Patent · US Expired

Electrolytic implement and method for removing metal pieces left in root canals of teeth

US4337038A · kind A · utility

16Cited by
8References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 21, 1980
Grant dateJun 29, 1982
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 21, 2000

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61C5/46
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

In an electrolytic method of and implement for removing metal pieces left in root canals of teeth, a metal needle as the positive electrode and a metal pipe as the negative electrode are used to establish an electrolytic reaction within the root canals to dissolve the metal pieces. The metal pipe is fitted about the metal needle in such a way as to be adapted to slide back and forth on the needle. The metal needle and the metal pipe end has an outer surface, thereof except its tip portion, coated with an electrically insulating material, and a hole for supplying an electrolyte is formed within the metal needle. An electrolytic cell is created in the root canal containing a metal piece by inserting the needle into the canal until it contacts the metal piece with the metal tube spaced above. Electrolyte is supplied to the root canal between the two electrodes (needle and tube) and a voltage is applied therebetween to dissolve the metal piece by electrolysis.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.