Abstract: An endodontic file (10) has a handle (11) and a spiral cord (15) of helically wound metallic wire wound in a predetermined direction around a central metallic cord (13) formed between opposite ends of the central cord so as to form an integrated structure (18) of generally conical cross-section including a narrow tip end (17) and an opposite wider upper end (16) supported at the upper end by the handle. A flexible conical reinforcement (26, 31) supported by the handle covers an outermost layer of an upper portion of the spiral cord remote from the tip end, its lower end being of sufficiently low diameter to enter the root canal and dimensioned at its upper end to limit bending of the upper portion. An outer surface (20) of the spiral cord is configured for removing material from inside the root canal when the endodontic file is rotated in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: An endodontic file for a motorized rotary handpiece includes a coupler element for coupling to the handpiece, a central longitudinal flexible core including a central flexible cable supported by the coupler element, and a helical wire surrounding the core and extending toward a tip of the core opposite the handle end. The flexible core includes a first plurality of inner strands twisted together in a first direction and surrounded by a second plurality of outer strands twisted in an opposite direction. The tip of the core is chamfered and unbonded and protrudes beyond the helical wire at the tip whereby in use reversing a direction of rotation of the endodontic file after the tip of the core reaches the apex of the root canal, unwinds the outer strands, which operate as a brush during removal of the endodontic file from the root canal.

Abstract: An endodontic file for a motorized rotary handpiece includes a coupler element for coupling to the handpiece, a central longitudinal flexible core including a central flexible cable supported by the coupler element, and a helical wire surrounding the core and extending toward a tip of the core opposite the handle end. The flexible core includes a first plurality of inner strands twisted together in a first direction and surrounded by a second plurality of outer strands twisted in an opposite direction. The tip of the core is chamfered and unbonded and protrudes beyond the helical wire at the tip whereby in use reversing a direction of rotation of the endodontic file after the tip of the core reaches the apex of the root canal, unwinds the outer strands, which operate as a brush during removal of the endodontic file from the root canal.

Abstract: An endodontic file (10) has at least a central longitudinal cord (12), a helically wound wire (14) at least partially surrounding the cord and an elastomeric grip (16) partially covering the helically wound wire near a first end thereof and having an outer diameter that is slightly wider than an internal diameter of a barrel of a dental instrument whereby on insertion into the barrel it is supported therein only by friction.

Abstract: A root canal length measurement device configured for detachable support on a neck of a dental handpiece and having a generally cylindrical electrical contact element that, in use, is resiliently biased by a spring toward an endodontic file rotatably mounted in the handpiece so that a flat surface of the contact element maintains a steady electrical connection with a shank portion of the endodontic file proximate its point of attachment to the handpiece.

Abstract: An endodontic file (2) for use with a dental instrument has at least one cord (6) and a wire (8) wound around at least a major portion of the cord and having an abrasive outer surface (10). A handle having a gripping section is provided for gripping the end of the file and is coupled to the file by a coupler that may be made of a vibration absorbing material.

Abstract: An endodontic file has at least a central longitudinal cord, a helically wound wire at least partially surrounding the cord and an elastomeric grip partially covering the helically wound wire near a first end thereof. The elastomeric grip has an outer diameter that is slightly wider than an internal diameter of a barrel of a dental instrument whereby on insertion into the barrel it is supported therein only by friction.

Abstract: There is provided a coupling device for electrically coupling a dental instrument to an electrical connector, including a tubular clasp made of an electrically conductive material having a first portion attachable to the connector and a second portion attachable to the dental instrument, the second portion having a slot facilitating insertion and holding of the dental instrument while performing a dental procedure.

Abstract: An illuminator for medical instruments includes a first body part having, at one end, an instrument coupling head and a lighting element and, at its other end, a first electrical connector releasably attachable to a second, compatible electrical connector of a power source.

Abstract: The invention provides an assembly for measuring the penetration depth of a dental instrument into a root canal of a tooth. The assembly has a base element configured to be clampingly braced onto a tooth to be treated; an electrically conductive guiding member affixable to the base element and disposed, when assembled, above the tooth, thereby, in use, a portion of the dental instrument makes electrical contact with it. The guiding member further includes an electrical terminal connectable to an apex location measuring device. Methods for continuously measuring penetration depths of a dental instrument into a root canal of a tooth are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the apex of a dental root canal in a tooth includes a software operated microcontroller having a pulse generator, a memory and an analog to digital converter (ADC), the pulse generator feeding pulses to a gain control circuit for controlling the amplitude of the pulses. The apparatus also includes a driver receiving signals from the control circuit for feeding the signals to an electrically conductive shaft having a leading edge and a dental instrument connectable thereto, an input buffer receiving signals from the dental instrument and feeding the signals to the ADC, and a display for exhibiting data concerning the distance of the leading edge of the shaft from the root canal apex. A method for determining the apex of a dental root canal in a tooth is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided an endodontic device for cleaning, filing or reaming root canals, including a metallic, flexible strand having an edge, an effective section and a connecting section and a coupling head connected thereto. The strand is coated along its effective section with a thin layer of a binder having abrasive particles embedded therein. A method for cleaning, filing, or reaming root canals and for manufacturing an endodontic device, is also provided.