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: A canal anchoring post formed by a single composite material comprising at least an organic matrix, particles and fibers. The particles and fibers are distributed in the organic matrix with respective volume proportions varying progressively and radially from the central longitudinal axis to the periphery of said post. In addition, the respective variations of the volume proportions of particles and fibers are opposite and the sum of the volume proportions of particles and fibers is radially constant from the central longitudinal axis to the periphery of said post.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition based on calcium aluminate cement (CAC) for application in endodontics, comprising: (a) a cement—Al2O3 (>68.5 wt %), CaO (<31 wt %), SiO2 (0.3-0.8 wt %), MgO (0.4-0.5 wt %), and Fe2O3 (<0.3 wt %); (b) additives: dispersant at a content of 0.4 to 0.8% by weight of the cement, a plasticizer at a content of 2.0 to 4.0% by weight of the cement, and a radiopaque agent at a content of 20 to 35% by weight of the cement; and (c) water, wherein water/cement ratio lies in the range of 0.19-0.24 in the presence of additives. Cementitious product obtained thereof, after setting time, is also disclosed and characterized by enhanced properties when compared to the most used commercial repair cement, MTA.

Abstract: A method treating a root canal in a tooth by introducing into the pulp chamber of a tooth and pulsing a laser light into the fluid reservoir so as to disintegrate pulp within the root canal without generation of any significant heat in said liquid fluid so as to avoid elevating the temperature of any of the dentin, tooth, or other adjacent tissue more than about 5° C.

Abstract: The application of a dental material to a site in the oral cavity includes the application of vibrational energy and heat to the dental material in order to substantially impart a preselected or desired viscosity to the dental material.

Abstract: An ultrasonic liquefaction endodontic system having a graspable hand piece includes a contra-angle tip assembly that has an insert and an internal fluid flow passageway. A portion of the fluid flow passageway passes through a C-shaped receiver located at the end of the receiver so that an ultrasonic frequency may pass directly to the fluid flowing through the passageway. The fluid flow passageway may be an injection tube and the tubular body portion of the tip assembly may be injection molded around the injection tube and the insert. A supply tube, which is held in position by tube guides connected to the hand piece, provides a source of flushing fluid with and without pulsed pressure. The fluid pressure pulses may have an ultrasonic energy superimposed thereon as the fluid is forced into a root canal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of regenerating tooth pulp in a mammal is provided. The method comprises removing at least a portion the existing tooth pulp of a mammal and adding amelogenin protein to the existing tooth pulp of the mammal to regenerate tooth pulp in a mammal. In another embodiment, a method of treating necrotic tooth pulp of a mammal is provided. The method comprises providing at least one necrotic tooth pulp of a mammal with an amelogenin protein. In yet another embodiment, a kit for regenerating tooth pulp in a mammal is provided. The kit comprises an adequate amount of amelogenin protein for regenerating tooth pulp in a mammal and instructions for applying the amelogenin protein to at least one tooth pulp of the mammal.

Abstract: To reduce the production costs for medical instruments (preferably endodontic root canal files) and increase their attractiveness to dentists/doctors, a medical instrument assembly is provided, which is made by metal injection molding and comprises at least two medical instruments (1-6) and a runner (7a, 7b) that interconnects said at least two medical instruments (1-6) and is formed integrally therewith. Each of the at least two medical instruments (1-6) have a grip portion (13-15; 23-25) at a distal end that offers a grip for a hand or a tool such as a dental hand-piece, and each of the medical instruments (1-6) is removable from the runner (7a, 7b) by breaking it away from the runner (7a, 7b), irrespective of an adjacent medical instrument. The medical instruments may be of the same or of different size, may be disposable, and the assembly preferably is sterile and contained in a closed sterile package.

Abstract: An endodontic file has at least a central longitudinal cord, a helically wound wire at least partially surrounding the cord and an elastomeric grip partially covering the helically wound wire near a first end thereof. The elastomeric grip has an outer diameter that is slightly wider than an internal diameter of a barrel of a dental instrument whereby on insertion into the barrel it is supported therein only by friction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include devices and methods that provide an effective endodontic drill bit to drill postholes for use in root canals and similar or related dental procedures. In particular, example embodiments of the present invention provide an endodontic drill bit that can be used by a dental professional to drill a posthole with a particular diameter, while at the same time causing the side wall surfaces of the posthole to include a texture that can increase the mechanical retention of a dental post in the posthole. In example embodiments, the endodontic drill bit includes an abrasive grit that is attached or is part of the land of the endodontic drill bit.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite post having an inner core section or rod fabricated of fibers impregnated in a resin matrix and an out sheath of fibers arranged in the form of a mesh. The sheath comprises an interior and an exterior surface, whereby the interior surface is attached to and embedded in the resin matrix of the rod and the exterior surface has dry, unimpregnated fibers.

Abstract: An electronic device for locating the apex of a root canal within a tooth of a dental patient has a display screen on a display component to provide an image indicating when the apex of a root canal has been located. A free end of a first electrical lead is provided for placement within the root canal or in contact with an electrically conductive tool within the root canal. A free end of a second electrical lead is used to establishing a ground on a conductive portion of the dental patient such as a tissue surface within the mouth. The opposite ends of each of the leads is connected to the display component. Removeably attached to the display component is a lead carrier. The detachable lead carrier and the leads mounted thereon can be sterilized as a unit and then attached to the display component, which is bagged in a sterile barrier, for performing the apex locating procedure.

Abstract: In various embodiments of a method for filling root canal spaces, the root canal spaces are cleaned and irrigated, for example, by any suitable endodontic procedure, and the irrigating liquid is not removed from the canal spaces prior to filling. In some embodiments, a hydrophobic filler material is introduced into the root canal spaces while they are filled with liquid. As the canal spaces are filled, the hydrophobic filler material displaces the liquid and drives it out of the canal spaces, towards the crown of the tooth, where it can be removed. The hydrophobic filler material may comprise magnetically responsive particles having a hydrophobic surface coating that are compacted into the root canal spaces by application of a magnetic force field. In other embodiments, hydrophilic filler material in a flowable phase is introduced into the canal spaces where it partly displaces and partly absorbs the irrigating liquid before solidifying.

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: The apical third of a root canal is cleaned and/or shaped during a root canal procedure with an endodontic file made from a titanium-based alloy either by reciprocating manual use or by using a reciprocating powered hand piece. The titanium-based endodontic file has super-elastic properties that allow it to be very flexible and strong. The endodontic file is rotated in the apex of a root canal in degrees of rotation less than 120 degrees. By restricting the degree of rotation, excessive cutting by the endodontic file is kept to a minimum. The use of elastic alloys of titanium help prevent ledging or other damage to the root canal wall that may be caused using rigid apical files made of stainless steel.

Abstract: A method treating a root canal in a tooth by introducing into the pulp chamber of a tooth and pulsing a laser light into the fluid reservoir so as to disintegrate pulp within the root canal without generation of any significant heat in said liquid fluid so as to avoid elevating the temperature of any of the dentin, tooth, or other adjacent tissue more than about 5° C.

Abstract: Provided are methods for performing a dental, endodontic or root canal procedure on a mammalian tooth in need thereof. Also provided are matrices, materials or scaffolds suitable for insertion into a tooth pulp chamber. Additionally provided are uses of any of the above matrix, material or scaffolds in a dental, endodontic or root canal procedure. Further provided are uses of any of the above matrices, materials or scaffolds for the manufacture of a medicament for a dental, endodontic or root canal procedure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an endodontic sealer which comprises a urethane-monoacrylate oligomer, a diluting monomer, at least one photo-initiator, at least one thermal-initiator, and a filler, wherein the urethane-monoacrylate oligomer is obtained by firstly reacting the acrylate with the diisocyanate to form an intermediate with only one isocyanate group, and then reacting the intermediate with the polyol to form the desired urethane-monoacrylate oligomer.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are directed to antimicrobial compositions and articles that release ?NO from the composition and/or article in an amount effective to prevent gingival and other oral mucosal diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods for administering at least one effective dose of at least one therapeutic substance to at least one of the maxillary sinuses of a patient in need thereof. Alternate embodiments may comprise administration of the at least one effective dose of at least one therapeutic substance to both maxillary sinuses, where the administered therapeutic substance(s) are either the same or differ from sinus to sinus. Still further alternative embodiments may comprise more than an initial effective dose administered to a patient's maxillary sinus(es), so that the therapeutic substance may be delivered over time, thereby requiring a larger dose be deposited within at least one of the maxillary sinuses so that the maxillary sinus(es) serve as a therapeutic substance depot for long-term release to the target structure(s).

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention include compositions, materials, and methods that provide a single component tooth root sealer. The single component tooth root sealer can be designed to moisture cure at temperatures found within the human mouth. Examples of the single component tooth root sealer can include silicone compositions, such as condensation silicones of the alkoxy, acetoxy, and oxime type. Further examples of the single component tooth root sealer can include UV/visible light-initiators, antimicrobial agents, and radio-opaque compounds.

Abstract: A laser tip, and method for the use thereof, is described for utilization in medical and dental applications. Specifically, a tip with an increased photoacoustic wave emission capability is formed by beveling the tip and further enhanced by stripping the adjacent sheath. Preferably, this conic and/or stripped tip section is surface modified, for example, by texturing, derivatization or metalization. In the field of endodontics the tip is inserted into a solution that has been introduced into a root canal and the pulsed laser is fired. The resulting generation of an enhanced photoacoustic wave propagates through the solution. These photoacoustic waves turbulently clean the interior of the root and lateral canal systems and/or causes cell lysis and dissolution of inorganics in biotic systems.

Abstract: A dental filling material comprising a polybutylene polymer having a molecular weight of about 10,000 to about 100,000 and being viscoelastic at about 20° C. The composition may include other polymeric resins, fillers, plasticizers and other additives typically used in dental materials. The filling material is used for the filing of root canals.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods for using a liquid jet apparatus for dental treatments are disclosed. In one implementation, the liquid jet apparatus may include a handpiece configured to deliver a high velocity liquid jet to a desired location in the mouth of a patient. The handpiece may include a positioning member having a channel through or along which the jet can propagate. The positioning member may have a distal end portion configured to be at least partially disposed in a pulp cavity, canal space, or opening in the tooth under treatment. During operation, the jet may impact an impingement surface of the distal end portion of the positioning member and be deflected as a spray through one or more openings in the distal end portion. The liquid jet apparatus may be used for root canal treatments.

Abstract: The present invention is a bioactive endodontic material and its use for filling the tooth and bone cavities. The present invention, by using calcium salt, calcium oxide, calcium silicate, and calcium phosphate compounds as essential constituents, and mixing them with a water base solution, prepares a bioactive calcium and phosphate enriched material. The enriched material (cement) comprises high concentration of water-soluble calcium and phosphate, and immediately forms hydroxyapatite during and after setting. The cement is biocompatible, antibacterial, capable to form an effective seal against reentrance of microorganisms into the filled cavity, compatible to handle and set in an aqueous environment, and able to stimulate hard tissue healing.

Abstract: Dental obturators are used in the preparation of root canals in teeth. The subject obturators are so constructed that they bind at a particular distance into the canal, thereby precluding possible damage at the end of the canal. The obturator is used for positioning of a sealing material placed on a carrier portion of the obturator into the root canal. Disclosed are a variety of structural configurations on a tapered surface of the carrier portion is disclosed.

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: Improved compositions comprising a mixture of particulate materials with water-based liquids containing water-soluble polymers and surfactants are provided. Examples of particulate powders include mixtures of calcium silicate, calcium aluminate, calcium sulfate, and hydroxyapatite. Examples of water-soluble polymers include polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetates, polyacrylic acid, and polymethacrylic acid. Surfactants such as sodium dodecyl sulfate are added to the composition to interact with the polymeric materials. The compositions are particularly suitable for sealing and obturating dental root canals and root apices. The composition provides a stable barrier to bacterial and fluid leakage in the root canal system of a tooth. In addition, the compositions help promote the growth of new bone and tissue surrounding the root-tip area or dentin tissue that covers an injured or amputated pulp.

Abstract: An easily removable dental curable composition which prevents the fall or leakage of a temporary prosthetic appliance or a root canal filling material which is easily removed by bonding and adhering it to tooth, shows such high flowability that its operation is easy, has a long working time and excellent X-ray contrast properties and sealability and can be easily removed as required, and a filling kit.

Abstract: A rotatable file dental treating device (1) driven by a motor (2) includes elements (3, 18) for determining a root-canal position instruction related to a tooth apex, elements (4) for stopping the motor according the file (1) position with respect to the position instruction and first members (5, 6) for measuring and calculating the canal length (L) remaining between the file and the position instruction. The device includes second members (7, 7a, 7b) for calculating a value (D) derived from the remaining canal length and third members (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e) for combining the derived value and the remaining canal length and the combination of the derived value. The canal length produced by the calculating elements (6, 7, 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e) controls the motor turn-off in such a way that the rotation of the file is stopped in anticipation of the position instruction.

Abstract: The invention describes polymerisable compositions which contain higher molecular weight di(meth)acrylates, curing agents and X-ray-opacifying additives, which result in fully cured, readily removable materials and which are especially suitable for filling and sealing root canals.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a hyperbranched compound and a polymer prepared from reactants comprising at least one (meth)acrylate monomer, and dental filling compositions comprising a hyperbranched compound.

Abstract: An apparatus is described, for endodontic treatment, whereby the operations for complete removal of connective, vascular and nervous tissues in the pulp cavity and in the root canals can be automatically carried out by chemical and pharmacological disintegration and by employing suitable enzymatic solutions such as trypsin at various degrees of dilution. The use of positive-displacement pumps guarantees that precise quantities of the chemical substances are used in the stages of emptying, disinfection, washing, drying and final filling of the root canals and of the pulp cavity. Temperature control of the fluids in circulation ensures that reaction times of the chemical substances used can be repeated at each cycle.

Abstract: Methods employing an electric field for disinfection of a root canal preparation during an endodontic procedure. A monopolar electrode probe sized and configured for insertion into a root canal of a tooth is inserted within the root canal preparation. A ground electrode is electrically connected to the patient to complete the circuit with the monopolar electrode probe. An electrical voltage is applied between the probe and ground, resulting in virtually no current flow between the electrodes, but rather the generation of an electric field within the root canal and adjacent dental tissues. The electric field kills microbes within the root canal system of the tooth without significant heating or damage to surrounding dental tissue.

Abstract: A method of treating a dental periapical lesion at an apex of a tooth root canal, by accessing the dental periapical lesion via the root canal; and removing the dental periapical lesion via the root canal. In the described preferred embodiments, the dental periapical lesion is accessed via an opening made in the tooth crown leading to the root canal; and the dental periapical lesion is removed by passing a rotary ablating device through the tooth crown, the root canal, and the apex, into engagement with the periapical lesion, rotating the ablating device to ablate the dental periapical lesion, and removing debris produced by the ablation of the periapical lesion via the root canal.

Abstract: During root canal procedures, pulp may be removed from a tooth without disturbing the dentin by directing pulses of a heated liquid onto the pulp at particular temperatures and pressures to liquefy or gellify the pulp. The liquefied or gellified material is then aspirated away using the methods and apparatuses described herein. In some embodiments the heated liquid also functions to kill bacteria that may be present within the tooth.

Abstract: Activating endodontic points and dental tools are sized and configured to be placed in the root canal of a tooth. The activating endodontic points or dental tools are coated or impregnated with a curing agent that initiates or accelerates polymerization of a sealer or filler composition when placed in contact with the sealer or filler material. Curing agents can include amines that can destabilize a peroxide in the sealer or filler material to initiate or accelerate polymerization, or they may comprise the peroxide. An implement can be dipped in a concentrated curing composition just prior to inserting the implement into a root canal to contact the filler or sealer composition. Kits may include a plurality of curing agent compositions having different concentrations and/or amounts of curing agent. Kits may also include a curable resin material that includes a first part of a multi-part curing system and a curing composition that includes, as curing agent a complementary part of the curing system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treating a root canal in a tooth or hard and/or soft tissue within a tooth and surrounding tissues by pulsing a laser light into a reservoir, preferably after introducing liquid fluid into the reservoir, so as to disintegrate, separate, or otherwise neutralize pulp, plaque, calculus, and/or bacteria within and adjacent the fluid reservoir without elevating the temperature of any of the dentin, tooth, bones, gums, other soft tissues, other hard tissues, and any other adjacent tissue more than about 5° C.

Abstract: A pulp chamber locator assists a dentist in performing a root canal procedure. The device includes a generally circular plate and a plurality of struts extending from the plate. The plate has a hole in the vicinity of its center. The device is inserted over a tooth, such that the struts engage the cemento-enamel junction of the tooth. The hole then indicates the proper point of entry for a dental instrument. The device may also include a rotatable indicator for showing the proper angle of entry, to insure that the instrument reaches the pulp chamber of the tooth. The dentist adjusts the position of the indicator, based on information provided by an X-ray or equivalent, and positions the dental instrument so as to be generally parallel with the indicator.

Abstract: A dental filling material comprising an inner core and outer layer of material disposed and surrounding the inner core, both the inner core and outer layer of material each containing a thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer may be biodegradable. A bioactive substance may also be included in the filling material. The thermoplastic polymer acts as a matrix for the bioactive substance. The composition may include other polymeric resins, fillers, plasticizers and other additives typically used in dental materials. The filling material is used for the filing of root canals.

Abstract: Improved compositions comprising a mixture of gutta-percha and a hydraulic material containing calcium silicate, calcium aluminate, calcium phosphate, and calcium sulfate compounds are provided. Preferably, the composition includes hydroxylapatite mineral. The composition is particularly suitable for obturating and sealing dental root canals. The composition should provide a stable barrier to bacterial and fluid leakage in the root canal system of a tooth. In addition, the composition should help promote the growth of new bone and tissue surrounding the root tip area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a root canal filler, which is powdery and is composed of mineral trioxide aggregate including a CaO—SiO2—Al2O3 compound, with a residual CaO content of 0.7 wt % or less. This root canal filler is suitable for use in orthograde canal filling, prevents root fracture from occurring, is of very low impurity so as to exclude components hazardous to the human body, and has the property of being easy to introduce. A method of manufacturing the root canal filler is also provided.

Abstract: Kits and methods facilitate chair-side coating of an endodontic cone for improved sealing between the hydrophilic root canal tissue, the hydrophobic elastomer substrate of the endodontic cone, and a hydrophilic sealing resin. The kit includes one or more endodontic cones (e.g., formed of gutta percha) and a micro-dose container containing an adhesive composition. The practitioner can dip the cones into the adhesive composition so as to coat the cones chair-side, just prior to use. The adhesive composition includes an adhesive resin compound comprising at least one hydrophobic region and at least one hydrophilic region. The hydrophobic region is compatible with the hydrophobic elastomer substrate of the endodontic cone, while the hydrophilic region is compatible with a hydrophilic endodontic sealing resin.

Abstract: The invention is an instrument for cleaning and/or shaping and/or widening a channel that exists in or through a solid object. The design of the instrument the superelastic and shape memory properties of the material from which it is made, allow the inner volume enclosed by the instrument, its outer contour, or both to change as a result of the forces exerted upon it while working, thereby shaping the instrument to the three-dimensional contour of the channel. A preferred embodiment of the instrument is an endodontic file for use in the cleaning, shaping, and widening stages of a root canal procedure.

Abstract: In various embodiments of a method for filling root canal spaces, the root canal spaces are cleaned and irrigated, for example, by any suitable endodontic procedure, and the irrigating liquid is not removed from the canal spaces prior to filling. In some embodiments, a hydrophobic filler material is introduced into the root canal spaces while they are filled with liquid. As the canal spaces are filled, the hydrophobic filler material displaces the liquid and drives it out of the canal spaces, towards the crown of the tooth, where it can be removed. The hydrophobic filler material may comprise magnetically responsive particles having a hydrophobic surface coating that are compacted into the root canal spaces by application of a magnetic force field. In other embodiments, hydrophilic filler material in a flowable phase is introduced into the canal spaces where it partly displaces and partly absorbs the irrigating liquid before solidifying.

Abstract: Activating endodontic points and dental tools are sized and configured to be placed in the root canal of a tooth. The activating endodontic points or dental tools are coated or impregnated with a curing agent that initiates or accelerates polymerization of a sealer or filling composition when placed in contact with the sealer or filler material. Curing agents can include amines that can destabilize a peroxide in the sealer or filler material to initiate or accelerate polymerization. Kits are also disclosed that include a plurality of endodontic points or dental tools that have different concentrations of curing agent coated on or impregnated within the endodontic points or dental tools such that the endodontic points or dental tools have different cure times. In another kit, a plurality of curing agent compositions are provided for dipping a substrate to coat or impregnate substrates having different concentrations of curing agent.

Abstract: A preparation contains an aqueous liquid part, a solid part comprising at least one silicate selected from tricalcium silicate Ca2SiO5 and dicalcium silicate Ca2SiO4; and calcium chloride CaCl2 and a water reducing agent which are both contained in at least one of the aforementioned parts. According to the invention, the solid part and the liquid part are intended to be mixed in order to obtain the material. The preparation can be used to restore a mineralized substance, particularly in the dental field.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument and method for making same is provided. A rod of superelastic material is set into a shaped configuration to form an instrument, such that the instrument may be inserted into a root canal in a configuration different than the shaped configuration and revert towards its shaped configuration during the endodontic procedure.

Abstract: A root canal is filled and/or sealed using a hydrophilic sealing composition, optionally in combination with other filling materials. The sealing composition may include one or more resins that promote adhesion to hydrophilic dental tissues. The composition may be introduced into the root canal using a narrow cannula coupled to a high pressure hydraulic delivery device. In the case where a chemical cure composition is used to seal the root canal, a chemical initiator can be used to cause the mixed composition to harden over time. Hardening of at least a portion of the composition can be accelerated by including a photoinitiator and irratiating the mixed composition with radiant energy (e.g., from a dental curing lamp).