Development of dental implant drill with detection mechanism of bone quality change

Purpose This study aims to develop and evaluate a dental implant drill system capable of preventing maxillary sinus membrane perforation, a common complication in cases with limited alveolar bone height, particularly in the maxillary molar region. The primary objective is to design a mechanism that autonomously detects changes in bone quality and halts drill rotation upon reaching the sinus floor. Methods A novel dental implant drill incorporating an integrated bone quality detection mechanism was developed. The system includes a centrally mounted detector that actuates a switch controlling drill rotation. When cortical bone is penetrated and softer tissue is encountered, the detector extends outward, interrupting power to the motor. A penetration test was conducted using a 5 mm thick wooden board as a surrogate bone model to evaluate the drill’s response to cortical penetration. Results Experimental trials demonstrated that the drill automatically ceased rotation upon advancing approximately 0.47 mm beyond a simulated bone surface. Given that the maxillary sinus membrane is typically less than 1 mm in thickness, this minimal protrusion indicates a significantly reduced risk of perforation. Conclusion The proposed drill system effectively detects transitions in bone quality and prevents over-penetration, offering a promising solution for enhancing surgical safety during maxillary implant procedures.