Abstract: The present invention is dental prosthetics manufactured from polymers rather than ceramics. Various plastics are disclosed for use in making said prosthetics, as are techniques for improving plastic performance in the prosthetics. The prosthetics are first injection molded into pre-set blocks for use in milling machines that dentists use or custom fit prosthetics with less wait time and less cost. Alternatively, an electronic model may be produced using image scanners. The electronic model may then be downloaded into rapid prototyping machine and a prosthetic therein built. Use of these methods may create various monolithic prosthetics, including multi-tooth prosthetics and whole bridges.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention include hot melt dental adhesive materials that can create a reversible bond. In addition, example embodiments of the present invention include hot melt dental impression materials that can be used to accurately and efficiently obtain a dental impression. Moreover, example embodiments of the invention include devices and methods for use with the hot melt dental adhesive materials and the hot melt dental impression materials disclosed herein. The hot melt dental adhesive materials and the hot melt dental impression materials can provide dental professionals with dental materials that are more effective, efficient, and easier to use when compared to conventional dental adhesive materials and conventional dental impression materials.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods, devices, and systems that light and magnify a treatment site within the oral cavity without interfering with a dental treatment procedure. In particular, example embodiments of the present invention provide a virtual operatory system that includes an image capture subsystem connected to an image display subsystem. For example, the image capture subsystem can capture and communicate a live image of a treatment site to the image display subsystem for the dental professional to view while performing a dental treatment procedure. In at least one example embodiment, the virtual operatory system can also include an image rendering subsystem that can render the live image of the treatment site in one or more ways to provide an improved visual to the dental professional of the treatment site.

Abstract: The present invention is a breathing improvement monitor that continuously measures involuntary breathing. The monitor is a sensor apparatus that is attached to a patient's mask which is connected to the monitoring apparatus. The sensor may be reusable and attachable and detachable to a mask or it may be an integral part of a breathing mask. The sensor technology may be any type sufficient in the art, including but not limited to solid state sensors, transducers, electromagnetic microturbines and the like. Since the mask does not have to be removed and the sensor provides constant signal to the monitoring apparatus, a real time status of a patient's involuntary breathing capability may be determined for a doctor's consideration.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention include various compositions that include a pH modifier composition and/or a buffering capacity modifier composition. In some examples, the pH modifier compositions include a dose of pH modifier to raise the pH in a patient's mouth from about 1 to about 2 pH levels. The compositions are then incorporated into various confections for oral ingestion or application that allow a patient to easily use the composition with the pH and/or buffering capacity modifiers. For example, compositions with the pH and/or buffering capacity modifiers can be incorporated within chewing gum, tablets, lozenges, breath strips, hard candy, oral sprays, and other confections. Another embodiment of the invention includes a testing device to test the pH and buffering capacity within a patient's mouth.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention include hot melt dental adhesive materials that can create a reversible bond. In addition, example embodiments of the present invention include hot melt dental impression materials that can be used to accurately and efficiently obtain a dental impression. Moreover, example embodiments of the invention include devices and methods for use with the hot melt dental adhesive materials and the hot melt dental impression materials disclosed herein. The hot melt dental adhesive materials and the hot melt dental impression materials can provide dental professionals with dental materials that are more effective, efficient, and easier to use when compared to conventional dental adhesive materials and conventional dental impression materials.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention include hot melt dental adhesive materials that can create a reversible bond. In addition, example embodiments of the present invention include hot melt dental impression materials that can be used to accurately and efficiently obtain a dental impression. Moreover, example embodiments of the invention include devices and methods for use with the hot melt dental adhesive materials and the hot melt dental impression materials disclosed herein. The hot melt dental adhesive materials and the hot melt dental impression materials can provide dental professionals with dental materials that are more effective, efficient, and easier to use when compared to conventional dental adhesive materials and conventional dental impression materials.

Abstract: The present invention is a breathing improvement monitor that continuously measures involuntary breathing. The monitor is a sensor apparatus that is attached to a patient's mask which is connected to the monitoring apparatus. The sensor may be reusable and attachable and detachable to a mask or it may be an integral part of a breathing mask. The sensor technology may be any type sufficient in the art, including but not limited to solid state sensors, transducers, electromagnetic microturbines and the like. Since the mask does not have to be removed and the sensor provides constant signal to the monitoring apparatus, a real time status of a patient's involuntary breathing capability may be determined for a doctor's consideration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include devices and methods that provide an effective endodontic drill bit to drill postholes for use in root canals and similar or related dental procedures. In particular, example embodiments of the present invention provide an endodontic drill bit that can be used by a dental professional to drill a posthole with a particular diameter, while at the same time causing the side wall surfaces of the posthole to include a texture that can increase the mechanical retention of a dental post in the posthole. In example embodiments, the endodontic drill bit includes an abrasive grit that is attached or is part of the land of the endodontic drill bit.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention include compositions, materials, and methods that provide a single component tooth root sealer. The single component tooth root sealer can be designed to moisture cure at temperatures found within the human mouth. Examples of the single component tooth root sealer can include silicone compositions, such as condensation silicones of the alkoxy, acetoxy, and oxime type. Further examples of the single component tooth root sealer can include UV/visible light-initiators, antimicrobial agents, and radio-opaque compounds.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention include methods, devices, and systems that provide effective dental treatments to all tooth surfaces of the entire dental arch. In particular, embodiments of the present invention include treatment devices and systems that are capable of treating the entire arch by covering and delivering active ingredients to the front, back, and top surfaces of each of the teeth of the full dental arch. Moreover, example embodiments of the present invention provide treatment devices and systems that are capable of treating the gingival margin and gums of an entire arch.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include compositions, methods, and systems for providing an effective and efficient treatment varnish for teeth. For example, embodiments of the present invention provide a treatment varnish that comprises one or more polymers and/or copolymers that are soluble in biocompatible solvents, such as ethanol. The polymers and/or copolymers are nontoxic and form a substantially clear film that adheres effectively to teeth during treatment, but also is easily removed from teeth once the treatment is complete.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include methods, devices, and systems that provide effective packaging items with at least one gummy surface. In particular, implementations of the present invention provide a package for items with a gummy surface that does not require a separate liner to be placed on the gummy surface. In example implementations, the package includes inadhesive polymers such that the item can be removeably adhered to a portion of the package. Moreover, example embodiments of the present invention provide packaging devices, systems, and methods that allow an item with a gummy surface to be packaged without any part of the package interfacing with the gummy surface.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include methods, devices, and systems that provide effective packaging items with at least one gummy surface. In particular, implementations of the present invention provide a package for items with a gummy surface that does not require a separate liner to be placed on the gummy surface. In example implementations, the package includes inadhesive polymers such that the item can be removeably adhered to a portion of the package.

Abstract: The present invention is a dental implant utilizing a polymeric dental post. The actual prosthetic portion of the implant may also be manufactured from a polymer. Various post designs are disclosed for setting and securing the post in a patient's jaw. Numerous polymers are disclosed and may be blended to achieve desired characteristics for both the post and prosthetic.

Abstract: The present invention is the use of Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) in the creation of peroxide gels for various applications. Such applications include bleaching of hair, teeth, laundry or any other bleachable item. Blending of the gel is accomplished by mixing the Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) with a peroxide such as hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, sodium perborate, or sodium percarbonate, usually also with water or an appropriate organic solvent. Peroxide concentrations in these new gels can reach a 30% concentration of hydrogen peroxide while maintaining a shelf life of six months at room temperature without developing peroxide decomposition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are radiation resistant protective clothing or fibers and methods of producing the same by the process of impregnating radiation opaque elements into the clothing or fibers to produce garments particularly suited for military, dental, and medical workers exposed to X-rays and other sources of radiation.

Abstract: Methods for staining a selected tissue with a dye, stain or pigment that is attuned to absorb the energy from a radiant energy source are disclosed. The stain enhances absorption of incoming radiant energy, which results in increased destruction of stained tissues and decreased destruction of underlying tissues. This method provides clinicians with the ability to selectively mark a tissue for destruction, while leaving wanted tissues generally intact. Optionally, a radiant energy opaque substance that can be applied adjacent the stained treatment area to protect against incidental exposure to untargeted tissue. Also optionally, an oxidizing substance may be applied with the stain to further enhance the effect of this method. Wavelengths of radiant energy to which tissue is normally transparent may be utilized by applying appropriate stains to targeted tissue, thereby allowing targeted tissue to even be destroyed when it lies beneath untargeted tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of treating residual caries utilizing a matched laser and dye combination. After initial preparation and excavation of a caries site, a dye is flooded into the site which stains areas of residual caries. A laser with a complimentary wavelength is then used to ablate stained areas. Since healthy dental tissue will not receive the dye and allow staining, diseased tissue will be the only tissue that is stained, not only providing a visual indicator, but also providing a more efficient surface to receive laser energy and allow for more efficient ablation of the compromised tissue. According to the method, the dye may contain and enhancing, oxidizing compound or an anesthetic, and surrounding tissues may be protected by the use of substances opaque to the radiant energy. Indocyanine green has shown particular effectiveness as a dye in this and related methods.