Handset and optical tip for photosynthesis

Abstract

A handset includes a high power LED and a vibrator. An optical tip includes a stepwise tapered portion for insertion into a root canal. The optical tip is used in combination with the vibrator for distributing a photosynthesizer in a root canal. The optical tip is used in combination with the LED for activating the photosynthesizer.

1 . A device for disinfecting an endodontically prepared root canal of a tooth, said device comprising:
 an optical tip shaped and dimensioned for introduction into said root canal, said optical tip being configured to spread light around and along the root canal, and   an LED operably connected to said optical tip.   
   
   
       2 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the LED has an optical output of more than 3 W. 
   
   
       3 . A device according to  claim 1  further comprising a vibrator operably connected to said optical tip. 
   
   
       4 . A device according to  claim 3 , further comprising a hand piece including said LED and said vibrator. 
   
   
       5 . A device according to  claim 4 , wherein said optical tip has a distal end for introduction into the root canal and a proximal end that is provided with a convex coupling surface. 
   
   
       6 . A device according to  claim 4 , wherein said optical tip has a distal end for introduction into the root canal and a proximal end that is provided with a concave coupling surface. 
   
   
       7 . A device according to  claim 5 , wherein said hand piece is provided with a light guide operably connected to said LED, said light guide being provided with a concave coupling contact surface for establishing an operable connection with the proximal end of said optical tip. 
   
   
       8 . A device according to  claim 6 , wherein said hand piece is provided with a light guide operably connected to said LED, said light guide being provided with a convex coupling contact surface for establishing an operable connection with the proximal end of said optical tip. 
   
   
       9 . A method for disinfecting a root canal in an endodontic treatment, said method comprising:
 gaining access to the root canal,   introducing a flowable photosynthesizer into the root canal,   introducing an optical tip that has a distal end and a proximal end into the root canal with the distal end protruding from the root canal,   coupling a handset to the proximal end of said optical tip before or after introducing the optical tip into the root canal,   distributing the photosynthesizer in the root canal by applying vibration to the optical tip with a vibrator in said handset, and   activating the photosynthesizer by applying light to said optical tip to kill bacteria within the root canal with a light in said handset.   
   
   
       10 . A method according to  claim 9 , further comprising removing the optical tip from the root canal and obturating the root canal. 
   
   
       11 . An optical tip for use in an endodontically prepared root canal, said optical tip having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the length of said optical tip including said distal end tapers stepwise towards said distal end. 
   
   
       12 . An optical tip according to  claim 11 , wherein steps in said stepwise tapering portion form light emitting surfaces. 
   
   
       13 . An optical tip according to  claim 12 , wherein said optical tip comprises a plurality of substantially cylindrical sections between said steps. 
   
   
       14 . An optical tip according to  claim 13 , wherein an intermediate part of the optical tip is not tapered. 
   
   
       15 . An optical tip according to  claim 11 , wherein said optical tip is shaped and dimensioned to enter an endodontically prepared root canal with the distal end substantially reaching the apex of the endodontically prepared root canal. 
   
   
       16 . An optical tip according to  claim 11 , wherein said stepwise tapered portion is severable with a hand tool, for adapting the diameter of the distal end of said optical tip to the diameter of the apex of the endodontically prepared root canal. 
   
   
       17 . An optical tip according to  claim 11 , wherein said optical tip is an optical fiber. 
   
   
       18 . An optical tip according to  claim 11 , wherein said stepwise tapered portion has an average of 2° degrees taper. 
   
   
       19 . An optical tip according to  claim 11 , wherein said stepwise tapered portion has an average of 4° degrees taper. 
   
   
       20 . An optical tip according to  claim 11 , wherein said stepwise tapered portion has an average of 6° degrees taper. 
   
   
       21 . An optical tip according to  claim 11 , wherein the proximal end is connectable proximally to a source of light. 
   
   
       22 . An optical tip according to  claim 1 , wherein the proximal end is connectable proximally to a source of mechanical vibration. 
   
   
       23 . An optical tip according to  claim 21 , wherein the proximal end is connectable proximally to a source of mechanical vibration. 
   
   
       24 . An optical tip according to  claim 21 , wherein the proximal end of said optical tip comprises a tapered section with a steeper angle for creating a contact surface at the top of said optical tip. 
   
   
       25 . An optical tip according to  claim 22 , wherein the proximal end of said optical tip comprises a tapered section with a steeper angle for creating a contact surface at the top of said optical tip. 
   
   
       26 . An optical tip according to  claim 24 , wherein said contact surface is substantially convex. 
   
   
       27 . An optical tip according to  claim 24 , wherein said contact surface is substantially concave. 
   
   
       28 . An optical tip according to  claim 21 , wherein said proximal end comprises a cylindrical portion for mechanical connection to a hand piece including said source of light.