Final Report Summary - CFD ULTRASOUND (Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation of the flow around an ultrasonically oscillating instrument.)
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.
During the past 2 years Dr. Christos Boutsioukis worked in the Physics of Fluids group at the University of Twente under a Marie Curie Intra- European Fellowship, to develop a numerical model of Ultrasonically Activated Irrigation in 2-D and 3-D. The model was validated against experimental data acquired by high-speed imaging. Subsequently, it was applied to study the effect of various parameters, such as the shape and position of the ultrasonic file, and the size of the root canal, in an attempt to obtain valuable information about this method and optimize its cleaning efficiency.
The findings of this project may result into the improvement of the success rate of endodontic treatment. Dentists could be motivated to apply ultrasonic activation of the irrigant and dental schools could incorporate this method in the undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum. Companies engaged in the production of dental ultrasonic equipment could use the findings of this project to improve their products and clarify the indications and contra-indications for their use. Researchers can use the developed model to study additional parameters involved in ultrasonic activation of the irrigant.
During this project the participant was trained in the development of numerical models involving Fluid-Structure interaction and two-phase flow. In addition, he was also trained in the application of high-speed imaging and Particle Image Velocimetry techniques, in high-speed electronic sampling techniques and in the use of conductivity probes to measure electrolyte concentration. At the same time, co-supervision of several research projects within the fields of Dentistry and Fluid Dynamics provided important experience for future projects.
During the past 2 years Dr. Christos Boutsioukis worked in the Physics of Fluids group at the University of Twente under a Marie Curie Intra- European Fellowship, to develop a numerical model of Ultrasonically Activated Irrigation in 2-D and 3-D. The model was validated against experimental data acquired by high-speed imaging. Subsequently, it was applied to study the effect of various parameters, such as the shape and position of the ultrasonic file, and the size of the root canal, in an attempt to obtain valuable information about this method and optimize its cleaning efficiency.
The findings of this project may result into the improvement of the success rate of endodontic treatment. Dentists could be motivated to apply ultrasonic activation of the irrigant and dental schools could incorporate this method in the undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum. Companies engaged in the production of dental ultrasonic equipment could use the findings of this project to improve their products and clarify the indications and contra-indications for their use. Researchers can use the developed model to study additional parameters involved in ultrasonic activation of the irrigant.
During this project the participant was trained in the development of numerical models involving Fluid-Structure interaction and two-phase flow. In addition, he was also trained in the application of high-speed imaging and Particle Image Velocimetry techniques, in high-speed electronic sampling techniques and in the use of conductivity probes to measure electrolyte concentration. At the same time, co-supervision of several research projects within the fields of Dentistry and Fluid Dynamics provided important experience for future projects.