Abstract: An improved endodontic procedure for preparation of root canals in teeth comprising the use of selected endodontic instruments such as files or burs in a prescribed series of steps. These steps include using a series of successively smaller instruments in a first crown-down procedure, using the instruments in a reverse sequence in a serial step-back procedure, followed by finishing the preparation of the canal with selected instruments in a second crown-down procedure. Conventional root canal files of standard taper or variably-tapered files may be used in the practice of the method.

Abstract: A root canal is sequentially cleaned in sections from the crown to the apex. An opening is first formed into the tooth to provide access into the root canal. The opening is preferably rectified to remove obstructions from fully accessing the anatomical root canal. The pulp material is then sequentially removed from the portion of the root canal above the apical portion of the root canal with a first set of instruments and then from the apical portion with a second set of instruments. Cleaning of the pulp material from the root canal also shapes the root canal to ease filling of the root canal with a filling material. Each instrument comprises a handle connected to a file. Each file has an abrading portion and terminates at a tip. The files used to clean the portion of the root canal above the apical portion have properties which enable the abrading portion of the file to conform to the configuration of the root canal while simultaneously moving the file in a cleaning motion.

Abstract: A new root canal filling point which is physicochemically stable, is not toxic to periapical tissue, can be sterilized and x-rayed; and has high elasticity and fracture resistance which enables the root canal filling point to be pressure-inserted into an even narrow or curved root canal. The root canal filling point is made of a copolymer consisting of propylene and ethylene, and a contrast medium.

Abstract: An endodontic measuring kit includes a plurality of user selectable elongated cylindrical diameter measuring rods having graded diameters known to the user for insertion as probes into an endodontic canal wherein the diameter of the natural lower root tip aperture and length of the tooth canal from apical to coronal end are to be determined. The kit also has a plurality of user selectable elongated tapered rods having graded diameters, wherein the tapered rods each have a top cylindrical portion with optional length measurement markings thereon for observing too the depth from the upper coronal crown end to the lower root apical tip aperture.

Abstract: A dental device for applying a thermoplastic filler material comprising thermoplastic gutta percha to a root canal of a tooth. The device comprises an elongated shaft of flexible material having a distal end forming a core for a layer of thermoplastic filler material surrounding at the least distal end said shaft. The layer of filler material comprises an anti-microbiological substance for preventing or at least reducing the risk of irritation, inflammation or infection.

Abstract: An endodontal procedure wherein an absorbent dental point is having a scale of graduated depth indicators, arranged in a manner such that during the insertion of the dental point into the root canal the depth to which the tip of the dental point has been inserted into a root canal may be quickly and reliably measured each and every time a subsequent dental point is inserted in the root canal in the course of a root canal procedure.

Abstract: Dental post to be fitted, particularly, within a dental cavity (3) comprises axial and longitudinal stiffening elements (7). At least a portion of the stiffening elements which is to be fixed within the cavity (3) comprises, at least at its periphery, a curable product (9) capable of yielding under an applied force so as to conform to the walls of the cavity in which it is located. The product is curable after being introduced into the cavity.

Abstract: A dental prosthetic device and method of making and installing the device, the device being a nonmetallic dental post for tooth restoration, the post being fabricated in a mold from a fiber reinforced, ceramic polymer composite, the post having an anchor portion installed in a drilled and reamed post hole with an adhesive and a mounting head portion that is built up with a core material for bonding to a restoration, the post restorative having structural and composition characteristics similar to a natural tooth.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed herein is directed to improved endodontic dental instruments for extirpating and/or obturating a root canal. The dental instruments of the invention have at least one friction reducing element which assists in the removal of material from a tooth canal and which reduces frictional loads on the instrument during extirpating and obturating procedures.

Abstract: An endodontic system of shaping instruments, irrigation cannulas, filling instruments and materials designed to safely create specific tapers of root canal preparations and to clean, dry, seal, and restore them. The shaping instruments are a series of reamers, files, and handpiece burs, made of stainless steel, nickel-titanium, or other alloys, which impart several different specifically-tapered apertures in root canals. The instruments have one or more safety features to eliminate perforating curved roots, including shorter flute length as the angle of taper increases and variable sharpness along the length of the flute portion, as well as variable flute pitch along the length of the flute portion to maximize cutting efficiency and resistance to breakage, and a rounded tip to eliminate ledging. The hand instruments have a handle designed to optimize use of the instruments in apically directed, rotary cutting motions.

Abstract: A reinforced composite material for use in dental restorations such as dental bridges, splints, veneers, and laminate comprising a hybrid woven material formed of glass yarns and synthetic yarns. Suitable synthetic yarns comprise polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, acrylic fibers, or a combination thereof. The hybrid woven material of the present invention does not fray upon cutting, which greatly enhances ease of preparation of the fiber-reinforced dental restorations.

Abstract: An endodontic file assembly includes a noncutting file guide along which a flexible file may run. The guide is first inserted into the root canal anchored at its tip and the file subsequently moved along the guide. Disproportionate forces between the file and inner and outer curvatures of the root canal caused by the natural resilience of the file are thereby reduced to provide for more uniform debridement of the inner walls of the root canal.

Abstract: A highly acidic oxalate ion-containing preparation, which includes a neuroactive substance, for reducing tooth hypersensitivity, and a method for using same are disclosed.

Abstract: In a medical or dental laser instrument (1), especially for tooth root canal treatments, having a preferably rod-shaped hand piece (2), a connection part (3) by means of which the hand piece (2) can be connected to a supply line (4), a first light guide (5) that extends longitudinally through the supply line (4) and the connection part (3) to the hand piece (2), a second light guide (7) arranged in the front end region of the laser instrument, the rear end of the second light guide (7) being arranged coaxially with respect to the front end of the first light guide (5), and a coupling device (8) for coupling the laser light bundle leaving the first light guide (5) to the second light guide (7), the said second light guide (7) has a larger numerical aperture than the first light guide (5).

Abstract: A medical or dental probe having a resistive, integrally heated tip including a superelastic material such as nickel-titanium alloy. The probe tip provides a nearly continuous, controllable heat, and it may have a narrow, pointed shape. The tip may be heated rapidly, and it provides rapid heating of the instrument, continuous supply of heat for the purpose desired, and concentration of maximum heat at the end of the tip. The added flexibility allows the tip to follow the curvature of a canal of a tooth without the need to pre-bend the tip which increases the working life of the tip and provides for improved packing of the material used to fill the root canal.

Abstract: A dental device and method are provided for applying gutta percha to a root canal of a tooth. The device includes an elongate filler member made of a biocompatible material capable of being cut so that the length of the filler member can be reduced to a desired length by a user of the device, in accordance with the length of the root canal, prior to insertion of the device into the root canal. A head portion of the filler member is of uniform thickness throughout the length thereof, and a distal end portion is uniformly tapered along the length thereof in a direction away from the head portion such that the filler member is without any discrete area of weakness throughout the length thereof. An outer sheath of thermoplastic gutta percha surrounding a portion of the distal end of the filler member. An indicator at the proximal end of the filler member assists the user in determining the portion thereof to be cut off to achieve the desired length.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dental tool for use with an ultrasonic transducer, comprises a substantially elongate tool defined by a shaft having a proximal end with a connector for attachment to an ultrasonic transducer, a distal end having a tip configured for performing a dental procedure, a portion of straight cylindrical wall from the tip inward toward the proximal end, and a contra-angle portion of substantially uniform diameter on the proximal end, and a uniform gradual tapered portion intermediate the distal end and the proximal end.

Abstract: An endodontic system of shaping instruments, irrigation cannulas, filling instruments and materials designed to safely create specific tapers of root canal preparations and to clean, dry, seal, and restore them. The shaping instruments are a series of reamers, files, and handpiece burs, made of stainless steel, nickel-titanium, or other alloys, which impart several different specifically-tapered apertures in root canals. The instruments have one or more safety features to eliminate perforating curved roots, including shorter flute length as the angle of taper increases and variable sharpness along the length of the flute portion, as well as variable flute pitch along the length of the flute portion to maximize cutting efficiency and resistance to breakage, and a rounded tip to eliminate ledging. The hand instruments have a handle designed to optimize use of the instruments in apically directed, rotary cutting motions.

Abstract: An absorbent dental point is provided with a scale of graduated depth indicators, arranged in a manner such that the depth to which the tip of the dental point has been inserted into a root canal may be quickly and reliably measured each and every time a subsequent dental point is inserted in the root canal in the course of a root canal procedure.

Abstract: An obturator for use in filling an endodontically prepared root canal in a tooth formed as an elongated body having a handle portion and a shaft, the handle portion being configured for grasping by a practitioner whereby the shaft may be inserted into a root canal, the shaft tapering from the handle to the shaft distal end, the shaft having an exterior surface having a generally linear groove therein extending from near the handle to the shaft distal end, or at least adjacent the shaft distal end, the groove providing: (a) a channel for flow of excess filler material as the shaft is positioned into a prepared root canal; (b) increased flexibility of the shaft, and (c) a passageway that will accept a slender, tapered metallic retrieval tool, such as a typical endodontic file, to assist in the removal of the shaft from a root canal.

Abstract: A method of producing a dental post for use in restoring or stabilizing one or more teeth includes the steps of creating a hole in a tooth and obtaining a woven hollow rope which is mounted over a mandrel and inserted into the hole. The mandrel is withdrawn and the hollow rope is filled with a core-paste material. In a presently preferred embodiment, the woven hollow rope is woven in the form of a braid and the mandrel is in the form of a hollow needle attached to a syringe. In the preferred embodiment, the hollow rope is provided with a closed end and the needle is withdrawn while simultaneously filling the hollow rope with a core-paste material. The invention includes a new use for hollow woven rope, which is preferably hollow braided rope, in the formation of non-metallic fiber reinforced posts for use in dental application varying from dental posts used to support cores in root canal procedures to providing structural support for bridges, pontics and the like.

Abstract: An improved dental post is provided in an apparatus for forming a pattern of an apical canal comprising:an elongated apical shaft;a transfer head axially attached to one end of the apical shaft; anda thermoplastic encasing the apical shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endodontic instrument which can be fitted on a vibratory handpiece (1) for the treatment of a tooth canal or the retreatment thereof, wherein it is made up of a rigid proximal portion constituting the sleeve which allows it to be fixed to the vibratory handpiece (1), of a median portion (4) which is also rigid and whose axis forms an angle (x) with the proximal portion, and of a distal portion (5) whose axis at the end forms an angle (y) with the median portion in the direction opposite that of the proximal portion, said distal portion being of a general conical line and of a dimension at the tip permitting its penetration into the canal.

Abstract: A radiopaque composition for use in visualizing and cleaning root canal system anatomy, pathologies, anomalies, and iatrogenic conditions. The composition comprises a radiopaque iodine solution and a sodium hypochlorite solution. The iodine solution comprises diatrizoate meglumine and sodium iodine. The iodine solution and sodium hypochlorite solution are mixed in a ratio of between 5:95 to 95:5, by volume. Preferably, the iodine solution and sodium hypochlorite solution are mixed in a ratio of between 30:70 to 70:30, by volume. And more preferably, the iodine solution and sodium hypochlorite solution are mixed in a ratio of between 45:55 to 55:45, by volume. In use, the root canal system anatomy, anomaly, pathology, or iatrogenic condition to be visualized and addressed or treated is liberally flushed with the composition, preferably after the root canal system has been exposed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tooth prothesis made of composite material and to a process for fabricating said prothesis. The prothesis is characterized in that it is comprised of a central core (3), made of at least one bunch of fibers (5), for example glass fibers, the core being wrapped by a sheath (7) comprised of at least one layer of oriented, isotropic or non isotropic fibers (8a, 8b, 8c) , the fibers (5) of the central core (3) and the fibers of the sheath (7) being embedded in a curable resin, the fibers (8a, 8b, 8c) of the sheath (7) being oriented in a given angle with respect to the longitudinal axis (yy') of the prothesis (1), so as to adjust to desired respective values the longitudinal and transverse traction resistance of the prothesis (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an endodontic instrument for rapid mechanical widening of the canal mouth and rectification of the first two thirds of the dental root canals. It comprises a head (2, 3, 4) and an elongated conical body or tine (1) joined to the head (2, 3, 4) with a neck part (5). The tine (1) is disaligned with respect to the head (2, 3, 4) in that the neck part (5) has a straight portion (5a), coaxial with the head, and a portion (5b) with an axis which is oblique and coplanar in relation to the axes of the tine and head.

Abstract: This invention relates to a root canal treatment instrument comprising: a needle extending in a rodlike form, comprising: working section made of a superelastic alloy extending from a distal end of the needle; and a shank extending axially between the working section and a proximal end of the needle, made of at least partially a non-superelastic alloy, and a handle attached to a proximal end of the needle and adapted to be manipulated by a hand of a dentist. The working section possesses flexible nature because of its superelastic alloy composition, whereas the shank possesses rigid nature because of its non-superelastic alloy composition.

Abstract: An improved method for filing and sealing tooth cavities involves the use of a cement composition which exhibits several advantages over existing orthograde and retrograde filling materials, including the ability to set in an aqueous environment. In a preferred embodiment, the cement composition comprises Portland cement, or variations in the composition of such cement, which exhibit favorable physical attributes sufficient to form an effective seal against re-entrance of infectious organisms.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an endodontic instrument by a machining operation is disclosed, and wherein a wire-like rod composed of a titanium alloy is advanced past a rotating grinding wheel at a relatively slow feed rate, with a sufficient depth of cut to remove all of the material on a given surface without over grinding a previously ground surface, and with the grinding wheel rotating at a relatively slow surface speed. The disclosed method is able to efficiently produce endodontic instruments having a high degree of flexibility, high resistance to torsional breakage, and with sharp cutting edges along the working length.

Abstract: Microsurgical drill bits for selective connection to an ultrasonic transducer head for use in dental retro-filling preparations each have a hub at one end for coupling to the transducer head, a cutting tip at the opposite end, and a shaft extending from the hub to the tip. The shaft has one or more steps in diameter at a predetermined position in its length designed for optimum vibration of the cutting tip without increasing the breakage rate above acceptable limits. The drilling tips have shafts which are angled relative to the hub and at least some have bent end portions so that the cutting tip is at an angle to the remainder of the shaft, allowing the transducer head to be held at a comfortable angle.

Abstract: A device is described which is useful for providing a dedicated access channel to the root canal of a tooth. The device, which is the frustum of a cone, has a hollow interior passageway adapted to receive and loosely accommodate the shank of a standard assortment of endodontic files. The vertical length of the cone is approximately 10 mm to 15 mm. The wider end of the conical device has an outer diameter of approximately 2.5 millimeters. In practice, the orifice of a root canal is exposed by drilling an access cavity. An appropriately sized endodontic file is selected which will fit within the orifice of the canal. The conical device is slid over the endodontic file until the wider end of the cone is adjacent to the file handle. The file tip is then inserted into the root canal, and the conical device is slid down the shaft of the file until it is brought to bear against the floor of the access cavity with the narrow end of the conical device juxtaposed to the exposed orifice of the root canal.

Abstract: A composition containing a water soluble or water swellable polyelectrolyte mixed salt in a dentifrice base or other oral compositions which can be used for relieving pain and discomfort caused by hypersensitive teeth.

Abstract: A kit of endodontic instruments which are adapted for use in performing root canal therapy, and wherein the instruments in the kit have increasing diameters and differing tapers. The instruments are designed to be used sequentially in root canal therapy, and the difference of the tapers serves to prevent the whole working length of the instruments from being engaged with the wall of the tapered canal being formed, to thereby reduce the frictional loading of the instruments and the risk of breakage.

Abstract: An improved dental root canal bacterialcidal lubricant for allowing the cleaning wires or files to move more freely when removing a nerve from a tooth. The composition reduces packing of tissue and dentin debris within the nerve cavity. This new formulation is also resistive to decomposition during cold weather shipping and includes cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, sodium lauryl sulfate, stearic acid, propylene glycol, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl, paraben all in a purified (spring) water solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an endodontic instrument for rapid mechanical widening of the canal mouth and rectification of the first two thirds of the dental root canals. It comprises a head (2, 3, 4) and an elongated conical body or tine (1) joined to the head (2, 3, 4) with a neck part (5). The tine (1) is disaligned with respect to the head (2, 3, 4) in that the neck part (5) has a straight portion (5a), coaxial with the head, and a portion (5b) with an axis which is oblique and coplanar in relation to the axes of the tine and head.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an endodontic instrument by a machining operation is disclosed, and wherein a wire-like rod composed of a titanium alloy is advanced past a rotating grinding wheel at a relatively slow feed rate, with a sufficient depth of cut to remove all of the material on a given surface without over grinding a previously ground surface, and with the grinding wheel rotating at a relatively slow surface speed. The disclosed method is able to efficiently produce endodontic instruments having a high degree of flexibility, high resistance to torsional breakage, and with sharp cutting edges along the working length.

Abstract: A kit of endodontic instruments for use in root canal therapy wherein each instrument comprises an elongate blade having a proximate end and an opposite distal end, and with the blades of the instruments in the kit respectively having progressively increasing tapers. The kit is employed to fill an extirpated root canal with gutta percha, and instruments of progressively increasing taper are used in sequence during the obturation procedure so as to control the compaction of the gutta percha points in the canal.

Abstract: A device and method for filling an endodontically prepared tooth and attaching a dental post thereon is disclosed. The device consists of a carrier. Integrally attached to the carrier is a dental post. A break point is located therebetween. A filler material surrounds the carrier and part of the post. In order to install the device, the root canal is prepared. The device is properly measured and thereafter heated. The device is inserted into the prepared root canal. Thereafter, a crown buildup onto the post is performed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved rotary handpiece for cleaning and enlarging the root canal of a tooth with a rotary endodontic file. The handpiece includes a retractable support rod attached to and extending from the handpiece positioned adjacent and substantially parallel to the endodontic file. The support rod is adapted to rest on a tooth whereby the retraction of the support rod controls the advance of the endodontic file into the root canal. The control of the advance of the endodontic file insures that the file does not self thread into the canal or become excessively loaded whereby it sticks or breaks off while the root canal is being cleaned and enlarged.

Abstract: A hydraulic endodontia device and method comprised of a primary obturator rod having an objective tip end with at least one spill gate integrally formed therewithin and a handle end, the primary rod being generally cylindrical in shape and gradually diminishing in circumference from the handle end to said tip end. The invention is further defined by a plurality of secondary obturator rods each having an exterior convex side and an interior concave side. The interior concave side of each secondary rod glides upon the primary rod or the exterior convex side of an underlying secondary rod in cooperative association therewith when the open spill gate, the primary rod is inserted into the extirpated root canal until it reaches the distal end at the tip end, whereby narrowing of the distal root canal end constricts the spill gate to effuse cement to the apical area.

Abstract: A flexible rope-like root canal prosthesis and method of use are provided for repair of a damaged tooth. The flexible rope-like root canal prosthesis is contacted with a stiffening agent to form a composite that is moldable to conform the interior of the root canal. The stiffened rope-like root canal prosthesis is bonded into the root canal and serves as a foundation for restoring the pulp cavity core and allowing for additional prosthesis to be applied to the tooth.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions for cones for filling root canals include guttapercha in association with calcium hydroxide. This association provides the advantages of both guttapercha and calcium hydroxide in cones, simplifying endodontic treatment by preventing a need for dressing or apical tampons. The cones provide a continuous source of calcium hydroxide, regardless of the type of cement used with the cones. Low permeability of the cones ensures that release of calcium hydroxide is slow. Additional ingredients provide rigidity, radio-opacity and coloring. The additional ingredients include zinc oxide, aluminum oxide, barium sulfate, kaolin, and colorant. Methods for making the dental cones are also provided.

Abstract: A dental irrigating and aspirating instrument utilizes a cannula with a reduced diameter extended member shaped to occlude the apical foramen while conducting irrigating fluid into the apical terminations of root canal preparations. The extended member also serves to occlude the apical foramen while conducting fluid and debris out of the apical regions during aspiration. The extended member can be shaped with a cutting surface to prepare a base for the root canal preparation and root canal filling. Use and fabrication of the instrument for irrigation and aspiration of the fullest depths of the gingival sulci and periodontal pockets in periodontic practice is also described. A handpiece is described that retains the instrument allowing manipulation of the instrument and control of fluids to and from the instrument.

Abstract: A dental root-canal preparation instrument includes a grip and a tool contained therein. The grip has a body fitted at its periphery with axially spaced zones preferably in the form of rings projecting above the periphery of the body. The rings are made of silicone rubber to increase grippability when manually grasping the preparation instrument.

Abstract: An endodontic apparatus and related method for the instant detection of the anatomical structure of a tooth and for the restoration of a dead or severely decayed tooth using induced fluorescence spectroscopy. A root canal probe having an optical fiber through its center transmits excitation light into the tooth's root canal. The excitation light induces the tissue within the root canal to fluoresce. The fluorescent light is collected by the optical fiber and transmitted back to a sensor that generates electrical signals indicative of the intensity of light within predetermined wavelength bands. The electrical signals are processed to identify the tissues within the root canal. The probe may include a slightly conical metal surface having flutes for shaving and removing dentin from within the root canal. Using the fluorescent emission properties of the tissues of components of a tooth, the entrance of the root canal is located.

Abstract: A dental irrigating and aspirating instrument utilizes a cannula with a reduced diameter extended member shaped to occlude the apical foramen while conducting irrigating fluid into the apical terminations of root canal preparations. The extended member also serves to occlude the apical foramen while conducting fluid and debris out of the apical regions during aspiration. The extended member can be shaped with a cutting surface to prepare a base for the root canal preparation and root canal filling. Use and fabrication of the instrument for irrigation and aspiration of the fullest depths of the gingival sulci and periodontal pockets in periodontic practice is also described. A handpiece is described that retains the instrument allowing manipulation of the instrument and control of fluids to and from the instrument.

Abstract: A dental post having a support frame captured and interlocked thereon, and encaptured in a luting material, preferably such as a moldable self-curing tooth-colored composite material to create a laminated composite/metal foundation complex for retaining a dental rstoration securely on a tooth stub. The post includes a smooth cone-shape lower end portion for matchingly fitting into a prepared tooth canal, a threaded portion passively fitting in the tooth canal for engagement with the composite material, an unthreaded portion to provide greater strength, a square portion to permit the dental post to be unscrewed from the hardened composite material, a tapered portion, and a chisel-like portion at the upper end of the dental post.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an endodontic instrument by a machining operation is disclosed, and wherein a wire-like rod composed of a titanium alloy is advanced past a rotating grinding wheel at a relatively slow feed rate, with a sufficient depth of cut to remove all of the material on a given surface without over grinding a previously ground surface, and with the grinding wheel rotating at a relatively slow surface speed. The disclosed method is able to efficiently produce endodontic instruments having a high degree of flexibility, high resistance to torsional breakage, and with sharp cutting edges along the working length.

Abstract: Described is the use of physiologically compatible tocopherols and especially of vitamin E as an inhibitor against premature polymerization initiation in reactive systems capable of undergoing a free radical-initiated polymerization, which systems before and/or after the polymerization thereof are placed in tissue contact with the living human or animal body and, more specifically, are implanted into the living organism thereby. The reactive systems and the polymers formed therefrom may be degradation resistant. However, a special embodiment relates to compositions or molded bodies which are decomposed by the living organism, and especially so under time-controlled conditions.

Abstract: A root canal filler assembly including a single use obturator and a multiple use elongate inserter tool is disclosed. The oburator includes a metallic core and a plasticizable coating, preferably formed of gutta percha. One end of the metallic core extends beyond the plasticizable coating to support a connector assembly. The multiple use inserter tool is removably connectable to the oburator to insert, remove, adjust, and reposition the obturator in a root canal. The inserter tool includes at one end a connector assembly which engages the obturator and at the other end a handle to facilitate manipulation of the assembly by the dentist. The elongate inserter tool may be reused as required, both to remove or reposition a previously inserted obturator and to insert additional obturators in other root canals.A method of filling and sealing a root canal employing the disclosed root canal filler assembly is also provided.