CFD ULTRASOUND

Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation of the flow around an ultrasonically oscillating instrument

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Irrigation of the root canal with antibacterial solutions is indispensable during root canal treatment in order to remove biofilm, tissue remnants and dentin debris from the root canal. Nonetheless, still 50% of the root canal treatments fail as a consequence of poor cleaning. Ultrasonic activation of the irrigant has been shown to dramatically increase cleaning efficiency. A full understanding of the fluid dynamical action of the activated fluid is crucial for the improvement of treatment success. Previous experimental approaches have failed to provide complete insight into this procedure, due to the difficult temporal and spatial scales of the flow and the geometrical complexity of the root canal. The objective of this proposal is to employ Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation in order to study the ultrasonic activation of the irrigant in the root canal. A combined Endodontology - Fluid Dynamics approach is proposed. The researcher has introduced the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics to the field of Endodontology and has been recently awarded a Doctorate Degree. He will move from his home institution (Dept. Endodontology, Thessaloniki, Greece) to a world leading group in Fluid Dynamics, biomedical and micro-fluidics applications (Physics of Fluids Group, Enschede, The Netherlands). The researcher will acquire additional experience with numerical simulation of flows inside micro-channels as well as experimental high-speed imaging techniques, which will be used for the validation of the computer model. Following successful completion of this fellowship, he will become able to lead his own scientific group on biomedical engineering in the future.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

During root canals, keeping the area clean is essential. An EU-funded study investigated a root canal cleaning technique using ultrasonic activation.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Root canals are a common procedure. One important aspect of the procedure is cleaning the canal with antibacterial solutions to remove debris. Yet, about half of all root canals are ineffective due insufficient cleaning.

The study 'Computational fluid dynamics simulation of the flow around an ultrasonically oscillating instrument' (CFD ULTRASOUND) explored an ultrasonic activation technique. This has been shown to dramatically increase cleaning efficiency.

Researchers developed a numerical model of ultrasonically activated irrigation in 2D and 3D. The model was validated against experimental data acquired by high-speed imaging. It was then applied to various parameters, such as the shape and position of the ultrasonic file and the size of the root canal to obtain valuable information about this method and optimise its cleaning efficiency.

Project findings could have a significant impact on dental care. Dentists may begin using this technique, and dental schools may incorporate this method into the undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum. Other researchers can use the model to study additional parameters involved in ultrasonic activation of the canal.

The impact could also affect companies. Those that produce dental ultrasonic equipment could use the findings to improve their products and clarify the indications and contraindications for their use. As a result, project outcomes could lead to an improvement of the success rate of endodontic treatment.