Abstract: A method for preparing and/or caring for a medical or dental instrument is defined in that the instrument jointly with a connection adapter is first connected to a first preparation and/or care device and subsequently to a second preparation and/or care device. Furthermore, a coupling device is described which is configured to connect a preparation and/or care device for a medical or dental instrument to a connection adapter. A plug-in coupling arrangement and a system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods of transmitting heat away from an ultrasound probe are disclosed within. In one embodiment, a handheld ultrasound probe includes a transducer, electronics configured to drive the transducer, and a housing surrounding the transducer assembly and the electronics. A slot extending from a first side of the housing to a second side of the housing and can allow air to pass adjacent transducer and the electronics. The slot can be sized to inhibit accessibility of an operator's finger to an inner surface of slot.

Abstract: A toothbrush including a chassis assembly, an output shaft configured to connect to a brush head and extending at least in part through a portion of the chassis assembly, a power train assembly operably connect to the output shaft, where the power train assembly oscillates the output shaft. The toothbrush also includes a fluid connector operably coupled to the chassis assembly and fluidly coupled to the output shaft via the power train assembly. The fluid connector rotates 360 degrees relative to the chassis assembly.

Abstract: A method of depositing an extrudable substance comprises, with a cartridge positioned inside a sleeve between an inner tubular sleeve wall and an outer tubular sleeve wall, circumscribing the inner tubular sleeve wall, and also positioned between a twist-lock pressure cap, hermetically coupled with the cartridge, and a valve, communicatively coupled with the cartridge, linearly moving an annular plunger, received between an inner tubular cartridge wall and an outer tubular cartridge wall, circumscribing the inner tubular cartridge wall, toward the valve along a first axis to urge the extrudable substance from the cartridge, through the valve, and out of a nozzle that is communicatively coupled with the valve. The method also comprises controlling flow of the extrudable substance from the valve to the nozzle.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a brushable substance onto a surface comprises (1) with a cartridge positioned inside a sleeve between an inner tubular sleeve wall and an outer tubular sleeve wall, circumscribing the inner tubular sleeve wall, and also positioned between a push-lock pressure cap, hermetically coupled with the cartridge, and a valve, communicatively coupled with the cartridge, linearly moving an annular plunger, received between an inner tubular cartridge wall and an outer tubular cartridge wall, circumscribing the inner tubular cartridge wall, toward the valve along a first axis to urge the brushable substance from the cartridge, through the valve, and to a brush that is communicatively coupled to the valve; and (2) controlling flow of the brushable substance from the valve to the brush.

Abstract: A method of depositing an extrudable substance onto a surface comprises (1) with a cartridge positioned inside a sleeve between an inner tubular sleeve wall and an outer tubular sleeve wall, circumscribing the inner tubular sleeve wall, and also positioned between a push-lock pressure cap, hermetically coupled with the cartridge, and a valve, communicatively coupled with the cartridge, linearly moving an annular plunger, received between an inner tubular cartridge wall and an outer tubular cartridge wall, circumscribing the inner tubular cartridge wall, toward the valve along a first axis to urge the extrudable substance from the cartridge, through the valve, and out of a nozzle that is communicatively coupled with the valve; and (2) controlling flow of the extrudable substance from the valve to the nozzle.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a brushable substance onto a surface comprises (1) with a cartridge positioned inside a sleeve between an inner tubular sleeve wall and an outer tubular sleeve wall, circumscribing the inner tubular sleeve wall, and also positioned between a twist-lock pressure cap, hermetically coupled with the cartridge, and a valve, communicatively coupled with the cartridge, linearly moving an annular plunger, received between an inner tubular cartridge wall and an outer tubular cartridge wall, circumscribing the inner tubular cartridge wall, toward the valve along a first axis to urge the brushable substance from the cartridge, through the valve, and to a brush that is communicatively coupled to the valve; and (2) controlling flow of the brushable substance from the valve to the brush.

Abstract: A turbine power unit for a power tool having a turbine housing with an interior space configured to receive therein a fluid powered turbine supported for rotation on a bearing within the turbine housing. A service opening through the turbine housing into the interior space thereof, the service opening configured to permit installation and removal of a bearing into and out of the interior space of the turbine housing. A removable cover releasably securable to the turbine housing over the service opening and transitionable between an open configuration in which a bearing can be installed into and removed from the interior space of the turbine housing through the service opening and a closed configuration in which an installed bearing within the interior space is secured for operation in the turbine housing.

Abstract: A disposable prophy angle with an accessible and replaceable internal collapsible prophylaxis bladder and a push button and plunger/paddle combination to force a metered amount of prophylaxis medium into the prophy angle while providing audible and/or tactile feedback.

Abstract: An oral care system for a defined oral care cleaning cycle comprising a base module 100, a head module 150 comprising a toothbrush-bristle brush 165 disposed on a bristle-retaining surface of the head module, and a tail module 151. A multi-input/multi-display counter 149 is disposed on a base-module main body 110 of the main body 100. The multi-input/multi-display counter 149 independently displays first and second count-states, and includes first and second independently-operable user inputs that are respectively associated with the first and second count-states such that: (a) in response to user engagement of the first user input, the first count state is incremented or decremented; and (b) in response to user engagement of the second user input, the second count state is incremented or decremented.

Abstract: A dental tissue treatment apparatus and associated methods includes a feedback-controlled beam guidance system for directing treatment to a defined area of dental tissue.

Abstract: The guidance assembly is used for precise cleaning of interproximal spaces of teeth. The guidance assembly includes a base portion (30) for contacting the surfaces of teeth and gum region, adjacent the interproximal space, the base portion being approximately 12 mm in diameter to provide stable contact with the teeth and gum region. The guidance assembly also includes a tip portion (28) which extends forward of the base portion and includes an opening (31) through which the droplet spray is directed coincident with the plane of the interproximal space.

Abstract: A dental tissue treatment apparatus and associated methods includes a feedback-controlled beam guidance system for directing treatment to a defined area of dental tissue.

Abstract: A device for disinfecting, sterilizing, and/or maintaining medical, in particular dental instruments. The device is optimized in various areas, facilitating the fully automatic, reliable, and reproducible preparation of dental instruments.

Abstract: The invention is a low-splash dental fluid distribution implement with the ability to evenly wear down tooth decay, diseased tissue, or undesired dentin in oral applications with live patients. The directed multi-beams of pressurized fluid are a combined plurality of individual beams paired in such a manner that the reflected fluid bursts are inwardly directed against each other. This canceling effect prevents damage to the oral tissues of the patient's mouth by curtailing outward bound bursts of fluid arising from the initial directed impact. Also, the outer edges of the strike zone receive a comparable force as that which hits the center.

Abstract: A structure for separating a discharge nozzle of an oral irrigator includes a first discharge path formed in one side of the irrigator body, a water pressure control lever rotatably arranged above the first discharge path and having a second discharge path in the other side of the irrigator body, a release button section provided on an upper portion of the water pressure control lever and into which the discharge nozzle is inserted and engaged, and configured, when pushed, to be bent so as to release the engaged discharge nozzle, and a locking section provided in the release button section and water pressure control lever to control a pushing operation of the release button section depending upon whether the first discharge path is open or blocked.

Abstract: Tool and method for creating a perforation or cavity in a bone or bone structure in contact with a membrane, the tool including a drill having a free end and a channel adapted for supplying a liquid under pressure to the free end, the tool further including a source of the liquid under pressure such that the liquid flows partially into and through the bone or bone structure toward the membrane while drilling the bone or bone structure with the drill, which allows to perform a progressive detachment of the membrane when the drill is close to the membrane while still being inside the bone or bone structure, and before completely piercing the bone or bone structure.

Abstract: An oral care kit is provided. The oral care kit is designed to be used to treat a painful area of a patient's mouth, such as a tooth, an area of a lip, or an area along a gum line. The oral care kit generally includes a topical anesthetic, a plurality of disposable swabs, and an applicator. The applicator has a proximal end defining a handle, and a distal end comprising a pair of prongs. A channel is formed along an inner surface of the prongs. The proximal end of each swab is dimensioned to be slidably received within the channel, while the distal end comprises flocking. Each of the disposable swabs is dimensioned to be received within a user's mouth for application of the topical anesthetic. A method of numbing a dental area is also provided herein.

Abstract: A device for directing a liquid onto a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity, the device including a handle, a neck, and a head, where the head includes a cleaning component including a chamber for maintaining the liquid proximate the surfaces, where the chamber is defined by front and rear sealing membranes, inner side walls and a base inner wall, and where the inner side walls each include a plurality of openings, the device further including a first manifold and a second manifold, and a first port and a second port for conveying liquid.

Abstract: A device for directing a liquid onto a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity, the device including a handle, a neck, and a head, where the head includes a cleaning component including a chamber for maintaining the liquid proximate the surfaces, where the chamber is defined by front and rear sealing membranes, inner side walls and a base inner wall, and where the inner side walls each include a plurality of openings, the device further including a first manifold and a second manifold, and a first port and a second port for conveying liquid.

Abstract: A prophy angle is provided that includes a housing with a prophy cup at the distal end, a first drive mechanism positioned within the housing and including a drive shaft for delivering mechanical energy to the prophy cup, a chamber enclosed within the housing to store paste in a controlled releasable manner, and an independent second drive mechanism within the housing to control the delivery of paste from the chamber to the prophy cup in a manner to reduce friction in paste delivery and to avoid contact of the paste with the first drive mechanism and its associated gears.

Abstract: Various embodiments for cleaning carious regions of a tooth are disclosed herein. For example, a dental apparatus can include a fluid platform having a chamber sized and shaped to retain fluid. The chamber can be configured to be coupled to the tooth over the carious region. A pressure wave generator having a distal end may be configured to be positioned in the chamber. The pressure wave generator may be configured to generate pressure waves in the retained fluid sufficient to clean the carious region.

Abstract: A water kit assembly is disclosed which comprises a pouch having a first compartment for storing a volume of water therein and an openable second compartment for storing a tubing therein for connection to the first compartment, a port having a seal extending out of the first compartment into the second compartment, the tubing for insertion into the port and for connection to a dental unit for providing water from the first compartment through the tubing to the dental unit, and an adapter connected to the first compartment, the adapter for being connected to a source of compressed air for facilitating movement of the quantity of water in the first compartment through the tubing to the dental unit.

Abstract: A device for cleaning teeth, allows the simultaneous cleaning of the teeth of at least one arch. The device includes: a single or a double arc-shaped tray which can enclose the teeth of one arch or both arches at once and which, via the free edge(s) thereof, can be fitted to the corresponding gum or gums, the tray made from a flexible material allows reversible deformation and is compatible with medical use; and fluid-injection/-removal elements for injecting fluid into the tray and removing fluid from the interior thereof. Once the tray is in place on the teeth, the fluid-injection/-removal elements subject them to repeated cycles of fluid injection/removal to clean the teeth by the combined action, within the tray, of fluid circulation over and between the teeth and mechanical action of the tray's internal surface on the teeth, resulting from the deformation of the tray during the injection/removal cycles.

Abstract: A device for use in retracting a gingiva from a human tooth by widening a gingival sulcus with a dental composition. The device comprises a cannula with a free end having an opening for dispensing the dental composition. The free end is shaped to be inserted with its front in the entry of the gingival sulcus, and to laterally displace the gingiva from the tooth as the cannula is moved in the gingival sulcus. The invention may help to achieve a reliable and cost effective gingival retraction treatment.

Abstract: A prophy angle is provided that includes a paste-dispensing assembly that includes an actuator at the proximal end of the housing, and a push rod linked to the actuator and supporting a plunger on the push rod, where the push rod is supported by the housing in a biased manner to permit longitudinal movement within the housing in a reciprocating manner as actuated by the actuator, to dispense a controlled quantity of paste out of the prophy angle.

Abstract: A device for use in retracting a gingiva from a human tooth by widening a gingival sulcus with a dental composition. The device comprises a cannula with a free end having an opening for dispensing the dental composition. The free end is shaped to be inserted with its front in the entry of the gingival sulcus, and to laterally displace the gingiva from the tooth as the cannula is moved in the gingival sulcus. The invention may help to achieve a reliable and cost effective gingival retraction treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides an oral care system comprising a gel in a pen dispenser, the dispenser comprising a chamber which permits dispensing of a measured amount of the gel, wherein the gel exhibits a Herschel-Bulkley yield stress of 10 to 230 dynes/cm2, a Herschel-Bulkley viscosity of 3 to 500 poise, and a Herschel-Bulkley rate index of 0.4 to 0.6, the specific viscosity permitting efficient application of the gel, as well as methods of using the same.

Abstract: A prophy angle is provided that includes a housing with a prophy cup at the distal end, a first drive mechanism positioned within the housing and including a drive shaft for delivering mechanical energy to the prophy cup, a chamber enclosed within the housing to store paste in a controlled releasable manner, and an independent second drive mechanism within the housing to control the delivery of paste from the chamber to the prophy cup in a manner to reduce friction in paste delivery and to avoid contact of the paste with the first drive mechanism and its associated gears.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for providing dental care using pressurized fluid. The pressure is obtained from the effervescence effect of the reaction of two active materials in the presence of the fluid. The pressurized fluid is provided to the mouth in a constant pressure and the apparatus is handy and may be operated in any angle with respect to the direction of earth gravity force. In some operational modes the pressurized fluid is provided in pulsating manner or in vibrating manner or in both manners.

Abstract: A device for “treating” gingiva/mucosa at teeth/implants comprises at least one segment comprising a contour surface formed according to an individual geometry of a patient's dentition for closely contacting a region of an outer surface of a tooth and an adjacent region of a gingiva, whereas the regions in particular include a sulcus region, a storage and/or supply for a composition including a cleaning agent, a remineralizing composition, and/or a pharmaceutical composition to be applied to the regions of the tooth and the gingiva and a transmission element for transmitting vibrations to the at least one segment.

Abstract: A method of supplying oxygenated water is performed on a water tank, in which oxygenated water is received. The method lets the water tank supply a constant amount of the oxygenated water once, and then supply the water tank with water and pure oxygen to recover the dissolution ratio of oxygen of the oxygenated water in the water tank. The method may supply a constant amount of oxygenated water every time for the user to drink it up once.

Abstract: A prophy angle is provided that includes a paste-dispensing assembly that includes an actuator at the proximal end of the housing, a push rod linked to the actuator and supporting a plunger on the push rod is provided, where the push rod is supported by the housing in a biased manner to permit longitudinal movement within the housing in a reciprocating manner as actuated by the actuator, to dispense a controlled quantity of paste out of the prophy angle.

Abstract: An irrigator handle to be used with a water jet apparatus for cleaning gums and teeth includes a visual indicator to let a user know when a tip has been properly attached to the handle. The handle in some embodiments also includes an audible indicator to let the user know when the tip has been properly attached. The handle has a pause button attached to plunger to restrict water flow when the pause button is depressed.

Abstract: A device, method, and system are provided for aiding the whitening of teeth. The device includes a mouthpiece suitable for implementing a dental treatment, wherein the mouthpiece includes one or more stock dental cover layers suitable for forming a treatment cavity having a vacuum, wherein the dental cover layers includes a layer over the upper teeth and/or a layer over the lower teeth; and one or more treatment supply layers wherein the treatment supply layer has one or more flow channel in fluid communication with the treatment cavity so that the treatment supply layer can deliver and/or remove one or more treatment fluids from the treatment cavity.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of tooth cleaning devices, especially electrical toothbrushes. The invention further relates to the use of an air/water jet for the cleaning of teeth. A process for cleaning teeth that incorporates a water jet for cleaning teeth remains to be desired, especially a single device that can be employed to clean teeth and reliably deposit material onto teeth. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a process for cleaning teeth with an electrical toothbrush device providing improved cleaning by means of an externally mixed air-water jet wherein the water dosing is not influenced by the air pressure. Surprisingly it has been found that a tooth brush device, comprising an air/water jet, wherein the air and water are mixed outside the nozzle(s), provides improved cleaning of dental surfaces, including inter-proximal areas, with low usage of water.

Abstract: A prophy angle is provided that includes a housing with a prophy cup at the distal end, a first drive mechanism positioned within the housing and including a drive shaft for delivering mechanical energy to the prophy cup, a chamber enclosed within the housing to store paste in a controlled releasable manner, and an independent second drive mechanism within the housing to control the delivery of paste from the chamber to the prophy cup in a manner to reduce friction in paste delivery and to avoid contact of the paste with the first drive mechanism and its associated gears.

Abstract: A tooth varnish that is free from pinus extracts, free of substantial undesired coloring agents, with a reduced viscosity, delivered in a user-friendly, flow-through, unit dose applicator and having improved fluoride release, uptake, and remineralization properties.

Abstract: An expansion device includes an inflatable balloon moveable from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration configured to pass through soft tissue between two adjacent teeth of a patient when in the unexpanded configuration. The an expansion device also includes an inflation tube having one end connected to the inflatable balloon and another end serving as an entry port for an inflation fluid. The inflatable balloon has a triangular shape when in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a dental prophylaxis angle is provided that includes including a content lumen within the body, wherein the proximal end of the body is attachable to a concentric drive dental handpiece and the distal end of the body includes a denial tip and a content portal proximate the dental tip. The dental prophylaxis angle can also include a collapsible container disposed within the content lumen and in fluid communication with content portal. The dental prophylaxis angle can also include a reciprocating advancement mechanism including a gripping section slidably attached to an exterior surface of the body and at least one member extending through the body and into the content lumen in communication with the proximal end of the collapsible container. When sliding the gripping section proximally along the longitudinal axis of the body the member at least partially compresses the collapsible container in the distal direction.

Abstract: A dental drill is disclosed which allows for an osteotomy to be formed in a shape which closely matches the cylindrical shape of many dental implants. In so doing, the implant engages more tissue of the resulting osteotomy, thus resulting in greater ability for the tissue to penetrate and fuse with the implant while also reducing the chances of infection and reducing the overall recovery time. In addition, by forming the dental drill with a relatively obtuse angulation between the termini of the drill flutes, the cutting forces are spread across a larger cutting area thus reducing wear on the drill itself. Moreover, by spreading the cutting force over a larger area, the heat generated by the drill is reduced and thus the discomfort afforded to the patient is reduced.

Abstract: A system for reconditioning a dental implant in situ comprising a buffer member, a drive member, abrasive material, and a sleeve member. The sleeve member moves between first and second positions relative to the buffer member. The buffer member is in an open configuration when the sleeve member is in the first position. The sleeve member holds the buffer member in a closed configuration when the sleeve member is in the second position. The buffer member is rotated such that the plurality of fingers of the buffer member cause the abrasive material to remove at least a portion of the texture layer on the textured portion of implant outer surface of the second implant portion.

Abstract: A dental bur and method for removing a soft deposit from a tooth or an implant, the bur having a shank adapted to be connected to a rotary device. A head extends from the shank. The head has a material hardness adapted to remove soft deposits attached to the tooth but deflect against the tooth. Furthermore, the head is sized for insertion into a periodontal pocket adjacent to the tooth without surgery. Thus, the dental bur may be rotated against the tooth for removing the soft deposits but deflect and/or wear against the tooth for preventing damage to the tooth.

Abstract: An oral hygiene system for cleaning teeth and gums includes a mouthpiece having at least one arcuate channel adapted to receive and surround the teeth. The mouthpiece includes at least two modalities chosen from a group consisting of a mechanical modality, an iontophoretic modality, and a disinfection modality, wherein the mechanical modality brushes the teeth and gums and dislodges food debris, the iontophoretic modality breaks up plaque and tartar buildup, and the disinfection modality removes the food debris, plaque and tartar buildup. A control system coordinates the transmission of modalities, tracks and records utilization, recording completed and failed treatment cycles, and transmits them to a monitoring system. The monitoring system, which links to electronic medical administrating record (eMAR) technology and patient tracking technology (e.g.

Abstract: A device for cleaning oral cavity and a method for cleaning oral cavity capable of cleaning stains such as plaque, tartar, and the like even in a narrow portion such as a clearance between teeth, a clearance between implants, and the like. A cover includes a jetting orifice and a discharge orifice and covers a tooth by leaving a clearance between the tooth and the cover so that the clearance can hold water. A jetting unit is mounted in the jetting orifice and includes a flow path communicating with the clearance between the tooth and the cover. The jetting unit is configured to generate cavitation bubbles. The flow path includes a small diameter part and an enlarged part. A discharge unit discharges water in the clearance between the tooth and the cover from the discharge orifice.

Abstract: An oral care implement is disclosed comprising: an oral care region having cleaning elements; a body coupled to the oral care region; a gas outlet operably coupled to a gas source, the gas outlet disposed in the oral care region; an oral care material source storing an oral care material; an oral care material outlet operably coupled to the oral care material source, the oral care material outlet disposed in the oral care region; and wherein the oral care material outlet is spaced apart from the gas outlet. In another aspect, an oral care implement is disclosed comprising an oral care region having an elastomeric tooth cleaning element and an air outlet positioned adjacent the air outlet so that an air stream existing the air outlet causes a dynamic vibratory flexing action of at least a portion of the elastomeric tooth cleaning element.

Abstract: A device for the disinfection, sterilization and/or maintenance of medical, in particular dental instruments. The device is optimized in various areas, facilitating the fully automatic, reliable and reproducible preparation of dental instruments.

Abstract: A device for applying a tooth brightening composition to a tooth includes a reservoir fluidly connected to an applicator, where applicator having a factional stress value sufficient to cause mechanical displacement of a biofilm present on a surface of the tooth; a tooth brightening composition disposed within the reservoir; and an activator configured to dispense the tooth brightening composition from the reservoir onto an exterior surface of the applicator. Alternatively or in combination with the above device, the applicator contains pores having a diameter of 0.1-1000 ?m.

Abstract: An oral care implement, e.g., toothbrush, having a wick applicator and a method of assembling the same is disclosed. The implement includes a head, a handle connected to the head by a neck portion, and a recess. The recess is arranged for receipt of the wick applicator. The handle includes an internal fluid reservoir holding a fluid in communication with the recess. The wick applicator is arranged to enable a fluid to pass therethrough by capillary action and has a first end portion and a second end portion. The second portion of the wick applicator comprises at least one projection for engaging at least one cooperating portion of the recess to secure the wick applicator in the recess at an operative position, whereupon the wick applicator is in fluid communication with the fluid in the reservoir.

Abstract: A prophy cup has an outer surface with dimples formed therein. The dimples increase the turbulent flow in a boundary layer proximate to the surface. The increased turbulent flow reduces the separation of fluid (a slurry of saliva, blood and pumice) at the boundary layer to minimize the quantity of fluid ejected from the surface. A dental handpiece housing is configured to split longitudinally so that a wiper is positioned proximate to the outer surface of the prophy cup. The wiper removes slurry as the prophy cup rotates during a dental cleaning procedure to further reduce the quantity of fluid ejected from the surface during the procedure.