Abstract: A holder for safely securing a gauze pad for use in a post-surgical area in the intraoral cavity of a patient in order to allow a blood clot to form in safe, hygienic and sanitary conditions. The holder provides a holding cavity wherein the gauze pad is secured and held. It also requires a handle section that allows the external control of the gauze pad by the patient. Embodiments having holding sections with different ergonomic shapes according to the particular position of the intraoral surgical area requiring placement of the gauze pad are described.

Abstract: Dental dressing assemblies are formed from hydrophilic polymer sponge structures, such as a densified chitosan biomaterial. The invention also contemplates systems and methods that can be used in conjunction with stents and periodontal dressings to promote hemostasis and secondary healing in free gingival graft palatal donor sites and all other oral and maxillofacial surgical sites.

Abstract: A dental wedge, for use in the inter-proximal space between adjacent teeth, includes a head portion, a body portion, wherein, said body portion includes a backbone, wherein said backbone, viewed from the side, has a curved profile, said body portion includes at least three pairs of wings extending from the backbone, wherein said wings are separated by a plurality of notches such that the wings extend independently, and said body portion has three sections, wherein a proximal wing section includes a pair of wings closest to the head portion, a distal wing section includes a pair of wings furthest from the head portion, and a central wing section has at least one pair of wings, and a neck portion, wherein said neck portion connects the head and body portions.

Abstract: A denial matrix band retainer is provided with a retractor, main body portion and a bias mechanism. The retractor includes a proximal end and a distal end, with a band engagement portion at the proximal end. The main body portion having a proximal end and a distal end, with a head portion located at the proximal end. The bias mechanism coupling the retractor to the main body portion, the bias mechanism having a static position and a fully active position, wherein in the static position the head portion is spaced apart from the band engagement portion a first distance, and in the fully active position the head portion is spaced apart from the band engagement portion a second distance which is greater than the first distance, the bias mechanism including an actuator for urging the bias mechanism towards the fully active position.

Abstract: The dental isolator of the present invention is a one-time use dental device which is easy to use as well as easily customizable for the intended patient. The present invention can be used in the preparation and application of a pit and fissure sealant procedure. The dental isolator of the present invention can be adjusted and customized to tailor fit the mouth of the patient. The dental isolator of the present invention is positively retained within the patient's mouth and protects the isolated teeth from moisture on distal, lingual and facial exposure points.

Abstract: A gingival tissue retractor for retracting gingival tissue away from tooth and bone during a surgical procedure having an alveolar bone grip having an open frame structure positionable over at least one tooth and along a predetermined segment of an alveolar bone and providing an inward resilient force about opposite sides of the alveolar bone for maintaining position of the gingival retractor; a first gingival reflector having a solid plate structure and attached to a lower section of one side of the alveolar bone grip for providing a primarily downward force to gingival tissue on one side of the alveolar bone; and a second gingival reflector having a solid plate structure and attached to a lower section of another side of the alveolar bone grip for providing a primarily downward force to gingival tissue on another side of the alveolar bone.

Abstract: The invention relates to dental devices for isolating a working area, comprising a substantially concave main piece having two upper ends and a substantially round edge on a lower area of the main piece, the round edge being adaptable to a patient's mouth; a substantially concave lower cover attached to the lower area of the main piece; two removable pieces each attached to each of the two upper ends of the main piece; and two upper covers each attached to each of the two removable pieces, the upper covers each having a protuberance to allow attachment of a rubber dam. Also provided are methods for providing isolation of a working area in a patient's mouth.

Abstract: An interdental wedge includes a base body. A cross section of the base body decreases along a length of the base body, at least in places. The base body is three-dimensionally curved, at least in places. An interdental device may include two interdental wedges. One or more interdental wedges may be used for fixing insulating material and/or matrices in the tooth area, and for reversible contact point separation of adjacent teeth, also referred to as separation of the contact points.

Abstract: Dental dressing assemblies are formed from hydrophilic polymer sponge structures, such as a densified chitosan biomaterial. The invention also contemplates systems and methods that can be used in conjunction with stents and periodontal dressings to promote hemostasis and secondary healing in free gingival graft palatal donor sites and all other oral and maxillofacial surgical sites.

Abstract: A gingival retraction system for retracting gingival tissue surrounding a selected tooth within the mouth of a subject is disclosed. In one aspect, the gingival retraction system has a gingival retraction cord and a handle. The gingival retraction cord has at least one lead portion and at least one retraction portion. Portions of the gingival retraction cord are positioned within the gingival sulcus surrounding the selected tooth. The handle can be used to tighten and shorten the portion of the gingival retraction cord positioned within the gingival sulcus surrounding the selected tooth.

Abstract: The invention relates to dental devices for isolating a working area, comprising a substantially concave main piece having two upper ends and a substantially round edge on a lower area of the main piece, the round edge being adaptable to a patient's mouth; a substantially concave lower cover attached to the lower area of the main piece; two removable pieces each attached to each of the two upper ends of the main piece; and two upper covers each attached to each of the two removable pieces, the upper covers each having a protuberance to allow attachment of a rubber dam. Also provided are methods for providing isolation of a working area in a patient's mouth.

Abstract: A patient-controlled device for inhibiting intraoperative dental pain is disclosed. The device includes a removable tooth clamp, an actuator unit, and a control box. The actuator defines unit includes a vibratory actuator and a coupling device for coupling the vibratory actuator to the tooth clamp. The control box is electrically connected to the vibratory actuator and includes at least one controller. In this regard, the removable tooth clamp is configured to be attached to at least one tooth of a patient, and upon final assembly, the controller initiates oscillation of the tooth clamp via the vibratory actuator and vibrates the tooth/teeth to inhibit intraoperative dental pain.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for performing a dental procedure that reduces or eliminates particulates produced during the procedure from being deposited in the mouth of the patient or about the area where the dental procedure is performed. This system comprises, an enclosed dental dam having a semi-rigid upper ring, lower ring and semi-flexible dome. The semi-rigid upper ring has a snap connector along its interior perimeter edge and a first radially outward extending lip along its top side. Then semi-rigid lower ring has a snap connector able to be received by the interior perimeter edge of the semi-rigid upper ring for holding a flexible sheet having an aperture for sealing about a tooth and a second radially outward extending lip. When the upper and lower rings are connected the first and second radially outward extending lips form a snap fit adapter.

Abstract: An intraoral illumination device for illuminating the interior cavity of a patient's mouth during a medical procedure. The illumination device includes a bite piece adapted to be engaged by a patient's teeth for resting the patient's jaw during the medical procedure and fixing the device within the patient's mouth. A translucent illumination member having an interior wall and an exterior wall is connected to the bite piece and optically coupled to the light source that directs light between the walls. The illumination member is a flexible arcuate member that when inserted into the mouth wraps around a rear part of the interior cavity of the patient's mouth with the interior wall facing into the mouth. The exterior wall is reflective and reflects light through the interior wall into the interior cavity of the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A dental instrument includes a first arm, a second arm, which is pivotally coupled to the first arm about a pivot axis, and a spring. The first and second arms are pivotal with respect to each other in a plane generally orthogonal to the pivot axis. Each of the arms has a proximal portion, a medial portion, and a distal portion, with the proximal portions defining hand grip portions, and with the arms being pivotally connected at their medial portions. The spring biases the distal portions of the arms toward each other. Each of the distal portions comprises a first portion and a prong portion depending from the first portion. The prong portions comprise back-to-back generally C-shaped portions and spaced apart tines. The C-shaped portions define a pair of seats, with the tines depending from the seats and having spaced apart distal ends adapted for engaging a rubber-dam clamp, and the seats providing contacts for a dental retaining ring.

Abstract: A peroxide product is provided. The peroxide product includes a package having a headspace, a substrate disposed within the package, and a thin layer of a composition having a peroxide active and a polyol, wherein the thin layer is disposed adjacent the substrate. The peroxide product also includes at least one means for increasing the stability of the peroxide active of the composition. The thin layer of the composition has at least about 43% of its original concentration of the peroxide active at twelve months after manufacture when stored at about 25° C. and in the absence of light.

Abstract: A tooth whitening product is provided. The tooth whitening product includes a strip of material sized to cover the front surface of one or more teeth and soft tissue adjacent the front surface of the teeth. A thin layer of a tooth whitening composition is disposed on the strip of material. The whitening composition contains a peroxide active with a concentration greater than about 7.5% by weight of the tooth whitening composition, and the tooth whitening composition has a peroxide density less than about 1.3 mg/cm2.

Abstract: A packaged tooth whitening product is provided. The package includes a substrate having a first side and a second side, wherein the substrate is sized for use in a human user's oral cavity. A first composition including a tooth whitening agent is disposed adjacent the first side of the substrate. A second composition including an aesthetic agent disposed adjacent the second side of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention is a multipurpose intra-oral device made of a fastener, a first mouthguard connected to the fastener, wherein the first mouthguard has a first mouthguard base engaging a top tooth, a first mouthguard buccal surface, a first mouthguard lingual surface and a first mouthguard occlusal surface, a second mouthguard connected to the fastener, wherein the second mouthguard has a second mouthguard base to engage a bottom tooth, a second mouthguard buccal side, a second mouthguard lingual side and a second mouthguard occlusal surface, at least one first tube connected to one of the mouthguards surface, and at least one first post connected to the other of the mouthguard surface for engaging the tube.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for applying suction adjacent to a tooth is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a suction conduit structure that includes a main conduit portion and a pair of secondary conduit portions extending from the main conduit portion. A pair of pad support members are positionable adjacent to lateral surfaces of the focus tooth, and each pad support member is mounted on one of the secondary conduit portions. A suction pad is mounted on each pad support member for positioning adjacent to the focus tooth. In one embodiment, a tooth gripping structure is mounted on each of the pad support members for gripping a lateral surface of an anchor tooth located next to the focus tooth of the patient. The tooth gripping structures extend toward each other. In another embodiment, a tooth engaging structure is mounted on each of the pad support members for engaging a jaw of the patient at a position of meeting of the focus tooth and an adjacent tooth.

Abstract: A dental bleach using a bleaching agent and a polyvinylpyrrolidone thickening agent is disclosed. The bleach may include water, flavoring agents, a basic substance and desensitizing agents, as desired. Polyvinylpyrrolidone avoids acid etching and chelation of teeth that were problematic in bleaches using carbomer as a thickener.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rubber dam for the isolation of one or more teeth in a patient's mouth, which comprises an annular perioral frame (2) to be arranged extraorally, an elastic and film-like covering means (1) which can be connected to the frame (2) and which in the untensioned state has a bag-shaped section (3) for insertion into the oral cavity, and a fastening means (6) for the intraoral fastening of the covering means (1). The fastening means (6) is formed by an elastic annular element (6) which can be inserted into the vestibule (8) in an elastically deformed state and then exerts a force on the covering means (1) which pushes the covering means (1) into the vestibule (8) and firmly retains it therein.

Abstract: An absorbent core is contained within a generally wedge shaped shell. The core is constructed of cotton or other known absorbent material. The shell is constructed of a material which is rigid enough to hold a mouth of a patient in an open position when the bite block is inserted within the mouth, for example, foamed polystyrene. The shell has a first side and a second side, which are generally triangular shaped and opposite each other. The shell further includes a third side and a fourth side, which are generally rectangular, and which each span between the first and second sides of the shell. Each of the third and fourth sides include alternating peaks and valleys, for providing a gripping surface for the teeth of the patient. The first and second sides each contain an elongated side aperture therein. The core spans completely between the first and second sides at the side apertures. An end aperture is provided at the apex of the shell. The core spans completely to the end aperture.

Abstract: A general field isolation rubber dam with particular applicability in the field of dentistry. An operative insert, in the form of a wire, stamping, or the like, is embedded in or applied to a sheet of elastomeric material such as is used in conventional rubber dams. The operative insert may be elastic, malleable, resilient and deformable or rigid. The operative insert is usually in the form of a closed loop and an opening or openings for defining an operative field is created in the rubber dam material interiorly of the closed loop. The operative insert assists in isolating tensile forces in the rubber dam membrane outside of the insert from distorting the general field isolation dam adjacent the operative field.

Abstract: The airways, lungs and gastrointestinal tract protection system in conscious and consciously sedated dental patients is the first system that provides reliable comprehensive protection against aspiration and ingestion of dental objects during various dental procedures. It is also the first system that uses teeth and/or elastic forces for stability and the malleability nature of some metals to perfectly seal and secure the airways the lungs, and the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying suction adjacent to a tooth for removing saliva from the operative area that includes a bow member for extending about a portion of a tooth of a patient that is substantially U-shaped with a central axis. The bow member includes a transverse portion that extends transverse to the central axis of the bow member and a pair of side portions each being for extending adjacent to lateral surfaces of the tooth. The side portions extend substantially parallel to the central axis, with each of the side portions having a root end connected to the transverse portion and a free end opposite the root end. The side portions of the bow member are resiliently flexible to permit spreading of the side portions. A pair of suction pads are each positionable adjacent to one of the lateral sides of the tooth and mountable adjacent to a lower surface of one of the side portions of the bow member.

Abstract: A dental appliance consisting of a biocompatible, non-absorbable retrievable membrane material may be used as a separation and isolation barrier following periodontal surgery to promote tissue regeneration. The appliance is configured with a cord woven into the inferior aspect of the membrane and extends up from the apical border of the membrane through a loop in the superior border. The free end of the cord extends through the gingival sulcus and remains exposed while the membrane is in place. At the appropriate time for membrane removal, the sutures holding the membrane in place are released and the membrane removal cord is use to lift the membrane through the sulcus by gently pulling on the cord. The non-surgical removal of the membrane using this method reduces further surgical trauma to the patient and eliminates the risk that surgical removal of the membrane could damage the newly regenerated tissue.

Abstract: An intraoral dental dam including an elastic membrane attached to a resilient frame. The membrane having an upper, a lower, a middle portion corresponding to the oral cavity of the user, the middle portion extending between the upper and lower portions, and a perimeter. At least a portion of the perimeter of the membrane being attached to at least a portion of the frame to form an integral dental dam. The dental dam can be disposed in a user's mouth such that the upper portion rests against at least a portion of the palate, the lower portion rests over at least a portion of the tongue, the middle portion substantially blocks the oral cavity, and at least portions of the frame are proximate the inner portion of the user's upper and lower teeth, leaving said teeth substantially exposed.

Abstract: A cotton roll holder adapted to removably receive a cotton roll, the combination of the holder and the cotton roll useful to position the cotton roll in the mouth between the gum and the inner wall of the mouth or cheek to isolate a tooth from the inner wall of the mouth.

Abstract: An adjustable dental appliance for positioning and retaining absorbent polymer rolls in the oral cavity; in an anatomical location in the mandible (lower jaw) where the submandibular and sublingual glands secrete saliva that interferes with visibility during treatment and contaminates the application of moisture sensitive dental materials. The appliance consists of an adjustable dental device which engages the opposite convex surfaces of a tooth with a clasps joined to clasp arms which are mounted on a resilient transverse member. The relative displacement of the clasp arms are adjusted with a plier-like instrument that separates the clasp arms by stressing the tension of the transverse resilient member until the appliance is in place in relation to a tooth to be engaged. Adjacent to each clasp arm, a rectangular projection of metal and small diameter metal shaft, end free and unsupported to receive two absorptive polymer rolls.

Abstract: A periodontal packing device is provided comprising a plate having two through holes for a thread. A second set of holes can be provided for packing material. The thread is passed through the two through holes to form a thread loop adjacent one surface of the plate and two ends which are tied together adjacent a second surface of the plate.

Abstract: A dental isolation dam has a plurality of elastic fibers arranged in a rectangular, crisscrossed pattern between impervious films. The fibers enable the dam to be easily placed, and, once released, clinch around necks of isolated teeth to provide enhanced moisture and infection control.

Abstract: The invention is a device for use as a prop to hold the mouth open which consists essentially of a bite block with an elongated portion that is deflected to provide a turn of about 180.degree. so that the elongated portion extends around the outside of the cheek with the end of the extension pointing backward from the mouth to form a handle by which the bite block is held in position.

Abstract: A device and methods of use and manufacture are disclosed for controlled diffusion of chemical substances of interest intraorally. The device includes ported structure formed of material that is substantially impermeable to the substance of interest, an inner wall of which defines a compartment communicating through the ports with the exterior of the device. A dispersed layer is formed in the compartment of material having limited permeability, the layer being formed so that contact is maintained with the inner wall across the ports after formation, the ports and the layer thus providing a region of permeability to diffusion of the chemical substance of interest. In use, either the chemical substance of interest or a composition capable of binding itself to the chemical substance of interest is placed in the compartment and the device is positioned in the mouth of a subject where it may remain for extended periods.

Abstract: A method for retaining a dental dam comprises the steps of positioning a dental dam (11) over a plurality of teeth in the mouth of a patient; selecting a section of elastomeric cord (10); elongating the section to reduce the cross-sectional area thereof; interposing a portion of the elongated section between at least two adjacent teeth and over the dam; and allowing the section to expand toward its original cross-sectional area thereby prohibiting the removal of the dam from the teeth. Also provided in combination with a dental dam (11) having a plurality of individual holes to fit over a like plurality of teeth in the mouth of a patient, is an elastomeric cord (10) having a first, relaxed diameter and a second elongated diameter of lesser dimension than the first, the second diameter being interposed between a pair of adjacent teeth and over the dam in position with respect to the teeth, wherein the first diameter forms an elastomeric wedge between the teeth to retain the dam.

Abstract: A preformed dental barrier drape contoured to conform to the normal human oral cavity, including indices for cutting perforations to expose either one or a plurality of teeth at the crown, to include the sides and/or neckline and adjacent gingival tissue is provided. When positioned in a pateint's mouth, the dental barrier drape is draped over the teeth and other structures and features of the oral cavity with sufficient barrier material removed at required locations to expose the teeth and gum areas to be operated on. The barrier drape device may include an integral formable perimeter support structure and integral support structures along the alveolar arches. Various barrier drape retaining devices to retain the barrier device in position and seal the barrier drape material to the teeth at the neckline of a tooth are described.

Abstract: A cushion for a dental rubber dam clamp has a body of an elastomeric material with a tooth engaging front face, a rear face and first and second ends. An elongated, slot-like recess communicates with the rear face and extends towards the front face from near the first end to near the second end. A method of securing a dental rubber dam clamp includes placing the cushion over at least one inside edge of the clamp and securing the clamp on a tooth so a portion of the cushion is compressed between the inside edge of the clamp and the tooth.

Abstract: A compact dam clamp and its method of application is disclosed, said dam clamp having in a preferred embodiment a side attachment face and a bottom face, said side attachment face being provided with one or more apertures provided therethrough to enable the clamp to be physically locked to the tooth upon application and curing of a non permanent composite resin. The use of the present device does not result in either hard or soft tissue damage, and may be used on even partially erupted teeth.

Abstract: A dental device for isolating a region of the mouth in which dental operations are to be performed includes a frame to retain the device in the mouth in substantially vertical orientation between the inside of the lower teeth and the patient's tongue. The frame includes a palatal member that engages the roof of the mouth and a lingual member connected to the palatal member to engage the mouth generally at the mouth floor. The palatal and lingual members are resiliently biased in a direction away from each other so that upon placement of the device in the mouth the device is in compressive engagement between the mouth floor and roof. The lingual member has a first portion disposed generally above the mandibular occlusal plane and extending outward to engage the lower teeth and a second portion extending generally downward below the mandibular occlusal plane. A shield member is affixed to the second portion and is sized to shield the tongue from the lower teeth.