Abstract: A rolled compression cap having a central bore. The rolled compression cap has adjacent layers that slide or telescope to conform to the prepared tooth and to apply more direct mechanical pressure to the interface between the prepared tooth and the gingiva. The gingiva or gum retracts from the tooth forming or widening a gingival sulcus. This improves the preparation of the tooth for taking an impression and fitting a crown or cap. In one embodiment, a rolled compression cap is pre-dosed or soaked with an astringent material or retraction agent. In another embodiment, the central bore of the rolled compression cap is filled with a paste-like or gel material containing an astringent or hemostatic agent.

Abstract: A dispenser made of a pliable material having a slit therein for dispensing primarily low viscosity materials. A block made of pliable foam contains a low viscosity material within a slit. Dental instruments or dental material applicators having an applicating end are inserted into the slit of the block, coating the applicator end with the low viscosity material. The resilient nature of the block material also helps to keep the dental instrument clean by wiping the instrument against the interior sides of the pocket formed by the slit. The present invention is particularly well suited for dispensing a lubricating material, such as a resin, on dental instruments used in working, shaping, or contouring a relatively viscous composite restorative material on a patient's tooth.

Abstract: A unit dose package for applying a material with an applicator having a separate material and applicator portion. In one embodiment, a material well is squeezed to dispense the material onto an applicator through a releasable portion between the material well and the edge of the tray. In another embodiment, a plurality of material wells is used to mix different materials to be dispensed with an applicator. In another embodiment a portion of the cover is removable.

Abstract: A rolled compression cap having a central bore. The rolled compression cap has adjacent layers that slide or telescope to conform to the prepared tooth and to apply more direct mechanical pressure to the interface between the prepared tooth and the gingiva. The gingiva or gum retracts from the tooth forming or widening a gingival sulcus. This improves the preparation of the tooth for taking an impression and fitting a crown or cap. In one embodiment, a rolled compression cap is pre-dosed or soaked with an astringent material or retraction agent. In another embodiment, the central bore of the rolled compression cap is filled with a paste-like or gel material containing an astringent or hemostatic agent.

Abstract: A tray for dispensing a material to be applied with an applicator having a plurality of applicator support openings. The applicator support openings have a depth and width sufficient so that when an applicator is placed therein, it is held substantially upright. The material and applicator support wells may be funnel shaped. The relatively deep narrow funnel shape protects the material placed therein from ambient light, contamination, evaporation, and spilling. The invention is particularly well suited to use in a dental procedure that may require the application of multiple different materials or materials that react with one another or that are light activated. The plurality of different material wells are readily identifiable and keep the different materials separate and ready for use.

Abstract: A unit dose package for applying a material with an applicator having a separate material and applicator portion. In one embodiment, a plurality of material wells is used to mix different materials to be dispensed with an applicator. In an embodiment the plurality of material wells are concentric. In another embodiment a portion of the cover is removable. In another embodiment, a material well is squeezed to dispense the material onto an applicator.

Abstract: A method and a device for effecting the cordless retraction of the gingival sulcus tissue that includes a dam shaped to be fitted onto a tooth. The dam having a peripheral wall defining a well. The peripheral wall may be either pervious or impervious to light rays and opened at least one end. The well of the dam is pre-filled with a predetermined amount of a flowable retraction material having a heavy viscosity or putty consistency. The preloaded tooth dam is fitted to a prepared tooth so that when pressure is applied onto the tooth dam, the retraction material is displaced under pressure and forced into the sulcus, causing the gingival tissue to retract away from the tooth to enlarge the gingival sulcus. In one form of the invention, the structure of the dam enables the retraction material to mechanically bond or adhere to the internal surfaces of the dam, permitting the retraction material to be removed simultaneously with the removal of the tooth dam to leave behind a clean enlarged sulcus.

Abstract: Securing a dental post or a crown or bridge onto the dentin portion of a prepared tooth by utilizing a no-mix, two component, self-curing cement wherein the first component of the cement is applied to the interior dentin surfaces of a post hole, or onto the dentin surface of the tooth receiving the crown or bridge, and applying the second component of the cement onto the surface of a post, or crown or bridge so that when the post or crown or bridge is fitted onto the exposed dentin of a prepared tooth, the complementary components of the cement immediately chemically set to firmly secure the post, crown or bridge onto the prepared tooth. The respective components of the no-mix, two component, self-curing cement formulation for practicing the method require that each include a methacrylate resin. One of the components also includes an aromatic tertiary amine and the other component includes an organic peroxide.

Abstract: A dispenser made of a pliable material having a slit therein for dispensing primarily low viscosity materials. A block made of pliable foam contains a low viscosity material within a slit. Dental instruments or dental material applicators having an applicating end are inserted into the slit of the block, coating the applicator end with the low viscosity material. The resilient nature of the block material also helps to keep the dental instrument clean by wiping the instrument against the interior sides of the pocket formed by the slit. The present invention is particularly well suited for dispensing a lubricating material, such as a resin, on dental instruments used in working, shaping, or contouring a relatively viscous composite restorative material on a patient's tooth.

Abstract: A dose package for applying a material with an applicator having a separate material and applicator portion. In one embodiment, a portion of a cover is removable, exposing the material and applicator. In another embodiment, a plurality of material wells are used to mix different materials to be dispensed with an applicator. In another embodiment, a material well is squeezed to dispense the material onto an applicator.

Abstract: A dose package for applying a material with an applicator having a separate material and applicator portion. In one embodiment, a portion of a cover is removable, exposing the material and applicator. In another embodiment, a plurality of material wells are used to mix different materials to be dispensed with an applicator. In another embodiment, a material well is squeezed to dispense the material onto an applicator.

Abstract: A material dispensing tray having at least two wells or depressions, at least one well for containing a material to be dispensed and another well for receiving the applicating end of an applicator. The applicator well is provided with an opening through which the handle of the applicator is extended beyond the applicator well, and a cover sheet for sealing the material and the applicating end of the applicator within their respective wells so that the applicator is rendered releasably secured relative the dispensing tray. The material may be dispensed by removing a releasable cover to expose the material, or by squeezing the material well with cover in place so as to extrude the material from the material well to the applicator well and onto the applicating end of the applicator or by piercing the cover over the material well with a piercing point formed on the other or free end of the applicator to provide access to the material in the material well.