Abstract: In connection with insertion of a post into a root canal, a simultaneous curing of the tangible sealing ma1terial aggregate is accomplished. Gutta percha or other sealing material is removably attachable to the apical end of the post and heat or other energy is applied to the post, either before and/or after the post is inserted into the root canal of the tooth being treated, to plasticize and condense the tangible sealing material aggregate. The sealing material is removably integral with the post, or removably attached to the post. In other cases, the tangible sealing material aggregate is provided in a tapered tip and is attached to the bottom of the post without heat or other energy sources, or by condensation, and is therefore attached as an uncondensed single point fill. When placed in the root canal, the tangible sealing material aggregate tip is held in place by typical root canal cements, such as eugenol based cements, resin based cements and glass ionomer cements.

Abstract: A shoe tree for backless and other shoes, includes an elongated insert member for longitudinal installation into a the toe portion of a backless shoe. This insert member stretches at least the toe, wherein the toe insert has a mechanically or air expandable form-fitting toe block which is receivable within the closed or open toe portion of the backless shoe. The toe block fits fitting into and expansively stresses the toe portion of the backless shoe. To compensate for the fact that the backless shoe has no heel for the shoe tree to push against, this insert member may have an optional user controllable holder to hold the toe insert member in place and to stabilize the shape of the shoe. The shoe tree may be adapted for use with shoes with heels also.

Abstract: A flexible post for endodontic or reconstructive tooth therapy having a modulus of elasticity which is less than or equal to that of dentin of 18 GPa (giga Pascals). The present invention is preferably made of medical grade optical glass fibers or fiberglass fibers. The micro filaments of the present invention are treated to impart flexibility to each fiber. The fibers are twisted by twisting on other non-axial arrangements of the fibers to impart strength to the unit post. This allows it to function as a permanent post in a tooth. The dental post is flexible and the post conforms to the natural curved contours of a root canal to reduce machining of the tooth and mechanical weakening of the tooth structure.

Abstract: A flexible post for endodontic or reconstructive tooth therapy having a modulus of elasticity which is less than or equal to that of dentin of 18 GPa (giga Pascals). The present invention is preferably made of medical grade optical glass fibers or fiberglass fibers. The micro filaments of the present invention are treated to impart flexibility to each fiber. The fibers are twisted by twisting on other non-axial arrangements of the fibers to impart strength to the unit post. This allows it to function as a permanent post in a tooth. The dental post is flexible and the post conforms to the natural curved contours of a root canal to reduce machining of the tooth and mechanical weakening of the tooth structure.

Abstract: A flexible post for endodontic or reconstructive tooth therapy having a modulus of elasticity which is less than or equal to that of dentin of 18 GPa (giga Pascals). The present invention is preferably made of fiberglass fibers, such as optical fibers, medical grade optical fibers, other medical grade fibers or other fiberglass composite fibers. The micro filaments of the present invention are treated to impart flexibility to each fiber. The fibers are twisted by twisting on other non-axial arrangements of the fibers to impart strength to the unit post. This allows it to function as a permanent post in a tooth. The dental post is flexible and the post conforms to the natural curved contours of a root canal to reduce machining of the tooth and mechanical weakening of the tooth structure.

Abstract: A flexible post for endodontic or reconstructive tooth therapy having a modulus of elasticity which is less than or equal to that of dentin of 18 GPa (giga Pascals). The present invention is preferably made of medical grade optical glass fibers. The micro filaments of the present invention are treated to impart flexibility to each fiber. The fibers are twisted by twisting on other non-axial arrangements of the fibers to impart strength to the unit post. This allows it to function as a permanent post in a tooth. The dental post is flexible and the post conforms to the natural curved contours of a root canal to reduce machining of the tooth and mechanical weakening of the tooth structure.

Abstract: A dental post and core system having an inelastic flexible post. The post, which may be radiopaque and tooth colored, conforms to the natural curved contours of a root canal to reduce machining of the tooth and mechanical weakening of the tooth structure. The post is made of a material having a plurality of fibers, wherein at least one or more of the fibers is non-axially aligned with respect to a straight axis extending from a coronal end to an apical end of a root of the tooth, such as non-axially aligned fibers twisted together, or such as randomly dispersed fibers in a plastic composite. Since not all the fibers are axially aligned, increased strength is achieved by reduction of the possibility of an axially extending fault crack in the resin of the post.

Abstract: A method of installing a dental post and core system having a flexible post.

Abstract: A trephine-type dental drill for polishing the external cylindrical surface of a dental implant in a mouth. The drill includes a shank for mounting upon a dental drill drive, and a mount affixed the shank for mounting an abrasive element. The abrasive element has a hollow circular bore defined by a bore wall which is coated with an abrasive material. The inner bore wall is sized to closely fit and rotationally polish the external cylindrical surface of the dental implant installed within a mouth.

Abstract: A tongue therapy device is disclosed for training the tongue to assume its proper posture on the palate and to prevent tongue thrust during swallowing. The device includes an element, such as a pin, for irritating the tongue upon contact. A protective element is provided which keeps the tongue off the irritating element unless the tongue moves beyond a given point. The protective element can be a resiliently yieldable cover for the pin. Alternatively, it can be a ramp sloped to resist forward movement of the tongue. Each device is compact enough to fit on the lingual side of a single tooth. It can be, therefore, mass-produced to fit substantially all individuals and can be installed relatively quickly and easily.