Abstract: Palatal expander apparatuses for expanding a patient's palate (“palatal expanders”) and methods of making them. The apparatuses may include a pair of tooth engagement regions connected by a palatal region. A detachment region on at least one of the tooth engagement regions may be defined by one or more first vertical cut-out regions extending from a bottom of a buccal side toward an occlusal side of the tooth engagement region. The buccal side may be more flexible than the occlusal side so that the detachment region flexes when a removal force to release the palatal expander apparatus from the patient's palate is applied to the detachment region.

Abstract: A mouth insert for treating nosebleeds includes a main body and a bite tab. The bite tab removably engages the main body and is configured to move up and/or down vertically in order to adjust the height of the device. The main body includes a horizontally extending elongated portion, a center portion extending downward from a bottom surface of the elongated portion, and the center portion has a narrower width than the horizontally extending elongated portion. The elongated portion of the main body is shaped and dimensioned to be inserted into a buccal cavity of a user's mouth and to fit behind the user's upper lip and in front of the user's upper gums, and the center portion is shaped and dimensioned to be positioned only in front of the user's upper front teeth.

Abstract: A dental isolation system includes a dental tool that has a handle portion at a proximal end, a tip portion at an opposite, distal end, and a body portion extending between the handle portion and the tip portion. The handle portion has handles and finger apertures so that a dentist can manipulate the distal end. The tip portion is inserted into an O-ring of a dental dam and, when actuated by a dentist, the tip portion forms a quadrant, allowing the stretched O-ring to easily fit over a tooth.

Abstract: Disclosed is herein a medical drape, and more particularly, a drape capable of preventing sprays generated from the mouth of a patient during dental treatment from being diffused by a first guard or the like to improve hygiene and fixation.

Abstract: An evacuation dam apparatus including a frame having a top frame member, a bottom frame member, and two side frame members. A working area formed by the frame, a plurality of ports adjacent the working area, an outlet fluidly coupled with the plurality of ports. A fluid flow from at least a portion of the plurality of ports to the outlet forms a fluid flow path across the working area and at least a portion of the fluid flow path is formed within the frame.

Abstract: A protective face mask is provided. The protective face mask may have a removable mouth panel (or “apron”) which acts as a protective personal barrier for the user. The removable mouth panel is suitable for allowing quick access to the user's mouth to, for example, eat and/or drink without needing to remove the entire body of the mask. Further, the user's nostrils remain secured and protected beneath the remainder of the mask. The mouth panel may also be completely disconnected from the main body of the face mask to allow a user to eat and/or drink. Alternatively, the mouth panel may be partially disconnected from the mask by being rotated to the left, to the right, or upward to allow a user to eat and/or drink.

Abstract: An asphyxiation-safe adjustable bib and placemat provides a bib having a rear surface that supports a bib retainer in one of a plurality of positions so a length of the bib can be adjusted to accommodate a height of a wearer. The bib retainer and a portion of the bib adjacent the bib retainer are inserted into a bib retainer channel of the placemat to secure the bib to the placemat. The bib retainer in the bib retainer channel resists movement of the bib away from the placemat but enables forceful movement of the bib away from the placemat to protect against injury due to asphyxiation if the wearer slips or falls from a chair while using the bib and placemat.

Abstract: A dental isolation system includes a dental tool that has a handle portion at a proximal end, a tip portion at an opposite, distal end, and a body portion extending between the handle portion and the tip portion. The handle portion has handles and finger apertures so that a dentist can manipulate the distal end. The tip portion is inserted into an O-ring of a dental dam and, when actuated by a dentist, the tip portion forms a quadrant, allowing the stretched O-ring to easily fit over a tooth.

Abstract: A dental device to be placed in the oral cavity between the lower teeth and the tongue for use as a combined saliva/fluids ejector and tongue deflector/retractor in dental treatments, comprising: a substantially flat head portion with hollow tubing on a portion of its periphery, and suction holes (preferably oval-shaped and protected from soft tissue entrapment by raised ribs) and in communication with the hollow tubing; a body portion provided with a bore and a ratchet mechanism, the bore in communication at its upper end with the hollow tubing and at its lower end with a suction system; and an arm having a collar adapted to adjustably engage with and disengage from the teeth of the ratchet mechanism. The cross sections of the collar and ratchet mechanism portion of the body are essentially square in shape.

Abstract: A denture lock is disclosed, comprising a tubular bushing extending between a distal end and a proximal end. The denture lock is configured with a bore accommodating a locking pin displaceable between a locked position at which the locking pin projects from the distal end of the bushing, and an unlocked position at which the locking pin is at least partially retracted. At least an external surface portion of the bushing is configured with a coupling arrangement for removably securing a denture therewithin.

Abstract: A combination has an implant, a dental dam and a holding device for detachably holding the dental dam at an implant end portion of the implant. The holding device is formed of a circular ring which is closed on its periphery and which has a ring-clamping portion that extends around a ring through-opening. A system has a combination that has an implant, which is preferably a dental implant; a dental dam; and a holding device. A dental tool can be used for detachably fastening a dental dam to an implant via a holding device.

Abstract: A dental retraction and impression system providing self-retracting and impression taking of a prepared tooth in one step. Paired setting materials simultaneously retract gingiva, widen a sulcus around the tooth, and take an impression of the tooth and margins. A low viscosity setting gingival retracting impression material having an astringent and a high viscosity setting impression material set together. The high viscosity setting impression material is heavy body and has a higher viscosity than the low viscosity setting gingival retracting material so as to force the low viscosity setting gingival retracting impression material into the gingival space or sulcus.

Abstract: A device for removing material from the oral cavity of a patient during a procedure while propping the patient's jaws includes a bite block shaped to be held between upper and lower jaws of the patient at one side of the oral activity in a manner that provides access to teeth and/or gums at the opposite side of the oral cavity, without being substantially impeded by the device. An oral evacuation tube, through which material passes when it is sucked out of the oral cavity, is sufficiently elongate so that a part thereof may be located outside the oral cavity so that it can be operably connected to a suction device when the bite block is in use. A cheek protector is shaped to protect an inner cheek area at the same side of the oral cavity as the bite block. The bite block, evacuation tube and cheek protector are integral, non-releasable parts of the device.

Abstract: Cheek retraction devices including an upper frame element configured to bear against and retract soft oral tissue from one or more teeth of an upper dental arch, a lower frame element configured to bear against and retract soft oral tissue from one or more teeth of a lower dental arch. The upper and lower frame elements may each include left and right frame portions wherein the upper and lower left frame portions are joined to one another to form a v-shaped hinge on one side of the frame, while upper and lower right frame portions are joined to one another to form a v-shaped hinge on another side of the frame. The v-shaped hinges on opposed sides permit the upper and lower frame elements to be at least partially folded toward each other. A posterior frame element may be provided extending between the v-shaped hinges.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a dental cord. The method including: producing a spinning solution by dissolving a fiber-moldable hydrophobic polymer material in a solvent; spinning the spinning solution to obtain a polymer nanofiber web composed of nanofibers and including three-dimensional micropores; laminating the polymer nanofiber web to obtain a polymer membrane; slitting the polymer membrane to obtain a nanofiber tape yarn; hydrophilic-treating the nanofiber tape yarn to obtain a hydrophilic-treated nanofiber tape yarn; plying and twisting the hydrophilic-treated nanofiber tape yarn with a covered yarn to obtain a nanofiber multiple yarn; and impregnating the nanofiber multiple yarn with a hemostatic agent.

Abstract: An isolating retractor instrument to protect a tongue and a cheek of a patient during a dental treatment. The isolating instrument includes a first isolating pad (A) for the tongue, and a second isolating pad (B) for the cheek. Each of the first isolating pad and the second isolating pad having a first (1) layer contacting and adhering to oral tissue, the first layer including an absorbing material for absorbing liquids, a second layer (2) including a fast-absorbing material which absorbs the liquids and holds the liquids, a third layer (3) adjacent the second layer, the third layer (3) including a reinforced, flexible material for supporting and stabilizing a respective isolating pad, and a fourth layer (4) including a reflective, smooth, flexible, and liquid-isolating material positionable to face a plurality of teeth of the patient. A flexible tape connects the first isolating pad and the second isolating pad.

Abstract: A dental template for positioning an object on teeth of a patient and method for fabricating the same. The method includes creating a digital model of the patient's teeth, creating a simplified template model based on the digital model, and fabricating the dental template based on the simplified template model. The template model is simplified by removing certain features of the patient's tooth anatomy. The dental template can be located on a patient's teeth using four or fewer positioning teeth.

Abstract: A method of promoting hemostasis in the mouth or oral cavity utilizes a non-absorbent, low surface energy and highly conformable non-disruptive hemostasis material. Traditional wound packing material is highly absorbent and has large open surfaces that allow clot forming materials, such as the platelet plug to adhere to the packing material and whereupon removal, the clot is disrupted. A non-disruptive highly conformable hemostasis material does not have large open pores and therefore does not adhere to forming clots. A non-disruptive hemostasis material may consist of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene that has a pore size of no more than about 10 microns. A non-disruptive hemostasis material may comprise a thin film of material over a portion of the outside surface that is non-absorbent and thin to allow for conforming into an oral cavity, such as from a tooth extraction. A thin film may cover porous material, such as a foam, that may be elastomeric.

Abstract: A dental retraction elongated member, for example, a retraction cord, for placement between a tooth and its adjacent gum tissue during dental impression taking and restorative procedures includes a core coated with a thermoplastic material so that the retraction cord is resistant to shredding, tearing, and sticking to dental restorative and impression taking materials.

Abstract: A device, method, and system are provided for aiding in dental treatments. Such devices may include or consist of a dental gum guard. The dental gum guard preferably includes an at least partially arch-shaped flexible drape designed to conform substantially to a gum ridge anatomy. Preferably the dental gum guard has a plurality of holes, such as pre-configured cut-out holes (e.g., of varying diameter). The holes may allow for customized insertion over the teeth. The dental gum guard preferably provides a dry field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a film clamping element, in particular for carrying out dental treatment in the mouth area of a patient, comprising a vestibular ring (14) and a lip ring (12), between which and optionally beyond which a film (16) extends. The film is held in a stretched manner by the rings, and the film (16) and the rings are elastically deformable, in particular the film and the rings can be pressed together into a substantially oval shape. The invention is characterized in that the vestibular ring (14) has a recess on at least one circumferential point, the width of said recess being greater than the width of a frenulum and smaller than the radius of the vestibular ring (14).

Abstract: A device for shielding teeth to be treated in order to prevent an inflow of liquid, such as saliva or bloody the device comprising a partial dental dam (1) comprising a tensioning cloth (2) made of an elastic material designed to be introduced into at least one intermediate tooth space (11) when in an elongated state, and two actuation elements (3) arranged on opposing ends of the tensioning cloth (2) for use in pulling the tensioning cloth (2) into an elongated state, and use of the device for shielding teeth to be treated.

Abstract: A method of implementing a splint device, and associated splint device, are provided for a guidance system of a surgical robot. A splint body includes first and second stabilizing portions extending from opposed lateral sides of a medial portion, and defines a U channel. The medial portion, or the medial portion and one of the stabilizing portions, defines a bridge portion extending along the U channel. A partition member, received by the bridge portion, extends into and longitudinally along the U channel. An adhesive material is engaged with the splint body, within the U channel. The U channel is engaged about a tooth or jaw of a patient, and urged toward the tooth or jaw, such that the partition member engages the tooth or jaw and separates the adhesive material into a first portion engaged with the first stabilizing portion and a second portion engaged with the second stabilizing portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing sectional (cervical, thoracic and/or lumbar spine as individual parts) and global spinal (full-total spinal: cervical/thoracic/lumbar simultaneous as a single part) decompression including a head harness that has: a rigid member which extends into the mouth cavity of a user; and an attachment point located substantially at the same distance from the center of the skull as the end of the rigid member; wherein the rigid member comprises a U-shaped mouth guard, the u-shaped mouth guard contacting at least the “rear most” upper set of teeth during use; the attachment point is configured to attach to an external force providing apparatus; the attachment point is configured to provide a force in the direction of the user's height via the mouth guard. The location of the attachment point provides an optimal force vector when the device is pulled away from the head in a direction parallel with the user's height for medical applications associated with decompression of the spine.

Abstract: An easily applied device is described that protects the soft tissues inside of the mouth from abrasion by orthodontic braces. The device consists of a putty-like, moldable material that may be pressed onto and into and molded about the brackets and wires of orthodontic braces, and a plasticized and dehydrated or partially dehydrated hydrogel-forming layer on those surfaces of the device that contact the braces and teeth so as to absorb saliva and dry to some extent the surfaces to which the device is pressed and to offer initial adhesion of the device to the teeth and/or braces.

Abstract: A dental template for positioning an object on teeth of a patient and method for fabricating the same. The method includes creating a digital model of the patient's teeth, creating a simplified template model based on the digital model, and fabricating the dental template based on the simplified template model. The template model is simplified by removing certain features of the patient's tooth anatomy. The dental template can be located on a patient's teeth using four or fewer positioning teeth.

Abstract: A cannula for evacuating irrigation fluid, saliva and/or blood for use in the dental field is formed of three interconnected tubular conduits and includes two hollow tube members one of which includes a first aperture formed on a buttressed plate parallel to the first tubular member, a second aperture being located on an upper part of the distal portion of the second tubular member allowing simplified placement and removal by engaging forceps in the apertures and use of the cannula with a first branch of the cannula inserted between the teeth and the tongue of a patient and the second branch of the cannula inserted between the teeth and the cheek of the patient.

Abstract: A dental isolator in the form of a U-shaped absorbent member having a first portion and a second portion disposed on either side of a third central portion and a retainment member, which retainment member transversely engages both the first portion and the second portion of the absorbent member, the retainment member being adapted to fit between adjacent teeth of a dental patient, the first portion of the U-shaped absorbent member being adapted to be disposed on the internal side of the teeth of a dental patient between the teeth and the tongue of the patient, the second portion of the U-shaped absorbent member to be disposed between the cheek and the mucobuccal fold of the patient with the central portion of the U-shaped absorbent member surrounding a rear tooth of the patient, the distal end of the second portion of the U-shaped absorbent member being tapered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device, particularly a vascular graft or an arteriovenous (AV) graft for haemodialysis. The medical device comprises a layer of porous silk fibroin matrix and a layer of knitted silk fibers. The invention further relates to processes of manufacture of such medical devices and methods of use of such devices.

Abstract: A photopolymerizable dental composition for application to and for the isolation and protection of gums and/or teeth during dental treatment is described. The composition can include (a) one or more photopolymerizable monomers selected from the group consisting of acrylates and methacrylates, (b) one or more photoinitiators, preferably selected from the group consisting of alpha-diketones, benzoin alkyl ethers, thioxanthones, benzophenones, acyl phosphine oxides, acetophenones, ketals, titanocenes, borates and sensitizing dyes, and (c) one or more molecular weight regulators selected from the group consisting of compounds which can be reacted with a radical of a monomer of component (a) with abstraction of an H radical from the molecular weight regulator in the allyl position. Also disclosed are kits comprising such a composition, methods for producing a corresponding protective layer, methods for treating one or more teeth, and methods of using the compositions as a masking compound.

Abstract: Disclosed is an endotracheal tube having an absorbent device attached so that the absorbent device is able to absorb and block any procedure produced debris. The absorbent device has strings that are attached to a device around an endotracheal tube so that the absorbent device is properly dislodged at the end of the procedure.

Abstract: Dental dressing assemblies are formed from hydrophilic polymer sponge structures, such as a densified chitosan biomaterial. The invention also contemplates systems and methods that can be used in conjunction with stents and periodontal dressings to promote hemostasis and secondary healing in free gingival graft palatal donor sites and all other oral and maxillofacial surgical sites.

Abstract: A dental safety device that prevents any loose object from entering a patient's throat during a dental procedure. A piece of gauze-like breathable fabric is either tied in the mouth or is equipped with side extensions attached to elastic loops or an elastic band. In use, the device is placed flat in the mouth behind the area where the dentist is working. The extensions exit the mouth on either side and wrap backward. The device is held in place by the elastic loops or elastic band, or tied directly to teeth. The nature of the fabric allows easy breathing, and the device is comfortable for the patient to wear. At the end of the procedure, the device is easily removed and discarded.

Abstract: A dental retraction cord is used within dental procedures as the dental retraction cord is impregnated with at least one dental anesthetic agent and/or a vasoconstrictor agent so that the dental retraction cord is able to reduce the pain and discomfort during the cord packing process. A plurality of interlocking strands of the dental retraction cord is impregnated with the at least one dental anesthetic agent and/or the vasoconstrictor agent as the dental retraction cord is stored within a container. The at least one dental anesthetic agent and/or the vasoconstrictor agent are activated upon contact with liquid in order to create additional numbness and to reduce loss of blood during the dental procedures.

Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such a mouthpiece may include a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.

Abstract: A tear-resistant dental dam is provided. The tear-resistant dental dam includes a first elastomeric sheet and a second elastomeric sheet disposed on the first elastomeric sheet. The first and second elastomeric sheets have a grid pattern of weld joint regions configured to couple together the first and second elastomeric sheets. The grid pattern of weld joint regions define a plurality of unwelded regions of the first and second elastomeric sheets.

Abstract: Disclosed is an endotracheal tube having an absorbent device attached so that the absorbent device is able to absorb and block any procedure produced debris. The absorbent device has strings that are attached to a device around an endotracheal tube so that the absorbent device is properly dislodged at the end of the procedure.

Abstract: A matrix ring comprising includes a biasing ring and a pair of opposing tines. The biasing ring includes a substantially hoop-like configuration terminating at two opposing ends. The pair of opposing tines extend inwardly from each of the two ends of the biasing ring toward each other. Each of the pair of opposing tines is coupled to the respective opposing end about a central region thereof and extends radially outwardly therefrom. Each tine includes a frame body having a central ridge and opposing lower extensions, the lower extensions terminating at an exposed face. The portion of the lower extensions proximate the exposed face being able to move relative to the rest of the frame body so as to better position on the teeth of a patient. A superimposed pad over portions of the frame body provides a deformable surface for engagement with the surface of the tooth of a patient. In the Specification The opposing tines 14a, 14b are shown in FIG. 1.

Abstract: A dental trap is provided for use in a mouth cavity of a patient during a dental procedure. The dental trap may separate the patient's mouth cavity from the patient's throat to prevent an extracted tooth and/or a dental tool, such as a screw, in the mouth cavity from falling into the throat. The dental trap may also allow the patient to breathe through the dental trap.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a two part retraction system that can be inserted into the sulcus to form a semi-rigid porous elastomer releasing a hemostatic agent suitable for sulcus retraction such that a dental impression may be completed by a dental practitioner.

Abstract: The device for infiltration of approximal tooth surfaces, with a flexible planar element and with a holder into which the planar element is clamped, is characterized in that the planar element is a liquid-impermeable plastic film which has a surface area for taking up a liquid to be used for treatment, and in that the holder is a bow-shaped element with a web and two lateral arms which extend from the latter and are arranged in an arc-shape or U-shape, to which the plastic film is connected in a liquid-impermeable manner.

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: The disclosure provides for an improved system for utilizing matrix bands in dental restorations. The system allows for maintaining or recreating close interproximal contacts between teeth following restoration. A matrix band is provided which retains in place a contact matrix that upon completion of the restoration is tightly bound to the filling matrix deposited into the cavity, and thus maintains or recreates a tight contact with adjacent teeth. The system provides an improved system for use in dental surgery, and by implementing the kit provided clinicians are able to provide enhanced results following restoration with a minimum of effort.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and devices for restoring teeth using fixed restorations. In particular, the invention provides a system, kit, and devices for the management of interproximal areas for traditional cementation and/or bonding of dental crowns, onlays, inlays, veneers and bridges. In the method, a barrier is positioned in contact with the tooth being restored and an adjacent tooth to cover a section of the tooth being restored and to create separation of the tooth being restored and the adjacent tooth. Cement is applied to the first mating surface of the fixed restoration and/or to the second mating surface of the tooth, and the first mating surface of the fixed restoration and the second mating surface of the tooth are positioned adjacent each other to seat the fixed restoration on the tooth. The barrier covers a section of the tooth being restored to prevent cement from bonding to the section of the tooth. This eliminates the need to remove hardened cement from this section of the tooth.

Abstract: A dental dressing to promote healing and relieve pain and swelling associated with exposed dental alveoli. The dressing includes a three-dimensional dressing matrix to absorb leaked fluid associated with one or more exposed alveoli, and a therapeutic member to provide substantially localized cold therapy to one or more exposed alveoli, the therapeutic member embedded substantially within the dressing matrix and shaped to substantially engage one or more exposed alveoli while fitting substantially between contiguous teeth. At least part of the dressing matrix substantially conforms to one or more exposed alveoli, thereby engaging the therapeutic member with one or more exposed alveoli.

Abstract: A thermoplastic-based polymer adhesive for use in dentistry includes a thermoplastic polymer and an additional polymer or additive including at least one moiety, monomer, or prepolymer capable of changing at least one property of the thermoplastic-based polymer adhesive when exposed to an activation energy. The activation energy may be heat energy and/or sonic or ultrasonic energy. Bonding a dental component to a tooth includes placing the thermoplastic-based polymer adhesive between the dental component and the surface of the tooth and compressing the dental component against the adhesive, and, while compressing, applying an activation energy to cause crosslinking of the additional polymer or additive with the thermoplastic polymer.

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 cover and holdback element for permitting disturbance-free dental operations to be performed on a patient's teeth includes an expandable sheet operable to cover at least a portion of the mouth volume of a patient and an intra-oral spanner and an extra-oral spanner. The sheet is turned around the at least one of the spanners and is displaceable relative thereto.

Abstract: The device for infiltration of approximal tooth surfaces, with a flexible planar element and with a holder into which the planar element is clamped, is characterized in that the planar element is a liquid-impermeable plastic film which has a surface area for taking up a liquid to be used for treatment, and in that the holder is a bow-shaped element with a web and two lateral arms which extend from the latter and are arranged in an arc-shape or U-shape, to which the plastic film is connected in a liquid-impermeable manner.

Abstract: A saliva control device for controlling saliva flow from a salivary duct without damaging the salivary duct and surrounding soft oral tissue includes an elastic body, a constriction hole formed through the elastic body, and an interior wall defining the constriction hole. The interior wall is substantially smooth and the elastic body sufficiently stretchable that the constriction hole expands during placement around a salivary duct and the wall constricts around the salivary duct to prevent flow of saliva without substantially cutting off blood flow to and damaging the salivary duct and soft oral tissue surrounding the salivary duct.