Abstract: An automated dental flosser (10) comprises a pair of pivotally supported tines (18) which support a movable floss span (17). A pair of rotatably supported subcapstans (38, 40) are floss-connected to each end of the floss span, respectively, and are alternately driven to reciprocate the span longitudinally. A floss dispensing spool (50) and a floss take-up spool (56), floss-connected to respective subcapstans, dispense and take up floss. A floss-engaging portion of each subcapstan differs from the other in diameter to result in a net transfer of the floss from one spool to the other. Means for reciprocating the tines moves the span up and down. A pair of stationary shield tines (16) shield the user's teeth from the reciprocating tines. A second embodiment (90) includes an astable pulse generator (106) that generates a train of pulses of alternately reversing electric charge. Pulses of one charge are of longer duration than those of the other charge.

Abstract: An endodontic tool has a working tip including two cylindrical segments connected together lengthwise and terminating in a conical tip. The cylindrical segment which connects directly to the conical tip is smaller in diameter than the second cylindrical segment, whereby a shoulder is provided at the intersection of the two cylindrical segments. The conical tip and first cylindrical segment have surfaces for removing tooth material when the tool is vibrated at sonic frequencies. A stem connects to the second cylindrical segment at a right angle and is connectable to a conventional sonic hand piece so that vibratory energy generated within the hand piece is transmitted to the working tip by way of the stem. The hand piece provides vibratory motion generally along its longitudinal axis, and the stem is received in the hand piece with the stem axis at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the hand piece.

Abstract: Method and device for fracturing the interface between dental structures that have been secured together, and for adhesive removal and cleaning of the teeth. The device comprises an ultrasonic tool for providing hi-directional movement of a preferred amplitude and frequency. The tool is applied against one of the dental structures at an acute angle with respect to a plane in which the interface between the dental structures lies. Alternatively, the dental tool is applied against the adhesive on the tooth surface for removal thereof. In another alternative, the dental tool is utilized with a liquid layer to provide cavitation of the liquid, thereby cleaning and polishing the enamel surface.

Abstract: A device for generating oscillations for dental applications has an actuator connectable to an energy source and provided with a lifting member. The actuator is connected via a hydraulic linkage to the working device. Via the hydraulic linkage the oscillations generated by the actuator are transmitted onto a workpiece, for example, a crown. With this embodiment it is possible to transmit the mechanical oscillations generated by the actuator onto the crown so that the binder between the crown and the tooth stump is evenly distributed and compressed in a short period of time.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dental handpiece having a thin, flexible, elongated abrasive tool attached thereto for removing calculus deposits from the surface of teeth. A thin, flexible abrasive tool having a specifically selected diameter is used in conjunction with an ultrasonic handpiece for the purpose of removing calculus from deep within a periodontal pocket without traumatizing the surrounding tissue and bone. The use of a diamond coated abrasive tool aids in tactually detecting fine calculus deposits deep below the gum line. An annular aperture surrounding the circumference of the abrasive tool is used to provide a fluid spray for washing away loosened calculus. The ease and efficiency of calculus removal is greatly enhanced.

Abstract: The present method and apparatus are directed to the treatment of periodontal disease. A contoured, calibrated instrument is employed to probe the gum tooth interface to locate periodontal lesions containing bacteria and their by-products such as plaque, calculus, and diseased tissue. After the prove has identified a periodontal lesion, a vibrating instrument having a configuration similar to the probe is inserted into the periodontal pocket in a manner so as to perferentially contact the tooth. The frequency and power used to drive the vibrating instrument is adjusted to a level sufficient to cauese the instrument to fracture the cementum and cause the instrument to fracture the dentin of the tooth leaving the dentinal tubuli exposed. The lesion is irrigated during treatment with a vibrating instrument with solution having preferably a pH between about 5 and 5.5.

Abstract: An ultrasonic toothbrush for daily removal of soft plaque including a handle constructed of a rigid material, a battery pack, an electronics driving module, a piezoelectric member, and a removable brush-head. The low voltage DC energy supplied by the battery pack is converted to an ultrasonic frequency DC current by the electronics driving module. The piezoelectric crystal resonates, expands and contracts volumetrically, in the tune with the frequency supplied by the electronics driving module and thereby converts the electronic energy into sound-wave energy. The sound-waves driving the dentifrices in the mouth of the user against the teeth causing mild cavitation within the dentifrices at the junction with the teeth, resulting in a loosening effect on the soft plaque on the surface of the teeth and in the periodontal pockets formed in the gums around the neck of the teeth. The loosened soft plaque is then dislodged by the bristle clusters of the toothbrush by the normal brushing movements of the user.

Abstract: Method for fracturing the interface between dental structures that have been secured together. The device comprises an ultrasonic tool for providing bi-directional movement of a preferred amplitude and frequency. The tool is applied against one of the dental structures at an acute angle with respect to a plane in which the interface between the dental structures lies.

Abstract: A drilling tool for dental retro-filling preparation comprises an ultrasonic transducer head and one or more elongate drill members for selectively securing to the transducer head. The or each drill member comprises an elongate shaft having a suitable securing mechanism at one end for coupling to the transducer head and a hooked portion at the opposite end comprising the drilling tip which projects at an angle to the remainder of the shaft. The hooked end portion of the shaft is inserted through an appropriate opening in the jawbone until it is located adjacent the tooth root and aligned with the axis of the root, and the transducer head is switched on to cause ultrasonic vibrations in the tip which cut a bore in the tooth root.

Abstract: A dental scaler comprises a hollow sleeve and, arranged inside it, a vibrating piezoelectric transducer bearing a scraper, the extremity of which protrudes from the sleeve, and includes an amplifier connected to the transducerk. The transducer includes a base, of a series of piezoelectric chips on the surfaces of which are arranged electrodes connected in such a manner as to define an input and an output, and a head to which the scraper is coupled. The amplifier has an input, an output and two feeder terminals receiving a low direct voltage by way of a cable connected to an external source of voltage. The output and input of the transducer are connected, respectively, to the input and the output of the amplifier to form an oscillator, the frequency of which is determined by the resonant frequency of the transducer coupled to the scraper.

Abstract: A broaching tool has a needle-shaped working portion (2) and a shank portion which is shaped for attachment in the distal end (18) of a drive bar (12) of a drive instrument for the tool. The shank portion of the tool has at least one bend (8) and preferably also a second oppositely directed bend (10). A proximal end (14) of the drive bar (12) of the drive instrument is adapted to be coupled to a vibratory element (16) which, thereby, is able to generate longitudinal high frequency vibrations in the drive bar (12). The distal drive bar end (18) is angled (B) about an axis (22) which acts as a hinge having a certain rigidity of bending. By adapting and matching a. o. the angle (B) and the bends (8, 10) in the tool, it is possible to compensate away distructive natural oscillations in the tool which, thereby, can be powered and used with high working frequencies without risk of fatigue fractures in the material of the tool.

Abstract: An ultrasonic toothbrush for use in personal dental hygiene care includes an exchangeable toothbrush member which is removably attached to an ultrasonic power member and may be readily removed therefrom with less than one revolution and inserted on to the ultrasonic power member in a like manner. Provision is made for locking the toothbrush to the power member and is arranged to transfer the ultrasonic energy from the power member to the toothbrush with minimum energy loss.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device includes an auxiliary chamber for receiving an additive in tablet form. The ultrasonic device includes an ultrasonic tool which is connected to an ultrasonic vibrator by a shank. A sleeve surrounds the shank and defines an annular space therewith. Cleansing fluid, in particular water, flows through the annular chamber and exits in the area of the tool. The auxiliary chamber is formed by an axial bore extending through the sleeve and communicating with the annular chamber. A cap closes the outer end of the bore and the bore is dimensioned for receiving a tablet containing the additive. Some of the fluid in the annular chamber passes through the auxiliary chamber to dissolve the tablet and introduce the additive into the stream of fluid before it is discharged at the ultrasonic tool.

Abstract: An improved ultrasonic handpiece adapter for use in root canal procedures is provided in which a fire well is formed in the body of the device. The lower surface of the file well is frusto-conical in shape and receives a file wherein an enlarged file head has a frusto-conical shape at its bottom which seats against the lower surface of the file well when downward pressure is exerted on the file and which floats with respect to the lower surface of the file well when upward pressure is exerted on the file. A clutch mechanism is thereby provided wherein the file blade is in its engaged position during a cutting stroke and wherein the file blade floats during the motion of positioning the blade for the next cutting stroke. A cutting file has the tip of its shank flared so that the shank is prevented from being pulled through the file head. The apparatus may be connected to a conventional source of sub-sonic or ultrasonic power.

Abstract: A filling and forming system for dental viscous plastic materials utilizing ultrasonic vibrations in which a dental plastic material possessing viscousness (such as light polymerizable type composite resins) is used in the mouth cavity. Generation of ultrasonic vibrations from the tip of a forming instrument and application thereof to a dental material are obtained without generating heat in the absence of poured water. The effect of the ultrasonic vibrations permits the prevention of the adhesion of the material to the instrument. Additionally, it decreases the consistency of the material, thus making the filling and forming of the material easy and enhancing the close adaptation of the material.

Abstract: A tool holder is furnished for fastening a dentistry-type tool to be subjected to vibrations. A core is attached to a generator of vibrations and includes a housing for a tool. A locking assembly cap having a rear end is fitted onto a forward area of the core. A locking assembly sliding component is placed over a rear area of the core for contacting the rear end of the core with front end of the locking assembly cap. A compressive spring engages the core and the locking assembly sliding component for pushing the locking assembly sliding component in a forward direction.

Abstract: Dental equipment having means for delivering RF and LF energy to a dental handpiece. Given a supply of RF energy, the dental equipment transmits a further energy that is significantly lower-frequency in comparison to the RF energy or a DC voltage for supplying a lamp located in the handpiece without disturbing influences. A common transmission cable is provided for the transmission of the RF energy and of the energy for the lamp, this common transmission cable contains an inner conductor and a shielded line arranged coaxially relative thereto and has a third conductor for transmission of the energy for the lamp. This third conductor is arranged relative to the shielded line such that a high capacitive coupling exists between shielded line and third conductor.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for cutting and separating biological tissue by employing ultrasonic vibration, particularly for cutting bones, separating the periosteum, and cutting and separating a coherent mass such as a calcium mass. An ultrasonic vibration-transmitting tool (5) which is connected to an ultrasonic vibration source (4) and performs mechanical vibration at the frequency of the ultrasonic waves has a spoon-shaped working portion (7) which is provided with at least one of a blade-shaped portion (25) forming a predetermined angle with respect to the direction of the mechanical vibration at the frequency of the ultrasonic waves and a blade-shaped portion (23, 24) substantially parallel with the direction of the vibration, the spoon-shaped working portion being adapted to be brought into contact with the biological tissue, and a liquid passage (21) passing through the interior of the ultrasonic vibration-transmitting tool, the liquid passage having an opening (22) which opens into the working portion.

Abstract: A dental instrument employs a tool having an upper portion for use in contacting teeth and a lower portion defining a shank with a lower end, a hollow elongated gripping holder having an opening at one end, a device in the holder communicating with the opening in the holder to removably receive said part of the shank, including the lower end; and a manually operated coupling mechanism having a first section connected to the holder and a second section on the shaft, the mechanism having a lock position at which the first section engages the second section in such a manner that the tool is locked in the holder in position for use, and having a release position at which the first and second sections are disengaging and the tool can be removed from the holder.

Abstract: A single handpiece that can be used in multiple dental treatments is provided. The handpiece comprises a housing having a coil for producing an electromagnetic or electrostrictive field in the housing, and a number of inserts that react with the electromagnetic or electrostrictive field and can be used with the housing to complete the handpiece. A switching system used with the handpiece, which electrically recognizes the particular insert used with the housing provide for automatically controlling circuitry that determines which of a number of materials and medicaments are to be delivered to the handpiece for use with a particular insert. Circuitry which provides better control of the ultrasonic insert in the handpiece is also provided.

Abstract: A readily manipulatable fastening for a dental endodontic file and tip assembly for operation by ultrasonic vibrations. The fastening is compatible with a wide range of handpieces of different domestic and foreign manufacturers of dental instruments, and may be used interchangeably with ultrasonically operated scaling tips of various shapes and configurations, also catheters and other dental cleaning and scraping tools. A simple and rugged two-part unit consisting of a flow-through tip fastened to the outlet end of the vibratory stack and a completely enclosed housing for the outer end of the tip, other than a single small aperture therein, preferably bored at a small obtuse angle to the longitudinal axis of the tip for the shank of the file, permits a rapidly executed secure fastening or release of the shank from between the end of the tip and the internal end wall of the housing.

Abstract: A decoupling sleeve for inclusion in a fluid conduit of an ultrasonically-operated instrument, such as a surgical instrument, which is irrigated by irrigating fluid at the operative site. The decoupling sleeve includes a tubular thin-walled body portion defining spaced openings, and a collar member for retaining the decoupling sleeve in a tip cap sleeve member for the instrument. The inclusion of the decoupling sleeve in the irrigating fluid conduit intermediate a portion of an ultrasonically-operated tool and the interior of the tip cap sleeve member defining the fluid conduit impedes the transmission of ultrasonic energy through the fluid medium in the conduit, thus reducing objectionable cavitation and bubble formation at the operative site.

Abstract: Ultrasound apparatus intended for the curettage or exeresis of biological tissues by irrigation of a liquid subject to cavitation and by suction of the disaggregated tissues, the apparatus comprising a hand-piece containing a transducer which is mechanically coupled to a vibrating instrument or sonotrode. Said apparatus is characterized in that the handpiece (1) is traversed in the longitudinal direction by a section conduit (15,24) connected on the one hand to a suction connector (3) provided at the backend of the end piece (1), and one the other hand to the internal part of the suction sonotrode (17).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for demobilizing the motile subgingival bacteria and for removing soft plaque from the teeth on a substantially daily basis as a means to prevent, treat and/or limit periodontal diseases. A piezoelectric multimorph transducer is used to generate low-energy vibrations, these vibrations are applied to the teeth and gingival fluids to cause mild cavitation within the fluid to remove subgingival plaque and to demobilize motile bacteria. An electronic circuit for driving the transducer at its resonant frequency or multiples thereof and for electrically isolating the user are included.

Abstract: The invention is an improved dental instrument for scaling by ultrasonic operation. The scaler is coated with diamond particles to overcome the patient discomfort associated with the prior art chipping and dislodgement procedures. Four unique and novel scaler configurations are provided for various aspects of dental work, each is diamond coated and fitted for ultrasonic operation at lower power settings than present prior art instruments.

Abstract: A decoupling sleeve for inclusion in a fluid conduit of an ultrasonically-operated instrument, such as a surgical instrument, which is irrigated by irrigating fluid at the operative site. The decoupling sleeve includes a tubular thin-walled body portion defining spaced openings, and a collar member for retaining the decoupling sleeve in a tip cap sleeve member for the instrument. The inclusion of the decoupling sleeve in the irrigating fluid conduit intermediate a portion of an ultrasonically-operated tool and the interior of the tip cap sleeve member defining the fluid conduit impedes the transmission of ultrasonic energy through the fluid medium in the conduit, thus reducing objectionable cavitation and bubble formation at the operative site.

Abstract: An apparatus and method useful for the removal of a mass of tissue from an animal which includes an elongated instrument, such as a needle, with a sheath device having a sleeve for treatment fluid delivery at the area of operation. The needle can be vibrated at ultrasonic frequency, preferably in the lateral direction, and treatment fluid, along with reduced pieces of tissue mass, can be removed from the area of treatment by means of aspiration through a conduit in the needle.

Abstract: Gold powder is inserted in a cavity for the production of fillings in teeth by means of filled gold and this is subsequently hardened mechanically. The moisture sensitivity of this process can be avoided by using a paste made of platelet shaped gold powder with a plastic, organic binder which liquifies at 20.degree. to 45.degree. C. and the mechanical hardening is carried out with ultrasonic.

Abstract: A dental tool is provided for extracting a tooth which is secured to an alveolar bone through a pericementum. The tool includes an elongate, flat and thin blade operatively connected to an acoustic transducer which produces ultrasonic vibrational energy. The blade has a thickness on the order of about 0.2 to 0.5 mm which is substantially less than the thickness of the pericementum to enable the blade to and cut through the pericementum located between the tooth and the alveolar bone along the profile of the tooth under excitation by the acoustic transducer. The blade transmits ultrasonic oscillation to the tooth so as to insensitize the pain transmitting system of the tooth. The pericementum is effectively cut with a reduced average cutting resistance while the insensitization is maintained.

Abstract: An endodontic unit comprising an elongated ultrasonic oscillating body having a tubular conduit extending beyond one end and provided with a weighted head on the outer end and in which a socket is formed and disposed at an obtuse angle to the axis of the body by means of providing a bend in the conduit intermediately of the ends thereof subtending an obtuse angle of greater magnitude than the obtuse angle of the socket, the weight of the head being adequate to damp the vibrations imposed upon an endodontic file, when mounted in the socket, to a degree sufficient to minimize the breakage of files and also induce in the files desired vibratory and oscillating movement to effect efficient operation in endodontic performance.

Abstract: A vibrational cutting system for a tooth is disclosed which comprises a combination of a cutting tool adapted to rotate at a high speed and having a tip which is effective to cut a tooth, and an apparatus for exciting the tooth. The apparatus excites the tooth to vibrate at a frequency which is greater than the natural frequency of the tooth. The cutting tool is operated under either condition (1) that the feed rate of the cutting tool is less than the maximum vibrational speed of the tooth, as viewed in the feed direction, or condition (2) that the depth of cut into the tooth is less than the amplitude of vibration of the tooth as excited by the apparatus.

Abstract: A device for rotating a member at relatively low rotational speeds is particularly useful for rotating a brush-type tooth polisher on an insert for an ultrasonic dental prophylaxis unit. The device comprises a vibrator which ultrasonically vibrates longitudinally and has a driving tip end portion which converts the longitudinal vibrations into elliptical motion. The elliptically moving driving tip tangentially engages at least one rotatable roller during an arc of the elliptical motion to rotate the roller. A speed reduction device couples the roller to a rotary polisher to rotate the polisher at a reduced speed. Preferably, the speed reduction device also isolates the axial and radial thrust applied, in use, to the polisher from the roller which receives some radial thrust from the vibrator. This reduces the bearing requirements for the polisher and roller. Also preferably, the roller, speed reduction and polisher elements are assembled as a unit separable from the vibrator for ready replacement.

Abstract: A surgical system and apparatus which includes a handpiece with an ultrasonic motor for driving a needle or other instrument with ultrasound and further including a cutting tube or rotary motor that is mounted within the needle such that the tube can cut material which passes through openings in the tube to be engaged by the tube. Irrigation and aspiration is provided and a surgeon may selectively cut with ultrasound, or with the cutting action or with both, as required. The handpiece may be combined with a built-in light source.

Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument including a stack of laminations for converting electrical energy into mechanical vibratory energy to which is connected at one end an acoustic impedance transformer for converting the vibratory energy into longitudinal movement, with a work tip being connected to the free end of the transformer and a transition region of decreasing cross-sectional area extending between the transformer free end and the work tip. A shield is provided to divert the energy radiated from the transition region away from the work tip.

Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument including a stack of laminations having acoustic impedance transformer connected and a housing which fits over the stack and at least a part of the transformer in which the housing has a portion of a material having a low coefficient of friction which makes contact with the acoustic impedance transformer.

Abstract: In one embodiment an ultrasonic transducer is provided in which the work tip is formed of a piece of tubular material and a substantial portion, or all, of the tip has a constantly diminishing cross-section approaching the end of the tip. The fluid for the work tip is delivered through the hollow tip to its end. Other embodiments of fluid delivery systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dental tool device and method is disclosed by which a smooth beveled surface may be formed on a shoulder of a tooth for receiving a crown fitting so that the joint therebetween is concealed as lying substantially below the gum-line and a solid seal is formed between the tooth and crown. The device includes a vibrating tool A having a shank 44 and contoured portion 46 which includes a contoured surface 48. Surface 48 is contoured and includes a coating 50 of diamond grit so as to form a smooth beveled surface 18 during vibration to finish a previously ground shoulder 14 in accordance with the invention. Tool A is adapted for attachment as an insert 34 into the handle 32 of a conventional ultrasonic dental instrument 30.

Abstract: An ultrasonic toothbrush for use in personal dental hygiene care includes an elongated handle member in the form of a hollow housing having disposed therein a low voltage coil and cooperating ferrite core which is driven at ultrasonic frequencies. Affixed to the core is a brush member adapted to be received within the human mouth and moved across tooth and gingival surfaces. The brush member has been adhesively affixed to an impedance transfer device which in turn has been adhesively affixed to the core material. The impedance transfer device insures the maximum transfer of ultrasonic energy from the core material to the brush. The ultrasonic energy driving means for the core requires a relatively low voltage and permits the coil to be sealed in the handle impervious to contamination by water.

Abstract: An ultrasonically vibrated dental scaling apparatus with liquid feed through the scaling tool, in which the tool is mounted to one end of a tuned coupler having a piezoelectric transducer at the other end, and the liquid feed is through the member which drives the tool.

Abstract: The invention is an improved endodontic apparatus attachment for holding instruments, particularly endodontic drill files that are energized and vibrated by ultrasonic means. The invention also provides for the flow-through of solutions during debriding and irrigating of root canals. The invention consists of a hollow tube-like means for conducting solution and directing it in the axial direction of the endodontic drill file. The hollow tube-like means incorporates a special holding means therein for mounting the drill file in such a position so that ultrasonic waves can be transmitted to the drill file to cause it to vibrate in a manner that improves debriding of the root canal.

Abstract: A dentrifice containing a limited amount, 0.001-0.05% by weight, of titanium tetrafluoride, and preferably at least 0.5% by weight xylitol or 0.01% by weight saccharin, is applied to a person's teeth to limit the adherence of plaque to the teeth. The method finds particular advantage when used as a liquid in conjunction with cavitation cleaning of the teeth.

Abstract: A powered dental scaler is disclosed of a type which drives a vibrating scaling tip in a circular or ellipsoidal pattern of motion. A scaling tip having working surfaces provided by the edges of an elongated, curved element which has a cross-sectional configuration in the shape of a multi-sided figure, e.g., a triangle or a diamond, is particularly useful with a scaler having this type of vibrational pattern. The scaler tip also has a curved free end portion terminating in a point. These configurations enable a dental operator to conduct important dental cleaning operations with a single hand-held instrument.

Abstract: A powered dental scaler is disclosed of a type which drives a vibrating scaling tip in a circular or ellipsoidal pattern of motion. A scaling tip having working surfaces provided by the edges of an elongated, curved element which has a cross-sectional configuration in the shape of a multi-sided figure, e.g., a triangle or a diamond, is particularly useful with a scaler having this type of vibrational pattern. Each of the longitudinal edges has a radius of curvature in the range of about 0.001 inch to about 0.005 inch. The free end of the scaler work tool preferably terminates in rounded or ball-shaped configurations, and the working surfaces can be joined along inactive edges by a convex surface to provide "safe" surfaces. The absence of sharp edges or points on the scaler tool work surfaces substantially reduces the likelihood of damage to tooth dentin, cementum or gums.

Abstract: A device using longitudinal ultrasonic vibrations for rotating a shaft at relatively low rotational speeds is particularly useful for rotating a brush-type tooth polisher on an insert for an ultrasonic dental prophylaxis unit. The device has a sleeve which supports the rotatable shaft and a vibrator. A disc is normal to the axis of rotation of the shaft and connected to the shaft for rotation. A transducer at one end of the vibrator responds to excitation for producing longitudinal ultrasonic vibrations in the vibrator, and the other end of the vibrator which is urged against the disc with a constant force converts the longitudinal vibrations into elliptical motion to engage one face of the disc during an arc of the elliptical motion. This imparts substantially only pulses of tangential driving force and normal vibrational forces to rotate the disc and shaft unidirectionally. In one preferred embodiment, the vibrator has a single driving pad urged against the disc.

Abstract: An air-driven dental scaler is disclosed having water transport means for delivering water to a scaling type work tool. The water transport means comprises a tube coaxially disposed within a vibratable hollow shaft. The water tube is supported at one end within a resilient support assembly which provides a water seal between the coaxially disposed vibratable shaft and water transport tube. The water seal assembly is positioned forwardly of a vibrational node characteristic of a standing wave created during operation of the dental scaler. An axial force exerted on the water seal assembly during vibration of the vibratable shaft improves the efficacy of the water seal between the shaft and the water transport tube. The single, resilient support for the water transport tube provides for quick replacement of the water tube in the event of clogging of the tube by mineral deposits or sediment.

Abstract: A control and drive unit selectively provides either ultrasonic or high frequency energy to a single handle which contains a coil-driven oscillator capable of driving a cleaning or surgical tool. A changeover switch connects the selected signal to the handle and a single control is effective to control either frequency range. A water supply, coupled to the single control, is actuated when a predetermined level of signal power is attained.

Abstract: An ultrasonic method and apparatus for removing dental plaque from teeth in situ and for cleaning the teeth employing a liquid couple for imparting ultrasonic energy to the surface of the teeth at ultrasonic energy levels which are not harmful to the teeth or gums.

Abstract: An ultrasonic hand-held cleaning device having a housing enclosing a casing, an energyzing winding about the casing, and a fluid conduit attached to the interior of the casing. A sleeve is insertably mounted into the end of the casing, and acts to support a connecting body at a spaced distance within the sleeve so as to form an annular space in fluid communication with the casing. A vibrator is attached at the casing end to the connecting body and is therefore located in the casing opposite the energyzing winding. A cleaning tool is attached at the other end of the connecting body. In one version fluid moving through the annular space is sprayed out an annular nozzle around the tool which is itself vibrating ultrasonically as a result of reverbretory vibrations induced by the vibrator. In a second preferred embodiment the connecting body has a ring at its nodal point, the sleeve being cut out to accommodate the ring and having two longitudinal slots for the passage of fluid.