Abstract: The invention concerns a diamond-coated endodontic access bur which is coated at least 10 mm along the shaft. This significant amount of diamond coating along the shaft permits the bur to be used both for dentin removal and finishing the slope and sidewalls of the tooth's pulp chamber. The bur sphere, also diamond coated, has a diameter of 0.5 to 1.0 mm, approximately.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dental instrument for performing root canal work. An end portion, integrally connected to the instrument shaft, is provided with four faces of like size, shape and orientation. The four faces are joined to one another by curved, continuous edges. Thus, the end portion has a square cross-section, provided so canal walls can be rasped at four points while leaving the walls of the canal smooth. Because the face edges meet at one point, a separate tip element is not necessary.

Abstract: The invention is an improved disinfectant and sterilant in a chemical form. The disinfectant and sterilant formulation is based upon glutaraldehyde which must be in acidic form. The normal pH range for the disinfectant and sterilant is 3.0-3.5, however, under controlled circumstances the range may be 2.5-7.0; as the disinfectant and sterilant must be acidic, it cannot be over pH 7.0. In use as a disinfectant by immersion, the items or materials remain immersed for up to ten minutes. As a sterilant, the immersion is between six and ten hours. The disinfectant and sterilant consists of a plurality of chemicals mixed with the glutaraldehyde as a solution.

Abstract: The invention is an improved dental instrument for root canal dental treatment. The improved instrument is a combined root canal condenser and spreader instrument which makes it possible for the dentist to do the treatment work with one instrument instead of constantly changing back and forth between two instruments. In addition, the combined instrument uses a common handle with removable and replaceable working ends of the instrument when different sizes of instruments are required for the tooth being treated or for the stage at which the tooth is being treated. The removable and replaceable working ends of the instrument are gauged marked so that the dentist can gauge the depth at which the dental work must be done and at which the following stages of the work are being done in order to assure a fully spread and condensed dental material in the tooth.

Abstract: The invention is an improved system for the rapid development of X-rays. The system is particularly useful for the development of dental-type X-rays. The system consists of an enclosed sealed pouch-like holder for the unexposed X-ray film, a special pocket built into the pouch-like holder for guiding an injection needle during operation of the device, a sealant within the specific pocket through which the injection needle is inserted, and a syringe-type injector with injection needle and a supply of monobath solution (a combined developer and fixer solution).

Abstract: The invention is an improved disinfectant and sterilant in a chemical form. The disinfectant and sterilant formulation is based upon glutaraldehyde which must be in acidic form. The normal pH range for the disinfectant and sterilant is 3.0-3.5, however, under controlled circumstances the range may be 2.5-7.0; as the disinfectant and sterilant must be acidic, it cannot be over pH 7.0. In use as a disinfectant by immersion, the items or materials remain immersed for up to ten minutes. As a sterilant, the immersion is between six and ten hours. The disinfectant and sterilant consists of a plurality of chemicals mixed with the glutaraldehyde as a solution.

Abstract: The invention is an improved dental instrument for root canal condensation dental work. The instrument is self-contained in that it is a combination tool used as a spreader, a condenser, and a filling material heating unit, each of which is alternately and/or concurrently useable while inserted within the root canal structure of a patient. The invention provides several embodiments, each of which comprises: a plugger component (which use combines the functions of a spreader, a condenser, and a material heating unit); a handle component affixed to the plugger component; a power supply component for producing heat; and a transmission component for transmitting heat produced by the power supply component to the material heating unit of the plugger component. The transmission component has a conveniently located finger operation switch to interrupt the power supply and cut off the flow of heat.

Abstract: The invention is an improved endodontic apparatus device for holding instruments, particularly endodontic drill files that are energized and vibrated by ultrasonic means. The invention also provides for the flow-through of solutions during debriding and irrigating of root canals. The invention consists of a hollow tube-like means for conducting solution and directing it in the axial direction of the endodontic drill file; the hollow tube-like means incorporates a special holding means at the outboard end thereof for mounting the drill file in a position so that ultrasonic waves can be transmitted to the drill file to cause it to vibrate in a manner that improves debriding of the root canals. The special holding means at the end of the hollow tube-like means retains the drill file in a firm position to receive the transmitted ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: The invention is an improved endodontic apparatus attachment for holding instruments, particularly endodontic drill files that are energized and vibrated by ultrasonic means. The invention also provides for the flow-through of solutions during debriding and irrigating of root canals. The invention consists of a hollow tube-like means for conducting solution and directing it in the axial direction of the endodontic drill file. The hollow tube-like means incorporates a special holding means therein for mounting the drill file in such a position so that ultrasonic waves can be transmitted to the drill file to cause it to vibrate in a manner that improves debriding of the root canal.

Abstract: This invention is an improvement in endodontic drills used by dentists specializing in root canal dentistry. Present endodontic practice in the preparation, cleaning, and shaping of root canals in teeth entails the use of inefficient steel drills. The present invention provides a diamond coated drill and file combined of a design that assures an extremely smooth canal surface to facilitate the cleaning and sealing of the root canal.