Abstract: An ultrasonic dental insert having at least one light source. A first transducer generates ultrasonic vibrations. A connecting body has a proximal end and a distal end having a tip attached thereto. The proximal end is attached to the first transducer so as to receive the ultrasonic vibrations therefrom and to transmit the ultrasonic vibrations toward the tip attached to the distal end. A second transducer is disposed substantially proximate to the connecting body for generating a voltage signal in response to movement of a portion of the connecting body according to the ultrasonic vibrations. A magnetic material including a source of a magnetic field is present in close proximity to the insert. At least one light source substantially proximate or distal to the tip is connected to and receives the voltage signal from the second transducer to generate light.

Abstract: A powered dental tool generally includes a tool tip at its distal end, a body at its proximal end and a motion generating mechanism. In one aspect, the dental tool includes a tool tip having a proximal end and a distal end along a generally longitudinal axis and a reciprocating motion generating mechanism. The reciprocating motion generating mechanism may repeatedly move the tool tip generally back and forth by a given displacement generally along the tool tip's longitudinal axis. This displacement generally resembles the action of a hand scaler, i.e., a reciprocating motion along the longitudinal axis of the scaler, which is unlike the vibration of most powered scalers. Such action may be advantageous as it may be more intuitive for the dental professional or hygienist and may provide more effective scaling action. It may further be advantageous for a powered scaler to more closely resemble a hand scaler in form, which is small, portable and untethered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ultrasonic dental tools having an integral sheath and at least one light source adapted to utilize the electromagnetic energy already available in the existing ultrasonic dental unit. The handpiece includes a substantially hollow housing having a primary power source that may include a coil. In one aspect, the ultrasonic dental insert includes a sheath. The sheath may be formed such that it may cover at least part of the handpiece housing. In general, the sheath may serve as a barrier such that it may reduce cross-contamination to and from the patient's mouth. During operation, the primary coil of the handpiece may be inductively coupled to an illumination energy coil such that the illumination energy coil may draw energy from the electromagnetic field of the primary coil to power at least one light emitting element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ultrasonic dental tools having an insert that includes monitoring mechanism(s) for usage, performance and indication mechanism(s) for replacement. The dental tool includes a dental insert having a transducer for generating ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic dental insert includes a housing and a connecting body having a proximal end and a distal end having a tip attached thereto. The proximal end is attached to the transducer so as to generate the ultrasonic vibrations therefrom and to transmit the ultrasonic vibrations toward the tip attached to the distal end. In one aspect, the ultrasonic dental tool includes monitoring systems for tool usage and condition. The dental tool may include, for example, usage time monitoring circuitry, wear usage circuitry, electromagnetic monitoring circuitry and/or any other appropriate monitoring systems.