Abstract: A retraction cord for use in a dental procedure for widening the gingival sulcus containing kaolin. The kaolin acts as a hemostatic agent and an absorber or hydrophilic agent to reduce bleeding and dry the gingival sulcus. A binder may be used to aid in retention of the kaolin on the fibers of the retraction cord. A lubricant or release agent may be used preventing blood clots from sticking to the retraction cord upon removal. Kaolin is affected and has no adverse side effects.

Abstract: A method and a device for effecting the cordless retraction of the gingival sulcus tissue that includes a cap or dam to be fitted onto a tooth. The well of the cap is pre-filled with a predetermined amount of a flowable non-setting kaolin based retraction material having a heavy viscosity or putty consistency. The preloaded cap is fitted to a prepared tooth so that when pressure is applied onto the cap, the retraction material is displaced under pressure and forced to flow into the sulcus, causing the gingival tissue to retract away from the tooth to enlarge the gingival sulcus. An internal ridge aids in retaining the retraction material within the cap.

Abstract: A method and a device for effecting the cordless retraction of the gingival sulcus tissue that includes a dam shaped to be fitted onto a tooth. In one embodiment, the well of the dam is pre-filled with a predetermined amount of a flowable retraction material having a heavy viscosity or putty consistency. In another embodiment a hydrophilic material is added. The preloaded tooth dam is fitted to a prepared tooth so that when pressure is applied onto the tooth dam, the retraction material is displaced under pressure and forced into the sulcus, causing the gingival tissue to retract away from the tooth to enlarge the gingival sulcus. In another embodiment the cap is filled with a dilatant material. In another embodiment, the cap is filled with an impregnated compressible porous material. In yet another embodiment, the cap is pre-dosed with an astringent or hemostatic agent.

Abstract: A rolled compression cap having a central bore. The rolled compression cap has adjacent layers that slide or telescope to conform to the prepared tooth and to apply more direct mechanical pressure to the interface between the prepared tooth and the gingiva. The gingiva or gum retracts from the tooth forming or widening a gingival sulcus. This improves the preparation of the tooth for taking an impression and fitting a crown or cap. In one embodiment, a rolled compression cap is pre-dosed or soaked with an astringent material or retraction agent. In another embodiment, the central bore of the rolled compression cap is filled with a paste-like or gel material containing an astringent or hemostatic agent.

Abstract: A method and a device for effecting the cordless retraction of the gingival sulcus tissue that includes a dam shaped to be fitted onto a tooth. In one embodiment, the well of the dam is pre-filled with a predetermined amount of a flowable retraction material having a heavy viscosity or putty consistency. In another embodiment a hydrophilic material is added. The preloaded tooth dam is fitted to a prepared tooth so that when pressure is applied onto the tooth dam, the retraction material is displaced under pressure and forced into the sulcus, causing the gingival tissue to retract away from the tooth to enlarge the gingival sulcus. In another embodiment the cap is filled with a dilatant material. In another embodiment, the cap is filled with an impregnated compressible porous material. In yet another embodiment, the cap is pre-dosed with an astringent or hemostatic agent.

Abstract: An applicator principally for use in the dental profession, for the placement of different materials in a post hole as may be required. The applicator includes an elongated handle having an applicating end portion formed as a brush and/or a flocked applicating end portion. The flock may extend from the distal end a predetermined longitudinal distance over an extended portion. The applicator is also provided with a hinging arrangement adjacent the opposed applicating end portions whereby the applicating end portions may be angularly bent relative to the elongated handle at the option of the user.

Abstract: A dispenser made of a pliable material having a slit therein for dispensing primarily low viscosity materials. A block made of pliable foam contains a low viscosity material within a slit. Dental instruments or dental material applicators having an applicating end are inserted into the slit of the block, coating the applicator end with the low viscosity material. The resilient nature of the block material also helps to keep the dental instrument clean by wiping the instrument against the interior sides of the pocket formed by the slit. The present invention is particularly well suited for dispensing a lubricating material, such as a resin, on dental instruments used in working, shaping, or contouring a relatively viscous composite restorative material on a patient's tooth.

Abstract: A method and a device for effecting the cordless retraction of the gingival sulcus tissue that includes a dam shaped to be fitted onto a tooth. In one embodiment, the well of the dam is pre-filled with a predetermined amount of a flowable retraction material having a heavy viscosity or putty consistency. The preloaded tooth dam is fitted to a prepared tooth so that when pressure is applied onto the tooth dam, the retraction material is displaced under pressure and forced into the sulcus, causing the gingival tissue to retract away from the tooth to enlarge the gingival sulcus. In another embodiment the cap is filled with a dilatant material. In another embodiment, the cap is filled with an impregnated compressible porous material. In yet another embodiment, the cap is pre-dosed with an astringent or hemostatic agent.

Abstract: An applicator principally for use in the dental profession, for the placement of different materials as may be required. The applicator includes an elongated handle having an applicating end portion formed at the opposed ends thereof which may be either of like or unlike construction, i.e. formed as a brush and/or a flocked applicating end portion. The flock may extend from the distal end a predetermined longitudinal distance over an extended portion. Intermediate the opposed applicating end portion, the elongated handle is provided with a circumscribing groove to define a frangible area by which the user, at his or her option, can cleanly sever the applicator handle to form two separate and distinct applicators. The applicator is also provided with a hinging arrangement adjacent the opposed applicating end portions whereby the applicating end portions may be angularly bent relative to the elongated handle at the option of the user.

Abstract: A unit dose package for applying a material with an applicator having a separate material and applicator portion. In one embodiment, a material well is squeezed to dispense the material onto an applicator through a releasable portion between the material well and the edge of the tray. In another embodiment, a plurality of material wells is used to mix different materials to be dispensed with an applicator. In another embodiment a portion of the cover is removable.

Abstract: A rolled compression cap having a central bore. The rolled compression cap has adjacent layers that slide or telescope to conform to the prepared tooth and to apply more direct mechanical pressure to the interface between the prepared tooth and the gingiva. The gingiva or gum retracts from the tooth forming or widening a gingival sulcus. This improves the preparation of the tooth for taking an impression and fitting a crown or cap. In one embodiment, a rolled compression cap is pre-dosed or soaked with an astringent material or retraction agent. In another embodiment, the central bore of the rolled compression cap is filled with a paste-like or gel material containing an astringent or hemostatic agent.

Abstract: A dental nozzle, cartridge, capsule or container having a porous or foam flow through applicator connected at the discharge end thereof; and having a body portion containing or receiving a low viscosity dental material. In one form, a displaceable plunger or piston is disposed within the body portion to extrude the dental material through the discharge orifice and attached flow through applicator. The foam or porous applicator may be connected to the discharge end at the time of manufacture as by molding, or by mechanically connecting or by adhering the same to the discharge orifice as part of the assembly process. The flow through applicator may be made in a variety of shapes to provide improved and controlled application of a low viscosity dental material to a dental site. Additionally, the porosity of the porous or foam material may be matched to the viscosity of the dental material to control the flow of dental material therethrough.

Abstract: A tray for dispensing a material to be applied with an applicator having a plurality of applicator support openings. The applicator support openings have a depth and width sufficient so that when an applicator is placed therein, it is held substantially upright. The material and applicator support wells may be funnel shaped. The relatively deep narrow funnel shape protects the material placed therein from ambient light, contamination, evaporation, and spilling. The invention is particularly well suited to use in a dental procedure that may require the application of multiple different materials or materials that react with one another or that are light activated. The plurality of different material wells are readily identifiable and keep the different materials separate and ready for use.

Abstract: A unit dose package for applying a material with an applicator having a separate material and applicator portion. In one embodiment, a plurality of material wells is used to mix different materials to be dispensed with an applicator. In an embodiment the plurality of material wells are concentric. In another embodiment a portion of the cover is removable. In another embodiment, a material well is squeezed to dispense the material onto an applicator.

Abstract: A method and a device for effecting the cordless retraction of the gingival sulcus tissue that includes a dam shaped to be fitted onto a tooth. The dam having a peripheral wall defining a well. The peripheral wall may be either pervious or impervious to light rays and opened at least one end. The well of the dam is pre-filled with a predetermined amount of a flowable retraction material having a heavy viscosity or putty consistency. The preloaded tooth dam is fitted to a prepared tooth so that when pressure is applied onto the tooth dam, the retraction material is displaced under pressure and forced into the sulcus, causing the gingival tissue to retract away from the tooth to enlarge the gingival sulcus. In one form of the invention, the structure of the dam enables the retraction material to mechanically bond or adhere to the internal surfaces of the dam, permitting the retraction material to be removed simultaneously with the removal of the tooth dam to leave behind a clean enlarged sulcus.

Abstract: A dental nozzle, cartridge, capsule or container having a porous or foam flow through applicator connected at the discharge end thereof; and having a body portion containing or receiving a low viscosity dental material. In one form, a displaceable plunger or piston is disposed within the body portion to extrude the dental material through the discharge orifice and attached flow through applicator. The foam or porous applicator may be connected to the discharge end at the time of manufacture as by molding, or by mechanically connecting or by adhering the same to the discharge orifice as part of the assembly process. The flow through applicator may be made in a variety of shapes to provide improved and controlled application of a low viscosity dental material to a dental site. Additionally, the porosity of the porous or foam material may be matched to the viscosity of the dental material to control the flow of dental material therethrough.

Abstract: Securing a dental post or a crown or bridge onto the dentin portion of a prepared tooth by utilizing a no-mix, two component, self-curing cement wherein the first component of the cement is applied to the interior dentin surfaces of a post hole, or onto the dentin surface of the tooth receiving the crown or bridge, and applying the second component of the cement onto the surface of a post, or crown or bridge so that when the post or crown or bridge is fitted onto the exposed dentin of a prepared tooth, the complementary components of the cement immediately chemically set to firmly secure the post, crown or bridge onto the prepared tooth. The respective components of the no-mix, two component, self-curing cement formulation for practicing the method require that each include a methacrylate resin. One of the components also includes an aromatic tertiary amine and the other component includes an organic peroxide.

Abstract: A dispenser made of a pliable material having a slit therein for dispensing primarily low viscosity materials. A block made of pliable foam contains a low viscosity material within a slit. Dental instruments or dental material applicators having an applicating end are inserted into the slit of the block, coating the applicator end with the low viscosity material. The resilient nature of the block material also helps to keep the dental instrument clean by wiping the instrument against the interior sides of the pocket formed by the slit. The present invention is particularly well suited for dispensing a lubricating material, such as a resin, on dental instruments used in working, shaping, or contouring a relatively viscous composite restorative material on a patient's tooth.