DENTAL SUCTION DEVICE

Abstract

The invention is about a dental suction arrangement which removes saliva and other fluids from a person's oral cavity. The suction arrangement includes a suction tube (101) and an absorption body (111) to be placed in the oral cavity. The suction tube (101) includes a suction part (103) which is arranged in the absorption body (111) and which is equipped with hole members (104) communicating with the absorption body (111). According to the invention, the suction arrangement is made of elastically deformable material in order to adapt to the anatomical shape of the bottom of the mouth.

Claims

1. Dental suction arrangement for the removal of saliva and other fluids comprising a suction line (101) and an absorption body (111) to be placed for the removal of saliva and other fluids, whereby the suction line (101) includes a suction part (103) which is arranged in the absorption body (111) and which is equipped with hole members (104) communicating with the absorption body (111), wherein the absorption body (111) and the suction part (103) arranged in the absorption body, are essentially U-shaped and/or parabolic shaped, said suction line (101) exiting from the absorption body (111) at an end thereof.

2. Dental suction arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction part (103) of the suction line (101) has a U-form, with the remainder of the suction line (103) extending from the end of one leg of said U, bent upwardly from a plane defined by the U and then, at a transverse portion (115), further outwardly relative to said U and then bent back such that the suction line (101) extends beyond a bottom.

3. Dental suction arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that a transverse portion (115) is formed in the suction line (101), following the U-shaped suction part (103), said transverse portion (115) intended to cross a jaw distal of a row of teeth.

4. Dental suction arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction line (101) has a flattened cross section at a transverse portion (115) and an essentially circular cross section at a second portion.

5. Dental suction arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction line (101) is deformable for adapting it to an anatomy, and that said suction part (103) forming a U is deformable in that at least one side leg of the U may be bent into a desired shape.

6. Dental suction arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a tongue holder and/or a tongue shield (114) or protection shield (114) is attached to at least one portion of said suction line (101) or the suction part (103) or the absorption body (111).

7. Dental suction arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the absorption body (111), in a cross sectional view perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the absorption body (111), has a non-circular contour and/or has a contour with a base and a top, whereby the base is broader than the top, and/or has a contour with at least one concave part.

8. Dental suction arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the absorption body (111) includes an extension part which is a part of the absorption body (111) or a separate part made from a flocking material or fibers, when placed in a cavity, extends distal from the suction line (101), whereby the extension part has a reduced cross-sectional area which decreases in the direction of a distal end.

9. Dental suction arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the absorption body (111) is adjustable in its length, by being ductily deformed, and/or has a base body with a punch pattern allowing said absorption body together with a foam body of the absorption body to be extended.

10. Dental suction arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the sides of the absorption body (111) are at least partially covered by, or made of, a mesh with a silky look-and-feel, or by a soft flocking material, said mesh or flocking having a non-capillary effect, at least at both sides, leaving top side and bottom side of the absorption body free.

11. Dental suction arrangement according to claim 1, further including a secondary and adjustable suction line (101) that extends from the main absorption body (111) for connection with a secondary absorption body (111) and/or that the suction arrangement comprises multiple absorption bodies and that the suction line comprises additional lines, whereby each additional line is connected with a suction part in the respective absorption body, for suction at a Glandular Parotis, at one side thereof or at both sides thereof.

13. Dental suction arrangement according to claim 1, further including at least one protection shield (114) for withholding a third part from moving toward any part of the dental suction arrangement, and being adjustable in shape and/or size.

14. Dental suction arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that a cavity is an oral cavity, an elevated portion is a lower jaw, a protection shield is a tongue protection and/or a secondary absorption body is arranged for being positioned at a parotis gland duct and/or a bottom being an area between a tongue and a bottom of a mouth.

15. Dental suction arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that a foam body is placed along the suction line (101) on a counter bow (116), for being fixed outside the mouth under the chin, and/or that both ends of the suction line (101,120) form counter bows (116), for extending under the chin for double-side fixation of the U-shaped and/or parabolic shaped absorption body (111).

16. Dental suction arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that a metal wire or another stiffening element extends within the suction line (101) or at least within an outer circumference of the suction line (101), for improving a possible adjustment of the shape of the suction line (101) and/or that a moisture sensor (118) or a flow meter (118) is provided at the suction line (101) or the absorption body (111) which is supplied by wire (119) or is provided as a wireless device.

17. Dental suction arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the remainder of the suction line (103) extends beyond a middle leg of said U.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS ATTACHED

[0060] These and other embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, which show embodiments of the invention.

[0061] FIG. 1 is a side view of a suction device or suction arrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0062] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section through the suction device in FIG. 1.

[0063] FIG. 3 is a sectional view along line III-III in FIG. 2.

[0064] FIG. 4 is a sectional view corresponding the one in FIG. 2 illustrating the fluid flow.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a sectional view corresponding the one in FIG. 3 illustrating the fluid flow.

[0066] FIG. 6 is a top view of the suction device in FIG. 1 placed at the bottom of the mouth between the lower jaw's alveolar area and the tongue.

[0067] FIG. 7 is a sectional view along line VII-VII in FIG. 6.

[0068] FIG. 8 is a top view of the suction device in FIG. 1 placed at the bottom of the mouth in a displaced position in relation to FIG. 6.

[0069] FIG. 9 illustrates a detail of the suction device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0070] FIG. 10-14 illustrates a sectional view through a detail of the suction device according to five different embodiments of the invention.

[0071] FIG. 15 is a side view of a further embodiment of a suction device according to the invention.

[0072] FIG. 16 is a top view of the suction device in FIG. 15.

[0073] FIG. 17 is a side view of a further embodiment of a suction device according to the invention.

[0074] FIG. 18 illustrates a detail of the embodiment in FIG. 17.

[0075] FIG. 19 shows a sectional view of another embodiment of the suction arrangement of the present invention, with a modified absorption body.

[0076] FIG. 20 another embodiment of the suction arrangement according to the invention.

[0077] FIG. 21 still another embodiment of the suction arrangement according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0078] The invention will now be described in more detail with references to the attached drawings.

[0079] In FIGS. 1 to 8, a first embodiment of the invention is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 1, the suction device has a suction tube or suction line 101 which can be connected to a vacuum source in order to create a negative pressure inside the suction tube. The suction tube 101 has an exposed part 102 which is visible. The suction tube 101 extends into the absorption body 111 of the suction device with a suction part 103 embedded in the absorption body (not visible in FIG. 1). The absorption body 111 consists of a main part 112, and optionally of an extension part 113. The main part 112 is arranged to be placed at the user's bottom of the mouth between the lower part of the lower jaw and the tongue.

[0080] The extension part 113 is arranged to extend backward from the main part 112 towards the patient's throat. The exposed part 102 of the suction tube is conventionally bent to easily be fixed around the patient's chin. The suction device is shown in FIG. 2 in a sectional view of its length extension whereby suction part 103 of the suction tube 101 is visible. In this example, exposed part 102 of the suction tube is shown. The suction part 103 may alternatively be jointed to the juncture between the suction part 103 and the exposed part 102. The suction part 103 is equipped with multiple holes 104 which connect the tubes inner part with the covering absorption body. In this example, the absorptions body is smoothly arch-shaped, but since the suction device is made of elastic deformable material the device can adapt other shapes in order to fit the patient's oral cavity and the bottom of the mouth in particular.

[0081] FIG. 3, which is a sectional view along line III-III in FIG. 2, shows that the absorption body in the lateral direction has a non-circular outer contour with a base 112b and a top 112t, whereby the base 112b is broader than the top 112t, and shows a triangular-like cross section. The suction part 103 of the suction tube 101 is centrally located in the absorption body. Alternatively to the illustration, this part can be located in other positions in the absorption body, e.g. in an asymmetric placement. Also, the outer contour may be different than the exemplified. Examples of different contour are shown in FIGS. 10 to 14.

[0082] The FIGS. 4 and 5 schematically show the fluid flow through the suction device. Saliva and water enter the absorption body 111 from mucous membranes and from other places in the oral cavity, where the fluid accumulates, as indicated by arrows A. The suction tube 101 is connected to vacuum whereby under pressure is generated inside its suction part 103. By capillary action the fluid entering the absorption body 111 is absorbed in the direction of the suction part 103, as indicated by arrows B. Through the vacuum the fluid is absorbed by the suction tube according to the arrow C, and is removed according to arrow D. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the suction device in place at the bottom of the mouth between the lower part of the lower jaw 116 and the tongue 117.

[0083] FIG. 8 illustrates the suction device placed in a slightly displaced position in relation to FIG. 6. This positioning can be beneficial in filling and cementation of prosthetic constructions in the front part of the patient's mouth. Since the suction device is made of elastic deformable and adjustable material, the suction device can be bent and be placed at the bottom of the mouth beside the lower part of the lower jaw by the incisors and extend back toward the lower part of the lower jaw by the premolars and molars on the right and/or left side.

[0084] The suction tube 101 is preferably made of extruded plastic and if needed also includes an integrated wire that allows the operator to reshape the tube if necessary. The suction tube has prefabricated shape and size that allows it to be easily placed at the bottom of the mouth and at the same time to cover the lower part of the lower jaw for a secure fixation.

[0085] The suction tube may have a round shape or an oval shape which is even more easy to bend. Also, the wire may be flat, having a softer spring characteristic in its flat direction. Both may be adapted to the user's needs.

[0086] The suction part 903 of the suction tube can, as illustrated in FIG. 9, be provided with holes of different size and shape. The holes 904a, 904b, 904c are circular with different diameter where the holes 904a closest to the exposed part of the suction tube or line are portion are the smallest. The holes 9d and 9e are elongated.

[0087] The absorption body 111 is made of suitably elastically deformable material which enables fluid transport through the body, preferably foam plastic with open cells. It is also possible to use other soft materials that have capillary action like for example, cotton fibers, various textile fibers, synthetic fibers, mull, lint or gauze, preferably covered by a mesh, and the like.

[0088] In the embodiment example illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the suction device includes a secondary absorption body 618 beyond the main absortion body 612, 613. The secondary absorption body 618 is arranged to be placed at the Glandula Parotis excretory duct and is connected with the main absorption body via a connecting line 605. The main absorption body is arranged for an application as illustrated in FIG. 6. Via the secondary absorption body 618, saliva from the Glandula Parotis is directly absorbed where it is generated and via the main absorption body transferred to the suction tube 602. The connecting line 605 can advantageously be used as an extension of the suction part of the suction tube, but an arrangement on an additional line of the exposed part 102 of the suction tube is also possible or an arrangement as an additional line to the suction part 103 before the transition to an extension part.

[0089] In the embodiment example illustrated in FIG. 17, the suction device comprises a tongue protection 714. The tongue protection aims to block the tongue and so protect the tongue from rotating instruments during the dental treatment and also to prevent the tongue from touching the tooth or teeth in any critical area which may cause a contamination with saliva when performing different filling and/or cementation of prosthetic constructions. FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment, where the tongue protection 714 is arranged in an extension 705 of the suction tube 702, but in another (not illustrated) embodiment, the tongue protection may be is arranged on one sidearm of the exposed suction tube 702. In a further (not illustrated) embodiment, the suction device include two tongue protections, one arranged as illustrated in FIG. 17, and one arranged on one sidearm of the exposed suction tube 702. The tongue protection can be made of elastically deformable material. Thus, the tongue protection can be bent, as illustrated with arrow H in FIG. 18, along line I, and therefore effectively separate the tongue from the operation, while also allowing the assisting personal to obtain full access and insight for required interventions and complementary removal of water and saliva.

[0090] In one embodiment, the tongue protection is made of a material which can be broken off, e.g. along line 715, in order to adjust the fitting and placement in the oral cavity and also in order to enable an increased access and insight while the ability to protect the tongue during treatment is retained.

[0091] Furthermore, the tongue protection may be arranged in relation to the suction tube's 702 suction part 703 and the absorption body 712, as illustrated by arrows E, F and G in FIG. 17.

[0092] In a further (not illustrated) embodiment, the tongue protection has an absorption capacity. This absorption capacity can either be provided in case the tongue protection is made of absorbable material or when the tongue protection is equipped with a suction tube which is connected with the suction device and its absorption body.

[0093] FIG. 19 shows another embodiment of the invention. According to this embodiment, the absorption body 711 is formed such as it is noncircular, with a base and a top, whereby the base 741 is broader than the top 740. The general form corresponds to an egg, however with a waist such that having concave parts 719 separating the top portion 740 and the base portion 741.

[0094] According to this embodiment, a huge suction buffer is provided which is intended to at least partially fill-out the space under the patient's tongue. Also, with such a huge buffer, the desired pump action by the force exerted by the tongue is improved.

[0095] The absorbtion body 711 is made by open-porous foam with a high elasticity, i. e. a soft open foam. This foam, according to the shown embodiment, is covered by a silky mesh which is also open-porous, to let the fluid pass, and is pleasant and comfortable to the patient. Alternatively, it is closed-porous to block fluids.

[0096] FIG. 21 shows another embodiment of the inventive dental suction arrangement.

[0097] A suction part 703 passes through the top portion 740. It has a plurality of suction holes 704a, 704b and 704c which are distributed uneven and with different diameters and forms all over the suction part 703.

[0098] Preferably, the suction part 703 extends in the centre of the top portion 740. In the different embodiment it may extend eccentrically, in order to increase the suction power at one side of the absorption body 711.

[0099] According to this embodiment, a tongue holder 714 is arranged at the end of a second suction line 705. The absorption body 711 is arranged between the second suction line 705 and first suction line 702. It comprises a suction part 703 with a plurality of suction holes 704.

[0100] As may be taken from the arrows C, D and E, all parts of this embodiment may be easily adjusted and bended according to the needs. Generally, it is preferred to have the second suction line 705 being bent by about 150 to 180 degree and also the first suction line 702 bent several time.

[0101] The idea is to have the absorption body 703 being arranged as low as possible under the patients tongue in the bottom of the mouth, close to glandolar submandibularis and glandouar sublingualis, and the tongue holder 711 extending upwardly from there and pressing the tongue obliquely upwardly and away from the jaw.

[0102] The first suction line 702, on the other hand, will cross over the canines or incisors of the patient and leave the mouth, to be attached to a suction source like a vacuum pump.

[0103] By such an arrangement, both the absorption body 703 is pressed down, and the tongue holder 711 is pressed upwardly. Thus, it is preferred to have a certain section in the second suction line which should be bendable, in order to adapted to the patients needs.

[0104] Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 21. This embodiment comprises a suction line 702 and a so-called full jaw absorption body 703. This absorption body is essentially U shaped and comprises a suction part with suction holes even this is not shown in FIG. 21. It is intended to be placed under the tongue and the suction line 702 is of a flexibility such that it may be bended at a hinge area 725, to have this essentially U-shaped absorption body being inserted into the oral cavity either such that the suction line 702 is arranged on the left side or on the right side.

[0105] In another embodiment which is not shown, an additional tongue holder is arranged at the end 726 of the absorption body 703. The form thereof may be similar to the form shown in FIG. 20, and a second suction line may be provided between the tongue holder 714 and the end 726.

[0106] The invention has been described in relation to the current understanding of which are the most practical and preferred embodiments, but it is recognized that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments; several variations and modifications are possible. The scope of the invention is therefore exclusively defined by the attached patent claims.