Abstract: An automatic fluid injector (10, 66, or 76) having a coolant-absorbent pad (24) for pressing onto a tissue site for desensitization. When the injector (10, 66, 76) is pressed further toward the tissue site, the contained fluid is pressurized, and an enclosed needle (16) moves distally to penetrate a distal wall of injector (10, 66, 76). While needle (16) is being repositioned distally, the pressurized fluid is blocked from flowing into needle (16). The fluid blockage prevents the fluid from inadvertently warming the cold, desensitizing pad (24) and causing the patient to experience pain during needle (16) penetration. When needle (16) penetrates to a preset depth, and is sealed in the tissues, then the pressurized fluid is unblocked, and flows automatically through needle (16). In another embodiment, an instrument (46) having a coolant-absorbent felt (52) is able to unobstructably desensitize tissues prior to penetration with sharps.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for injecting a fluid through perforated gingiva (24), through perforated cortical bone (28) covered by gingiva (24), and into cancellous bone (30). The method utilizes a bone bit (10) and a sealing injector (40). Bit (10) consists of a perforator (12) for forming a small diameter conduit (26) through cortical bone (28), and a larger diameter countersink (14) for forming a gingival access (22), and for forming a bony access seat (32). Injector (40) forms a seal with gingiva (24) about gingival access (22), or with the proximal bone (32). The seal is formed so that injector (40) remains in fluid communication with conduit (26). Once the seal is formed, injector (40) sealingly injects fluid into conduit (26) and into cancellous bone (30).

Abstract: Processes wherein a soft polymer sheet deforms readily under the pressure of dental surfaces brought into contact with one another. As such, the sheet does not itself interfere with such contact. Processes for the sheet include deforming the sheet between contacting dental surfaces, and noting the location and intensity of contact deformations. The position of the sheet is stabilized on the surfaces by temporary adhesion, wherein the adhered sheet does not interfere with contact. Further processes involve deforming the sheet between contacting dental surfaces such that the sheet does not interfere with the contact of the dental surfaces, and utilizing the sheet to support dental materials, such as supporting restorative composite, impression materials, and so on. The sheet is preferably comprised of polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: Processes for marking contacts of teeth, utilizing a soft polymer sheet. The sheet clearly marks contacts to facilitate disclosure and adjustment of interferences. An arch (10) sheet is provided to mark and adjust an entire arch of teeth. An adhesive (16) is provided to affix the sheet to the surfaces of the teeth.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling the pain of a periodontal ligament injection, and other minor medical and dental procedures. The device desensitizes the tissues utilizing cold, vibration, or both. The method is useful for injections, small biopsies, intraosseous drilling, blood sampling, and so on.

Abstract: A needle-hub assembly, the improvement comprising a small tissue deflector connected to the needle, wherein the deflector deflects tissues away from the hub to prevent needle penetration to the hub, but permits the needle to bend adjacent to the hub, thereby enhancing the retrievability of the needle from the tissues if the needle were to separate.

Abstract: The present invention is a sheet comprised of PTFE material manufactured to specifications, and processes therefore. Use of the sheet improves a number of dental procedures where interposed between contacting dental surfaces because the sheet readily deforms under pressure. As such, it does not substantially interfere with the occlusion of the teeth, or seating of dental restorations or appliances. Novel uses for the sheet include: interference marking, molding composites, occlusal registration, dual arch impression tray membrane, and spacing phase one impressions.

Abstract: A dental strip comprised of uniformly thick, dead soft polymer, for use as a matrix in molding hardenable restorative materials. Matrixing processes for the strip permit the formation of interproximally contacting restorations without wedging; and the formation of composite restorations with smooth interproximal margins. Other processes for the strip permit the formation of removable restorations which are separated from prepared tooth surfaces by the strip; the formation of restorations with reduced resin excess; and stabilization of the strip on dental surfaces by affixing with a temporary adhesive.

Abstract: The dental dam support (10) and donut (16) are comprised of a moldable, hardenable material for use as a support means for a dental clamp (14), which can prevent clamp (14) from contacting the teeth or gingiva, during anchorage of a dental dam (18). The material achieves sufficient hardness to support clamp (14) over gingiva alone, if the tooth structure is insufficient, enhances the stability of clamp (14) on the tooth or gingiva, and inhibits fluid movement past clamp (14). Softened support (10) or donut (16) material is molded over the teeth or gingiva to be clamped, clamp (14) is partly seated into the material and restrained while the material is hardened. Clamp (14) is released such that it engages the support material. Another use of support (10) is to anchor dam (18) without clamp (14). Softened support (10) is molded over teeth where anchorage is desired. Support (10) is hardened and removed from the teeth.

Abstract: A convenient dental tray spacer for use in forming a thin reservoir space between teeth and a dental tray, during tray fabrication. Shim (10) segments are connected by small links (12) to form a spacer (16). The lengths of the links are readily variable. Retention to the teeth is provided by adhesive on rear adhesive surfaces (22). Alternatively, an elastic loop (24) can retain a spacer (16'). Spacer (16), or spacer (16'), remain on the teeth while the dental tray is formed, and then is pulled free from inside the formed dental trays.

Abstract: A convenient dental tray spacer for use in forming a thin reservoir space between teeth and a dental tray, during tray fabrication. Shim (10) segments are connected by small links (12) to form a spacer (16). The lengths of the links are readily variable. Retention to the teeth is provided by adhesive on rear adhesive surfaces (22). Alternatively, an elastic loop (24) can retain a spacer (16?). Spacer (16), or spacer (16?), remain on the teeth while the dental tray is formed, and then is pulled free from inside the formed dental trays.