Abstract: The present invention is directed to root canal obturation in a tooth. In one embodiment, a plug is positioned in a root canal and bonded to the root canal by applying a light-curing adhesive to the canal and exposing the plug to a light source to bond the plug to the root canal. In another embodiment, a carrier is disclosed having an optically transmissive plug portion for insertion into the canal. In still another embodiment, the plug portion of the carrier includes an optical fiber to transmit light from a light source into the plug portion. In still yet another embodiment, a filler material is heated and injected into the root canal in a semi-liquid state and exposed to light to cure the adhesive.

Abstract: A cannula (20) is disclosed, for the flushing of narrow tooth root canals, the cannula tube (46) of which comprises an axially long opening (66) at the end thereof. The length of the opening (66) can in practice be about 7 mm.

Abstract: In an endodontic procedure, after the working of a root canal by instruments to remove material and shape the walls of the canal, irrigant is supplied to irrigate and clean the canal. A fluid is applied via a tube which is inserted partway down the root canal and a vacuum is supplied via the cannula. Alternately, the fluid may be supplied through the cannula and vacuum through the tube. The tube and cannula may or may not pass through a material created by a standard dental filling material of a composite nature which provides a seal at a position near the top of the coronal opening. The cleaning may be performed using a cannula having a slight taper with one or a series of larger holes near the top and smaller holes near the bottom; or a pair of cannulas of substantially the same diameter and taper, one with one or a series of larger holes near the top, while the other one with one or a series of holes near the bottom of the cannula.

Abstract: A dental filling material comprising a polybutylene polymer having a molecular weight of about 10,000 to about 100,000 and being viscoelastic at about 20° C. The composition may include other polymeric resins, fillers, plasticizers and other additives typically used in dental materials. The filling material is used for the filing of root canals.

Abstract: An apparatus is described, for endodontic treatment, whereby the operations for complete removal of connective, vascular and nervous tissues in the pulp cavity and in the root canals can be automatically carried out by chemical and pharmacological disintegration and by employing suitable enzymatic solutions such as trypsin at various degrees of dilution. The use of positive-displacement pumps guarantees that precise quantities of the chemical substances are used in the stages of emptying, disinfection, washing, drying and final filling of the root canals and of the pulp cavity. Temperature control of the fluids in circulation ensures that reaction times of the chemical substances used can be repeated at each cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing material during a dental or endodontic procedure includes a housing having a motor with an output. A needle heating member including a chamber may receive a prefilled needle of dispensing material. A heater at least substantially surrounds the chamber for heating the material in the needle. A plunger is used to expel the material from the needle during activation of the motor. A reusable protective sheath is provided for disposition on the outside of the housing. A method of manufacturing a needle for use and dispensing a material during a dental or endodontic procedure includes drawing a blank of metal having a closed distal end, bending the blank at a desired angle, and removing a portion of the drawn metal from the distal end to open the distal end thereby forming the dispensing needle.

Abstract: A dental implement for applying a hemostatic compound to a root canal of a person's tooth includes an elongate applicator having an upper section and a lower section. The lower section includes a tip having a generally pointed configuration. The tip and lower section may be coated with a hemostatic agent that inhibits bleeding. A user may hold the applicator by its upper section and insert the lower section and tip into a root canal for applying the hemostatic compound to the tissues therein, whereby to inhibit bleeding during a root canal procedure.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a gutta-percha point for filling a tooth root canal system, which is characterized in that it has a plurality of deformable protrusions formed on a longitudinal surface where the protrusions are constructed in the form of helical winding and have a thickness appropriate to achieve a desired thickness of the sealer.

Abstract: A complete melting type cordless filling instrument for endodontic treatment is disclosed which uses a switching circuit, to be operable using a miniature dry battery for supplying DC power. The filling instrument includes a body with a battery for supplying DC power, a heater at a front end of the body to heat and melt gutta-percha, an injector mounted to the body in front of the heater to discharge the melted gutta-percha, a charging part provided at the body to charge the gutta-percha in the body, a feeding member which feeds the gutta-percha charged in the body, a filling switch which turns on the heater, and a control circuit installed in the body, to control a temperature of the heating core and an operation of the heating core. The control circuit includes the filling switch, and a switching circuit adapted to efficiently maintain electrical energy supplied from the battery.

Abstract: A combined irrigator-vacuum device includes a pump assembly mountable over a syringe or device body. The device body has a dividing wall which divides the body into a clean chamber and a waste chamber. Openings are formed at the bottom of the body to provide an inlet into said waste chamber and an outlet from said clean chamber. The pump assembly comprises a housing and a compressible cover defining a pump chamber. A vacuum valve and an irrigation valve are positioned within the pump chamber above the syringe waste chamber and clean chamber, respectively. The pump is operable such that compression of the cover causes irrigant fluid to be ejected from the clean chamber and release of the cover causes used irrigant to be vacuumed into the waste chamber. The device can be selectively switchable between an irrigation-vacuum mode, an irrigation-only mode and a vacuum-only mode.

Abstract: In an endodontic procedure, after the working of a root canal by instruments to remove material and shape the walls of the canal, irrigant is supplied via a microcannula. A vacuum is applied via a tube which is inserted partway down the root canal. The tube and microcannula pass through a material created by a standard dental filling material of a composite nature which provides a seal at a position near the top of the coronal opening. The irrigant is supplied in a manner sufficient to ensure delivery to a side vent of the microcannula. The vacuum at the end of tube draws the irrigant and debris up from the apex of the root canal into the tube. The side vent may have a plurality of more round holes, a diagonal slit, or a U shaped slit, or any other shape. The vent opening should not extend more than approximately 0.75 mm from the closed spherical tip of the microcannula, it must be burr free and the opening must be smaller than the internal diameter of the microcannula.

Abstract: A cannula assembly is removably mountable to a syringe body having a pair of side-by-side chambers; there being an opening into each chamber at a bottom of the syringe. The cannula assembly comprises a connector and a dual lumen assembly extending from the connector. The dual lumen assembly comprises a pair of tubes defining two fluid paths. The connector comprises fluid paths which, when the cannula assembly is mounted to the syringe, place the fluid path of one of the tubes in fluid communication with one of the syringe body chambers and the fluid path of the other of the dual lumen tubes in fluid communication with the other of the syringe body chambers.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for automated, cyclic delivery and evacuation of a treatment or irrigation solution from a tooth root pulp chamber and pulp canals. A manifold has a base member sized and configured to rest on a crown of an instrumented tooth and a top member sized and configured to couple with the base member to define an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. The distal end of a needle is passed through an opening between the inlet and outlet chambers and extended distally beyond the base member into a pulp canal. The proximal end of the needle includes an opening in fluid communication with the inlet chamber. A solution is transferred from a fluid supply source to the inlet chamber and through the needle into the pulp chamber and pulp canals. The spent solution is evacuated from the pulp chamber and pulp canals through the outlet chamber. The system further includes additional devices, such as a light source, an electrical source, a heat source, for increasing the efficacy of the system.

Abstract: Endodontic fibers comprising a biocompatible polymer vehicle permeable to medicaments, or combinations of medicaments are described. Such fibers can be used, for example, in a method for the local delivery and sustained release of medicaments to periodontal or intracanal treatment sites. Endodontic fibers described include modified periodontal fibers and intracanal fibers.

Abstract: A dental filling material comprising an inner core and outer layer of material disposed and surrounding the inner core, both the inner core and outer layer of material each containing a thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer may be biodegradable. A bioactive substance may also be included in the filling material. The thermoplastic polymer acts as a matrix for the bioactive substance. The composition may include other polymeric resins, fillers, plasticizers and other additives typically used in dental materials. The filling material is used for the filing of root canals.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for endodontic treatment of teeth provide effective cleaning of organic material (such as pulp and diseased tissue) from the root canal system. In an embodiment, a compressor system generates high pressure liquid (e.g., water) that flows through an orifice to produce a high-velocity collimated jet of liquid. The high-velocity jet is directed toward a surface of a tooth, for example, an exposed dentinal surface, and impingement of the jet onto the surface generates an acoustic wave that propagates throughout the tooth. The acoustic wave effectively detaches organic material from dentinal surfaces and tubules. The detached organic material is flushed from the root canal system by the liquid jet and/or by additional irrigation.

Abstract: A method for treating root canals includes directing an oxidizing gas onto an open root canal through a needle, maintain a presence of the oxidizing gas onto the root canal for a period of time sufficient to kill microorganisms therein, and preventing escape of the oxidizing gas from the root canal. Apparatus for a treatment of root canals includes a source of oxidizing gas, a handpiece, a needle extending from said handpiece and receivable in a tooth root canal. The needle includes an oxidizing gas delivery lumen therethrough, and a cup is attached to the handpiece and surrounding the needle.

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

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

Abstract: In an endodontic procedure, after the working of a root canal by instruments to remove material and shape the walls of the canal, irrigant is supplied via a microcannula. A vacuum is applied via a tube which is inserted partway down the root canal. The tube and microcannula pass through a material created by a standard dental filling material of a composite nature Which provides a seal at a position near the top of the coronal opening. The irrigant is supplied in a manner sufficient to ensure delivery to a side vent of the microcannula. The vacuum at the end of tube draws the irrigant and debris up from the apex of the root canal into the tube. The side vent may have a plurality of more round holes, a diagonal slit or a U shaped slit, or any other shape. The vent opening should not extend more than approximately 0.75 mm from the closed spherical tip of the microcannula, it must be burr free any the opening must be smaller than the internal diameter of the microcannula.

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

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

Abstract: A dental tool for use with an ultrasonic transducer, the tool comprises a substantially elongate tool defined by a shaft having a proximal end with a coupling attachment at the proximal end for attachment to an ultrasonic transducer, and a distal end having a tip configured for performing a dental procedure, and a fluid passage extending from the proximal end to a port configured and positioned to direct fluid onto the tip.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to root canal obturation in a tooth. In one embodiment, a plug is positioned in a root canal and bonded to the root canal by applying a light-curing adhesive to the canal and exposing the plug to a light source to bond the plug to the root canal. In another embodiment, a carrier is disclosed having an optically transmissive plug portion for insertion into the canal. In still another embodiment, the plug portion of the carrier includes an optical fiber to transmit light from a light source into the plug portion. In still yet another embodiment, a filler material is heated and injected into the root canal in a semi-liquid state and exposed to light to cure the adhesive.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for automated, cyclic delivery and evacuation of a treatment or irrigation solution from a tooth root pulp chamber and pulp canals. A manifold has a base member sized and configured to rest on a crown of an instrumented tooth and a top member sized and configured to couple with the base member to define an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. The distal end of a needle is passed through an opening between the inlet and outlet chambers and extended distally beyond the base member into a pulp canal. The proximal end of the needle includes an opening in fluid communication with the inlet chamber. A solution is transferred from a fluid supply source to the inlet chamber and through the needle into the pulp chamber and pulp canals. The spent solution is evacuated from the pulp chamber and pulp canals through the outlet chamber.

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

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

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

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

Abstract: Endodontic fibers comprising a biocompatible polymer vehicle permeable to medicaments, or combinations of medicaments are described. Such fibers can be used, for example, in a method for the local delivery and sustained release of medicaments to periodontal or intracanal treatment sites. Endodontic fibers described include modified periodontal fibers and intracanal fibers.

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: Endodontic fibers comprising a biocompatible polymer vehicle permeable to medicaments, or combinations of medicaments are described. Such fibers can be used, for example, in a method for the local delivery and sustained release of medicaments to periodontal or intracanal treatment sites. Endodontic fibers described include modified periodontal fibers and intracanal fibers.

Abstract: Process for preparing durable, re-usable intermediate toner image-transfer belts or electrostatic transfuse belts. The present belts have a continuous elastomer-impregnated fibrous fabric support and at least one outer smooth release layer of a cured elastomer polymer. The invention is characterized by the application of a thin primer layer of a hydrolyzable polyfunctional silicone composition between the elastomer-coated surface of the fabric support and the outer elastomer polymer layer. The polyfunctional silicone chemically-bonds to the elastomer of the fabric support during hydrolysis and chemically-bonds to the outer elastomer layer during its cure, to form a durable, heat-resistant transfuse belt. The layers maybe applied to the fabric support by spray application as dilute solutions.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the application of materials to an interior space of a tooth, such as the extirpated pulp chamber and/or root canals of the tooth subsequent to root canal surgery. The device has one or more syringe-like pistons and associated chambers for drawing a vacuum within an extirpated pulp chamber and applying cleansing, sealing, and/or filler materials into the tooth under continued vacuum pressure to ensure complete and thorough application.

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

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

Abstract: A flexible endodontic syringe for use in performing root canal therapy on a tooth and that is particularly useful for irrigating a root canal possessing a non-linear central axis is presented. The instrument comprises an elongate shank or needle having an enclosed axial channel or lumen. The shank or needle possesses a flexibility sufficient to substantially traverse the entire length of a root canal. A method for irrigating a root canal is also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the application of materials to an interior space of a tooth, such as the extirpated pulp chamber and/or root canals of the tooth subsequent to root canal surgery. The device has one or more syringe-like pistons and associated chambers for drawing a vacuum within an extirpated pulp chamber and applying cleansing, sealing, and/or filler materials into the tooth under continued vacuum pressure to ensure complete and thorough application.

Abstract: A flexible endodontic syringe for use in performing root canal therapy on a tooth and that is particularly useful for irrigating a root canal possessing a non-linear central axis is presented. The instrument comprises an elongate shank or needle having an enclosed axial channel or lumen. The shank or needle possesses a flexibility sufficient to substantially traverse the entire length of a root canal. A method for irrigating a root canal is also disclosed.