Abstract: A training system for dental procedures having a training device and a self-assessment for use with the training device is described. The training device is printed with a 3D printer and includes a predetermined anatomic form of at least a portion of a human jaw structure and a predetermined anatomic form of at least one human tooth structure. Part of the printed human tooth structure is rooted in the printed human jaw structure, and both structures are designed to have at least one analogous physical property to their corresponding human structures. The self-assessment includes a pictorial array of procedural outcomes of a procedural step so that a user can identify which image in the pictorial array best represents the user's own procedural outcome of the procedural step performed by the user on the training device and at least one feedback instruction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a negative pressure irrigation system including one or more negative pressure irrigation needles sized for insertion into a canal of a tooth, each needle having a closed distal end and two suction inlet ports located opposite one another immediately proximal to the closed distal end. The needles are placed in communication with a dental vacuum system by way of a suction manifold. An irrigant inlet tube supplies irrigant from an irrigant container into a pulp chamber or a tooth. The irrigant inlet tube may include a tapered end designed to tightly fit into a lateral irrigant supply port previously drilled into the pulp chamber. A light-cure polymer seals the inlet tube and needles when in use.

Abstract: Embodiments of this disclosure provide a staging assembly (10) for negative pressure, multi-canal irrigation of a root canal system followed by obturation. The staging assembly may be part of a kit that includes a plurality of catheters (50) sized for insertion into the root canal system. To hold the catheter in its proper position in the canal, the catheter may include a stop (37) and the staging assembly may include a corresponding stop hold (36). The distal end (51) of the catheter can be positioned 2 mm to 5 mm from the terminus end of the root canal. The staging assembly is then sealed, creating a closed system. Irrigating solution is vacuum-drawn out the ends of the catheters and debris is evacuated through a vacuum port of the stating assembly. During irrigation, no hands on time is required by the clinician. After irrigation, vacuum is reversed to dry the canal. Obturation occurs through the vacuum portion.

Abstract: A training system for dental procedures having a training device and a self-assessment for use with the training device is described. The training device is printed with a 3D printer and includes a predetermined anatomic form of at least a portion of a human jaw structure and a predetermined anatomic form of at least one human tooth structure. Part of the printed human tooth structure is rooted in the printed human jaw structure, and both structures are designed to have at least one analogous physical property to their corresponding human structures. The self-assessment includes a pictorial array of procedural outcomes of a procedural step so that a user can identify which image in the pictorial array best represents the user's own procedural outcome of the procedural step performed by the user on the training device and at least one feedback instruction.

Abstract: A self-heating electric plugger/syringe needle (10/70) with the conductive element (50) on the external surface of the needle (10/70) is described. The needle (10/70), which can be divided into shank (30) and tip (20) portions, is hollow and is made of an electrically resistive material. A conductive element (50) located on the external surface of the needle runs along the length of its shank (30) and the length of its tip (20). An insulating material (60) located between the conductive element (50) and the external surface of the needle runs along the length of the shank (30). The conductive element (50) contacts the tip (20) of the needle, causing the needle to self-heat when electric current is supplied. A method for filling a root canal using the self-heating electric plugger/syringe needle (10/70) is also described.

Abstract: A training system for dental procedures having a training device and a self-assessment for use with the training device is described. The training device is printed with a 3D printer and includes a predetermined anatomic form of at least a portion of a human jaw structure and a predetermined anatomic form of at least one human tooth structure. Part of the printed human tooth structure is rooted in the printed human jaw structure, and both structures are designed to have at least one analogous physical property to their corresponding human structures. The self-assessment includes a pictorial array of procedural outcomes of a procedural step so that a user can identify which image in the pictorial array best represents the user's own procedural outcome of the procedural step performed by the user on the training device and at least one feedback instruction.

Abstract: A training system for dental procedures having a training device and a self-assessment for use with the training device is described. The training device is printed with a 3D printer and includes a predetermined anatomic form of at least a portion of a human jaw structure and a predetermined anatomic form of at least one human tooth structure. Part of the printed human tooth structure is rooted in the printed human jaw structure, and both structures are designed to have at least one analogous physical property to their corresponding human structures. The self-assessment includes a pictorial array of procedural outcomes of a procedural step so that a user can identify which image in the pictorial array best represents the user's own procedural outcome of the procedural step performed by the user on the training device and at least one feedback instruction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a negative pressure irrigation system including one or more negative pressure irrigation needles sized for insertion into a canal of a tooth, each needle having a closed distal end and two suction inlet ports located opposite one another immediately proximal to the closed distal end. The needles are placed in communication with a dental vacuum system by way of a suction manifold. An irrigant inlet tube supplies irrigant from an irrigant container into a pulp chamber or a tooth. The irrigant inlet tube may include a tapered end designed to tightly fit into a lateral irrigant supply port previously drilled into the pulp chamber. A light-cure polymer seals the inlet tube and needles when in use.

Abstract: A self-heating electric plugger/syringe needle (10/70) with the conductive element (50) on the external surface of the needle (10/70) is described. The needle (10/70), which can be divided into shank (30) and tip (20) portions, is hollow and is made of an electrically resistive material. A conductive element (50) located on the external surface of the needle runs along the length of its shank (30) and the length of its tip (20). An insulating material (60) located between the conductive element (50) and the external surface of the needle runs along the length of the shank (30). The conductive element (50) contacts the tip (20) of the needle, causing the needle to self-heat when electric current is supplied. A method for filling a root canal using the self-heating electric plugger/syringe needle (10/70) is also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a negative pressure irrigation system including one or more negative pressure irrigation needles sized for insertion into a canal of a tooth, each needle having a closed distal end and two suction inlet ports located opposite one another immediately proximal to the closed distal end. The needles are placed in communication with a dental vacuum system by way of a suction manifold. An irrigant inlet tube supplies irrigant from a irrigant container into a pulp chamber or a tooth. The irrigant inlet tube may include a tapered end designed to tightly fit into a lateral irrigant supply port previously drilled into the pulp chamber. A light-cure polymer seals the inlet tube and needles when in use.

Abstract: A self-heating electric plugger/syringe needle (10/70) with the conductive element (50) on the external surface of the needle (10/70) is described. The needle (10/70), which can be divided into shank (30) and tip (20) portions, is hollow and is made of an electrically resistive material. A conductive element (50) located on the external surface of the needle runs along the length of its shank (30) and the length of its tip (20). An insulating material (60) located between the conductive element (50) and the external surface of the needle runs along the length of the shank (30). The conductive element (50) contacts the tip (20) of the needle, causing the needle to self-heat when electric current is supplied. A method for filling a root canal using the self-heating electric plugger/syringe needle (10/70) is also described.

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 3D printing ink comprising a radio-opaque additive and a polymer ink and a method for 3D printing of anatomic replicas using the 3D printing ink are described. The radio-opaque additive is bismuth neodecanoate, and the amount of bismuth neodecanoate in the printing ink may range from about 6% to about 20% by weight. The polymer ink may be transparent or opaque. X-rays of anatomic replicas created with the 3D printing ink appear very similar to x-rays of organic hard tissues, thereby enhancing procedural training for health care professionals.

Abstract: A series of multi-tapered parabolic implements is disclosed for endodontic use. The instruments comprise different sections: a pilot tip, a first portion adjacent the pilot tip and a second portion adjacent the shank. The two portions have different tapers. The tapers of the two different portions blend into each other along a parabola-shaped surface. The pilot tip is radiussed for ease of entry into a root canal with increased safety.

Abstract: A training system for dental procedures having a training device and a self-assessment for use with the training device is described. The training device is printed with a 3D printer and includes a predetermined anatomic form of at least a portion of a human jaw structure and a predetermined anatomic form of at least one human tooth structure. Part of the printed human tooth structure is rooted in the printed human jaw structure, and both structures are designed to have at least one analogous physical property to their corresponding human structures. The self-assessment includes a pictorial array of procedural outcomes of a procedural step so that a user can identify which image in the pictorial array best represents the user's own procedural outcome of the procedural step performed by the user on the training device and at least one feedback instruction.

Abstract: A series of multi-tapered parabolic implements is disclosed for endodontic use. The instruments comprise different sections: a pilot tip, a first portion adjacent the pilot tip and a second portion adjacent the shank. The two portions have different tapers. The tapers of the two different portions blend into each other along a parabola-shaped surface. The pilot tip is radiussed for ease of entry into a root canal with increased safety.

Abstract: A self-heating electric plugger/syringe needle (10/70) with the conductive element (50) on the external surface of the needle (10/70) is described. The needle (10/70), which can be divided into shank (30) and tip (20) portions, is hollow and is made of an electrically resistive material. A conductive element (50) located on the external surface of the needle runs along the length of its shank (30) and the length of its tip (20). An insulating material (60) located between the conductive element (50) and the external surface of the needle runs along the length of the shank (30). The conductive element (50) contacts the tip (20) of the needle, causing the needle to self-heat when electric current is supplied. A method for filling a root canal using the self-heating electric plugger/syringe needle (10/70) is also described.

Abstract: A 3D printing ink comprising a radio-opaque additive and a polymer ink and a method for 3D printing of anatomic replicas using the 3D printing ink are described. The radio-opaque additive is bismuth neodecanoate, and the amount of bismuth neodecanoate in the printing ink may range from about 6% to about 20% by weight. The polymer ink may be transparent or opaque. X-rays of anatomic replicas created with the 3D printing ink appear very similar to x-rays of organic hard tissues, thereby enhancing procedural training for health care professionals.

Abstract: This invention relates to a negative pressure irrigation system including one or more negative pressure irrigation needles sized for insertion into a canal of a tooth, each needle having a closed distal end and two suction inlet ports located opposite one another immediately proximal to the closed distal end. The needles are placed in communication with a dental vacuum system by way of a suction manifold. An irrigant inlet tube supplies irrigant from a irrigant container into a pulp chamber or a tooth. The irrigant inlet tube may include a tapered end designed to tightly fit into a lateral irrigant supply port previously drilled into the pulp chamber. A light-cure polymer seals the inlet tube and needles when in use.

Abstract: A system for endodontic therapy includes a radio-opaque tray having three or more fiduciary markers embedded in the tray, a leveling device, and one or more bite stops arranged to ensure maintenance of adequate bite registration or impression material between opposing teeth to allow 3D reconstruction of occlusal surfaces.