Abstract: Solutions, gels, and substantially nonaqueous dispersions that form dicalcium phosphate dihydrate under appropriate conditions are disclosed, as well as methods for their use. These compositions are useful in topically fluoridating and/or mineralizing dental tissue, such as enamel, dentin, and exposed root surfaces. The incorporated fluoride is in the form of Ca.sub.5 (PO.sub.4).sub.3 F and is more permanently retained than CaF.sub.2 and other fluoridation products.

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: 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 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. The resultant surface is then treated with a solvent containing a composition preferably comprising N-phenylglycine.

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 with respect to the calcium phosphates such that they are both in near equilibrium with the saturated solution. The saturated solution is also supersaturated with respect to hydroxyapatite. Therefore, this basic constituent of dental enamel is continuously precipitated from the saturated solution and is available for the remineralization ofThe invention described herein was made in the course of research partially supported by a grant from the National Institute of Dental Research.

Abstract: Materials and methods for improving the adhesion of composite materials and resins to dentin, enamel and other substrates are disclosed. Preferably, the substrate is treated with an aqueous solution of 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. The resultant surface is then treated with a solvent containing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of (1) the adduct of N(p-tolyl)glycine and glycidyl methacrylate ("NTG-GMA"), and (2) the addition reaction product of N-phenylglycine and glycidyl methacrylate ("NPG-GMA").

Abstract: Tertiary aromatic amines derived from aminoglutethimide or para-aminophenylacetic acid act as accelerators for the peroxide catalyzed polymerization of acrylic resins, especially methacrylates, acrylates and unsaturated polyesters. The amines are characterized by good hardening, strength, color and toxicity characteristics, and are thereby particularly suited for use in the filling and restoration of human teeth and the cementing of bone.

Abstract: Dentures, dental glazes or coatings, reconstructive jacket-crowns and inlays and restorative constructions over metal or preformed alumina substrates are fabricated from a dental porcelain frit prepared by a gel route.

Abstract: Tertiary aromatic amines derived from aminoglutethimide or para-aminophenylacetic acid act as accelerators for the peroxide catalyzed polymerization of acrylic resins, especially methacrylates, acrylates and unsaturated polyesters. The amines are characterized by good hardening, strength, color and toxicity characteristics, and are thereby particularly suited for use in the filling and restoration of human teeth and the cementing of bone.

Abstract: Application of a composition of matter comprising a solution of water in relatively nontoxic water-stable ethylenically unsaturated monomers, preferably methacrylate and/or acrylate and most preferably methacrylate monomers, which solution is substantially isotonic with normal physiological saline solution. As a further aspect of the invention, the compositions may be prepared by selecting ethylenically unsaturated monomers of varying hydrophilicity or water solubility, equilibrating each such monomer with water to form a two phase system and measuring the concentration of the monomer in the water-rich phase, preparing a mixture of monomers in equilibrium with water such that their cumulative concentration in the water phase is about 0.31 molar, and collecting the monomer-rich phase, which will be saturated with water and will also be isotonic with normal physiological saline.

Abstract: A family of polyfunctional surface-active comonomers which act to improve the adhesion between a resin or composite material and solid surfaces capable of binding polyvalent cations is described. These polyfunctional surface-active comonomers, or "PolySACs", are preferably the reaction product of an epoxy acrylate or methacrylate and an aminobenzoate. The adhesion of the resin or composite material to certain solid surfaces is also improved by the preparatory treatment of these surfaces with a monobasic acid of intermediate strength followed by treatment with a mordant.In its most preferred form the invention is employed in reconstructive dental work to improve the adhesion between a resin or composite material and dentin. The dentin is cleansed with isotonic formic acid, treated with an isotonic ferric chloride mordant and then treated with a PolySAC which is the reaction product of an oligomeric diglycidyl ether, acrylic acid and lithium ortho-aminobenzoate. The resin or composite material is then applied.

Abstract: A microporous filler for dental composite resin restorations has been developed which gives greatly improved finishability, system non-toxicity and x-ray opacification. These fillers are prepared from frits obtained by the low temperature calcination of gelled inorganic "polymers" followed by a pulsed high-heat treatment.

Abstract: Tertiary aromatic amines derived from para-aminophenethanol act as accelerators for the peroxide catalyzed polymerization of vinyl monomers, especially methacrylates and acrylates, and for the curing of unsaturated polyesters. The amines are characterized by generally high reactivity and low toxicity, and by their yielding polymers of high strength and low color, and are thereby particularly suited for use in polymerizable or curable formulations employed in the filling and restoration of human teeth, in the preparation of cold-curing denture base materials for fabricating or repairing dentures and in the cementing of bone.

Abstract: A sterilizer utilizes fluorocarbon liquid as the sterilizing medium. The fluorocarbon liquid is retained in the bottom of a sterilizer chamber. Instruments are placed within the chamber above the liquid level. The chamber is sealed and a heater causes the liquid within the chamber to vaporize. The fluorocarbon vapor is more dense than the air within the chamber and is not miscible with that air. Consequently, as the fluorocarbon vaporizes, the air within the chamber is displaced through a vent in the top of the chamber. A minor amount of fluorocarbon vapor is also displaced as all air is purged from the chamber. The discharged fluorocarbon vapor is recondensed through an expansion valve and collected for recycling. The chamber is sealed upon purging of all the air and is maintained in a pressurized state for a period of time. Subsequently the heater is turned off and the chamber is cooled by a fan.

Abstract: A family of polyfunctional surface-active comonomers which act to improve the adhesion between a resin or composite material and solid surfaces capable of binding polyvalent cations is described. These polyfunctional surface-active comonomers, or "PolySACs", are preferably the reaction product of an epoxy acrylate or methacrylate and an aminobenzoate. The adhesion of the resin or composite material to certain solid surfaces is also improved by the preparatory treatment of these surfaces with a monobasic acid of intermediate strength followed by treatment with a mordant.In its most preferred form the invention is employed in reconstructive dental work to improve the adhesion between a resin or composite material and dentin. The dentin is cleansed with isotonic formic acid, treated with an isotonic ferric chloride mordant and then treated with a PolySAC which is the reaction product of an oligomeric diglycidyl ether, acrylic acid and lithium ortho-aminobenzoate. The resin or composite material is then applied.

Abstract: Tertiary aromatic amines derived from aminoglutethimide or para-aminophenylacetic acid act as accelerators for the peroxide catalyzed polymerization of acrylic resins, especially methacrylates, acrylates and unsaturated polyesters. The amines are characterized by good hardening, strength, color and toxicity characteristics, and are thereby particularly suited for use in the filling and restoration of human teeth and the cementing of bone.

Abstract: A microporous filler for dental composite resin restorations has been developed which gives greatly improved finishability, system non-toxicity and x-ray opacification. These fillers are prepared from frits obtained by the low temperature calcination of gelled inorganic "polymers" followed by a pulsed high-heat treatment.

Abstract: An improved composite dental material includes an inorganic component of glass particles separated into two interconnected vitreous phases which have been etched to produce a porous surface layer. The inorganic glass particles are combined with an organic resin to provide the composite dental material. Preferable glass compositions include a mixture of silicon dioxide, boron oxide, aluminum oxide and strontium oxide, with one or more from the group of calcium oxide, zinc oxide, stannic oxide, and zirconium oxide as optional modifying ingredients.

Abstract: An improved alloy for a dental amalgam includes silver and tin and the additional element, manganese. The alloy is comprised of a minimum of about 60% by weight silver, a maximum of about 20% by weight manganese and the balance tin. Various amounts of other constituents known to those in the art such as gold, copper, zinc and mercury may be included.

Abstract: An improved alloy for a dental amalgam includes silver and tin and the additional element, manganese. The alloy is comprised of a minimum of about 60% by weight silver, a maximum of about 15% by weight manganese and the balance tin. Various amounts of other constituents known to those in the art such as gold, copper, zinc and mercury may be included.