Abstract: A method and system are described for 3D digital endodontics characterized in that 3D imaging equipment such as a CT or MRI scanner, ultrasound or the like are used to digitize the infected tooth or teeth, a 3D representation of the root canal system is extracted from the image data and visualized on a computer screen, a surgical template is designed to guide the endodontic instruments to localize the root canal(s) intra-operatively and said guide is manufactured by means of a computer driven system (e.g. milling, rapid prototyping, etc.).

Abstract: A root canal filling system is provided that allows for better control of temperature delivery, position and/or compaction forces of filling material when sealing root canals. The system comprises a holder and a removable filler material delivery device. The delivery device allows for a thorough and precise heating of the filler material in vivo, provides information related to the position of the filler material at the time of filling, and increases the 3-dimensional packing forces applied to the filler material. The system can additionally include a base unit and/or a plugger. The system (1) analyzes the position of the filler material in the canal prior to heating and packing the filler material, (2) heats the filler material such that the filler material is of a substantially uniform temperature, and (3) allows for packing of the filler material while the delivery device is removed.

Abstract: An endodontic plugger comprises a plugging surface which contacts filler material that has been inserted into a prepared root canal. The plugging surface comprises a plurality of moveable plates which move independently of each other. The movable plates enable the plugger surface to automatically and substantially instantaneously adjust in size and/or shape in response to the cross-sectional size and/or shape of a root canal as the plugger surface passes along the root canal.

Abstract: A set of endodontic instrument adapted to remove material from walls of a root canal having a working portion with a relatively short working length. A substantially untapered nonworking portion of the instrument shaft with substantially parallel sidewalls and a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of the proximal end of the working portion extends from adjacent a proximal end of the working portion to the proximal end of the shaft. The working portions of the set of instruments have relatively small, slowly progressing taper rates.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to root canal obturation in a tooth. In one embodiment, a plug is positioned in a root canal and bonded to the root canal by applying a light-curing adhesive to the canal and exposing the plug to a light source to bond the plug to the root canal. In another embodiment, a carrier is disclosed having an optically transmissive plug portion for insertion into the canal. In still another embodiment, the plug portion of the carrier includes an optical fiber to transmit light from a light source into the plug portion. In still yet another embodiment, a filler material is heated and injected into the root canal in a semi-liquid state and exposed to light to cure the adhesive.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for cleaning or disinfecting a target region. A fluid including a plurality of gas bubbles is placed into an interaction zone. The interaction zone is a volume that extends into the target region or that is adjacent to the target region. The fluid in the interaction zone is exposed to electromagnetic radiation, where the electromagnetic radiation has a wavelength that is substantially absorbed by the fluid. The fluid in the interaction zone substantially absorbs the electromagnetic radiation to create an acoustic shock wave and a pressure wave. The acoustic shock wave and the pressure wave cause a movement of the fluid and cavitation effects that are configured to clean or disinfect the target region.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument with an elongate shaft and a plurality of inverted frusto-conical sections with radial cutting edge disposed along a working portion of the shaft.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument servicing system may comprise a socket-forming member that may include spaced wall members that define a socket. An at least partially open-cell foam body may be secured within the socket that is configured for cleaning contaminated instruments. The body may have an indentation force deflection greater than 120 pounds force (lbf) and be configured to substantially grip a rotating contaminated instrument in contact with the body without tearing the foam body.

Abstract: An endodontic activator is provided to facilitate the removal of pulp tissue, the smear layer, bacteria and related irritants from a root canal system. The activator is a sonically driven activator made from a strong, flexible, non-metallic, and non-cutting material. The activator can be smooth, flocked or brush-like. The activator comprises a snap-on coupler which is adapted to attach the tool to a driver without the use of tools. The activator can be provided with fluid passages which allow for irrigating reagents to be delivered into or vacuumed from the root canal space during endodontic procedures. By inducing sonic vibrations in the activator, hydrodynamic phenomena are induced in the solution in the root canal to enhance deep lateral cleaning of the root canal system of the tooth.

Abstract: Examples of apparatus, methods, and compositions for endodontic treatments are described. The apparatus can include a fluid platform configured to substantially retain fluid in a tooth chamber during treatment. The fluid platform can help maintain fluid circulation in the tooth chamber as fluid flows into and out of the tooth chamber. The apparatus can also include a pressure wave generator configured to generate acoustic waves that can be used for cleaning root canals and tooth surfaces in the tooth chamber. An access opening can be formed, and the pressure wave generator can be used to remove organic material from the tooth chamber. In some treatments, after cleaning, the tooth chamber can be only partially filled by an obturation material. In other treatments, substantially the entire tooth chamber can remain unfilled by the obturation material. After cleaning the tooth, the access opening can be sealed, using, e.g., a coronal seal.

Abstract: A method, and handpiece for performing the method, for controlling a drive device for moving a root canal instrument having a drive shaft and at least one cutting edge for preparing a root canal, and at least one drive motor being operated by a control unit. The root canal instrument is moved in at least one reciprocal movement in a first direction of rotation over a predetermined first angle of rotation and subsequently in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation over a predetermined second angle of rotation. After the at least one reciprocal movement, the root canal instrument is rotated over at least one third angle of rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of medical methods and equipment and in preferred embodiments to equipment and methods used in dentistry. In particular it relates to an apparatus for determining the location of the apex of a dental root canal wherein the apparatus allows the acquisition of more accurate data in a shorter time span.

Abstract: The invention includes a noninvasive method for characterizing dental pulpal vitality of a tooth including the steps of irradiating the tooth with at least partially coherent light, and speckle imaging to provide quantitative feedback to an end user of pulpal blood flow in the tooth, and the tangible records made by such a method. The invention also includes an apparatus for noninvasively characterizing dental pulpal vitality of a tooth comprising a source of at least partially coherent light for irradiating the tooth characterized by a speckle pattern, optics for directing the at least partially coherent light onto the tooth, including a corresponding pulpal cavity within the tooth, a detector for detecting transmission of the at least partially coherent light through the tooth, and a processor coupled to the detector speckle imaging to provide a quantitative feedback of pulpal blood flow in the tooth.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a hardenable dental composition comprising 1) providing a two-part hardenable dental composition, and 2) extruding the composition through a static mixer in fluid communication with a first reservoir containing the first part and a second reservoir containing the second part, wherein a plunger is positioned in each reservoir for simultaneously forcing both parts into the static mixer, extruding the composition through the static mixer, and dispensing the composition, and wherein an extrusion force is applied to the plunger for extruding the composition through the static mixer without the aid of a mechanical advantage provided by an attached or external device. Also disclosed is a method of bonding a prosthetic device to a dental structure using the dispensing method, a device for dispensing the composition using the dispensing method, a kit comprising the device, and the composition used in the dispensing method.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a nonlinear superelastic file comprising the steps of: providing a superelastic file having a shaft and a file axis; providing a fixture including a file groove being defined by one or more displacement members, the file groove configured for receiving the shaft; inserting at least a portion of the shaft into the fixture along the file groove, the portion of the shaft including a first portion of the shaft; contacting the first portion of the shaft with a first displacement member of the one or more displacement members such that the first portion of the shaft is displaced from the file axis thereby forming a first offset portion of the shaft; heating the portion of the shaft while inserted in the fixture to a temperature of at least about 300° C. for a time period of at least about 1 minute to shape-set the portion of the shaft thereby forming a shape-set nonlinear file.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for root canal treatments are provided. In some embodiments, an aiming element may be used to position a high-velocity liquid jet near a desired location in the tooth. Embodiments of the aiming element may include an interrupter that deflects or impedes the liquid jet when it is not desirable for the jet to propagate from the aiming element. Embodiments of the aiming element may include an elongated member that permits passage of the liquid jet through a channel. The elongated member may include one or more openings, for example, on sides and/or ends of the member. Some root canal cleaning techniques include one or more applications of the liquid jet followed by application of a disinfectant such as, for example, an aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite.

Abstract: A novel amorphous divalent metal ion salt for enhancing the manageability of a Portland cement and its application in dental field are disclosed. Typical formula (I), (II), or (III) of this amorphous metal ion salt are shown as following: M 2 + ? A x - ? B 2 - x - ( I ) M 2 + ? A y 2 - ? C ( 4 - y ) 4 2 - ( II ) M 2 + ? A z 3 - ? D ( 6 - z ) 9 3 - ( III ) wherein, M2+, A?, B?, C?2, D?3, x, y, and z are defined the same as the specification. A novel tooth filling material comprises: a Portland cement, a bone substitute substance, and an amorphous divalent metal ion salt with formula of (I), (II), or (III). In addition, a novel root canal filling material comprises: a Portland cement, a radiopaque substance, and an amorphous divalent metal ion salt with formula of (I), (II), or (III).

Abstract: A dental material comprising a symmetrically rod-shaped fiber-reinforced composite comprising at least two layers of preimpregnated fibers, wherein the preimpregnated fibers comprise fibers coated with a resin, wherein the layers are unbraided, and wherein each layer is unidirectionally disposed on the preceding layer in a direction that is different from the direction of the preceding layer. The rod-shaped composite may be hollow and contain a channel throughout the axial length of the rod or may contain a shaft or other material that is inserted into the channel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition resulting from the mixture of a solid phase, comprising at least one calcium derivative powder in association with at least one radioopacifier and at least one polymer and optionally at least one non-radioopaque filler, all in powder form; and aqueous phase comprising water, at least one water-reducing agent, and at least one set accelerator; the ratio of solid phase to liquid phase ranging from 1.0 to 2.5, preferably from 1.5 to 2.2, more preferably from 2 to 2.15; said composition having a compressive strength of less than 40 MPa, preferably ranging from 1 to 15 MPa, preferably ranging from about 3 to about 12 MPa; this invention also relates to a kit and a method for the manufacture of the composition, and to a method for treating or retreating a canal root.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental apparatus (1) for strengthening a tooth, comprising a heating means (15) for heating the dentin of the tooth. The dental apparatus (1) of the present invention can safely and effectively reinforce a tooth from which the dental pulp has been removed.

Abstract: Examples of apparatus, methods, and compositions for endodontic treatments are described. The apparatus can include a fluid platform configured to substantially retain fluid in a tooth chamber during treatment. The fluid platform can help maintain fluid circulation in the tooth chamber as fluid flows into and out of the tooth chamber. The apparatus can also include a pressure wave generator configured to generate acoustic waves that can be used for cleaning root canals and tooth surfaces in the tooth chamber. Examples of pressure wave generators include a liquid jet, an electromagnetic energy delivery device, and an ultrasonic device. The fluid can include antiseptic or antibacterial solutions to assist in tooth cleaning. The fluid may be degassed to have a reduced dissolved gas content (compared to non-degassed fluids used in endodontic treatments), which may improve the effectiveness of the pressure wave generation or the cleaning.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel non-obturation, regenerative technique “SealBio” of endodontic treatment involving regenerative potential of stem cells and signaling molecules, locally available in the peri-radicular region of teeth, wherein they are stimulated to induce healing and deposition of a natural barrier (seal) at the root apex.

Abstract: A reciprocating endodontic hand tool in which the torque applied to an instrument such as a debriding file does not exceed the elastic limit of the file. This reduces or eliminates opportunities for plastic distortion, fatigue and breakage of the file during the canal debriding/cleaning/shaping process. The rotational limits of the instrument may be set at levels that will not subject the instrument to a torque exceeding its elastic limit.

Abstract: A conical dental bur for endodontic procedures, including exploration, deep troughing, enlargement of orifices, and canal navigation is presented. The bur of the present invention has a narrow, conical bur head with cutting members along its length. The head of the bur of the present invention is mounted to a shank that tapers to the bur head, allowing microscopic observations of endodontic procedures. The bur may be manufactured of tungsten carbide, diamond, ceramics, or other materials. Burs according to the present invention of various shapes and sizes, suited for particular procedures, may be packaged together in kits. Methods of using the burs in endodontic procedures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dental composite material comprises a composite resin and an adjuvant with a concentration of more than 10% by weight of the dental composite material, wherein the adjuvant comprises more than 20% 1,6-Hexanediol Diacrylate (HDDA) by weight of the adjuvant, more than 20% Tripropylene Glycol Diacrylate (TPGDA) by weight of the adjuvant and a component selected from the group consisting of Ethyl Hexyl Acrylate (EHA), Isobornyl Acrylate (IBOA), 2 Hydroxy 3 Phenoxypropyl Acrylate (DM120) and the arbitrary compositions thereof with a concentration of more than 20% by weight of the adjuvant.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument with an elongate shaft and a plurality of inverted frusto-conical sections with radial cutting edge disposed along a working portion of the shaft.

Abstract: An endodontic probe is used to perform disinfection procedures on target tissues within root canal passages and tubules. The endodontic probe can include an electromagnetic radiation emitting fiber optic tip having a distal end and a radiation emitting region disposed proximally of the distal end. According to one aspect, the endodontic probe can include a porous structure that encompasses a region of the fiber optic tip excluding the radiation emitting region and that is loaded with biologically-active particles, cleaning particles, biologically-active agents, or cleaning agents for delivery from the porous structure onto the target tissues.

Abstract: The invention is a dental irrigator for delivering irrigant solution from an irrigation solution reservoir to the site of a dental procedure. The irrigator comprises: a hollow dental tool modified by the addition of one or more curved blades either formed directly on the neck of the tool or on a sleeve attached coaxially to the neck, one or more inlets associated with each of the curved blades, a housing that provides a watertight volume surrounding the inlets while allowing the tool to be freely moved with respect to the housing, and a supply hose, which conducts the irrigant solution at relatively low pressure from the reservoir to the housing. When the dental tool is attached to the distal end of a dental hand-piece and the hand-piece is activated causing the tool to move, irrigation solution enters the hollow interior of the neck of the tool and, as a result of the forces created by the motion of the curved blades, is delivered at relatively high pressure to the site.

Abstract: Water and aqueous sodium hypochlorite indicating endodontic monitoring devices include a cone-shaped water absorptive material and color changing system applied thereto that selectively changes to different colors when exposed to either water or aqueous sodium hypochlorite within a root canal chamber. The devices include a pH changing material, pH indicator, and pH insensitive dye. The dye imparts an initial color when the device is dry. The pH changing material and pH indicator react with water to yield a second color. In the presence of aqueous sodium hypochlorite, the device changes to a third color different from the initial color and second color as a result of bleaching the dye and/or pH indicator. Color changing devices are manufactured by applying an aqueous solution that includes a pH changing material and dye to a water absorptive cone, drying the cone, applying an anhydrous pH indicator solution, and then drying the cone again.

Abstract: Disclosed is a root canal filler for non-extracted tooth which causes no internal resorption or external resorption in a tooth with complete root formation, shows no odontoclast, and contributes to the regeneration of a dental tissue in which odontoblasts are smoothly aligned on the dentin wall. After pulpectomy or enlargement/cleaning of an infected root canal, a root canal filler for non-extracted tooth, which comprises tooth pulp stem cells and an extracellular matrix, is inserted into the apical side of the root canal of the non-extracted tooth. The tooth pulp stem cells may be, for example, dental pulp CXCR4-positive cells. It is preferred to attach, to the crown side of the root canal, migration factor(s) including at least one factor selected from among a cell migration factor, a cell proliferation factor, a neurotrophic factor and an angiogenic factor.

Abstract: Endodontically treated teeth can be restored with porcelain facial veneer restorations made of Zirconia, IPS emax Ceram layering ceramic and other porcelain materials. The facial and incisal surfaces of teeth are prepared minimally into enamel and the access opening for the root canal, closed with an inlay core preparation and modified post preparation made of the same materials. These give additional support to the clinical crown and prevent fracturing. The modified post is seated into a post barrier material of Super EBA, MTA, or any suitable cement that prevents the egress of moisture or microleakage to the apex of the root canal.

Abstract: A fiber optics dental post includes a resin body and plural fiber optics center shafts; wherein the resin body includes an outer peripheral face, a receiving irradiation portion, and a bottom; each of the fiber optics center shafts pierces through and is fixed in the resin body, and has a receiving irradiation end and a light-guide irradiation end; each receiving irradiation end placed on the receiving irradiation portion of the resin body is used to receive the light irradiating on the receiving irradiation portion, and each light-guide irradiation end is respectively placed on the outer peripheral face and at the bottom of the resin body, thus the light received by each receiving irradiation end is propagated to the outer peripheral face and the bottom of the resin body through the light-guide irradiation end for irradiation, so as to effectively enhance the adhesion strength of the dental post.

Abstract: A method and instrument for removing material from an internal portion of a tooth wherein the tool used to remove the material includes an elongate shaft extending from a first end to a second end; a cutting surface extending along a working portion of the elongate shaft; a handle attached to the first end of the elongate shaft, the handle including a first end and a second end; a projection attached to the elongate shaft and extending around a portion of the perimeter of the shaft substantially adjacent to the first end of the handle, wherein the projection provides a barrier to prevent a user's fingers from moving beyond the handle directly onto the elongate shaft.

Abstract: Certain novel polymerizable phosphoric acid derivatives (hereinafter referred to as monomers) comprising a polyalicyclic structure element, mixtures comprising one or a plurality of these compounds and corresponding curable blends and products as well as their respective use as a dental material or for the preparation of a dental material are described. The compounds are eminently suitable as bonding agents, in particular in dental adhesive materials. A process for preparing these compounds or mixtures and a method for preparing a product, preferably a product suitable for dentistry, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using botanical-based compositions to treat or prevent microbial dental disease. The claimed invention is directed to methods of using botanical-based compositions in a rinse, gel- or paste-like form to prevent microbe invasion of dental cavities, including the root canal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for the endodontic treatment of a root canal, comprising (i) an endodontic instrument; (ii) an endodontic handpiece having a drive motor for rotating the endodontic instrument releasably attached to the handpiece; (iii) a control unit for controlling the rotation of the endodontic instrument according to one or more predetermined rotational sequences; the rotational sequences comprising reciprocating the endodontic instrument by continuously sequentially rotating the endodontic instrument in a first direction followed by reversing the direction of rotation so that 0.5×???<? and 3??/??20, wherein ? represents a rotational angle in a direction in which the rotating endodontic instrument removes debris from the root canal, ? represents a rotational angle in the opposite direction, and ? represents the elastic angle of the endodontic instrument at which plastic deformation occurs in the direction of ?.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for prolonging the working time and setting time of a calcium sulfate hemihydrate paste by mixing calcium sulfate hemihydrate powder with an aqueous solution containing phosphate ions, so that the paste is suitable for operation and the resultant hardened calcium sulfate dihydrate block from the paste has an improved mechanical strength.

Abstract: Novel polymerizable compounds comprising a polyalicyclic structure element and certain functional groups, mixtures comprising one or a plurality of these compounds and corresponding curable blends and products as well as their respective use as dental material or for the preparation of a dental material are described. A method for preparing these compounds or mixtures and a method for preparing a product, preferably a product suitable for dentistry, are also described.

Abstract: A curable dental composition comprising a monomer with a polyalicyclic structure element that can be used for filling and/or sealing of a root canal is described. Also described is a composition useful as a dental material and a method for preparing such a composition. New polymerizable monomers comprising at least one polyalicyclic structure element and certain ethylenic structure elements, which are particularly suitable for use in a dental composition, and the use of the new monomers in a dental composition are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a curable dental retraction composition for reacting gingiva from a prepared tooth structure. The composition comprises an alginate, a di- and/or trivalent ion source, water, a retarder and a filler.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and related methods for oral health treatment of a subject. Compositions of the invention include an anti-oxidant enzyme, an anti-inflammatory agent, and a pharmaceutically acceptable buffer. In certain embodiments, the compositions are administered to the subjection in conjunction with teeth whitening, oral surgery, oral pathology treatment, endodontic therapy, periodontal therapy, dental restoration, preventative tooth cleaning, or subsequent to a pro-oxidant.

Abstract: A coated medical implant, such as a coated dental component, is provided, the coated medical implant including a substrate surface formed of a material comprising available hydroxyl groups and a silicon oxide coating layer chemisorbed on the substrate surface. A method for the preparation of such coated implants is also provided, the method involving application of the silicon oxide coating layer to the substrate surface by chemical vapor deposition. A dental structure is also provided, which includes a first dental component having a substrate surface formed of a material comprising available hydroxyl groups; a silicon oxide coating layer chemisorbed on the substrate surface; a silane coupling agent overlying and covalently attached to the silicon oxide layer; a dental cement overlying and coupled to the silane coupling agent; and a second dental component having a surface bonded to the dental cement.

Abstract: In an endodontic procedure, after the working of a root canal by instruments to remove material and shape the walls of the canal, irrigant is supplied via a microcannula. A vacuum is applied via a tube which is inserted partway down the root canal. The tube and microcannula pass through a material created by a standard dental filling material of a composite nature which provides a seal at a position near the top of the coronal opening. The irrigant is supplied in a manner sufficient to ensure delivery to a side vent of the microcannula. The vacuum at the end of tube draws the irrigant and debris up from the apex of the root canal into the tube. The side vent may have a plurality of more round holes, a diagonal slit, or a U shaped slit, or any other shape. The vent opening should not extend more than approximately 0.

Abstract: Endodontic fibers comprising a biocompatible polymer vehicle permeable to medicaments, or combinations of medicaments are described. Such fibers can be used, for example, in a method for the local delivery and sustained release of medicaments to periodontal or intracanal treatment sites. Endodontic fibers described include modified periodontal fibers and intracanal fibers.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument with an elongate shaft and a plurality of inverted frusto-conical sections with radial cutting edge disposed along a working portion of the shaft.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a dental and medical biomaterial and its use for sealing and/or filling the tooth and bone cavities. In the embodiments herein, the calcium salt, calcium oxide, calcium silicate, and calcium phosphate compounds are mixed with a water-base solution, and a bioactive phosphate and calcium enriched mixture is prepared. The mixture comprises high concentration of water-soluble calcium and phosphate, and consequently forms hydroxyapatite during and after setting. The dental/medical biomaterial is biocompatible, antibacterial and capable of forming an effective seal against reentrance of microorganisms into the filled cavity. The biomaterial is compatible to handle and set in an aqueous environment and to stimulate soft/hard tissue healing/generation/regeneration.

Abstract: Endodontic fibers comprising a biocompatible polymer vehicle permeable to medicaments, or combinations of medicaments, wherein the biocompatible polymer vehicle comprises one or more biocompatible and/or biodegradable polymers are described. Such fibers can be used, for example, in a method for the local delivery and sustained release of medicaments to periodontal or intracanal treatment sites. Endodontic fibers described include periodontal fibers and intracanal fibers.

Abstract: A handset includes a high power LED and a vibrator. An optical tip includes a stepwise tapered portion for insertion into a root canal. The optical tip is used in combination with the vibrator for distributing a photosynthesizer in a root canal. The optical tip is used in combination with the LED for activating the photosynthesizer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cone material in endodontic treatment. The cone material comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane and a filler. The thermoplastic polyurethane is formed by a. isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) or hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), b. poly(butyleneadipate) glycol (PBA) and c. chain extender, wherein the molar ratio of PBA and the diisocyanate is equal to or more than 0.8. By changing the molar composition of the components such as polyol and diisocyanate, physical and chemical property of the disclosed cone material in endodontic treatment can be adjusted.

Abstract: An apex locator for measuring a root canal apex, comprising: a first connection adapted for removably electrically connecting the apex locator to a file or reamer held by a motorized handpiece; and a second connection connected to a lip hook.