Abstract: A fluoride composition applied to teeth. The fluoride composition comprises microcrystalline wax, mineral oil, vitamin E, amorphous calcium phosphate or ACP, guar gum, and sodium fluoride. The amorphous calcium phosphate and sodium fluoride are released gradually and when dissolved in saliva form ionic fluoride and ionic calcium that aid in re-mineralization of the tooth enamel. Enhanced fluoride treatment is obtained relative to a conventional fluoride rinse. A similar composition may be used as a protective coating material to protect whitened or bleached teeth.

Abstract: A protective coating material applied to whitened or bleached teeth. The protective coating material comprises microcrystalline wax, mineral oil, vitamin E, and amorphous calcium phosphate or ACP. The protective coating material covers the whitened or bleached tooth surface protecting it from staining thereby prolonging the whiteness of the teeth. The whitened or bleached damaged tooth enamel may also be strengthened or repaired.

Abstract: A protective coating material applied to whitened or bleached teeth. The protective coating material comprises microcrystalline wax, mineral oil, vitamin E, and amorphous calcium phosphate or ACP. The protective coating material covers the whitened or bleached tooth surface protecting it from staining thereby prolonging the whiteness of the teeth. The whitened or bleached damaged tooth enamel may also be strengthened or repaired.

Abstract: A retraction material promoting both retraction and drying of the gingival sulcus around a tooth. The retraction material comprises an astringent and an absorbing or drying agent. The retraction material is placed with a syringe and capsule around the gingival sulcus prior to the taking of an impression in a dental procedure.

Abstract: A retraction cord for use in a dental procedure for widening the gingival sulcus containing kaolin. The kaolin acts as a hemostatic agent and an absorber or hydrophilic agent to reduce bleeding and dry the gingival sulcus. A binder may be used to aid in retention of the kaolin on the fibers of the retraction cord. A lubricant or release agent may be used preventing blood clots from sticking to the retraction cord upon removal. Kaolin is affected and has no adverse side effects.

Abstract: A method and a device for effecting the cordless retraction of the gingival sulcus tissue that includes a cap or dam to be fitted onto a tooth. The well of the cap is pre-filled with a predetermined amount of a flowable non-setting kaolin based retraction material having a heavy viscosity or putty consistency. The preloaded cap is fitted to a prepared tooth so that when pressure is applied onto the cap, the retraction material is displaced under pressure and forced to flow into the sulcus, causing the gingival tissue to retract away from the tooth to enlarge the gingival sulcus. An internal ridge aids in retaining the retraction material within the cap.

Abstract: A sheet of material having a central body portion with attached wings capable of folding towards each other on either side. The wings of the bite block fold toward each other along fold lines adjacent the central body portion and provide a structure for biting down upon for propping the mouth of a patient open during a dental procedure. A mirrored surface may be placed on the central body portion for improving visibility in the mouth. In a unilateral bite block embodiment, the unilateral bite block is placed in only one side of the mouth. In another quadrant embodiment a bite extension extends out of an opposing side of the patent's mouth and facilitates holding the patient's mouth open. The bite block may be made inexpensively and is disposable.

Abstract: A method and a device for effecting the cordless retraction of the gingival sulcus tissue that includes a dam shaped to be fitted onto a tooth. In one embodiment, the well of the dam is pre-filled with a predetermined amount of a flowable retraction material having a heavy viscosity or putty consistency. In another embodiment a hydrophilic material is added. The preloaded tooth dam is fitted to a prepared tooth so that when pressure is applied onto the tooth dam, the retraction material is displaced under pressure and forced into the sulcus, causing the gingival tissue to retract away from the tooth to enlarge the gingival sulcus. In another embodiment the cap is filled with a dilatant material. In another embodiment, the cap is filled with an impregnated compressible porous material. In yet another embodiment, the cap is pre-dosed with an astringent or hemostatic agent.

Abstract: A non-porous dental wedge having a surface coating of a material for aiding a dental procedure. A thin coating of an adhesive and particles having a particle size less than 200 microns is placed on the surface of the non-porous dental wedge. The material is preferable an astringent. The non-porous dental wedge is resistant to compression and the thin surface coating with small material particle size facilitates rapidly disperses the material during a dental procedure.

Abstract: A sheet of material having a central body portion with attached wings capable of folding towards each other on either side. The wings of the bite block fold toward each other along fold lines adjacent the central body portion and provide a structure for biting down upon for propping the mouth of a patient open during a dental procedure. A mirrored surface may be placed on the central body portion for improving visibility in the mouth. In a unilateral bite block embodiment, the unilateral bite block is placed in only one side of the mouth. The bite block may be made inexpensively and is disposable.

Abstract: A sheet of material having a central body portion with attached wings capable of folding towards each other on either side. The wings of the bite block fold toward each other along fold lines adjacent the central body portion and provide a structure for biting down upon for propping the mouth of a patient open during a dental procedure. A mirrored surface may be placed on the central body portion for improving visibility in the mouth. In a unilateral bite block embodiment, the unilateral bite block is placed in only one side of the mouth. In another quadrant embodiment a bite extension extends out of an opposing side of the patent's mouth and facilitates holding the patient's mouth open. The bite block may be made inexpensively and is disposable.

Abstract: A rolled compression cap having a central bore. The rolled compression cap has adjacent layers that slide or telescope to conform to the prepared tooth and to apply more direct mechanical pressure to the interface between the prepared tooth and the gingiva. The gingiva or gum retracts from the tooth forming or widening a gingival sulcus. This improves the preparation of the tooth for taking an impression and fitting a crown or cap. In one embodiment, a rolled compression cap is pre-dosed or soaked with an astringent material or retraction agent. In another embodiment, the central bore of the rolled compression cap is filled with a paste-like or gel material containing an astringent or hemostatic agent.

Abstract: A method and a device for effecting the cordless retraction of the gingival sulcus tissue that includes a dam shaped to be fitted onto a tooth. In one embodiment, the well of the dam is pre-filled with a predetermined amount of a flowable retraction material having a heavy viscosity or putty consistency. In another embodiment a hydrophilic material is added. The preloaded tooth dam is fitted to a prepared tooth so that when pressure is applied onto the tooth dam, the retraction material is displaced under pressure and forced into the sulcus, causing the gingival tissue to retract away from the tooth to enlarge the gingival sulcus. In another embodiment the cap is filled with a dilatant material. In another embodiment, the cap is filled with an impregnated compressible porous material. In yet another embodiment, the cap is pre-dosed with an astringent or hemostatic agent.

Abstract: An applicator principally for use in the dental profession, for the placement of different materials in a post hole as may be required. The applicator includes an elongated handle having an applicating end portion formed as a brush and/or a flocked applicating end portion. The flock may extend from the distal end a predetermined longitudinal distance over an extended portion. The applicator is also provided with a hinging arrangement adjacent the opposed applicating end portions whereby the applicating end portions may be angularly bent relative to the elongated handle at the option of the user.

Abstract: A method and a device for effecting the cordless retraction of the gingival sulcus tissue that includes a dam shaped to be fitted onto a tooth. In one embodiment, the well of the dam is pre-filled with a predetermined amount of a flowable retraction material having a heavy viscosity or putty consistency. The preloaded tooth dam is fitted to a prepared tooth so that when pressure is applied onto the tooth dam, the retraction material is displaced under pressure and forced into the sulcus, causing the gingival tissue to retract away from the tooth to enlarge the gingival sulcus. In another embodiment the cap is filled with a dilatant material. In another embodiment, the cap is filled with an impregnated compressible porous material. In yet another embodiment, the cap is pre-dosed with an astringent or hemostatic agent.

Abstract: An applicator principally for use in the dental profession, for the placement of different materials as may be required. The applicator includes an elongated handle having an applicating end portion formed at the opposed ends thereof which may be either of like or unlike construction, i.e. formed as a brush and/or a flocked applicating end portion. The flock may extend from the distal end a predetermined longitudinal distance over an extended portion. Intermediate the opposed applicating end portion, the elongated handle is provided with a circumscribing groove to define a frangible area by which the user, at his or her option, can cleanly sever the applicator handle to form two separate and distinct applicators. The applicator is also provided with a hinging arrangement adjacent the opposed applicating end portions whereby the applicating end portions may be angularly bent relative to the elongated handle at the option of the user.

Abstract: A sheet of material having a central body portion with attached wings capable of folding towards each other on either side. The wings of the bite block fold toward each other along fold lines adjacent the central body portion and provide a structure for biting down upon for propping the mouth of a patient open during a dental procedure. A mirrored surface may be placed on the central body portion for improving visibility in the mouth. In a unilateral bite block embodiment, the unilateral bite block is placed in only one side of the mouth. The bite block may be made inexpensively and is disposable.

Abstract: A retraction material promoting both retraction and drying of the gingival sulcus around a tooth. The retraction material comprises an astringent and an absorbing or drying agent. The retraction material is placed with a syringe and capsule around the gingival sulcus prior to the taking of an impression in a dental procedure.