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.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods whereby a thermally formable plastic is compounded with releasable active ingredients. The compounded plastic is then formed into a desired dental delivery device such as an anatomical membrane, tray or strip. The dental device is then placed in the oral environment where it will release or leach active ingredients. The dental device is intended to treat, alter, improve, or aid in various conditions that are often present in the oral environment.

Abstract: The present invention is a delivery tip for flowable materials with bristles or fibers extending therefrom. The tip is a cannula with a tapered outlet and features a bristle or fiber bundle with a binding restriction member that interfaces with the cannula at some point within the cannula but has a smaller cross-sectional area for flow passage than the cannula at that point. The bristle or fiber bundle extends out of the tapered outlet. The delivery tip is provided means to connect to a material reservoir with flowable material. When positive pressure is applied to the reservoir, material then will flow through the cannula, around the restriction member, into the bristles or fibers and out the outlet for distribution to a desired surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermally formable plastic anatomical form for dentistry and a holder for the same. The holder is specially adapted to accommodate the plastic form in that it is heat resistant and features a bite guide to assure an even distribution of the plastic around the teeth of the patient and thickened occlusal surfaces to register specific tooth impressions more readily. The form according to the present invention may be used in any conventional dental work where a form may be needed, such as tray creation and stone molds, or may be utilized with therapeutic plastics so as to become a therapeutic dental device in and of itself.

Abstract: A delivery tip for flowable materials with bristles extending therefrom. The tip is a cannula with a tapered outlet and features a bristle bundle with a binding disk that interfaces with the cannula at some point within the cannula but has a smaller cross-section than the cannula at that point. The bristle bundle then extends out of the tapered outlet. The delivery tip is connected to a material reservoir with flowable material. When positive pressure is applied to the reservoir, material then will flow through the cannula, around the disk, into the bristles and out the outlet for distribution to a desired surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a formable dental treatment tray utilizing poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) and a gelatinous active. Blending of the active is accomplished by mixing the Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) with an active ingredient, such as a peroxide like 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. The gels are applied to an appropriate backing and dried to a gelatinous state. In use, the active is hydrated and regains adhesiveness. Then the tray is pressed and formed around a user's dental arch to form the customizable tray. Multiple active ingredients may be used, with or without peroxide, for accomplishing desired treatment regimens.

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: The present invention is a personal ultrasonic dental hygiene device. A handle with an ultrasonic transducer is provided with differing dental hygiene attachments for personal use. The device may be powered through a battery or through direct wall socket communication. A variety of controls may be provided to adjust ultrasonic frequency and treatment time.

Abstract: The present invention is a formable dental treatment tray utilizing poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) and a gelatinous active. Blending of the active is accomplished by mixing the Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) with an active ingredient, such as a peroxide like 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. The gels are applied to an appropriate backing and dried to a gelatinous state. In use, the active is hydrated and regains adhesiveness. Then the tray is pressed and formed around a user's dental arch to form the customizable tray. Multiple active ingredients may be used, with or without peroxide, for accomplishing desired treatment regimens.

Abstract: The present invention is the development of haemostatic compositions that use nitrogen containing organic polymers in combination with haemostatic agents to create a gel form. Compositions utilizing the polymers exhibit relatively lower concentrations of haemostatic agents, drawing benefits from such lower concentrations as they limit unwanted side effects of the haemostatic agents. Preferred compositions utilize Poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone), Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) as thickening agents and ferric sulfate as an active ingredient.

Abstract: A tool for the containment and dispensing of materials on a work site comprises a containment body with an orifice and at least one tubule for dispensing contained material on the site. In the preferred embodiment, the tool terminates with a plurality of tubules forming a brush for the distribution of the dispensed material. Fibrous filaments may be intermingled with the tubules for increased brushing effectiveness.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of non-invasive treatment of periodontal disease using ultrasonic waves. The treatment involves placing a tray, covering a metal fork, over the arch intended to be treated. The tray holds the metal fork to the teeth and gingival surface. The metal fork is connected to at least one ultrasonic transducer, which is in turn connected to a control unit that controls the delivery of ultrasonic energy. Both upper and lower arches can be treated simultaneously. The tray(s) may be filled with a therapeutic gel or the patient's own saliva maybe permitted to fill the tray and serve as a conductive gel. The ultrasonic waves, both alone or with a therapeutic gel, and heal the diseased tissue without surgery or curettage. Treatment may be repeated as needed or it may be used as a preventative measure with lesser treatment time.

Abstract: The present invention is a prophylaxis cup having a secondary reservoir pre-filled with prophylaxis paste for a dental procedure. The secondary reservoir is separated from the cleaning portion of the cup by a dividing ring with a central orifice, the size of which will determine the flow of paste. In use, the clinician merely presses the cup against the target surface to express paste into the cleaning portion. Additional structure may be employed to further retard seepage of paste out of the cup. Being an elastomeric material, the cup may be impregnated with active ingredients to provide a substitute for additional paste.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool for the containment and dispensing of materials on a work site. It comprises a containment body with an orifice and at least one tubule for dispensing contained material on the site. In the preferred embodiment, the tool terminates with a plurality of tubules forming a brush for the distribution of the dispensed material. Fibrous filaments may be intermingled with the tubules for increased brushing effectiveness.

Abstract: The present invention is a delivery tip for flowable materials with bristles extending therefrom. The tip is a cannula with a tapered outlet and features a bristle bundle with a binding disk that interfaces with the cannula at some point within the cannula but has a smaller cross-section than the cannula at that point. The bristle bundle then extends out of the tapered outlet. The delivery tip is provided means to connect to a material reservoir with flowable material. When positive pressure is applied to the reservoir, material then will flow through the cannula, around the disk, into the bristles and out the outlet for distribution to a desired surface.

Abstract: The present invention is found in two embodiments of readily resealed unit dose systems with brush applicators. In the first embodiment, the applicator threadingly engages an interior chamber of a unit dose vial until a sealing surface of the applicator interfaces with a ledge within the chamber. The ledge and surface may be of any angle in relation to the chamber and applicator, so long as they fit together to seal the vial. The second embodiment utilizes an elastomeric diaphragm with an orifice slightly smaller than the applicator handle to secure and seal the system.

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: A root canal is filled and/or sealed using a hydrophilic sealing composition, optionally in combination with other filling materials. The sealing composition may include one or more resins that promote adhesion to hydrophilic dental tissues. The composition may be introduced into the root canal using a narrow cannula coupled to a high pressure hydraulic delivery device. In the case where a chemical cure composition is used to seal the root canal, a chemical initiator can be used to cause the mixed composition to harden over time. Hardening of at least a portion of the composition can be accelerated by including a photoinitiator and irratiating the mixed composition with radiant energy (e.g., from a dental curing lamp).

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.

Abstract: The polymerizable dental isolation barrier has a monomer and an initiator. The barrier composition has at least one additive including a polymer strength reducer, a wet tissue adherence accentuator, and a reflective material The polymer strength reducer is an organic compound that prevents complete polymerization. The tissue adherence accentuator enables the barrier to adhere to a dental substrate ever after polymerization. The reflective material lowers the reaction rate and lowers the production of excess heat to reduce patient discomfort and to avoid tissue damage.