Abstract: A dental separator device includes an elastic body having a first end and a second end. A first surface engager is connected to the first end of the body. The first surface engager includes a first distal section and a first mesial section and a notch between the first distal section and the first mesial section. The first distal section and the first mesial section each include a pair of spaced apart hands. A second surface engager is connected to the second end of the body. The second surface engager includes a second distal section and a second mesial section, and a notch between the second distal section and the second mesial section. The second distal section and the second mesial section each include a pair of spaced apart hands. The hands are for engaging teeth and/or for creating adaptation pressure on a dental matrix stabilizer and/or dental matrix.

Abstract: The retractor is a generally U-shaped device for protecting the cheek and tongue from instruments used during dental and prosthodontic procedures. The retractor has a planar base defined by two spaced arms, a pair of upright shields extending from the arms, and a posterior connector connecting the shields. The base is contoured to grip the tooth adjacent to the tooth to be treated, and thereby, secure the retractor within the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A coupling device for a middle ear implant includes a transducer end configured to engage an implantable electromechanical transducer, a bone engagement end configured to engage a temporal bone surface of a recipient patient, a planar loading spring located between the transducer end and the bone engagement end and configured for compression by displacement of the transducer end and the bone engagement end in towards each other, and compression indicators configured to provide visual indication of a pre-load force created on the temporal bone surface by the compression of the loading spring.

Abstract: A dental dam clamp and method comprising an aperture frame, a first opposing jaw, and a second opposing jaw is disclosed. The first opposing jaw is coupled to a first opposing end of the aperture frame, and the second opposing jaw coupled to a second opposing end of the aperture frame. The first opposing jaw and the second opposing jaw are biased toward a rest state by the aperture frame. The external surface of the aperture frame comprises at least one notch, and the internal surface of the aperture frame defines a treatment aperture. The aperture frame may be substantially parallel with both the first opposing jaw and the second opposing jaw.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for an improved system for utilizing matrix bands in dental restorations. The system allows for maintaining or recreating close interproximal contacts between teeth following restoration. A matrix band is provided which retains in place a contact matrix that upon completion of the restoration is tightly bound to the filling matrix deposited into the cavity, and thus maintains or recreates a tight contact with adjacent teeth. The system provides an improved system for use in dental surgery, and by implementing the kit provided clinicians are able to provide enhanced results following restoration with a minimum of effort.

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 is an open-ended dental ring with varying height used in the preparation of a tooth for a restorative procedure. The ring is used in conjunction with a shield to ensure the shield between a tooth to be restored and an adjacent tooth. The result is a close contact being formed between the two teeth after restoration and improved flexibility recall after repeated use.

Abstract: A dental matrix clamp comprising an elongate body (1), a matrix band (27) mountable relative to the body (1) so as to form a loop projecting at one end of the body (1). The clamp has a tensioning device operable on the band (27) to tighten the N loop, and a deflector member (15) which engages the band (27) to provide an inclined conformation thereto. The deflector member (15) is adjustable transversely across the band (27) between opposite positions at which it bears against opposite peripheral portions of the band (27). The clamp is a hand-held device used in dentistry to clamp a band around a tooth for retention and moulding of filling material.

Abstract: A sheet of material having a central body portion with attached wings capable of folding towards each other on either side. The wings of the bite block fold toward each other along fold lines adjacent the central body portion and provide a structure for biting down upon for propping the mouth of a patient open during a dental procedure. A mirrored surface may be placed on the central body portion for improving visibility in the mouth. In a unilateral bite block embodiment, the unilateral bite block is placed in only one side of the mouth. The bite block may be made inexpensively and is disposable.

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: A dental dam clamp comprises first and second spaced, opposing jaws and respective first and second tooth engaging portions on the jaws. The first and second tooth engaging portions are positioned in confronting relation to one another and are biased toward one another by a resilient member when the jaws are moved outwardly from a free state defining a first position of the jaws. In one embodiment, first ends of the tooth engaging portions are spaced closer together than the second ends of the tooth engaging portions when the jaws are in the first position. The spacing between the first ends of the tooth engaging portions may be substantially the same as the spacing between the second ends of the tooth engaging portions when the jaws are moved outwardly to a second position. In another embodiment, the tooth engaging portions include friction-increasing surfaces to help secure the clamp to a tooth.

Abstract: A dental device includes a housing unit for removably holding sensor film and a tooth clamp disposed on the housing unit. The tooth clamp consists of first and second resilient arcuate bridges. Each of the first and second bridge has a first and second end. The first end of the first bridge and the first end of the second bridge are interconnected to one jaw of a pair of oppositely disposed jaws. The second end of the first bridge and the second end of the second bridge are interconnected to the other jaw of the pair of oppositely disposed jaws. Each of the oppositely disposed jaws includes a gripping plate, an aperture and a tab for engaging a flexible sheet.

Abstract: A dental device includes a housing unit for removably holding sensor film and a tooth clamp disposed on the housing unit. The tooth clamp consists of first and second resilient arcuate bridges. Each of the first and second bridge has a first and second end. The first end of the first bridge and the first end of the second bridge are interconnected to one jaw of a pair of oppositely disposed jaws. The second end of the first bridge and the second end of the second bridge are interconnected to the other jaw of the pair of oppositely disposed jaws. Each of the oppositely disposed jaws includes a gripping plate, an aperture and a tab for engaging a flexible sheet.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument extractor tool is configured for removing a fragment of a broken endodontic instrument that has become lodged within a root canal of a tooth. The extractor tool comprises an elongate shaft, including a hollow gripping body at a distal end, and a proximal handle portion. The hollow gripping body includes an inside diameter that is initially greater than a cross-sectional dimension of a fragment of a broken endodontic instrument to be removed from a root canal of a tooth. The inside diameter of the hollow gripping body defines a hollow interior cavity portion into which at least a portion of the fragment is receivable. At least the hollow gripping body of the body is formed of a shape memory alloy (e.g., nickel-titanium) or polymer in an expanded configuration so that upon heating, the shape memory alloy or polymer returns to its unexpanded configuration, tightly gripping around a proximal end of the fragment.

Abstract: A dental dam clamp comprises first and second spaced, opposing jaws and respective first and second tooth engaging portions on the jaws. The first and second tooth engaging portions are positioned in confronting relation to one another and are biased toward one another by a resilient member when the jaws are moved outwardly from a free state defining a first position of the jaws. In one embodiment, first ends of the tooth engaging portions are spaced closer together than the second ends of the tooth engaging portions when the jaws are in the first position. The spacing between the first ends of the tooth engaging portions may be substantially the same as the spacing between the second ends of the tooth engaging portions when the jaws are moved outwardly to a second position. In another embodiment, the tooth engaging portions include friction-increasing surfaces to help secure the clamp to a tooth.

Abstract: The invention provides an assembly for measuring the penetration depth of a dental instrument into a root canal of a tooth. The assembly has a base element configured to be clampingly braced onto a tooth to be treated; an electrically conductive guiding member affixable to the base element and disposed, when assembled, above the tooth, thereby, in use, a portion of the dental instrument makes electrical contact with it. The guiding member further includes an electrical terminal connectable to an apex location measuring device. Methods for continuously measuring penetration depths of a dental instrument into a root canal of a tooth are also provided.

Abstract: A matrix band retainer for dental restoration has a unitary member of a stiff planar spring material. The unitary member has an open ring substantially in a first plane, with the plane of the material of the ring perpendicular to the first plane. A tine at each end of the open ring extends substantially normal to the plane of the ring. Each tine has a first planar portion extending from the ring and a second planar portion extending from the first planar portion. The second planar portion is at an angle to the first planar portion and adjoins the first planar portion to define a ridge. The ridges of each tine face each other across a gap. Each tine may be bifurcated at the end distal from the ring so that the distal portion of each of the first planar portion and the second planar portion are divided by a notch. A dental wedge can be inserted through the notch with the matrix band retainer in place.

Abstract: A dental contact matrix system is described for the placement of dental fillings. The dental contact matrix system includes a matrix, a retainer for placing and retaining the 5 matrix and an elastic wedge. The retainer includes two lugs or tines that fit between two teeth on the buccal and lingual sides of the teeth. The lugs are connected by spring member that presses the lugs against the lingual and buccal sides of the teeth. There is an adaptation to hold the elastic wedge in a stretched condition between the lugs.

Abstract: A dental implement includes a wire member that forms a generally ring-shaped portion and first and second ends, which depend from the ring-shaped portion. The ring-shaped portion lies in a plane, with the first and second ends depending from the generally ring-shaped portion in a direction generally orthogonal to the plane. At least a portion of the first end touches at least a portion of the second end when in an initial resting state, wherein the first and second ends generate an inward force towards each other when separated.

Abstract: A rubber dam clamp comprising a transverse arch connecting two free ends, the two free ends having opposing retentive bonding pads for improved retention, stability, and comfort of rubber dam applications, when applied to a patient's tooth, due to the combination of increased contact surface and use of adhesives between the clamp and the tooth. Further, the invention relates to the adaptation of conventional rubber dam clamps into they type referred to above so as to create a similar combination of frictional force and use of adhesive in order to maintain the position of the clamp in dental procedures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a series of rubber dam retaining devices which use cervically directed forces to cervically retract and retain a rubber dam below the gum line in the mouth of a patient during dental treatment. The series includes two classifications of cervical retraction and retaining devices; intra-arch clamping devices which utilize inwardly directed reciprocal force to attach directly to a tooth for retention and inter-arch retaining devices which utilize the reciprocal forces of the upper and lower alveolar arches to retract and retain a rubber dam in the mouth of a patient during treatment. The invention has implications for general field isolation in dentistry, conventional isolation, and a hybrid type of isolation which involves both conventional isolation and general field isolation simultaneously.

Abstract: A dental clamp clamps a tooth and supporting a flexible sheet around a tooth during a dental operation. The dental clamp includes oppositely disposed jaws, each having a wing and a groove extending from an interior of the jaw to an outside edge of the wing; and a resilient bridge connecting oppositely disposed jaws and biasing the jaws toward each other. The clamp may include a curvaceous terminal at one end of each groove to facilitate the placement of the sheet around the tooth.

Abstract: A dental clamp for supporting a flexible sheet around a tooth during a dental operation has a resilient member connecting oppositely disposed jaws. The resilient member biases the jaws toward each other. A plurality of resilient fingers extend toward each other from each jaw.

Abstract: A dental implement includes a wire member that forms a generally ring-shaped portion and first and second ends, which depend from the ring-shaped portion. The ring-shaped portion lies in a plane, with the first and second ends depending from the generally ring-shaped portion in a direction generally orthogonal to the plane. At least a portion of the first end touches at least a portion of the second end when in an initial resting state, wherein the first and second ends generate an inward force towards each other when separated.

Abstract: A dental ring for use in installing interproximal fillings in the teeth of human patients in a dental office. In its most fundamental embodiment, the dental ring exhibits a circular ring comprised of metal which includes a gap formed in the ring for defining a first terminal end and a second terminal end. A pair of downward extending parallel flanges includes a first parallel flange extending from the first terminal end and a second parallel flange extending from the second terminal end where the parallel flanges serve to separate a decayed tooth from an adjacent tooth. Finally, a protuberance is formed onto an interior surface of one of the parallel flanges for securing a matrix foil about the decayed tooth. In an alternative embodiment, a protuberance is formed onto an interior surface of each of the first and second parallel flanges for securing a matrix foil about the decayed tooth.

Abstract: The invention comprises improved matrix band retainers for use in dental procedures. The matrix band retainers comprise a pair of tines anatomically configured to be inserted into the interproximal spaces between adjacent teeth for holding a matrix band in proper alignment during a dental filling procedure. The matrix band retainers have a thin profile characterized by the cross-sectional area of the flexible body member in which the width of the body is greater than the height of the body. The tines are connected to the flexible body member by crossbar members. The matrix band retainers also comprise receptacle means for securely receiving the prongs of a spreading device. The receptacle means may include hole formations formed in the body member configured for engaging the prongs of a rubber dam clamp spreading tool.

Abstract: A rubber dam clamp comprising a transverse arch connecting two free ends, the two free ends having opposing retentive bonding pads for improved retention, stability, and comfort of rubber dam applications, when applied to a patient's tooth, due to the combination of increased contact surface and use of adhesives between the clamp and the tooth. Further, the invention relates to the adaptation of conventional rubber dam clamps into they type referred to above so as to create a similar combination of frictional force and use of adhesive in order to maintain the position of the clamp in dental procedures.

Abstract: The invention comprises improved matrix band retainers for use in dental procedures. The matrix band retainers comprise a pair of tines anatomically configured to be inserted into the interproximal spaces between adjacent teeth for holding a matrix band in proper alignment during a dental filling procedure. The matrix band retainers have a thin profile characterized by the cross-sectional area of the flexible body member in which the width of the body is greater than the height of the body. The tines are connected to the flexible body member by crossbar members. The matrix band retainers also comprise receptacle means for securely receiving the prongs of a spreading device. The receptacle means may include hole formations formed in the body member configured for engaging the prongs of a rubber dam clamp.

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: The invention comprises improved matrix band retainers for use in dental procedures. The matrix band retainers comprise a pair of tines that are anatomically configured to be inserted into the interproximal spaces between teeth for holding a matrix band in proper alignment during a dental filling procedure and for keeping the matrix band retainer from slipping out of position. The tines may be curved and/or include a wedge-shaped portion to facilitate insertion of the tines into the interproximal spaces between two adjacent teeth. The matrix band retainers also comprise two apertures that are configured in size and shape to receive the prongs of a rubber dam clamp or other tine-spreading device for enabling the rubber dam clamp to spread the tines of the matrix band retainer in a safe and secure manner.

Abstract: A dental clamp for supporting a flexible sheet around a tooth during a dental operation has a resilient member connecting oppositely disposed jaws. The resilient member biases the jaws toward each other. A plurality of resilient fingers extend toward each other from each jaw.

Abstract: A dental separator and matrix stabilizing device (40) for applying pressure against adjacent teeth (68, 70) to temporarily force the teeth apart from one another for dental and orthodontic procedures. The device (40) includes a spring yoke (42), opposing tines (46), and engagement structures (44). The opposing tines (46) are adapted for wedging between interdental surfaces of the adjacent teeth (68, 70). The engagement structures (44) are adapted for receiving a spreading instrument (58). The opposing tines (46) engage the profile of a tooth along a zone of contact. The device is adapted be used in combination with a plurality of like devices (40, 40′).

Abstract: A matrix clamp used in dental procedures to restore teeth to their natural shapes has a pair of gripping portions that are each connected to a cross-over bar. When the gripping portions are depressed by finger pressure, a pair of clamping tines connected to the cross-over bars spread apart from each other to enable the tines to be placed in contact with a sectional matrix band. When the gripping portions are released, a coil spring portion of the matrix clamp urges the tines toward each other so that the sectional matrix band is secured against the tooth and the clamp is retained in its selected position.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for placement of light curable dental fillings. The apparatus includes a matrix formed of light transparent material and shaped to conform to the natural contour of a tooth in the interproximal zone. The matrix is thinned in its central regions to permit a filling to be made which has close contact with an adjacent tooth. A light transparent wedge has also been invented which selectively conducts light to the base of the tooth preparation and which can be used to conduct light interproximally which light has been applied at either end of the wedge. A clamp has been invented for use with the wedge and/or matrix or for use independently of these devices. The clamp is formed to fit over the top portion of the wedge to enhance engagement against the tooth over previous clamps which are prevented from extending over the tooth by engagement against the top of the wedge.

Abstract: The device for the retention and the adaptation of a matrix to the treated portion of a tooth includes a tightener clamp whose ends are each provided with an adaptation cushion having anchoring elements and adaptation elements, the cushion being destined to adapt to the contour of the border area of the cavity of the treated tooth portion in a formfitting manner. Such a device effectively prevents the formation of proximal excesses in composite fillings.

Abstract: An improved dental dam includes a sheet of moisture impervious material integrally attached to at least one and preferably at least two thickened areas. The thickened areas may be of the same material or a different material. Preferably latex is the material for both the sheet material and the thickened area which constitutes a clamp. The clamp, having surfaces oriented to closely match the surface profile of a tooth are treated with an adhesive material which will bond with the tooth to be clamped.

Abstract: The dental dam support (10) and donut (16) are comprised of a moldable, hardenable material for use as a support means for a dental clamp (14), which can prevent clamp (14) from contacting the teeth or gingiva, during anchorage of a dental dam (18). The material achieves sufficient hardness to support clamp (14) over gingiva alone, if the tooth structure is insufficient, enhances the stability of clamp (14) on the tooth or gingiva, and inhibits fluid movement past clamp (14). Softened support (10) or donut (16) material is molded over the teeth or gingiva to be clamped, clamp (14) is partly seated into the material and restrained while the material is hardened. Clamp (14) is released such that it engages the support material. Another use of support (10) is to anchor dam (18) without clamp (14). Softened support (10) is molded over teeth where anchorage is desired. Support (10) is hardened and removed from the teeth.

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: The rubber dam clamp is made of fiber-reinforced plastic. The dam clamp has a pair of gripping claws that are adapted to engage a tooth neck. A resilient bridge connects the gripping claws. A pair of open sockets are defined in an inside of the gripping claws between the bridge and the gripping claws. The sockets are adapted to receive the points of a rubber dam clamp forceps so that the dam clamp may be opened without the risk of the forceps being caught in the socket when the dam clamp is released and the forceps is to be removed therefrom.

Abstract: A dental rubber dam clamp capable of isolating a tooth not capable of being clamped itself. Isolation is achieved by jaw extensions that engage and position the robber dam on the clamp and by placement of the clamp with its springy bridge toward the mesial or midline rather than distally.

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 radiolucent dental dam clamp.

Abstract: A dental roll having a wrapper or covering of nonwoven fibers surrounding an absorbent body of cellulosic fibers and wherein the wrapper is constructed to have greater stretchability radially of the absorbent body than lengthwise thereof so as to resiliently maintain the body in compacted, dense condition while permitting the dental rolls to readily conform to the contour of the mouth and lip of the patient.

Abstract: A clamp used for supporting a flexible sheet used in dental operations for isolating teeth has two jaws and a spring in the form of a bridge connecting the jaws, the improvement being that the clamp as a whole is made of a plastics material which is capable of resilient deformation and which is permeable to X-rays, for example polycarbonate.

Abstract: A tooth clamp for use on a tooth includes a pair of gripping plates interconnected by a resilient arcuate bridge, a stopper mount on at least one of the gripper plates, and a stopper mounted on the stopper mount and having a portion for engagement with the tooth. The gripping plates are prevented by the stopper from moving toward the roots of the tooth into biting engagement with the gum surrounding the tooth. The tooth or its root canal can therefore be treated safely and quickly. The stopper is adjustably supported on the stopper mount so that the height of the gripping plates with respect to the top of the tooth can be adjusted dependent on the height of the tooth.

Abstract: An iatrogenic shield which includes a resilient band of stainless steel having a front portion which is placed against the interproximal surface of a tooth to protect it from inadvertent contact with dental instruments. Two side portions contract against the buccal and lingual surfaces of the tooth to hold the shield in place and each include permanent loops used for placement and removal of the shield. The front portion may also include a recess along its gingival edge and a lip along its occlusal edge.

Abstract: A dental dam clamp in each of two lateral wings has an aperture at least partially bounded by several arcuate walls to engage a handling tool in any of several different positions.