Abstract: A method for providing an active sanitized aqueous medium in a dental treatment operation. A chlorinated water supply is treated with a physiologically-safe acidifier to provide a substantially enhanced hypochlorous acid concentration. The water is treated to convert the hypochlorite ion into the much more bacteriocidal undisassociated hypochlorous acid. A reservoir is provided at a suitable location, such as a dental treatment station. Potable water from a suitable source is supplied to the reservoir. The potable water contains free chlorine in an amount of at least 0.1 ppm. The water in the reservoir is treated with a physiologically-safe acidifier selected from the group consisting of inorganic acids, organic acids, and acid esters which have GRAS status.

Abstract: A method for incorporating concurrrent delivery of a bactericidal agent into water intended for supply to a dental unit. A reservoir adapted to contain a liquid bactericidal agent is connected to a variable rate pump having an inlet line extending from the reservoir to the inlet of the pump. An outlet line extends from the pump outlet and provides a bactericide supply line. A water supply line is adapted to be connected to a source of water under pressure which provides a flow path through the system to a suitable outlet adapted to be connected to a dental unit. A mixing junction interconnects the water supply line and the bactericide supply line so that bactericide can be mixed into the water supply line. A flow sensing unit is responsive to fluid flow in the water supply line and generates an output parameter representative of this flow rate. A flow control system responds to this measured parameter to vary the pumping rate of the pump.

Abstract: A compact sterilizable unit has a control box containing internal water and air supply networks and a sterilizable water supply bottle, dental handpiece and dental syringe removably connected to the control box by specially adapted connector fittings. The unit has a retrofit connection to a conventional four hole connector which supplies operating air in response to the conventional dental operatory foot control. Only sterile water is supplied to the patient from the sterile water bottle through the handpiece and syringe. The connection of the handpiece to the control box is through a high temperature resistant sterilizable tubing harness having an expanded sheath construction that does not inhibit bending. Short high temperature resistant tube sections which are strengthened by an expanded shrink fit covering sheath are disclosed. Special high temperature resistant tubing and seals are provided so that the entire unit may be sterilized.