Abstract: An apparatus and method used in dental transversal x-ray tomography provides off-line alignment of the patient denture impression with the bite block of a panoramic x-ray equipment, and allows accurate and reproducible patient positioning during the imaging process. An impression of the patient denture is taken on a special tray. The tray is mounted on the alignment apparatus and is aligned by using optical marking in correspondence with the target zone. The alignment apparatus is then mounted on a panoramic x-ray equipment, and the patient is invited to bite on the tray during the imaging process.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for diagnosing a tooth-size discrepancy and recommending an ideal arch size based on the size of an individual patient's teeth. The computerized system includes a central processing unit, a first storage device, a second storage device, a dynamic memory device, and input/output devices. The input devices include a computerized caliper for measuring the mesiodistal width of teeth and directly inputting the measurements into the computerized system. The computerized system and method determine the existence of a tooth-size discrepancy, the necessary anatomical correction, at least one tooth responsible for the tooth-size discrepancy, and a recommended arch wire size.

Abstract: A dental bite block (20) and sensor holder (21) assembly (11) has a bite block (20) configured (31) to detachably affix to a sensor holder (21). Affixing surfaces (30, 31) are provided between the bite block (20) and the sensor holder (21) such that the sensor holder (21) is removably affixed to the bite block (20).

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a composition and method of treating dental metal. The composition includes a polymerizable aryl compound having at least one carboxylic acid group and at least one polymerizable group, and a polymerizable compound having at least one polymerizable group and at least one phosphorous containing group. A preferred composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of a volatile organic solvent, at least 15 percent by weight of one or more polymerizable acrylate compounds and an effective amount of a photoinitiator. At least a portion of the polymerizable compounds are multifunctional polymerizable compounds having at least three acrylate moieties. The polymerizable compounds are substantially soluble in the solvent. The composition is adapted to form a polymeric material which is adapted to adhere to metal and ceramics and to dentin. Compositions of the invention have superior adhesion to dental metals and tooth without separately acid etching dentin or enamel.

Abstract: The invention provides dental composition system having curable liquid which is useful alone as a light curable composition and which is useful by mixing with a powder in preselected proportions to form dual cure compositions. The composition system is useful as bonding agent, cement, liner, base, restorative, pit and fissure sealants, and/or core build-up material, having improved adhesion to dentin. After storing the powder and the liquid in separate containers for at least two weeks and then mixing a portion of the powder and a portion of the liquid to form a mixture, the polymerizable compound polymerizes within 20 minutes of the mixing to form a first polymeric material having a flexural strength of at least 50 MPa, and an expansion in water at 37° C. after 90 days of less than 1 percent by volume.

Abstract: A method of lighting a scaling tip including providing a light source electrically connected to a secondary coil, and providing a scaling tip having an arm extending into a primary coil and adapted to be ultrasonically vibrated by the primary coil.

Abstract: A dental syringe (10) has a needle (11) affixed to a carpule holder (12), which carpule holder (12) is affixed to a power drive unit (13). A harpoon (20) is provided to affix the drive unit to the carpule plunger (32). The harpoon (20) is made of stainless steel or other hard, corrosion resistant, sterilizable, material. Harpoon 20 has a unique barb geometry and hardened, knife-like, edges (21). The syringe (10) may operate to divide the delivery of anesthesia into two phases. According to the method, during the first about 10 seconds of the injection, anesthetic is delivered at an extremely slow rate to maximize patient comfort. The injection rate then automatically increases to the preprogrammed rate associated with the injection type selected.

Abstract: Dental composition, product and process using a silicon containing abrasion resistant material. The dental products formed are abrasion resistant and self-lubricating across their entire cross sections. Dental compositions useful for forming dental products in accordance with the invention preferably includes an ethylenically unsaturated silane. The composition is formed into a dental prosthesis, such as an artificial tooth, inlay, onlay, facing, crown or bridge.

Abstract: A dental composite material includes a hardenable resin matrix and a filler component. The filler component includes (a) a first plurality of preferably glass particles having an average particle size of from about 1 to about 10 micrometers; (b) a second plurality of preferably glass particles having an average particle size of from about 0.1 to about 1 micrometers; and, (c) a plurality of filler particles having an average particle size of from about 0.01 to about 0.04 micrometers. A method according to the invention includes compacting a dental composite material into a prepared tooth cavity, wherein the material has a packability index above about 300 g/mm2.

Abstract: A dental bite block (20) and sensor holder (21) assembly (11) has a bite block (20) configured (31) to detachably affix to a sensor holder (21). Affixing surfaces (30, 31) are provided between the bite block (20) and the sensor holder (21) such that the sensor holder (21) is removably affixed to the bite block (20).

Abstract: A shade guide (10) has a base (11) and a plurality of indicia tabs (15) carried by stems (14). Base (11) also includes a shade calculation table (20) containing at least the necessary recipe components of a foundation, body and enamel layers (22, 23 and 24) to achieve the shade of a given tab (15).

Abstract: A tooth cleaning system having a unitary elastomeric injection molded flexible protective shield, and a nozzle having an end portion extending into the shield. The shield is connected to a source of vacuum and has an inner wall having an inner wall perimeter. The nozzle is connected to a fluid source. The fluid from the fluid source travels directly from the nozzle to less than half of the area enclosed by the perimeter. The nozzle is pivotally supported whereby the nozzle is readily repositioned to positions angularly offset from the central axis of the shield to direct fluid from the nozzle to the entire tooth surface enclosed by the perimeter of the shield. The invention provides a method of cleaning teeth including providing a flexible plastic shield positioned against a tooth surface while pressure within the chamber formed by the flexible protective shield and the tooth surface is reduced to a pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The invention is an endodontic handpiece, its control system and method of use for rotating an endodontic file to clean a root canal. The invention control system provides for rotating a file clockwise or counterclockwise through a desired first arc of rotation and, next, sequentially rotating the instrument in the opposite direction of the first arc of rotation through a second arc of rotation, wherein the first arc of rotation exceeds the second arc of rotation such that sequentially occurring rotations cause debris material removed in cleaning the canal to be ejected upwardly from the clean surfaces as such file is advanced in cleaning the canal.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dental tooth treatment system including an ultrasonic dental handpiece, a fluid reservoir housing and a power control housing. The reservoir housing is supported by the control housing. The reservoir housing encloses two containers which are connected to the selector valve. The selector valve is connected to a control housing conduit which is connected to the handpiece. The control housing encloses a power control circuit which is connected to the handpiece. In a preferred embodiment of the invention a fluid dispenser includes at least one readily removable reservoir container supported by a reservoir housing having a pivotable cover and a fluid control valve. The cover is pivotable between an open position and a closed position. The valve is closed by the cover when the cover is in its open position.

Abstract: The invention provides dental composition system having curable liquid which is useful alone as a light curable composition and which is useful by mixing with a powder in preselected proportions to form dual cure compositions. The composition system is useful as bonding agent, cement, liner, base, restorative, pit and fissure sealants, and/or core build-up material, having improved adhesion to dentin. After storing the powder and the liquid in separate containers for at least two weeks and then mixing a portion of the powder and a portion of the liquid to form a mixture, the polymerizable compound polymerizes within 20 minutes of the mixing to form a first polymeric material having a flexural strength of at least 50 MPa, and an expansion in water at 37° C. after 90 days of less than 1 percent by volume.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat formable tray having a bite block and a method of forming the tray to a patient and forming a final impression in a single visit to the dental office by the patient. A custom fitting variable dimension bite registration dental impression tray, is provided which includes a bite registration member, and a dental impression tray. The dental impression tray comprises a heat adjustable material having a softening point above 38 ° C. and below 120 ° C. The variable dimension bite registration dental impression tray is used in a method for making an impression of dental tissue, comprising the steps of: a) providing a variable dimension bite registration dental impression tray, b) heating the dental impression tray to softened state, c) adjusting the dimensions of the dental impression tray, d) cooling the heat adjustable material so that it solidifies; and e) enveloping the tissue with the dental impression material, whereby a final dental tissue impression is obtained.

Abstract: A composition and method of treating a dental tooth. The composition includes a polymerizable aryl compound having at least one carboxylic acid group and at least one polymerizable group, and a polymerizable compound having at least one polymerizable group and at least one phosphorous containing group. A preferred composition includes at least 50 percent by weight of a volatile organic solvent, at least 15 percent by weight of one or more polymerizable acrylate compounds and an effective amount of a photoinitiator. At least a portion of the polymerizable compounds are multifunctional polymerizable compounds having at least three acrylate moieties. The polymerizable compounds are substantially soluble in the solvent. The composition is adapted to form a polymeric material which is adapted to adhere to dentin. Compositions of the invention have superior adhesion to tooth without separately acid etching dentin or enamel.

Abstract: Irrigants to be used with vibratory scaling apparatus and lavage are provided. The irrigants of the invention are characterized in that they contain medicaments for the treatment of conditions in the mouth and have a viscosity and deliquescence adapted to substantially optimize the efficiency of the apparatus. The irrigants are formulated so that they have minimal stickiness on drying, minimal foaming and do not gum-up the apparatus in which they are used. Also provided is a method for treating dental diseases comprising applying the irrigants of the invention through a vibratory scaring apparatus to substantially optimize the efficiency of said apparatus and to substantially optimize destruction and removal of infectious bacteria using said apparatus and the removal or inactivation of endotoxins derived from bacteria or the host.

Abstract: An evacuation hand piece for collecting debris during dental procedures. The hand piece is adapted for attachment to evacuation apparatus and provides both intra- and extra-oral suction. A body member of the hand piece has a contoured outer gripping surface which makes the hand piece easier to grasp. A mask is disposed at one end of the hand piece to create a suction area which is larger than the cross sectional area of the body member. The mask is attached to a spherical tip of the body member to form a ball and socket-type connection which permits directional adjustment of the mask, thereby maximizing the effective extra-oral suction of the hand piece. The mask is formed from transparent material to allow viewing through the mask during dental procedures.