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

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

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

Abstract: Materials and methods for preparing the surface of dentin, enamel, or other natural or industrial substrates containing or capable of binding metallic ions, for adhesion of composite materials or resins, are disclosed. Preferably, the substrate is treated with an aqueous solution comprising at least one acid, acidic salt, or chelating or sequestering agent.

Abstract: During radiotherapy for malignant conditions, healthy tissues can suffer from radiation damage. Traditional radiation shields designed to protect healthy tissues are prepared by a lengthy, multi-step complex procedure. Materials are described for preparation of a radiation shield for use during radiation therapy, especially therapy of the head and neck, where the material comprises a composite of non-radioactive, non-toxic high atomic density metal or metal alloy spherical particles dispersed in a manually moldable elastomeric material. Custom radiation shields are formulated of this material without the need for use of impressions or molds. Healthy tissues may then be shielded during radiation therapy by positioning the custom-fitted radiation shield in the desired location on the patient's body.

Abstract: This invention relates primarily to organofunctional monomers, predominantly dimethacrylates and/or diacrylates containing one or more (predominantly two carboxyl groups, with moieties that provide sufficient affinity with water to allow any desired amount of water and/or miscible fugitive solvents to be mixed homogeneously with these monomers and formulations containing them. The activity of water in the monomer formulations can be adjusted so that it is equal to the water activity in biological tissues. This promotes biocompatibility and enhances the adhesive characteristics of polymers prepared from these formulations. Probability statistics are disclosed that optimize the compositions of polymer reaction products.

Abstract: Materials and methods for preparing the surface of dentin, enamel, or other natural or industrial substrates containing or capable of binding metallic ions, for adhesion of composite materials or resins, are disclosed. Preferably, the substrate is treated with an aqueous solution comprising at least one acid, acidic salt, or chelating or sequestering agent.

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

Abstract: During radiotherapy for malignant conditions, healthy tissues can suffer from radiation damage. Traditional radiation shields designed to protect healthy tissues are prepared by a lengthy, multi-step complex procedure. Materials are described for preparation of a radiation shield for use during radiation therapy, especially therapy of the head and neck, where the material comprises a composite of non-radioactive, non-toxic high atomic density metal or metal alloy spherical particles dispersed in a manually moldable elastomeric material. Custom radiation shields are formulated of this material without the need for use of impressions or molds. Healthy tissues may then be shielded during radiation therapy by positioning the custom-fitted radiation shield in the desired location on the patient's body.

Abstract: Previous mouthwashes and dentifrices containing fluoride contributed relatively modest amounts of additional fluoride to the tooth surfaces, and scavenged calcium from the teeth. The present invention can deposit significantly more fluoride in the mouth than previously used formulations containing comparable amounts of fluoride, without scavenging calcium from the teeth. The invention includes a method of fluoridating teeth comprising (1) mixing in an aqueous environment a first component comprising a stable, non-toxic soluble calcium salt with a second component comprising a stable, non-toxic readily hydrolyzable complex fluoride compound, resulting in hydrolysis of the fluoride compound and precipitation of calcium fluoride, followed by (2) prompt application of the mixture to tooth surfaces. The invention also contemplates mouth rinses, denifrices, gels or pastes, and chewable tablets for application of the above-described compositions.

Abstract: Means to decrease the effects of polymerization shrinkage, increase stiffness, decrease the coefficient of thermal expansion to a greater extent than previously possible, and improve the durability of composite restorations by use of improved microcrystalline glass inserts. Shaped pieces of assorted sizes within the range of one-half to 10 millimeters are heat treated to produce microcrystallinity in which the crystalline phases, such as for example stuffed beta quartz, beta-eucryptite, beta-spodumene solid solutions, and keatite and/or other phases, give the microcrystalline glass pieces exceptionally low coefficients of thermal expansion and other desirable properties. Compositions and heat treatment conditions are given to provide the insert pieces with the desired translucencies/opacities, colors, and shades, to match a range of those properties found in teeth.

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

Abstract: Alloys suitable for dental or medical devices are disclosed. A typical alloy comprises about 35 to about 60% by weight of zirconium, about 1 to about 60% by weight of palladium and about 1 to about 60% by weight of ruthenium.

Abstract: Means to decrease the effects of polymerization shrinkage, increase stiffness, decrease the coefficient of thermal expansion and improve the durability of composite restorations by use of inserts are disclosed. Pieces of an aluminoborosilicate glass are phase-separated by heating to 870.degree. C. for 2 hours producing opaque inserts with silica-rich surfaces. Boiling for 1 hour in aqueous 0.5 N NaOH solution removes the surface layer, and produces a rough-textured surface with increased area. The surface texture plus treatment with an organofunctional silane provides for both micromechanical and chemical bonding with composite resins. Cavities in teeth are partially filled with unhardened composite material, and inserts of appropriate size and shape are pressed into the cavity so that the insert constitutes as much as possible of the finished restoration and its surface. The excess extruded composite material is removed with a hand instrument, and the composite containing the insert is light cured.

Abstract: An arc furnace and investment casting apparatus includes a copper base with an integrally formed crucible having a passage therethrough. A vacuum chamber is positioned on the top of the copper crucible with a non-consumable cathode projecting into the chamber to effect melting of metal placed in the crucible. A vacuum chamber is also suspended beneath the crucible for support of a mold to receive molten metal flowing through the passage.

Abstract: Dental restorative compositions containing a mixture of Ca.sub.4 (PO.sub.4).sub.2 O and at least one different calcium phosphate.

Abstract: Materials and methods for improving the adhesion of composite materials and resins to dentin, enamel and other substrates are disclosed. Preferably, the substrate surface is treated with an aqueous solution of (1) at least one acidic salt containing a polyvalent cation which preferably is capable of changing valence by unit steps (univalent changes) and which can bind to dentin or enamel surface sites, and at least one anion which preferably forms a relatively water-insoluble precipitate or precipitates with calcium, and which contains at least one carboxyl group and preferably two or more carboxyl groups; and (2) acid, preferably nitric acid. The resultant surface is then treated with a solvent containing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of (1) N-phenylglycine, (2) the adduct of N (p-tolyl) glycine and glycidyl methacrylate, and (3) the addition reaction product of N-phenylglycine and glycidyl methacrylate.

Abstract: Dental restorative compositions containing a mixture of Ca.sub.4 (PO.sub.4).sub.2 O and at least one different calcium phosphate.

Abstract: Compositions that are useful and unique as dental remineralizers and dental cements, as well as methods for their use, are disclosed. The compositions are mixtures of at least two sparingly soluble calcium phosphates that are present in excess and a dilute aqueous solution approximately saturated withThe invention described herein was made in the course of research partially supported by a grant from the National Institute of Dental Research.