Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating hard dental substances wherein the work can be carried out in an indirect technique uses an intraoral video camera, whose images are reproduced on a monitor. To accomplish this and to prevent particles and bacteria in the patient's mouth from being spread, the apparatus includes a shielding which is arranged on the patient's mouth to prevent the emergence of particles but to allow the insertion of the treatment handpieces, the camera into the mouth and to the treatment location.

Abstract: A multiple stage anti-microbial apparatus and methods are disclosed, which provide capacity to process a handpiece between patients including soaking, de-overburdening via use of ultrasonic energy, treating with exposing to anti-microbial heat, accommodating coordinated though separate autoclaving, and accommodating contiguously packaging in a heat shrunk sheath after multiple anti-microbial treatment to prevent later contamination through the air. The distal portion of the heat shrunk sheath is initially removed along weakened paths to expose the operative head of the handpiece, accommodating grasping of the handpiece handle through the remainder of the sheath during use of the handpiece on the patient. After such use, the remainder of the sheath is removed along a weakened path and discarded.The anti-microbial apparatus comprises a portable casing with one or more exterior lids or covers. An ultrasonic basin provides a bath for soaking, liquid anti-microbial activity and removal of debris.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides a shield for use in operating dental hand tools outside of a patient's mouth while preventing escape of any matter ejected from the hand tool into the surrounding vicinity, thereby eliminating or substantially reducing the risk that the ejected matter may otherwise contaminate nearby people or equipment. The shield has an enclosure within which the end of a dental hand tool is placed and operated. The shield is removably coupled to a waste line or the like typically already present in a dental office, such as a high volume suction line, a saliva ejector suction line or a cuspidor. The shield contains therein any matter ejected from the hand tool during operation thereof, and such matter is carried away by the waste line. When the enclosure is coupled to the waste line, escape of the matter ejected from the end of the hand tool is substantially prevented except through the waste line. The shield is preferably disposable.

Abstract: A dental power tool is provided with a guard device incorporating a guard plate for keeping a possible obstacle, e.g. the tongue or a part of the inside wall of a lip, aside during the dental treatment.

Abstract: A multiple stage anti-microbial apparatus and methods are disclosed, which provide capacity to process a handpiece between patients including soaking, de-overburdening via use of ultrasonic energy, treating with exposing to anti-microbial heat, accommodating coordinated though separate autoclaving, and accommodating contiguously packaging in a heat shrunk sheath after multiple anti-microbial treatment to prevent later contamination through the air. The distal portion of the heat shrunk sheath is initially removed along weakened paths to expose the operative head of the handpiece, accommodating grasping of the handpiece handle through the remainder of the sheath during use of the handpiece on the patient. After such use, the remainder of the sheath is removed along a weakened path and discarded.The anti-microbial apparatus comprises a portable casing with one or more exterior lids or covers. An ultrasonic basin provides a bath for soaking, liquid anti-microbial activity and removal of debris.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dental scaler device includes a handpiece having a removable outer sheath secured thereto. After performing a scaling procedure on a patient's teeth, the outer sheath is easily removed from the dental scaler handpiece and sterilized. A completely sterile sheath is secured to the dental scaler handpiece for use with each patient thereby preventing cross-contamination among different patients.

Abstract: A deflector shield is defined by a one-piece homogeneous body of polymeric/copolymeric synthetic transparent plastic material defined by a central portion having an opening and a peripheral portion generally surrounding the opening, the deflector shield is slipped upon a dental air/water/spray syringe and when thus positioned a concave surface is positioned immediately adjacent an end of the syringe and deflects the material impinging thereagainst and redirects the flow path of the impinging material away from the operator/dentist/assistant.

Abstract: A dental sandblasting confiner in the form of a flexible walled transparent cup which has an enlarged inlet opening through which is to be conducted the dispensing nozzle and tip of the sandblasting tool. Included within the cup and opposite the inlet opening is an access opening which is to surround a portion of the tooth that is to be repaired. Also included within the cup is an outlet opening with dispensed sand from the sandblasting tool to be discharged through the outlet opening.

Abstract: A protective shroud for a dental handpiece having particular adaptability for encasing a bur-containing chuck on a handpiece to avoid percutaneous contact by the bur with an individual and the transfer of a contaminated substance, such as a virus. The protective shroud is provided with sufficient depth so that the bur of a dental handpiece is stored behind the leading edge of the shroud and does not protrude therefrom, thereby preventing accidental contact with the bur. The shroud is also provided with a cut-out portion, typically facing the direction of the dentist or dental technician, which permits grasping of the handpiece below the bur to effect ready withdrawal and return of the handpiece from and to the protective shroud while performing dental operations on a patient.

Abstract: A disposable elongate protective sheath for covering the tip of a dental cure light to prevent cross contamination between dental patients.

Abstract: A novel disposable container and method is used for cleaning and lubricating a standard dental handpiece. The disposable container completely encloses a head of the dental handpiece. When the handpiece is cleaned or lubricated with cleaning or lubricating agents, the container collects cleaning or lubricating agents and any other materials that are expelled therewith from the handpiece to prevent these materials from entering the atmosphere.

Abstract: A dental apparatus, in combination with a dental handpiece that incorporates a rotable chucking mechanism with a locking means, and a driving mechanism that rotates the chucking mechanism at high speeds when actuated, comprising a dental bur which has a tool head at one end and a shank segment at the other end, a portion of the shank segment is received and locked in the chucking mechanism, and a barrier and deflecting means mounted intermediate the ends of the dental bur, the barrier and deflecting means upon being rotated by the chucking mechanism forming a barrier or shield and also creating air streams to intercept and prevent air-borne particles generated by dental procedures from being deposited on and in the handpiece.

Abstract: Liquids for cleaning, disinfecting and lubricating dentistry handpieces are distributed to the handpieces by a device which includes reservoirs for storing liquids for the cleaning, disinfection and lubrication procedures which are to take place, and a series of solenoid valves for sequentially opening at different stations according to a prescribed cycle. To this end, each liquid to be utilized is conveyed through each handpiece in actual liquid form, and not in an atomized form, and then atomized in the handpiece by compressed air entering through a conduit which is separate from the conduit for passing the liquids.

Abstract: A dental power tool is provided with a guard device incorporating a guard plate for keeping a possible obstacle, e.g. the tongue or a part of the inside wall of a lip, aside during the dental treatment.

Abstract: A disposable protective sleeve used for covering dental equipment such as light curing guns has two panels of flexible plastic which are joined together at a top edge and at side edges, the sleeve having an open bottom to allow the sleeve to be pulled over the equipment, for example, a light gun. Apertures are formed in the sleeve at opposite positions in the sleeve. The apertures may be defined by notches cut in the adjoining panels of the protective sleeve at positions along the side edges spaced from the top edge. When the protective sleeve is drawn onto a light gun, the front end of the body of the typically cylindrical light gun extends through one of the apertures of the sleeve, while the back end of the light gun, which is typically vented, extends through the other aperture. The protective sleeve covers the handle of the light gun where it is held by the dentist.

Abstract: Aseptic dental valves and instruments and accoutrements therefor comprise a handle extension (20--FIG. 2) and a flange guard (22) to be added within the path of a saliva ejector (FIG. 1) for preventing a dental professional's (DP's) hand from touching and contaminating the hose (14) or the hose valve (24), thereby to prevent microorganisms on the hand from contaminating these latter components where they might be picked up by the hand later and cross-contaminate subsequent patients. The handle extension and flange guard are useable on saliva ejectors (FIG. 3), surgical suction tips (FIG. 4), drills (FIGS. 12-12C), and air-water valves (FIGS. 14-15). The surgical tip can be formed of a series of sections of decreasing diameters in a stepped-down formation (FIG. 4A) to enable it to retain its shape when bent (FIG. 4B). The hose valve (FIGS.

Abstract: A visual indicating dental handpiece sheath designed to provide protection from the transmission of microbial diseases in dentist's surgical theatres. The sheath, comprised of a gasket and a three layer laminate of plastic film and paper is attached to the high-speed dental handpiece by an elastic band. The gasket and film act to control the intake of fluids and particulate matter, which may contain infectious diseases such as Hepatitis or AIDS, by the dental handpiece. The paper layer contains a water-soluble dye which is activated through use of the handpiece, and which indicates the unhygienic condition of a used sheath.

Abstract: A thin, clear, plastic disk has a central aperture through which is inserted a resilient o-ring. The o-ring is slipped over and frictionally engages with the fitting which secures the nozzle of an air/water syringe to the syringe handle. During the performance of a dental procedure using this instrument the shield is positioned close to the mouth of the patient and blocks matter ejected from the patient's mouth by the force of the air/water spray before it can become airborne and shields the splatter from being deposited on any exposed areas of the dental professional's face, head, hair and neck. This simple, efficient technique prevents contaminating the professional with the germs, bacteria and other potentially infectious viruses of the patient, including the AIDS virus.

Abstract: An extendable latex shield and internal seals are incorporated in a disposable dental hygiene tool for protecting sterility of standard dental handpieces. The flexible nature of the extendable shield allows storage in a first position, permitting the dental professional to easily attach the tool to the handpiece and to unroll the flexible shield to the extended position, thereby protecting the handpiece from splashing of saliva, blood, or other materials during use of the tool in dental procedures. Internal seals in the tool preclude fluids or other material from transfer through the interior of the tool into the dental handpiece. The combination of the present device precludes the contamination of the handpiece, thereby avoiding sterilization procedures and the inherent time loss, inefficiency, and cost associated with such procedures.

Abstract: A cover structure is arranged to afford protection to a dental instrument utilizing a plurality of hingedly cooperative mirror image cover members formed of a deformable memory retentent material, having polymeric foam therewithin to secure and position a dental instrument member. The invention is arranged to permit orientation of the cover during use of the dental instrument.

Abstract: A one-use flexible elastic impervious protective sleeve adapted to be readily placed on a handle of a dental or medical instrument to prevent the transmission of bacteria from one patient to another. The sleeve is provided with finger engaging ring-shaped retention members to aid in placing and expanding the sleeve from a collapsed position over the handle to expose only the patient-engaging portion of the instrument. After use, the rings are utilized to remove the sleeve.

Abstract: A single use, disposable infection control barrier for use with dental appliances includes an elongate bag with a first, open end and a second, closed end so that at least a portion of a dental appliance may be inserted through the open end of the bag to the second end of the bag. The bag is transparent so as to permit a user of the dental appliance to observe the dental appliance through the bag and is flexible so as to permit the user of the dental appliance to operate the dental appliance through the bag. The bag includes a lip at the first end of the bag extending from the bag, which lip serves to guide the dental appliance into the bag. An adhesive strip is located on this lip which serves to anchor the infection control barrier to a dental appliance, if desired. A dental appliance having such an infection control barrier, a method of using such a barrier, and a dispenser package for such a barrier are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hand-held sand blasting device, which is particularly useful for treating mall surface areas, such as tooth faces in situ, includes a sand cartridge 20 adapted to be placed in a handle portion 10 of the device and rewardly sealed by a piston 34 which is adapted to be advanced by pressurized air. Part of the pressurized air flows along a longitudinal groove 25 formed in a wall of the handle portion 10 externally of the cartridge 20 and enters the cartridge through an opening 27 provided at a front portion thereof, where the relatively large cross-section of the main portion of the cartridge converges to the substantially smaller cross-section of a feed channel 28. The fine sand 21 is thus fluidized in this area and maintained flowable. Through the feed channel 28, the sand is supplied to a mixing chamber 30 where it is mixed with pressurized air and discharged through a nozzle pipe 33.

Abstract: A splatter guard for air polishing dental devices includes a generally bell-shaped flexible member which is designed to be attached to the distal end of the air polishing device. The bell-shaped member creates a chamber which is designed to receive the back splash and splattered fluids emanating from the nozzle of the air polishing device. In this manner, the fluid from the air polishing dental device is prevented from being splattered or splashed against a patient's soft tissues, a patient's face or clothes, or the operator of the device.

Abstract: Dental syringe covers are described in several different forms. In one form the syringe cover is of a soft, rubbery material at least at its tip, the tip being formed into a one-way valve by a duckbill construction so that fluid cannot enter from outside. In all embodiments the syringe cover, tapered in shape, fits tightly over the metal dental syringe so that no liquid from the syringe can flow backward over the surface of the syringe. Another feature is a longitudinal gap between the syringe tip and the tip of the syringe cover. The gap functions to isolate the syringe tip from the exterior environment as well as to improve the stream of air, water or air/water mix delivered from the syringe. Preferably the syringe covers include an enlarged generally bell-shaped feature at the end opposite the tip, providing a surrounding cover or sheath for a nut or other fastener typically present at the base end of the metal syringe.

Abstract: An attachment for a dental handpiece comprised of a circular band with an extended channel and slot on opposite sides, fitted with a pliable material insert, which can be mounted to a dental handpiece. The main purpose of the Handpiece Turbine Air Exhaust Block is to effectively block the air and water coolant ports with its pliable material insert. Blocking the air coolant port is desired when operating the handpiece near open wounds in the mouth, in order to avoid air emphysema. Further, blocking the water pot eliminates the problem of "suck back", a condition where a handpiece will harbor infectious diseases and transmit them to the next patient.

Abstract: A sleeve that has the shape seen in the longitudinal direction that deviates in cross section and/or has an outside diameter that changes from a shape with a rotational symmetry to a shape with a non-rotational symmetry and has a ridge extending at least a portion of the length of the sleeve to form ledges between the ridge and adjacent curved surfaces. A method for manufacturing the sleeve includes inserting a workpiece in a die having the desired contour for the outer surface of the sleeve, heating the material and subjecting the material to internal pressure to deform the workpiece into the contour of the die to form the sleeve.

Abstract: A prophy cup shield is cylindrical in shape and attaches to a dental handpiece by way of elastic fit around the nose of the handpiece. The inside of the shield includes novel spiral tracks which cooperate with the rotating cup to force any trapped paste that may find its way between the cup and the shield back out over the rim of the rotating cup. The shield prevents the splatter of cleaning paste and patient bodily fluids. The shield also prevents against accidental injury to the patient's gum because when in use the shield extends beyond the circumferential rim of the rotating cup.

Abstract: An improved air-water syringe for use by dentists and the like, the syringe including a body portion and a nozzle portion extending therefrom, with air and water passageways extending through the body portion and the nozzle portion, and with control buttons to regulate the flow of and air and water through such passageways. A protective barrier plate is mounted on the nozzle portion so that it can move relative to the nozzle portion in linear and angular directions with respect to the nozzle, whereby the protective barrier plate can be placed across the open mouth of a dental patient to prevent splashback while still permitting the syringe to be manipulated to locate the extending end of the nozzle at virtually any desired location within the oral cavity of the patient.

Abstract: A holding device allows for tightening of a screw joint in a bone-anchored dental implant without imposing stress upon the tissue surrounding the implant. The device includes a first part which is rotationally locked in relation to the implant and a second part in the form of an arm which is rigidly connected to the first part, extends substantially perpendicularly thereto and is provided with a holding portion which interacts with the stationary part of the tightening tool to prevent undesirable rotary movements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dental endosteal implants with devices to aid in the placement of the implant, and procedures for placing the implant.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a sheath for protecting a dental syringe and for preventing residual cross-contamination between successive patients. Means are provided for preventing contaminants from being drawn back into the syringe after application has ceased.

Abstract: A dental toolholder (2) has an endodontic filing tool (18) which is clamped in the toolholder so as to be secured against rotational and axial movements. A vibrating movement is impressed on the tool. The tool (18) can be clamped at its rear shaft end with a slight play and the vibrations can be imparted to the tool at its front shaft end (15). This part encloses the front shaft end (7b) with slight play and comprises a cylindrical recess whose cross-sectional shape has a constant-diameter configuration. Accordingly, the tool is set into a swinging movement perpendicular to its axis. The structural component part (15) rotates preferably at approximately 20,0000 rpm.

Abstract: A dental syringe covering, shield or prophylactic comprised of a thin, tear-resistant, but deformable material which is sterile and disposable for covering the exposed nozzle surfaces of different types of dental syringes providing a covering which will significantly reduce and/or prevent the spread of diseases which may be transmitted by or through contact with human body fluids and tissues during dental procedures.

Abstract: A shield for a dentist's handpiece slips on over the head and has a skirt portion that protects the user from injury due to the bit or bur.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a tubular member that is adapted to be attached to the working end of a dental handpiece and is used to contain and direct material dispensed from the handpiece in order to reduce the amount of airborne particles emitted into the atmosphere by the handpiece and to accurately direct the dispensed material to the desired area. The apparatus is adapted to provide a reference point for the practitioner in establishing the optimum working distance of the handpiece from a particular working area in the mouth when the handpiece is used. An improved dental handpiece using the apparatus of the invention and a method of using the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: Antiseptic dental shields for preventing contamination of hand-held dental devices with infective micro-organisms or other pathogenic substances are disclosed. Such shields comprise an elongated disposable sanitary sleeve which cover at least a substantial portion of exterior surfaces of the hand-held dental devices. The sleeves are flexible, transparent, and sufficiently thin for accommodating manual manipulation of controls on the hand-held dental devices while maintaining sterility thereof. A disposable hanger adapter can be employed to connect with existing hangers which conveniently mount hand-held dental devices to further prevent contaminants from being transferred from one dental patient to another.

Abstract: A disposable rotary tool assembly for cleaning teeth comprising what is known in the dental profession as a prophylactic angle, a small cup-like member made of rubber or similar material having a frusto-conical shape which is placed against a patient's teeth and rotated for cleaning and polishing, and a disposable operating assembly for rotating the same which is connected to a dentist's air syringe and powered by pressurized air instead of being connected to the dentist's hand piece as at present which requires a relatively expensive shaft driven connector, not practical to dispose of after each use with a single patient.

Abstract: A sterilized protective sleeve in combination with a rigid shield for the handle of a dental instrument is disclosed wherein the sleeve consists of an elastic tubular casing adapted to conform to the shank of the instrument. The rigid shield is contoured to conform to the head end of the instrument and has an opening through which the rotating burr of the instrument protrudes. Furthermore, one of the open ends of the casing is capable of receiving or extending over both the rigid shield and the shank of the dental instrument so that the rotating burr extends out of the other open end of the casing. In particular, the opening in the rigid shield is made slightly larger than the shank of the burr so that minimal clearance is provided to minimize contamination.

Abstract: A guide attachment for guiding a dental treatment tip such as a dental bur is provided. The guide attachment is composed of a guide member for guiding the dental treatment tip and a fixing member for mounting the guide member to a dental handpiece in which the dental treatment tip is accommodated.

Abstract: A sanitary sheath assembly for a dental handpiece comprises a clip removably mountable on the dental handpiece and a disposable sheath mountable over the clip and dental handpiece. The sheath is tubular and has an open proximal end and an operative opening at its distal end. The clip comprises a face plate having an operative opening through which a burr or the like of the handpiece extends. A plurality of fingers extend rearwardly from the face plate for releasably gripping the handpiece. A plurality of tabs extend forwardly from the face plate for engaging the edge of the sheath defining the operative opening of the sheath and for maintaining the operative opening of the sheath in an open arrangement in surrounding relation to the operative opening of the face plate.

Abstract: A dental hand piece protective covering, shield or prophylactic comprised of a thin, tear-resistant, semi-rigid but elastic material which is sterile and disposable for covering the entirety of each of several different types of dental hand pieces providing opposing top and bottom apertures therein for access to the releasable securing means for the dental bur or other dental tool, clearance for operation of the bur or other dental tool and an air exhaust port for the air-driven turbines. The apparatus will significantly reduce and/or prevent the spread of disease through the re-use of non-sterile dental hand pieces.

Abstract: A draping apparatus for covering dental and medical equipment and appendages extending therefrom such as water hoses, electric cords and the like. The apparatus includes an elongated sleeve and a ring-like element mounted on one end of the sleeve, the ring-like element being sufficiently rigid to define the periphery of the opening to the sleeve to permit an operator to grasp the same and pull the ring and sleeve over the instrument and appendages. Preferably, the apparatus is packaged in an enclosure attached to the ring-like element and adapted to be severed therefrom so that one end of the sleeve can be held in one hand of the operator and the other end to which the ring-like element is attached can be pulled over the instrument and its appendage.

Abstract: A dental tool for grinding spikes formed on the molar teeth of horses. An elongated hollow tube is fixed to the tool grip, and the grinding bur is removably attached at the other end of the tube to a rotary flexible connector that passes along inside the tube. The length of the tube is approximately the mean depth of a horse's mouth, to enable the tool to access teeth lying well back in the mouth. A detachable cover is provided for the bur, having an opening for exposing the bur to the tooth under treatment and protecting the tongue and cheek tissue from possible injury.

Abstract: A handheld dental tool for crown preparation, comprises a handle, a grinding burr, and a guard attached to the handle. The guard has a tip solid spherical closely spaced from the tip of the grinding burr such as to be receivable between the tooth to be prepared and the free gingival tissue thereat to protect the gingival tissue during the grinding of the tooth.

Abstract: An aseptic sheath for dental handpieces by the use of which the handpieces are eliminated as a possible source of transmission of microbial diseases. The sheath is formed of suitable resilient thermoplastic sheet material, preferably by vacuum forming, in a shape which corresponds to that of the particular handpiece with which it is to be used, e.g., to provide communicating spaces for substantially completely enclosing the head, neck and handle of a contra-angle handpiece. In use, the handpiece is inserted into the sheath by spreading normally overlapping edges of the sheath which extend longitudinally over at least the length of the handle-receiving portion to provide access for the handpiece to the sheath interior. After insertion is completed,the edges are released to snap back over the handpiece due to the resiliency of the sheath-forming material to substantially completely enclose the handpiece therewithin.

Abstract: An anti-splash device for attachment to a dental tool that delivers an aqueous fluid from a nozzle, which comprises an inverted U-shaped member having a base and integral, opposed legs depending therefrom, one of said legs having a bore extending therethrough and operable to secure said member to the nozzle of said dental tool, said bore providing access to the space between said opposed legs.

Abstract: A device for protecting tissue and capable of being mounted on the head of a dentist's drill. Means (1') for mounting the device on the head of a dentist's drill carry a body (2') which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis which coincides with the axis of the drill in the working position, and the body (2') carries a housing (3') for a rod (6) which is connected via a hinge (7) to a tilting portion of a protective plate (4).

Abstract: A vibratory endodontic device is described for mechanical preparation of dental radicular canals, i.e., root canals, prior to their obturation. The device includes a housing, a vibratory drive means supported within the housing to minimize the transfer of vibration to the housing, an endodontic file connected to the drive means for vibratory movement and stop means operatively connected to the housing and substantially isolated from the mechanical vibrations created by the vibratory drive means. Additionally, fluid transport means are provided for maintaining a controllable or a continuous flow of irrigation fluid along the endodontic file. Various assemblies for retaining the endodontic files and the stop means at the operative end of the vibrating device are also described.

Abstract: A dental toolholder (2) has an endodontic filing tool (18) which is clamped in the toolholder so as to be secured against rotational and axial movements. A vibrating movement is impressed on the tool. The tool (18) can be clamped at its rear shaft end with a slight play and the vibrations can be imparted to the tool at its front shaft end (15). This part encloses the front shaft end (7b) with slight play and comprises a cylindrical recess whose cross-sectional shape has a constant-diameter configuration. Accordingly, the tool is set into a swinging movement perpendicular to its axis. The structural component part (15) rotates preferably at approximately 20,000 rpm.