Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite post having an inner core section or rod fabricated of fibers impregnated in a resin matrix and an outer sheath of fibers arranged in the form of a mesh. The outer sheath comprises an interior and an exterior surface, the exterior surface is dry and unembedded fibers, and the outer sheath is attached to the inner core. In an embodiment of the dental post, the interior surface of the mesh is embedded in the resin matrix of the inner core with the inner core fibers.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite post having an inner core section or rod fabricated of fibers impregnated in a resin matrix and an outer sheath of fibers arranged in the form of a mesh. The outer sheath comprises an interior and an exterior surface, the exterior surface is dry and unembedded fibers, and the outer sheath is attached to the inner core. In an embodiment of the dental post, the interior surface of the mesh is embedded in the resin matrix of the inner core with the inner core fibers.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite post having an inner core section or rod fabricated of fibers impregnated in a resin matrix and an out sheath of fibers arranged in the form of a mesh. The sheath comprises an interior and an exterior surface, whereby the interior surface is attached to and embedded in the resin matrix of the rod and the exterior surface has dry, unimpregnated fibers.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced composite posts are produced having high strength and high radiopacity. In a method of manufacturing the fiber-reinforced composite posts, fibers are pulled through filled resin and heat is applied at various steps in the process to provide high strength and optimal radiopacity.

Abstract: A dental filling material comprising an inner core and outer layer of material disposed and surrounding the inner core, both the inner core and outer layer of material each containing a thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer may be biodegradable. A bioactive substance may also be included in the filling material. The thermoplastic polymer acts as a matrix for the bioactive substance. The composition may include other polymeric resins, fillers, plasticizers and other additives typically used in dental materials. The filling material is used for the filing of root canals.

Abstract: An endodontic obturator is provided having a carrier that is fabricated of a material capable of being molded into very fine dimensions and also being easily removable from the root canal.

Abstract: A formable fiber-reinforced composite having an inner core of fiber-reinforced composite surrounded by a sheath of fiber-reinforced composite material. The inner core of fiber-reinforced composite has a plurality of longitudinally extending fibers disposed in a resin matrix material and formed in the shape of a rod. The sheath has woven or braided fibers impregnated with a resin matrix material in the form of a sleeve. A method of manufacturing the formable fiber-reinforced composite material is provided. The longitudinally extending fibers in resin matrix material is cured to provide a solid rod. A sheath is placed around the rod. The rod with sheath is treated (e.g., heat, chemical solution, or both) to remove the resin matrix material. Thereafter, the rod and sheath are impregnated with a resin matrix material. The resin is left uncured or partially cured to provide a formable fiber-reinforced composite material. The formable material may be flattened.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite post having an inner core section or rod fabricated of fibers impregnated in a resin matrix and an out sheath of fibers arranged in the form of a mesh. The sheath comprises an interior and an exterior surface, whereby the interior surface is attached to and embedded in the resin matrix of the rod and the exterior surface has dry, unimpregnated fibers.

Abstract: A dental post comprising a rod fabricated of fiber-reinforced composite material. The rod comprises a plurality of frustoconical sections arranged coaxially along the longitudinal axis of the rod. Preferably the rod has consistent width along the longitudinal axis wherein the frustoconical sections each have the same tapered width and same length. The number of frustoconical units per rod can vary. The frustoconical sections may vary in shape. Moreover, the rod may include a channel therein extending along the longitudinal axis thereof. The rod may also include one or more grooves extending along the surface thereof.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced composite posts are produced having high strength and high radiopacity. In a method of manufacturing the fiber-reinforced composite posts, fibers are pulled through filled resin and heat is applied at various steps in the process to provide high strength and optimal radiopacity.

Abstract: Dental restorations are manufactured herein wherein a veneer is applied to a dental substructure and the adherence strength of the veneer to the dental substructure is very high. The veneer is adhered to the dental substructure by applying one or more corona of plasma treatments to the surface of the dental substructure and thereafter applying the veneer to tie dental substructure. The surface of the dental substructure is modified by the corona or plasma process to create a highly adherent surface for the application of the veneer thereto.

Abstract: Dental posts and obturators are manufactured herein having a filling material applied to the apical end of the post and obturator such that the adherence strength between the filling material and the post or obturator is very high. The filling material is adhered to the post and obturator by applying one or more corona or plasma treatments to the surface of the post and obturator and thereafter applying the filling material to the surface-treated post and obturator. The surfaces of the post and obturator are modified by the corona or plasma treatments to create a highly adherent surface for the application of the filling material thereto. Dental restorations are manufactured herein wherein a veneer is applied to a dental substructure and the adherence strength of the veneer to the dental substructure is very high.

Abstract: A dental filling material comprising an inner core and outer layer of material disposed and surrounding the inner core, both the inner core and outer layer of material each containing a thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer may be biodegradable. A bioactive substance may also be included in the filling material. The thermoplastic polymer acts as a matrix for the bioactive substance. The composition may include other polymeric resins, fillers, plasticizers and other additives typically used in dental materials. The filling material is used for the filing of root canals.

Abstract: An endodontic obturator comprising a shaft section and a filler section fabricated of the same material and formed as a single unit. A handle section may be included and may be formed integrally with the shaft section and filler section as a single unit, or may be fabricated separately and attached to the single unit containing the shaft section and the filler section. An endodontic post is provided having a post section and a filler section fabricated of the same matrix material to provide a cohesive bond between the two sections.

Abstract: An endodontic post comprises a combined endodontic post and tip of filling material such as thermoplastic material in a single unit. Obuturating systems are provided by an endodontic carrier and attached filling material. The post and obturator include a protrusion or depression on the tip section of the device for better attachment of the filling material to the device. Alternatively the post and obuturator are fabricated of a tube having a tunnel extending therethrough into which filling material is injected. The filling material extends out of the apical section of the post and obturator to form a filler cone.

Abstract: An endodontic post comprises a combined endodontic post and tip of filling material such as thermoplastic material in a single unit. Obuturating systems are provided by an endodontic carrier and attached filling material. The post and obturator include a protrusion or depression on the tip section of the device for better attachment of the filling material to the device. Alternatively the post and obuturator are fabricated of a tube having a tunnel extending therethrough into which filling material is injected. The filling material extends out of the apical section of the post and obturator to form a filler cone.

Abstract: A formable fiber-reinforced composite having an inner core of fiber-reinforced composite surrounded by a sheath of fiber-reinforced composite material. The inner core of fiber-reinforced composite has a plurality of longitudinally extending fibers disposed in a resin matrix material and formed in the shape of a rod and the outer sheath has woven or braided fibers impregnated with a resin matrix material in the form of a sleeve. In a method of manufacturing the formable fiber-reinforced composite material herein a rod is provided or fabricated of longitudinally extending fibers disposed in a resin matrix material. The resin matrix material is cured to provide a solid rod. A sheath of woven fibers is placed around the rod. The rod with the sheath thereon is treated to remove the resin matrix material. Treatment may be in the form of heat or chemical solution. If a chemical solvent is used, the fibers may be additionally heated.

Abstract: An endodontic post comprising a combined endodontic post and filling material tip in a single unit. To use the post unit, the device is placed in an oven or heater to heat and soften the thermoplastic material. The device will then be placed in a root canal that has been opened to a predetermined dimension by use of endodontic files, to seal the apical end. If necessary, the gutta percha can be compacted toward the apex, while it is still in the softened state, to ensure the apex is adequately sealed. The post is then cemented into place by lining the canal walls with a bonding agent and filling the interface between the post and the walls of the canal with a dual cure resin cement. This will result in a coronal seal of the canal via resin restorative material and an apical seal of the canal by means of gutta percha and sealant. The remaining portion of the post, extending supra-gingivally, will be used to build a core around it. Any excess will be cut off.

Abstract: Lithium disilicate based glass-ceramics contain high strength ceramic components for use in the manufacture of dental products. The glass-ceramics have good pressability, i.e., the ability to be formed into dental products by heat-pressing using commercially available equipment. The strength of the dental articles is increased with the inclusion of the high strength ceramic components.

Abstract: A dental post comprising a rod fabricated of fiber-reinforced composite material. The rod comprises a plurality of frustoconical sections arranged coaxially along the longitudinal axis of the rod. Preferably the rod has consistent width along the longitudinal axis wherein the frustoconical sections each have the same tapered width and same length. The number of frustoconical units per rod can vary. The frustoconical sections may vary in shape. Moreover, the rod may include a channel therein extending along the longitudinal axis thereof. The rod may also include one or more grooves extending along the surface thereof.