Apparatus for cleaning a root canal system
OwnerClifford Ruddle, Robert Sharpinventors
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Abstract
An endodontic tool is provided to facilitate the removal of the smear layer and to enhance deep lateral cleaning of a root canal system. The tool is comprised of a sonic or ultrasonically driven activator which is made from a strong, flexible, non-metallic, and non-cutting material. The activator can be smooth. A snap-on coupler is adapted to attach the tool to a driver via a snap on action and without the use of tools. The driver will vibrate, sonically or ultrasonically, the flexible activator within a root canal of a tooth. The tool can be provided with fluid passages which allow for irrigating reagents to be delivered through the activator and into the root canal space during endodontic procedures.
Claims33
(canceled)
The tool of claim 14 wherein the activator includes a connecting portion extending between the coupler and the activating portion.
The tool of claim 14 wherein the activator is made from a polymer or other suitable composite non-metallic material.
The tool of claim 14 including a lumen extending through at least a part of the overall length of the activator and a plurality of pores extending from the lumen to the surface of the activator;
- said pores being sized such that solution passed through the activator exits the activator through the pores as a mist.
The tool of claim 14 wherein the activating portion has a D0 diameter, at its most distal end, as small as about 0.1 to about 0.2 mm.
A tool for activating intracanal irrigants during endodontic procedures, the tool comprising a coupler adapted to be connected to a sonic or ultrasonic driver and a flexible activator extending distally from the coupler, the activator comprising a tapered activating portion having a smooth axial outer surface and a distal end;
- said tapered activating portion being sized and shaped to extend through prepared root canals of teeth and to induce cavitation and acoustic streaming when activated in a solution filled root canal of a tooth to enhance deep lateral cleaning of the root canal system of the tooth;
- the activator being made from a strong, highly flexible, non-cutting material.
A tool for use in endodontic procedures comprising a coupling portion adapted to connect the tool to a driver, and a smooth, strong, highly flexible and tapered activator extending from the end of the coupling portion;
- the activator being made from a strong, flexible non-metallic and non-cutting material and being shaped to induce cavitation and acoustic streaming when activated in a solution filled root canal of a tooth to enhance deep lateral cleaning of the root canal system of the tooth;
- the activator including both a lumen extending through at least a part of its overall length and a plurality of pores extending from the lumen to the surface of the device;
- said pores being sized such that solution exits the activator through the pores as a mist.
(canceled)
(canceled)
Apparatus for agitating liquid in a root canal of a living patient during cleaning of said root canal comprising:
- a tapered tip member having a proximate end and a distal end for insertion into said root canal, said tapered tip member having a substantially smooth surface;
- a driving device for said tapered tip member;
- means on said proximate end for connection to said driving device;
- and
- said tip member being made from a non-cutting material and being shaped to induce cavitation and acoustic streaming when activated in a solution filled root canal of a tooth to enhance deep lateral cleaning of the root canal system of the tooth.
(canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.