Dental irrigation drill with internal anti-backwash baffle

Abstract

A dental drill, formed of a substantially solid elongate body, includes (a) a longitudinal shank having a proximal and a distal end and having an axially disposed irrigation channel; (b) a working portion comprising (i) an annular boss integrally disposed distally of the shank; (ii) a neck of reduced radius relative to the boss, integrally disposed distally of the boss; (iii) a cutting region of uniform diameter integrally disposed distally of the neck; and (iv) a cutting region having a tapered external geometry, integrally dependant distally of the cutting region of uniform diameter, the cutting regions including at least four integral axi-symmetric flutes formed upon lateral surfaces of the regions, each of the flutes defining co-axial peripheral profiles, each of the flutes separated by substantially co-axial integral channels, each having at least one outlet therein, the working portion of the drill having an irrigation channel extending the entire length and integral with the shank irrigation, the one outlet of each axial channel located proximally to a distal tip of the tapered cutting region, the tip defining a surface formed integrally and continuously with distal ends of the flutes and channels; and (c) a fluid-tight unidirectional baffle formed between opposing complemental surfaces of the shank and working portions, inclusive of the irrigation channels thereof, the baffle defining a one-way interior valve situated at an interface of the irrigation channels to preclude proximal fluid backflow within the irrigation channel of the shank during use of the dental drill.