US20150044630A1 - Root canal filling materials and methods - Google Patents
Root canal filling materials and methods Download PDFInfo
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- US20150044630A1 US20150044630A1 US14/247,567 US201414247567A US2015044630A1 US 20150044630 A1 US20150044630 A1 US 20150044630A1 US 201414247567 A US201414247567 A US 201414247567A US 2015044630 A1 US2015044630 A1 US 2015044630A1
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- A61C5/04—
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C5/00—Filling or capping teeth
- A61C5/50—Implements for filling root canals; Methods or instruments for medication of tooth nerve channels
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- A61C5/062—
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C5/00—Filling or capping teeth
- A61C5/60—Devices specially adapted for pressing or mixing capping or filling materials, e.g. amalgam presses
- A61C5/62—Applicators, e.g. syringes or guns
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K6/00—Preparations for dentistry
- A61K6/15—Compositions characterised by their physical properties
- A61K6/17—Particle size
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K6/00—Preparations for dentistry
- A61K6/50—Preparations specially adapted for dental root treatment
- A61K6/54—Filling; Sealing
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K6/00—Preparations for dentistry
- A61K6/50—Preparations specially adapted for dental root treatment
- A61K6/56—Apical treatment
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L27/00—Materials for grafts or prostheses or for coating grafts or prostheses
- A61L27/02—Inorganic materials
- A61L27/04—Metals or alloys
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L27/00—Materials for grafts or prostheses or for coating grafts or prostheses
- A61L27/28—Materials for coating prostheses
- A61L27/34—Macromolecular materials
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2430/00—Materials or treatment for tissue regeneration
- A61L2430/12—Materials or treatment for tissue regeneration for dental implants or prostheses
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to filling spaces in a body location and more particularly to filling root canal spaces in a tooth.
- Root canal spaces in a tooth typically involves removal of organic material from the root canal spaces followed by filling the spaces with a filling material.
- Present filling materials are hydrophobic and may include gutta-percha, polymers, calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2 ), and/or zinc oxide (ZnO) liners.
- the canal spaces Prior to filling the root canal spaces with these filling materials, the canal spaces typically must be widened, which is traditionally performed with hand- or machine-driven endodontic files.
- moisture and fluids are evacuated from the canal spaces (such as by wicking or aspirating) prior to filling.
- An embodiment of an apparatus comprises a manipulator which produces a non-contacting force field to manipulate a filling material during filling of a root canal space of a tooth.
- the filling material may comprise a plurality of particles responsive to the non-contacting force field.
- the non-contacting force field may comprise a magnetic field.
- An embodiment of a method for filling a root canal space of a tooth comprises using a non-contacting force field to manipulate a filling material during filling of the root canal space.
- the non-contacting force field comprises a magnetic field
- the filling material magnetically interacts with the magnetic field.
- An embodiment of a method of filling a root canal system of a tooth comprises compacting colloidally suspended discrete particles in a root canal to fill the canal with a substantially solid filling.
- An embodiment of a root canal filler for a tooth comprises a multiplicity of relatively large particles sized to form a plug in a canal space proximate an apex of the tooth and a multiplicity of relatively small particles sized to at least substantially fill the remainder of the canal space.
- An embodiment of a method for filling a root canal space of a tooth comprises plugging a canal space proximate an apex of the tooth and subsequently at least substantially filling remaining space of the canal with a flowable filling material.
- the filling material may be adapted to be introduced into a root canal space when liquid is in the canal space during filling.
- the liquid may provide a barrier against migration of bacteria into an apical area of the tooth.
- When introduced into the root canal at least a substantial portion of the liquid may be absorbed by the hydrophilic material.
- An embodiment of a method of filling a root canal space of a tooth comprises introducing a hydrophobic material into a root canal space of a tooth when a liquid substantially fills the root canal space.
- the liquid may provide a barrier against migration of bacteria into an apical area of the tooth.
- the liquid may be substantially displaced from the root canal space by the hydrophobic material.
- FIG. 1 is a cross section schematically illustrating a typical human tooth, which in this example is a molar.
- FIG. 2A schematically illustrates an embodiment of an endodontic treatment for filling the root canal spaces of the tooth.
- FIG. 2B is a cross-section view schematically showing an example endodontic method for cleaning a root canal system of a tooth, in which a high-velocity jet is directed toward a dentinal surface through an opening in the crown of the tooth.
- FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a micromanipulator comprising a stylus having a magnetic tip.
- FIG. 3 schematically depicts example magnetic field lines near the tip.
- FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a root canal filling method using the micromanipulator of FIG. 3 to magnetically guide magnetically responsive filler material into the canal spaces of a tooth.
- FIG. 5 schematically illustrates another embodiment of a filling method using a matrix of electromagnetic coils to produce a magnetic field gradient near a tooth (shown in the inset).
- the present disclosure describes various materials and methods for endodontic treatments that overcome possible disadvantages associated with conventional root canal treatments.
- the root canal spaces are cleaned and irrigated (e.g., by any suitable endodontic procedure), and the irrigating liquid is not removed from the canal spaces prior to filling.
- the method comprises introducing a hydrophobic filler material into the root canal spaces while they are filled with liquid (e.g., water). As the canal spaces are filled, the hydrophobic filler material displaces the liquid and at least partially drives the filler material out of the canal spaces, towards the crown of the tooth, as will be described more fully below.
- the hydrophobic filler material comprises a colloid of coated ferromagnetic particles (and/or other material that is responsive to a magnetic field).
- the coating advantageously may comprise a substantially hydrophobic substance.
- the coating may comprise polyorganosiloxanes, polyorganosilanes, or mixtures thereof.
- the magnetically responsive particles will be referred to hereinafter as “mag-particles.”
- FIG. 1 is a cross section schematically illustrating a typical human tooth 10 , which comprises a crown 12 extending above the gum tissue 14 and at least one root 16 set into a socket (alveolus) within the jaw bone 18 .
- the tooth 10 schematically depicted in FIG. 1 is a molar, the material and methods described herein may be used on any type of tooth such as an incisor, a canine, a bicuspid, or a molar.
- the hard tissue of the tooth 10 includes dentin 20 which provides the primary structure of the tooth 10 , a very hard enamel layer 22 which covers the crown 12 to a cementoenamel junction 15 near the gum 14 , and cementum 24 which covers the dentin 20 of the tooth 10 below the cementoenamel junction 15 .
- a pulp cavity 26 is defined within the dentin 20 .
- the pulp cavity 26 comprises a pulp chamber 28 in the crown 11 and one or more root canal spaces 30 extending toward an apex 32 of each root 16 .
- the pulp cavity 26 contains dental pulp, which is a soft, vascular tissue comprising nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue, odontoblasts, and other tissue and cellular components.
- the pulp provides innervation and sustenance to the tooth through the epithelial lining of the pulp chamber 26 and the root canal space 30 . Blood vessels and nerves enter/exit the root canal space 30 through a tiny opening, the apical foramen 34 , near a tip of the apex 32 of the root 16 .
- FIG. 2A schematically illustrates one embodiment of an endodontic treatment for filling the canal spaces 30 of the tooth 10 .
- a drill or grinding tool is initially used to make an opening 40 in the tooth 10 .
- the opening 40 may extend through the enamel 22 and the dentin 20 to expose and provide access to pulp in the pulp cavity 26 .
- the opening 40 may be made in a top portion of the crown 12 of the tooth 10 (as shown in FIG. 2A ) or in another portion such as a side of the crown 12 or in the root 16 below the gum 14 .
- the opening 40 may be sized and shaped as needed to provide suitable access to the pulp cavity 26 and/or all of the canal spaces 30 .
- additional openings may be formed in the tooth 10 to provide further access to the canals 30 and/or to provide dental irrigation.
- the pulp cavity 26 and/or the canal spaces 30 may be cleaned and irrigated by any suitable method.
- endodontic files are inserted into the root canal system to open the canal spaces 30 and remove organic material therein.
- An effective method for cleaning the root canal system is depicted in FIG. 2B , which schematically illustrates a high velocity collimated jet 52 of liquid (e.g., water) directed through the opening 40 toward a dentinal surface 54 of the tooth 10 .
- the high-velocity liquid jet may have a velocity in a range from about 50 m/s to about 300 m/s and may have a transverse size (e.g., diameter) in a range from about 1 micron to about 1000 microns.
- Impact of the jet 52 causes acoustic energy to propagate from the impact site on the dentinal surface 54 through the entire tooth 10 , including the root canal system.
- the acoustic energy is effective at detaching substantially all organic material in the root canal system from surrounding dentinal walls.
- the acoustic energy may be effective at cleaning the root canal system, because the acoustic energy generates acoustic cavitation effects (e.g., cavitation bubbles, cavitation jets, acoustic streaming, entrainment, etc.), which efficiently detach and/or delaminate organic material from dentinal surfaces and tubules.
- the treatment time during which the high-velocity jet 52 is directed toward the tooth 10 may range from about 1 second to about 120 seconds in various cleaning methods.
- the detached organic material can be flushed from the root canal using an irrigation fluid (e.g., water).
- an irrigation fluid e.g., water
- liquid from the high-velocity jet provides the irrigation fluid.
- a low-velocity jet or stream provides the irrigation fluid.
- the liquid jet 52 may be directed from a handpiece 50 that can be manipulated within a patient's mouth by a dental practitioner. In certain endodontic procedures, the high velocity liquid jet 52 is directed into the pulp cavity 26 and/or the root canal spaces 30 to excise and/or emulsify organic material therein.
- the liquid jet 52 may be generated by a high pressure compressor system or by a pump system in various embodiments.
- irrigating liquid 42 e.g., water
- the irrigating liquid 42 advantageously may act as a vector for any floating particles and/or organic material and as a barrier against the influx of periapical fluid (e.g., through the apical opening 34 ).
- Filling material 44 such as the hydrophobic filling material described herein, may then be applied to the canal spaces 30 .
- the hydrophobic filler material 44 displaces the irrigating liquid 42 and forces the liquid 42 at least partially out of the canal spaces 30 , toward the opening 40 in the crown 12 of the tooth 10 (or toward any other suitable opening formed in the tooth 10 ).
- the filler material 44 comprises a sterile colloid comprising mag-particles.
- the filler material 44 may be provided to a dental practitioner in standard 1.8 milliliter dental cartridges.
- the colloid is applied to the canal spaces 30 using a standard cartridge syringe with an injection needle 50 such as, for example, a sterile disposable 30-gauge short injection needle.
- the colloid is applied into the canal spaces 30 without pressure and without binding the injection needle 50 to the walls of the canal space 30 , which advantageously may reduce application of pressure to the liquid 42 present in the canal space 30 and may allow the liquid 42 to be displaced from and escape the canal space 30 .
- FIG. 1 the example method depicted in FIG.
- the needle 50 has been used to apply the filler material 44 to a portion of the canal space 30 a .
- the dental practitioner may fill other spaces in the tooth 10 , such as the canal space 30 b .
- the needle 50 may be bent and/or curved to access portions of the canal spaces 30 a , 30 b .
- portions of the needle 50 may be flexible.
- a force field is used to manipulate the filler material during the filling of the canal spaces 30 .
- the force field advantageously may be a non-contacting force field that applies a force to the filler material without physically contacting the material.
- the force field may comprise a magnetic force field, and the filler material may comprise a substance that is responsive to the magnetic force field.
- the magnetic force field may be applied using a micromanipulator comprising a stylus 60 having a magnetic tip 62 .
- FIG. 3 schematically depicts example magnetic field lines 64 near the tip 62 .
- the magnetic field lines 64 may have a different configuration and/or polarity than shown in FIG. 3 .
- the magnetic field lines 64 may have a configuration that includes components such as dipole, quadripole, and/or higher order multipole components.
- the magnetic tip 62 of the stylus 60 is positioned near the tooth 10 and moved toward the apex 32 adjacent to the tooth root 16 .
- FIG. 3 schematically depicts example magnetic field lines 64 near the tip 62 .
- the magnetic field lines 64 may have a different configuration and/or polarity than shown in FIG. 3 .
- the magnetic field lines 64 may have a configuration that includes components such as dipole, quadripole, and/or higher order multipole components.
- the magnetic tip 62 of the stylus 60 is positioned near the tooth 10 and moved toward the
- the magnetic tip 62 may be moved toward the apex 32 one or more times during a treatment.
- the magnetic field of the tip 62 may provide an attractive force that urges the mag-particles in the canal space 30 a towards the apex 32 until substantially all the canal space 30 a is filled, and the mag-particles are condensed in the canal space 30 a .
- the liquid 42 in the canal spaces 30 is squeezed outward due to the hydrophobic surface property of the coating material of the mag-particles. This procedure may be repeated for the canal space 30 in each root 16 of the treated tooth 10 .
- Surplus colloid can be removed from the access opening 40 and coronal pulp chamber 28 .
- the mag-particles are also condensed in the canal spaces 30 using an endodontic spreader such as, for example, a No. 1 dental hand-spreader and/or plugger (e.g., a. Schilder spreader) so as to form a substantially solid core 70 of mag-particles in the canal spaces.
- the substantially solid core 70 is schematically illustrated in the canal space 30 b shown in FIG. 4 .
- the resulting core 70 advantageously may be substantially bacterio-static, substantially tissue compatible, and not substantially affected by tissue metabolism.
- the core 70 of mag-particles also may be substantially radio-opaque.
- the filled canal spaces 30 may be sealed over in a conventional manner, such as with a bonded restorative material.
- mag-particles of different sizes are used in the filling process.
- larger mag-particles may be introduced first into the canal spaces 30 , followed by introduction of smaller mag-particles.
- the larger mag-particles advantageously may have a size that allows the mag-particles to migrate proximate to the apical opening 34 , but not through the apical opening 34 .
- the magnetic tip 62 of the stylus 60 may be used to assist condensing the larger and/or the smaller mag-particles in the canal spaces 30 .
- the mag-particle coating is somewhat compliant such that the coatings can deform as magnetic attraction from the stylus 60 pulls them through the root canal towards the apex 32 and into progressively smaller spaces. It is beneficial if the coating is not so compliant as to deform to a size smaller than that of the apical opening 34 (typically, 30 microns).
- the size of the larger mag-particles may be in a range from about 35 to about 200 microns, more preferably in a range from about 40 to 100 microns, and even more preferably in a range from about 50 to 70 microns.
- the larger mag-particles may thus advantageously be used to form a plug in a portion of the root canal space 30 adjacent the apex 32 of the tooth 10 .
- the mag-particles forming the plug may be compacted using the magnetic field of the stylus 60 and may bond to each other by diffusion of the coating material.
- the size of the smaller mag-particles may be in a range from about 2 to 30 microns, more preferably in a range from about 2 to 15 microns, and even more preferably in a range from about 2 to 5 microns.
- the mag-particles are sufficiently small to readily fill the small side canals, fins, and narrow spaces that typically extend laterally from the main root canal spaces 30 .
- the smaller mag-particles are compacted by means of the magnetic field and bond to each other by diffusion of the coating materials, thereby creating a rigid volume of filling material that fills the root canal system.
- micromanipulators may be utilized to magnetically guide the mag-particles to targeted sites using magnetic force fields.
- Embodiments of the micromanipulator may use a magnetic force to guide the mag-particles by application of an attractive force, a repulsive force, and/or a combination thereof to pull and/or to push the mag-particles toward the targeted sites.
- the micromanipulator is configured to provide a suitable magnetic force gradient to guide the mag-particles.
- the micromanipulator may comprise a stylus (such as the stylus 60 described above) having a tip 62 that comprises one or more magnets or electromagnets.
- the one or more magnets may comprise rare earth (e.g., neodymium) magnets.
- the micromanipulator comprises a plurality of coils forming a matrix of electromagnets.
- the electromagnetic matrix of coils creates temporal and/or spatial electromagnetic field variations (statically or dynamically) to provide electromagnetic field patterns and field gradients that increase or optimize the force (and/or force gradient) applied to the mag-particles.
- the force gradient may be used to control the degree of mag-particle compactness and also to prevent the filler material 44 from reaching unwanted areas (e.g., the apical opening 34 ).
- some of the mag-particles are guided by the micromanipulator to assist moving surrounding filling material into small cracks, holes, crevices, channels, and/or spaces in the root canal system.
- movement of the mag-particles may cause some of the surrounding fluid and/or filler material to flow due to a coupling force between the mag-particles and the fluid and/or filler material.
- the coupling force may comprise, for example, friction, viscosity, etc.
- a time varying force field and/or force gradient
- the fluid motions induced by the movement of the mag-particles may assist introduction of filler material into the smaller root canal spaces.
- the electromagnetic matrix is in the form of a strip 80 that is mounted on the head of the patient with the electromagnetic matrix in proximity to the apex of the tooth or teeth under treatment, as illustrated schematically in FIG. 5 .
- the matrix may be powered by a power-supply that is controlled by a computer or microprocessor.
- the power supply drives the matrix of coils selectively under the control of computer software to create a magnetic-field gradient in the manner of a magnetic phased array.
- the magnetic field gradient may be configured to provide a positive region 84 of attractive magnetic field to the root canal system, while providing a negative region 88 of zero or repulsive magnetic field near the apical openings 34 of the tooth 10 under treatment.
- the matrix may be spatially calibrated to the location of the apical openings 34 , so that the field gradient generated by the matrix is precisely located with respect to the tooth 10 under treatment and draws the mag-particles through the canal system, but not through the apical openings 34 .
- the electromagnetic matrix may preferably be attached to the patient in a manner that prevents or inhibits relative motion between the matrix and the tooth 10 under treatment when the magnetic field is applied. Such attachment may be accomplished by means of a helmet (e.g., for upper teeth), a jaw clamp (e.g., for lower teeth), or by clamping the matrix to one or more teeth adjacent the tooth 10 under treatment.
- the matrix of coils may be used not only to move the mag-particles, but also to sense movement of the mag-particles. For example, as the mag-particles fill the root canal system, the mag-particles will cross magnetic field lines produced by the matrix, which generates a direct current (DC) in the coils. By measuring the DC current (and/or voltage) in each coil, relative movement between the mag-particles and the tooth 10 under treatment may be calculated. In some embodiments, the relative motion of the mag-particles is output on a display for viewing by the dental practitioner. In such embodiments, the dental practitioner may observe in real-time the migration of the mag-particles into the root canal system and the mag-particles' location relative to the apical openings 34 .
- DC direct current
- the magnetic field intensity, gradient, spatial and/or temporal configuration may be altered in accordance with the sensed movement.
- the matrix of coils provides a low intensity field for sensing movement without moving the particles, and the magnetic field that moves the particles is applied by a micromanipulator such as a handheld stylus manipulated by the dental practitioner (e.g., the stylus 60 shown in FIG. 3 ).
- the filler material 44 comprising the mag-particles after the filler material 44 comprising the mag-particles has sufficiently cured, energy is applied to heat the filler material 44 above the melting point to at least partially liquefy the filler material 44 and/or the mag-particles.
- the applied energy may comprise electric, magnetic, and/or electromagnetic energy such as, for example, from an applied electric field and/or magnetic field.
- the applied energy comprises electromagnetic energy (e.g., ultrasound).
- the at least partially liquefied material may then solidify into a substantially solid core within the root canal system of the treated tooth.
- the core may be at least partially liquefied by application of energy to the affected tooth.
- the applied energy may comprise electric, magnetic, and/or electromagnetic energy.
- ultrasound energy may be applied, e.g., with a Cavitron® instrument available from Dentsply International, York, Pa.
- the liquefied core material can be suctioned or irrigated out of the canal spaces 30 .
- the filling material may comprise a hydrophilic material such as, for example, a protein-based, reversible hydrocolloid.
- a hydrophilic material such as, for example, a protein-based, reversible hydrocolloid.
- Protein-based reversible hydrocolloids are thermoplastics, which may liquefy in a temperature range above about 80 to 95 degrees centigrade and may solidify in a temperature range below about 40 to 45 degrees centigrade. Liquefaction and solidification temperature ranges may be different in different hydrocolloids.
- reversible hydrocolloids When in a liquid phase, reversible hydrocolloids may be able to absorb several times their volume of water. To avoid substantial changes in the physical properties of the hydrocolloid, in some methods water absorption is limited to about 30% of the volume of the hydrocolloid.
- the filling material may further comprise at least one bacterio-static substance, as well as at least one substance to provide radio-opacity.
- the filling material may comprise both a hydrophobic material (e.g., mag-particles) and a hydrophilic material (e.g., a reversible hydrocolloid) in some embodiments.
- the hydrophilic filling material is supplied in sealed 1.8 ml dental cartridges suitable for use in dental syringes.
- the cartridges may be placed in a heated liquid (e.g., hot or boiling water) for a liquefaction time that is about 10 minutes for some hydrocolloids.
- a heated liquid e.g., hot or boiling water
- the cartridge can be placed in a cartridge syringe fitted with a suitable needle, for example, a 30 gauge short needle.
- the needle may be curved and/or bent to access the canal spaces 30 in the tooth 10 under treatment.
- the needle is placed without binding into the canal space 30 , and a suitable amount of liquefied filling material is injected into the space 30 to partially absorb and/or partially displace liquid in the canal space 30 . It may be desirable in some embodiments for enough water from the canals 30 to be displaced such that no more than about 30% of the water is absorbed by the hydrocolloid filler (e.g., at least about 70% of the water is displaced).
- the hydrocolloid may help maintain the liquid stage of filler material previously introduced into the canal spaces 30 , may help maintain application of pressure, and thereby may help transport the filler material to the apex 32 and to substantially all the canal spaces 30 before the filler material solidifies.
- the filled canal spaces 30 may be sealed over in a conventional manner with a bonded restorative material.
- the filler material after the filler material has sufficiently cured, energy is applied to heat the filler material toward or above the melting point to at least partially liquefy the filler material (and/or mag-particles if used).
- the at least partially liquefied material may help fill the canal spaces 30 and may help provide a substantially uniform core of material in the root canal system.
- the applied energy may comprise electric, magnetic, and/or electromagnetic energy such as, for example, from an applied electric and/or magnetic field.
- the applied energy comprises electromagnetic energy (e.g., ultrasound).
- the at least partially liquefied material may then solidify into a substantially solid core within the root canal system of the treated tooth.
- the tooth 10 depicted in the figures is a molar
- the procedures may be performed on any type of tooth such as an incisor, a canine, a bicuspid, or a molar.
- the disclosed methods are capable of filling root canal spaces having a wide range of morphologies, including highly curved root canal spaces which are difficult to fill using conventional dental techniques.
- the disclosed methods may be performed on human teeth (including children's teeth) and/or on animal teeth.
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Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/900,852, filed Oct. 8, 2010, entitled “ROOT CANAL FILLING MATERIALS AND METHODS,” which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/752,812, filed May 23, 2007, entitled “ROOT CANAL FILLING MATERIALS AND METHODS,” which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/802,662, filed May 23, 2006, entitled “ROOT CANAL FILLING MATERIALS AND METHODS,” the entire disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- 1. Field
- The present disclosure relates generally to filling spaces in a body location and more particularly to filling root canal spaces in a tooth.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Treatment of root canal spaces in a tooth typically involves removal of organic material from the root canal spaces followed by filling the spaces with a filling material. Present filling materials are hydrophobic and may include gutta-percha, polymers, calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), and/or zinc oxide (ZnO) liners. Prior to filling the root canal spaces with these filling materials, the canal spaces typically must be widened, which is traditionally performed with hand- or machine-driven endodontic files. To ensure proper adhesion of the filling material to tooth dentin, moisture and fluids are evacuated from the canal spaces (such as by wicking or aspirating) prior to filling. Such evacuation of fluids commonly results in sucking organic components and contaminated fluids (e.g., pus, serum, and/or blood) from the apical periodontium through one or more canal orifices, which may cause re-infection of the canal spaces. Due to these and other deficiencies, the overall success rate for the treatment is around 70 percent. Because of the uncertainty and the cost of the process, extraction of the diseased tooth is often used as a treatment alternative.
- An embodiment of an apparatus comprises a manipulator which produces a non-contacting force field to manipulate a filling material during filling of a root canal space of a tooth. The filling material may comprise a plurality of particles responsive to the non-contacting force field. In some embodiments, the non-contacting force field may comprise a magnetic field.
- An embodiment of a method for filling a root canal space of a tooth comprises using a non-contacting force field to manipulate a filling material during filling of the root canal space. In some implementations, the non-contacting force field comprises a magnetic field, and the filling material magnetically interacts with the magnetic field.
- An embodiment of a method of filling a root canal system of a tooth comprises compacting colloidally suspended discrete particles in a root canal to fill the canal with a substantially solid filling.
- An embodiment of a root canal filler for a tooth comprises a multiplicity of relatively large particles sized to form a plug in a canal space proximate an apex of the tooth and a multiplicity of relatively small particles sized to at least substantially fill the remainder of the canal space.
- An embodiment of a method for filling a root canal space of a tooth comprises plugging a canal space proximate an apex of the tooth and subsequently at least substantially filling remaining space of the canal with a flowable filling material.
- An embodiment of a hydrophilic root canal filling material is provided. The filling material may be adapted to be introduced into a root canal space when liquid is in the canal space during filling. The liquid may provide a barrier against migration of bacteria into an apical area of the tooth. When introduced into the root canal, at least a substantial portion of the liquid may be absorbed by the hydrophilic material.
- An embodiment of a method of filling a root canal space of a tooth comprises introducing a hydrophobic material into a root canal space of a tooth when a liquid substantially fills the root canal space. The liquid may provide a barrier against migration of bacteria into an apical area of the tooth. The liquid may be substantially displaced from the root canal space by the hydrophobic material.
-
FIG. 1 is a cross section schematically illustrating a typical human tooth, which in this example is a molar. -
FIG. 2A schematically illustrates an embodiment of an endodontic treatment for filling the root canal spaces of the tooth. -
FIG. 2B is a cross-section view schematically showing an example endodontic method for cleaning a root canal system of a tooth, in which a high-velocity jet is directed toward a dentinal surface through an opening in the crown of the tooth. -
FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a micromanipulator comprising a stylus having a magnetic tip.FIG. 3 schematically depicts example magnetic field lines near the tip. -
FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a root canal filling method using the micromanipulator ofFIG. 3 to magnetically guide magnetically responsive filler material into the canal spaces of a tooth. -
FIG. 5 schematically illustrates another embodiment of a filling method using a matrix of electromagnetic coils to produce a magnetic field gradient near a tooth (shown in the inset). - The present disclosure describes various materials and methods for endodontic treatments that overcome possible disadvantages associated with conventional root canal treatments. In certain embodiments of a method for filling root canal spaces, the root canal spaces are cleaned and irrigated (e.g., by any suitable endodontic procedure), and the irrigating liquid is not removed from the canal spaces prior to filling. In certain such embodiments, the method comprises introducing a hydrophobic filler material into the root canal spaces while they are filled with liquid (e.g., water). As the canal spaces are filled, the hydrophobic filler material displaces the liquid and at least partially drives the filler material out of the canal spaces, towards the crown of the tooth, as will be described more fully below.
- In some embodiments, the hydrophobic filler material comprises a colloid of coated ferromagnetic particles (and/or other material that is responsive to a magnetic field). The coating advantageously may comprise a substantially hydrophobic substance. By way of example, the coating may comprise polyorganosiloxanes, polyorganosilanes, or mixtures thereof. For convenience, the magnetically responsive particles will be referred to hereinafter as “mag-particles.”
-
FIG. 1 is a cross section schematically illustrating a typicalhuman tooth 10, which comprises acrown 12 extending above thegum tissue 14 and at least oneroot 16 set into a socket (alveolus) within thejaw bone 18. Although thetooth 10 schematically depicted inFIG. 1 is a molar, the material and methods described herein may be used on any type of tooth such as an incisor, a canine, a bicuspid, or a molar. The hard tissue of thetooth 10 includesdentin 20 which provides the primary structure of thetooth 10, a veryhard enamel layer 22 which covers thecrown 12 to acementoenamel junction 15 near thegum 14, andcementum 24 which covers thedentin 20 of thetooth 10 below thecementoenamel junction 15. - A
pulp cavity 26 is defined within thedentin 20. Thepulp cavity 26 comprises apulp chamber 28 in the crown 11 and one or moreroot canal spaces 30 extending toward anapex 32 of eachroot 16. Thepulp cavity 26 contains dental pulp, which is a soft, vascular tissue comprising nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue, odontoblasts, and other tissue and cellular components. The pulp provides innervation and sustenance to the tooth through the epithelial lining of thepulp chamber 26 and theroot canal space 30. Blood vessels and nerves enter/exit theroot canal space 30 through a tiny opening, theapical foramen 34, near a tip of theapex 32 of theroot 16. -
FIG. 2A schematically illustrates one embodiment of an endodontic treatment for filling thecanal spaces 30 of thetooth 10. A drill or grinding tool is initially used to make anopening 40 in thetooth 10. The opening 40 may extend through theenamel 22 and thedentin 20 to expose and provide access to pulp in thepulp cavity 26. The opening 40 may be made in a top portion of thecrown 12 of the tooth 10 (as shown inFIG. 2A ) or in another portion such as a side of thecrown 12 or in theroot 16 below thegum 14. Theopening 40 may be sized and shaped as needed to provide suitable access to thepulp cavity 26 and/or all of thecanal spaces 30. In some treatment methods, additional openings may be formed in thetooth 10 to provide further access to thecanals 30 and/or to provide dental irrigation. - The
pulp cavity 26 and/or thecanal spaces 30 may be cleaned and irrigated by any suitable method. For example, in some procedures, endodontic files are inserted into the root canal system to open thecanal spaces 30 and remove organic material therein. An effective method for cleaning the root canal system is depicted inFIG. 2B , which schematically illustrates a high velocity collimatedjet 52 of liquid (e.g., water) directed through theopening 40 toward adentinal surface 54 of thetooth 10. In some embodiments, the high-velocity liquid jet may have a velocity in a range from about 50 m/s to about 300 m/s and may have a transverse size (e.g., diameter) in a range from about 1 micron to about 1000 microns. - Impact of the
jet 52 causes acoustic energy to propagate from the impact site on thedentinal surface 54 through theentire tooth 10, including the root canal system. The acoustic energy is effective at detaching substantially all organic material in the root canal system from surrounding dentinal walls. The acoustic energy may be effective at cleaning the root canal system, because the acoustic energy generates acoustic cavitation effects (e.g., cavitation bubbles, cavitation jets, acoustic streaming, entrainment, etc.), which efficiently detach and/or delaminate organic material from dentinal surfaces and tubules. The treatment time during which the high-velocity jet 52 is directed toward thetooth 10 may range from about 1 second to about 120 seconds in various cleaning methods. - In many embodiments, the detached organic material can be flushed from the root canal using an irrigation fluid (e.g., water). In some embodiments, liquid from the high-velocity jet provides the irrigation fluid. In other embodiments, a low-velocity jet or stream provides the irrigation fluid. The
liquid jet 52 may be directed from ahandpiece 50 that can be manipulated within a patient's mouth by a dental practitioner. In certain endodontic procedures, the highvelocity liquid jet 52 is directed into thepulp cavity 26 and/or theroot canal spaces 30 to excise and/or emulsify organic material therein. Theliquid jet 52 may be generated by a high pressure compressor system or by a pump system in various embodiments. Further details of apparatus and methods for generating thehigh velocity jet 52 and using thejet 52 to clean root canal systems are found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/737,710, filed Apr. 19, 2007, entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Treating Root Canals of Teeth,” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. - In certain preferred embodiments, after cleaning the
canal spaces 30, irrigating liquid 42 (e.g., water) is not removed from thecanal spaces 30 prior to filling. The irrigatingliquid 42 advantageously may act as a vector for any floating particles and/or organic material and as a barrier against the influx of periapical fluid (e.g., through the apical opening 34). Fillingmaterial 44, such as the hydrophobic filling material described herein, may then be applied to thecanal spaces 30. As thecanal spaces 30 are filled, thehydrophobic filler material 44 displaces the irrigatingliquid 42 and forces the liquid 42 at least partially out of thecanal spaces 30, toward theopening 40 in thecrown 12 of the tooth 10 (or toward any other suitable opening formed in the tooth 10). - In certain embodiments, the
filler material 44 comprises a sterile colloid comprising mag-particles. Thefiller material 44 may be provided to a dental practitioner in standard 1.8 milliliter dental cartridges. In a preferred embodiment schematically illustrated inFIG. 2A , the colloid is applied to thecanal spaces 30 using a standard cartridge syringe with aninjection needle 50 such as, for example, a sterile disposable 30-gauge short injection needle. In some procedures, the colloid is applied into thecanal spaces 30 without pressure and without binding theinjection needle 50 to the walls of thecanal space 30, which advantageously may reduce application of pressure to the liquid 42 present in thecanal space 30 and may allow the liquid 42 to be displaced from and escape thecanal space 30. In the example method depicted inFIG. 2A , theneedle 50 has been used to apply thefiller material 44 to a portion of thecanal space 30 a. After filling thecanal space 30 a, the dental practitioner may fill other spaces in thetooth 10, such as thecanal space 30 b. Although depicted as straight inFIG. 2A , theneedle 50 may be bent and/or curved to access portions of thecanal spaces needle 50 may be flexible. - In certain embodiments, a force field is used to manipulate the filler material during the filling of the
canal spaces 30. The force field advantageously may be a non-contacting force field that applies a force to the filler material without physically contacting the material. For example, the force field may comprise a magnetic force field, and the filler material may comprise a substance that is responsive to the magnetic force field. - As schematically illustrated in
FIG. 3 , the magnetic force field may be applied using a micromanipulator comprising astylus 60 having amagnetic tip 62.FIG. 3 schematically depicts examplemagnetic field lines 64 near thetip 62. In other embodiments, themagnetic field lines 64 may have a different configuration and/or polarity than shown inFIG. 3 . For example, themagnetic field lines 64 may have a configuration that includes components such as dipole, quadripole, and/or higher order multipole components. In some methods for filling root canal spaces, themagnetic tip 62 of thestylus 60 is positioned near thetooth 10 and moved toward the apex 32 adjacent to thetooth root 16.FIG. 4 schematically illustrates application of thetip 62 of thestylus 60 to thecanal space 30 a of thetooth 10. Themagnetic tip 62 may be moved toward the apex 32 one or more times during a treatment. The magnetic field of thetip 62 may provide an attractive force that urges the mag-particles in thecanal space 30 a towards the apex 32 until substantially all thecanal space 30 a is filled, and the mag-particles are condensed in thecanal space 30 a. As the mag-particles are condensed, the liquid 42 in thecanal spaces 30 is squeezed outward due to the hydrophobic surface property of the coating material of the mag-particles. This procedure may be repeated for thecanal space 30 in eachroot 16 of the treatedtooth 10. Surplus colloid can be removed from the access opening 40 andcoronal pulp chamber 28. - In some methods, the mag-particles are also condensed in the
canal spaces 30 using an endodontic spreader such as, for example, a No. 1 dental hand-spreader and/or plugger (e.g., a. Schilder spreader) so as to form a substantiallysolid core 70 of mag-particles in the canal spaces. The substantiallysolid core 70 is schematically illustrated in thecanal space 30 b shown inFIG. 4 . The resultingcore 70 advantageously may be substantially bacterio-static, substantially tissue compatible, and not substantially affected by tissue metabolism. Thecore 70 of mag-particles also may be substantially radio-opaque. The filledcanal spaces 30 may be sealed over in a conventional manner, such as with a bonded restorative material. - In certain preferred embodiments, mag-particles of different sizes are used in the filling process. In order to reduce the likelihood that mag-particles migrate through the
apical opening 34 of thetooth 10 into surrounding vascularized tissue, larger mag-particles may be introduced first into thecanal spaces 30, followed by introduction of smaller mag-particles. The larger mag-particles advantageously may have a size that allows the mag-particles to migrate proximate to theapical opening 34, but not through theapical opening 34. Themagnetic tip 62 of thestylus 60 may be used to assist condensing the larger and/or the smaller mag-particles in thecanal spaces 30. In certain embodiments, the mag-particle coating is somewhat compliant such that the coatings can deform as magnetic attraction from thestylus 60 pulls them through the root canal towards the apex 32 and into progressively smaller spaces. It is beneficial if the coating is not so compliant as to deform to a size smaller than that of the apical opening 34 (typically, 30 microns). As an example, in certain embodiments, the size of the larger mag-particles may be in a range from about 35 to about 200 microns, more preferably in a range from about 40 to 100 microns, and even more preferably in a range from about 50 to 70 microns. The larger mag-particles may thus advantageously be used to form a plug in a portion of theroot canal space 30 adjacent the apex 32 of thetooth 10. The mag-particles forming the plug may be compacted using the magnetic field of thestylus 60 and may bond to each other by diffusion of the coating material. - In certain preferred embodiments, following creation of the plug comprising the larger mag-particles, smaller size mag-particles are introduced into the
canal spaces 30. By way of example, the size of the smaller mag-particles may be in a range from about 2 to 30 microns, more preferably in a range from about 2 to 15 microns, and even more preferably in a range from about 2 to 5 microns. In certain such preferred embodiments, the mag-particles are sufficiently small to readily fill the small side canals, fins, and narrow spaces that typically extend laterally from the mainroot canal spaces 30. In some methods, the smaller mag-particles are compacted by means of the magnetic field and bond to each other by diffusion of the coating materials, thereby creating a rigid volume of filling material that fills the root canal system. - Various micromanipulators may be utilized to magnetically guide the mag-particles to targeted sites using magnetic force fields. Embodiments of the micromanipulator may use a magnetic force to guide the mag-particles by application of an attractive force, a repulsive force, and/or a combination thereof to pull and/or to push the mag-particles toward the targeted sites. In some embodiments, the micromanipulator is configured to provide a suitable magnetic force gradient to guide the mag-particles. By way of example, the micromanipulator may comprise a stylus (such as the
stylus 60 described above) having atip 62 that comprises one or more magnets or electromagnets. The one or more magnets may comprise rare earth (e.g., neodymium) magnets. In another embodiment, the micromanipulator comprises a plurality of coils forming a matrix of electromagnets. When suitably energized, the electromagnetic matrix of coils creates temporal and/or spatial electromagnetic field variations (statically or dynamically) to provide electromagnetic field patterns and field gradients that increase or optimize the force (and/or force gradient) applied to the mag-particles. The force gradient may be used to control the degree of mag-particle compactness and also to prevent thefiller material 44 from reaching unwanted areas (e.g., the apical opening 34). - In certain treatment embodiments, some of the mag-particles are guided by the micromanipulator to assist moving surrounding filling material into small cracks, holes, crevices, channels, and/or spaces in the root canal system. For example, movement of the mag-particles may cause some of the surrounding fluid and/or filler material to flow due to a coupling force between the mag-particles and the fluid and/or filler material. The coupling force may comprise, for example, friction, viscosity, etc. In some methods, a time varying force field (and/or force gradient) is applied to the mag-particles to cause such a flow. The fluid motions induced by the movement of the mag-particles may assist introduction of filler material into the smaller root canal spaces.
- In some embodiments, the electromagnetic matrix is in the form of a
strip 80 that is mounted on the head of the patient with the electromagnetic matrix in proximity to the apex of the tooth or teeth under treatment, as illustrated schematically inFIG. 5 . The matrix may be powered by a power-supply that is controlled by a computer or microprocessor. The power supply drives the matrix of coils selectively under the control of computer software to create a magnetic-field gradient in the manner of a magnetic phased array. As schematically depicted inFIG. 5 , the magnetic field gradient may be configured to provide apositive region 84 of attractive magnetic field to the root canal system, while providing anegative region 88 of zero or repulsive magnetic field near theapical openings 34 of thetooth 10 under treatment. The matrix may be spatially calibrated to the location of theapical openings 34, so that the field gradient generated by the matrix is precisely located with respect to thetooth 10 under treatment and draws the mag-particles through the canal system, but not through theapical openings 34. Accordingly, the electromagnetic matrix may preferably be attached to the patient in a manner that prevents or inhibits relative motion between the matrix and thetooth 10 under treatment when the magnetic field is applied. Such attachment may be accomplished by means of a helmet (e.g., for upper teeth), a jaw clamp (e.g., for lower teeth), or by clamping the matrix to one or more teeth adjacent thetooth 10 under treatment. - The matrix of coils may be used not only to move the mag-particles, but also to sense movement of the mag-particles. For example, as the mag-particles fill the root canal system, the mag-particles will cross magnetic field lines produced by the matrix, which generates a direct current (DC) in the coils. By measuring the DC current (and/or voltage) in each coil, relative movement between the mag-particles and the
tooth 10 under treatment may be calculated. In some embodiments, the relative motion of the mag-particles is output on a display for viewing by the dental practitioner. In such embodiments, the dental practitioner may observe in real-time the migration of the mag-particles into the root canal system and the mag-particles' location relative to theapical openings 34. To provide increased control over the filling treatment, the magnetic field intensity, gradient, spatial and/or temporal configuration may be altered in accordance with the sensed movement. In an alternative embodiment, the matrix of coils provides a low intensity field for sensing movement without moving the particles, and the magnetic field that moves the particles is applied by a micromanipulator such as a handheld stylus manipulated by the dental practitioner (e.g., thestylus 60 shown inFIG. 3 ). - In some methods, after the
filler material 44 comprising the mag-particles has sufficiently cured, energy is applied to heat thefiller material 44 above the melting point to at least partially liquefy thefiller material 44 and/or the mag-particles. The applied energy may comprise electric, magnetic, and/or electromagnetic energy such as, for example, from an applied electric field and/or magnetic field. In some embodiments, the applied energy comprises electromagnetic energy (e.g., ultrasound). The at least partially liquefied material may then solidify into a substantially solid core within the root canal system of the treated tooth. - In some cases, it may be desirable for the substantially solid core of mag-particles to be removed (e.g., for re-treatment of the tooth 10). In some treatment methods, the core may be at least partially liquefied by application of energy to the affected tooth. As described above, the applied energy may comprise electric, magnetic, and/or electromagnetic energy. For example, ultrasound energy may be applied, e.g., with a Cavitron® instrument available from Dentsply International, York, Pa. The liquefied core material can be suctioned or irrigated out of the
canal spaces 30. - In other embodiments of methods for filling root canal spaces, the filling material may comprise a hydrophilic material such as, for example, a protein-based, reversible hydrocolloid. Protein-based reversible hydrocolloids are thermoplastics, which may liquefy in a temperature range above about 80 to 95 degrees centigrade and may solidify in a temperature range below about 40 to 45 degrees centigrade. Liquefaction and solidification temperature ranges may be different in different hydrocolloids. When in a liquid phase, reversible hydrocolloids may be able to absorb several times their volume of water. To avoid substantial changes in the physical properties of the hydrocolloid, in some methods water absorption is limited to about 30% of the volume of the hydrocolloid. Advantageously, the filling material may further comprise at least one bacterio-static substance, as well as at least one substance to provide radio-opacity. The filling material may comprise both a hydrophobic material (e.g., mag-particles) and a hydrophilic material (e.g., a reversible hydrocolloid) in some embodiments.
- In certain method embodiments, the hydrophilic filling material is supplied in sealed 1.8 ml dental cartridges suitable for use in dental syringes. To liquefy the filling material, the cartridges may be placed in a heated liquid (e.g., hot or boiling water) for a liquefaction time that is about 10 minutes for some hydrocolloids. After the filling material is sufficiently liquefied, the cartridge can be placed in a cartridge syringe fitted with a suitable needle, for example, a 30 gauge short needle.
- To deliver the filling material to the root canal system, the needle may be curved and/or bent to access the
canal spaces 30 in thetooth 10 under treatment. In certain preferred embodiments, the needle is placed without binding into thecanal space 30, and a suitable amount of liquefied filling material is injected into thespace 30 to partially absorb and/or partially displace liquid in thecanal space 30. It may be desirable in some embodiments for enough water from thecanals 30 to be displaced such that no more than about 30% of the water is absorbed by the hydrocolloid filler (e.g., at least about 70% of the water is displaced). By introducing a suitable amount of liquid reversible hydrocolloid into thecanal spaces 30, the hydrocolloid may help maintain the liquid stage of filler material previously introduced into thecanal spaces 30, may help maintain application of pressure, and thereby may help transport the filler material to the apex 32 and to substantially all thecanal spaces 30 before the filler material solidifies. The filledcanal spaces 30 may be sealed over in a conventional manner with a bonded restorative material. - As described above, in some methods, after the filler material has sufficiently cured, energy is applied to heat the filler material toward or above the melting point to at least partially liquefy the filler material (and/or mag-particles if used). The at least partially liquefied material may help fill the
canal spaces 30 and may help provide a substantially uniform core of material in the root canal system. The applied energy may comprise electric, magnetic, and/or electromagnetic energy such as, for example, from an applied electric and/or magnetic field. In some embodiments, the applied energy comprises electromagnetic energy (e.g., ultrasound). The at least partially liquefied material may then solidify into a substantially solid core within the root canal system of the treated tooth. - Although the
tooth 10 depicted in the figures is a molar, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the procedures may be performed on any type of tooth such as an incisor, a canine, a bicuspid, or a molar. Also, the disclosed methods are capable of filling root canal spaces having a wide range of morphologies, including highly curved root canal spaces which are difficult to fill using conventional dental techniques. Moreover, the disclosed methods may be performed on human teeth (including children's teeth) and/or on animal teeth. - The foregoing description sets forth various preferred embodiments and other illustrative but non-limiting embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein. The description provides details regarding combinations, modes, and uses of the disclosed inventions. Other variations, combinations, modifications, equivalents, modes, uses, implementations, and/or applications of the disclosed features and aspects of the embodiments are also within the scope of this disclosure, including those that become apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this specification. Additionally, certain objects and advantages of the inventions are described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages may be achieved in any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventions may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. Also, in any method or process disclosed herein, the acts or operations making up the method/process may be performed in any suitable sequence and are not necessarily limited to any particular disclosed sequence. Accordingly, the scope of each of the inventions disclosed herein is to be determined according to the following claims and their equivalents.
Claims (45)
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US11918432B2 (en) | 2006-04-20 | 2024-03-05 | Sonendo, Inc. | Apparatus and methods for treating root canals of teeth |
US11350993B2 (en) | 2006-08-24 | 2022-06-07 | Pipstek, Llc | Dental and medical treatments and procedures |
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US11684421B2 (en) | 2006-08-24 | 2023-06-27 | Pipstek, Llc | Dental and medical treatments and procedures |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2007139809A3 (en) | 2008-11-13 |
EP2019641A4 (en) | 2014-12-24 |
US20110189627A1 (en) | 2011-08-04 |
US20070275353A1 (en) | 2007-11-29 |
WO2007139809A2 (en) | 2007-12-06 |
EP2019641A2 (en) | 2009-02-04 |
US7833016B2 (en) | 2010-11-16 |
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