Abstract: A device for containing abrasive particles expelled from air-abrasive apparatus and permitting their facile removal without the aid of a vacuum source, while facilitating a relatively unobstructed view of the working area during use. One embodiment disclosed is a device for containing abrasive material expelled by a gas abrasive dental apparatus. The device comprises a flexible puncturable, substantially flat distal sheet comprising one side of the device for isolating a tooth surface to be abraded; a transparent, puncturable, substantially flat proximal sheet comprising the other side of the device; an enclosure for containing the abrasive material.

Abstract: An intraoral dental dam including an elastic membrane attached to a resilient frame. The membrane having an upper, a lower, a middle portion corresponding to the oral cavity of the user, the middle portion extending between the upper and lower portions, and a perimeter. At least a portion of the perimeter of the membrane being attached to at least a portion of the frame to form an integral dental dam. The dental dam can be disposed in a user's mouth such that the upper portion rests against at least a portion of the palate, the lower portion rests over at least a portion of the tongue, the middle portion substantially blocks the oral cavity, and at least portions of the frame are proximate the inner portion of the user's upper and lower teeth, leaving said teeth substantially exposed.

Abstract: A loop of cord, projecting out from one end of an elongate sleeve is placed around the base of a tooth and closed. In one preferred form, the cord includes elastic material so that, as the loop is closed around the tooth, the contractile force exerted by the stretched elastic cord around the circumference of the tooth at a part of the tooth which tapers toward the root tends to seat the cord apically (toward the apex of the root). The self-seating tendency of this loop of elastic cord as it is tightened around the base of a tooth more effectively separates the gingival tissues from the base of the tooth. As a result, good clean dry access to the margins of a crown or inlay is provided. In one form, the sleeve is of a heat shrinkable material and is heat shrunk to frictionally engage the cord.

Abstract: A cotton roll holder adapted to removably receive a cotton roll, the combination of the holder and the cotton roll useful to position the cotton roll in the mouth between the gum and the inner wall of the mouth or cheek to isolate a tooth from the inner wall of the mouth.

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: An adjustable dental appliance for positioning and retaining absorbent polymer rolls in the oral cavity; in an anatomical location in the mandible (lower jaw) where the submandibular and sublingual glands secrete saliva that interferes with visibility during treatment and contaminates the application of moisture sensitive dental materials. The appliance consists of an adjustable dental device which engages the opposite convex surfaces of a tooth with a clasps joined to clasp arms which are mounted on a resilient transverse member. The relative displacement of the clasp arms are adjusted with a plier-like instrument that separates the clasp arms by stressing the tension of the transverse resilient member until the appliance is in place in relation to a tooth to be engaged. Adjacent to each clasp arm, a rectangular projection of metal and small diameter metal shaft, end free and unsupported to receive two absorptive polymer rolls.

Abstract: A dental absorbency device is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention as including a flat section comprising a single sheet of a highly absorbent material having a contoured elongated shape preferably sized to fit comfortably within a human mouth for the purpose of absorbing moisture, contaminants, blood, saliva, water, and/or other fluids at an operative field. In preferred design, the flat section may be formed having an upper surface, a lower surface, and peripheral edges which are unobstructed to fluid flow so as to provide a means for encouraging the absorption of fluids therethrough. The upper surface is preferably formed having an impervious, non-absorbent coating that resists slippage of the elongated flat section when disposed within the mouth of a patient.

Abstract: A new type of dental impression device is disclosed, which aides in producing more accurate impressions. The device is a spring loaded device which holds a panel flat against the teeth. This panel is custom fabricated to fit against the teeth just below the height of contour. It temporarily yields a flattened surface, masking all of the irregular surfaces beneath it. The dental impression material may then be removed without the distortion caused by the associated stretching over the curves of the teeth.

Abstract: A moldable material formed over teeth with a second flowable material containing an astringent placed into the impression of the teeth in the moldable material providing retraction and hemostasis at the gum line. A moldable material, preferably a silicone, may contain an astringent such as aluminum ammonium sulfate is made into a mold of teeth. The impression formed in the mold of the teeth is filled with a less viscous or initially flowable material also containing an astringent. The mold with the flowable material is placed over the teeth. The initially flowable material preferably sets into a solid. The flowable material may be made of a condensation silicone having a base and catalyst. The mold helps to apply pressure to the flowable material which is transmitted to the gum tissue resulting in retraction and hemostasis.

Abstract: An element designed to achieve tissue regeneration in periodontal dental therapy, comprising a membrane insertable under the gingiva and made from a non-resorbable, biologically acceptable, non-porous elastomer material having a thickness in the range of approximately 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, the membrane being preformed according to pre-established shapes which depend on tooth size and shape, the membrane having at least one hole, each hole having a diameter smaller than that of a tooth to be treated.

Abstract: An expanding dental wedge structure to be used in association with dental matrix bands as used for placing dental restorative materials. The pre-expansion shape in cross section is roughly triangular with the dimensions of the triangle decreasing along the length ending in a pointed manner (FIG. 1). The wedge (FIG. 1) is to be inserted into the area between teeth, one of which is carrying a matrix band. After insertion, the wedge is exposed to moisture causing pronounced expansion (FIG. 2), which through equal pressure on the tooth surfaces and gingival tissues involved does: (a) press the matrix tightly against the tooth sealing out moisture contamination, (b) absorb moisture, drying the surgical field, and (c) decreases blood flow and subsequent bacterial and vital transmission.

Abstract: A dental retraction cord (or tape) for placement between a tooth and its adjacent gum tissue during dental impression taking and restorative procedures includes a thermoplastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (i.e. PTFE or Teflon) so that the cord is resistant to shredding, tearing, and sticking to dental restorative and impression taking materials. Additionally, chemical treatment of the cord may be avoided so as to reduce the risk of harmful side effects in chemically sensitive patients.

Abstract: A one-piece dental wedge comprised of a rigid core and an elastic outer component. Both the core and the outer component are comprised of biocompatible materials. The core may be comprised of a plastic, like a polymethyl methacrylate resin, wood, metal, or the like. The elastic outer component is comprised of an elastomer of either the gel or non-gel type.

Abstract: A periodontal packing device is provided comprising a plate having two through holes for a thread. A second set of holes can be provided for packing material. The thread is passed through the two through holes to form a thread loop adjacent one surface of the plate and two ends which are tied together adjacent a second surface of the plate.

Abstract: A dental isolation tray has an outer side wall, an inner side wall, and a roof which joins the inner and outer side walls. An aspiration conduit having spaced apart aspiration ports is molded into the peripheral edges of the side walls and into the interface between the interior side wall and the roof. An aspiration coupling is provided for fluidly connecting the aspiration conduit with a suction tube. A portion of the roof and outer side wall is pre-cut to expose the occlusal and buccal aspects of preselected teeth. An adjustable bite block is mounted on or adjacent to the roof of the tray and extends substantially perpendicular to the roof of the tray. The full arch tray may have one or two quadrants cut-out and may be placed on either the upper or the lower arch to completely cover the arch and associated alveolar ridge. A single quadrant tray may be formed as either a left hand tray or a right hand tray and can also be placed over either upper or lower arches.

Abstract: A gingival retraction cord tool comprising a handle which has a front end formed into an elongated barrel and a rear end formed into an enlarged body. The enlarged body includes an outer end which is movable relative to the elongated barrel. Extending through the elongated barrel and the enlarged body is a through hole and located within that through hole is a length of gingival retraction cord. From the front end of the elongated barrel the retraction cord is formed into a closed loop. Movement of the outer end is between a locked position and an unlocked position. When in the locked position the cord is not movable relative to the elongated barrel and when in the unlocked position the cord is movable relative to the elongated barrel. The loop is to be placed around a tooth with the cord to be moved relative to the handle to decrease the size of the loop and snugly locate the cord about the tooth. The loop is then further decreased in size by twisting of the handle to tightly locate the loop on the tooth.

Abstract: A disposable shield device which serves to keep food away from the gums and teeth during eating is made from an integral piece of thin plastic film having a substantially rectangular perimeter defined by opposed end edges and parallel first and second long edges. A compliant strip is positioned along the first edge for fitting against the front gum line. Two slits entering from the second edge define a center flap and paired outer flaps. An adhesive strip positioned on the center flap adjacent the second edge enable the outer flaps to securely overlap the center flap, thereby achieving close fit against the rear gum line.

Abstract: Sterile gauze dental packs for placement within a tooth extraction site socket to control bleeding by direct pressure. The packs are of various sizes and shapes so as to conform to differing extraction sockets for both adults and children. The sterile gauze prevents infection and the different configurations increase comfort, provides hemostasis by direct pressure, reduce infection risks, and minimize material waste.

Abstract: In apicoectomies, which are carried out after reaming out a bone cavity, treatment of a root is very often necessary. The corresponding fillings must be dry, and thus material separation of the exposed bone surface from the resection area is necessary so that no blood can enter the root region to be filled and, on the other hand, solid particles and any reagents which are necessary (for example for root canal irrigations) are unable to contact the bone cavity. An appliance is provided to allow complete lining of the bone cavity and to separate the latter materially from the root region to be filled. The lining has two layers of different and complementary function. The lining is pushed into the bone cavity using a suitable tool and, at the same time, is shaped to the surface of the cavity.

Abstract: An extractor for extracting by suction dust and vapor generated during dental treatment. The device includes a hood-like member (1) which is intended to be placed over the patient's teeth, and a suction device (2) having a suction nozzle located within the hood-like member (1). The hood-like member (1) has a part which faces towards the free ends of the teeth and which is provided with an opening (10) through which dental work can be carried out. The hood-like member is made from a readily-shapable and/or resilient material. Bendable inserts (11, 12, 50) can be placed in or on the walls (41, 42) of the hood-like member, on opposite sides of the opening (10). The part of the suction device located nearest the hood-like member includes a handle (63) by means of which the hood-like member can be placed over and held in position on the patient's teeth.

Abstract: A dental appliance promotes the healing of oral tissues, such as bone tissue, cementum, and periodontal ligament destroyed by periodontal disease. The appliance includes a flat piece of elastic material, connected at its two opposing edges to two pieces of a biocompatible membrane. The elastic material has one or more punch holes which allow the material to be fitted around a patient's teeth. The elastic material forms a barrier which protects the area of damaged tissue, and promotes regeneration of that tissue. The elastic seal minimizes intrusion of saliva and bacteria into the diseased area, and it is easily cleaned, thus preventing harmful bacteria from colonizing on the material, and prolonging the time during which the appliance can remain in the mouth. The membrane is held under the patient's gums. Due to the biocompatibility of the membrane, gum tissue becomes attached to the membrane, so that the appliance is firmly held in place for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A gingival retraction cord applicator comprising a substantially cylindrically shaped handle from which extends at one end thereof a loop of gingival retraction cord which is in the shape of a closed loop. The loop is to be placed around the tooth with the cord twisted by turning of the handle in order to decrease the size of the loop and snugly locate the loop on the tooth with the cord then being physically packed between the gum and the tooth.

Abstract: A dental appliance whereby the device isolate particular teeth from the tongue and body fluids within the patient's mouth, captures the residue from the treatment therein and props the patient's mouth open. The device comprises a flexible cup-shaped member comprising a bottom portion and at least one side with at least one aperture formed therethrough. A flexible sealing element comprising a slit therethrough sealingly covers the aperture. The aperture is sized and configured to receive at least one molar through the slit and the adjacent aperture so that the molar is received within the member and the sealing element seals the gap between the tooth and the device.

Abstract: A device and methods of use and manufacture are disclosed for controlled diffusion of chemical substances of interest intraorally. The device includes ported structure formed of material that is substantially impermeable to the substance of interest, an inner wall of which defines a compartment communicating through the ports with the exterior of the device. A dispersed layer is formed in the compartment of material having limited permeability, the layer being formed so that contact is maintained with the inner wall across the ports after formation, the ports and the layer thus providing a region of permeability to diffusion of the chemical substance of interest. In use, either the chemical substance of interest or a composition capable of binding itself to the chemical substance of interest is placed in the compartment and the device is positioned in the mouth of a subject where it may remain for extended periods.

Abstract: An absorbent sleeve formed to fit over at least the distal portion of a finger to absorb fluids and remove debris from constrained areas of the body such as canals and cavities, or to apply fluid substances is disclosed. The sleeve has an upper and lower portion which may be of equal length. In a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower portion are of differing lengths with the lower portion having an appendage attached thereto to facilitate safe and convenient removal of the sleeve after use. The sleeve also preferably has a fluid impermeable layer between an external surface of the sleeve and an inserted finger to create a fluid barrier. The sleeve may have a friction enhancing member to prevent unintentional removal of the sleeve during use.

Abstract: An absorbent dental device has an inner core roll of absorbent material adjustably telescoped within a hollow cylindrical outer roll of absorbent material. The adjustable positioning of the inner core roll within the hollow outer roll permits adjustably sizing of the device, while the pliant material of the rolls facilitates shaping of the device. The device may be used separately as a fluid and debris absorbing device within the patient's mouth during a dental procedure. The device may also be used as an aspirator cover to prevent damage of the mouth tissues and promote patient comfort while at the same time providing the aspirator with an extension of desired size and shape.

Abstract: The dental appliance includes a generally elliptical-shaped wire folded about a minor axis to form upper and lower, generally U-shaped sections having front and rearwardly extending leg portions. The leg portions are connected one to the other to enable resilient displacement of the upper and lower sections toward one another. In one form, a clamping element is pivotally secured to each of the upper and lower sections for securing a cotton roll between the element and sections whereby the cotton roll completely envelops the portions of the appliance which would otherwise bear against the soft tissue of the patient's mouth. In a further form, mesh is applied about the wire in lieu of the clamping element to secure a wrapping of flexible material about the wires forming the appliance, also protecting the soft tissues of the patient's mouth from the appliance.

Abstract: A method for retaining a dental dam comprises the steps of positioning a dental dam (11) over a plurality of teeth in the mouth of a patient; selecting a section of elastomeric cord (10); elongating the section to reduce the cross-sectional area thereof; interposing a portion of the elongated section between at least two adjacent teeth and over the dam; and allowing the section to expand toward its original cross-sectional area thereby prohibiting the removal of the dam from the teeth. Also provided in combination with a dental dam (11) having a plurality of individual holes to fit over a like plurality of teeth in the mouth of a patient, is an elastomeric cord (10) having a first, relaxed diameter and a second elongated diameter of lesser dimension than the first, the second diameter being interposed between a pair of adjacent teeth and over the dam in position with respect to the teeth, wherein the first diameter forms an elastomeric wedge between the teeth to retain the dam.

Abstract: A preformed dental barrier drape contoured to conform to the normal human oral cavity, including indices for cutting perforations to expose either one or a plurality of teeth at the crown, to include the sides and/or neckline and adjacent gingival tissue is provided. When positioned in a pateint's mouth, the dental barrier drape is draped over the teeth and other structures and features of the oral cavity with sufficient barrier material removed at required locations to expose the teeth and gum areas to be operated on. The barrier drape device may include an integral formable perimeter support structure and integral support structures along the alveolar arches. Various barrier drape retaining devices to retain the barrier device in position and seal the barrier drape material to the teeth at the neckline of a tooth are described.

Abstract: A mouth dam formed by cutting, punching or the like, each mouth dam from a sandwich of sheets of a thin, highly absorbing material, which sheets may be coated with a surfactant and further may include a flavor impregnated therein. Each mouth dam is cut, shaped or otherwise formed to be sealed at its edges, to have a length to width relationship where the length is three to four times the width, the width of the mouth dam ends is greater than at its center and the mouth dam sides slope uniformly from the center to the ends with an open area as a reservoir between the sealed mouth dam edges. A preferred mouth dam of the invention has a width at its ends that is from one-quarter (1/4) to five-eights (5/8) of an inch and a length that is from one to one and three-quarters (13/4) inch.

Abstract: A trauma dressing suitable for intraoral use, comprising an absorbent dressing to which is attached a retrieval strand, with the retrieval strand being sufficiently rigid to prevent collapse into the oral cavity of a patient, and the retrieval strand having a first end attached to the dressing and a second end which is sufficiently large so as to prevent entry into the oral cavity of the patient. Preferably, the retrieval strand is made of a plastic material and has a substantially T-shaped end attached to the dressing and a substantially ring-shaped end to prevent entry into the oral cavity of a patient. The free end of the retrieval strand may be attached outside the oral cavity to an attachment member such as an extrication collar.

Abstract: An improvement in an unitary preassembled intraoral dam for all dental procedures which comprises an extrudable thermoplastic polyurethane which is the reaction product of an aliphatic diisocyanate, a high molecular weight polyether diol, and a low molecular weight aliphatic diol. The improved polyurethane intraoral dam is impermeable to particles of 10 micrometers or greater, with a high degree of puncture and tear resistance, hemocompatibility, hydrolytic stability, non-cytotoxicity, thus guaranteeing the maintenance of a sterile operative field, and a high degree of prevention of contamination and infection for either patient or practitioner.

Abstract: A disposable shield stretching from the top of a wearer's head to his neck and including a mouthpiece which can be sealed to the skin, with the seal being disposed proximate to and extending along the entire length of the outer edges of an individual's lips. The mouthpiece is adapted to allow both of the lips to protrude through an opening in the shield when a person is holding his mouth wide-open as is required of dental patients. The shield further includes at least one panel of an air permeable, absorbent material situated contiguous with a wearer's nostrils to allow ample ventilation while simultaneously preventing the passage and subsequent inhalation or deposition on the eyes, skin, or hair of sodium bicarbonate- and debris-laden mists which are routinely deflected from a patient's mouth during the course of dental procedures.

Abstract: An air emitting light and shielding apparatus for dental treatment comprised of a pressurized air source connected to an adjustably positionable air emitting light formed so as to develop an air envelope substantially surrounding the face and oral cavity or other body parts of a patient residing in a selected position in the dental chair or other operating table including positions in which the patient may be tilted such that vapors, blood, saliva splash, dental particles, or other foreign matter propelled from the patient's oral cavity during drilling, air-water syringing, or the like, are deflected by the inner boundary of the air envelope and are transported downstream of the patient's oral cavity for collection on a disposable patient drape thereby preventing the same from reaching the face and respiratory tract of a dental team member operating on the patient.

Abstract: A gingival tissue retraction cord made, in the disclosed embodiment, of strands impregnated with suitable therapeutic preparations is stiffened with a stiffener strand, in the described example a copper wire threaded through the core of the cord. The stiffener is made of material which provides the cord with deformability, i.e. a feature whereby the cord can be bent but retains the bent or deformed state.

Abstract: A dental mask (A) is disclosed for protecting the facial area of a dental patient during dental work. The mask includes a mask frame (B) and a protective sheet (C). Latex (24) is used for protective sheet (C) having a medial opening (36) which fits about cheek retractors (12, 14) of mask frame (B). Support arms (26, 28, 30, and 20) support protective sheet (C) in a generally taut condition when the cheek retractors are inserted and retract the cheeks to expose an oral cavity (22) of the patient during dental work. Protective sheet (C) protects the surrounding facial area of the oral cavity, is inclined to provide proper breathing through the nose, and shields the eye area (42) against airborne contaminant particles which are likewise prevented from being deposited on the facial area of the patient.

Abstract: A dental throat shield includes a U-shaped support member having a pair of legs interconnected by a bight portion. A shield member is bowed or arcuate and made of a shape retaining yet flexible material so as to conform to and cover the throat area. A plurality of openings are provided in the shield member to permit the patient to breathe.

Abstract: A retraction cord is provided for use in uncovering and draining the preparation limit line of a tooth where the tooth emerges from gum tissue which is subject to bleeding during the course of conducting a procedure such as the taking of a dental impression, the cementing of a crown and the performance of conservative caries therapy. Practicing the method includes inserting said cord in a gingival crevice extending perimetrically of a tooth having a preparation limit line, where the tooth emerges from gum tissue, between the tooth and the gum tissue, and permitting the cord to absorb moisture so that the cord swells and thereby mechanically uncovers said preparation limit line and mechanically compresses said gum tissue, tending to stop bleeding of such gum tissue.

Abstract: A face shield device for protecting the wearer's eyes and face from debris, bacteria, and the like includes an arcuate transparent face shielding panel and a support for holding the face shielding panel in front of and spaced outwardly away from the wearer's face. The support is attached to the face shielding panel and lays on the wearer's chest. In one embodiment, the support is suspended from the wearer's neck by a flexible band which fits around the wearer's neck. In another embodiment, the support is suspended from the wearer's shoulders by shoulder engaging hook members. The face shield device may also include means to protect the wearer from ultra-violet radiation or other types of radiation harmful to the face and eyes.

Abstract: Dental mirrors are described that by virtue of their design and configuration are self-drying and have the capability of retracting the cheek away from the teeth being examined or worked on by the dentist, all with comfort for and safety to the patient. The mirrors have clips or the like to detachably secure an absorbent roll thereon. The absorbent roll, such as a cotton roll commonly used in the practice of dentistry for absorbing fluids from various regions of the mouth, is preferably positioned and secured in a substantially tangential position relative to a circular or elliptically-shaped mirror. This tangential position in turn may be varied relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate handle of the dental mirror, since the mirrors can be used for viewing and absorbing fluids from any region of the mouth.

Abstract: A cushioned oral X-ray plate packet as well as a cushion for use with an X-ray plate packet are provided. The cushion is made of compressed cellulose sponge material which expands in thickness when moistened. A cushion wrap is also disclosed for controlling the wetting and/or expansion of the cushion.

Abstract: A unitary preassembled disposable intra-oral rubber dam device comprises an annular resilient frame member such as a resilient plastic cord frame, and an elastic latex membrane, the perimeter of the membrane being secured to the frame member such that the membrane is maintained in substantially the same plane as the frame member. The annular frame member, having a predetermined configuration, has a memory characteristic such that when pressure applied to distort the frame member is relaxed the frame member returns to substantially its predetermined configuration.

Abstract: A stick absorber for the oral cavity comprising a bundle of fibers, the periphery of said bundle of fibers being wrapped with a water-permeable tape, and said tape being adhered at its joint with a binder. The stick absorber has high water absorbability and spacing effects, and does not release its constituent fibers into the oral cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dam frame for creating an operative field during endodontic surgery. The dam frame has at least two frame members connected by hinges to form a closed loop. The dam frame supports a rubber membrane. The frame members may be folded in relation to one another to provide easy access to the buccal cavity while maintaining the aspetic conditions surrounding the tooth or teeth isolated by the dam.

Abstract: Absorbers, such as cotton rolls or the like, which are used by dentists to absorb a patient's saliva flow and to space tissue such as the patient's cheek or tongue from the work area are impregnated with a soluble flavoring agent. Gradual release of the flavoring agent during dental procedures creates a pleasurable diversion for the patient which relieves stress and induces better cooperation with the dentist's operations.

Abstract: This is a shield made principally of a single sheet of filtering plastic, shaped in a convenient paddle configuration. The dimension of the filter-paddle is sufficient to block all direct and reflected light from the tooth of the patient that would possibly be seen by any personnel in the operatory. A portion of the paddle is provided with a magnifier which may be employed by the physician for closer inspection of the tooth being operated on. Additionally, a relatively thin intensity-filtering material is applied to the back of the light paddle so that the intensity of the filtered light is reduced for the increased comfort and protection of the physician.

Abstract: A dental roll having a wrapper or covering of nonwoven fibers surrounding an absorbent body of cellulosic fibers and wherein the wrapper is constructed to have greater stretchability radially of the absorbent body than lengthwise thereof so as to resiliently maintain the body in compacted, dense condition while permitting the dental rolls to readily conform to the contour of the mouth and lip of the patient.

Abstract: A face shield device for protecting the wearer's eyes and face from debris, bacteria, and the like includes a transparent face shielding panel and a support for holding the face shielding panel in front of and spaced outwardly away from the wearer's face. The support is attached to the face shielding panel and lays on the wearer's chest. In one embodiment, the support is suspended from the wearer's neck by a flexible band which fits around the wearer's neck. In another embodiment, the support is suspended from the wearer's shoulders by shoulder engaging hook members. The face shield device may also include means to protect the wearer from ultra-violet radiation or other types of radiation harmful to the face and eyes.

Abstract: An oral evacuation device and method is adapted for use in conjunction with a dam frame and a dam sheet, which overlie an operating area of the patient's mouth on which a selected procedure is to be performed. The oral evacuation device includes a hollow evacuation tube, having a first end shaped to communicate with a source of suction, and a second end which is flexible and has perforations along its length through which materials, such as saliva, debris, and the like are aspirated. The perforated end of the evacuation tube is threaded through two mating apertures in the dam sheet to form a flexible loop on the bottom side of the dam sheet. In use, the shape and orientation of the evacuation tube is adjusted to conform comfortably with the shape and oriientation of the patient's mouth, and extends into a rearward, lower portion of the patient's mouth in which saliva collects.

Abstract: A method for local delivery of chemotherapeutic agent (12) to a localized site in the mouth is disclosed. The method of delivery includes displacement or reflection of gingival tissues (20) from the tooth, in the area to be treated, to facilitate access to the periodontal lesion (16). A biodegradable, time-release microsphere (10) capsulating the chemotherapeutic agent is next positioned in the lesion (16). Accordingly, localized delivery of chemotherapeutic agent (12) continuously over a predetermined period of time is provided.