Device and system to improve asepsis in dental apparatus

Abstract

A method and system to improve asepsis during dental delivery includes a self-contained water delivery apparatus and a vacuum apparatus both of which provide disinfection of biohazards occurring during dental procedures. A UVC LED light emitting unit, with sanitary connections, may be releasably connected to the delivery and vacuum apparatus for improved maintenance and cleaning. A reservoir egress connector provides releasable engagement, fluid agitation, and unrestricted UV light transmission to improve water quality, reduce biofilm water contamination, reduce cross contamination, and reduce the potential spread of pathogens. The mounting system for the UVC LED light unit allows the apparatus to be used to decontaminate portable dental delivery units and vacuum units upon closure. A reflective interior of the cases improves irradiation of the enclosed system, reducing the risk and spread of pathogens.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 150443 filed Apr. 21, 2015, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]A majority of dental delivery systems in offices and remote field units rely on the use of self-contained water bottle systems which are prone to cross-contamination when used in accordance with commonly accepted cleaning procedures and present day protocols.[0003]Bacterial growth within the self-contained water bottle systems is well known and biofilm formation within the waterlines may lead to levels exceeding the 500 CFU / ml EPA standard for drinking water. Warm water in these systems coupled with low flow rates may greatly increase rates of bacterial colonization, which often occurs between existing maintenance procedures. Contaminated dental waterlines may pose a public health risk especially for the elderly and immunocompromised.[0...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system and method to improve dental delivery by using a self-contained water delivery device with UVC LED light to kill bacteria and reduce pathogens in the water. It also includes a vacuum apparatus to capture dental efflux and improve safety during oral evacuation by exposing it to UVC irradiation. Overall, this system and method improve the safety and efficiency of dental delivery.

Problems solved by technology

A majority of dental delivery systems in offices and remote field units rely on the use of self-contained water bottle systems which are prone to cross-contamination when used in accordance with commonly accepted cleaning procedures and present day protocols.

Warm water in these systems coupled with low flow rates may greatly increase rates of bacterial colonization, which often occurs between existing maintenance procedures.

Contaminated dental waterlines may pose a public health risk especially for the elderly and immunocompromised.

Cross contamination with bacteria or viral pathogens may also occur during bottle replacement; most notable if the feeder tube is touched during the procedure.

Touching of a feeder tube during a bottle replacement procedure may cause cross contamination with bacteria or viral pathogens.

In addition, an insufficient frequency of water replacement within the bottle may result in elevated bacterial counts.

The chance for error and cross contamination during bottle replacement may also increase with greater procedural frequency.

Mercury arc bulbs are bulky, relatively fragile, and operate at extremely hot temperatures during use.

The use of mercury arc bulbs is potentially dangerous to dental practitioners and patients.

The use of chemical agents during water delivery may impose a number of undesirable consequences.

Hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid have been demonstrated to be an effective cleaning agent when used on an intermittent basis, followed by line flushing, however, intermittent maintenance of waterlines relying on the use of chemical agents frequently is unable to prevent the reintroduction of bacteria into the lines, resulting in the formation of a slime biofilm in a period of time as short as two weeks.

Dental waterlines are subject to bacterial contamination and biofilm formation.

Limiting the introduction of bacteria into the dental delivery systems including self-contained water bottle systems is problematic particularly when used in an office environment as well as remote dental field applications, where adequate water quality cannot be assured.

A number of existing self-contained water bottle delivery systems use a seated bottom and narrow fill neck, which in turn increases the difficulty of maintaining and cleaning of a water bottle and / or the self-contained water bottle delivery system when replacing water within the bottle.

Existing portable vacuum units used in non-traditional dental office environments such as a nursing home facility, or during remote dental field applications, may pose a risk for spreading pathogens as biohazard effluents.

A system to improve and limit potential pathogen spread is problematic during dental procedures and oral evacuation in at risk settings, especially where aerosolizing and direct contact of bacterial or viral agents may occur.

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