Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to an efficient and inexpensive way to form dental clasps and fixed single unit temporary prostheses from molten thermoplastic resin. The apparatus and method allow a dental laboratory to make non-metallic clasps using an inexpensive handheld thermoplastic injection unit/gun that injects molten resin into a model of the clasp made from wax. A silicone putty matrix allows the resin to flow into a vacated wax model of the clasp. The time and money needed for this is much less than is needed to create such clasps using hot press equipment.

Abstract: A cutting guide for use in spinal surgery includes a sidewall defining an internal cavity. A chisel guide, for use with the cutting guide, includes a first block member to be inserted into the internal cavity of the cutting guide to position the first block member adjacent the vertebral body. The chisel guide also includes a second block member connected to the first block member. An apparatus for creating a cavity in a vertebral body endplate and in an intervertebral disc may be a compressor or a distractor having at least one cutting implement thereon. A tensioner determines a proper elongation distance in a prosthesis implanted in a vertebral body.

Abstract: A laser device is disclosed that directs light to a tooth and analyzes scattered light reflected from the tooth. The device measures a time delay between excitation and reflections of light. Reflected light is analyzed to determine a presence and extent of dental caries on the tooth.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing interference between two physical tooth models in a physical dental arch model includes digitally representing the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models by a mesh of points in three dimensions, interpolating the meshes of points to produce interpolated surfaces to represent the boundaries of the two physical tooth models, wherein the interpolated surfaces representing the boundaries of the two physical tooth models intersect at least at one point to form an overlapping portion. The method also includes specifying a straight line running through the overlapping portion and intersecting the two interpolated surfaces representing the boundaries of the two physical tooth models and calculating the length of the straight line in the overlapping portion to quantify the interference between the two physical tooth models.

Abstract: A polyaxial pedicle screw assembly incorporates a concave portion on a receiver which mates with a convex surface on a head of the screw to form a ball joint. The radius of at least a portion of the concave surface is less than a radius of the mating convex portion whereby to create an interference fit.

Abstract: One or more anchors are engaged intravertebrally for attachment of one more constructs thereto to correct or treat spinal conditions or deformities. Methods for inserting the anchors are also provided along with constructs for attachment to the anchors.

Abstract: There is disclosed a plurality of extensions for dental implants allowing a dental surgeon to maintain a minimum number of parts in his trays to carry on an effective, successful practice, thus eliminating the need to carry the wide variety of parts offered and carried by surgeons to meet the needs of his practice. The surgeon is only required to carry two different parts, the basic implant body and also the extension that will match that particular implant body. With this combination of elements, the surgeon will be able to place many different implant lengths with a much reduced inventory and corresponding costs to the practitioner.

Abstract: An orthopedic implantable device articulately connecting a first spinal vertebra to an adjacent second spinal vertebra includes a pair of first components adapted to be attached to locations left and right of a midline of the first vertebra, respectively; and a pair of second components adapted to be attached to locations left and right of a midline of the second vertebra, respectively. Each of the first components includes a body and a male articulation member attached to the first component body and each of the second components includes a body and a female articulation member attached to the second component body. The first components are articulately connected to the second components by engaging the male articulation members to the female articulation members, thereby articulately connecting the first vertebra to said second vertebra along lines left and right of the midlines, respectively.

Abstract: A model and die system includes a working quadrant having an upper flat surface. Pin-receiving tapered bores are formed in the upper flat surface and a thin metallic foil covers the bores. Cast teeth are supported by the working quadrant and each cast tooth has at least one tapered pin depending from it. Each pin includes a tapered main body that matches the taper of the tapered bore, a reduced diameter section of the same taper that accommodates torn or ruptured foil, an annular ramp section that sharply crimps the foil about the entry of the tapered bore, and a tapered rim that matches the taper of the tapered bore to lock the pin into its fully seated position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental impression tray comprising a base and at least two walls defining said base. At least one of these walls is at least partially formed by hollow bodies made of flexible material. Said hollow bodies can be filled in order to form, when taut, the desired shape for using the mould tray. In order to provide sufficient longitudinal stability for the impression tray, at least one of the walls is fitted with a rigid longitudinal rib. Said wall can also be rigid in its entirety. The hollow bodies which are to be filled can be fitted with openings. The moulding material filling the hollow bodies can flow from said openings into the moulding region of the dental impression tray. The base is flexible.

Abstract: The invention relates to dental prostheses which have at least one metal-free anchoring element made of plastic material with a bending modulus of elasticity of at least 10 GPa and a maximum elongation of at least 0.8%.

Abstract: An artificial tooth-root body, having a male thread part to become engaged with a jaw bone and a supporting stage for mounting an artificial tooth, is provided with a self tapping part, in order to maintain the stable mounting status for a long time by preventing the loosening due to secular distortion, and to reduce the laborious and long-time therapy.

Abstract: Water-indicating endodontic monitoring devices include an endodontic cone formed of a water absorptive material, and a chemical indicator comprising at least one cobalt salt applied to the water absorptive material. Alternatively, the water-indicating endodontic points may include a pH-changing material and a pH-sensitive indicator. The devices are manufactured by applying an aqueous solution that includes a moisture sensitive color-changing chemical indicator to the endodontic cone. The solution may be applied by spraying, dipping, or otherwise coating or impregnating the material. Once applied, the endodontic cones are dried so as to be substantially free of moisture. In use, the endodontic cone may be inserted into the root canal of a patient, and when withdrawn, a change in the color of the chemical indicator indicates the presence of moisture within the root canal.

Abstract: A balloon for use in compressing cancellous bone and marrow (also known as medullary bone or trabecular bone). The balloon comprises an inflatable balloon body for insertion into said bone. The body has a shape and size to compress at least a portion of the cancellous bone to form a cavity in the cancellous bone and/or to restore the original position of the outer cortical bone, if fractured or collapsed. The balloon desirably incorporates restraints which inhibit the balloon from applying excessive pressure to various regions of the cortical bone. The wall or walls of the balloon are such that proper inflation of the balloon body is achieved to provide for optimum compression of the bone marrow. The balloon can be inserted quickly into a bone. The balloon can be made to have a suction catheter. The balloon can be used to form and/or enlarge a cavity or passage in a bone, especially in, but not limited to, vertebral bodies.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing percutaneous surgery in a patient are provided. A retractor includes a working channel formed by a first portion coupled to a second portion. The first and second portions are movable relative to one another from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration to increase the size of the working channel along the length of the working channel while minimizing trauma to skin and tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a screw and rod fixation assembly for fixing a screw and, optionally, a rod. The screw and rod fixation assembly includes a screw, fixing mechanism, a substantially annular ring, rod seating mechanism, and locking mechanism. The present invention also provides for a fixing mechanism for fixing a screw, wherein the fixing mechanism further includes an inner surface wall having a gripping portion and a non-gripping portion. Further, the present invention provides for a substantially annular ring for guiding and providing mechanical and frictional force to a screw head. Additionally, the present invention provides for a rod seating mechanism operatively engaged to the screw head and including at least one flexible portion capable of being compressed against a portion of a rod therein. Finally, the present invention provides for a locking mechanism for engaging the rod and the rod seating mechanism.

Abstract: A disposable, securely retained dental angle is provided. The angle includes a one-piece hollow housing having a short leg at its front end, which is angled with respect to the long leg. Both the short and long legs have a through bore. The short leg has an aperture, which is connected to the bore of the long leg to allow insertion of a driving shaft through the short leg of the angle. A driven rotor is inserted in the short leg. A horse-shoe-like snap rotor retainer fits within the short leg over the driven rotor to retain the driven rotor in the angle. A paw-like or, alternately, a horse-shoe-like locking means fits within the long leg over the driving shaft to lock the driving shaft in the angle and to retain the angle together. In one embodiment, a pair of splinters on the driven rotor provides the function to retain the rubber prophy cup firmly while the driven rotor is in operation.

Abstract: An instrument is disclosed for inserting a modular implant, the instrument comprising a first end and a second end, the first end having engagement means for engaging a stem component of the modular implant, the engagement means comprising separation means for separating a body component of the modular implant and the stem component from one another so as to permit rotational positioning of the body component and the stem component relative to one another.

Abstract: An integrated prosthetic assembly for implanting a prosthetic joint between two bones and including at least one ligament graft. The assembly includes a plurality of joint components, a plurality of base components, and at least one drill guide keyed to one of the base components at a predetermined angle for forming a predetermined tunnel in one of the bones.

Abstract: Templates are disclosed that permit an orthodontist to accurately place appliances such as bracket shims or brackets on a tooth or teeth at a desired position. The templates can be used for accurately locating the position of other dental or orthodontic procedures, such as varnishing, tooth etching and root canals. The templates are made from a flexible sheet of material adapted to be adhered directly to the surface of the tooth or teeth. The sheet of material is formed with the outline of the tooth or teeth or in the shape of the tooth to allow the template to be posited in a proper, reference position. The sheet of material is also formed with one or more marks indicating the location of the bracket on the tooth, for example one mark indicting the bracket base location and other marks indicating the orientation of the base and bracket slot.