Abstract: A dental pliers and method for loosening teeth from an underlying bone and gum. Pivotally connected handles which each include a user grasping portion. The first handle terminates in an arcuately extending beak exhibiting a narrowed blade edge. The second handle terminates in an opposing pad support with an ergonomic configuration substantially matching that of the patient's gum line. Upon positioning the support along a buccal location at or below the gum line, and upon aligning the beak in abutting fashion against a lingual surface of a tooth, the pad support defines a center point of rotation proximate to an edge location of the gum line and bone. The handles are subsequently rotated in an outward fashion away from the patient's gum line to separate the tooth and its roots from the patient's gum line and bone.
Abstract: An extraction device and method for extracting some or all of a tooth from a patient, such as the root of the tooth, are disclosed. One embodiment of the device includes an extraction burr having helical structure with a positive slope transition portion, and in that manner is distinguishable from a common screw. The helical structure may be configured and shaped such that there is little frictional force placed on the burr as it enters into a tooth. Once the burr enters the tooth the configuration and shape of the burr may provide for increased friction between the tooth structure and the burr, thereby causing the burr to grip the tooth structure and maintain the burr as he tooth is extracted. The extraction burr may include a partial-spiral flute or groove formed in a tip thereof.
Abstract: An emergency kit of orthodontic tools and components comprising a portable and foldable case which contains a pliers-like wire cutting tool, an elongated plastic rod to effect movement of cut wire ends away from the user's gums, a small container of dental wax, a mouth mirror, and at least one sanitizing wiping cloth. The kit facilitates a user thereof to make minor corrections to braces to relieve discomfort associated with loose or broken wires.
Abstract: A tartar remover, particularly useful for removing gross tartar deposits from the teeth of dogs and cats, includes first and second elongate members mounted to another at a central pivot. The elongate members include handles on one side of the pivot and jaws on the other side of the pivot. The first jaw tip has a transversely oriented cutting edge with sharp corners to engage the gross tartar deposits. The length of the second jaw, measured from the pivot to the tip of the jaw, is about 3 mm longer than the length of the first jaw. The tartar remover is used by first placing the inner surface of the second jaw against the tip of a tooth. The cutting edge of the first jaw is then positioned under the gross tartar deposit so that when the handles are squeezed, the tartar is cracked off the tooth.