US2776489A - Parotid block mouth chock - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 8, 1957 F. M. MCGAHEE PAROTID BLOCK MOUTH CHOCK Filed July 6, 1954 IN VEN TOR.

'FPAA/C/S M MEGAHEE ATTOR/Vfy United States Patent PAROTID BLOCK MOUTH CHOCK Francis M. McGahee, Jacksonville, Fla. Application July 6, 1954, Serial No. 441,611

. 11 Claims. or. 32-35 This invention relates to dental mouth chocks and is particularly concerned with means for blocking the parotid duct so as to preclude the flow of saliva therefrom in addition to supporting absorbent material adjacent the area during dental Work.

Heretofore numerous devices have been designed and used for the retention within the mouth of absorbent material particularly cotton rolls. Such devices may be effective in securing the roll, but frequent replacement thereof is required since the saliva ducts are continuously discharging saliva into the mouth cavity. Another difliculty of such devices is the fact that they are frequently formed of sheet metal material and are of such dimensions as to be extremely uncomfortable and frequently gag the patient. Devices heretofore used to retain absorbent rolls within the month have also frequently involved structures blocking the mouth orifice and precluding convenient access by the dentist.

It is therefore among the primary objects of the present invention to provide a novel, efiicient and effective mouth chock which may be readily applied anl removed, and which will be light in weight and sturdy in design.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device for supporting and retaining a cotton roll in the buccal vestibule in such manner as to provide suitable access to the posterior teeth of the upper arch.

A further object of the present invention isto provide means for applying pressure to and blocking the parotid duct so as to inhibit the flow of saliva to the buccalvestibule.

It is also one of the objects of the invention to provide a device of the character set forth including means for supporting the mandible in open position so as to ease the muscular strain on the patient during dental operations.

These and other objects and features of the present :invention include the provision of a light wire chock assembly readily adjustable to conform with various sizes of patients, arranged to leave free access to the mouth and providing a support for the lip adjacent the point of operation.

Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent on the consideration of the follow- ,ing specification, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

shown in Fig. l. i

Fig. 4 is a sideelevational view of the right-hand chock shown in operative position.

Fig. 5 is a view of the left-hand .ehock in position looking upwardly toward the palate.

Briefly stated, the inventiveco'ncept here presented may be defined as comprising a framestructure preferably formed ofa single length of substantially rigid; light gauge wire having sufficient resiliency to permit adjust- 2,776,489 Patented Jan. 8, 1957 ments of curvature to conform to special needs. Adjacent one end thereof is a cradle to be disposed, substantially horizontally, within the buccal vestibule to support a cotton roll in pressure relation against the zygomatlc process to inhibit flow of saliva from the parotid duct. In the form of the invention here shown, an outwardly extending lip supporting member protrudes outwardly from the cradle. From the cradle supporting portion there is provided a downwardly extending maxillary tuberosity arch from which a horizontal portion extends across the roof of the mouth adjacent the palate fitting the incisal embrasure of the upper teeth and extends exteriorly of the mouth to provide an elongated shank upon which is adjustably mounted means for engaging one or more teeth of the mandible so as to permit the mandible pressure to be exerted in the cradle and also to retain the mandible open and the patients jaw relaxed. A manipulating handle is formed at the lower end of the shank.

Referring now to the drawings, the cradle is indicated by the numeral 10 and comprises an open elongated circular form of wire at the anterior end of which an upwardly and outwardly inclined lip support 11 is provided, preferably including a bulbous tip 12 as a safeguard against possible injury in applying and removing the chock. At the opposite end of the cradle 10 a downwardly extending substantially U-shaped maxillary tuberosity arch 13 is formed to receive the tuberosity when the cradle is in position within the buccal vestibule and retaining a cotton roll against the zygomatic process of the maxillary bone. From the arch 13 a downwardly inclined offset 14 joins the arch with a horizontal member 15 adapted to extend transversely across the incisal embrasure of the upper teeth to emerge from the mouth at the opposite side from the cradle where it is joined by a vertical shank 16, the lower end of the shank 16 is provided with a substantially U-shaped horizontally disposed handle 17.

Slideably mounted on the shank 16 there is provided an adjusting block 18 of substantial thickness as compared with the wire of the shank and having a vertical aperture formed therethrough to receive the shank. The aperture in the block 18 is somewhat larger than the diameter of the shank, the arrangement being such that free sliding motion of the block is permitted while disposed in a plane normal to the axis of the shank; however, a tilting of the block will cause its seizure of the shank, thus locking the block and shank in adjusted relation. At the opposite end of the block 18 there is pivotally connected an arm 19 formed with an upwardly extending how 20 to receive the lower lip, while the inner end of the bow is provided with a saddle 21 adapted to receive one of the lower teeth.

It will, of course, be understood that the devices of the invention are leftor right-handed, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. It will further be understood that while a steel wire of approximately 11 gauge is suggested, the invention is not limited to either Wire or to the size and material indicated. While the device is generally applicable to a Wide variety of mouth sizes, it is suggested that an adult size would be inconvenient and uncomfortable for use on children; however, the structure and arrangement is such that one standard size would be applicable for all adults while a smaller size would be standard for all children. Since the structure is of light gauge wire it will be understood that minor changes in shape and configuration to accommodate specific problems a they arise may be made without difficulty;

In the operation of my device, when work is to be done on an upper tooth of the rightor left-hand side, the appropriate chock is selected, a roll of cotton or some equivalent yieldable and/ or absorbent material is placed in the buccal vestibule, then the instrument is introduced into the mouth so that the cradle comes into contact with the cotton roll, and the portion 11 extends outwardly to raise and support the upper lip at the corner of the mouth. In so positioning the cradle the maxillary tuberosity arch engages over the tuberosity distal to the second and third molar teeth and the portion 15 extends diametrically across the mouth roof to join the vertical shank which is thus disposed from the opposite side of the mouth. The block 18 is then vertically adjusted to place the saddle 21 on an appropriate incisor with the arch receiving the lower lip. As the patient then relaxes the jaws, upward pressure will be exerted on saddle 21, thereby camming the block 18 and thus locking it against further vertical movement on the shank 16. Such relaxation will produce an upper thrust on the shank to exert pressure by the cotton roll or its equivalent on the zygomatic process of the maxillary bone and thus against the parotid duct to prevent the fiow of saliva. From the foregoing, it will be seen that not only is the relaxed attitude of the patients jaws effective in applying the required pressure to inhibit saliva flow from the parotid gland but in addition thereto the patients jaws are braced in the open position so that a more relaxed posture is possible. in addition, the chock will preclude prematurely accidental closing of the mouth by the patient.

Thus it will be seen that the present invention provides a light, inexpensive, durable and highly effective and etficient means for supporting absorbent material within the buccal vestibule and with saliva inhibiting pressure against the parotid duct. The device also lifts and retains the upper lip free for operation on the posterior teeth of the upper arch and is yet externally disposed at the opposite side of the mouth giving free access to such teeth. The engagement of the adjustable saddle maintains the desired pressure on the parotid duct and at the same time comfortably braces the patients jaws in open position.

It will, of course, be understood that the invention is not limited or restricted to the structural details herein set forth, or to the size, shape or material suggested, and that numerous changes, modifications and the full use of equivalents may be resorted to in the practice of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a device of the character described, a frame including a portion to be received in the buccal vestibule of the mouth and means for applying pressure by said portron against the zygomatic process of the maxillary bone to inhibit the flow of saliva from the parotid duct, said means being engageable with a lower tooth whereby the patients mandible will apply such pressure.

2. In a device of the character described, a frame including a roll holding cradle to be received in the buccal vestibule of the mouth, and means for applying pressure by a roll carried by said portion against the zygomatic process of the maxillary bone to inhibit the Slew of saliva from the parotid duct, said means being engageable with a lower tooth whereby the patients mandible will apply such pressure.

3. In a device of the character described, a frame including a roll holding cradle to be received in the buccal vestibule of the mouth, and means for applying pressure by a roll carried by said portion against the zygomatic process of the maxillary bone to inhibit the How of saliva from the parotid duct, said means being engageable with a lower tooth whereby the patients mandible will apply such pressure, said means being adjustable and responsive to pressure of the mandible to secure the same in adjusted position.

4. A dental roll holder including a roll cradle adapted to be disposed within the buccal vestibule of a patient, a horizontal supporting member for said cradle extending across the mouth to the opposite side thereof, an external shank engaging said member, and means on said shank for supporting said cradle in position.

5. A dental roll holder including a roll cradle adapted to be disposed within the buccal vestibule of a patient, a horizontal supporting member for said cradle extending across the mouth to the opposite side thereof, an external shank engaging said member, and adjustable means on said shank for supporting said cradle in position.

6. A dental roll holder including a roll cradle adapted to be disposed within the buccal vestibule of a patient, a horizontal supporting member for said cradle extending across the mouth to the opposite side thereof, an external downwardly extending shank engaging said member, and adjustable means on said shank engageable with teeth of the mandible for supporting said cradle in position.

7. A dental roll holder including a roll cradle adapted to be disposed within the buccal vestibule or" a patient, a horizontal supporting member for said cradle extending across the mouth to the opposite side thereof and fitting the incisal embrasure of the upper teeth, an external vertical shank engaging said member, and adjustable means on said shank engageable with teeth of the mandible for supporting said cradle in position.

8. A dental roll holder including a roll cradle adapted to be disposed within the buccal vestibule of a patient, a horizontal supporting member for said cradle extending across the mouth to the opposite side thereof and fitting the incisal embrasure of the upper teeth, an external vertical shank engaging said member, and adjustable means on said shank engageable with teeth of the mandible for supporting said cradle in position, said means being slideable on said shank and responsive to pressure of the mandible to retain the same in adjusted position.

9. A dental roll holder including a roll cradle adapted to be disposed within the buccal vestibule of a patient, a horizontal supporting member for said cradle extending across the mouth to the opposite side thereof and fitting the incisal embrasure of the upper teeth, an external vertical shank engaging said member, adjustable means on said shank engageable with teeth of the mandible for supporting said cradle in position, said means being slideable on said shank and responsive to pressure of the mandible to retain the same in adjusted position, and a manipulating handle at one end of said shank.

10. A dental roll holder including a roll cradle adapted to be disposed within the buccal vestibule of a patient, a horizontal supporting member for said cradle extending across the mouth to the opposite side thereof and fitting the incisal embrasure of the upper teeth, an external vertical shank engaging said member, adjustable means on said shank engageable with teeth of the mandible for supporting said cradle in position, said means being slideable on said shank and responsive to pressure of the mandible to retain the same in adjusted position, and an upper lip supporting member extending outwardly from said cradle.

11. A dental roll holder including a roll cradle adapted to be disposed within the buccal vestibule of a patient, a horizontal supporting member for said cradle extending across the mouth to the opposite side thereof and fitting the incisal embrasure of the upper teeth, an external vertical shank engaging said member, adjustable means on said shank engageable with teeth of the mandible for supporting said cradle in position, said means being slideable on said shank and responsive to pressure of the mandible to retain the same in adjusted position, a manipulating handle at one end of said shank, and an upper lip supporting member extending outwardly from said cradle.

Hartig Oct. 21, 1952 Kanter Sept. 8, 1953

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