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: A kit of dental sub-kits for use in placing a dental post in a prepared recess (e.g., a root canal) of a person's tooth. The kit includes a tray having an interior recess configured to removably receive therein a plurality of individual dental sub-kits. Each sub-kit may have an associated color, number, letter, or other marking to distinguish it from at least one other sub-kit within the kit. The color or marking associated with each sub-kit identifies the size of components contained within the sub-kit. Each sub-kit includes a finishing drill and one or more permanent dental posts. Each sub-kit may optionally include a starter drill and/or a dental post analog. Each sub-kit and its contents may be disposable or autoclavable.

Abstract: An adhesive endodontic cone is chemically compatible with endodontic sealant resins, including hydrophilic resins used for sealing a root canal chamber. The adhesive endodontic cone comprises a hydrophobic elastomer substrate that is sized and shaped so as to be at least partially insertable into an exposed root canal of a tooth. The cone includes an adhesive attached to at least a portion of a surface of the cone so as to render the cone more chemically compatible with a hydrophilic endodontic resin. The adhesive includes a hydrophobic portion that is chemically compatible with the hydrophobic elastomer substrate and a hydrophilic portion that is chemically compatible with a hydrophilic resin.

Abstract: Water-indicating endodontic monitoring devices include an endodontic cone formed of a water absorptive material, and a chemical indicator comprising at least one cobalt salt applied to the water absorptive material. Alternatively, the water-indicating endodontic points may include a pH-changing material and a pH-sensitive indicator. The devices are manufactured by applying an aqueous solution that includes a moisture sensitive color-changing chemical indicator to the endodontic cone. The solution may be applied by spraying, dipping, or otherwise coating or impregnating the material. Once applied, the endodontic cones are dried so as to be substantially free of moisture. In use, the endodontic cone may be inserted into the root canal of a patient, and when withdrawn, a change in the color of the chemical indicator indicates the presence of moisture within the root canal.

Abstract: A contra-angled driver receives an endodontic activator to induce vibrations and/or oscillations in the activator at sonic frequencies. The driver includes a quick connect/disconnect to allow for quick and simple mounting and dismounting of the activator.

Abstract: An endodontic obturator comprising a shaft section and a filler section fabricated of the same material and formed as a single unit. A handle section may be included and may be formed integrally with the shaft section and filler section as a single unit, or may be fabricated separately and attached to the single unit containing the shaft section and the filler section. An endodontic post is provided having a post section and a filler section fabricated of the same matrix material to provide a cohesive bond between the two sections.

Abstract: Methods and solutions are provided for removal of the smear layer on prepared tooth and bone surfaces, especially in endodontic environments.

Abstract: A method for overmolding a plurality of polymers having different properties onto a dental instrument. The method involves providing a dental instrument substrate made of metal, overmolding a first polymer onto a portion of the dental instrument substrate, and then applying a second polymer over a portion of the first polymer. The first polymer, which is advantageously rigid, is overmolded so that an exposed outer surface of the first polymer corresponds to a portion of the dental instrument to be gripped within a collet of a dental hand piece for powered use. The second polymer, which is advantageously soft and flexible, is applied so that an exposed outer surface of the second polymer corresponds to a portion of the dental instrument to be gripped by a dental practitioner for manual use.

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 0.75 mm from the closed spherical tip of the microcannula, it must be burr free any the opening must be smaller than the internal diameter of the microcannula.

Abstract: A composition, suitable for surgical or dental use, which can expand and/or contract in at least one direction without similar expansion or contraction in another direction, comprises an inner and an outer portion, the portions differing in their expansion properties and/or the extent to which they are prestressed.

Abstract: A dental filling material comprising 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: An endodontic filling material comprising a biodegrable thermoplastic polymer. 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: An dental filling material comprising 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: A dental kit for use in placing a dental post in a prepared recess (e.g., a root canal) of a person's tooth. The dental kit includes a finishing drill, a plurality of permanent dental posts, a dental post analog, and optionally, a starter drill. The kit also includes a container having an interior, means for suspending the kit components within the container, and a removable lid.

Abstract: A method of treating mouth ulcerations, includes directing a stream of oxidizing gas onto mouth ulcerations for a period of time sufficient to kill microorganisms.

Abstract: A method of treating bad breath, includes directing a stream of oxidizing gas onto mouth tissue for a period of time sufficient to kill microorganisms.

Abstract: An endodontic post comprises a combined endodontic post and tip of filling material such as thermoplastic material in a single unit. Obuturating systems are provided by an endodontic carrier and attached filling material. The post and obturator include a protrusion or depression on the tip section of the device for better attachment of the filling material to the device. Alternatively the post and obuturator are fabricated of a tube having a tunnel extending therethrough into which filling material is injected. The filling material extends out of the apical section of the post and obturator to form a filler cone.

Abstract: An endodontic post comprises a combined endodontic post and tip of filling material such as thermoplastic material in a single unit. Obuturating systems are provided by an endodontic carrier and attached filling material. The post and obturator include a protrusion or depression on the tip section of the device for better attachment of the filling material to the device. Alternatively the post and obuturator are fabricated of a tube having a tunnel extending therethrough into which filling material is injected. The filling material extends out of the apical section of the post and obturator to form a filler cone.

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: An integral, one-piece silanated particle impregnated gutta percha core/cone technique employs a thin layer of a luting agent, such as glass ionomer cement with a machined gutta percha core/cone, precisely matches the preparation, thereby reducing leakage and achieving a hermetic seal. The hermetic seal is further enhanced by a mono-block bond that occurs between the silanated particles in the gutta percha and the appropriate chemical sealant. Optional cryogenic treatment of the gutta percha material changes its molecular weight, making it stiffer and conducive to forming an integral, one piece core/cone, without the need for a separate carrier core to install the tapered gutta percha core/cone within the root canal. Additionally, the tapered body of the core/cone may be reticulated in a slightly three dimensional texturized framework to increase surface area and therefore increase retention. Optional line demarcation indicia are also placed on the core/cone.

Abstract: A gutta-percha point, used as a root canal plugging material in an endodontic treatment, is disclosed. The gutta-percha point has a plurality of engraved or embossed marks as working length marks on its upper portion. Each of the engraved or embossed marks is preferably painted with a distinguishable color along a circumferential surface. The above marks are formed on the point within a marking range while being spaced out at intervals of 1 mm and 2 mm. The marking range starts at a position, spaced apart from the apex of the point by 18 mm, and ends at a position spaced apart from the apex by 24 mm. The gutta-percha point thus allows an endodontist to be free from a repeated marking of working lengths on such points during an endodontic treatment, thus allowing the endodontic treatment to be accomplished within a desired short period of time.

Abstract: A method of filing an endodontically prepared root canal includes the steps of applying filler material to a distal portion of an elongated shaft formed of heat conducting material, inserting the proximal portion of the shaft having the filler material thereon into the root canal, heating the shaft to decrease the surface tension of the filler material and removing the shaft leaving the filler material in the root canal. An obturator system for practicing the method of filling an endodontically prepared root canal employs an elongated heat conductible shaft having proximal and distal portions with filler material on the distal portion, the distal portion of the shaft with the filler material thereon being insertable into a tooth root canal and a heat source serving to selectably heat the shaft allowing it to be removed while leaving the filler material in the root canal.

Abstract: An endodontic post comprising a combined endodontic post and filling material tip in a single unit. To use the post unit, the device is placed in an oven or heater to heat and soften the thermoplastic material. The device will then be placed in a root canal that has been opened to a predetermined dimension by use of endodontic files, to seal the apical end. If necessary, the gutta percha can be compacted toward the apex, while it is still in the softened state, to ensure the apex is adequately sealed. The post is then cemented into place by lining the canal walls with a bonding agent and filling the interface between the post and the walls of the canal with a dual cure resin cement. This will result in a coronal seal of the canal via resin restorative material and an apical seal of the canal by means of gutta percha and sealant. The remaining portion of the post, extending supra-gingivally, will be used to build a core around it. Any excess will be cut off.

Abstract: This invention provides a device for removing a broken piece left in the root canal of a tooth comprising a handle to be held by the operator, a portion for fastening the broken piece, and a trigger component for operating the fastening portion.

Abstract: An integral, one-piece silanated particle impregnated gutta percha core/cone technique employs a thin layer of a luting agent, such as glass ionomer cement with a machined gutta percha core/cone, precisely matches the preparation, thereby reducing leakage and achieving a hermetic seal. The hermetic seal is further enhanced by a mono-block bond that occurs between the silanated particles in the gutta percha and the appropriate chemical sealant. Optional cryogenic treatment of the gutta percha material changes its molecular weight, making it stiffer and conducive to forming an integral, one piece core/cone, without the need for a separate carrier core to install the tapered gutta percha core/cone within the root canal. Additionally, the tapered body of the core/cone may be reticulated in a slightly three dimensional texturized framework to increase surface area and therefore increase retention. Optional line demarcation indicia are also placed on the core/cone.

Abstract: A dental instrument for the extraction of an object from a root canal, comprising a shaft (1) having an open-end part (3) designed to receive at least a part of object (9), this open-end part (3) able to be deformed to permit seizing object (9) by clamping and then extracting it from the root canal, is characterized in that open-end part (3) is tubular and is able to plastically deform, in a manner that involves a reduction of its inner section, under the effect of a given stress.

Abstract: This invention is the use of an aqueous solution in the preparation of an irrigating medium for use in the treatment of root canals. The aqueous solution is an electro-mechanically activated solution prepared by electrolysis of an aqueous solution of a salt and including an aqueous anion-containing and an aqueous cation-containing solution. The invention also extends to a method for irrigating root canals with the electro-mechanically activated solution, and an irrigating medium comprising the electro-chemically activated solution.

Abstract: A root canal plugging apparatus for dental work is provided. The apparatus includes a pen tip for compacting a filler material in a root canal, a pen for holding the pen tip, a tapered needle for injecting the filler material into the root canal, and a gun for holding the needle. The pen tip is electrically connected to the pen. The pen tip has a hollow body, a heating element, and a temperature sensor. The body has a first end and a second end. The first end is attached to the pen, and the second end is inserted into the root canal. The heating element is positioned inside the body at a predetermined distance from the second end, and the temperature sensor is positioned inside the body. The temperature sensor measures the temperature at the second end.

Abstract: The invention relates to an applicator system (1) for application of a prefabricated reinforced composite post or anchor in its non-cured form into a dentinal canal (3). The invention is characterized in that the applicator system (1) comprises a prefabricated fiber-reinforced composite post or anchor in its non-cured form comprising a matrix and fibers, and an applicator tube (5) having a first end and a second end, wherein the inner diameter dT of said tube (5) is at most 5% larger than the outer diameter DP/A of said post or anchor in its non-cured form, and the outer diameter DT of the second end of said tube (5) through which the post or anchor is applied into the dentinal canal (3) is 0,5-2 mm. The invention further relates to the use of said applicator system.

Abstract: After the working of a root canal by instruments to remove material and shape the walls of the canal, a microaspirator is inserted into the canal extending to about 5 mm from the apex and a vacuum is applied which sucks up some of the debris in the canal. Then a tube is inserted in the exposed opening of the canal with the vacuum still applied. Irrigant is supplied by the needle by an opening in the needle, but not under pressure. As the irrigant is supplied, it is drawn down to end of the aspirator by the vacuum which exists in the canal and up into the aspirator. The aspirator is removed and a second, smaller aspirator with a hole in its wall near its sealed end is inserted into the canal until it almost reaches the apex.

Abstract: An adhesive endodontic cone is chemically compatible with endodontic sealant resins, including hydrophilic resins used for sealing a root canal chamber. The adhesive endodontic cone comprises a hydrophobic elastomer substrate that is sized and shaped so as to be at least partially insertable into an exposed root canal of a tooth. The cone includes an adhesive attached to at least a portion of a surface of the cone so as to render the cone more chemically compatible with a hydrophilic endodontic resin. The adhesive includes a hydrophobic portion that is chemically compatible with the hydrophobic elastomer substrate and a hydrophilic portion that is chemically compatible with a hydrophilic resin.

Abstract: Unitary, one-piece plastic molded micro-brushes are provided to remove the smear layer that remains in the root canal and access chamber after the pulp, bacteria, and related irritants have been mechanically and chemically removed from the root canal and access chamber using rotary cutting burs, files and various chemical reagents. The brushes include a handle, shaft or shank and a tapered brush section extending from the distal end of the shank. The brush section includes a plurality of bristles extending radially from a core. The bristles of the root canal brush can be formed in a reverse thread pattern. The brush section of the root canal brush has a diameter of between about 0.1 mm and about 0.2 mm at a tip end and a diameter of between about 0.5 mm and 3 mm at a coronal-most end. The brush section of the root canal brush is about 16 mm long, and has a taper of about 2% to about 12%. In the access chamber brush, the core can be formed as to be spherical, football-shaped, or tapered.

Abstract: A dental injecting apparatus for injecting a dental filler and a dental tool attached to such a dental injecting apparatus. The apparatus includes: an injection rod for injecting a dental filler; an injection rod driver for performing a dental filler injecting operation that causes the injection rod to move in a dental filler injecting direction by using the force of a power source; and a controller for controlling the dental filler injecting operation of the injection rod driver.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to ultrasonic microtube dental instruments designed to cut around a broken instrument by allowing the broken instrument to be placed within a lumen of the microtube instrument while simultaneously boring with the broken instrument and being guided by the broken instrument.

Abstract: A complex root canal plugging apparatus for dental work, with a gun-type injection device and a pen-type vertical spreader connected to a single controller, is disclosed. The spreader consists of a body part, a power transmission part, a chucking part, and a plugger tip. The power transmission part consists of a first contact ring connected to the first electric wire, an insulating ring, a second contact ring. The plugger tip consists of a hollow mounting part inserted into the chuck, a hollow heating part extending from the mounting part while being tapered, with a heating member installed in the end of the heating part. A second electric wire is connected to the second contact ring, and axially extends through the heating part after passing through the mounting part while coming into contact with the upper portion of the heating member.

Abstract: A device for performing endodontic procedures such as root canals by utilizing ultrasonic energy to debride the root canal space. The device includes a modified shaft assembly and a stainless steel hypodermic needle which concentrates the ultrasonic energy at the tip of the needle. The shaft assembly further includes a threaded housing for attaching the shaft assembly to an ultrasonic generator, an angled shaft attached to the threaded housing, and a hub attached to the end of the angled shaft opposite the threaded housing for reducing the diameter of the bore when the hub is tightened. The angled shaft further includes a bore passing through its length and an aperture passing through the outer wall of the shaft. The aperture is positioned near the larger of the two angles formed by the angled shaft and is oriented in the direction of the hub. The needle is inserted into the aperture and passes through the bore in the angled shaft until it exits the shaft through the hub.

Abstract: A dental equipment for cutting teeth, forming root canals and so on. The dental apparatus includes: an actuator for actuating a cutting tool; a load sensor for sensing a load worked in the cutting tool; and a load indicator for making an operator know the load sensed by the load sensor visually, aurally and/or tactily.

Abstract: The cleaning instrument (10) comprises a head portion (10) and, adjacent thereto, a cleaning portion (14) having a shank (20), which is provided with bristles (22) on its external surface. In order that especially the tooth root canal or also a tooth interstice can be reliably cleaned using the cleaning instrument (10), the shank (20) is of integral construction with the bristles (22).

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing endodontic instruments are provided. Methods relate to milling a blank with a cutting process to shape the instrument. Instruments so produced are also provided.

Abstract: A polycrystalline translucent aluminum oxide ceramic material having an average grain size of no greater than 1.0 micron and a Contrast Ratio value of less than about 0.7. The material can be in the form of a dental mill blank, dental prosthesis or other dental article or non-dental article.

Abstract: A method of treating gum disease, includes directing a stream of oxidizing gas onto human dental and oral conditions for a period of time sufficient to kill microorganisms within said inflamed human tissue.

Abstract: A composition, suitable for surgical or dental use, which can expand and/or contract in at least one direction without similar expansion or contraction in another direction, comprises an inner and an outer portion, the portions differing in their expansion properties and/or the extent to which they are prestressed.

Abstract: An endodontic obturator includes a body and a disposable cartridge containing gutta percha that is couplable with the body. By containing the gutta percha in a disposable cartridge, a dentist or other medical technician does not have to clean the body or other components of the obturator, thus reducing the amount of time required to clean the obturator after use. The obturator also includes a heater operable to heat the gutta percha in the disposable cartridge and a thermal barrier operable to resist the flow of heat from the heater to the rest of the body. In addition, the obturator includes a mechanism operable to generate pressure in the disposable cartridge to dispense the gutta percha. With the thermal barrier, a portion of the obturator's body that a dentist or other medical technician might hold while injecting gutta percha into a patient's tooth may be kept relatively cool.

Abstract: A system and process for thermolytic eradication of bacteria and biofilm in the root canal of a human tooth involve an elongated and flexible optical probe and a laser oscillator that provides the probe with low infrared energy. The optical probe is sufficiently long for insertion into substantially the entire length of the root canal of the tooth. The optical probe causes lateral dispersion of the radiation from the probe throughout the root canal. The radiation is provided at an energy density and for a period of time that are necessary to selectively target bacteria and live biofilm in the dentinal tubules of an entire root canal system, at once, thereby (1) inhibiting creation of a blackbody “hot tip”, and (2) inducing laser interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) within the root-canal space.

Abstract: A device for use in an endodontic root canal, performed using a dental drill hand set has a first upper unit coupled to the drill hand set. The first upper unit is cylindrical in shape and has a first drill shank shaft therethrough. The upper unit has a first threading on its outside surface. A second bottom unit, cylindrical in shape, is also provided, having a second drill shank shaft therethrough. The second bottom unit has a second corresponding threading on its inside surface. When the second bottom unit is screwed onto the first upper unit a root canal jig is formed having a set height and allowing a shank from the drill hand set to pass through the first and second drill shank shafts, such that when the drill shank of the drill hand set is drilled into an affected tooth for a root canal, the drill shank is prevented from drilling along its entire length into the root of the affected tooth when the bottom of the root canal jig contacts the top of the tooth.

Abstract: Methods for sealing a root canal using sealant or other filling materials. The compositions may include one or more resins that promote adhesion to hydrophilic dental tissues. The compositions are 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).

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).

Abstract: An adhesive endodontic cone is chemically compatible with endodontic sealant resins, including hydrophilic resins used for sealing a root canal chamber. The adhesive endodontic cone comprises a hydrophobic elastomer substrate that is sized and shaped so as to be at least partially insertable into an exposed root canal of a tooth. The cone includes an adhesive attached to at least a portion of a surface of the cone so as to render the cone more chemically compatible with a hydrophilic endodontic resin. The adhesive includes a hydrophobic portion that is chemically compatible with the hydrophobic elastomer substrate and a hydrophilic portion that is chemically compatible with a hydrophilic resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental head unit capable of measuring a root canal length of a patient. The head unit includes a head section having a sleeve rotatably supported therein for detachably holding a cutting tool therein, a neck section extending proximally from the head section and having a proximal end for connecting to a handpiece body, a contact capable of detachably contacting the cutting tool for providing electric connection to the cutting tool when in contact, and a contact holder fixed to a proximal end of the contact and axially slidable with respect to the neck section. The contact holder has a lead attachment to which a lead for electrically connecting the contact to a root canal length measuring device is detachably attached. The present invention also relates to a contact holder assembly including the contact and the contact holder.

Abstract: A dental instrument for the extraction of an object from a root canal, comprising a shaft (1) having an open-end part (3) designed to receive at least a part of object (9), this open-end part (3) able to be deformed to permit seizing object (9) by clamping and then extracting it from the root canal, is characterized in that open-end part (3) is tubular and is able to plastically deform, in a manner that involves a reduction of its inner section, under the effect of a given stress.