broadband pressure waves at multiple frequencies, as explained in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>, which can be beneficial in cleaning or filling the treatment region. In various embodiments, degassed treatment liquids can be used in cooperation with the pressure wave generator <NUM>, for example, to enhance cleaning of the treatment region.

The liquid jet device of the pressure wave generator <NUM> disclosed herein can include a nozzle <NUM> and a guide tube <NUM> extending distal the nozzle <NUM>. An inlet line <NUM> in the handpiece body 12a can supply treatment liquid to the nozzle <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> can pressurize the liquid so as to form a coherent, collimated liquid jet. The guide tube <NUM> can extend through the chamber <NUM> and can have a distal end disposed distal the contact member <NUM>. During treatment, the guide tube <NUM> can extend into the tooth, for example, during a root canal treatment. The liquid jet can pass along a channel of the guide tube <NUM> and can impinge upon an impingement plate <NUM> at the distal end of the guide tube <NUM>. One or a plurality of openings <NUM> can provide fluid communication between the jet and the treatment region. Additional details of the liquid jet device can be found, for example, in <CIT>. The jet can interact with liquid in the chamber <NUM> and/or in the treatment region to generate pressure waves and fluid motion in the treatment region. The generated pressure waves and fluid motion can be used to clean the treatment region in various procedures, such as those described in Patent No. <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>. In some arrangements, the generated pressure waves and fluid motion can be used to fill the treatment region.

The fluid platform <NUM> can further include one or more suction ports <NUM> in fluid communication with a suction pump (which, for example, may be located in the console). The port(s) <NUM> can be disposed adjacent to or at least partially around the guide tube <NUM>. When the suction pump is activated, liquid can be drawn out of the chamber <NUM>, through the port(s) <NUM> and to an outlet line <NUM> in the handpiece body 12a, which can convey the removed liquid to a waste container, which may be located in the console for example. In addition, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, one or more vents <NUM> can provide fluid communication between ambient air and the line <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a second upper chamber <NUM> can provide fluid communication between the vent(s) <NUM> and liquid outflow that flows through the port(s) <NUM> and the outlet line <NUM>. The vent(s) <NUM> can beneficially provide a pressure regulation function, as explained in, e.g., Patent No. <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

In some embodiments, the tip device <NUM> can comprise a communications device <NUM> (such as a radio frequency identification, or RFID, device). The communications device <NUM> can wirelessly or otherwise communicate with a reader, which can comprise processing circuitry configured to monitor a status of the tip device <NUM> and/or the treatment procedure. In various embodiments, the system can be configured to ensure that only authorized tip devices <NUM> may be used with the handpiece body 12a. In various embodiments, the system can be configured to ensure that the tip device <NUM> is used in only a single procedure. In other embodiments, the system can be configured to determine in how many procedures the tip device <NUM> has been used. The communications device <NUM> can serve various other functions, including those described in connection with the RFID devices disclosed in <CIT>.

<FIG> is a schematic side view showing the connector <NUM> and guide tube <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the tip device <NUM> can comprise a connector <NUM> which can removably connect to the connector <NUM> of the handpiece body 12a in any suitable manner. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the connector <NUM> can comprise an upwardly extending flange <NUM> having threads <NUM> on an external surface thereof. The threads on the connector <NUM> can threadably engage with corresponding internal threads at the connector <NUM> of the handpiece body 12a. Thus, the clinician can thread the tip member <NUM> onto the connector <NUM> of the handpiece body 12a before the procedure, and can unthread the tip member <NUM> from the connector <NUM> after the procedure. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the connector <NUM> can have internal threads which engage with external threads of the handpiece body 12a. In other embodiments, different types of connectors <NUM> can be used, such as snap-fit connectors, etc..

As shown in <FIG>, the threads <NUM> may be offset distally from a proximal end <NUM> of the connector <NUM>, such that the proximal end <NUM> can be inserted into an opening of the handpiece body 12a by an insertion amount, and the threads <NUM> can engage with the corresponding threads of the handpiece body 12a. A seal <NUM> (such as an o-ring) can provide a fluid seal between the handpiece body 12a and the tip device <NUM>. A transition portion <NUM> can mechanically couple the connector <NUM> and the guide tube <NUM>. In some embodiments, the transition portion <NUM>, the connector <NUM>, and the guide tube <NUM> can be separate members that are mechanically connected to one another (e.g., adhered, welded, etc.). In other embodiments, two or more of the transition portion <NUM>, connector <NUM>, and the guide tube <NUM> can be integrally formed.

<FIG> is a schematic rear perspective view of the dental treatment instrument <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic front view of the dental instrument <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic rear view of the dental instrument <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic top view of the dental instrument <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic bottom view of the dental instrument <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic left side view of the dental instrument <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic right side view of the dental instrument <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dental treatment apparatus or instrument <NUM> according to various embodiments. Unless otherwise noted, components of <FIG> may be same as or generally similar to like-numbered components of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>. The dental treatment instrument <NUM> can include a handpiece body 12a and a treatment tip device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic front perspective view of the handpiece body 12a. <FIG> is a rear perspective view of the handpiece body 12a. <FIG> is a front view of the handpiece body 12a. <FIG> is a rear view of the handpiece body 12a. <FIG> is schematic perspective sectional view of the handpiece body 12a. <FIG> is a side cross-sectional view of the handpiece body 12a. <FIG> is a schematic top-right perspective view of a distal portion of the handpiece body 12a. <FIG> is a schematic top perspective view of the distal portion of the handpiece body 12a. <FIG> is a schematic top-left perspective view of the distal portion of the handpiece body 12a.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional side view of the tip device <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional top view of the tip device <NUM>. The treatment tip device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> may include a pressure wave generator <NUM> comprising a nozzle <NUM> that is positioned in a generally similar manner as that shown in the embodiments shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. For example, the nozzle <NUM> can direct a liquid jet along a jet axis that passes through a central region of the chamber <NUM> across the chamber <NUM>, e.g., the jet axis can intersect the central axis of the chamber. The jet axis may be substantially perpendicular to the central axis. Further, the treatment tip device <NUM> of <FIG> may comprise one or a plurality (e.g., two) of suction ports <NUM> at an upper wall <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> at or near a sidewall <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>. The suction ports <NUM> can be disposed closer to the sidewall than to the central axis as explained above. As explained above, the suction ports <NUM> can comprise elongated, curved suction ports. As explained above, the treatment tip device <NUM> can be configured to clean a root canal of any suitable type of tooth (e.g., molar, pre-molar, anterior). The treatment tip device <NUM> can additionally or alternatively be used to clean a carious region on an exterior surface of the tooth. The treatment tip device <NUM> can additionally or alternatively be used to fill the treatment region. The pressure wave generator <NUM>, chamber, suction ports <NUM>, and other features of <FIG> may be configured in the same manner, or in a generally similar manner, as the components in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the tip device <NUM> can be removably connected to a distal portion of the handpiece body 12a. In various embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can include a connector <NUM> that removably connects the handpiece body 12a to the tip device <NUM>. The tip device <NUM> can include a connector <NUM> that removably connects the tip device <NUM> to the handpiece body 12a. The connector <NUM> can couple with the connector <NUM> to removably couple the tip device <NUM> to the handpiece body 12a.

As shown in <FIG>, the connector <NUM> includes external threads <NUM> configured to engage corresponding internal threads <NUM> of the connector <NUM>, shown in <FIG>. Thus, a clinician can thread the tip device <NUM> onto connector <NUM> of the handpiece body 12a before a treatment procedure, and can unthread the tip member <NUM> from the connector <NUM> after the treatment procedure.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the external threads <NUM> can be in the form of a double helix thread. In other words, the external threads <NUM> can include two thread features which have starts oriented approximately <NUM>° apart. This configuration allows the tip device <NUM> to be threaded onto the handpiece body 12a and optionally started in a choice of two different starting orientations. The threads <NUM> can be designed such that a single revolution to attached the tip device <NUM> to the handpiece body 12a so that the tip device <NUM> will face in the same orientation after connection as the orientation when the threads are first engaged. For example, a first starting orientation can allow for a final orientation in which the tip device is oriented in a downward direction, as shown in <FIG>, and a second starting orientation can allow for a final orientation in which the tip device <NUM> is oriented in an upward direction opposite of the orientation of <FIG>. Beneficially, therefore, the clinician can start threading the tip device <NUM> onto the handpiece 12a in the same configuration as the final connected state, so as to easily enable the clinician to select the desired orientation of the tip device <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can be used in multiple procedures, e.g., a predetermined number of procedures. In various embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can be configured to connect to multiple tip devices <NUM>. In some embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can be configured to connect to multiple tip devices <NUM> having the same configuration. In other embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can be configured to connect to multiple tip devices <NUM> having different configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can connect to multiple tip devices <NUM> configured for treatment of different types of teeth, e.g., a first tip device for treatment of a molar tooth and a second tip device for treatment of an anterior or pre-molar tooth. In some embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can connect to multiple tip devices configure for treatment of different types of treatment regions, e.g., a first tip device for treatment of a root canal and a second tip device for treatment of an external carious region.

In various embodiments, the tip device <NUM> can include a fluid platform <NUM> configured to be positioned against a region of a tooth. In some embodiments, the fluid platform <NUM> can be sized and selected to be positioned against a treatment region of a tooth, e.g., over an access opening that provides access to a root canal of the tooth (see, <FIG>). In other embodiments, the fluid platform <NUM> can be positioned over a carious region on an external surface of the tooth (see <FIG>).

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the pressure wave generator <NUM> includes a liquid jet device. The liquid jet device can produce a liquid jet that can interact with liquid in the chamber <NUM> and/or in the treatment region to generate pressure waves and fluid motion in the treatment region. The generated pressure waves and fluid motion can be used to clean the treatment region in various procedures, such as those described in Patent No. <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>. In some arrangements, the generated pressure waves and fluid motion can be used to fill the treatment region, such as procedures described in <CIT>. The pressure wave generator <NUM> can be arranged to generate broadband pressure waves at multiple frequencies, as explained in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>, which can be beneficial in cleaning or filling the treatment region. In various embodiments, degassed treatment liquids can be used in cooperation with the pressure wave generator <NUM>, for example, to enhance cleaning of the treatment region.

The liquid jet device of the pressure wave generator <NUM> includes a nozzle <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> is positioned along an inlet line <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the inlet line <NUM> is formed by a conduit 5a of the handpiece body 12a and a conduit 5b of the tip device <NUM> in communication when the tip device <NUM> is coupled to the handpiece body 12a.

As shown in <FIG>, a connector <NUM> can be positioned within or adjacent the guide channel <NUM> of the tip device <NUM>. The inlet line conduit 5b can be defined by an inner wall of the connector <NUM>. The connector <NUM> can extend into the conduit 5a of the handpiece body 12a to form a fluid tight connection between the conduit 5a and the conduit 5b within the inlet <NUM>. An o-ring <NUM> can be positioned within an o-ring gland <NUM> at a proximal end of the connector <NUM> to form a fluid tight seal between the conduit 5a and the conduit 5b when the connector <NUM> is positioned within the handpiece <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle <NUM> can be positioned at the distal end of the connector <NUM> at a distal end of the conduit 5b. In some embodiments, the inlet line <NUM> can be centrally located within the connectors <NUM> and <NUM> to facilitate the threading of the tip device <NUM> onto the handpiece body 12a while the connector <NUM> is positioned within the conduit 5a. Such an arrangement may also be used with other embodiments of connectors <NUM> and <NUM> that couple through rotation.

As shown in <FIG>, the connector <NUM> can comprise a proximal end generally in the shape of a barbed connector or spike. The connector <NUM> can include a transition section <NUM> extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The transition section can be generally cylindrical in shape.

As shown in <FIG>, a distal end of the conduit 5a can include a chamfered bore <NUM> for receiving the connector <NUM>. As described herein, the proximal end of the connector <NUM> can be generally in the shape of a barbed connector or spike. The proximal end of the connector <NUM> may be tapered to for coupling within the chamfered bore <NUM>.

The illustrated embodiment does not depict a connector <NUM> between the conduits 4a and 4b. However, it is contemplated that the connector <NUM> or a similar connector could be employed in other embodiments, for example, when a quick connection coupling between the handpiece body 12a and tip device <NUM> is employed.

The tip device <NUM> can include one or more ports <NUM> to convey fluid from the chamber <NUM>. The ports <NUM> can be in communication with a suction pump (which, for example, may be located in the console). When the suction pump is active, liquid can be drawn out of the chamber <NUM>, through the port(s) <NUM> and to an outlet line <NUM>, which can convey the removed liquid to a waste container, which may be located in the console for example. The outlet line <NUM> includes a conduit 4a within the handpiece body 12a in communication with a conduit 4b of the tip device <NUM> when the tip device <NUM> is coupled to the handpiece body 12a. As shown in <FIG>, a seal 224a can form a fluid seal between the tip device <NUM> and the handpiece body 12a to prevent leakage of fluid from the fluid outlet line <NUM>. The seal 224a can be a face seal. In some embodiments, the seal 224a includes a gasket or an o-ring. In some embodiments the seal 224a can be coupled to the handpiece body 12a. In other embodiments, the seal 224a can be coupled to the tip device <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the tip device <NUM> can include one or more vents (not shown) configured to permit ambient air to be drawn into the outlet line <NUM> downstream of the fluid port <NUM>. The vent(s) can beneficially provide a pressure regulation function, as explained in, e.g., Patent No. <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the dental treatment instrument <NUM> includes a locking mechanism defined by one or more protrusions <NUM> extending from the tip device <NUM> and one or more notches recesses <NUM> extending within the handpiece body 12a. The protrusion(s) <NUM> can couple with the recess(es) <NUM> to secure the tip device <NUM> in a fixed orientation relative to the handpiece body 12a when the tip device <NUM> is coupled to the handpiece body.

In various embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can include a proximal connector <NUM> that connects to the fluid inletline <NUM> in fluid communication with a console or other device (also not shown). The handpiece body 12a also includes a proximal connector <NUM> that connects the fluid outlet line <NUM> in fluid communication with a console or other device.

<FIG> illustrate a schematic side cross-sectional view and a schematic top cross-sectional view of a tip device <NUM> according to various embodiments. Unless otherwise noted, the components of the tip device of <FIG> may be same as or generally similar to like-numbered components of the tip device <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, the tip device <NUM> includes connector <NUM> having internal threads <NUM> that can couple to internal threads of a handpiece body, such as external threads <NUM> of the handpiece body 12a. The tip device <NUM> also includes a fluid platform <NUM> that defines a chamber <NUM> to be positioned against a region of the tooth. A pressure wave generator <NUM> can be provided to generate pressure waves and fluid motion at the treatment region. The pressure wave generator can include a liquid jet having a nozzle <NUM> to supply liquid to the chamber <NUM>. A suction port <NUM> can draw fluid from the chamber <NUM>. The pressure wave generator <NUM> can be disposed outside the tooth during a treatment procedure. The tip device <NUM> can also include a connector <NUM> can be positioned within a conduit 5b forming part of an inlet line <NUM>.

Unlike the embodiment of <FIG>, the liquid introduced into the chamber <NUM> in the embodiment of <FIG> can be introduced eccentrically (e.g., off-center) such that the jet axis X is appreciably offset relative to the central axis Z of the chamber <NUM>. The introduction of the liquid can generate a swirling motion that moves down the chamber <NUM> and to the treatment region. Moreover, as shown in <FIG>, the suction port <NUM> can be centrally located such that the central axis Z passes through the suction port <NUM> and the access port <NUM>. Effluent or outgoing liquid can be drawn within or inside the swirling influent flow and can exit the chamber <NUM> by way of the suction port <NUM>.

Further, unlike the embodiment of <FIG>, the tip device <NUM> of <FIG> includes a frusto-conical end <NUM>. In some embodiments, the frusto-conical end <NUM> can be configured to be positioned within an access opening of the tooth during a treatment procedure.

The tip device <NUM> can be used to treat a root canal or a carious region on the tooth. Additional details of a treatment device that generates such a swirling profile may be found in <CIT>.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic side cross-sectional view of a tip device <NUM> according to various embodiments. Unless otherwise noted, the components of the tip device <NUM> of <FIG> may be same as or generally similar to like-numbered components of the tip device <NUM> of <FIG> and/or <FIG>. For example, the tip device <NUM> includes connector <NUM> having internal threads <NUM> that can couple to internal threads of a handpiece body, such as external threads <NUM> of the handpiece body 12a. The tip device <NUM> also includes a fluid platform <NUM> that defines a chamber <NUM> to be positioned against a region of the tooth. A pressure wave generator <NUM> can be provided to generate pressure waves and fluid motion at the treatment region. The pressure wave generator can include a liquid jet device having a nozzle <NUM> and a guide tube <NUM> to supply liquid to the chamber <NUM>. A suction port <NUM> can draw fluid from the chamber <NUM>. In some embodiments, the suction port <NUM> can comprise an annular port disposed about the guide tube <NUM>. The guide tube <NUM> can extend through and outside the chamber <NUM>. The tip device <NUM> can be configured to treat, e.g., a root canal of a molar tooth. During a treatment procedure, the guide tube <NUM> can extend into a cavity of the tooth (e.g., into a pulp chamber of the tooth). A vent can also be provided in the tip device <NUM> in a manner generally similar to that described above.

The tip device <NUM> can also include a connector <NUM> positioned within a conduit 5b forming part of an inlet line <NUM>. However, unlike the connector <NUM> of <FIG>, the connector <NUM> of <FIG> is coupled to the guide tube <NUM> at a distal end of the connector <NUM>. The transition section <NUM> is also generally curved.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic rear perspective view of a tip device <NUM> according to various embodiments. Unless otherwise noted, the components of the tip device of <FIG> may be same as or generally similar to like-numbered components of the tip device <NUM> of <FIG>. Unlike the tip device of <FIG>, the connector <NUM> includes external threads <NUM> to engage corresponding internal threads of a connector <NUM> of a handpiece body 12a. The tip device <NUM> can be configured to treat a root canal or a carious region on an exterior surface of the tooth.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic rear perspective view of a tip device <NUM> according to various embodiments. Unless otherwise noted, the components of the tip device of <FIG> may be same as or generally similar to like-numbered components of the tip device <NUM> of <FIG>. Unlike the tip device <NUM> of <FIG>, the connector <NUM> includes external threads <NUM> to engage corresponding internal threads of a connector <NUM> of a handpiece body 112a.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic front perspective view of a tip device <NUM> according to various embodiments. Unless otherwise noted, the components of the tip device of <FIG> may be same as or generally similar to like-numbered components of the tip device <NUM> of <FIG>. Unlike the tip device of <FIG>, the tip device <NUM> of <FIG> includes an integrated communications device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic rear perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of a connector <NUM> of a tip device <NUM>. The connector <NUM> has one or more bayonet style channels <NUM> molded, formed, or machined into the body of the tip device <NUM>. The bayonet style allows the tip device <NUM> to be threaded on a handpiece body 12a until a positive stop is reached. The positive stop can be achieved by rotating cylindrical protrusions of a connector <NUM> of the handpiece body 12a through the channels <NUM>, over a lip or edge in the channel, and then into a pocked or recessed area to provides a stable locking position. This design can be selected to ensure that the tip device <NUM> cannot be unthreaded or removed while the device is under pressure.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of a tip device <NUM> according to various embodiments. Unless otherwise noted, the components of the tip device of <FIG> may be same as or generally similar to like-numbered components of the tip device <NUM> of <FIG>. Unlike the embodiment of <FIG>, the connector <NUM> of the tip device <NUM> includes a rotational component <NUM>, such as a rotational nut of a luer lock, that integrates one or more connection components (e.g., threads, bayonet, etc.). This mechanism can facilitate connection of the tip device <NUM> to the handpiece 12a in such a way that orientation between the two is maintained throughout attachment. This may be beneficial if the sealing mechanism used to seal fluid inlet line <NUM> cannot be exposed to rotational movement.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic partial view of an alternative embodiment of a locking mechanism <NUM>. The connector <NUM> of <FIG> includes a mating slot <NUM>. The mating slot <NUM> can be configured to receive a sliding lock <NUM> of a connector <NUM> of a handpiece body 12a. In combination with the sliding lock <NUM>, the slot <NUM> can removably secure the distal tip device <NUM> in a fixed orientation relative to the handpiece body 12a.

The tip devices <NUM> described with respect to <FIG> may be provided with a cover <NUM>, several embodiments of which are shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the cover <NUM> can beneficially protect the guide tube <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may also seal the tip device <NUM>. The cover can also provide occlusion of vent(s) <NUM>, allowing the console to perform self-tests to detect the presence of tip <NUM> on the handpiece body 12a.

The cover <NUM> may take the form of a elastomeric cap which wraps around the distal end of the tip device <NUM>, a plastic globe which encapsulates the distal end of the tip device <NUM>, or a snap-on component which creates a standoff from the guide tube <NUM> and blocks off the fluid port(s). In some embodiments, a communications device <NUM> (e.g. RFID) may be integrated into the design of the cover <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a schematic front perspective view and a schematic sectional perspective view, respectively, of a handpiece body 12a according to various embodiments. Unless otherwise noted, the components of the handpiece body 12a of <FIG> may be same as or generally similar to like-numbered components of the handpiece body 12a of <FIG>. Unlike the handpiece body 12a of <FIG>, the connector <NUM> of the handpiece body 12a of <FIG> includes a bore with internal threads <NUM> for coupling with external threads of a tip device <NUM>. The handpiece 12a can also include a connector 240a, for example, similar to connector <NUM> for receipt in a bore of a tip device <NUM> to couple the fluid conduit 5a to a fluid conduit 5b of a tip device <NUM>.

As described above, <FIG> illustrates a schematic partial view of an alternative embodiment of a locking mechanism <NUM>. The connector <NUM> of <FIG> includes a sliding lock <NUM>. The sliding lock <NUM> can be configured to be received in a mating slot <NUM> of a connector <NUM> of a handpiece body 12a. In combination, the sliding lock <NUM> and the slot <NUM> can removably secure the distal tip device <NUM> in a fixed orientation relative to the handpiece body 12a.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic partial view of an alternative embodiment of a connector <NUM> of a handpiece body 12a. The connector <NUM> includes one or more protrusions <NUM> in the form of lugs or cylinders disposed radially around the exterior of the connector <NUM>. The protrusions <NUM> may be bayonet style protrusions and can be configured to be received in bayonet style channels <NUM> of a tip device <NUM>, for example, as described with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic partial view of a handpiece body portion of an alternative embodiment of a locking mechanism <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the handpiece body 12a can include one or more hemispherical protrusions <NUM> configured to be received in recesses of a tip device <NUM>. In combination, the hemispherical protrusions <NUM> and recesses can removably secure the tip device <NUM> in a fixed orientation relative to the handpiece body 12a.

Described herein are various embodiments of removable tip devices <NUM> that can be coupled with a handpiece body 12a. The removability of the tip devices <NUM> allow for a single handpiece body 12a to be used in multiple procedures with multiple tip devices <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a first tip device <NUM> can be connected to the handpiece body 12a before a treatment procedure. After the first tip device <NUM> is connected to the handpiece body 12a, a clinician can conduct a treatment procedure, such as a cleaning procedure. After the treatment procedure, the clinician can remove the first tip device <NUM> from the handpiece body 12a. After removal of the first tip device <NUM>, a second tip device <NUM> can be coupled to the handpiece body <NUM>, and a second treatment procedure can be performed. In some embodiments, the second tip device <NUM> can be of the same embodiment or of a generally similar embodiment as the first tip device <NUM>. In other embodiments, the second tip device <NUM> can be of a different embodiment than that of the first tip device <NUM>. For example, the first tip device <NUM> could be the tip device <NUM> of <FIG> and the second tip device can be the tip device of <FIG>.

In some embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can connect to multiple tip devices <NUM> configured for treatment of different types of teeth, e.g., a first tip device for treatment of a molar tooth and a second tip device for treatment of an anterior or pre-molar tooth. In some embodiments, the handpiece body 12a can connect to multiple tip devices configure for treatment of different types of treatment regions, e.g., a first tip device for treatment of a root canal and a second tip device for treatment of an external carious region.

The materials used in the embodiments disclosed herein can be any suitable types of materials. For example, the materials can be selected such that the treatment instrument <NUM> materials are suitable for repeated exposures to various procedure fluids. The treatment instrument <NUM> materials can be suitable for repeated exposure to autoclave or other clinically utilized sterilization processes. In the disclosed embodiments, the tip device <NUM> materials can be suitable for one-time exposure to procedure fluids. The tip device <NUM> materials can be suitable for exposure to gamma sterilization or any other suitable sterilization process.

Reference throughout this specification to "some embodiments" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, element, act, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in some embodiments" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment and may refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, elements, acts, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner (including differently than shown or described) in other embodiments. Further, in various embodiments, features, structures, elements, acts, or characteristics can be combined, merged, rearranged, reordered, or left out altogether. Thus, no single feature, structure, element, act, or characteristic or group of features, structures, elements, acts, or characteristics is necessary or required for each embodiment.

As used in this application, the terms "comprising," "including," "having," and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects.

Claim 1:
An apparatus (<NUM>) for treating a tooth, the apparatus comprising:
a fluid platform (<NUM>) comprising a wall and a chamber (<NUM>) at least partially defined by the wall, the fluid platform (<NUM>) to be disposed against a tooth to retain fluid in the chamber (<NUM>) and provide fluid communication between a treatment region of the tooth and the chamber by way of an access port, the chamber having a central axis;
a suction port (<NUM>) exposed to the chamber,
a liquid supply port disposed to direct a liquid stream across the chamber along a stream axis non-parallel to the central axis to impinge on a portion of the wall opposite the liquid supply port; and
wherein the chamber (<NUM>) has a maximum lateral dimension in a first plane extending substantially transverse to the central axis, the first plane delimited by the wall along a boundary, a projection of the suction port onto the first plane being closer to the boundary than to the central axis of the chamber (<NUM>) wherein the central axis lies on a second plane substantially transverse to the stream axis and the stream axis intersects the second plane at a location closer to the central axis than to the boundary.