Abstract: A holder for a delivery device for delivering filler material into a prepared root canal comprises a body, a mounting portion adapted to removably receive the delivery device; and a heating circuit having a heating device wherein said heating device is positioned to be in thermal communication with said delivery device when the delivery device is mounted to the holder. The holder thus enables heating of the filling material in situ in the prepared root canal at the time of insertion of the filling material in to the canal and while the filler material is being packed into the prepared canal.

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

Abstract: A delivery device for delivering filling material into the canal during a root canal procedure comprises a shaft having a bed portion at a distal end thereof, and a biocompatible filler material mounted to the bed portion. The filler material comprises an upper surface, a side surface, and a distal end. The delivery device bed portion has a greater thermal conductivity than the filler material; and the bed portion of the shaft wraps at least partially around the filler material and contacts the filler material substantially along the length of the filler material from the upper end of the filler material to at, or proximate, the distal end of the filler material. This delivery device allows for better control of temperature delivery and position of the filling material and allows for a more thorough and precise heating of the filler material in vivo.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal tester for a dental clinic for accurately measuring dental pulp thermal sensitivity by rapidly delivering heat at a predetermined temperature to a tooth. The thermal tester for a dental clinic of the present invention comprises: a tester body having on one side a protruding heat transfer terminal provided with a contact surface that comes into contact with the tooth; and a heating unit for heating the heat transfer terminal, wherein the heating unit includes a first heating element and a second heating element, which, in a mutually electrically insulated state, penetrate the inside of the tester body, and extend to the heat transfer terminal, wherein the respective end portions of the first and second heating elements, which face the contact surface of the heat transfer terminal, closely contact each other to generate thermoelectricity.

Abstract: A dental obturation system, which is configured such that a power terminal unit is installed between a rotary unit and a cartridge unit such that a heating unit can heat a filling material and a needle member, mounted to the front end of a main body having a battery therein, can be rotated while applying the heated filling material to a root canal, so that an operator can easily and conveniently administer dental treatment without changing his/her posture or the orientation of the main body according to the location of a decayed tooth of a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to an appliance (18) for at least partially disinfecting/sterilising a contaminated surface (21), wherein the appliance (18) comprises an integrated plasma source for at least partially disinfecting/sterilising the surface by generating a non-thermal atmospheric plasma on the surface thereby reducing the concentration of pathogenic germs on the surface.

Abstract: A method for testing a coating for blade roots, includes: providing a disk test piece including at least one bearing surface and a blade test piece including at least one bearing surface coated with the coating to be tested, the blade test piece including two test piece halves adapted to be engaged on either side of the disk test piece, and subjecting the blade test piece engaged with the disk test piece to tensile cycles during which the test pieces undergo tensile stress with respect to each other in a tensile direction, the tensile strain being transmitted via the bearing surfaces contacting the blade test piece and the disk test piece. The method allows for very faithful reproduction of the behavior and ageing of the coating and thus allows for accurate evaluation of the quality of the coatings.

Abstract: A teeth whitening apparatus and a method of teeth whitening is provided. The apparatus includes one or more thermoelectric device(s) which may be in the form of peltier devices adapted to be placed in the mouth. The or each thermoelectric device has one side that heats up and another side that is cooled when an electrical current is passed through the or each device. The or each thermoelectric device is preferably molded into a mouth guard into which a teeth whitening composition is placed such that the heat generated by the or each thermoelectric device activates the teeth whitening composition. The one or more thermoelectric device(s) are preferably powered by one or more batteries. Preferably, the one or more thermoelectric device(s) are coupled to one or more heat sinks such that the heat produced by the one or more thermoelectric device(s) is spread out over the teeth to be whitened.

Abstract: A mouthpiece that adjusts manually in the mouth and seals the treatment area. It includes light emitters and heat generators. Textured bands guide and direct light to diffuse evenly. A seal bead seals the gum above the teeth. For whitening, a whitening gel is first applied to the user's teeth, the mouthpiece is then positioned in the user's mouth, and the seal bead seals against the user's gums. Then, the light emitter(s) and heat generator(s) are activated to effect the whitening while causing an increase in the temperature enabling the user to mold the mouthpiece to their mouth.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an ophthalmic injection device may include a dispensing chamber to hold a substance (e.g., a drug) to be injected into an eye, a thermal feedback layer with at least one thermal sensor, and a temperature control layer to apply or remove heat from the dispensing chamber. In some embodiments, the thermal feedback layer and the temperature control layer may be coupled to each other and/or coupled to the dispensing chamber. In some embodiments, at least one of the thermal sensors may be secured between the temperature control layer and the dispensing chamber using a thermal adhesive.

Abstract: Provided herein is a strip, shaped for the application to the labile surface of the front teeth and/or gums of a subject, which strip is provided with at least one oral care composition for delivery to a pre-determined area of the teeth and/or gums of the subject. Also provided herein are uses for delivery of compositions. Further provided are uses of the strip in combination with a dental device.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a system for testing the vitality of a tooth. The system includes a stimulus output. The stimulus output is configured to produce a stimulus and output the stimulus to a tooth of a patient. The system also includes a controller, where the controller is configured to control the magnitude and duration of the stimulus produced by the stimulus output.

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

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for transporting a therapeutic or cosmetic substance into nanoporous mineralized tissue structures, such as teeth. The method may include contacting the nanoporous mineralized tissue structure with an ionic solution including the therapeutic or cosmetic substance; and simultaneously applying to the nanoporous mineralized tissue structure an electrical potential effective to transport the therapeutic or cosmetic substance into the nanopores of the nanoporous mineralized tissue structure.

Abstract: A fluid-operated medical or dental handle with a device for limiting the rotational speed to a maximum rotational speed value is disclosed. The handle comprises a rotating part that can be induced to rotation by a driving fluid for driving a tool connectable to the rotating part, an electrodynamic transducer driven by the rotating part for induction of an electric voltage, wherein the electrodynamic transducer has at least one coil and a magnetic element and at least one switch element for optional opening and closing of a circuit between the two ends of the at least one coil, so that with the circuit closed, an electric current and an induced magnetic field that decelerates the rotational speed of the rotating part and the tool connectable thereto can be induced in the coil of the electrodynamic transducer.

Abstract: Embodiments are described wherein a system for brushing the teeth of a person comprises a master input device; a flexible teeth tray configured to at least partially encapsulate one or more of the teeth in a flexible substrate material, the flexible teeth tray comprising one or more vibratory transducers removably coupled to one or more brushing panels; and a controller operatively coupled to the master input device and the one or more vibratory transducers; wherein subject to an input from the master input device, the controller is configured to cause reciprocating brushing motion of the one or more brushing panels against a surface of the one or more encapsulated teeth, to clean the one or more teeth.

Abstract: A device for treating living cells by plasmaporation contains, in addition to devices for generating plasma and generating a field, devices for mixing and transporting active substances, predominantly in the form of nano and microparticles, for affecting the metabolism of the cells.

Abstract: Preconditioning mouth rinse, which pre-treats the teeth to better receive a whitening formula containing a photosensitive compound, and a hand-held consumer light source for tooth whitening, which provides rapid tooth whitening, are disclosed. The light source may use a specific range of visible light and also emit heat sufficient to raise the temperature of the teeth a desired amount at a depth up to about 2 mm in the range of about from 1-5° Celsius over a predetermined period of time. The specified wavelengths of the hand-held consumer operable light will activate the photosensitive substance in the whitening formula. The oxidizing compounds may be transparent to light enabling light energy to activate the oxidizing compounds directly on the tooth surface, or to activate a photosensitizing or photosensitive compound added to produce the desired temperature increase.

Abstract: An interdental treatment device comprises a generator 16 for generating a non-thermal gaseous plasma at a temperature suitable for use in oral treatment and an applicator 18 of the non-thermal plasma. The applicator 18 may comprise a hollow needle member for directing a jet of the non-thermal plasma interdentally. Alternatively the applicator 18 may comprise an interdental brush having a hollow head for receiving a non-thermal gaseous plasma, the head having at least one lateral opening for the discharge of the plasma. The generator 16 and applicator 18 may both form part of a hand-held device 10 having its own gas supply in the form of a capsule 12 containing pressurised gas and its own power supply in the form of a battery 20.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental firing furnace having a firing space and at least one carrier for dental material, in particular a muffle, which can be loaded into the firing space, and, in particular, a pressing device for pressing a ceramic blank inserted in the muffle, at least one physical variable of the firing space and/or of the carrier and/or of the muffle and/or of the ceramic blank being detected. A processing program of the dental furnace (10) that can be set is based on the detected physical variable.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument for root canal filling includes a body having DC power source and printed circuit board, a heating tip connected to the body, a switch, and a control circuit for switching on/off power supply to the heating tip. The heating tip includes a first metal part serving as a resistant tube, a second metal part disposed inside the first metal part and configured to supply power, check a thermoelectric power (+) terminal, a third metal part disposed inside the first metal part and configured to supply power, a contact part, an insulator disposed inside the first metal part and enclosing surfaces of the second and third metal parts, first conductive tube, a second conductive tube; and an insulator connected and fixed to the first and second conductive tubes, where temperature is detected using thermoelectric power of the thermocouple.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering at least one therapeutic agent to a dental tissue of a subject includes at least one electrode, a medicament layer including at least one therapeutic agent, an electrical signal source, and logic configured to control the electrical signal source. At least one electrode has oppositely disposed, dental mouthpiece-shaped first and second major surfaces. The first major surface is curved such that the first major surface substantially conforms to the contour of the dental tissue when placed in contact with the dental tissue. The medicament layer is disposed on at least a portion of the second major surface. The electrical signal source provides a signal having certain characteristics and is electrically connected to at least one electrode. The certain characteristics comprise at least one orienting frequency and at least one motivating frequency sufficient to motivate at least one therapeutic agent into the dental tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device 10 for generating a non-thermal gas species 24 which may be a flow of gas plasma in the form of a gas plasma plume emitted from the device. The device comprises a gas capsule, or pressure vessel, 12 for holding a gas or gases 14 under pressure and forming a flow of gas through a reaction generator 16 to an applicator 18 when released from the capsule. Gas released from the gas capsule is energised in the reaction generator to form a gas plasma. The device is adapted to be hand-held and operated to allow it to be used for instance for cleaning and whitening teeth.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved pre-loaded placement tool (10) useful for positioning small objects. The head portion (14) of the placement tool (10) is pre-loaded with a heat-activated adhesive (16) and the body (12) of tool (10) includes a flange (18) cooperating with receiving bracket (24) of a heating device (20).

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for intra-oral delivery of drugs.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use with a gingival periosteum lining a bone. The apparatus comprises a periosteal mesher, which comprises a mesher surface, and a plurality of cutting elements distributed over the mesher surface, which are configured to cut the gingival periosteum to increase flexibility thereof. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A mouth cleaning device includes a head portion provided with bristles and an electrode; and a grip portion provided with an electrode. Further, the mouth cleaning device includes a boosting circuit for boosting an output voltage of a battery serving as a power source and applying the boosted voltage to the electrodes of the head portion and the grip portion; and a current limit circuit for limiting a current flowing from one electrode to the other via a human body.

Abstract: Dental retention systems which facilitate the adjustment or removal of an oral appliance, e.g., a crown or bridge, from a reconfigurable abutment assembly are described. The adjustable abutment assembly may be secured to an anchoring implant bored into the bones within the mouth. The abutment assembly has a projecting abutment portion with one or more shape memory alloy compression plates or elements extending along the projecting abutment portion. Each of the plates has a length with one or more straightened portions and with at least one curved or arcuate portion. Energy may be applied to the elements such that the arcuate portion self-flattens to allow for the oral appliance to be placed thereupon while removal of the energy allows the elements to reconfigure into its curved configuration thereby locking the oral appliance to the abutment. Removal of the oral appliance may be effected by reapplication of energy to the elements.

Abstract: Dental retention systems which facilitate the adjustment or removal of an oral appliance, e.g., a crown or bridge, from a reconfigurable abutment assembly are described. The adjustable abutment assembly may be secured to an anchoring implant bored into the bones within the mouth. The abutment assembly has a projecting abutment portion with one or more shape memory alloy compression plates or elements extending along the projecting abutment portion. Each of the plates has a length with one or more straightened portions and with at least one curved or arcuate portion. Energy may be applied to the elements such that the arcuate portion self-flattens to allow for the oral appliance to be placed thereupon while removal of the energy allows the elements to reconfigure into its curved configuration thereby locking the oral appliance to the abutment. Removal of the oral appliance may be effected by reapplication of energy to the elements.

Abstract: An air water vacuum dental instrument includes a handle; a head; an air control carried by at least one of the handle and the head; a water control carried by at least one of the handle and the head; a vacuum control carried by at least one of the handle and the head; and an air water vacuum tip coupled to the head and configured to provide at least air, water, and vacuum in a mouth of a dental patient at the air water vacuum tip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a dental thermal sensitivity tester have been disclosed. A dental wand has an end that is positionable against a dental feature and has a thermal generation unit in thermal communication with the dental wand end.

Abstract: A device 10, typically hand-held, provides a flow of partially ionised gaseous plasma for treatment of a treatment region. The device comprises an applicator head 52 housing a miniature plasma cell 16 in which gas flowing through the cell from a gas source 22 can be energised to form a non-thermal gaseous plasma, and a plurality of electrodes 26, 28 for receiving electrical energy from a source of electrical energy for energising gas in a plasma forming region 18 in the cell to form said plasma. The applicator head 52 is detachable from the device and may be of a size and configuration to enable it to be inserted into the oral cavity of a human or animal.

Abstract: A heated mouthpiece includes an upper trough and optionally a lower trough for interfacing with teeth of a user and a heat retention mass that is thermally and physically interfaced to the trough(s). External heat is provided to the heat retention mass from, for example, by immersion in hot water or the mouthpiece is heated in a microwave oven. An oral compound such as a teeth whitening compound is set in the trough(s) and the mouthpiece is inserted into the user's mouth, the trough(s) surround the teeth. Heat from the heat retention mass conducts to the trough(s) while the mouthpiece section is in use within the mouth thereby activating the oral compound.

Abstract: A dental clinical apparatus having a function which conventional instruments for dental treatment have not had and having a novel constitution. The dental clinical apparatus includes a syringe which has a fluid jetting system for dental treatment and a plasma jet applying means for producing a plasma jet from the end by allowing a low-frequency high-voltage power supply to apply a low-frequency high voltage between electrodes on the outer peripheral surface of a rare gas tube through which a rare gas having a low dielectric breakdown voltage under the atmospheric pressure is flowed, and thereby causing electrical discharge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for removing metallic fragments and elements from dental root canals using electrodes that must be coupled to a power supply and control module and be in contact with a solution having a variable composition, wherein one of the electrodes must be in contact with the fragment being removed from the root canal.

Abstract: A dental obturation system, which is configured such that a power terminal unit is installed between a rotary unit and a cartridge unit such that a heating unit can heat a filling material and a needle member, mounted to the front end of a main body having a battery therein, can be rotated while applying the heated filling material to a root canal, so that an operator can easily and conveniently administer dental treatment without changing his/her posture or the orientation of the main body according to the location of a decayed tooth of a patient.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use with a gingival periosteum lining a bone. The apparatus comprises a periosteal mesher, which comprises a mesher surface, and a plurality of cutting elements distributed over the mesher surface, which are configured to cut the gingival periosteum to increase flexibility thereof. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An application for a heated mouthpiece includes a mouthpiece section for insertion into the mouth of a user and a heat retention mass connected to the mouthpiece section and in thermal contact with the mouthpiece section whereby external heat provided to the heat retention mass before insertion into the mouth is partially retained by the heat retention mass and conducts to the mouthpiece section while the mouthpiece section is in use within the mouth.

Abstract: Oral appliance activation devices and methods which are used to facilitate the securement, adjustment, or removal of an oral appliance, e.g., a crown or bridge, from a reconfigurable abutment assembly are described. The adjustable abutment assembly may be secured to an anchoring implant bored into the bones within the mouth. The abutment assembly has a projecting abutment portion with one or more shape memory alloy elements extending along the projecting abutment portion. Energy may be applied to the elements via the activation devices directly over or adjacent to the oral appliance to actuate the elements and thereby either secure or loosen the oral appliance relative to the abutment.

Abstract: A medical or dental treatment device for dispensing a medium having a base part with a power supply unit and an electrical or electronic control device and at least one delivery part that can be connected detachably to the base part via a coupling device and which has a sound source, such as an ultrasound source, and a delivery device for dispensing the medium from the delivery part. In addition, at least one active part, which can be connected detachably to the base part via the coupling device, may also be provided.

Abstract: Dental retention systems which facilitate the adjustment or removal of an oral appliance, e.g., a crown or bridge, from a reconfigurable abutment assembly are described. The adjustable abutment assembly may be secured to an anchoring implant bored into the bones within the mouth. The abutment assembly has a projecting abutment portion with one or more shape memory alloy compression plates or elements extending along the projecting abutment portion. Each of the plates has a length with one or more straightened portions and with at least one curved or arcuate portion. Energy may be applied to the elements such that the arcuate portion self-flattens to allow for the oral appliance to be placed thereupon while removal of the energy allows the elements to reconfigure into its curved configuration thereby locking the oral appliance to the abutment. Removal of the oral appliance may be effected by reapplication of energy to the elements.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for detecting non-cavitated caries lesions, including a measuring electrode having an electrically conductive tip. The tip is dimensionally configured to fit within a fissure and provide electrical contact with a patient's tooth. A reference electrode is also included, the reference electrode being configured for electrical contact with the patient's body. A measuring means is also provided for determining electrical conductance between the measuring electrode and the reference electrode, wherein the device is further configured to receive a current source for providing electrical current between the measuring electrode and the reference electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device that is simple to operate, for reducing pathogenic microbes using the antimicrobial effects of silver ions, without engaging additional medicinal treatment, for effectively treating the human body in case of illness or as a preventive measure. The aim is achieved by a device comprising a handle, a negative pole coming into contact with the body, and a device head having a positive pole, so that a low electrical voltage is generated between the poles, wherein at least the positive pole is made of silver, giving off positive ions into the body tissue when the circuit is closed.

Abstract: An iontophoresis-based medical device includes a positive electrode section, a negative electrode section, a power source supplying an electric current to the positive electrode section and negative electrode section and a controller controlling the current value and conduction time of the electric current, wherein a writing brush is electrically connected to the positive electrode section, and a sponge is electrically connected to the negative electrode section, and the writing brush is formed of a large number of long soft hairs and a large number of short soft hairs such that the writing brush has a columnar shape at a base portion thereof and is gradually tapered toward a tip portion thereof from a middle portion thereof and the tip portion is made extremely fine to form an acute apex thus allowing the apex to touch an affected part in a pinpoint manner.

Abstract: Root apex position model data associated with electrical characteristic values between a measurement electrode and a mouth electrode in a state in which the distal end of the measurement electrode is located at a root apex position of a root canal is stored in a storage unit. A power supply applies measurement signals of 500 Hz and 2 kHz between the measurement electrode and the mouth electrode. Two different current values flowing between the measurement electrode and the mouth electrode are detected. These current values are compared with the root apex position mode data stored in the storage unit. If the root apex position data includes any data which coincides with the current values, it is detected that the distal end of the measurement electrode is located at the root apex position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apex-locating method and device for determining the depth position of the apex in a dental root canal. It uses a device making it possible to form a circuit comprising a first probe electrode inserted into the root canal of a tooth, a second electrode in conductive contact with an oral mucous membrane, frequency-generating means able to produce alternating electrical signals at a number of frequencies, and means for measuring electrical magnitude of alternating signals in the circuit. The invention makes provision for exciting the circuit and measuring the levels of magnitude of the alternating signals (I), respectively at low frequency (f) and at high frequency (F) and for detecting a point of intersection (C, M) where the two levels (If, IF) measured at low and high frequencies (f, F) meet and become substantially equal, these frequencies (f, F) being sufficiently far apart for this point of intersection (C) to exist. This point gives the position (M) of the apex (X).

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

Abstract: An oral cavity cleaning tool for the purpose of sterilization of the inside of oral cavity is provided that carries out efficient sterilization by using effective chlorine that is obtained through electrolysis. The oral cavity cleaning tool comprises a block handle, a head section extending from the block handle, a pair of electrodes provided on the head section and a power source that supplies electric current to the pair of electrodes, wherein the electrodes are put into contact with an oral fluid that contains chloride ions thereby to cause electric current to flow between the electrodes, so that the chloride ions are transformed into effective chlorine.

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