Abstract: A blank for use in producing an endodontic instrument using a grinding technique includes a cylindrical portion, and a generally conical portion which is to be machined by the grinding technique to form the active part of the endodontic instrument. The generally conical portion of the blank approximates, and is slightly larger than the envelope of the final shape given to the active part of the endodontic instrument after machining. A method is also provided for producing an endodontic instrument having at least one helical cutting edge using the blank.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a dental instrument having a desired machined configuration, without twisting the instrument. A blank of superelastic material is brought to an annealed state comprising a phase structure including a rhombohedral phase alone or in combination with austenite and/or martensite, or a combination of martensite and austenite. In this annealed state, a portion of the annealed material is removed at low temperature, for example less than about 100° C., and advantageously at ambient temperature, to form a final machined configuration for the instrument. The instrument is then heat treated and rapidly quenched to a superelastic condition.

Abstract: A dental filling material includes a head; a distal tip opposite the head, wherein the distal tip is designed to be first inserted into a tooth root canal, a body tapered from the head to the distal tip, with a diameter decreasing from the head to the distal tip, one or more work length marks formed on the body. The work length marks indicate a work length. One or more taper marks are formed on the head in order to indicate a degree of taper. The work length marks are formed on a portion of the body, the portion of the body extending to the distal tip with a predetermined interval from the taper marks. Both the taper marks and the work length marks have the same color, which corresponds to a value of the diameter, in order to identify the diameter.

Abstract: An endodontic reamer/file for cleaning/shaping a tooth root canal having an elongated shank with a proximal end portion, a distal end and a tapered working portion having a longitudinal axis, the external surface of the shank working portion being defined by a plurality of at least two equally spaced apart continuous concaved helical flutes providing concave flute surfaces, the flute surfaces having therebetween an equal number of spiraled, spaced apart flanges, each flange having in a plane perpendicular the longitudinal axis a single outer end surface having opposed first and second ends, each first end forming an active spiraled leading scraping/cutting edge and each second end forming a passive spiraled edge.

Abstract: A device and system for use in a root canal treatment, the device having a probe member and a handpiece for holding the elongate probe member, the probe member having an elongate distal portion capable of being accommodated in a root canal, said probe member comprising: at least one treatment channel having a distal opening in said elongate distal portion, said at least one treatment channel being configured for enabling operation of a suitable root canal treatment tool via said distal opening; at least one illumination channel comprising a first light guide having a first proximal end configured for optical coupling to a light source system, and a second distal end in said distal portion for illuminating internal regions of the root canal during operation of said device; at least one light collection channel comprising a second light guide having a first proximal end configured for optical coupling to an imaging system, and a second distal end located in said distal portion for collecting and transmitting li

Abstract: A sequence of canal instruments for performing an endodontic operating protocol uses a sequence of several instruments, for example, three such instruments with three cutting blades. The instruments have a progressive conicity, for example, 6%, 4% and 2%, and each instrument has an identical progressive pitch. The pitch further increases progressively from instrument to instrument as a function of the conicity of each instrument.

Abstract: A multi-tapered endodontic file is provided, formed from shaft of material having a shaft. The shaft includes a working portion having one or more tissue-removing edges, points and/or surfaces. The working portion includes at least a first flute and a second flute. The first flute is tapered along its length in accordance with a first predetermined taper function. The second flute is tapered along its length in accordance with a second predetermined taper function.

Abstract: An endodontic file for use in root canal treatment has an elongated shank having a long axis with a proximal end connected to a handle adapted to be manipulated by hand or inserted into a rotary drive. The file also includes a working portion with a plurality of continuous uninterrupted helical spiraled flutes extending to a distal end, the working portion including a plurality of alternating cutting segments and reduced diameter non-cutting segments that are spaced proximally to distally to each other along the working portion. The cutting segments may have reduced diameter non-cutting segments that have continuous uninterrupted helical flutes and associated edges interposed between the flutes. And the flutes and associated edges may pass continuously and uninterrupted between adjacent cutting segment and non-cutting segment. An individual file, or a set of files having the foregoing characteristics but with varying arrangements and/or cross sectional profiles, may be used in an endodontic procedure.

Abstract: The invention is an instrument for cleaning and/or shaping and/or widening a channel that exists in or through a solid object. The design of the instrument the superelastic and shape memory properties of the material from which it is made, allow the inner volume enclosed by the instrument, its outer contour, or both to change as a result of the forces exerted upon it while working, thereby shaping the instrument to the three-dimensional contour of the channel. A preferred embodiment of the instrument is an endodontic file for use in the cleaning, shaping, and widening stages of a root canal procedure.

Abstract: An endodontic file (2) for use with a dental instrument has at least one cord (6) and a wire (8) wound around at least a major portion of the cord and having an abrasive outer surface (10). A handle having a gripping section is provided for gripping the end of the file and is coupled to the file by a coupler that may be made of a vibration absorbing material.

Abstract: The drilling instrument (10), for cleaning and forming of radicular teeth canals, comprises an end section (11), mounted in a chuck and driven by an electric motor, a distal region (12), a central region (13), provided with cutting flutes (16) and a proximal region (14) with a rounded end (15), serving to guide the instrument in the canal. The envelope (20) around the proximal, central and distal regions has a generally inverted cone shape with a vertex angle (F) identical over the whole length thereof. The junction region (17) between the proximal region (14) and the end section (11) has an incipient fracture (18), calibrated such as to break on application of a given driving torque. The instrument eliminates all risk of jamming and hence breakage in the radicular canal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for designing and producing a package intended for the protection and/or transportation of a product. All of the digital design steps for the package are integrated in the method for digitizing the product, which includes a step of laminating a virtual key form of the product used to define geometrical data of each layer of the package to be cut. Then, the cutting is carried out followed by the stacking of the layers of the package defined by the design steps for said package to form a real package. The invention also relates to the package obtained by the method.

Abstract: A method of treating Nitinol to train the structure thereof to remain in the martensite state, including the steps of subjecting the Nitinol to a strain and while subjected to the strain, thermally cycling the Nitinol between a cold bath of about 0° C. to 10° C. and a hot bath of about 100° C. to 180° C. for a minimum of about five cycles.

Abstract: An endodontic reamer and a method for manufacturing endodontic reamers and files, more specifically an endodontic reamer having a cylindrical shaft and a working portion extending forward from a removed end of the shaft. The working portion includes, typically, a pair of wedged shaped projecting sections that extend beyond the diameter of the shaft. Forward from the wedge shaped sections is a nose, typically non-cutting nose, that has a diameter of about equal to diameter of the shaft. There are typically two (2) wedge shaped sections projecting outward opposite one another. Applicant also provides a novel method for manufacturing an endodontic reamer, which consists of using a two piece mold and placing a wire blank between the mold, followed by forcing the mold together, under compression, against the wire blank, to deform the blank into the shape of the mold parts.

Abstract: An endodontic obturator for filling an endodontically prepared root canal of a tooth. The endodontic obturator includes an elongated shaft of having a proximate portion and a distal portion. The proximate portion has a handle portion connected thereto or is suitable for being releasably connected to a handle portion. A layer of filler material is coated about the shaft. The filler material has a low operating temperature at which it becomes plasticized or partially molten. The filler material in the layer disposed close to the distal end can have a higher viscosity at the operating temperate than the filler material close to the distal end.

Abstract: A single use, reciprocal reverse rotation, endodontic file includes a plurality of spaced apart helical flutes with spiraled lands therebetween. The lands have an edge with a positive cutting angle when the file is rotated in one direction and a scraping angle when rotated in the opposite direction. The file provides for sequential rotation of a selected angle in a forward direction followed by rotation of a slightly less angle in a reverse direction. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the flutes is concave polygonal-shaped at a proximal end of the file and square-shaped at the distal end. In another embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the flutes is convex arcuate-shaped, the lands lying normal to the central longitudinal axis of the file. The handle portion of the file may be configured for use in a rotary handpiece or for manual rotation.

Abstract: Kit-of-parts containing (i) a dental device for use in the obturation of a root canal which comprises a tapered obturating point portion integrally connected at the distal end of a functional portion, whereby the functional portion comprises (a) a neck portion adjacent to the obturating point portion, and (b) a handle portion, and (ii) a dental sealant composition, wherein the dental device is made of a material obtainable by curing a composition containing one or more curable components contained in the dental sealant.

Abstract: A dental instrument for cleaning and shaping a root canal of a tooth includes a working portion having three helical flutes and a guide tip with a first, second, and third face surface. A portion of the guide tip is removed so that each of the first and second surfaces are contiguous to a lateral surface of a conical-shaped envelope defining the original tip but a portion of the third surface is not contiguous to a lateral surface of the conical-shaped envelope. The intersection of the first and second surfaces, however, remains at the center point of the guide tip. The removed portion of the guide tip may result in an arcuate-shaped face surface, an angular-shaped face surface, or some combination of the two.

Abstract: A method of producing an endodontic file that involves grinding in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a rotating dental instrument blank. By grinding the dental instrument blank in this manner, the torsional strength of the resulting endodontic file is not eroded during its production, thereby providing a file that is less susceptible to breakage during its use.

Abstract: A root canal file with a rotating application for widening of the root canal of human or animal teeth to a stipulated diameter and cone by means of cutting edges running in a spiral along the root canal file has much higher flexibility, especially in areas with large diameter. The root canal file has at least two cutting edges; at least one of the cutting edges is recessed over its height, as well as along the root canal file in sections, forming a recess in alternation in several cross-sectional planes.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument for root canal treatment is provided having a working portion manipulated by a handle and a curved radiused connection site for the attachment of an electronic apex locator. The curved radiused connection site is located at the proximal end of the file handle and allows the electronic apex locator to be connected to the endodontic instrument at any desirable angle.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing a dental periapical lesion at an apex of a root canal in a tooth, includes: an ablating device sized and constructed for (a) introduction through a cavity in the tooth into the root canal; (b) movement therethrough to protrude through the apex into contact with the dental periapical lesion; and (c) rotation while in contact with the dental periapical lesion in order to remove same by ablation. In some described embodiments, the ablating device includes a sleeve and a filament moveable therein to define a protruding curved end to be brought into contact with the dental periapical lesion for ablation thereof by rotation of the filament.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for use in cleaning dental root canals using an endodontic file. The file is mounted in a drill head driven by an electric motor. The motor is normally driven in one, forward direction, but periodically, the motor rotation is reversed for a very short time. The duration of the motor reversal is so short that although the motor rotates in the reverse direction, the inertia and backlash in the transmission between the motor output shaft and the drill head is such that the direction of rotation of the file in the root canal is not changed.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus comprising: a) a root canal electrode insertable into the root canal of a tooth of a patient; b) a control unit including: i) a housing; ii) a current generator having a first terminal and a second terminal, the current generator being operative to produce a time varying current having a frequency of at least about 50 KHz and at most about 300 KHz between the first and second terminals, the current generator being deployed within the housing of the control unit; and iii) a detection element configured to sense an impedance-related parameter between the first and second terminals of the current generator, the detection element being deployed within the housing of the control unit; and c) an electrode patch detachably attached to the control unit, the electrode patch having a body-contactable surface that: i) is skin adhesive and ii) includes an electrically conductive region, the electrically-conductive region being in electrical contact with the f

Abstract: Instrument for the treatment of the apical portion of radicular dental canals, has a conical shaft (1) having at least one helicoidal working ridge. The active anterior portion (2) of the instrument is comprised of at least two successive cones whose opening (X) decreases from the anterior point (3) of the instrument in the direction of its active posterior portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental drill comprising a shaft as well as a head being provided with a plurality of cutting edges extending lengthwise of the head, wherein the cutting edges are provided with at least one cross-cut at a middle portion of the head.

Abstract: A handset includes a high power LED and a vibrator. An optical tip includes a stepwise tapered portion for insertion into a root canal. The optical tip is used in combination with the vibrator for distributing a photosynthesizer in a root canal. The optical tip is used in combination with the LED for activating the photosynthesizer.

Abstract: An endodontic reamer (10) and a method for manufacturing endodontic reamers (10) and files, more specifically an endodontic reamer (10) having a cylindrical shaft (12) and a working portion (16) extending forward from a removed end of the shaft. The working portion (16) includes, typically, a pair of wedged shaped projecting sections (18) that extend beyond the diameter of the shaft (12). Forward from the wedge shaped sections (18) is a nose, typically noncutting nose (24a), that has a diameter of about equal to the diameter of the shaft (12). There are typically two wedge-shaped sections projecting outward opposite one another. A novel method is provided for manufacturing an endodontic reamer (10), which consists of using a two-piece mold and a wire blank between the mold, followed by forcing the mod together, under compression, against the wire blank, to deform the blank into the shape of mold parts.

Abstract: Kit-of-parts containing (i) a dental device for use in the obturation of a root canal which comprises a tapered obturating point portion integrally connected at the distal end of a functional portion, whereby the functional portion comprises (a) a neck portion adjacent to the obturating point portion, and (b) a handle portion, and (ii) a dental sealant composition, wherein the dental device is made of a material obtainable by curing a composition containing one or more curable components contained in the dental sealant.

Abstract: A dental reamer/file is in the form of an elongated shank having a proximal end portion and a distal end and a tapered working portion of determined length extending therebetween, the external surface of the shank working portion having at least two equally spaced apart continuous concave helical flutes and therebetween an equal number of spiraled, spaced apart flanges, each flange having in a plane perpendicular to the length of a longitudinal axis of the shaft an outer end defined by a first and a second surface intersecting at a point of maximum radius from the axis, the first surface being relatively short and the second surface relatively longer, the point of maximum radius providing a spiraled scraping edge.

Abstract: An instrument for reaming a root canal, in particular, in the apical zone, includes proximal portions for receiving a handle which allows the instrument to be used by hand or on the head of a dentist's contra-angle handpiece, and distal portions having a blade with a pointed tip of a known type. The active, cutting part of the blade has, from the pointed tip and continuing along the blade, two conical sections. In addition to the pointed tip, each of the conical sections has a greater conicity than the least distal part adjacent to it. The instrument is useful for reaming root canals using a sequence of instruments which avoid root weakening and the flow of filling material from the end of the canal.

Abstract: A handset includes a high power LED and a vibrator. An optical tip includes a stepwise tapered portion for insertion into a root canal. The optical tip is used in combination with the vibrator for distributing a photosynthesizer in a root canal. The optical tip is used in combination with the LED for activating the photosynthesizer.

Abstract: A catheterization device for preparing and filling a tooth endodontic cavity includes at least one root canal tool connected to a drive head. The tool is movable and has a base movably driven by the drive head about the reference axis of the base. A totally or partially eroded, filiform and elastic working part freely extends from the base and has an axis shifted in a parallel position with respect to the reference axis of the base.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing endodontic files involves a chemical milling process to yield endodontic files having a desired taper and/or degree of sharpness. The process involves the steps of (a) forming helical cutting edges in the cutting portion of the metallic rod; and (b) chemically milling the cutting portion of the rod so as to sharpen and/or taper the cutting portion. The rod may be formed of any desirable metallic material, for example stainless steel or a nickel-titanium alloy. The cutting edges may be formed by torsioning, cutting, grinding, machining, laser micromachining, or grit blasting.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing endodontic files involves a chemical milling process to yield endodontic files having a desired taper and/or degree of sharpness. The process involves the steps of (a) forming helical cutting edges in the cutting portion of the metallic rod; and (b) chemically milling the cutting portion of the rod so as to sharpen and/or taper the cutting portion. The rod may be formed of any desirable metallic material, for example stainless steel or a nickel-titanium alloy. The cutting edges may be formed by torsioning, cutting, grinding, machining, laser micromachining, or grit blasting.

Abstract: An endodontic reamer (10) and a method for manufacturing endodontic reamers (10) and files, more specifically an endodontic reamer (10) having a cylindrical shaft (12) and a working portion (16) extending forward from a removed end of the shaft. The working portion (16) includes, typically, a pair of wedged shaped projecting sections (18) that extend beyond the diameter of the shaft (12). Forward from the wedge shaped sections (18) is a nose, typically noncutting nose (24a), that has a diameter of about equal to the diameter of the shaft (12). There are typically two wedge-shaped sections projecting outward opposite one another. A novel method is provided for manufacturing an endodontic reamer (10), which consists of using a two-piece mold and a wire blank between the mold, followed by forcing the mod together, under compression, against the wire blank, to deform the blank into the shape of mold parts.

Abstract: An endodontic contra-angle is provided with a head which supports an endodontic instrument having a shank and a blade. A connection associated with the head attaches the shank within the head of the contra-angle. The shank is permanently assembled within the body of the head, and is free to rotate within the head.

Abstract: An endodontic file is provided for shaping and/or preparing a root canal. The file may include multiple cutting segments separated by non-cutting segments. The cutting segments are tapered and may have a cutting edge formed by plural helical flutes. Alternatively, the cutting segments may be formed of a substantially non-circular geometric shape with substantially straight cutting edges. The file is flexible and has increased resistance to cyclic fatigue breakage. The file further controls or limits which areas of the root canal are shaped and/or prepared during file use. The file may form part of a series of files to shape and/or prepare a root canal. Each file in the series may have cutting segments and non-cutting segments strategically placed in different regions along the working portion of the file to shape and/or prepare different portions of the root canal.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing endodontic instruments by milling. A provided metallic (e.g., a nickel-titanium alloy or stainless steel) thread or wire having a longitudinal axis is advanced along its longitudinal axis at a feedrate while contacting at least a portion of the metallic thread or wire with a plurality of rotating milling heads so as to remove portions of the thread or wire and yield a metallic rod including a cutting portion having a plurality of cutting edges.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an endodontic instrument using an electrochemical (ECG) grinding process. An instrument blank is formed from stock material, and an electric current is applied between an electrically conductive grinding wheel, acting as a cathode, and the instrument blank, acting as an anode. A continuous stream of electrolyte fluid, a conductive aqueous solution, is applied at an interface between the grinding wheel and the instrument blank, the electrolyte fluid having an associated volume and pressure. The instrument blank is advanced past the electrically conductive grinding wheel to remove material from the instrument blank to form at least one cutting flute. The electric current applied between the grinding wheel and the instrument blank is reduced, and the instrument blank is advanced past the grinding wheel again to form a finish surface, e.g., a sharp cutting edge, on the at least one cutting flute.

Abstract: An endodontic file having an elongated shank with a proximal end portion, a distal end and a tapered working portion extending from the proximal portion to the distal end, the external surface of the shank working portion being defined in part by a plurality of at least two equally spaced apart continuous helical flutes formed into a central core portion of the shank working portion, the flutes having therebetween an equal number of spiraled spaced apart flanges, each flange having a semi-circular surface having a leading edge and a trailing edge, each edge being in or parallel to a plane of the shank longitudinal axis, each leading and trailing edges providing a cutting or scraping edge.

Abstract: A kit of dental sub-kits for use in placing a dental post in a prepared recess (e.g., a root canal) of a person's tooth. The kit includes a tray having an interior recess configured to removably receive therein a plurality of individual dental sub-kits. Each sub-kit may have an associated color, number, letter, or other marking to distinguish it from at least one other sub-kit within the kit. The color or marking associated with each sub-kit identifies the size of components contained within the sub-kit. Each sub-kit includes a finishing drill and one or more permanent dental posts. Each sub-kit may optionally include a starter drill and/or a dental post analog. Each sub-kit and its contents may be disposable or autoclavable.

Abstract: An electrically conductive endodontic instrument coated with a non-conductive layer on a portion of the instrument wherein a proximal and distal portion of the instrument remain uncoated and capable of conducting current therethrough using a traditional apex locator or other alerting means. The non-conductive coatings avoid electrical interference from prior restorative work and anatomical variants. The coatings may be smooth to minimize resistance in the endodontic working space or relatively abrasive to facilitate filing where desired. A method for locating the apex of a tooth utilizing an endodontic instrument coated with an electrically non-conductive layer wherein a proximal and distal portion of the instrument remain uncoated and wherein the instrument is advanced in a root canal space toward the apex of a tooth.

Abstract: A rotatable endodontic file for cleaning/shaping a tooth root canal, comprising an elongated shaft having a proximal end portion, a distal end and a tapered working portion having a rotational axis, the working portion extending from the proximal portion to the distal end, the external surface of the shaft working portion having a plurality of at least two spiraled, spaced apart continuous helical flutes, the flutes having therebetween an equal number of spiraled, spaced apart flanges, each flange having in a plane perpendicular the rotational axis an outer end surface forming a continuous spiraled scraping/cutting edge extending the length of the shaft working portion, the flutes having helical angles relative to the rotational axis of between 10° and 30° and wherein the helical angles vary at selected longitudinal locations.

Abstract: Alternative methods are described for machining a root-canal instrument, such as a root-canal reamer, which includes a working section having three flutes forming three cutting lips which are located at the apices of an isosceles triangle.

Abstract: A dental instrument having a two-shot molded handle and methods for making the same. The dental instrument includes a dental instrument shank of metal with a handle formed near the proximal end of the shank. The handle includes a first polymer formed over a portion of the shank, and a second polymer formed over at least a portion of the first polymer. The first polymer may be rigid so as to more firmly attach to the shank and better resist torsional and/or tensional slippage between the shank and handle during use, while the second polymer may be flexible so as to increase gripability and comfort during manual use of the instrument. The first and second polymers may be of different colors to provide contrast (e.g., to highlight characters formed in the first rigid polymer).

Abstract: A method for overmolding a plurality of polymers having different properties onto a dental instrument. The method involves providing a dental instrument substrate made of metal, overmolding a first polymer onto a portion of the dental instrument substrate, and then applying a second polymer over a portion of the first polymer. The first polymer, which is advantageously rigid, is overmolded so that an exposed outer surface of the first polymer corresponds to a portion of the dental instrument to be gripped within a collet of a dental hand piece for powered use. The second polymer, which is advantageously soft and flexible, is applied so that an exposed outer surface of the second polymer corresponds to a portion of the dental instrument to be gripped by a dental practitioner for manual use.

Abstract: A fluteless endodontic file is provided, formed from a tapered shaft of material having a prismatic shape generally defined by three or more side surfaces and three or more interposed corners. A plurality of notches are cut into one or more corners defining cutting surfaces, points and/or edges. The notched cutting surfaces are formed such that the file, when rotated and/or reciprocated within a root canal, effectively cuts/debrides hard tissue (known in the art as dentin) as well as soft tissue, thus, forming an optimal canal shape. The cutting surfaces are also preferably formed at an angle to the centerline of the instrument to provide optimal cutting efficiency and material removal. The fluteless file design exhibits increased efficacy, with less tendency to bind and break within the root canal and also significantly reduces manufacturing and capital equipment costs.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing endodontic instruments having either helical or non-helical flutes with hard surfaces and resilient cutting edges by either an EDM or ECM process, wherein material is removed from the instrument blank in the desired flute pattern. The EDM or ECM process disintegrates the surface material, and as it cools, at least a portion of the removed material re-deposits onto the surface being machined to form a recast layer having a surface hardness that is at least about 15% greater than the hardness of the material forming the instrument blank.

Abstract: An endodontic file (6) including a discontinuity (18) formed within the file shank (7). The discontinuity (18) creates a safe breakage point at which the file (6) will fail prior to a failure occurring at any other point along the length (11) of the file. The safe breakage point prevents the tip (21) of the file (6) from becoming irremovably embedded in a human tooth (12) after file failure. Substantially the entire length (11) of the file (6) remains connected to the tip (21) after file failure, thereby providing a considerable portion of the file which may be gripped and manipulated in order to accomplish file removal. Empirical data is presented to permit proper characterization of the region surrounding the discontinuity (18).