118: Attenuation of Dental Drill Sound

Patient anxiety leads many to avoid healthcare and drill vibrations significantly contribute to patient discomfort in dental situations. These vibrations are transmitted through bone structure, causing physical discomfort and amplifying stress during procedures. We developed WhisperGuard to reduce patient anxiety by absorbing vibrations from dental drills. The device utilizes materials with high damping coefficients and vibration-damping properties, such as Sorbothane, polyurethane and EDM1029. These work by absorbing and dissipating vibrations transmitted from the drilled tooth through the jawbone via bone conduction. We addressed risks related to material durability and microbial resistance during the prototyping phase. Future designs will explore biocompatible encapsulation materials, such as acrylic, to improve durability and maintain biocompatibility. WhisperGuard shows the potential to transform dental care by reducing patient anxiety and creating a more comfortable clinical experience.