Abstract: A composite for a dental restoration is presented comprising ground, densified, embrittled glass fibers together with fillers and a polymeric matrix precursor composition. The ground, densified, embrittled glass fibers are obtained by grinding glass fibers which have been densified and embrittled by heating glass fibers at a temperature substantially below the softening point of the glass fibers, without significant fusion or melting together of the fibers. The composite is particularly useful as a direct filling material, in that it has the feel and workability of an amalgam.

Abstract: A curable dental restorative composition having a curable, ethylenically unsaturated component, preferably a hydrophilic, methacrylate-containing monomer or oligomer component, a calcium silicate cement component, and a non-water curing component. Water and/or fillers may optionally be present. The use of curable monomers or oligomers as part of the hardening agent for the cement component results in improved setting time and physical properties in the cured product. Water and/or fillers may optionally be present.

Abstract: A gel composition for use in etching the surfaces of teeth in preparation for prophylaxis, repair, or restoration, comprising an aqueous solution of an effective quantity of an acid; and a colloidal silica sol, wherein the silica portion of the sol comprises from about 3 to about 20 weight percent of the total etchant composition.

Abstract: A composition for simultaneously etching and priming a tooth surface prior to restoration, comprising a solution of an —SO3 terminated compound resin, and an optional fluoride source. In practice, the composition is applied to the tooth surface and not subsequently washed prior to application of an adhesive or other restorative material.

Abstract: An anti-microbial dental restorative composition and method of use of the same for use in restoring the function and anatomy of a tooth. Dental restorative materials include bonding agents, resin cements and resin comprise polymerizable unsaturated monomers, oligomers, prepolymers with or without acid groups or combinations thereof. The anti-microbial dental composition prevents secondary decay, greatly enhances sustained anti-microbial activity for a longer period of time with minimum harm to the living structure and surrounding tissues and without affecting the composition's restorative properties.

Abstract: A filler material comprising a fibrous material and one or more forms of surface-modifying particles for use in dental composites and dental restorations. The surface-modifying particles are bonded to the fibrous material to increase the surface area of the fibrous material and improve the bonding properties of the fibrous material to enable it to better bond to a resin matrix material in a dental composite. In accordance with the present invention, the fibrous material possesses a lower melting temperature than the surface-modifying particles. The surface-modifying particles and the fibrous material are heated to a temperature below the softening temperature of the fibrous material but at a temperature and time sufficient to soften the surface of the fibrous material in order to bond the surface-modifying particles thereto.

Abstract: A primer/bonding composition for dental restorations comprising a photoinitiator system and a monomer system consisting essentially of at least one polymerizable acidic component and at least one hydrophilic monomer. The presence of a high viscosity monomer such as Bis-GMA is not required. The composition has excellent bonding properties, and is shelf-stable for at least about one year when stored in one container.

Abstract: A composite for a dental restoration is presented comprising ground, densified, embrittled glass fibers together with fillers and a polymeric matrix precursor composition. The ground, densified, embrittled glass fibers are obtained by grinding glass fibers which have been densified and embrittled by heating glass fibers at a temperature substantially below the softening point of the glass fibers, without significant fusion or melting together of the fibers. The composite is particularly useful as a direct filling material, in that it has the feel and workability of an amalgam.

Abstract: A dental resin composition is presented, comprising an ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate having the formulaCH.sub.2 .dbd.C(CH.sub.3)CO.sub.2 (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.x C.sub.6 H.sub.4 C(CH.sub.3) .sub.2 C.sub.6 H.sub.4 (OC.sub.2 H.sub.4).sub.y O.sub.2 CC(CH.sub.3).dbd.CH.sub.2wherein x+y is an integer from 1 to 20, and preferably from 2 to 7, together with a methacrylate oligomer and an optional diluent monomer. The composition is suitable for use for dental fillers adhesives, and the like, and has improved water sorption and excellent wear resistance.

Abstract: In a polymerizable dental restorative resin composition useful as a dental composite resin and/or a denture/denture base material comprising at least one binder resin, a diluent monomer, at least one filler, optionally, a photopolymerization system comprising an initiator for initiating polymerization of the composite resin upon exposure to visible light and an accelerator, and an initiator for initiating polymerization of the composite resin upon application of heat, the improvement imparting shelf stability and substantially eliminating discoloration is provided comprising the initiator for initiating polymerization upon application of heat having the general formula:R--N.dbd.N--R'wherein R and R' can be the same or different, and are selected from the group consisting of oxygen-free aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic, and heterocyclic moieties.

Abstract: A trimodal method of curing dental composite restorative materials involves the use of visible light illumination for the initial curing of the composite resin and a combination of dry heat and vacuum for the complete cure of the composite restorative materials. More specifically, the method for preparing dental restorative materials includes the steps of forming a dental restoration from a composite resin of a type conventionally employed in the dental profession, in which the composite resin includes a photosensitizing system for initiating polymerization of the composite resin upon exposure to visible light, an initiator for initiating polymerization upon application of heat and at least one filler; exposing the thus prepared restoration to a source of visible light to at least partially cure said composite resin and then subjecting the thus prepared restoration to a combination of heat and vacuum to complete polymerization of said complete resin.