This invention relates to ultrasonic dental inserts for dental handpieces, and more particularly to a system for color-coding the inserts to facilitate identification thereof.
Ultrasonic dental tools are commonly used in hygienics, periodontal and other dental procedures. These tools, especially the insert portions thereof that come in contact with the patient, need to be sterilized, usually by autoclaving between procedures. For example, ultrasonic dental tools usually come with a handgrip connected by a cable to water and electrical controls, and a replaceable insert having a magnetostrictive element, a velocity transducer, and a tip. The insert is typically removed from the handpiece for autoclaving between procedures. Depending on the model, the tip and/or magnetostrictive element may be removable from the velocity transducer.
Many different patients may receive treatment from one dental care practitioner in the same day, and there is not usually time to autoclave the tools between procedures, so the practitioner must have several of the same type of tool ready for use. In addition, different ultrasonic dental tools may be used during the same procedure. Often, one set of tools may be used for one type of procedure, whereas a similar set may used for another. Furthermore, in some offices, there may be several practitioners, each having his or her own preference for types of tools for particular procedures.
Frequently, the tools are similar in appearance and difficult to tell apart at a glance, and may require careful inspection. For example, different tools from the same manufacturer may especially have a similar appearance, even though the tools may have subtle differences, e.g. operating frequency. The tools are regularly autoclaved en masse with other tools, or even parts of tools if the tips and/or magnetostrictive elements are removed from the velocity transducers, so quickly identifying ultrasonic dental tools becomes problematic.
The prior art has followed the practice of using colored tape or heat-shrink bands to identify different instruments or parts of instruments. For example, the tools may be marked with the same color adhesive tape or heat shrink band to indicate that they belong to a particular practitioner or operating room, or to indicate that they are for a particular type of procedure. Because the tape and bands serve no mechanical function, it may be difficult to place them on the tools where they will not interfere with the operation of the tools. And since the tape and bands are semi-permanent, it is difficult to remove or alter the color coding, once assigned. Another problem may be that the tape and bands can trap moisture underneath by capillary action, contributing to advanced corrosion or discoloration of the tool and contamination problems.