Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating periodontal disease and related disorders to regenerate lost tissues, which includes the steps of: combining at least one tissue regenerative agent with at least one cellular recognition agent to form a therapeutic treatment composition and applying the therapeutic treatment composition to a periodontal treatment site. The cellular recognition agent increases the periodontal tissue regeneration at the periodontal treatment site relative to the therapeutic treatment composition lacking the cellular recognition agent. The invention also includes the therapeutic composition.

Abstract: A portable system and method for softening and disinfecting dental waterlines is disclosed. The portable system and method combines a routing valve, a water supply, and a portable device capable of delivering a descaling and an anti-microbial agent. The routing valve has an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is attached to a water supply line of sufficient volume to deliver water throughout the system. The inlet is attached to a portable device capable of delivering a descaling agent and an anti-microbial agent.

Abstract: Method and device for the detection of caries in teeth (8). In order, after investigation of a tooth (8), to be able again to find the tooth location with the greatest incidence of caries, the instantaneous measurement value and the peak measurement value--which corresponds to the location with the greatest incidence of caries attack--are displayed. By comparison of the instantaneous measurement value with the peak measurement value the tooth location with the greatest incidence of caries attack can be localised when the instantaneous measurement value coincides with the peak measurement value.

Abstract: A self contained light source for curing light initiated resins used to coat teeth as veneers and fill cavities and chips in teeth in aesthetic or restorative procedures. The source includes an elongated container holding a battery and electronic compartment at one end and a light emitting window at the other. A plurality of closely space light emitters, typically light emitting diodes or laser diodes, are arrayed to direct light to a common focal point. The light is directed out of the container toward a tooth bearing the resin to be cured to a hard, stable state. The light emitters produce light in a region of the spectrum to which the resin curing initiators is sensitive, typically blue light. The light emitters are preferably mounted on concave edged printed circuit so that they are all oriented inwardly toward the focal point. Microlenses may be used with each light emitter to further concentrate light toward the focal point.

Abstract: Adhesives for dental prostheses, comprisinga) as active adhesive ingredient partially or completely neutralized copolymers offrom 5 to 95% by weight, based on the copolymer, of one or more acrylic esters of the formula ICH.sub.2 .dbd.CR'--COOR I (monomer A),where R' is hydrogen or methyl and R is alkyl of 1 to 30 C atoms, andfrom 95 to 5% by weight of methacrylic and/or acrylic acid (monomer B), andb) a vehicle which is customary in adhesives for dental prostheses.

Abstract: In order to solve such problem that heating a mark such as a one-chip microprocessor which is easily damaged thermally in case of curing a heat-curing resin enclosing such one-chip microprocessor could have not been essentially made in event of embedding sealably such mark in the resin section of a denture, the present invention is characterized by that a groove-shaped recess for inserting the mark has previously been defined in a wax pattern indispensable for fabrication of the denture. For defining such recess, the implement for making a recess for embedding sealably the mark which is provided with a head shaped so as to have substantially the same dimension as that of the mark is used. More specifically, the head of the implement which has been heated by hot water is pressed upon a surface of the wax pattern to define such a groove-shaped recess as a result of melting a portion of the wax thus heated.

Abstract: The present invention includes a diagnostic model for representin the in situ position and status of an individual's teeth. The model comprises a synethic wax substrate representing soft gum tissue of the individual. The model also includes a synethic tooth defined by the wax, gum tissue substrate wherein the tooth comprises a wax tooth form that is overlaid with an acrylic-like resin substantially free of a filler having properties of wetability and brittleness.The present invention also includes a method for making a provisional model of human teeth. The method includes providing a substrate for representing pink tissue of an individual's mouth. A tooth is prepared by molding a tooth shaped in wax and overlaying the wax with a substantial unfilled acrylic-like resin having properties of wetability and brittleness. The tooth is an integral part of the substrate.

Abstract: A kit is presented, comprising at least a condensable composite and an amalgam carrier. The condensable composite is further provided in premeasured amounts, that is, in amounts of one spill, two spills, or three spills. In another embodiment, the kit further comprises a flowable composite material, and in still another embodiment, the kit further comprises a flowable composite material and dispenser, an etchant, a primer/adhesive, a plugger, and brush tips. The kit is especially useful in forming posterior dental restorations that are aesthetic, strongly-bonded, and wear-resistant. The restorations have negligible shrinkage upon polymerization.

Abstract: A dental patient hand held vibrating device having a interdental mouthpiece portion for insertion into the mouth for gripping between the teeth of the dental patient encountering discomfort resulting from the adjustment of their orthodontic appliances. The hand held device comprises a housing containing a battery and a switch for selectively operating a motor with an off center weight attached to the motor rotating shaft for creating a high frequency vibration that vibrates the entire device. The vibration is transferred from the body of the device to the interdental mouthpiece held between the teeth of the patient. The vibrating interdental mouthpiece reestablishes an adequate blood supply to the teeth and surrounding periodontal structures so as to substantially eliminate the discomfort encountered by a patient that has had their orthodontic appliance adjusted.

Abstract: A living tissue replacement of crystallized glass having bioaffinity and mechanical strength is briefly obtained simply by pressure molding or machining without using a special equipment. A glass material having a softening point below its crystallization temperature and exhibiting viscous flow at temperatures below its melting point is heated at a temperature above its Tg and pressed at the temperature to mold to a desired shape, thereby manufacturing a living tissue replacement such as a dental crown. Molding can be done under a pressure of up to 20 MPa.

Abstract: A dental decal (10) for application on a person's tooth (24) is disclosed. The dental decal includes a substrate (12) formed of non-toxic, moisture-resistant polyethylene film material, a design (18) printed on one face of the substrate with non-toxic ink, and a layer of non-toxic, ingestible, medical grade adhesive (20) on the other face of the substrate for permitting the dental decal to be firmly affixed to the person's tooth.

Abstract: Holding device for use with a tool for mechanical tightening of a screw connection in a bone-anchored dental implant without the tissue which surrounds the implant being stressed, the holding device having a first part which rotationally locks to the implant, an arm rigidly connected to the first part, and extending at essentially right angles from the first part, and an additional part engaging a stationary part of a tightening tool so that undesirable rotation movements are prevented during tightening of the screw connection. The additional part which engages the stationary part of the tightening tool during tightening of a screw connection is mounted pivotably on arm and additional part is pivoted relative to arm to allow release of the tightening tool from the holding device after tightening the screw connection.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing personal identifying indicia are disclosed including a protective envelope having a high melting point and substantial corrosion resistance that is dimensioned to fit within a recess formed within a surface of a tooth. Also an identification carrier having identifying indicia placed on it being dimensioned to fit within the protective envelope which is then placed within the protective envelope and bonded within the tooth. The envelope may be constructed from various refractory materials, such as titanium or a zirconium alloys or compounds, in order to provide high temperature and corrosion resistance and the protective envelope can be sealed after the identifying indicia is placed within.

Abstract: A reservoir system for delivering an active agent into an oral cavity over an extended delivery period includes a pair of containers, which each have a hollow interior space for containing the active agent and at least one opening for dispensing the active agent, and a flexible plastic appliance for securing the containers within the oral cavity at a desired location. The containers are located within chambers formed in opposite sides of the appliance. The container includes a molded plastic body having a size and shape suitable for comfortably retaining the container within the oral cavity for the extended delivery time. The body is generally oval and cabochon-shaped to comfortably fit in the vestibule between the teeth/gums and cheek of the patient. The appliance is custom molded to closely fit the patient. The reservoir system can further include a foraminous medium for directly holding and dispensing an active agent at a desired treatment location within the oral cavity.

Abstract: A dental shim is disclosed for insertion between a tooth and one jaw of a dental pliers. The dental shim comprises a handle and an elongated shim portion extending outward from the handle. The elongated shim portion has a base, a side and a hypotenuse. The base and the hypotenuse are joined along one edge at a plurality of angles. The base engages a tooth and the hypotenuse engages one jaw of a dental pliers.

Abstract: A dental tray liner including a sheet configured to cover the bottom of a conventional dental tray. On the upper surface of the sheet is imprinted a chart of the teeth found in the human mouth with representations of the upper teeth arranged in a row adjacent similar representations of the lower teeth. During a dental examination, a user may easily note applicable dental conditions on the chart with a writing implement. After the examination, the user may, without touching the patient or liner, transcribe the information noted on the chart into a patient's permanent record without danger of spreading germs.

Abstract: A method of reducing the extent to which microorganisms, particularly bacteria, will adhere to a surface, which comprises providing a surface having pendant groups of formula (I), in which each group R is the same or different and is alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and a is from 1 to 4, use of compounds containing a group of formula (I) in reducing the extent to which microorganisms would adhere to a surface and use of articles comprising such surfaces in environments susceptible to microorganism adhesion. The method has application in a wide variety of industrial or domestic fields wherever it is desirable to prevent growth of microorganisms as well as in the medical field.

Abstract: An ornamental metal foil applique for adhesive securement to a dental substrate, comprises a metal foil body having main top and bottom faces of a predetermined shape, preferably with a maximum facial area dimension not exceeding 1 centimeter. The main bottom face may be microetched over at least a major portion of its facial area to enhance the adhesive securement of the applique to the dental substrate and/or have a mesh backing member or other formaminous backing structure secured to such face of the metal foil body. The applique of the invention may be usefully employed for ornamenting a dental substrate of an individual whose mouth contains such dental substrate, by bonding the main bottom face of the shaped metal foil to the dental substrate with an adhesive medium so that the ornamental metal foil applique is in a selected display position on the dental substrate.

Abstract: The bone rasp (10) is provided with a rotatable drum-shaped rasp tool (36) with a cylinder wall (62) and a housing (12) provided with a cylindrical reception chamber (20) for the rasp tool (36) and a supply well (34) for bone pieces, extending radially from the reception chamber (20). The cylinder wall (62) of the rasp tool (36) is provided with a plurality of through bores (60) arranged adjacent to each other in several axially extending rows (58). The cylinder wall (62) comprises several teeth (68) respectively arranged between two adjacent through bores (60) and projecting beyond the portions (80) of the cylinder wall (62) located in front of them when viewed in radial extension of the rasp tool (36). The teeth (68), in plan view of the cylinder wall (62), are substantially tapered in V-shape, the tip pointing in rotational direction (70) of the rasp tool (36), and the tips of adjacent teeth (68) are connected, forming a cutting edge (72) with arcuate and pointed sections.

Abstract: A mucosal applicator for topical anesthetics comprising a delivery member for retaining and delivering the anesthetic to the mucosal tissue, an adhesive which adheres the delivery member to the tissue, and a retention member connected to the delivery member which provides a biasing force against the delivery member to further secure the delivery member in position when the device is inserted into the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A method and system for applying an applique (10) to a person's tooth (16) is disclosed. The applique (10) is formed of fabric or paper material and has a design thereon. Before application, the tooth (16) is cleaned, etched, rinsed, then dried. The selected applique (10) is dipped into a bonding compound (12). The soaked applique (10) is then positioned on the tooth (16), and the bonding compound (12) is cured with a curing light (24). Additional coats of the bonding compound (12) may be applied over the applique (10) and cured to seal the applique from moisture.

Abstract: A method for the control and reduction of dental caries is provided for individuals who are at risk of dental caries. The method comprising a first step of applying an antimicrobial treatment followed shortly thereafter by a second step of applying a fluoride treatment.A method for the diagnosis, control and reduction of dental caries, the method comprising testing for Streptococcus mutans in an oral cavity of a patient and determining the patient's risk level for developing dental caries, to establish what treatment, if any, the patient requires in accordance with a set of treatment guidelines.

Abstract: An image, sound and feeling simulation system for dentistry, comprising a dental handpiece having a drill for drilling a cavity in a tooth, the drill having a drilling end; a first three-dimensional sensor attached to the dental handpiece, the first three-dimensional sensor providing the system with position and orientation in space of at least the drill; and a data processing and display unit for simulating of at least the drilling end of the drill. The system further comprising means to control the flow of compressed air operating the drill and thus to control the rotation of the drill to imitate the sound and hand-feeling associated when drilling through tooth layers of different hardness.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intraoral device that can be used for absorbing tar and nicotine or dispensing various substances over a period of time. The device includes a flexible pad which is disposed within the mouth of a wearer. A plurality of tar and nicotine absorbent particles are embedded in the flexible pad. Often, a retainer portion is attached to the flexible pad to engage the teeth of the wearer for holding the flexible pad in a desired position within the wearer's mouth. Additionally, the flexible pad may also be impregnated with a breath freshener or medications having enteric coatings.

Abstract: A method for determining the size, shape and position of a pair of upper central incisors for the production of dentures comprises the steps of covering the patient's upper gums with a paste, providing a series of representations of different pairs of upper central incisors and positioning different ones of these representations on the paste until a representation of desired size and shape is selected and secured to the paste by way of an adhesive at a chosen location thereon. The paste carrying the selected representation is then removed from the patient's mouth, whereby dentures can be produced on the basis of the positioning of the upper central incisors on the paste roll and on the selected model of upper central incisors, as the latter determine the models of the remaining teeth of the dentures. The method can also be used for the determination of an artificial tooth used for a dental implant, a bridge or a crown.

Abstract: A method of disinfecting or sterilizing tissues of the oral cavity or a wound or lesion in the oral cavity is provided. The method comprises applying a photosensitizing compound to said tissues, wound or lesion and irradiating said tissues, wound or lesion with laser light at a wavelength absorbed by said photosensitizing compound.

Abstract: A medicine injection device capable of continuously administrating a medicine to the body of a patient over a long period of time while keeping the patient from being restrained during administration. The medicine injection device includes a medicine container and at least one medicine passage each arranged in at least one of a root and a crown, so that a medicine stored in the medicine container is administrated through the medicine passage to the body of a patient.

Abstract: The invention involves new compositions and methods of use and delivery of amorphous calcium compounds such as: amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), amorphous calcium phoshate fluoride (ACPF), amorphous calcium carbonate phosphate (ACCP), amorphous calcium carbonate phosphate fluoride (ACCPF), and amorphous calcium fluoride (ACF) for use in remineralizing and fluoridating teeth. These amorphous compounds or solutions which form the amorphous compounds, when applied either onto or into dental tissue prevent and/or repair dental weaknesses such as dental caries, exposed roots and dentin sensitivity. The compounds have the highest solubilities, fastest formation rates and fastest conversion rates (to apatite) among all the calcium phosphates under physiological conditions. Moreover, in the presence to fluoride the amorphous compound convert rapidly to fluoride containing apatite.

Abstract: An artificial tooth of polymethacrylate, barium aluminum silicate glass and microfine silicon dioxide is described that imitates the natural tooth in its essential properties, namely mechanical strength and abrasion performance as well as transparency and depth of color. The tooth contains 15 to 35 weight % polymethacrylate, 35 to 75 weight % barium aluminum silicate glass with a mean particle size of from 0.1 to 5 micrometers, and 5 to 25 weight % silicon dioxide with a mean particle size of from 0.01 to 0.2 micrometers. In addition pigments necessary to match cosmetic requirements, are normally added as necessary.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bioresorbable material and an article of manufacture of such material for medical use comprising homopolymers, copolymers, or a blend thereof selected from the group of monomers including glycolic acid, lactic acid, caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate, paradioxanone and 1,5 dioxepan-2-one, a plasticizer selected from the group including ethyl, butyl and hexyl esters of acetylated or non-acetylated citric acid, ethyl terminated oligomers of lactic acid, having no less than 2 and no more than 10 units, and lactic acid esters of glycerol, the material comprises 50% of amorphous polymer or polymers to impart to the material plastic malleability substantially without memory.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods and devices for facilitation of guided tissue and bone regeneration after occurrence of a bony deficit. A mechanical barrier dimensioned to cover the deficit and means for securing the barrier in place are described. More specifically, devices and methods for use in conjunction with tooth extraction are described.

Abstract: An identification apparatus (10) having a personal information carrier (12) having information carried by a radiopaque configuration (12) which is radiographically discernable with the personal information carrier (10) secured to an external and noninvasive portion of a tooth (14) and to provide a method for radiographically marking a person with individual information, having the steps of providing a personal information carrier (10) having information carried by a radiopaque configuration (12) which is radiographically readable by conventional dental X-ray techniques and securing the personal information carrier (12) to an external and noninvasive portion of a tooth (14).

Abstract: A light filter for dental use having a transparent planar member (12) which is colored so as to filter-out visible radiation in the range 400 nm to 520 nm, the range being that to which dental composite materials are sensitive, the filter being arranged to be fitted in front of a dental lamp by means of an attachment device (114) arranged to detachably secure the transparent planar member (12) to the dental lamp.

Abstract: A dental impression tray includes a self-contained light source for curing photocurable impression material. The light source is a solid state light emitter such as a light emitting diode. In one embodiment, an array of light emitting diodes is arranged along a channel of the tray. In another embodiment, a light dispersive material distributes light into the tray channel from a bank of one or more emitters.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intraoral device for absorbing tar and nicotine normally inhaled by a smoker. The device includes a flexible pad which is disposed within the mouth of a wearer. A plurality of tar and nicotine absorbent particles are embedded in the flexible pad. Often, a retainer portion is attached to the flexible pad to engage the teeth of the wearer for holding the flexible pad in a desired position within the wearer's mouth. Preferably, the pad will be held along the palate of the wearer. Additionally, the flexible pad may also be impregnated with a breath freshener.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance such as a bracket is made of a polymeric material with reinforcing fiber structure embedded in the polymeric material. The reinforcing fiber structure includes relatively long filaments that extend about the perimeter of the bracket including the periphery of an archwire slot. In one embodiment, a method for making the bracket includes the steps of placing a tubular fiber preform in a mold assembly in an orientation aligned with a mesial-distal axis of the resultant bracket, and then closing the mold assembly in directions toward a central axis of the preform.

Abstract: Glassy coatings are made by curing in situ a coating of a sol gel of tetraethoxysilicon, water, alcohol, and the alkoxides of: Al, Ti and Na; or of Na and Zr.The coating may be applied to teeth as a dental fissure sealant or varnish to protect restorations, or (if filled) as an inherently coloured cosmetic coating, or as a prophylactic coating.

Abstract: Glassy coatings are made by curing in situ a coating of a sol gel of tetraethoxysilicon, water and alcohol, filled with kaolinite or with flat plates (1-2 .mu.m.times.10-50 .mu.m) of mica, which may be colored by Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 /TiO.sub.2 coatings.The coating may be applied to teeth as a dental fissure sealant or varnish to protect restorations, or as an inherently colored cosmetic coating, or as a prophylactic coating.

Abstract: This invention involves methods and compositions for preparation of unstable carbonated calcium phosphate solutions, which are supersaturated with respect to calcium phosphate solids and carbon dioxide and the use of such solutions for the treatment of dental tissue and hyposalivation. Specifically the methods include mixing a stable alkaline carbonated solution containing carbonate with a stable acidic calcium solution, either or both solutions also containing phosphate to create an unstable carbonated solution with respect to calcium phosphate and carbon dioxide. Also, the methods include adding aqueous solution to the solids containing calcium salts, phosphate salts and carbonate salts to create an unstable carbonated solution supersaturated with respect to calcium phosphate solids and carbon dioxide. The methods further include using alkaline solutions to remove the acidic residue from dental tissue and maintain cariostatic conditions.

Abstract: A control board for a dental apparatus contains a control panel (1) having a plurality of key surfaces (2) for the actuation of sensor devices (3) that respond to a force or a change in force. The sensor devices (3), facing toward the operating side, are covered by a thin front plate (4a) of transparent material. The front plate (4a) is provided with an all around, lateral edge (5) that is an integral component part of the front plate (4a) and thus forms a frame (4) that is closed at the front side and surrounds the control panel. At least the front plate (4a) and, preferably, the entire frame (4) is composed of glass.

Abstract: The present invention has for its object an insert material used for widening the gingival sulcus, substantially without bleeding or oozing, particularly in order to make a cast for a dental prosthesis.According to the invention, this material takes the form of a biocompatible paste which is injectable for external use and preferably hydrophilic, whose viscosity is of between about 13000 and about 30000 Pascals.second.Application: dental surgery.

Abstract: A dental diagnostic and instructional apparatus includes a base member, a top sheet, and a plurality of movable magnetic devices. The top sheet includes a dental diagram relative to which the magnetic devices are positioned. The magnetic devices are preferably configured and dimensioned to be representative of teeth or other dental prothesis. The dental diagnostic and instructional apparatus enables a dentist to diagnose and instruct a patient concerning a dental condition and possible dental treatments. The dental diagnostic and instructional apparatus further enables records to be easily made to provide a comprehensive and progressive record of a patient's dental history.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a dental imaging matrix band for making a dental prosthetic restoration such as a 3/4 crown, full crown, or fixed bridge with the use of a CAD-CAM machine. This is attained by encircling a tooth or teeth prepared for receiving the prosthetic restoration by an imaging matrix band having an actual enlarged beaded peripheral edge or an illusion of an enlarged beaded portion which can be optically read by a scanner of a CAD-CAM machine. The optical image of the tooth or teeth encircled by such an imaging matrix band is transformed by the CAD-CAM machine into a signal which controls the operation of the forming or milling portion of the CAD-CAM machine to shape a block of dental material into the shape of a prosthetic restoration to be fitted to the prepared tooth or teeth in accordance with the optical image of the prepared tooth or teeth.

Abstract: Oxide-free metallic, alloy or intermetallic compound formed by coating a powder of at least one member selected from the group consisting of elemental metallic, alloy and intermetallic compound with an oxide-replacing metal. The oxide-free compound may be compacted without the addition of a liquid sintering agent and at temperatures below the melting point of the compound, under sufficient pressure to form a uniform, consolidated intermetallic body.

Abstract: A light-curing apparatus for curing polymerizable material in the mouth is provided. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a wand which is substantially the same size as a quadrant or a full dental arch; in a second embodiment, the apparatus is in the shape of a dental tray and is adapted to fit over the outside of a dental tray; and in a third embodiment the light source comprises a portion (substantially the frame) of a double arch impression tray, and has a slide mechanism by which the mesh of a double arch impression tray can be removed from the light source so the light source can be reused. The invention also comprises a method for curing a dental material in the mouth using the apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: A disposable dental curing light guide which can be made of a low cost polymer. The light guide can be radioactively sterilized and packed in a sterilized dispensing envelope to maintain it in a sterilized and clean state. The light guide can provide satisfactory transmission of light between 400 nm and 500 nm for dental curing purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods and devices for facilitation of tissue and bone guided regeneration of a bony deficit. A mechanical barrier dimension to cover the deficit is provided as are means for securing the barrier in place.

Abstract: A forming apparatus has a passage with a chamfered entrance for bending a tip of a syringe such as a syringe used for dispensing dental material. The passage and chamfered entrance enable the tip to be bent to a desired angular configuration while in view of the user.

Abstract: The optical light guide of the present invention is composed of a solid, transparent material selected from the class consisting of glass, acrylic, polystyrene, and polycarbonate. The light guide has a head, a tapered section and a curved section. The head has a light-receiving, concave surface geometry at the proximal end of the light guide.

Abstract: A method for determining orthodontic bracket placement on a malocclused tooth to correct the malocclusion includes the steps of generating digital information which defines the shape and location of the malocclused tooth in the patient's jaw, from which digital information a mathematical model of the tooth and jaw is generated. The correct placement position of a bracket is then calculated from the digitized information. A standard bracket is thereafter modified, if desired, individually for the patient, in view of the patient's physical deviations from the statistical averages. The shape of a bracket positioning jig is calculated and formed. Another step is forming an archwire for the brackets. The method may be used on one or more teeth in the same dental arch, as well as for both dental arches with respect to malocclusion therebetween.