Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a fluted endodontic file are provided. The apparatus may include a fluted endodontic file defining a central longitudinal axis. The fluted endodontic file may include a working length extending along the central longitudinal axis. The working length may include a single flute. The working length may define an off-center cross-section having three vertices.

Abstract: A method for continuously evaluating the effectiveness of debridement of a root canal of a tooth, the tooth having an open access cavity and an apex end, includes delivering a fluid to the open access cavity of the tooth, evacuating the fluid near the apex end of the tooth such that the fluid flushes most of the root canal before being evacuated, and continuously evaluating the evacuated fluid for at least one of a presence of debris, a concentration level of the debris, or a type of the debris. An apparatus for use in debriding a root canal of a tooth includes a microcannula or a macrocannula configured to evacuate a fluid in the root canal, and a sensing mechanism fluidically coupled to the microcannula or the macrocannula, the sensing mechanism configured to continuously sense debris in the evacuated fluid in real time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods of endodontic treatment. The endodontic treatment system includes an endodontic device for use in endodontic procedures. The endodontic device is coupled to a fluid delivery system and includes an end effector, a first cannula (70), and a second cannula (72). The first cannula (70) and the second cannula (72) are movable relative to one another to an extended position in which the second cannula (72) extends from the first cannula (70). A method for endodontic treatment of a root canal of a tooth includes moving a first cannula (70) and the second cannula (72) relative to one another from a first position to a second position in which the second cannula (72) extends from the first cannula (70) into the root canal and evacuating the irrigant from the root canal with the second cannula (72).

Abstract: A tool recognition system includes a tool and a dental drill. The tool includes a fluted portion and a shank portion. The tool has one or more colored identifiers at least partially circumscribing a part of the shank portion. The dental drill includes a tool rotating portion, a light transmitter located in the tool rotating portion, and a light sensor. With the tool removably coupled to the tool rotating portion, the one or more colors present a sequence of one or more colors to the light sensor for identifying the tool to the light sensor when the tool rotates a predetermined number of turns. The dental drill includes a handpiece and a console in another embodiment.

Abstract: A tool for use with an electronic tool recognition system includes a tool blank with a distal tip configured for performing a procedure and a proximal handle encasing, fixedly, a proximal end of the tool blank. A tool-identifying apparatus including a mechanical resonator is embedded in a proximal end of the tool blank to provide a tool identifier. A conductive wire in electrical contact with the resonator provides the identifier to a processor. In another arrangement, conductive brushes in contact with slip rings provide the identifier to a processor. In another arrangement, a dental tool handle includes an insulating portion defining a recess in a proximal end of the handle configured to receive either a sensor or an information-managing chip.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling a compule with a dental handpiece including a piston. The compule contains a dental material. The adapter includes a coupling portion that defines openings for attaching the adapter to the compule and for attaching the adapter to the dental handpiece. A plunger portion extends through one opening and engages the piston. A breakable tab connects the coupling portion and the plunger portion and breaks during dispensing of the material. The plunger portion is then movable relative to the coupling portion. A tip for use with the dental handpiece includes a housing that defines a chamber. A needle extends from the housing and defines a lumen having an opening from which the dental material is dispensed. A plunger slides within the chamber to push the dental material through the lumen and includes a rib that seals the plunger against the chamber during sliding movement of the plunger.

Abstract: A method for continuously evaluating the effectiveness of debridement of a root canal of a tooth, the tooth having an open access cavity and an apex end, includes delivering a fluid to the open access cavity of the tooth, evacuating the fluid near the apex end of the tooth such that the fluid flushes most of the root canal before being evacuated, and continuously evaluating the evacuated fluid for at least one of a presence of debris, a concentration level of the debris, or a type of the debris. An apparatus for use in debriding a root canal of a tooth includes a microcannula or a macrocannula configured to evacuate a fluid in the root canal, and a sensing mechanism fluidically coupled to the microcannula or the macrocannula, the sensing mechanism configured to continuously sense debris in the evacuated fluid in real time.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a fluted endodontic file are provided. The apparatus may include a fluted endodontic file defining a central longitudinal axis. The fluted endodontic file may include a working length extending along the central longitudinal axis. The working length may include a single flute. The working length may define an off-center cross-section having three vertices.

Abstract: An endodontic obturator for obturating a root canal includes a wire made of a conductive material, a carrier, and a sheath. The carrier is configured to releasably couple to the wire and is made of a first thermoset material. The sheath is configured to slidably receive the carrier and is made of a second thermoset material. The melting temperature of the second thermoset material is lower than the melting temperature of the first thermoset material. A method of obturating a root canal includes positioning the endodontic obturator in the root canal, ensuring the endodontic obturator is in a proper position by locating an apex of the root canal using the wire, sealing an apex of the root canal with the sheath, and removing the wire from the obturator.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling a compule with a dental handpiece including a piston. The compule contains a dental material. The adapter includes a coupling portion that defines openings for attaching the adapter to the compule and for attaching the adapter to the dental handpiece. A plunger portion extends through one opening and engages the piston. A breakable tab connects the coupling portion and the plunger portion and breaks during dispensing of the material. The plunger portion is then movable relative to the coupling portion. A tip for use with the dental handpiece includes a housing that defines a chamber. A needle extends from the housing and defines a lumen having an opening from which the dental material is dispensed. A plunger slides within the chamber to push the dental material through the lumen and includes a rib that seals the plunger against the chamber during sliding movement of the plunger.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser pump comprising: a pump body; at least a first piston that slides in leaktight manner in said pump body on each actuation so as to expel a dose of fluid through a dispenser orifice (45) that is provided in a dispenser head (40); a closure member (38), movable between a closed position and an open position, being disposed in said dispenser head (40) upstream from said dispenser orifice (45), said closure member (38) being urged towards its closed position by a resilient element, such as a spring; said closure member (38) in the closed position co-operating in leaktight manner with said dispenser head (40) in at least three distinct sealing zones (381, 382, 383).

Abstract: A fluid dispenser pump comprising: a pump body; at least a first piston that slides in leaktight manner in said pump body on each actuation so as to expel a dose of fluid through a dispenser orifice (45) that is provided in a dispenser head (40); a closure member (38), movable between a closed position and an open position, being disposed in said dispenser head (40) upstream from said dispenser orifice (45), said closure member (38) being urged towards its closed position by a resilient element, such as a spring; said closure member (38) in the closed position co-operating in leaktight manner with said dispenser head (40) in at least three distinct sealing zones (381, 382, 383).