Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions of dental materials containing nano-sized calcium phosphate and other fillers that release calcium, phosphate and fluoride. This invention further relates to dental compositions for restorations, stress-bearing applications, artificial crowns, anterior and posterior tooth fillings, adhesives, cavity liners, cements, bases, orthodontic devices, prostheses, and sealants utilizing high stress-bearing materials that release materials for the remineralization of decayed tooth structures.

Abstract: Disclosed are dental compositions and methods. In accordance with one embodiment, a dental composition includes calcium, fluorine, which is generally present in the form of fluoride, and phosphate or another stabilizing anion. The composition is stable as against precipitation of calcium fluoride during transport and storage, but is unstable against the precipitation of calcium fluoride in the oral cavity of a human. In many embodiments, the amount of fluoride may be less than the amount of fluoride used in a comparable composition intended for a similar purpose. A dental method comprises applying the composition to the oral cavity of a patient, whereupon calcium fluoride precipitates from the composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are endodontic filling materials and methods. A method for filling a dental root canal may include providing a hydrosetting filling material and inserting the hydrosetting filling material into the dental root canal, the material setting in the root canal to form a biocompatible filling. The hydrosetting filling material comprises a hydrogel former and a filler. The hydrogel former is at least one of a reactive organic hydrogel formers, an inorganic hydrogel formers, and a non-reactive organic hydrogel formers, and the filler is at least one of a self-hardening and a non-hardening filler. Plural filling material precursor compositions that collectively contain hydrogel formers and fillers may be provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are dual-phase cement precursor systems and related methods and kits. The cement precursor systems are composed of a first and second discrete phases, at least one of which is aqueous. When combined, the cement precursor phases form a cement that is suitable as a bone graft material for bone repair procedures. In preferred embodiments, the materials are highly biocompatible, osteoinductive, and bioresorbable. A number of different but not mutually exclusive cement chemistries may be employed in the cement precursor systems. For instance, hydrogel-forming polymer cements, carboxyl/calcium cements, or calcium phosphate cements may be employed.

Abstract: Combining nanosized particles of a source of desired dental restorative, repair or therapeutic materials with strengthening agents in various generally nanosized form such as whiskers, fibers, particles and the like in a resin matrix provides a highly strain resistant composite which more effectively releases the therapeutic agents. The utilization of nano sized particles of the therapeutic agent in the combination enables observation of significantly improved therapeutic results.

Abstract: A bone or dental implant material in the form of a paste includes a mixture of calcium phosphate and/or calcium-containing powders, liquid glycerol, organic acid and gelling agent. The paste is stable, resistant to washout and will harden upon exposure to water. Physical characteristics of the paste, including consistency, porosity, and hardening time, are controlled by the choice and ratio of constituents.

Abstract: Mouth rinses, dentifrices, lozenges, confections, chewing gums, and similar delivery vehicles containing non-toxic soluble calcium are used prior to administration of a fluoride-containing composition to increase the effectiveness of the fluoride therapy. An effective amount of calcium is released into the oral cavity and allowed to penetrate into the oral tissue. Calcium-bound fluoride deposits form in the oral tissue upon subsequent administration of the fluoride-containing composition to provide increased salivary, plaque and oral tissue fluoride concentrations.

Abstract: Nano-particles of calcium and phosphorous compounds are made in a highly pure generally amorphous state by spray drying a weak acid solution of said compound and evaporating the liquid from the atomized spray in a heated colunm followed by collection of the precipitated particles. Hydroxyapatite (HA) particles formed by such apparatus and methods are examples of particle manufacture useful in bone and dental therapies. Dual nozzle spraying etechniques are utilized for generally insoluble compounds.

Abstract: Nano-particles of calcium and phosphorous compounds are made in a highly pure generally amorphous state by spray drying a weak acid solution of said compound and evaporating the liquid from the atomized spray in a heated column followed by collection of the precipitated particles. Hydroxy apetite (HA) particles formed by such apparatus and methods are examples of particle manufacture useful in bone and dental therapies.

Abstract: A bone replacement material and therapy comprises the combination of calcium phosphate compounds and two or more soluble fillers in the form of fibers, mesh or other materials which have the dual functions of reinforcing an in vivo implant while dissolving at a programmed rate to form macropores capable of receiving natural bone ingrowth.

Abstract: A bone or dental implant material in the form of a paste includes a mixture of calcium phosphate and/or calcium-containing powders and a solution that is (1) an acidic calcium phosphate solution saturated with respect to one or more calcium phosphate compounds, (2) a concentrated acid solution, or (3) salt solutions with a cationic component other than calcium. The paste is stable, resistant to washout and will form hydroxyapatite and harden relatively rapidly to a cement.