Abstract: An ultrasonic dental scaler insert includes a tool coupled to a connecting body which is mechanically coupled to a transducer. When the insert is placed within an ultrasonic dental scaler device handpiece, the transducer produces ultrasonic vibrations which are transmitted to the tool via the connecting body. In order to reduce the noise generated by the operating scaler insert, the connecting body includes an elastomeric material which surrounds a portion of the connecting body. Additionally, a sleeve is provided which surrounds a portion of the connecting body providing a place to grasp the scaler insert during operation. The sleeve includes a bellows section which provides vibrational damping for the insert. Furthermore, the connecting body includes a vibration dampening bushing at an end adjacent the working tool.

Abstract: A handpiece for a dental instrument includes a solid body having internally reamed passageways through which a fluid is carried. The handpiece may be a dental air-abrading tool for etching hard surfaces to enhance bond strength of adhesives, which includes a solid body having internally reamed passageways through which a gaseous fluid and an abrasive material are carried. A connector is mounted on one end of the body for connecting one of the body's internal passageways to a supply of gaseous fluid and a nozzle is mounted on the other end of the body for directing the gaseous fluid to a surface. A supply of an abrasive material is coupled to another internal passageways of the body. The nozzle includes an internal mixing chamber for mixing the gaseous fluid and abrasive material entering therein from the body's internal passageways. A switch is mounted on the body for activating the flow of gaseous fluid and abrasive material through the body.

Abstract: A method of making solid die dental models is provided, comprising preparing an impression of a dental structure and fabricating a dental model using said impression by depositing therein a flowable modeling material which self-sets under ambient conditions to a substantially solid elastomeric state. The flowable modeling material preferably has an initial viscosity of less than about 30,000 cps, and preferably sets to a substantially solid state in less than about an hour to provide a solid elastomeric state having a durometer hardness of at least about 60. The resulting dental model can be employed for construction of accurate and precise composite dental restorations.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dental scaler for use with a dental scaler insert having a resonant frequency associated therewith includes a handpiece adapted for removably receiving the dental scaler insert, an energizing coil mounted on the handpiece, whereby the energizing coil substantially surrounds the dental scaler insert. The ultrasonic dental scaler includes a selectively tunable oscillator circuit coupled to the energizing coil and which generates a control signal having an oscillation frequency associated therewith for vibrating the dental scaler insert in response thereto. Specifically, the selectively tunable oscillator circuit includes an automatic tuner for automatically altering the oscillation frequency associated with the control signal to be substantially equivalent to the resonant frequency associated with the dental scaler insert in response to the control signal being fed back thereto.

Abstract: A polymeric composition is provided, comprising:a base component, comprising a first alkenyl-terminated short chain polydiorganosiloxane and a cross-linker; anda catalytic component, comprising a second alkenyl-terminated short chain polydiorganosiloxane and a catalyst,wherein:at least one of the base component and the catalytic component further comprises a filler;said first and second alkenyl-terminated short chain polydiorganosiloxanes together comprise from about 15 wt % to about 40 wt %,said cross-linker comprises from about 1 wt % to about 15 wt %,said catalyst comprises from about 0.005 wt % to about 5 wt %, andsaid filler comprises from about 30 wt % to about 80 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition; andwherein the composition sets to a solid elastomeric state at about room temperature following mixing of said base component and said catalytic component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vibrating a dental scaler insert at its resonant frequency which includes an energizing coil and an automatically tuned oscillating circuit is disclosed. The oscillating circuit is automatically tuned to vibrate a scaler insert at its resonant frequency in response to an impedance of the energizing coil. The energizing coil impedance is responsive to a scaler insert positioned within the energizing coil. Additionally, the dental scaler device can be operated with scaling inserts having different mechanical resonant frequencies associated therewith. Accordingly, dental scaler inserts resonant at about 25kHz or 30kHz may be inserted and operated by the dental scaler device of the present invention. The apparatus for vibrating a dental scaler may also include a feature permitting the operator to temporarily increase an amplitude of vibration of the scaler insert to enable the operator to dislodge stubborn calculus from a patient's teeth.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dental scaler device includes a handpiece having a removable outer sheath secured thereto. After performing a scaling procedure on a patient's teeth, the outer sheath is easily removed from the dental scaler handpiece and sterilized. A completely sterile sheath is secured to the dental scaler handpiece for use with each patient thereby preventing cross-contamination among different patients.

Abstract: A dental air-water handpiece control system for operating a plurality of handpieces and an air-water syringe including a plurality of control pedals equal in number to the number of handpieces and each having a needle valve responding to the distance the pedal moves when operated. Replaceable control modules are also included, with each module servicing a single handpiece and having a main control valve regulating air-water flow to the handpiece it services. Diaphragms control the operation of the main control valves and a laminated base plate defines channels for air and water flow through the unit.A water pressure regulator and an air gauge are also provided in the system.