Abstract: A dental tool electrically powered by a power source includes: a handpiece having at least one switch; and a probe attachable to the handpiece so as to define a probe tip, the dental tool being operable to maintain the probe at its probe tip at a specifiable temperature. At least one of the handpiece and the probe includes a thermoelectric device, the dental tool being operable to maintain the probe at said probe tip at a specifiable temperature in response to user actuation of the at least one switch. Optionally, a second handpiece having an electrically conductive enclosure houses a second switch held by the patient. A method of conducting a dental test on a tooth of the patient includes: generating a sensory stimulus at the probe tip when the probe tip is in contact with the tooth; and receiving an actuation by the patient of the second switch.

Abstract: In one aspect, compositions for promoting hemostasis are provided. In some embodiments, the composition comprises a porous non-fibrous substrate impregnated with a hemostatic agent, wherein the porous non-fibrous substrate comprises a hydrophilic polyurethane foam. Methods of promoting hemostasis in a subject using such compositions, and methods of manufacturing such compositions, are also provided.

Abstract: Dental surgical stents can be used to assist a dental surgeon. A hard tissue stent can include an access hole formed in one side and may be placed over one or more of the patient's teeth where the access hole is accurately aligned at a location for drilling to, for example, remove infection. Suction channels may be included in the stent to provide suction about the access hole to remove saliva, water, bone debris and the like, during the surgical procedure. A soft tissue stent may be placed over one or more of the patient's teeth, where the stent can include a mark positioned where the surgeon is to cut to create an access flap in the soft tissue. By keeping the flap attached to the semi-circular window of the soft tissue stent, the surgeon can more easily return the flap to the proper position.

Abstract: A substance that sets in a relatively short time for use in general dentistry and in endodontics to replace natural tooth material, the substance comprising untreated mineral trioxide aggregate and milled mineral trioxide aggregate, or comprising untreated mineral trioxide aggregate, milled mineral trioxide aggregate and water. A method of making a substance that sets in a relatively short time for use in general dentistry and in endodontics to replace natural tooth material, the method comprising milling by high shear and impact impingement of particles using high pressure homogenization.

Abstract: A substance that sets in a relatively short time for use in general dentistry and in endodontics to replace natural tooth material, the substance comprising untreated mineral trioxide aggregate and milled mineral trioxide aggregate, or comprising untreated mineral trioxide aggregate, milled mineral trioxide aggregate and water. A method of making a substance that sets in a relatively short time for use in general dentistry and in endodontics to replace natural tooth material, the method comprising milling by high shear and impact impingement of particles using high pressure homogenization. A method for use in general dentistry and in endodontics to replace natural tooth material.

Abstract: A substance that sets in a relatively short time for use in general dentistry and in endodontics to replace natural tooth material, the substance comprising untreated mineral trioxide aggregate and milled mineral trioxide aggregate, or comprising untreated mineral trioxide aggregate, milled mineral trioxide aggregate and water. A method of making a substance that sets in a relatively short time for use in general dentistry and in endodontics to replace natural tooth material, the method comprising milling by high shear and impact impingement of particles using high pressure homogenization. A method for use in general dentistry and in endodontics to replace natural tooth material.

Abstract: A substance that sets in a relatively short time for use in general dentistry and in endodontics to replace natural tooth material, the substance comprising untreated mineral trioxide aggregate and milled mineral trioxide aggregate, or comprising untreated mineral trioxide aggregate, milled mineral trioxide aggregate and water. A method of making a substance that sets in a relatively short time for use in general dentistry and in endodontics to replace natural tooth material, the method comprising milling by high shear and impact impingement of particles using high pressure homogenization. A method for use in general dentistry and in endodontics to replace natural tooth material.

Abstract: A substance that sets in a relatively short time for use in general dentistry and in endodontics to replace natural tooth material, the substance comprising untreated mineral trioxide aggregate and milled mineral trioxide aggregate, or comprising untreated mineral trioxide aggregate, milled mineral trioxide aggregate and water. A method of making a substance that sets in a relatively short time for use in general dentistry and in endodontics to replace natural tooth material, the method comprising milling by high shear and impact impingement of particles using high pressure homogenization.

Abstract: A substance that sets in a relatively short time for use in general dentistry and in endodontics to replace natural tooth material, the substance comprising untreated mineral trioxide aggregate and milled mineral trioxide aggregate, or comprising untreated mineral trioxide aggregate, milled mineral trioxide aggregate and water. A method of making a substance that sets in a relatively short time for use in general dentistry and in endodontics to replace natural tooth material, the method comprising milling by high shear and impact impingement of particles using high pressure homogenization. A method for use in general dentistry and in endodontics to replace natural tooth material.

Abstract: Methods for disinfecting and removing smear layer from prepared tooth surfaces are provided. The methods involve irrigating the tooth surface with a disinfectant solution containing doxycycline or tetracycline, a surfactant such as polysorbate, and organic acid such as citric acid. The methods can be used in various dental treatments including, for example, endodontic and periodontic procedures as well as tooth restoration and reconstruction.

Abstract: Methods for disinfecting and removing smear layer from prepared tooth surfaces are provided. The methods involve irrigating the tooth surface with a disinfectant solution containing doxycycline or tetracycline, a surfactant such as polysorbate, and organic acid such as citric acid. The methods can be used in various dental treatments including, for example, endodontic and periodontic procedures as well as tooth restoration and reconstruction.

Abstract: Methods for removing debris and bacteria from tooth and orthopedic surfaces using irrigation solutions are provided. The solution includes disinfectant, surfactant, and organic acid components. Disinfectants such as tetracycline and doxycycline compounds can be used. Suitable surfactants include cocamidopropyl betaine compounds and polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene copolymers. The solution is particularly suitable for removing smear layers from tooth surfaces during root canal treatment and other dental procedures such as restoration, reconstruction, and periodontal work. The solutions also can be used to remove smear layers from bone surfaces.

Abstract: Methods for removing debris and bacteria from tooth and orthopedic surfaces using irrigation solutions are provided. The solution includes disinfectant, surfactant, and organic acid components. Disinfectants such as tetracycline and doxycycline compounds can be used. Suitable surfactants include cocamidopropyl betaine compounds and polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene copolymers. The solution is particularly suitable for removing smear layers from tooth surfaces during root canal treatment and other dental procedures such as restoration, reconstruction, and periodontal work. The solutions also can be used to remove smear layers from bone surfaces.

Abstract: Methods for disinfecting and removing smear layer from prepared tooth surfaces are provided. The methods involve irrigating the tooth surface with a disinfectant solution containing doxycycline or tetracycline, a surfactant such as polysorbate, and organic acid such as citric acid. The methods can be used in various dental treatments including, for example, endodontic and periodontic procedures as well as tooth restoration and reconstruction.

Abstract: Methods and solutions are provided for removal of the smear layer on prepared tooth and bone surfaces, especially in endodontic environments.

Abstract: Methods and solutions are provided for removal of the smear layer on prepared tooth and bone surfaces, especially in endodontic environments.

Abstract: Methods and solutions are provided for removal of the smear layer on prepared tooth and bone surfaces, especially in endodontic environments.

Abstract: A dental apparatus, including an instrument having an optical fiber for delivering UV light, an optical viewing fiber and an irregular surface located on the exterior surface at the distal end of the instrument to provide tactile feedback. The instrument preferably additionally comprises an irrigation channel, a suction channel, and abrasives on the distal end of the device. Other aspects of the invention include inventive dental procedures, facilitated by the apparatus, including the cleaning of teeth, periodontic and endodontic procedures, and bleaching discolored teeth.

Abstract: An improved method for filing and sealing tooth cavities involves the use of a cement composition which exhibits several advantages over existing orthograde and retrograde filling materials, including the ability to set in an aqueous environment. In a preferred embodiment, the cement composition comprises Portland cement, or variations in the composition of such cement, which exhibit favorable physical attributes sufficient to form an effective seal against re-entrance of infectious organisms.

Abstract: An improved method for filing and sealing tooth cavities involves the use of a cement composition which exhibits several advantages over existing orthograde and retrograde filling materials, including the ability to set in an aqueous environment. In a preferred embodiment, the cement composition comprises Portland cement, or variations in the composition of such cement, which exhibit favorable physical attributes sufficient to form an effective seal against reentrance of infectious organisms.