Abstract: The present application relates to dental adhesive and restoration compositions comprising benzalkonium chloride, having the general structure C6H5CH2N(CH3)2—R—Cl, and salts thereof in a range between approximately 0.01% and approximately 10% by weight in dental primer, dental adhesive, dental resin, and other dental polymeric compositions or in dental solutions. In particular, it has been shown that dental compositions comprising benzalkonium chloride result in the inhibition of the hydrolytic activity of MMP on the dentin adhesive layer, thereby reducing the degradation of bond strength between a resulting dental restoration and the underlying dental tissue.

Abstract: The present application relates to a polymerizable dental primer/adhesive system comprising a primer component having a relatively hydrophilic monomer component in an amount that renders the system relatively hydrophilic before polymerization of the system and capable of penetrating a prepared dental surface such as etched tooth dentin or enamel, and a multi-functional cross-linking agent in an amount that renders the system relatively hydrophobic after polymerization. A polymerizable hydrophobic monomer component is also included in the primer. The inclusion of said hydrophobic polymerizable monomer and said multi-functional cross-linking agent improves the long term stability or durability of the polymerized primer system to the dental restoration and to the tooth, dentin, enamel and other dental surfaces. An additional hydrophobic resin can also be employed with the primer adhesive system.

Abstract: The present application relates to a dental primer adhesive system that is capable of being used as either a one-step or two-step self-etch dental primer and is compatible with self-cure composites and dual-cure composites with reduced permeability.

Abstract: The present application relates to a polymerizable dental primer/adhesive system comprising a primer component having a relatively hydrophilic monomer component in an amount that renders the system relatively hydrophilic before polymerization of the system and capable of penetrating a prepared dental surface such as etched tooth dentin or enamel, and a multi-functional cross-linking agent in an amount that renders the system relatively hydrophobic after polymerization. A polymerizable hydrophobic monomer component is also included in the primer. The inclusion of said hydrophobic polymerizable monomer and said multi-functional cross-linking agent improves the long term stability or durability of the polymerized primer system to the dental restoration and to the tooth, dentin, enamel and other dental surfaces. An additional hydrophobic resin can also be employed with the primer adhesive system.

Abstract: The present application relates to dental adhesive and restoration compositions comprising benzalkonium chloride, having the general structure C6H5CH2N(CH3)2—R—Cl, and salts thereof in a range between approximately 0.01% and approximately 10% by weight in dental primer, dental adhesive, dental resin, and other dental polymeric compositions or in dental solutions. In particular, it has been shown that dental compositions comprising benzalkonium chloride result in the inhibition of the hydrolytic activity of MMP on the dentin adhesive layer, thereby reducing the degradation of bond strength between a resulting dental restoration and the underlying dental tissue.

Abstract: Dental pulp healing lining or capping compositions and methods of using the composition to treat an exposed, nearly exposed, or breached pulp chamber are disclosed herein. Embodiments include dental pulp healing lining or capping compositions comprising a resin portion having at least one hydrophilic monomer component and at least one hydrophobic monomer component and a calcareous material operable to both provide a biological seal and maintain an alkaline pH for extended periods. Further, light curable compositions are disclosed, allowing for improved curing properties, and allowing permanent restorations to be adhered to the sealed tooth without waiting a significant amount of time for the Portland cement portion to cure.

Abstract: The present application relates to a dental primer adhesive system that is capable of being used as either a one-step or two-step self-etch dental primer and is compatible with self-cure composites and dual-cure composites with reduced permeability.

Abstract: The present application relates to a polymerizable dental primer/adhesive system comprising a primer component having a relatively hydrophilic monomer component in an amount that renders the system relatively hydrophilic before polymerization of the system and capable of penetrating a prepared dental surface such as etched tooth dentin or enamel, and a multi-functional cross-linking agent in an amount that renders the system relatively hydrophobic after polymerization. A polymerizable hydrophobic monomer component is also included in the primer. The inclusion of said hydrophobic polymerizable monomer and said multi-functional cross-linking agent improves the long term stability or durability of the polymerized primer system to the dental restoration and to the tooth, dentin, enamel and other dental surfaces. An additional hydrophobic resin can also be employed with the primer adhesive system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device using a dual damascene process. A first etching barrier film, an insulation film and a second etching barrier film are formed in sequence on a semiconductor substrate having a first metallic wiring therein and are then selectively etched to form a contact hole. A trench is formed by etching first the etching barrier film and insulation film adjacent to the contact hole. After the contact hole is wet-cleaned, the first etching barrier film is etched and (optionally) a reflection-preventing film and a second metallic wiring are formed. Thus, before forming a metallic wiring, photoresist residues and polymer inside the contact hole can be efficiently removed, dissimilarly to conventional methods which may cause defective deposition of metallic materials due to photoresist residues and polymer that may remain inside the contact hole.

Abstract: Dental composite restorations reinforced with one or more fiber structures are disclosed. The fiber structures can have a wide array of shapes and sizes, including rods with circular cross sections, rods with “U” shaped cross sections, rods with “I” shaped cross sections, and fiber mesh structures. The reinforced dental composite restorations are created by incrementally layering and curing composite materials onto the fiber structures. The resulting restorations have significantly improved flexural strength as compared to conventionally prepared composite restoration materials.

Abstract: Multi-wavelength dental light curing guns or devices are disclosed. The multi-wavelength dental light curing guns or devices include a user handle attached to a light source support. A first light source is mounted on the light source support and is operable to project a first light beam of a first wavelength along a first light path, the first wavelength being capable of initiating polymerization of a first photopolymerizable dental composition. A second light source is mounted on the light source support and is operable to emit a second light beam of a second wavelength along a second light path, the second wavelength being capable of initiating polymerization of a second photopolymerizable dental composition different than the first dental composition, wherein the first light path does not intersect the second light path.

Abstract: Dental composition and methods of use are provided, the compositions comprising a multiacrylate compound, an initiator, and an alcohol, wherein no significant storage odor is detected after storage for a significant period of time.

Abstract: Polymerizable compositions are described containing colored polymerization indicators which confer a visible color on the unpolymerized compositions. Upon polymerization, the compositions exhibit reduced or eliminated color. The compositions can also change their opacity during polymerization. The compositions provide easy visual differentiation between the unpolymerized compositions and substrates on which the compositions are placed. The compositions are useful in clinical and laboratory applications such as those involving teeth, dental implants, orthodontic materials, artificial teeth and bones.

Abstract: Novel unsaturated carboxy esters for use in dentistry as bonding agents are produced by a reaction of unsaturated alcohols with cyclic acid dianhydrides. The dianhydrides which can be used in the invention are in general symmetrical compounds having an aromatic nucleus substituted with four carboxylic acid groups from which two moles of water have been removed to form two cyclic anhydride groupings. The unsaturated alcohols used for making the unsaturated carboxy esters have the formula ##STR1## wherein R is H or CH.sub.3, R.sub.1 is H, CH.sub.3, or .dbd.CH.sub.2,n is an integer from 1 to 4 inclusive, andx is 0 or 1.