Dentistry – Apparatus – Broach
Reexamination Certificate
2000-12-15
2001-12-18
O'Connor, Cary E. (Department: 3732)
Dentistry
Apparatus
Broach
C433S224000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06331112
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to endodontic probes and in particular to endodontic measuring probes used for determining the diameter of the tooth apical aperture and the length of the root canal so that the root canal may be properly cleaned prior to filling.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Precise determination of tooth root canal length and the diameter of the apical aperture is vitally important for correct endodontic cleaning and filling. The root canal must be precisely reamed and the pulp tissue completely removed because leaving some of the pulp tissue may lead to abscess. Removing more of the root canal structure than necessary is not desired and leaving pulp tissue within the canal is to be avoided. The dentist must know precisely the location and diameter of the apical aperture of the root canal in order to render the most effective and painless treatment.
The difficulty with completely cleaning the root canal is that the canal tapers to a narrow neck at the root apex and then widens again as it approaches the site of exiting from the root. This has been described as a funnel shape or even as the shape of a morning glory flower. The dentist must be aware of the probable canal configuration present and any common variants that might be present, the estimated length of the root(s), the site of exiting of the canal(s), and the estimated width of the canal(s). This is done by analyzing the preoperative radiographs available.
It has been clinically established that the root canal must be cleaned as thoroughly as possible to remove any remaining pulpal tissues, bacteria, toxins and debris. If the cleaning instruments or irrigating solutions are thrust through the apical foramen, tissues surrounding the tooth root may become inflamed or infected, leading to intense pain which may require surgery. Therefore, it is critical that the dentist know precisely the location and diameter of the apical foramen.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an endodontic measuring kit which accurately measures the length and the diameter of the apical aperture of the tooth canal; it is a further object of the invention to provide such a measuring kit or system which does not require repeated x-rays for the dentist to determine the length of the root canal and diameter of the apical aperture; to provide a set of measuring instruments with graded tip diameters for observing tooth depth; to provide a set of measuring instruments having tip ends specially designed for tactile sensitivity so that the dentist can precisely determine the location and diameter of the apical aperture. It is a further object of the invention to enable a dentist to provide an apical plug of proper size and shape.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings.
REFERENCES:
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Morphis et al.; Study of the Apices of Human Permanent Teeth with the use of a Scanning Electron Microscope; in Oral Surgery Journal Feb. '94.
Berutti; Measurement of the Apical Foramen: in Dentistry Today Sep. 98.
Gani et al.; Apical Canal Diameter in the First Upper Molar at Various Ages; in Journal of Endodontics Oct. 99
Miyashita et al; Root Canal System of the Mandibular Incisor; in Journal of Endodontics Aug. 97.
Cohen et al; Pathways of the Pulp, 1994 p. 201.
Ingle, et al. ; Endodontics, 1994; pp 192-3.
Weine; Endodontic Therapy 1996; p 402.
Day Wm. Bruce
O'Connor Cary E.
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