Development of an Environmentally Friendly Assistive Device for Tonsillectomy Using Bioplastics and a 3D Printer
Kagoshima University Hospital Developmental Dentistry Center
Pediatric Dentistry
Lecturer
SATO Hideo
Assistant Professor
HASHIGUCHI Makiko
Graduate Student
ARIYASU Yuichi
Graduate Student
OKU Yoichiro
Professor
YAMASAKI Yoichi
Background and objectives of activities
Lingual frenulum shortening causes feeding, swallowing, mastication, breathing, and pronunciation disorders, as well as dental occlusion abnormalities, but there is no established method for its diagnosis and treatment (frenectomy). The developer has devised a new device to assist in the excision of the lingual frenulum. However, the developer has to develop an environmentally friendly device because the material used is plastic.
Summary of Activities
Research is ongoing on manufacturing methods (including patent applications) using bio (biodegradable or biomass) plastics as raw materials and utilizing 3D printers to achieve low-cost and low raw material loss.
Expected Benefits
The development of this new device will establish a method for diagnosing and treating lingual fissure shortening and provide an environmentally friendly medical device.