Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a dental scaler tip using a powder injection molding process, a mould, and a scaler tip that is excellent in shape-reliability and injects fluid to a front end thereof along a curved section of the tip. The method comprises the steps of preparing feedstock and injecting the feed stock into a mould to form a molding body, wherein, the mould comprises an operating section to which cylindrical core pins having multi steps and an eccentric end formed at a front end thereof for forming the fluid passage is mounted; and a pair of slide cores disposed for supporting the eccentric ends of the core pins such that the slide cores face each other and are slid in the direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the core pins to form a cavity corresponding to a shape of an article to be formed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic toothbrush for daily oral hygiene application is disclosed, having an ultrasound transducer in direct contact with the fluids in the oral cavity, without ultrasound energy attenuation between the transducer and the fluids in the oral cavity. Maximum level of ultrasound energy coupled to the fluids within the oral cavity and to the teeth and gums and periodontal pockets, achieving maximum loosening of soft plaque. Toothbrush configurations of ultrasonically enhanced manually operated toothbrushes and motorized toothbrushes having lateral direction sonic frequency vibrating brush heads emitting ultrasonic energy are disclosed. To generate the sonic frequency lateral vibration of the brush head, a motion transducer is utilized. Removable and user replaceable brush heads are described. In the various configurations low voltage DC energy supplied by a battery is converted to ultrasonic frequency DC current to activate the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush having a handle, a head, and a neck extending between the handle and the head is disclosed. The handle has a hollow interior region having a motor and an electrical power source. The head includes an ultrasonic transducer and a bristle field. The ultrasonic transducer is in electrical communication with the electrical power source, and a shaft is operatively connected to the motor for moving the bristle field.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling the frequency of the current in the excitation coil of the handpiece of a dental magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaling unit, or similar transducer. A microprocessor continually samples a predetermined function of the current through the excitation coil, and adjusts the frequency for a function maximum, performing coarse and fine frequency adjustments. The function can be proportional to the current, its time-derivative, or combination thereof. A voltage-controlled oscillator is employed, controlled by pulse-width modulation from the microprocessor. The base frequency scan is performed each time the handpiece is energized by the practitioner, assuring automatic optimal frequency adjustment at all times and under all conditions. Apparatus according to the invention does not require transformers, sensing coils, or complex power- or impedance-sensing circuitry, and covers a wide range of resonant frequencies for different insert types.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an ultrasonic unit f an ultrasonic cleaning system with at least one control unit, one generator unit and one hand-held unit containing the ultrasonic unit and one switching module provided for starting the ultrasonic unit, wherein mechanical oscillations can be generated via the ultrasonic unit and transmitted to an instrument that is mechanically connected to the ultrasonic unit. In a preferred embodiment, the resonant frequency required for operation of the ultrasonic unit in resonance is determined by a control routine executed in the control unit, and a control signal (ss) based on the determined resonant frequency is generated in the generator unit and is sent to the ultrasonic unit for operation of the ultrasonic unit in resonance.

Abstract: A piezotome operation unit for lifting a maxillary sinus at a position of placement of an implant upon lifting the maxillary sinus, which forms and enlarges the vertical hole with ease in a remaining bone of the maxillary sinus though vertical approaching, and upon forming a lateral window below a malar bone through lateral approaching, prevents a maxillary membrane from becoming damaged, thereby ensuring continuous, safe lifting so that the operating time is shortened and the efficiency of the operation is maximized.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive ultrasonic dental scaler is disclosed. The magnetostrictive device comprises an oscillator adapted to provide electrical energy including a current and a voltage signal, a handpiece having a tool tip which vibrates in response to the electrical energy supplied to the handpiece and a control circuit. The control circuit includes a phase detector adapted to detect phase between current and voltage signals and to generate a phase detection signal as a function of the phase. The control circuit also includes a digital signal processor operatively connected to the phase detector. The digital signal processor adapted to process the phase detection signal through a digital loop filter to generate an error signal.

Abstract: A dental instrument comprising a handpiece with a threaded extension and a working tool for attachment to the extension includes a wrench mounted on the distal end of the handpiece for use in attaching the tool to the extension. The wrench comprises a nose piece mounted on the front end of the handpiece, said nose piece rotateable radially about the front end of the handpiece as well as longitudinally slidable forward of the distal end of the handpiece so that an opening in a front end of the nose piece extends over the hub of the tool. Rotating the extended nose piece radially around the front end of the handpiece causes the hub of the tool to rotate, attaching the tool to the threaded extension. The nose piece is then retracted to a storage position during use of the tool.

Abstract: An ultrasonic toothbrush for daily oral hygiene application is disclosed, having an ultrasound transducer in direct contact with the fluids in the oral cavity, without ultrasound energy attenuation between the transducer and the fluids in the oral cavity. Maximum level of ultrasound energy coupled to the fluids within the oral cavity and to the teeth and gums and periodontal pockets, achieving maximum loosening of soft plaque. Toothbrush configurations of ultrasonically enhanced manually operated toothbrushes and motorized toothbrushes having lateral direction sonic frequency vibrating brush heads emitting ultrasonic energy are disclosed. To generate the sonic frequency lateral vibration of the brush head, a motion transducer is utilized. Removable and user replaceable brush heads are described. In the various configurations low voltage DC energy supplied by a battery is converted to ultrasonic frequency DC current to activate the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: An ultrasonic toothbrush for daily oral hygiene application is disclosed, having an ultrasound transducer in direct contact with the fluids in the oral cavity, without ultrasound energy attenuation between the transducer and the fluids in the oral cavity. Maximum level of ultrasound energy coupled to the fluids within the oral cavity and to the teeth and gums and periodontal pockets, achieving maximum loosening of soft plaque. Toothbrush configurations of ultrasonically enhanced manually operated toothbrushes and motorized toothbrushes having lateral direction sonic frequency vibrating brush heads emitting ultrasonic energy are disclosed. To generate the sonic frequency lateral vibration of the brush head, a motion transducer is utilized. Removable and user replaceable brush heads are described. In the various configurations low voltage DC energy supplied by a battery is converted to ultrasonic frequency DC current to activate the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dental insert having at least one light source. A first transducer generates ultrasonic vibrations. A connecting body has a proximal end and a distal end having a tip attached thereto. The proximal end is attached to the first transducer so as to receive the ultrasonic vibrations therefrom and to transmit the ultrasonic vibrations toward the tip attached to the distal end. A second transducer is disposed substantially proximate to the connecting body for generating a voltage signal in response to movement of a portion of the connecting body according to the ultrasonic vibrations. A magnetic material including a source of a magnetic field is present in close proximity to the insert. At least one light source substantially proximate or distal to the tip is connected to and receives the voltage signal from the second transducer to generate light.

Abstract: A tooth extraction assisting device includes an ultrasonic machine, an ultrasonic hand piece, and 5 different insert tips that are hook-on to the hand piece. The ultrasonic machine outputs a signal with high frequency oscillation. This high frequency oscillation signal received by the ultrasonic hand piece generates a high frequency vibration of the insert tip. A set of 5 different configuration insert tips was designed for a precision surgical cut at the coronal portion of the periodontal ligament around tooth to be extracted. This device also provides a better visibility at the surgical area with the cavitation effect. With the help of the tooth extraction assisting device dental clinician is able to perform tooth extraction with less chair-time without damaging to the buccal alveolar process which increases the chance of immediate implant placement at the same appointment.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dental handpiece and insert assembly is provided. Scaler inserts that can be used to clean and polish tooth surfaces are particularly preferred. A sleeve is removably mounted on the handpiece. The handpiece contains a primary coil and the sleeve encloses a secondary coil, which are inductively coupled together so that electromagnetic energy can be transferred between them. A flexible light guide member having a light source such as a light-emitting diode extends from the sleeve. The light guide can bend and flex in any direction allowing the light source to emit light in any direction.

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 invention relates to a method for establishing a releasable connection between a tool connection or coupling piece, which is formed on a dental handpiece, and the tool shank of a dental hand instrument. In order to connect a journal-like fastening section, which tapers toward a free end, on one of the elements to be connected, is inserted into an opening while matching the same, which is adapted to this section, on the other of the elements to be connected.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dental handpiece for holding a transducer is provided. The transducer converts electrical energy into ultrasonic vibrations. The dental handpiece includes a body, a rotator head, and a retainer ring. The body rotatably receives the transducer. The rotator head engages the transducer for rotation thereof. The retainer ring is fixedly coupled to one of the body and the rotator head and rotatably coupled to the other of the body and the rotator head, such that the rotator head is rotatably coupled to the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetostrictive insert element for use in a tool holder of an ultrasonic dental treatment device with at least one first longitudinal section having a dental tool and a coupling element and a second adjoining second longitudinal section with a magnetostrictive ultrasonic converter, the first longitudinal section having a first length and a first weight and the second longitudinal section having a second length and a second weight. The ratio between the first and second length is for example between 0.5 and 0.8. Alternatively or in addition, the ratio between the first and second weight is between 0.1 and 0.3.

Abstract: The invention provides an ultrasonic dental scaler insert having a soft grip, and a method of making it. In the method a soft grip member is provided having an elastomeric wall affixed to a rigid wall. This soft grip member is then connected to an ultrasonic dental scaler insert to form an ultrasonic dental scaler insert having a soft grip.

Abstract: An ultrasonic handpiece, in particular for dental and medical applications, has a drive unit for moving a tool via a coupling head. A supply device for abrasive working fluid comprises a flexible tube, one end of which is connected to a supply duct running in the drive unit and the discharge end of which is positioned in a guiding bore of clip-like design of the coupling head.

Abstract: A RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader is installed in the main unit of an ultrasonic scaler, which synchronizes with the antenna installed in the handpiece. Inside of The TIP (Insert or Piezo hand piece) consists of a tag, which uses RFID technology to read, write, and identify the information of the insert or tip. This provides the medical clinicians useful operation assistance, the necessary evidence on when to change to a new insert or tip, and to prevent improper usage of the insert or tip.

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: A powered dental tool generally includes a tool tip at its distal end, a body at its proximal end and a motion generating mechanism. In one aspect, the dental tool includes a tool tip having a proximal end and a distal end along a generally longitudinal axis and a reciprocating motion generating mechanism. The reciprocating motion generating mechanism may repeatedly move the tool tip generally back and forth by a given displacement generally along the tool tip's longitudinal axis. This displacement generally resembles the action of a hand scaler, i.e., a reciprocating motion along the longitudinal axis of the scaler, which is unlike the vibration of most powered scalers. Such action may be advantageous as it may be more intuitive for the dental professional or hygienist and may provide more effective scaling action. It may further be advantageous for a powered scaler to more closely resemble a hand scaler in form, which is small, portable and untethered.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dental cleaning device for ultrasonically removing deposits from the surface of teeth using a low voltage design. The device having a handle with an ultrasonic driving system for transmitting ultrasonic energy containing a mixed iron oxide rod, a coil around the mixed iron oxide rod, a processor connected to the coil configured and adapted to output ultrasonic electrical energy, and at least two leads connected to a magnet on either end of the rod and coil. A cleaning tip is operably coupled to the handle and configured to be driven to oscillate by the ultrasonic driving system. A power supply configured and adapted to provide electric power to the ultrasonic driving system with a cord.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasound dental treatment appliance comprising a surgical handpiece (220) fitted with a transducer connected to an ultrasound generator (230), the handpiece being designed to receive ultrasound tips (210) that are mechanically coupled to the transducer and that operate in different ultrasound wave power and amplitude ranges. The dental treatment appliance includes means (224, 225), e.g. optical means, for automatically detecting the utilization power and amplitude range of the tip (210) mounted on the handpiece, and processor means for automatically setting the ultrasound generator to the detected power and amplitude range.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device having an ultrasound transducer 22 and an acoustic waveguide 24 facilitating the transmission of ultrasonic acoustic energy to fluids in the oral cavity is disclosed. Preferred ultrasound operating parameters for operation in aqueous environments and in dental slurries are disclosed. Devices may incorporate a drive motor 16 for oscillating a device head 23, acoustic waveguide 24 and one or more bristle tuft(s) 26 at sonic frequencies, and preferred sonic operating parameters are also provided. Multi-element piezoelectric transducer assemblies 30, 40, and various control and communications features are disclosed. Oral hygiene devices disclosed herein achieve improved plaque and stain removal from the teeth as well as interproximal and subgingival regions, while enhancing the user experience, massaging the gums, stimulating dental tissue, and disrupting biofilm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a dental scaler tip using a powder injection molding process which can produce the article in large quantities to save the manufacturing cost and forms an eccentric discharge port of a scaler tip to operate the mould using only one core pin, a mould used for the same that is provided with slide cores having the various shapes machined according to the article to enable the uniform article to be manufactured rapidly to enhance a characteristic and design of the article, and a scaler tip manufactured by the same that is more excellent in shape-reliability and injects fluid to a front end thereof along a curved section of the tip section to perform effectively an operation.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endodontic tip is provided having an elastic modulus of less than 8 Msi. The low-modulus of the material provides the ultrasonic endodontic tip the ability to navigate a curved tooth canal during a root canal procedure and controllably remove the dentine around canal without excessively enlarging the canal. The tip can include an abrasive on at least a portion of the working surface of the tip.

Abstract: Oral hygiene devices employing an ultrasound transducer are disclosed. The device is user-activatable to commence an operating cycle, and has a controller that may provide a timing function and may provide a variable level of ultrasound transducer output during an operating cycle. The controller may provide a monitoring function that is capable of detecting an ultrasound transducer fault condition and alert a user, through a user interface, when an ultrasound transducer fault condition is detected. The controller may be programmed to count the number of device operating cycles or accumulate the total device operating time and activate a transducer replacement signal following a predetermined number of uses or a predetermined accumulated operating time.

Abstract: A process and device are disclosed for cleaning teeth with sonic energy, in particular audible sound or ultrasound. Sound is conducted to the teeth (5) through a liquid (6) in an oral cavity (3). Sound is applied from the outer side (2) of the oral cavity (3).

Abstract: The toothbrush includes a handle portion and a brushhead assembly which comprises a head portion and a stem portion. The head portion includes a bellows-like acoustic action member for creating acoustic wave action as it moves in and out in response to an acoustic driving force. A drive system is located in the handle and includes an audio speaker-type assembly to create acoustic waves which are transmitted through a transmission line to the acoustic action member. The acoustic action member is driven toward and away from the teeth when the toothbrush is operatively positioned within the mouth. The action of the acoustic member is directly or indirectly coupled to the fluid in the mouth, producing a foam which couples shear forces between the acoustic action member and the teeth/gums to produce a desired cleaning/therapeutic effect.

Abstract: A dental instrument comprising a handpiece with a threaded extension and a working tool for attachment to the extension includes a wrench mounted on the distal end of the handpiece for use in attaching the tool to the extension. The wrench comprises a nose piece mounted on the front end of the handpiece, said nose piece rotateable radially about the front end of the handpiece as well as longitudinally slidable forward of the distal end of the handpiece so that an opening in a front end of the nose piece extends over the hub of the tool. Rotating the extended nose piece radially around the front end of the handpiece causes the hub of the tool to rotate, attaching the tool to the threaded extension. The nose piece is then retracted to a storage position during use of the tool.

Abstract: A power toothbrush (10) is disclosed having a handle (15) containing a rechargeable battery (12), an ultrasonic drive circuit (14), a sonic component (16) such as a motor, and a control unit (18). The handle is connected to a toothbrush head (20) preferably having a plurality of bristles (26) and an ultrasonic transducer (22) that is operatively connected to a waveguide (24) that extends from the toothbrush head generally adjacent the bristles. The waveguide facilitates the transmission of acoustic energy into the dental fluid. It is contemplated that the waveguide may be utilized in manual or power toothbrushes, and in a combination without the sonic component, or in a combination without the ultrasonic transducer. Toothbrushes disclosed herein achieve improved plaque and stain removal from the teeth as well as interproximal and subgingival regions, while enhancing the user experience, massaging the gums, and stimulating dental tissue.

Abstract: An instrument for periodontal treatment includes a blade (1) which is integrally connected to a head (2). The head (2) can be coupled to a handpiece to impart a vibratory movement to the blade (1). The blade (1) has an active part (1 a) distributed along the blade (1) on a side defined by a plane passing through the axis of the blade (1). The center of the blade (1) is additionally provided with an irrigation channel (4) for receiving a liquid which opens out at the center of the active part (1 a) of the blade (1) along the major part of its length. This ensures, on the one hand, cleaning of the active part (1 a) of the tool during a procedure, and on the other hand, removal of the detached particles.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device having an ultrasound transducer 22 and an acoustic waveguide 24 facilitating the transmission of ultrasonic acoustic energy to fluids in the oral cavity is disclosed. Preferred ultrasound operating parameters for operation in aqueous environments and in dental slurries are disclosed. Devices may incorporate a drive motor 16 for oscillating a device head 23, acoustic waveguide 24 and one or more bristle tuft(s) 26 at sonic frequencies, and preferred sonic operating parameters are also provided. Multi-element piezoelectric transducer assemblies 30, 40, and various control and communications features are disclosed. Oral hygiene devices disclosed herein achieve improved plaque and stain removal from the teeth as well as interproximal and subgingival regions, while enhancing the user experience, massaging the gums, stimulating dental tissue, and disrupting biofilm.

Abstract: A cordless ultrasonic scaler includes a cleaning tip, an actuator, power supply, control circuitry, a water reservoir and a pumping mechanism within the hand piece. A piezoelectric stack actuator drives both the cleaning tip and pumping mechanism. The reservoir in the hand piece supplies liquid to the pump for cooling the actuator, the cleaning tip and the teeth being cleaned. The reservoir defines a battery compartment. A pair of electrodes enable recharging the battery in a docking station when the device is not in use. Controls are provided for the actuator and fluid flow.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dental insert for an ultrasonic dental tool is provided. The ultrasonic dental insert includes a transducer, a connecting body, a hand grip, at least one O-ring and a removable tip. The transducer generates ultrasonic vibrations. The connecting body has a proximal end attached to the transducer and a distal end. The distal end has an engagement portion formed thereon. The hand grip envelopes at least a portion of the connecting body. At least one O-ring is for shock absorption, and is mounted between the connecting body and the hand grip and around the engagement portion. The removable tip engages the engagement portion.

Abstract: The invention concerns an ultrasonic shaping instrument comprising: a mount structure (10), a sonotrode (14) elastically mounted on the mount structure (10), a tool (16) fixed to the sonotrode (14) for carrying out shaping operations, and a control member (12) for controlling and powering the sonotrode (14). The instrument is dimensioned so that the assembly consisting of the sonotrode (14) and the tool (16) has a resonance ultrasonic frequency fo, in a mode selected among traction-compression and torsion, variable between a lower limit fomin and an upper limit fomax, and it does not have itself any other resonance frequency in a range between a frequency fpmin<fomin and a frequency fpmax>fomax.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical blade, and an instrument, having a gain step. The blade body has, in any half wave length of the ultrasonic-surgical-blade body, a first vibration antinode, a vibration node, a second vibration antinode, and a gain step. The gain step is located between the second vibration antinode and the first vibration antinode. The gain step is spaced apart from the vibration node by a gain-step distance greater than 5% of the distance between the second vibration antinode and the first vibration antinode. The instrument includes the blade, a handpiece having an ultrasonic transducer, and an ultrasonic transmission rod whose proximal end is operatively connected to the ultrasonic transducer and whose distal end activates the blade. In one option, the first vibration antinode is the distal tip, and the gain step is located between the vibration node and the distal tip, resulting in an increased active length of the blade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental scaling translucent insert which provides a coaxially aligned light adjacent the distal end of such insert for illuminating the tip of the dental scaler which light may be provided by light emitting from a fiber optic light guide from a light source located remotely from the tip. The light provided can also be used to view through a camera lens system located in translucent insert to provide a clear unobstructed view of the work at the tip of the scaler on a remote screen or for recording.

Abstract: The invention provides a dental scaler system and method of use. The dental scaler system has a dental scaler apparatus and a scaler handpiece enclosing a coil. The dental scaler apparatus has a housing and a scaler power control circuit. The coil is connected through an electrical conductor to the scaler power control circuit. The housing has a holder side, and a first and a second base side each having a plurality of first base feet extending therefrom. The first base side is connected to the second base side at an angle greater than 30 degrees. The second base side is connected to the holder side. The holder side has a scaler handpiece holder integrally formed therein. In the method the system is supported on the first feet, and then on the second feet.

Abstract: A first aspect of the disclosure concerns a driving assembly for a power toothbrush which includes a drive member, specifically an E-core electromagnet, a driven member which is responsive to the action of the drive member and a workpiece mounted on the distal end of the driven member. The drive assembly includes an interface registration member, to one end surface portion of which is secured the end face of E-core electromagnet, another portion of which is configured to produce a selected registration of the driven member and the driving assembly, and still another portion of which is configured to produce a selected registration of the interface member relative to the handle of the toothbrush. A second aspect of the disclosure concerns a split bobbin assembly for an electrical coil portion of an electromagnet in a power toothbrush.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dental insert having at least one light source. A first transducer generates ultrasonic vibrations. A connecting body has a proximal end and a distal end having a tip attached thereto. The proximal end is attached to the first transducer so as to receive the ultrasonic vibrations therefrom and to transmit the ultrasonic vibrations toward the tip attached to the distal end. A second transducer is disposed substantially proximate to the connecting body for generating a voltage signal in response to movement of a portion of the connecting body according to the ultrasonic vibrations. At least one light source substantially proximate to the tip is connected to and receives the voltage signal from the second transducer to generate light. The ultrasonic dental insert may be inserted into a handpiece for providing electromagnetic energy to the first transducer to generate the ultrasonic vibrations.

Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes generator of ultrasonic energy; a connecting body that receives ultrasonic energy from the generator and having an end from which the energy exits and a coupler at such end exterior of the connecting body having an inlet aspiration flow passage for receiving aspiration flow force from a source. A work tip has its proximal end connected to the coupler to receive the generated ultrasonic energy and a distal end from which the ultrasonic energy is supplied to the operating site to emulsify material. The work tip has an aspiration passage that is in communication with an aspiration passage in the coupler that communicates with the inlet passage and at least one of the work tip is detachable from the coupler and coupler detachable from the connecting body.

Abstract: An ultrasound oral hygiene and therapeutic device comprises an array of ultrasonic transducers, a power generator, and a filling element. The ultrasonic transducer array, with optional radiation plates and reflection plates, produce uniform ultrasound radiation on each surface desirable to be treated by ultrasound radiation. The soft and resilient filling element snugly fits into a user's oral cavity, confines cleaning solution and the ultrasound action within a limited ultrasound action zone surrounding the surfaces desirable to be treated, and protects all other parts of the oral cavity from ultrasound radiation. The device provides superior, uniform, and consistent cleaning results in a short time. In particular, it cleans the entire dental surface, including the inter-dental and gingival areas. It is extremely easy to use, quiet, durable, energy efficient, and inexpensive in long run.

Abstract: An insert for an ultrasonic dental unit is provided. The insert includes a transducer for generating ultrasonic vibrations, and a tip for applying the ultrasonic vibrations at a location inside the mouth of a patient. A connecting body is disposed between and attached to the transducer and the tip. The connecting body transmits the ultrasonic vibrations from the transducer to the tip. A retaining ring is snapped onto the connecting body. A hand grip is fitted at least partially over the connecting body and the retaining ring.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dental scaler automatically supplies a frequency to match a handpiece connecting thereto. A handpiece connector includes one or more passive elements, which affect the resonant frequency produced by the generator. Multiple handpieces, each operating at a different resonant frequency, may thus be used with the same ultrasonic generator. The ultrasonic dental scaler also supports two footswitches. One footswitch includes a foot-controlled power level adjuster. When connected, the footswitch automatically disables the manual power adjuster. Another on-off footswitch includes no power adjustment mechanism. When connected, the manual power adjustment feature of the generator is maintained. Orders for different handpiece frequencies and footswitch types can thus be filled with an inventory of one generator model.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to ultrasonic microtube dental instruments designed to cut around a broken instrument by allowing the broken instrument to be placed within a lumen of the microtube instrument while simultaneously boring with the broken instrument and being guided by the broken instrument.

Abstract: A device for performing endodontic procedures such as root canals by utilizing ultrasonic energy to debride the root canal space. The device includes a modified shaft assembly and a stainless steel hypodermic needle which concentrates the ultrasonic energy at the tip of the needle. The shaft assembly further includes a threaded housing for attaching the shaft assembly to an ultrasonic generator, an angled shaft attached to the threaded housing, and a hub attached to the end of the angled shaft opposite the threaded housing for reducing the diameter of the bore when the hub is tightened. The angled shaft further includes a bore passing through its length and an aperture passing through the outer wall of the shaft. The aperture is positioned near the larger of the two angles formed by the angled shaft and is oriented in the direction of the hub. The needle is inserted into the aperture and passes through the bore in the angled shaft until it exits the shaft through the hub.

Abstract: The invention is an improved endodontic adapter for a sonic scaler consisting of a talon having a threaded end for insertion into the handle of the sonic scaler. A pair of downwardly pointed barbs protrudes radially from the side of the adapter for receiving an elastic ligature, which firmly holds the dental instrument such as file to the talon. The opposite end of the talon has a tapered shaft that receives an aperture drilled into the side of the dental instrument. The ligature is simply wrapped around the dental instrument on opposite sides of the talon and then the ends are wrapped around the downwardly pointing barbs.

Abstract: Method and tool for fracturing the cement interface between a crown and a tooth or the like. The method is accomplished by positioning a piezoelectric driven rapid impacting tool against one side of a portion of a crown covering the tooth. The tool is covered with a malleable metal and is interfacing abutment with said crown. The opposite side of the crown is abutted against an anvil which is covered with a thicker malleable metal interface.