Abstract: An ultrasonic dental instrument provides a hand piece with an ultrasonic generator communicating with a separable base and tip that when assembled provide mechanical rigidity and the conduction of ultrasonic energy from the ultrasonic generator to a distal portion of the tip but which may be separated for individual replacement and manufacture.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument eliminates the need for conventional flutes by employing a tapered tip having an axially extending relief surface such as a flat permitting the passage of liquid and the ejection of debris from the tooth. In one embodiment, an abrasive surface of the tapered tip is produced by electrical discharge machining which provides randomly arrayed microscopic pits directly in the metallic surface of the instrument.

Abstract: A dental implant includes a first member (100) having a proximal end (102) and a distal end (104) and extends along a longitudinal axis (62). The proximal end (102) has an axial end surface (103). The first member (102) is formed from a first material. A second member (70) is integrally formed with the first member (100) and is adapted to receive a dental prosthesis (150). The second member (70) engages the entire proximal end surface (103) of the first member (100). The second member (70) intersects the axis (62) of the first member (100) at the proximal end surface (103) to prevent access to the proximal end surface (103) of the first member (100) through the second member (70). The second member (70) is formed from a polymer that is different from the first material of the first member (100).