Abstract: A method and a device for effecting the cordless retraction of the gingival sulcus tissue (21) prior to the taking of an impression of a tooth (20) for making a crown or bridge which is attained by controlling any bleeding in the gingival sulcus area (21), and utilizing a dental dam (24; 124; 224) preferably formed of a sponge or foam like material to contain an astringent fortified silicone impression material (26) embedded about the prepared tooth (20), and using the patient's biting force to apply the necessary pressure onto the dam until the silicone impression material (26) sets and adheres to the dam to enhance easy removal of the set impression material from the tooth (20). The dam (24; 124; 224) is formed to accommodate either the posterior teeth or the anterior teeth. The dam has retainers (125A, 125B; 225A, 225B) formed therein for aiding in holding the silicone impression material.

Abstract: A method and a device for effecting the cordless retraction of the gingival sulcus tissue prior to the taking of an impression of a tooth for making a crown or bridge which is attained by controlling any bleeding in the gingival sulcus area, and utilizing a dental dam preferably formed of a sponge or foam like material to contain an astringent fortified silicone impression material embedded about the prepared tooth, and using the patient's biting force to apply the necessary pressure onto the dam until the silicone impression material sets and adheres to the dam to enhance easy removal of the set impression material from the tooth. The dam is formed to accommodate either the posterior teeth or the anterior teeth.

Abstract: An applicator (10) for applying a material such as a chemical or a medicament. A material to be applied is placed on an absorbent portion (18) of the applicator (10), such as a flocked end, sponge or foam, brush, or other equivalent absorbent substance. After drying, the material is in an inactive stable state on the applicator. When desired, the inactive stable material is activated by water or other solvent. In another embodiment, a package (38) containing an applicator end (46) having a pre-doses dry inactive stable material is combined with a second activating material (48) so that a two-part or multi-component material may be easily dispensed and activated. The package containing the first and second component may be a tray, a capsule, or a tip end syringe. In another embodiment first and second applicators (510A, 510B) each having one dry component are re-activated and applied in sequence to create a reaction and desired material at the site of treatment.

Abstract: A dental nozzle, cartridge, capsule or container having a porous or foam flow through applicator connected at the discharge end thereof; and having a body portion containing or receiving a low viscosity dental material. In one form, a displaceable plunger or piston is disposed within the body portion to extrude the dental material through the discharge orifice and attached flow through applicator. The foam or porous applicator may be connected to the discharge end at the time of manufacture as by molding, or by mechanically connecting or by adhering the same to the discharge orifice as part of the assembly process. The flow through applicator may be made in a variety of shapes to provide improved and controlled application of a low viscosity dental material to a dental site. Additionally, the porosity of the porous or foam material may be matched to the viscosity of the dental material to control the flow of dental material therethrough.

Abstract: Securing a dental post or a crown or bridge onto the dentin portion of a prepared tooth by utilizing a no-mix, two component, self-curing cement wherein the first component of the cement is applied to the interior dentin surfaces of a post hole, or onto the dentin surface of the tooth receiving the crown or bridge, and applying the second component of the cement onto the surface of a post, or crown or bridge so that when the post or crown or bridge is fitted onto the exposed dentin of a prepared tooth, the complementary components of the cement immediately chemically set to firmly secure the post, crown or bridge onto the prepared tooth. The respective components of the no-mix, two component, self-curing cement formulation for practicing the method require that each include a methacrylate resin. One of the components also includes an aromatic tertiary amine and the other component includes an organic peroxide.

Abstract: A dispenser made of a pliable material having a slit therein for dispensing primarily low viscosity materials. A block made of pliable foam contains a low viscosity material within a slit. Dental instruments or dental material applicators having an applicating end are inserted into the slit of the block, coating the applicator end with the low viscosity material. The resilient nature of the block material also helps to keep the dental instrument clean by wiping the instrument against the interior sides of the pocket formed by the slit. The present invention is particularly well suited for dispensing a lubricating material, such as a resin, on dental instruments used in working, shaping, or contouring a relatively viscous composite restorative material on a patient's tooth.

Abstract: A dose package for applying a material with an applicator having a separate material and applicator portion. In one embodiment, a portion of a cover is removable, exposing the material and applicator. In another embodiment, a plurality of material wells are used to mix different materials to be dispensed with an applicator. In another embodiment, a material well is squeezed to dispense the material onto an applicator.

Abstract: An applicator having an applicator end portion and a material end portion. The material end portion forms a container holding a material to be applied with the applicator end portion. Upon separating the material end portion from the handle portion of the applicator, a container is formed which is used to dip the applicator end portion of the applicator into. The present invention is particularly applicable to the dispensing of medicaments, and in particular, dental materials. A single dose of material is integrally formed within the applicator and sealed until ready for use.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a material such as a chemical or a medicament. A material to be applied is placed on an absorbent portion of the applicator, such as a flocked end, sponge or foam, brush, or other equivalent absorbent substance. After drying, the material is in an inactive stable state on the applicator. When desired, the inactive stable material is activated by water or other solvent. In another embodiment, a package containing an applicator end having a pre-dosed dry inactive stable material is combined with a second material so that a two-part or multi-component material may be easily dispensed and activated. The package containing the first and second component may be a tray, a capsule, or a tip end syringe. The pre-dosed single use applicator may be used to apply a variety of materials, such as chemicals or medicaments, to the surface or site desired without complicated and messy mixing or cross-contamination.

Abstract: A method and a device for effecting the cordless retraction of the gingival sulcus tissue prior to the taking of an impression of a tooth for making a crown or bridge which is attained by controlling any bleeding in the gingival sulcus area, and utilizing a dental dam preferably formed of a sponge or foam like material to contain an astringent fortified silicone impression material embedded about the prepared tooth, and using the patient's biting force to apply the necessary pressure onto the dam until the silicone impression material sets and adheres to the dam to enhance easy removal of the set impression material from the tooth. The dam is formed to accommodate either the posterior teeth or the anterior teeth.

Abstract: A dental capsule for extruding high viscosity dental material providing reduced extrusion force. The dental capsule comprises a body portion, a transition portion and a discharge portion. The transition portion has an axis having an angular relationship with the axis of the body portion and the axis of the discharge portion. This relationship and transitional portion reduces the extrusion force required in extruding high viscosity dental material. In another embodiment of the present invention, a flexible piston having a conical front end is utilized to more fully extrude the dental material from the dental capsule. The dental capsule may have flexible walls with the flexible piston and walls cooperating to extrude substantially all of the dental material. The present invention, when used with high viscosity dental materials, results in less extrusion force required and does not damage the dental material during extrusion.

Abstract: An ampule having a body portion and a sealed end portion and a sealed delivery portion adapted for use in a delivery syringe system for controllably dispensing a low viscosity material, such as a liquid, gel, or paste. An ampule having sealed rear portions adapted to mate with a plunger of a syringe so as to facilitate controlled dispensing of a low viscosity material. The syringe has a breach positioned to provide controlled flow of the dispensed low viscosity material and facility easy removal from the syringe. Low viscosity materials, such as liquids and gels, are controllably dispensed in a measured unit dose quantity. The present invention has many applications, but is particularly applicable to dispensing low viscosity materials such as used in coatings and not injected parenterally, and is particularly applicable to dental applications.

Abstract: A dose package for applying a material with an applicator having a separate material and applicator portion. In one embodiment, a portion of a cover is removable, exposing the material and applicator. In another embodiment, a plurality of material wells are used to mix different materials to be dispensed with an applicator. In another embodiment, a material well is squeezed to dispense the material onto an applicator.

Abstract: A syringe having a breech and a slot adjacent an ampule chamber adapted to receive the body and nozzle of a collapsible ampule. A syringe includes a forward ampule chamber having a predetermined longitudinal length for dispensing a relatively low viscosity material. A closed ampule containing a relatively low viscous material is collapsible and is easily positioned and held within the syringe during dispensing. The nozzle slot permits easy insertion of the flexible collapsible ampule and removal once the ampule is collapsed. In one embodiment, a syringe barrel has flexible fingers used in combination with a plunger having a reduced diameter intermediate portion for preventing the plunger from falling out of the barrel. Low viscosity materials in a unit dose collapsible ampule are controllably and conveniently dispensed for use in many different applications. The present invention is particularly suitable for dispensing dental materials.