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

Abstract: A non-contact apparatus and method detect irregular bone defects around a dental implant. Structural resonance frequency is produced and received to recognize a quality, a direction and a depth of an irregular bone defect. Thus, an interfacial osseointegration can be evaluated, and the present invention is of great help to assess osseointegration and diagnosis interfacial bone defects after the dental surgery.

Abstract: This invention introduces an oral-dental anatomy modeling method and an implant treatment planning system based on a full anatomy model (FAM). Dental Implant Treatment Planning systems place implants on 2D slices of DICOM files, and sometimes on 3D models of bones and remaining teeth. Because the final look and feel of implants and restorations depend on how well they go along with the remaining teeth and soft tissues, treatment planning without tissue model presents safety and aesthetics risks. A FAM consists of models for bones, teeth, soft tissues and nerves. They are created from CT and optical scans, and assembled together with model registration techniques. The tissue model is the real differentiator. A treatment planning system uses FAM as a unique reference throughout the workflow. Its implant placement, restoration preview and surgical guide design are all based on FAM.

Abstract: The invention relates to an accessory for an apex locating apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a fitting (16) held with the aid of electrically conducting fastening means (20, 50) to the tooth to be treated or to a neighbouring tooth (14) and which comprises first means (36, 54) for wire-based electrical connection (44) between the apex locating apparatus (2) and the endodonty tool (46), and second means (28, 52) for wire-based electrical connection (34) between said apparatus (2) and the patient. The invention also relates to such an accessory characterized in that it comprises means for wireless electrical connection between said fitting and said apex locating apparatus.

Abstract: An orthodontics assisting system includes index members which indicate respective reference positions of a pre-correction dentition model and a post-correction predictive dentition model; an arranging device for arranging the index members; an image data generating device for generating image data by imaging the pre-correction dentition model and the post-correction predictive dentition model; a screen display for screen-displaying a pre-correction dentition image an a post-correction predictive dentition image respectively based on the image data, a position adjusting device for adjusting mutual display positions of the pre-correction dentition image and the post-correction predictive dentition image; and a tooth position adjusting device for adjusting the display position of a teeth image.

Abstract: A hybrid method for dental implant treatment planning and a corresponding approach to make a surgical guide. After digital treatment planning is performed with CT scan data, a master model is created, which embodies the patient anatomy and entire treatment plan. Jaw bone, tooth surfaces, soft tissues and nerves are all contained by the master model. The plan details including implant sizes and positions, surgical guide drill options, as well as the choice of a surgical kit, are all conveyed by the master model. Meanwhile, models of specially designed “implant inserts (or replicas)” are also generated, which have one end that fits into the implant holes on the master model and another end to make the surgical guide. The master model and inserts are manufactured with rapid prototyping technology. A surgical guide is later on made from them with conventional lab processes. A main characteristic of this approach is that the master model and the inserts are the physical embodiment of a virtual treatment plan.

Abstract: Systems for sizing oral appliances comprise both a width measuring template or tool for determining the distance between opposed molars and an arch sizing tool for determining the size and shape of the patient's dental arch. Based on this information, individual appliances can be selected from an inventory of such appliances, where the selected appliance would best fit the patient.

Abstract: In a hard material made stopper housing case to house a plurality of cylindrical stoppers for defining a drill blade entering depth of a dental implant fixture embedding hole at a jawbone when performing a dental implant treatment, the stopper has a spring-like locking part to be locked with a flange part projected from a shank part of a drill, the stopper housing case 1 has concave parts 2 provided in parallel and capable of respectively housing the stopper Y, and each of the concave parts 2 includes, at one side, a flange part insertion path 3 having a size preventing the spring-like locking part from falling out and being capable of inserting the flange part, and further includes, at another side opposite to the one side, a drill blade part insertion path 4 capable of inserting the blade part of the drill X.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method which makes it possible to simulate a realistic, reliable, and repeatable measurement of the mobility of a tooth and use the test results as a basis for producing and adjusting tooth prostheses. A goal is achieved by an apparatus for simulating the mobility of a tooth, comprising a bottom and a top bearing shell which are designed such that a substantially spherical zone is left open. The top bearing shell has a substantially circular cavity, through which a model of a tooth stump can be inserted. One end of the model of a tooth stump has a substantially spherical bearing zone while the other end thereof forms an elongate shank.

Abstract: The present invention is a surgical guide for guiding the insertion of a dental implant into a desired location in a patient's mouth. The implant includes a non-rotational structure. The surgical guide includes a structure and a master tube. The structure has a negative impression surface to be fitted on and placed over gingival tissue, bone, and/or teeth in the patient's mouth. The structure includes an opening through which the dental implant is placed. The master tube is located at the opening. The master tube includes indicia for alignment with the non-rotational structure on the implant such that the non-rotational structure of the implant is at a known angular orientation with respect to the master tube. The present invention includes kits of various components used with the surgical guide and with the dental surgery using the surgical guide.

Abstract: An implant for use in orthognathic surgery of a maxilla may include a longitudinal plate member and a plurality of pre-shaped fingers extending from an upper edge of the plate member. The longitudinal plate member is pre-shaped to correspond to the pre-operative shape of the maxilla; and the fingers are pre-shaped to correspond to the shape of the maxilla. The fingers may be pre-shaped to correspond to either the pre-operative shape or the post-operative shape of the maxilla.

Abstract: Dental implant placement may be facilitated using a guide and/or placement system. The guide may allow an appropriate position for a dental implant to be determined. The placement system may position the guide in a patient.

Abstract: An ablation procedure. The ablation procedure may be applied to tooth buds 120 and result in tooth agenesis. The ablation procedure may be applied to lesions or tumors. A tooth bud ablation system for use in a tooth bud ablation procedure that results in tooth agenesis. A method for volume scanning both hard tissues and soft tissues of a patient. A method for manufacturing or fabricating a custom surgical stent 110. A custom surgical stent 110 for use in a tooth bud ablation procedure that results in tooth agenesis, the custom surgical stent 110 for use with an ablation probe tip 108 having a center of ablation 130a.

Abstract: A blank and method for the production of dental shaped bodies in machining equipment having at least two tools located in the machining chamber of the machining equipment, including a corpus of tooth restoration material, from which the shaped body can be carved by means of at least one of at least two tools by material removal. The blank exhibits at least two gages, each of which is in the form of a recess, the geometry of which is such that the tool selected for the cutting operation can be recognized by means of at least one of the gages by reference to its outer contour, the at least two gages being disposed on the blank in such a way that they can be simultaneously engaged by the at least tools when the blank is clamped in the machining equipment for carving purposes.

Abstract: A dental handpiece for root canal treatment comprises an outer sleeve, a connecting device for connecting the handpiece to a control and analyzing unit, a measurement circuit having a power source and to a drive unit, an electrically conducting tool receptacle and an electrically conducting driving device, wherein the tool receptacle and the driving device are mechanically and electrically connected together so that a driving motion generated by the drive unit can be transmitted via the driving device to the tool receptacle and electrical measurement signals can be transmitted between the driving device and the tool receptacle. A first connection is provided for transmitting the driving motion. A second electrically conducting connection, which may comprise sliding contacts, is provided for transmitting the electrical measurement signals.

Abstract: An occlusion correction improvement instrument includes an upper mold-mounting member provided with a plate-shaped member that is parallel to a Camper's plane of an upper model having a tooth model-shaped surface of a maxillary tooth row and with a plane parallel to the Camper's plane when the upper mold-mounting member has been mounted on the upper model; and a lower mold-mounting member mountable on a lower model having a tooth model-shaped surface of a mandible tooth row and provided with a pin-shaped projection portion that can be fixed, with a position thereof adjusted from side to side and up and down, and with an adjustment member that can adjust a position of the lower mold-mounting member relative to the upper mold-mounting member on the plane parallel to the Camper's plane, with the projection portion abut on the plate-shaped member of the upper mold-mounting member.

Abstract: A method of creating a 3-D anatomic digital model for determining a desired location for placing at least one dental implant in a patient's mouth. The method comprises the act of obtaining a first dataset associated with hard tissue of the patient's mouth. The method further comprises the act of obtaining a second dataset associated with soft tissue of the patient's mouth. The method further comprises the act of combining the first dataset and the second dataset to create a detailed structure of hard tissue and soft tissue having variable dimensions over the hard tissue.

Abstract: A drill guide uses a hole in a layer to guide a drill along an axial trajectory while permitting off-axis excursions of the drill during use. A number of such drill guides at varying heights from a target surface may be used sequentially or concurrently to enforce the axial trajectory in three dimensions during a surgical operation. A drill guide may include a hole in a layer that establishes a single point along the axial trajectory, or the drill guide may include multiple layers in a single device to establish two or more points along the trajectory while allowing off-axis insertion of a drill into the guide. The drill guide may be cuttable to accommodate intraoperative changes to the axial trajectory. In embodiments, a window or the like may be provided to permit a surgeon to view drill depth, drill orientation, the surgical site and the like during a procedure.

Abstract: A drill guide uses a hole in a layer to guide a drill along an axial trajectory while permitting off-axis excursions of the drill during use. A number of such drill guides at varying heights from a target surface may be used sequentially or concurrently to enforce the axial trajectory in three dimensions during a surgical operation. A drill guide may include a hole in a layer that establishes a single point along the axial trajectory, or the drill guide may include multiple layers in a single device to establish two or more points along the trajectory while allowing off-axis insertion of a drill into the guide. The drill guide may be cuttable to accommodate intraoperative changes to the axial trajectory. In embodiments, a window or the like may be provided to permit a surgeon to view drill depth, drill orientation, the surgical site and the like during a procedure.

Abstract: A drill guide uses a hole in a layer to guide a drill along an axial trajectory while permitting off-axis excursions of the drill during use. A number of such drill guides at varying heights from a target surface may be used sequentially or concurrently to enforce the axial trajectory in three dimensions during a surgical operation. A drill guide may include a hole in a layer that establishes a single point along the axial trajectory, or the drill guide may include multiple layers in a single device to establish two or more points along the trajectory while allowing off-axis insertion of a drill into the guide. The drill guide may be cuttable to accommodate intraoperative changes to the axial trajectory. In embodiments, a window or the like may be provided to permit a surgeon to view drill depth, drill orientation, the surgical site and the like during a procedure.

Abstract: A method for making a template for a dental implant osteotomy in an edentulous space of a patient's mandible or maxilla, and components relating thereto. The method includes the steps of forming a dental cast of the patient's mandible or maxilla, drilling a hole into the dental cast wherein the location and orientation of the hole correspond to a desired location and orientation of the dental implant osteotomy, inserting a guide post into the hole, magnetically attaching a sleeve having a longitudinal gap to the guide post, applying a molding material to a portion of the dental cast and to a portion of an outer surface of the sleeve, allowing the molding material to cure, and removing the cured template including the sleeve embedded therein from the dental cast, whereby using the template in the patient's mouth provides a guide means for drilling the osteotomy.

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: Process for manufacturing a treatment template, in particular a drilling template 7, which is used for pinpoint guidance of an instrument in the oral cavity of a patient, whereby the treatment template is secured in a detachable manner during an operative intervention in the jaw area of the patient in defined position, whereby in the jaw area, a holder is anchored especially by implantation for detachable fastening of the treatment template 7, whereby the holder has marker structures 1a that put up a three-dimensional coordinate system and that can be shown by an imaging process together with the anatomy of the patient, whereby a set of three-dimensional image data of the jaw area 2 that is equipped with a holder is recorded, in that based on the image data, the planning of the implants and the planning of the treatment template 7 that is to be secured in a defined manner to the holder is done, whereby the plans relate to the coordinate system that is put up by the marker structures 1a.

Abstract: An instrument which verifies whether the distance between two teeth is the minimum adequate distance for the placement of one or two implants and centers edentulous space for placement of an implant or divides equidistantly the space for the placement of two implants, the instrument having a first sheet with a perforation joined by an extension from one side to one side of a second larger sheet having two perforations and an opposite side from which a handle extends is improved by stops extending from opposite ends of at least one of the one side of the first rectangular sheet or the opposite side of the second rectangular sheet for engaging the teeth in a position that verifies whether the distance between two teeth is the minimum adequate distance for the placement of one or two implants and centers edentulous space for placement of an implant or divides equidistantly the space for the placement of two implants.

Abstract: A dental impression analyzer including a housing having two opposite open ends. A lower end of the two opposite ends fits over a tooth of a patient. A plurality of pins are slidably mounted in the housing. The pins are of equal length, extending parallel to each other, and at least a portion of sidewalls of the housing extending parallel to each other and parallel to the plurality of pins to maintain the pins parallel to each other and to guide movement of the pins. The plurality of pins are tightly compressed together in an interior of the housing. A lower end of the pins are positioned to engage an uppermost surface of the tooth of the patient when the housing is fitted over the tooth of the patient. An upper end of the pins replicates the uppermost surface of the tooth when the lower end of the pins engage the uppermost surface of the tooth.

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

Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could be a dental surgical guide and a methodology of operating same, the dental surgical guide could be comprised of a body with a set of walls, a top portion, and a bottom portion and at least one open-sided channel, the open-sided channel continuously connects an opening of the one of the set of walls to the top portion and the bottom portion; and at least one master grommet, the master grommet having a hollow grommet interior that continuously connects a side opening, a top aperture and a bottom aperture; wherein the open-sided master grommet is placed within a respective open-sided channel to allow a dental tooling head to be placed into the master grommet through the master grommet's side opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stent fixture for implant for precision-guided insertion by which it is possible to stably, precisely, and rapidly perform puncturing for implant placement. In this technique, the implant is inserted into the gums and the bone through a stent. The stent fixture includes a fixing screw composed of a thread portion, a guide portion extending from the thread portion, a head portion provided at an upper end of the guide portion with diameter bigger than an outer diameter of the guide portion, and a fixing base composed of a support portion having predetermined supporting force with respect to the gums at the position where the fixing screw is attached to the bone and a guide coupling portion having a guide coupling hole having a shape corresponding to that of the guide portion.

Abstract: A measuring body for an implant, having a measuring geometry that can be captured by a measuring camera and a connection geometry on the implant. Said measuring geometry is arranged on a test part and the connection geometry is arranged on a bearing part, both parts being embodied as separate components. Said bearing part comprises a bearing for the test part and the test part comprises a counter bearing to the bearing and the measuring geometry is provided on a free end of the test part. Also provided is a method for capturing a 3D-measurement drawing of a measuring body that is arranged on an implant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning and immobilization device for positioning and immobilizing a mandibular or maxillary surgical guide (3) on a patient, which guide is adapted to preparing for and to fitting at least one dental implant and is provided with link means (4) designed to extend outside the oral cavity when the surgical guide (3) is placed in register with the patient's mandible or maxilla, said positioning and immobilization device being characterized in that it comprises a body (10) that has bearing means (10?) for bearing against the outside of the head of the patient, and fastener means (20) designed to co-operate with the link means (4) of the surgical guide (3).

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for substantially coterminous modification of a patient situation and a manufactured prosthetic to achieve the desired fit. Rather than utilizing a serial approach, a parallel approach is taken where both patient situation and prosthetic device can be modified at the same time (or substantially the same time).

Abstract: A method is set forth for making a computer model of patient's jaws on the basis of digital information. Digital data about the jaws, teeth, soft tissues and artificial teeth is joined in computer space to create aesthetic and functional plans for the removal of teeth, shaping of supporting bone and placement of dental implants. Artificial teeth and pre-manufactured prosthetic devices are made and attached to the dental implants at the time of surgery. The aesthetic and functional position of artificial teeth is determined prior to surgical removal of natural teeth and the ideal position of implants and the proper form of the remaining bone are determined prior to surgery. Surgical guides used to shape bone, record occlusal orientation and position dental implants are manufactured using computer milling or layered manufacturing.

Abstract: A device, method and kit for determining suitable orthodontic/dental dimensions for an individual's teeth as they relate to facial landmarks. The orthodontic dimensions are determined according to the Golden Proportion. The measuring device can be a pair of modified eyeglasses having a gauge thereon in the form of a transparent ruler body with a center marking line, or the measuring device can be a measuring grid having a center marking line and peripheral marking lines superimposed over a photograph of an individual's face. Peripheral marking lines are spaced at standard distances from the right and left of the center marking line. An orthodontist trained to use the invention can use the orthodontic dimensions for an individual in a treatment plan to alter the individual's teeth, to modify their function, or to improve their cosmetic appearance. The device can also be part of a kit for determining a suitable size and position for an individual's teeth as they relate to facial landmarks.

Abstract: A method of making a surgical template used for a computer-guided dental implant surgery includes the steps of: establishing implant planning data of a patient's jaw, producing a digital plaster model of the patient's jaw, allowing the digital plaster model to have the implant planning data, integrating the digital plaster model with the implant planning data to obtain a digital machining data, holding and machining a modeling block at a machining position according to the digital machining data to form a solid jaw model corresponding to the patient's jaw and having teeth, gums, and at least one implant-position indicating structure, mounting a positioning member at the implant-position indicating structure, and producing a negative template body from an assembly of the solid jaw model and the positioning member with a thermoplastic dental material by a molding process or a vacuum forming process.

Abstract: A device for determining the internal structure of a bone along a path directed into the bone (or other tissue) is disclosed. The device comprises a nozzle fluidically connected to a liquid reservoir for providing a liquid jet directed at the bone in the direction of the path; an ultrasonic transducer for generating ultrasonic waves through the liquid jet and for detecting echoes of the ultrasonic waves caused by changes in the acoustical impedance in the bone characterizing changes in the structure of the bone along the path; and an analyzer for interpreting the echoes into meaningful information relating to the location of the structural changes along the path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a template for placing at least one dental implant (7) in a jaw (1) having at least one bore (3) for guiding this implant (7) when it is fixed in the jaw (1), whereby a recess (4) is provided that opens at least partly in said bore (3) in order to enable verifying the position of a implant guide with the implant.

Abstract: A handpiece for measuring root canal length having an outer sleeve that is substantially non-insulating, a connecting device, an instrument carrier, at least one transmission element within the outer sleeve, a length measuring circuit portion, a contact portion and an insulating portion. The instrument carrier is configured to receive a dental instrument. The transmission element transmits force to move the instrument carrier so that a dental instrument received in the instrument carrier executes a rotating, reciprocating and/or vibrating working movement. The length measuring circuit portion is disposed inside the handpiece and operable to transmit measuring signals for measuring length. The contact portion is operable to establish a conductive path between the dental instrument serving as an electrode and the length measuring circuit portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dental prosthesis system and a method of using same comprising a prosthesis, a primary bar, and a base-plate. The primary bar is adapted to be received on the implants and to be used as a superstructure for supporting the prosthesis, a verification jig and/or an impression matrix. The base-plate has a shape adapted to be received on the patient's gum surface, comprising at least one hole each in alignment with a corresponding one of the aperture of the primary bar when the primary bar is seated on the base-plate, each hole of the base-plate correspond to the position of each implant hole, the base-plate supporting the primary bar to form a drilling guide for guiding the drilling of implants holes in the patient's gum surface.

Abstract: An apparatus that indicates a proximity of a dental instrument in a tooth's root canal to the canal's apical foramen while using the dental instrument to perform a dental/medical procedure. The apparatus includes a signal generator that provides divider signal across a first node and a third node, and a reference impedance coupled between the first node and a second node. The second node and third node include configuration for electrically coupling between a tip of the dental instrument and an electrode coupled with a body tissue of the patient, a stimulation signal being defined across the second node and the third node. The apparatus also includes a microprocessor operable to compare the stimulation signal and the divider signal, and generate a proximity signal in response to the comparison, and a proximity indicator that indicates the proximity of the dental instrument to the apical foramen in response to the proximity signal.

Abstract: A dental drill guide system, including a handpiece guide which interfaces with a custom surgical guide. The custom surgical guide may be designed based on patient-specific data, such as medical images, for example, and fits conformingly over at least a portion of the patient's dentition at the implant site. The handpiece guide is attachable to an existing dental handpiece, and includes a guide protrusion that interfaces with a guide receptacle of the surgical guide to position and guide the movement of the drill along a desired trajectory. The guide receptacle may have a curved shape to allow for varying the position of the handpiece to aid surgeon access in the drilling procedure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a dental prosthesis to be implanted in a jaw of a patient, including the production of a radiological guide whose image, when the guide is placed in position on the jaw of the patient, can be processed for introducing virtual implants and guide cylinders in a surgically appropriate position; drilling holes into the guide on the basis of information obtained from the processing and placing real guide cylinders into the holes in order to form a surgical guide; placing the surgical guide on a pattern of the patient's jaw and drilling holes into the pattern through the guide cylinders; placing implant analogues into the holes drilled into the pattern; and producing the dental prosthesis on the pattern. Also, an appliance for carrying out the manufacturing method.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining an electronic model image representing teeth of a patient; determining a desired bracket arrangement for one or more brackets on the teeth; designing an electronic model image of an alignment device based in part on the desired bracket arrangement; and fabricating the alignment device based on the electronic model image of the alignment device. The desired bracket arrangement includes a surface location, a tip orientation, and a torque orientation of each bracket. The alignment device defines at least one slot through which a bracket can be placed at a surface location and an orientation indicator to indicate a desired tip orientation and a desired torque orientation of each bracket.

Abstract: A shape and depth template for incisions with treatment tips, usable in treatments such as bone surgery, comprising a guiding body for a treatment tip provided with two mutually opposite end faces arranged at a preset distance and a lateral surface, one of the end faces being arrangeable at the treatment tip incision region and with a hole that of preset shape that passes there through from one end face to the other.

Abstract: The invention discloses an integrated 3 D surgical guide, guide bar, mini-implant system and a procedure to stabilize dental prostheses, based on implanting two parallel mini-implants at a given distance and then joining them by means of a prosthetic bar mounted on them, thus achieving the required strength to mount on the bar a metallic clip that retains a dental prosthesis. The advantage of this integrated system is the stabilization of dental prostheses with high precision and save standardized protocol, lower costs and less trauma for the patient than the traditionally used method.

Abstract: An anchorage unit (41, 44) fits to a dental implant (5). A dental attachment (31, 32) for mounting to the anchorage unit comprises a first attachment part (31) and a second attachment part (32). The attachment parts (31, 32) define an aperture (24) for accommodating a portion (44) of the anchorage unit with a boundary wall of the aperture (24) on each of the attachment parts serving, in use, as a jaw for clamping against the portion of the anchorage unit. The aperture is of greater size than the portion of the anchorage unit to allow adjustment of the position of the attachment with respect to the anchorage unit. In another embodiment, a two-part anchoring assembly defines a pair of jaws for, in use, receiving and clamping against a portion of a dental attachment. The apparatus is particularly relevant when an attachment must be placed on more than one implant simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a guiding template for dental implantation. The method provides for associating a base template to a reference device, subjecting the patient to CAT, loading the data to a computer program, making an implant planning, generating the volume model, coupling the volume model to the reference device model, projecting the elements of the implant planning on the volume model, making a volume suitably drilled on the basis of the projection, coupling the volume to the reference device and making the holes of the planning on the base template. The present invention also relates to the guiding template thus obtained and the reference device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An accessory for use in aiding an oral surgeon to determine the optimum position and angle for a dental implant to be installed in a bone includes a probe assembly having one or more pairs of probe members pivotally mounted to each other about a pivot axis at their centers. Each pair of probe members is configured and dimensioned such that one end of the pair on one side of the pivot axis serves as a probe end to straddle the bone with their tips contacting the bone at opposed contact points thereon, and the opposite end of the pair on the opposite side of the pivot axis serves as a guide end in which the tips of the probe members are automatically located to indicate the thickness of the bone at the pair of opposed contact points. Also described are a kit including a plurality of such accessories, a tool for manually applying such accessories, and a method of using such accessories for use in determining the optimum position and angle for a dental implant.

Abstract: An orthodontic implant device is provided including a head portion (4), engagement means (14, 16) provided on or associated with an upper surface (6) of the head portion or a neck portion to allow an insertion instrument to engage therewith in use and a body portion (10) extending from a lower surface of the head portion. At least one recess or undercut (21) is provided substantially internally of the head portion.

Abstract: A method of creating a provisional dental prosthesis on an implant placed in bone retains a conical abutment to the implant. A first intermediate component secures to the conical abutment. A second intermediate component attaches to the first intermediate component. The second intermediate component comprises a polymeric material. A prosthetic template is placed over the second intermediate component. The prosthetic template is filled with a hardenable material. After the prosthetic template is filled, the process removes the prosthetic template with the second intermediate component within the hardenable material. A provisional prosthesis forms from the hardenable material, the provisional prosthesis contains the second intermediate component. The provisional prosthesis connect to the first intermediate component by affixing the second intermediate component to the first intermediate component.

Abstract: The subject invention provides single use periodontal probes. In preferred embodiments as described herein the probes of the subject invention can be used with a recording apparatus for simultaneously measuring and recording the depth of the periodontal pocket (gingival sulcus) and more particularly, to a unit employing a periodontal depth probe operably connected to a recording device, capable of producing a permanent visual record of the measured pocket depth. In further embodiments, the probes of the subject invention can be used to deliver and/or collect materials for prevention, treatment and/or diagnosis of periodontal conditions.