Abstract: A protective barrier that can be removably fitted over a dental instrument to protect against the transfer of contaminants from one dental patient to another via the dental instrument. The protective barrier, which generally replicates the ergonomic features found on the outer surface of the dental instrument, is constructed from two mating segments that are adapted for placement over and in proximate contact with at least a portion of the outer surface of a dental instrument.

Abstract: An oral care system includes a universal handle which is configured to hold any of a plurality of oral hygiene instruments, and a lavage source to apply lavage solution through the oral hygiene instruments to facilitate complete cleaning of a patient's mouth. Preferably, the universal handle and lavage source are configured to be held in the user's hand with both suction and lavage being controlled manually. The orally hygiene instruments attachable to the universal handle typically include a lavage toothbrush, at least one catheter and at least one swab, to thereby enable cleaning of the teeth, gums, soft tissue and crevices therebetween.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus to guide a dental drill to drill a bore into which a dental implant may be inserted at a particular axis. The dentist first takes an impression of a selected patient's dental arch. The cast dental arch is then formed from the impression. A dental professional then determines the desired location of the desired axis. A proxy implant having a proxy axis is placed in the cast dental arch with the proxy axis co-incident with the desired location of the desired axis. A stent is then formed of the tooth crowns from the cast dental arch. The stent has incorporated into it a locating barrel. A drill head with a drill alignment arm is provided to the dentist for fixation to a dental drill hand piece. The kit of parts provided to the dentist includes the stent with its incorporated locating barrel. The drill alignment arm provided to the dentist for attachment to the drill head and a plurality of drills.

Abstract: A prophylactic system 100 for a dental hand piece 101 of a selected shape and having an outlet 112 for providing a fluid to an operating field is disclosed. A cover 102 has a shape substantially similar to the hand piece 101 for enclosing the dental hand piece 101 and includes an aperture 118 for communicating with the operating field. An s-shaped valve 600 includes a path 605 for coupling the fluid from outlet 118 of the hand piece 101 to the aperture 118 of the cover.

Abstract: A dental mirror comprising a handle, a mirror, a tubular member inside the handle, a light source inside the tubular member, a light transmitting element coupled to the light source, a thermally conductive fluid conduit coiled around the tubular member, a fluid discharge manifold, a manifold support member for supporting the manifold adjacent to the mirror, a first connector attached to one end of the handle, a second connector attached to the first connector, and a combined electric/air supply line coupled to the second connector. The supply line couples electrical energy and compressed air to the handle via the connectors. The compressed air is coupled to the fluid conduit to aid in cooling the handle while the light source is energized. The air, having been warmed during the cooling process, is then channeled to the mirror to clean and defog the mirror.

Abstract: A dental handpiece is disclosed, which includes a burr sleeve, upper and lower ball bearings for rotatably supporting the burr sleeve, a rotor fixed to the burr sleeve between the upper and lower ball bearings and rotated for rotatably driving the burr sleeve, and a dust controller. The dust controller includes a rotary protruding member fixed on the outer surface of the burr sleeve and rotating integrally with the burr sleeve, and a stationary protruding member attached to a stationary part of the handpiece and having a surface facing to the rotary protruding member to define a gap therebetween located outside of the lower ball bearing. The upper and lower ball bearings are angular contact ball bearings each having a bearing cage. The bearing cage has apertures that support bearing balls therein and are located in the middle of the bearing cage in the thrust direction.

Abstract: A dental instrument (10) has an elongated shaft (16) and a user grip handle (26). A dental tool (12) extends from one end (18) of the shaft (16). A rotatable sleeve (14) is rotatably mounted to the shaft (16) and rotates relative to the shaft (16) and the dental tool (12). The rotatable sleeve (14) is mounted to the shaft (16) between the user grip handle (26) and the dental tool (12). During use of the dental instrument (10) the rotatable sleeve (14) contacts a portion of the patient's mouth and rotates as the dental instrument (10) is moved to provide greater comfort to the patient.

Abstract: A disposable pathogen barrier of a material which is highly elastic and stretchable, yet tear-resistant, and capable of being placed in proximate contact and covering an entirety of a variety of elongated, tubular-shaped intra-oral medical or dental tools or implements which emit lightwaves in pre-determined ranges without distorting, interrupting or shifting the wavelength of the emitted light, or the receiving of reflected light, by the use of, in a first embodiment, an optically transmissive end and, in a second embodiment, an optically clear film to provide the required range of transmissivity of light.

Abstract: A prophylactic system 100 for a dental hand piece 101 of a selected shape and having an outlet 112 for providing a fluid to an operating field is disclosed. A cover 102 has a shape substantially similar to the hand piece 101 for enclosing the dental hand piece 101 and includes an aperture 118 for communicating with the operating field. An s-shaped valve 600 includes a path 605 for coupling the fluid from outlet 118 of the hand piece 101 to the aperture 118 of the cover.

Abstract: A dental handpiece stably cutting a wall of a root canal without a fear of piercing a root opening. The dental handpiece includes a means for holding a tool cutting a tooth to be cured and a support for setting the cutting tool at a desired position relative to the tooth to be cured. The length of the support may be changeable by stages. The holding means may be formed of a head of the dental handpiece and a plurality of supports with different lengths may be removably mounted to the head. The support can stand on a head of the dental handpiece and the length from the head is changeable. The support is formed separately from the dental handpiece to be removable, and may have a stopper which abut with a tooth to be cured or an appropriate portion near the tooth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a instrument for use in an air abrasion dental instrument that allows direct contact between a nozzle which delivers a stream of abrasive particles directly through a primary opening to a tooth surface. As the primary opening if the nozzles of this invention are in continuous close contact with a tooth surface, exhaust amounts of abrasive-laden fluid escape secondary openings at a direction lateral to the tooth surface. The invention also embodies removable nozzle covers having both primary and secondary openings that enable prior art nozzles to be easily converted to contact nozzles. Both the nozzles and removable nozzle covers of this invention define areas for dental restoration that remove a minimal amount of healthy tooth structure. The invention allows the comfort of air abrasion dentistry to the patient as well as both visual and tactile feedback to the dentist, the latter filling a long felt need of the practicing dental community.

Abstract: A tooth cleaning system having a unitary elastomeric injection molded flexible protective shield, and a nozzle having an end portion extending into the shield. The shield is connected to a source of vacuum and has an inner wall having an inner wall perimeter. The nozzle is connected to a fluid source. The fluid from the fluid source travels directly from the nozzle to less than half of the area enclosed by the perimeter. The nozzle is pivotally supported whereby the nozzle is readily repositioned to positions angularly offset from the central axis of the shield to direct fluid from the nozzle to the entire tooth surface enclosed by the perimeter of the shield. The invention provides a method of cleaning teeth including providing a flexible plastic shield positioned against a tooth surface while pressure within the chamber formed by the flexible protective shield and the tooth surface is reduced to a pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Prophy head for a handpiece used in dentistry. The prophy head has a rotating shaft which holds a polishing member, a bearing for supporting the shaft, a housing for retaining the bearing, and a rotary dust control device which rotates with the shaft and prevents intrusion of contaminants. The dust control device has a surface extending radially outwardly from the shaft and downwardly beyond the lower end of the housing, and a surface in close proximity to the inner surface of the lower end of the housing.

Abstract: A releasably mountable hand grip (10) for a dental tool is installable on any tool, but is particularly adapted for installation on dental, dental hygiene and medical tools having a narrow cylindrical grip. A preferred version of the hand grip includes a generally cylindrical body (20) having a tapered front portion (25). A generally cylindrical channel (23) is oriented in a lengthwise manner along the axis of the body. The dimensions of the channel are incrementally greater than the outside dimensions of the tool onto which the grip may be installed. A plurality of ribs (30) are defined on the outside surface of the grip, and allow a frictional, slip-free connection to the finger tips of the user. The increase in the tools diameter due to the addition of the grip, the soft and flexible material from which the grip is made, and the frictional ribbed surface all contribute to a reduction in fatigue by the user.

Abstract: A pliant elastomeric unitary sleeve is adapted to removably fit the elongate shank of a dental tool which extends beyond a longitudinal end of the shank, whereby to ergonomically enhance a finger grip of the shank in operative manipulation of the dental tool for a dental procedure, said sleeve being characterized by an axially extending generally cylindrical bore sized for circumferentially stressed resilient engagement to said shank, said sleeve being further characterized by an exterior profile, wherein a first peripherally continuous enlargement near one longitudinal end and a second peripherally continuous enlargement near the opposite longitudinal end are longitudinally spaced by a circumferential concavity which is an arcuate contour of revolution about the axis of the sleeve.

Abstract: The protective coverage of the operative dental instruments is made from thermoshrinkable foil. Its form is the elongated elastic sleeve (1) with an elliptical cross-section before application. Its surfaces both frontal and lateral are parallel to the covered surfaces of the protected dental instrument (2). The positive dimensional tolerance 1-20% is maintained, ensuring the easiness of insertion and tight adherence of the thermoshrinkable foil to the covered surfaces, after low-intensity warming. The protective coverage secures the covered surfaces against any biological contamination, for example blood or saliva, thus protecting the patient as well as a dentist.

Abstract: A dental appliance or apparatus for grinding the teeth of equine patients includes a variable speed motor and an elongated tube leading from the motor to a head member that mounts an annular disk-shaped grinding wheel that has a planar grinding surface thereon. The head member also mounts a cup-shaped guard member that has a skirt portion extending beyond the grinding surface of the grinding wheel so as to protect the tongue and mucosa of the patient during the grinding operation. The elongated tube permits the grinding wheel to be inserted into the horse's mouth to bring it into close proximity to teeth needing to be ground and the grinding wheel can be easily oriented relative to the teeth to be ground since it can be rotated through several angles relative to the motor to reach both upper and lower sets of teeth. A drive shaft couples the grinding wheel to the motor, is contained within the elongated tube, and is connected to the motor through a clutch assembly.

Abstract: A cover 30 for a selected dental hand piece 10 includes a body 32 having first and second halves 34a, 34b of a shape and dimensions selected to substantially conform with a shape and dimensions of selected hand piece 10, said halves. Hinge 36 couples the first and second halves 34a, 34b of body 32 for allowing the first half 34a to rotate with respect to the second half 34b to thereby form an enclosure for enclosing a substantial portion of hand piece 10. The enclosure includes a head portion 42, handle portion 32 and a substantially rigid neck portion 40 between handle portion 32 and head portion 42.

Abstract: A tooth powdering applicator. A container for holding infrared reflective powder has an inlet connected to a source of pressurized fluid and an outlet connected to a rigid outlet tube. A cover is removably threaded on the container to allow for insertion of the powder. The container includes a circuitous path through which the pressurized fluid is directed lifting the powder therein and forcing the powder out through the tube. The tube is rotatably mounted to the container. An optional push button valve is provided to control the flow of fluid.

Abstract: A gripping handle for a diagnostic instrument, such as an intraoral dental camera, in which the instrument includes an elongate body having an integral camera head and a protective sheath having a transparent window which overlays the camera head. The gripping handle is a unitary hollow section of an elastomeric material which is fitted over a portion of the instrument body and clamps the sheath in a predetermined position to prevent the sheath and the transparent window form being twisted during use. Preferably, the gripping handle and the instrument body can each be made from a biodegradable and recyclable material allowing one time use of each.

Abstract: The bur guard covers and removes foreign matter from burs protruding from a dental hand piece with an outer member, a foam inner member, and a mechanism to hold the foam taut enough to accept any bur shape, size, or texture thus, increasing the effectiveness of the bur and the efficiency of the dental procedure and while in position over the bur, will protect the dentist, dental assistant, and patient from a potentially infectious laceration or puncture wound.

Abstract: A device for containing abrasive particles expelled from air-abrasive apparatus and permitting their facile removal without the aid of a vacuum source, while facilitating a relatively unobstructed view of the working area during use. One embodiment disclosed is a device for containing abrasive material expelled by a gas abrasive dental apparatus. The device comprises a flexible puncturable, substantially flat distal sheet comprising one side of the device for isolating a tooth surface to be abraded; a transparent, puncturable, substantially flat proximal sheet comprising the other side of the device; an enclosure for containing the abrasive material.

Abstract: An improved dental sandblasting confiner in the form of a flexible walled transparent cup which has an internal chamber. The cup includes an inlet opening formed within an interior sleeve which extends within the internal chamber. A dispensing nozzle is to be conducted through the interior sleeve with the exterior surface of the dispensing nozzle forming a snug fit with the inlet opening. The tip of the dispensing nozzle is located within the internal chamber. Included within the cup and opposite the inlet opening is an access opening which is to surround a portion of the tooth that is to be repaired. Also included within the cup is an outlet opening with dispensed sand from the sandblasting tool to be discharged through the outlet opening.

Abstract: A tooth powdering applicator. A container for holding infrared reflective powder has an inlet connected to a source of pressurized fluid and an outlet connected to a rigid outlet tube. A cover is removably threaded on the container to allow for insertion of the powder. The container includes a circuitous path through which the pressurized fluid is directed lifting the powder therein and forcing the powder out through the tube. The tube is rotatably mounted to the container. An optional push button valve is provided to control the flow of fluid.

Abstract: An inexpensive, time-efficient, and effective protective barrier device which provides protection against the transfer of contaminants such as infectious agents from one dental patient to another dental patient is provided. In particular, a barrier device is provided for attachment to a dental instrument. Dental instruments which can be directly protected include saliva ejector instruments and air/water supply instruments. Because the hands of the dental care provider or other user are protected from exposure to contaminating infectious agents, all dental instruments and accessories are indirectly protected. The barrier device includes a disposable sheath which can be positioned to shroud the instrument without encumbering its functionality. The device further includes a disposable probe which is integrally formed with the sheath and which is attached to the instrument along with the sheath.

Abstract: A tooth crown preparation system is provided including a handle and a tooth cover fixed to the handle and defining an interior space and an open bottom. A grinding assembly is rotatably mounted to the handle and situated within the tooth cover for rotating upon its actuation to grind a tooth situated within the interior space of the tooth cover. A plurality of tooth covers and grinding assemblies are included for affording a system which may accommodate various sized teeth. Also provided is a suction assembly for removing particles from within the grinding assembly.

Abstract: A holder for use with a support member and an oral suction device having a distal end for suctioning a patient's oral cavity. The holder includes a sleeve having an interior and an entrance opening communicating with the interior; and a mount for mounting the sleeve to the support member so that the distal end of the oral suction device can be inserted into the sleeve after the sleeve is mounted to the support member.

Abstract: A dental vacuum system having a foot-actuated valve for controlling the flow of vacuum through the system. The foot-actuated valve is located away from the field of operation such that the valve is not exposed to the typical sources of pathogenic contaminants in a dental office.

Abstract: Holding device for use with a tool for mechanical tightening of a screw connection in a bone-anchored dental implant without the tissue which surrounds the implant being stressed, the holding device having a first part which rotationally locks to the implant, an arm rigidly connected to the first part, and extending at essentially right angles from the first part, and an additional part engaging a stationary part of a tightening tool so that undesirable rotation movements are prevented during tightening of the screw connection. The additional part which engages the stationary part of the tightening tool during tightening of a screw connection is mounted pivotably on arm and additional part is pivoted relative to arm to allow release of the tightening tool from the holding device after tightening the screw connection.

Abstract: A diagnostic assembly includes an instrument having a body portion and a distal camera head, in which a protective sheath encases the instrument body and includes a transparent window for allowing the camera head to view a target. A releasably attached handle overlays the instrument body and includes inner surfaces conforming to the instrument body to clamp the sheath in a predetermined position to prevent the sheath and the transparent window form being twisted during use.

Abstract: A multifunctional splash guard for a dental air-water syringe comprising of a cone shaped member having a generally cylindrical base formed with an axial opening extending through said base formed to permit insertion of the tip of a dental air-water syringe through said opening to allow positioning of said tip within said cone shaped member and with its soft flexible plastic-like material one piece make up, allowing for not only controlling and containing back-spray, but also increasing the effectiveness of all rinsing and drying procedures and aids in tongue and cheek retraction.

Abstract: A disposable pathogen barrier of a material which is highly elastic and stretchable, yet tear-resistant, and capable of being placed in proximate contact and covering an entirety of a variety of elongated, tubular-shaped intra-oral medical or dental tools or implements which emit lightwaves in pre-determined ranges without distorting, interrupting or shifting the wavelength of the emitted light, or the receiving of reflected light, by the use of, in a first embodiment, an optically transmissive end and, in a second embodiment, an optically clear film to provide the required range of transmissivity of light.

Abstract: A sleeve for disposable dental instrument nozzles is disclosed. The sleeve is designed to maintain sterility from the point of manufacture until actual use with a patient. Both ends of the sleeve are designed to be easily punctured or removed.

Abstract: A device is described for containing abrasive particles expelled from air-abrasive apparati and permitting their removal. One embodiment disclosed is a device for containing abrasive material expelled by a gas abrasive dental apparatus. The device comprises a collecting chamber in fluid communication with a containment chamber. Between the two is a transfer opening for permitting passage of abrasive particles between them. The device contains an inlet that fluidly connects to the nozzle of an air-abrasive apparatus, and an outlet to permit contact of abrasive particles with the surface to be treated. Excess abrasive particles are collected into the collecting chamber and transferred by vacuum or pressure to the containment chamber. The containment chamber contains a porous member which entraps the particles while permitting gas to flow freely out of the device. The disclosure includes several embodiments of the device depending on the particular application.

Abstract: The invention provides a camera system including a handpiece having a lens, and a cable connector connected to opposite ends of a cable and a plurality of power source bases. The cable connector includes a video processor. Each power source base has a base connector and a light source. The cable connector is adapted to be connected to each base connector. The camera system is used by connecting the cable connector one at a time to each of the base connectors. The handpiece is enclosed by a disposable sleeve. The sleeve is held against the handpiece by an autoclavable rigid jacket. The portable dental camera is maintain sterile by enclosing at least the distal end of the handpiece with a first sleeve, and generating an image of first patient with the camera and a first power source base in a first dental operatory room. The first sleeve is then removed from the handpiece and replaced with a second sleeve.

Abstract: A device is disclosed that dynamically seals the collet of a high-speed surgical or dental drill from the ingress of contaminating substances with which the tool or collet of the drill comes into contact, such as blood, saliva, saline, tissue, bone chips, and tooth particles. The dynamic seal comprises an impeller and a bearing that rotatably supports both the impeller and a surgical tool; furthermore, the seal may be disposed within a burguard that is mounted on the distal end of a surgical drill. The spinning impeller has a disc portion that imparts a centrifugal force to the flow of contaminating substances and thereby pumps the flow entering through the tool opening radially outward through discharge holes in the burguard housing. The dynamic seal further includes an O-ring for sealing against the tool shaft and blocking the contaminating substances from continuing up the tool bore and into the collet of the surgical drill. A backring retains the O-ring in place.

Abstract: A dental infection control system utilizing barrier protection to prevent cross-contamination between patients is disclosed. A unitary cover is provided for covering a piece of dental equipment to provide not only barrier protection but also ventilation openings for the device being protected. The unitary cover can be configured to position ventilation openings in the cover in proximity to any ventilation openings on the equipment being protected. A cover can be used to establish and maintain a multipieced instrument in compression and facilitate the operation of the instrument. A cover allows a transparent material to be placed in tension over a fiber optic portion of an instrument and reduce corruption of the light emitted from the instrument. In addition, provision is made to reverse the cover to reduce the possibility of contaminating the instrument when the cover is removed.

Abstract: An exchangeable cartridge for a dental handpiece includes first dust-proofing members for preventing foreign matter from being intruded into an upper bearing and second dust-proofing members for preventing foreign matter from being intruded into a lower bearing. The first dust-proofing members have an upper rotational partitioning member and an upper fixed partitioning member. The upper rotational partitioning member has a protrusion provided above the upper bearing and protruding radially outwardly. The upper fixed partitioning member has a radially inwardly protruding portion lying adjacent and parallel to the protrusion of the upper rotational partitioning member to define a first interstice leading to the upper bearing. The second dust-proofing members have a lower rotational partitioning member and a lower fixed partitioning member. The lower rotational partitioning member has a protrusion provided below the lower bearing and protruding radially outwardly.

Abstract: A prophylactic dental apparatus is designed to minimize splatter from rotation of a rotating resilient element with a diverter which substantially surrounds at least a portion of the resilient element while affording full visibility to the operator of the instrument.

Abstract: An autoclaving collar having a distal end and a proximate end is presented for fastening to the proximate end of a conventional dental handpiece to protect the impeller of the handpiece from the corrosive environment of autoclaving or sterilization. The collar has an opening at its distal end and an axially extending cavity that communicates with the opening and an annular shoulder which is concentric with the longitudinal axis of the collar for captively holding an O-ring member which seals the proximate threaded end of the conventional dental handpiece when the collar having internal mating thread is sufficiently threaded onto the proximate end of the dental handpiece.

Abstract: An applicator device for applying a dental compound to the surface of a tooth and its root. The applicator has an elongated handle formable or bendable to hold a desired shape. A shield extends from an end of the handle. The shield is shaped to facilitate application of the compound to the tooth surface. A thin, absorbent pad is affixed to a concave side of the shield. The pad is sufficiently thin that compound on the pad can be applied to the tooth and root surfaces without introducing the compound into the gingival margin.

Abstract: A dental prophylaxis angle includes a body defining a sleeve and a head. A drive assembly is rotatably mounted in the sleeve. A driven gear is rotatably received in the head to be driven by the drive assembly. A cap is mounted in the head to close the head and retain the driven gear in place in the head. A threaded bur tube on the driven gear extends into a stem portion of the cap. The stem portion includes an externally beveled annular knife edge which forms a seal with a dental tool, such as a prophy cup, which is threaded into the bur tube. A protector ring on the cap surrounds the knife edge to prevent damage to the knife edge should the angle be dropped or otherwise contact a hard surface. The protector ring is spaced from the stem sufficiently to permit an elastomeric portion of the dental tool to extend between the stem and the ring.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new displacement equipment installed in air-turbine or contra dentistry drilling machines, used by the dentist in cutting treatment. By installing the equipment of this invention at the base of common cutting machines, the dentist can move the cutting machine while removing oral cavity organs when necessary with one-hand finger operations, during utilization inside the oral cavity. It is basically formed by the installation member with hole, through which the base of the dentistry drilling machine is inserted and is fixed in a constant position, by the arm installed in the supporting hole of the installation member, and by the displacement plate, installed on the tip of the arm. The arm, installed on the tip of the displacement plate, is formed by many arms number which can rotate in the horizontal and vertical directions according to the user's finger articulations.

Abstract: A dental cleaning assembly including a disposable dental tool including a main body tubular portion and a head portion disposed at right angles to the main body. A prophy cup is secured to a shaft projecting from the head portion so that the cup may be rotated to perform a tooth cleaning operation. A series of flexible bristles are secured to the head of the dental tool and extend forwardly therefrom in surrounding relation to the prophy cup so as to provide an anti-splatter shield for the cup to preclude splatter of toothpaste, saliva and blood. The bristles form an effective circumferential barrier around the prophy cup but yet allow complete freedom of movement of the prophy cup to perform the cleaning function and further allow potentially impacting paste to escape outwardly from the annular space between the prophy cup and the bristles to avoid impairment of the cleaning operation of the assembly.

Abstract: A suction attachment for use with an air-driven abrasive polisher to contain an area to be polished and to provide removal of the abrasive powder residue to prevent airborne contamination. A suction attachment body is fixed to the nozzle of the polisher, and is connected to a source of suction to provide a suction influence in the area of polishing. A flexible cover is fastened to the attachment body at one end, and is engaged with the surface to be cleaned at the other end, to enclose and contain the surface area to be cleaned, and provide removal of the abrasive powders via the suction source.

Abstract: A dental syringe safety sheath having a modified duckbill valve for minimizing cross-contamination between dental patients is provided. The sheath includes a generally tubular body member having a nozzle engaging portion and a discharge portion. The nozzle engaging portion is configured to substantially fit over and cover the nozzle of a dental syringe having a discharge orifice. The discharge portion defines a fluid passageway having an inlet adjacent the discharge orifice and outlet downstream therefrom. The fluid passageway progressively narrows in cross-section between the inlet and the outlet to form a substantially wedge-shaped cavity terminating in a slit disposed between a pair of opposing sealing lips. The cross-section of the sealing lips between the ends of the slit is wider than the corresponding cross-section of the sealing lips at the lip margins.

Abstract: An aspiration unit that can be readily connected to an ultrasonic scaler of conventional design which includes a novel suction means for automatically carrying away from the work site cooling water and debris generated during the performance of the scaling procedure. The unit includes a transparent, tip-encompassing shroud that uniquely functions as a suction scoop for automatically capturing aerosols in the operative field including aerosols containing saliva, blood, tissue, calculus and like adherent deposits which are generated during the scaling procedure. The aspiration unit includes novel connectors that enable the unit to be removably connected to a conventional scaler so that the assemblage can be operated by the dentist using one hand without the aid of a dental assistant thereby decreasing the number of people exposed to any pathogens encountered during the scaling procedure.

Abstract: A device for the prevention of contamination of medical personnel from a patient's body secretions that may splash back during wound irrigation. The splash shield has a peripheral edge that is substantially circular. The splash shield has a flat center region which forms the middle of the splash shield encircled by an outer concave region. The outer concave region curves away from the flat center region. A peripheral edge is located at the rim of the outer concave region. The peripheral edge is flat and extends outwardly from the outer concave region in a plane substantially parallel to the flat center region. A hollow conical protrusion extends through the splash shield at a point eccentric to its center. The conical protrusion has a base that lays flush against the flat center region. As the conical protrusion extends away from the flat center region, it tapers to a top surface.

Abstract: An adjustable, sanitary, disposable improved dental hand piece cover and dental hand piece noise reducer, having an adjustable head section (28), an adjustable neck section (36), and cylindrical body and handle section, with internally stabilizing and noise reducing material (34), by the utilization of which the dental hand piece is prevented from coming in direct contact with the patients oral cavity or its possible harmful inclusions. The cover is formed of a plastic material, preferably by the process of injection molding or thermoforming of a predetermined shape corresponding to that of the general conventional hand piece to be used. The cover comprises an assembly of two individual halves of injection molded or thermoformed material, that when forcibly united will amply and completely encase the dental hand piece. At least one model variation is formed for use specifically with a slow-speed dental hand piece.

Abstract: The invention provides a camera system including a handpiece having a lens, and a cable connector connected to opposite ends of a cable and a plurality of power source bases. The cable connector includes a video processor. Each power source base has a base connector and a light source. The cable connector is adapted to be connected to each base connector. The camera system is used by connecting the cable connector one at a time to each of the base connectors. The handpiece is enclosed by a disposable sleeve. The sleeve is held against the handpiece by an autoclavable rigid jacket. The portable dental camera is maintain sterile by enclosing at least the distal end of the handpiece with a first sleeve, and generating an image of first patient with the camera and a first power source base in a first dental operatory room. The first sleeve is then removed from the handpiece and replaced with a second sleeve.