阅读说明：本技术 用于牙髓治疗工具的手柄系统和方法 (Handpiece system and method for endodontic treatment tool ) 是由 杨全祖 于 2021-01-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于在牙科手术过程中支承限定工具轴线的工具的手柄系统,包括限定手柄轴线的手柄、旋转套筒、头部组件以及具有第一齿圈部分和第二齿圈部分的齿圈组。旋转套筒支承第一齿圈部分。头部组件支承第二齿圈部分。手柄支承旋转套筒以使其相对于手柄旋转。手柄支承头部组件使得第一齿圈部分接合第二齿圈部分。在头部组件由手柄支承的情况下,头部组件接合工具以支承该工具,使得工具轴线相对于手柄轴线以第一角度延伸,并且旋转套筒相对于手柄的旋转引起工具围绕工具轴线的轴向旋转。(The present invention relates to a handle system for supporting a tool defining a tool axis during a dental procedure, comprising a handle defining a handle axis, a rotary sleeve, a head assembly, and a gear ring set having a first gear ring portion and a second gear ring portion. The rotating sleeve supports the first ring gear portion. The head assembly supports the second ring gear portion. The handle supports the rotating sleeve for rotation relative to the handle. The handle support head assembly causes the first gear ring portion to engage the second gear ring portion. Where the head assembly is supported by the handle, the head assembly engages the tool to support the tool such that the tool axis extends at a first angle relative to the handle axis, and rotation of the rotary sleeve relative to the handle causes axial rotation of the tool about the tool axis.)

1. A handle system for supporting a tool during a dental procedure, the tool defining a tool axis, the handle system comprising:

a handle defining a handle axis;

rotating the sleeve;

a head assembly; and

a ring gear set including a first ring gear portion and a second ring gear portion; wherein

The rotating sleeve supports the first ring gear portion;

the head assembly supporting a second ring gear portion;

the handle supports the rotating sleeve for rotation relative to the handle;

the handle supports the head assembly such that the first gear ring portion engages the second gear ring portion; and is

Wherein the head assembly is supported by the handle,

the head assembly engages the tool to support the tool such that the tool axis extends at a first angle relative to the handle axis, an

Rotation of the rotating sleeve relative to the handle causes axial rotation of the tool about the tool axis.

2. The handle system of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a first handle portion and a second handle portion, wherein the first handle portion engages the second handle portion to limit movement of the rotating sleeve relative to the handle.

3. The handle system of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises:

a first handle portion defining a head portion; and

a second handle portion defining a stop portion; wherein

The rotation sleeve is disposed between the head portion and the stop portion to limit movement of the rotation sleeve relative to the handle.

4. The handle system of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises:

a first handle portion defining a first attachment portion; and

a second handle portion defining a second connecting portion; wherein

The first connecting portion engages the second connecting portion to removably connect the first handle portion and the second handle portion.

5. The handle system of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a main handle portion and a head portion, wherein the main handle portion engages the head portion to limit movement of the rotation sleeve relative to the handle.

6. The handle system of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises:

a main handle portion defining a step portion; and

a head portion; wherein

The rotation sleeve is disposed between the step portion and the head portion to restrict movement of the rotation sleeve relative to the handle.

7. The handle system of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises:

a main handle portion defining a first connection portion; and

a head portion defining a second connection portion; wherein

The first connecting portion engages the second connecting portion to removably connect the main handle portion and the head portion.

8. The handle system of claim 1, wherein:

the handle defines an anchoring portion; and

the head assembly includes a pin portion; wherein

The pin portion engages the anchor portion to allow the head assembly to rotate relative to the handle.

9. The handle system of claim 2, wherein:

the first handle portion defines an anchor portion; and

the head assembly includes a pin portion; wherein

The pin portion engages the anchor portion to allow the head assembly to rotate relative to the handle.

10. The handle system of claim 5, wherein:

the head portion defines an anchor portion; and

the head assembly includes a pin portion; wherein

The pin portion engages the anchor portion to allow the head assembly to rotate relative to the handle.

11. The handle system of claim 1, wherein the head assembly includes a tool mounting system for securing a tool relative to the head assembly.

12. The handle system of claim 11, wherein the tool mounting system comprises a clip system that grips the tool to secure the tool relative to the head assembly.

13. The handle system of claim 11, wherein the tool mounting system comprises a locking chamber system that secures the tool relative to the head assembly.

14. A handle system for supporting a tool during a dental procedure, the tool defining a tool axis, the handle system comprising:

a handle defining a handle axis, the handle comprising:

a first handle portion defining a first attachment portion, an

A second handle portion defining a second connecting portion, wherein

The first connecting portion engages the second connecting portion to removably attach the first handle portion to the second handle portion;

a rotating sleeve including a first ring gear portion;

a head assembly, the head assembly comprising:

tool mounting system, and

a second ring gear portion; wherein

A handle:

supporting the rotating sleeve for rotation relative to the handle, an

Supporting the head assembly such that the first ring gear portion engages the second ring gear portion; and wherein the head assembly is supported by the handle,

the head assembly engages the tool to support the tool such that the tool axis extends at a first angle relative to the handle axis, an

Rotation of the rotating sleeve relative to the handle causes axial rotation of the tool about the tool axis.

15. The handle system of claim 14, wherein:

the handle defines an anchoring portion; and

the head assembly includes a pin portion; wherein

The pin portion engages the anchor portion to allow the head assembly to rotate relative to the handle.

16. The handle system of claim 14, wherein the tool mounting system comprises a clip system that grips the tool to secure the tool relative to the head assembly.

17. The handle system of claim 14, wherein the tool mounting system comprises a locking chamber system that secures the tool relative to the head assembly.

18. A method of supporting a tool during a dental procedure, the tool defining a tool axis, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a handle defining a handle axis;

providing a rotating sleeve;

providing a head assembly; and

supporting the first ring gear portion on the rotating sleeve;

supporting the second ring gear set on the head assembly;

supporting the rotating sleeve on the handle such that the rotating sleeve is rotatable relative to the handle;

supporting the head assembly on the handle such that the first gear ring portion engages the second gear ring portion;

operating the head assembly to engage the tool to support the tool such that the tool axis extends at a first angle relative to the handle axis; and

the rotating sleeve is rotated relative to the handle to cause axial rotation of the tool about the tool axis.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein:

the step of providing a handle includes the step of shaping the handle to define an anchor portion;

the step of providing a head assembly includes the step of shaping the head assembly to define a pin portion; and

the pin portion engages the anchor portion to allow the head assembly to rotate relative to the handle.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of providing a head assembly includes the step of providing a tool mounting system for securing a tool relative to the head assembly.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to endodontic systems and methods, and more particularly, to a handpiece system and method that facilitates the use of a handpiece tool in performing endodontic or other dental procedures.

Background

Endodontic instruments, such as files and reamers, are surgical instruments used by dentists in the treatment of root canals. These tools are used to clean and shape root canals, the concept of which is to perform a thorough chemomechanical debridement of the root canal to the length of the apical foramen. Preparing the canal in this manner facilitates chemical disinfection to a satisfactory length, but also provides a shape that facilitates occlusion (filling of the root canal).

Martin (Martin) (EP0351486a1) discloses a root canal instrument handle. The handle of the martin is relatively small and therefore difficult for the dentist to hold when accessing the root canal in difficult situations. Furthermore, the handles of the martin reduce visibility and increase fatigue for preparing the pipe.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved handle systems and methods for supporting endodontic treatment tools in performing endodontic procedures, such as root canal treatment.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention discloses a novel design of a handle for an endodontic treatment file that can be manually operated to simultaneously drive both rotational and axial reciprocating motion of the endodontic treatment file.

The present invention may be embodied in a handle system for supporting a tool defining a tool axis during a dental procedure, the handle system including a handle defining a handle axis, a rotary sleeve, a head assembly, and a gear ring/gear set having a first gear ring/gear portion and a second gear ring/gear portion. The rotating sleeve supports the first ring gear portion. The head assembly supports the second ring gear portion. The handle supports the rotating sleeve for rotation relative to the handle. The handle supports the head assembly such that the first gear ring portion engages the second gear ring portion. Where the head assembly is supported by the handle, the head assembly engages the tool to support the tool such that the tool axis extends at a first angle relative to the handle axis, and rotation of the rotary sleeve relative to the handle causes axial rotation of the tool about the tool axis.

The present invention may be embodied in a handle system for supporting a tool defining a tool axis during a dental procedure, the handle system comprising a handle, a rotary sleeve, and a head assembly. The handle defines a handle axis and includes a first handle portion defining a first connection portion and a second handle portion defining a second connection portion. The first connecting portion engages the second connecting portion to removably attach the first handle portion to the second handle portion. The rotating sleeve includes a first ring gear portion. The head assembly includes a tool mounting system and a second gear ring portion. The handle supports the rotating sleeve for rotation relative to the handle and head assembly such that the first gear ring portion engages the second gear ring portion. Where the head assembly is supported by the handle, the head assembly engages the tool to support the tool such that the tool axis extends at a first angle relative to the handle axis, and rotation of the rotary sleeve relative to the handle causes axial rotation of the tool about the tool axis.

The invention may also be embodied as a method of supporting a tool defining a tool axis during a dental procedure, the method comprising the following steps. A handle, a swivel sleeve and a head assembly defining a handle axis are provided. The first ring gear part is supported on the rotary sleeve. The second ring gear portion is supported on the head assembly. The rotary sleeve is supported on the handle such that the rotary sleeve can be rotated relative to the handle. The head assembly is supported on the handle such that the first gear ring portion engages the second gear ring portion. The operating head assembly supports the tool in engagement with the tool such that the tool axis extends at a first angle relative to the handle axis. The rotating sleeve is rotated relative to the handle to cause axial rotation of the tool about the tool axis.

Drawings

FIG. 1A is a side cross-sectional view of a first exemplary handle system of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is an exploded side view of a first exemplary handle system;

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary drill chuck that may form the clamping system of the exemplary handle system of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary locking chamber of a clamping system that may form an exemplary handle system of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict an exemplary gear ring set that may form part of an exemplary handle system of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a side cross-sectional view of a second exemplary handle system of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is an exploded side view of a second exemplary handle system;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a third exemplary handle system of the present invention; and

fig. 7 is a side view of a fourth exemplary handle system of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The handpiece system of the present invention can take many different forms, and several examples of handpiece systems for supporting endodontic treatment tools are described below.

First and second exemplary handle systems

Referring first to fig. 1A and 1B of the drawings, the present invention may be embodied in a first exemplary handpiece system 20 for supporting an endodontic treatment tool 22, such as a file (shown in fig. 1A and 1B) or a reamer. This is of particular significance when the handle system 20 and tool 22 are used to prepare a root canal for cleaning, disinfection and filling during a root canal procedure, and the first exemplary handle system 20 will be described herein in the context of performing a root canal filling procedure.

First exemplary handpiece system 20 also provides a user (typically but not necessarily a dentist) with an improved handpiece when using a small endodontic treatment tool or instrument (e.g., exemplary tool 22). The exemplary handle system 20 also allows a user to manipulate the tool 22 with better access, more control and leverage, better visibility, and less fatigue. The first exemplary handle system 20 defines a handle axis H, and the first exemplary handle system 20 is configured such that the handle axis H extends at a first angle relative to a tool axis T defined by the tool 20. The first exemplary handle system 20 allows the tool 22 to be simultaneously rotated about and displaced along a tool axis T defined by the tool 20 defined by the tool 22.

Fig. 1A and 1B illustrate a first exemplary tool system 20 including a handle 30, a rotating sleeve 32, a head assembly 34, and a gear ring set 36.

As perhaps best shown in fig. 1B, the exemplary handle 30 includes a first handle portion 40 and a second handle portion 42. The exemplary first handle portion 40 defines a head portion 50, a sleeve support surface 52, and a first connection portion 54. A first stop portion 56 is formed between the sleeve bearing surface 52 and the first connection portion 54. An anchor portion 58 is formed in the head portion 50. The exemplary second handle portion 42 defines a securing surface 60 and a second connecting portion 62. The second stop portion 64 is formed by the second handle portion 42. The example first connection portion 54 is a threaded protrusion and the example second connection portion 62 is a threaded cavity configured to receive the threaded protrusion defined by the first connection portion 54. When the threaded projection is fully threaded into the threaded cavity, the second stop portion 64 engages the first stop portion 56 and the second handle portion 42 is securely connected to the first handle portion 40. The first and second connecting portions 54, 62 may be formed using other structures that can securely connect the second handle portion 42 to the first handle portion 40.

The example rotating sleeve 32 defines a sleeve outer surface 70, a sleeve inner surface 72, a sleeve first end 74, and a sleeve second end 76. The example sleeve bearing surface 52 and the sleeve inner surface 72 are substantially cylindrical, and the diameter of the sleeve bearing surface 52 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the sleeve inner surface 72. Further, the distance between the first stop portion 46 and the head portion 50 is slightly shorter than the distance between the sleeve first end 74 and the sleeve second end 76. With the first and second handle portions 40, 42 disengaged, the rotating sleeve 32 may be arranged such that the rotating sleeve 32 is supported by the sleeve support surface 52. With the rotating sleeve 32 supported by the sleeve support surface 52, the first and second handle portions 40, 42 may be connected to hold the rotating sleeve 32 in place on the sleeve support surface. Further, the rotating sleeve 32 is sized such that the rotating sleeve 32 may freely rotate relative to the exemplary handle 30 when held in place as shown in fig. 1A.

The exemplary head assembly 34 includes a rotary head 80 and a tool mounting system 82. The exemplary rotator head 80 includes a pin portion 84, the pin portion 84 configured to engage the anchor portion 58 of the head portion 50 such that the rotator head 80 is supported for rotation relative to the head portion 50. The exemplary pin 84 may be a screw and the exemplary anchor portion 58 may be a threaded cavity adapted to receive the screw forming the pin 84. The exemplary screw is sized and dimensioned relative to the rotator head and threaded cavity to secure the rotator head 80 relative to the head portion 50, but to allow the rotator head 80 to rotate relative to the head portion 50, thereby allowing the handle 30 to rotate. Other connection systems may be used to removably attach the rotator head 80 to the head portion 50.

The example tool mounting system 82 is configured to grip the tool 22 and is supported by the rotary head 80 such that rotation of the rotary head 80 is transferred to the tool 22. Fig. 3 illustrates an example tool mounting system 82, which may be formed of a drill chuck capable of gripping and releasing an example tool 22 to allow the tool 22 to be selectively attached to or detached from the first example handle system 20. Fig. 4 depicts an exemplary lock chamber that may be used to form an exemplary tool mounting system 82.

As perhaps best shown in fig. 1B and 2 of the drawings, the exemplary ring gear set 36 includes a first ring gear portion 90 supported by a first end of the rotating sleeve 32 and a second ring gear portion 92 supported by the rotating head 80. When the first and second handle portions 40, 42 are connected together such that the rotating sleeve 32 is held in place on the sleeve bearing surface 52, the first ring gear portion 90 engages the second ring gear portion 92 such that axial rotation of the rotating sleeve 32 about the handle axis H causes axial rotation of the tool 22 about the tool axis T defined by the tool 20. Further, the anchor portion 58, the pin portion 84, the first ring gear portion 90, and the second ring gear portion are all angled such that a tool axis T defined by the tool 20 extends at a first angle relative to the handle axis H.

Second and second exemplary handle System

Referring now to fig. 5A and 5B of the drawings, the present invention may be embodied in a second exemplary handpiece system 120 for supporting an endodontic treatment tool 122, such as a file (shown in fig. 5A and 5B) or a reamer. This is of particular significance when the handpiece system 120 and tool 122 are used to prepare a root canal for cleaning, disinfection and filling during a root canal filling procedure, and the second exemplary handpiece system 120 will be described herein in the context of performing a root canal filling procedure.

The second exemplary handpiece system 120 also provides an improved handpiece for a user (typically, but not necessarily, a dentist) when using a small endodontic treatment tool or instrument (e.g., exemplary tool 122). The exemplary handle system 120 also allows a user to manipulate the tool 122 with better access, more control and leverage, better visibility, and less fatigue. The second exemplary handle system 120 defines a handle axis H, and the second exemplary handle system 120 is configured such that the handle axis H extends at a first angle relative to a tool axis T defined by the tool 120. The second exemplary handle system 120 allows the tool 122 to simultaneously rotate about and displace along a tool axis T defined by the tool 122.

Fig. 5A and 5B illustrate a second exemplary handle system 120 including a handle 130, a rotating sleeve 132, a head assembly 134, and a gear ring set 136.

As perhaps best shown in fig. 1B, the exemplary handle 130 includes a main handle portion 140 and a head portion 142. The example main handle portion 140 defines a sleeve support surface 150, a first connection portion 152, and a stepped portion 154. The anchor portion 156 and the second connecting portion 158 are defined by the head portion 142. The example first connection portion 152 is a threaded protrusion and the example second connection portion 158 is a threaded cavity configured to receive the threaded protrusion defined by the first connection portion 152. When the threaded protrusion is fully threaded into the threaded cavity, the head portion 142 is securely connected to the main handle portion 140. The first and second connection portions 152 and 158 may be formed using other structures capable of securely connecting the head portion 142 to the main handle portion 140.

The example rotating sleeve 132 defines a sleeve outer surface 170, a sleeve inner surface 172, a sleeve first end 174, and a sleeve second end 176. The example sleeve bearing surface 150 and the sleeve inner surface 172 are substantially cylindrical, and the diameter of the sleeve bearing surface 150 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the sleeve inner surface 172. Further, the distance between the stepped portion 154 and the head portion 142 is slightly shorter than the distance between the sleeve first end 174 and the sleeve second end 176. With the head portion 142 disengaged from the main handle portion 140, the rotation sleeve 132 may be arranged such that the rotation sleeve 132 is supported by the sleeve support surface 150. Where the rotating sleeve 132 is supported by the sleeve support surface 150, the main handle portion 140 and the head portion 142 may be connected to hold the rotating sleeve 132 in place on the sleeve support surface. Further, the rotating sleeve 132 is sized such that the rotating sleeve 132 can freely rotate relative to the exemplary handle 130 when held in place as shown in fig. 5A.

The exemplary head assembly 134 includes a rotary head 180 and a tool mounting system 182. The exemplary swivel head 180 includes a pin portion 184, the pin portion 184 configured to engage the anchor portion 158 of the head portion 142 such that the swivel head 180 is supported for rotation relative to the head portion 142. Exemplary pin portion 184 may be a screw and exemplary anchor portion 158 may be a threaded cavity adapted to receive the screw forming pin portion 184. The exemplary screw is sized and dimensioned relative to the rotator head and threaded cavity to secure the rotator head 180 relative to the head portion 142, but to allow the rotator head 180 to rotate relative to the head portion 142, thereby allowing the handle 130 to rotate. Additional connection systems may be used to removably attach the rotator head 180 to the head portion 142.

The example tool mounting system 182 is configured to grip the tool 122 and is supported by the rotary head 180 such that rotation of the rotary head 180 is transferred to the tool 122. Fig. 3 illustrates an example tool mounting system 182 that may be formed from a drill chuck capable of gripping and releasing an example tool 122 to allow the tool 122 to be selectively attached to or detached from the second example handle system 120. Fig. 4 depicts an exemplary lock chamber that may be used to form an exemplary tool mounting system 182.

As perhaps best shown in fig. 5B and 2 of the drawings, the exemplary ring gear set 136 includes a first ring gear portion 190 supported by the first end of the rotating sleeve 132 and a second ring gear portion 192 supported by the rotating head 180. When the head portion 142 is connected to the main handle portion 140 such that the rotating sleeve 132 is held in place on the sleeve bearing surface 150, the first ring gear portion 190 engages the second ring gear portion 192 such that axial rotation of the rotating sleeve 132 about the handle axis H causes axial rotation of the tool 122 about the tool axis T defined by the tool 120. Further, the anchor portion 158, the pin portion 184, the first ring gear portion 190, and the second ring gear portion are all angled such that a tool axis T defined by the tool 120 extends at a first angle relative to the handle axis H.

Third, third exemplary handle System

Referring now to fig. 6 of the drawings, the present invention may be embodied in a third exemplary handpiece system 220 for supporting an endodontic treatment tool 222, such as a file (as shown in fig. 6) or a reamer. This is of particular significance when handpiece system 220 and tool 222 are used to prepare a root canal for cleaning, disinfection and filling during a root canal filling procedure, and the third exemplary handpiece system 220 will be described herein in the context of performing a root canal filling procedure.

The third exemplary handpiece system 220 also provides a user (typically but not necessarily a dentist) with an improved handpiece when using a small endodontic treatment tool or instrument (e.g., exemplary tool 222). The exemplary handle system 220 also allows a user to manipulate the tool 222 with better access, more control and leverage, better visibility, and less fatigue. The third exemplary handle system 220 defines a handle axis H, and the third exemplary handle system 220 is configured such that the handle axis H extends at a first angle relative to a tool axis T defined by the tool 220. The third exemplary handle system 220 allows the tool 222 to be simultaneously rotated about and displaced along a tool axis T defined by the tool 222.

The third example tool system 220 includes a handle 230, a rotating sleeve 232, a head assembly 234, and a gear ring set 236. The third example 220 is constructed, assembled, and used in a manner similar to the first or second example tool systems 20, 120 described above, except that the outer diameter of the rotating sleeve 232 is reduced as compared to the exposed outer diameter of the handle 230, as shown in fig. 6. Different textures may also be applied to the outer surface of the handle 230 and/or the rotating sleeve 232 to facilitate manipulation of the handle 230 and/or the tool 222.

Fourth exemplary handle System

Referring now to fig. 7 of the drawings, the present invention may be embodied in a fourth exemplary handle system 320 for supporting an endodontic treatment tool 322, such as a file (shown in fig. 7) or a reamer. This is of particular significance when the handle system 320 and tool 322 are used to prepare a root canal for cleaning, disinfection and filling during a root canal filling procedure, and the fourth exemplary handle system 320 will be described herein in the context of performing a root canal filling procedure.

The fourth exemplary handpiece system 320 also provides an improved handpiece for a user (typically, but not necessarily, a dentist) when using a small endodontic treatment tool or instrument (e.g., exemplary tool 322). The exemplary handle system 320 also allows a user to manipulate the tool 322 with better access, more control and leverage, better visibility, and less fatigue. The fourth exemplary handle system 320 defines a handle axis H, and the fourth exemplary handle system 320 is configured such that the handle axis H extends at a first angle relative to a tool axis T defined by the tool 320. The fourth exemplary handle system 320 allows the tool 322 to simultaneously rotate about and displace along a tool axis T defined by the tool 322.

The fourth example tool system 320 includes a handle 330, a rotating sleeve 332, a head assembly 334, and a gear ring set 336. The fourth example 320 is constructed, assembled, and used in a manner similar to the first and second example tool systems 20 and 120 described above, except that the handle 330 defines a first handle axis H1 and a second handle axis H2, as shown in fig. 7. The first handle axis H1 and the second handle axis H2 are offset from each other by a second angle. Different textures and/or surface shapes may also be applied or formed on the outer surface of the handle 330 and/or the rotating sleeve 332 to facilitate manipulation of the handle 330 and/or the tool 322.

Five additional items

The first angle between the angle H of the handle and the tool angle T of the tool can be designed to be 0 to 180 degrees. In another embodiment, the first angle between the handle and the tool may be adjustable for clinical use. For example, different head portions and ring gear sets may be used to achieve different first angles. The smart handle of the present invention can increase the rotational, rotational and reciprocating forces as compared to the direct manual use of endodontic treatment files.

As described and depicted above, exemplary rotating sleeves or sleeve rollers of any embodiment of the present invention include, but are not limited to, hollow cylinders, tubes, wheels, or hollow prisms with a toothed ring at one end, as shown in fig. 4. An exemplary rotating sleeve or sleeve roller with a toothed ring on the outer handle holder can be easily rotated manually by using a finger. The first and second ring gear portions intermesh to transmit rotary power from the rotating sleeve or sleeve roller to the rotary head to drive rotation of the tool.

Exemplary rotating or ring-toothed sleeve rollers of any embodiment of the present invention may have a length in the range of 1 mm to 200 mm, but preferably in the range of 2 mm to 100 mm. The outer diameter of the rotating sleeve or sleeve roll of any embodiment of the present invention is generally in the range of 2 mm to 70 mm, but preferably in the range of 3 mm to 50 mm. The inner diameter of the rotating sleeve or ring gear sleeve roller of any of the examples of the present invention is generally in the range of 0.5 mm to 60 mm, but preferably in the range of 1 mm to 49 mm.

An exemplary rotary head of the present invention includes at least one jig and/or fixture for securely holding an endodontic treatment file in rotational and/or reciprocating motion relative to a root canal, and at least one ring gear for receiving rotational power from a hub roller, thereby allowing the endodontic treatment file to be driven while it is axially rotated. The swivel head is firmly attached to the handle holder and is easily rotated. In one embodiment, the swivel gear ring may be used as a swivel connection between the swivel handle holder and the swivel head. In one embodiment, the swivel head may be connected to the handle holder by a screw. However, if the smart handle is made by a 3D printing process, no screws are needed to connect the rotating head with the holder or the handle.

The angle between the endodontic treatment tool and the handle of any embodiment of the present invention can be designed to be in the range of 0 degrees to 180 degrees, depending on clinical needs. In one embodiment, the angle between the tool and the handle holder is adjustable in the range of 0 to 180 degrees during clinical use. Preferably, the first angle between the tool and the handle is in a second range of 90 degrees to 120 degrees.

Generally, the dentist manually rotates the endodontic treatment tool while reciprocating it axially. However, endodontic treatment file handles are very small and difficult to hold directly by hand. To increase the rotational force, the ratio of the diameter of the endodontic treatment file handle to the diameter of the rotating sleeve roller can be increased.

In the present invention, a universal fixture is used to hold an endodontic treatment tool. Example universal clamps that may be used include, but are not limited to, drill chucks, locking chambers, or pipe clamps.

Materials useful in the present invention for making the smart handle of an endodontic treatment file include, but are not limited to, metals, alloys, plastics, polymers, copolymers, resin ceramics, composites, and mixtures thereof. Metals and alloys useful in the present invention for making smart handles include, but are not limited to, titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, steel, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, silver, tantalum, tungsten, platinum, gold, and mixtures thereof. Plastics and polymers useful in the present invention for making smart handles include, but are not limited to, thermoplastics or thermosetting polymers such as: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polyamide (PA) or (nylon), Polycarbonate (PC), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), Polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polycarbonate + acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC + ABS), polyethylene + acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PE + ABS) and mixtures thereof. Amorphous and crystalline plastics that may be used to form examples of the present invention include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide (nylon), polyester, and certain polyurethanes.

The smart handle of the present invention is made using various methods and processes including, but not limited to, machining, injection molding, hot pressing, 3D printing, and combinations thereof.

The present invention increases the rotational force of the endodontic treatment file by increasing the ratio of the diameter of the sleeve roller to the endodontic treatment file. In addition, endodontic treatment files can be easily moved up and down for axial reciprocation of the root canal.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a tool capable of both rotary and axial reciprocation. In any of the exemplary embodiments of the invention described herein, the parameters of the tool may be set as desired to coordinate the axial and rotational reciprocating motions to achieve the best results in a particular procedure. It should be understood that not every advantage mentioned herein applies to every embodiment of the invention.

The description and drawings are provided to explain the principles, fabrication, and application of the invention, however, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the drawings and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.