Abstract: The invention provides a dental implant pick up and drive assembly, comprising a dental implant and a pick up and drive device for picking up the implant and driving it into a patient's jawbone. The dental implant comprises a cavity disposed on one end of the dental implant, a first wall portion in a hexagon shape connected with the cavity, and a threaded portion enclosing the dental implant. The pick up and drive device comprises: a driver head, disposed at an end portion thereof, including a second circumferential wall in a hexagon shape, in which a size of the second circumferential wall is slightly smaller than a size of the first wall portion of the implant for close accommodation when in driving. At least one wall of the second circumferential wall of the driver head has a slant surface for engaging and interfering with the implant when in picking up.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solution to be selectively applied to individual parts of the surface of dental ceramic(s) and a process for using the solution in the dental field. More specifically the invention relates to a solution comprising a) a solvent, b) an effect agent, and c) a complexing agent. The invention also relates to a kit comprising the solution and to a method of using the solution for selectively treating of parts of the surface dental ceramic(s). The invention also relates to a application instrument suitable for applying the solution.

Abstract: A dental clinical apparatus having a function which conventional instruments for dental treatment have not had and having a novel constitution. The dental clinical apparatus includes a syringe which has a fluid jetting system for dental treatment and a plasma jet applying means for producing a plasma jet from the end by allowing a low-frequency high-voltage power supply to apply a low-frequency high voltage between electrodes on the outer peripheral surface of a rare gas tube through which a rare gas having a low dielectric breakdown voltage under the atmospheric pressure is flowed, and thereby causing electrical discharge.

Abstract: A dental implant system including a dental implant having an apical end, a top end, an anchoring portion adjacent the apical end. The dental implant is adapted to engage bone and has an axial length. The dental implant has an internally threaded opening of a predetermined depth accessible from the top end of the dental implant. The system includes an abutment receiving portion adjacent the top end for receiving an abutment. The system also includes an annular shoulder formed between the anchoring portion and the abutment receiving portion. The system also has an implant abutment having a peripheral wall and a central axial bore extending through the abutment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an applicator instrument for applying dental compounds. The applicator instrument comprises an instrument head (11) with a support structure (12) and with a plurality of projections (14) formed on the support structure (12). The projections (14) are elastic and, in relation to a height extent, have less stiffness than the support structure (14). Between them, the projections (14) enclose a receiving space (15) for the dental compound. According to the invention, the projections (14) have a planar configuration and, in relation to a width extent, are arranged substantially parallel to one another. The greatest diameter of the instrument head (11) is between 2 mm and 3 mm. With the applicator instrument according to the invention, it is easier to apply the dental compound in dosed amounts and to spread the dental compound across the surface that is to be treated.

Abstract: An applicator instrument for applying dental compounds includes an instrument head. The instrument head has a support structure with a plurality of elastic projections formed on the support structure. The projections have less stiffness than the support structure with respect to a height extent and enclose a receiving space for the dental compound. Additionally, the projections have a planar configuration and are arranged substantially parallel to one another with respect to a width extent. The diameter of the instrument head is equal to or less than 3 mm. Using this applicator instrument, it is easier to apply dental compound in dosed amounts and to spread the dental compound across a surface to be treated.

Abstract: A method and the resulting product for optimizing the configuration of a mouthpiece for cleaning teeth in which the configuration of the mouthpiece is optimized to the oral geometry of individual users. The method includes a first step (26) of producing a digital scan of the oral geometry of the individual user and then producing a rigid shell (30) for the mouthpiece substantially matching the digital scan. The configuration of the resulting mouthpiece is characterized by the outer surface of the shell not extending from the buccal surface of the individual teeth more than 7 mm (31); further, by the rear edge of the shell not contacting the tissues to the rear of the rearmost teeth (36), and still further by no more than a 2 mm overlap into the gum line (36), when the mouthpiece is operatively positioned in the user's mouth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to certain interdental cleaning devices and methods for their manufacture and use to remove interdental debris, to alleviate and/or prevent gingival inflammation, and or to deliver desired pharmacological and therapeutic or other active agents to the gingival or tooth surfaces. The pharmacologic and therapeutic agents of the present invention include, but are not limited to, antibiotics, antiseptics, anesthetics, astringents, and whitening agents. The present invention also includes various methods for the manufacture and use of interdental cleaning devices comprising a porous structural component that may be used to topically or locally deliver the pharmacologic and therapeutic agents according to the present invention to a desired target tissue within a mammalian body such as the interdental space to reduce or treat gingival infection, inflammation, or pain.

Abstract: A device for increasing movement of a tooth in a jaw includes a handle, an elongate member extending from the handle, a screw tip at a distal end of the elongate member, and a sleeve. The screw tip is configured to drill into cortical bone of the jaw to increase movement of the tooth. The sleeve is configured to move along the elongate member to vary the length of exposed screw tip.

Abstract: An interdental brush of the present invention includes bristles (11), a wire (12) twisted with the bristles (11), and a handle (20) attached to the wire (12). The handle (20) includes a main body (21). The main body (21) is formed with a longitudinal hole (41) through which a base part of the wire (12) extends, a space section (42) connecting to the longitudinal hole (41), and extending through the main body (21) in a lateral direction, and a tubular wire detachment preventing portion (50) extending from a peripheral portion of an opening of the longitudinal hole (41) at an inner wall surface of the space section (42) into the space section (42). The wire detachment preventing portion (50) is curved together with the wire (12) with a tip portion of the base part of the wire (12) being inserted therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the efficient, safe, and hygienic removing of removable tooth positioning appliances such as aligners or other dental appliances from the teeth of a patient. A straight rigid barrel has a lever appendage on the proximal end for fully engaging and removing a lower aligner and a hook appendage on the distal end for fully engaging and removing an upper aligner.

Abstract: A toothpick probe molded of nylon 6 material and containing absorbed polar mouthwash antiseptic/antibacterial solution for probing between human teeth and probing of the gums holding the human teeth. The toothpick probe molded of nylon 6 material is captured immediately on ejection from the molding cavities and immersed in a polar antiseptic mouthwash solution and subsequently removed from the solution and free liquid removed from the toothpick probes for subsequent use of the toothpick probes, as a toothpick probe for human teeth and gums holding the teeth and in addition a molded nylon 6 material is captured and immersed in a polar solution of antiseptic/antibacterial for a sufficient time to absorb at least 10% of its weight of the antiseptic/antibacterial solution and a section of the molded nylon 6 material containing the absorbed polar antiseptic/antibacterial liquid, for in vivo application.

Abstract: The device for infiltration of approximal tooth surfaces, with a flexible planar element and with a holder into which the planar element is clamped, is characterized in that the planar element is a liquid-impermeable plastic film which has a surface area for taking up a liquid to be used for treatment, and in that the holder is a bow-shaped element with a web and two lateral arms which extend from the latter and are arranged in an arc-shape or U-shape, to which the plastic film is connected in a liquid-impermeable manner.

Abstract: A system for removing dental prosthetics and restorations effectively and efficiently without damaging the dental prosthetic or restoration and with minimal discomfort to a patient is disclosed. The system features central holder designed for receiving and securely supporting a single or plurality of support arms in a spaced apart arrangement, whereby each support arm is capable of supporting an adjustable and pivoting attachment designed to adhesively engage and remove a dental prosthetic and restoration with the application of force. The system also features a plurality of independent attachments that can be used to adhesively engage and effectively remove a dental prosthetic and restoration with the application of force.

Abstract: An upper denture release apparatus and method of use. A denture puller has a chin rest, arm attached to the chin rest, and a hook attached to an end of the arm opposite the chin rest. An upper denture has a notch sized and located to admit the hook when a wearer's chin rests on the chin rest. The method includes the steps of resting a wearer's chin on the chin rest, inserting the hook into the upper denture notch, and opening the wearer's mouth, thus pulling the upper denture off the wearer's upper gum. Arm length adjustment is shown, whereby the denture puller may be adjusted to fit differently-sized upper denture wearers. Preferred hook declination, hook toe, arm and notch floor angles are disclosed.

Abstract: A dental implant system has an implant member, an abutment member and a transfer key with cooperatively engaging structures for aligning and orienting an abutment assembled on the implant member and for preparing a dental impression and mold which represents the implantation site and its relationship to adjacent teeth structures. The dental implant system includes an O-ring type abutment assembly with a reduced footprint, a surgical screw and bone screw insertion tool, a healing abutment that need not be removed during an impression taking procedure, and an implant coding system for selecting and identifying dental implants and implant analogs.

Abstract: In an internal sinus manipulation procedure for augmenting bone of a dental patient between a bony floor of the patient's sinus and a raised portion of the patient's sinus membrane, employing a bone graft material condensing instrument comprising a longitudinally extending handle and a laterally extending distal head having an upper surface bounded by vertically extending substantially flat sides and a flat horizontally extending lower surface and placed within the raised portion of the patient's sinus membrane to condense a previously placed bone graft forming material upon a turning thereof.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method and apparatus for disguising a dental probe from a patient for use, for example, in the field of pediatric dentistry, or special needs dentistry, the apparatus and method of using the apparatus having a first section and a second section. In a preferred embodiment, the first section is a hard probe that is configured for probing a patient's teeth for carious lesions.

Abstract: A device for removing a loose tooth, the device including a handle, a base structure, and a retention strap, wherein the retention strap is secured about an outer surface of the loose tooth such that the base structure forms an interface with the tooth. The device further including features for increasing friction between the base structure and the tooth to prevent slippage while removing the tooth with the device.

Abstract: A dental handpiece (10) of the type having a body (11), a head (13) and a neck (12), is improved by having at least one portion of the handpiece (10) formed by metal injection molding or MIM. The use of MIM allows for improved fabrication and function. According to one aspect of the invention, the head (13) and neck (12) of the handpiece (10) are MIM-formed as a single or unitary piece.

Abstract: The dental screw of the present invention includes a head part having a tightening groove for transmitting a rotational force of a driver, and a screw part having screw threads in the longitudinal direction wherein the head part further includes a fixing groove at the central portion of the tightening groove to prevent the screw from being disengaged from the driver. The dental screw driver of the present invention is a dental screw driver including a tightening part and a supporting part wherein the tightening part includes a tightening projection which fits into the tightening groove of the dental screw and a fixing tip disposed at the tip of the tightening part so as to be inserted into the tightening groove.

Abstract: Tooling and methodologies for separation and dissection of the subantral membrane from the floor of the maxillary sinus. The tooling and associated methodology employ a handle and one or more support structures extending therefrom. A thin member extends from the distal end of the support structure(s). The thin member has a first peripheral region disposed opposite a second peripheral region. The first peripheral region is joined to or integrally formed with the distal end of the support structure(s). The second peripheral region defines a thin blade-like section for dissecting the subantral membrane from the floor of the maxillary sinus. In the preferred embodiment, the blade-like section is angled downward away from the distal support structure, which aids in positioning the blade-like section on the floor of the maxillary sinus.

Abstract: A dental apparatus usable to place cord beneath a gum line and related methods of use are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a handle having one or more rotary members attached thereto. In operation, the edge of a rotary member is placed in contact with a cord surrounding a tooth, and the edge is rolled along the length of the cord, such that contact between the edge and the cord causes the rotary member to rotate, while the other portions of the apparatus are moved laterally during use. The cord is thereby placed beneath the gum line while contact between the apparatus and surrounding teeth and gums is minimized.

Abstract: A dental handpiece is disclosed which has a head housing, a gear shaft having a gear part with gear teeth and a shaft part extending from the gear part, and a dust control seal sealingly fit on the circumferential surface of the shaft part of the gear shaft. The dust control seal is an annular member, and has a seal body, a first lip projecting radially inwardly from the seal body, and a second lip projecting radially inwardly from the seal body above and spaced apart from the first lip, with a space defined between a contact area between the first lip and the shaft part, and a contact area between the second lip and the shaft part.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus for treating a breathing condition includes an oral appliance, a mask, and a tensioning device. The oral appliance is configured to receive at least some of a wearer's teeth and a mask. The mask is configured to deliver gas to the wearer. The mask includes a chamber configured to cover the wearer's mouth. The chamber is at least partially enclosed by an interior of the mask. The tensioning device couples the mask to the oral appliance and includes a flexible tension element at least partially disposed between the oral appliance and the mask and within the chamber. The flexible tension element is configured to apply a tensile force between the mask and the oral appliance.

Abstract: A process and also to a system for cleaning and maintaining a medical hand-held instrument, in particular a dental hand-held instrument, with an elongate grip sleeve in which elements are arranged which pertain to a drive arrangement and which are, in particular, rotatably supported, for example a shaft. For the purpose of cleaning and maintaining the hand-held instrument different media are conducted through it. In this connection a first medium, for example oil, is conducted merely through a power-transmission region surrounding the elements of the drive arrangement, whereas, on the other hand, a second medium, for example a cleaning agent, is conducted additionally also through at least one further cavity within the hand-held instrument.

Abstract: A dental hand instrument having an elongate handle sleeve, at the front end of which there are disposed means for holding a treatment tool, for example a dental drill, there are disposed inside the handle sleeve means for driving the treatment tool, which driving means have at least two rotatably mounted shafts that are coupled to each other, a sealing element being disposed in the coupling region of the two shafts inside the handle sleeve.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis removal tool includes a handle portion and a top portion, the top portion including a head portion and a beak portion. The beak portion is configured to engage both a maxillary dental prosthesis and a mandibular dental prosthesis without the tool needing to be reoriented. The dental prosthesis removal tool makes it possible for a dental prosthesis wearer to remove dental prostheses without the user placing his or her fingers inside of his or her mouth. The dental prosthesis removal tool also allows a denture wearer to remove dental prostheses without bending, work hardening, or breaking metal clasps contained in some dental prostheses. The dental prosthesis removal tool further allows a denture wearer to more comfortably remove his or her dental prosthesis, promoting better patient compliance with maintenance procedures and oral hygiene.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a dental tool having a probe and a portion configured to disguise the dental probe from a patient.

Abstract: A dental implant system includes an abutment including a first portion configured for disposal within an inner cavity of a dental implant and defining an outer surface configured for fixation with an inner surface of the dental implant. The abutment includes a second portion having a drive configured to separate from the abutment at a predetermined force. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sinus membrane lifting instrument comprising a longitudinally extending handle portion, an angled neck extending longitudinally from the handle portion and a disc-shaped tip extending from the angled neck, the angled neck including means for sensing tension in a sinus membrane as it is being lifted by the instrument from its bony support floor.

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: Dental implant for insertion in the jaw bone of a patient, comprising an elongated body having a longitudinal axis and a coronal end, an interior bore extending longitudinally from the coronal end, and a plurality of longitudinally extending anti-rotation structures formed at the inner circumference of the interior bore, with a first set of anti-rotation structures constituting a first anti-rotation feature and a second set of anti-rotation structures constituting a second anti-rotation feature which is independent from the first anti-rotation feature. According to the invention, the anti-rotation structures of the first set and the anti-rotation structures of the second set extend in part over a common length along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Combination of a dental implant and an insertion tool for inserting the dental implant into a bone of a patient. The dental implant includes an anti-rotation means having a non-circular cross-sectional contour with at least one planar force transmission surface in the form of an anti-rotation surface (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d). The insertion tool includes an anti-rotation means having a non-circular cross-sectional contour with at least one planar force transmission surface in the form of a torque transmission surface (11a?, 11a?; 11b?, 11b?; 11c?, 11c?; 11d?, 11d?). One of the anti-rotation means forms a recess (6), and the other forms a bolt (10) having a rotational axis and designed to be received in the direction of the rotational axis in the recess (6), such that the at least one anti-rotation surface and at least one torque transmission surface can cooperate to transmit torque between the parts.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis removal, tool comprising a handle portion and a top portion, the top portion comprising a head portion and a beak portion. The beak portion is configured to engage both a maxillary dental prosthesis and a mandibular dental prosthesis without the tool needing to be reoriented. The dental prosthesis removal tool makes it possible for a dental prosthesis wearer to remove dental prostheses without the user placing his or her fingers inside of his or her mouth. The dental prosthesis removal tool also allows a denture wearer to remove dental prostheses without bending, work hardening, or breaking metal clasps contained in some dental prostheses. The dental prosthesis removal tool further allows a denture wearer to more comfortably remove his or her dental prosthesis, promoting better patient compliance with maintenance procedures and oral hygiene.

Abstract: A hand-held dental tool with a main body, an isolated weight inside the main body, and at least one implement. The at least one implement is partially molded inside the main body leaving part of the implement exposed. A main body cap with threads that mate with threads on the main body is provided to allow the cap to be screwed into the main body and retain the isolated weight inside an unthreaded hollow chamber of the main body. A use indicator indicates that the dental tool has been used once. As a result a patient can determine whether or not the dental tool has been previously used on another patient. The main body, implement, the use indicator, and main body cap are disposed of after a single use and the weight is kept for future use.

Abstract: A dental handpiece (10) of the type having a body (11), a head (13) and a neck (12), is improved by having at least one portion of the handpiece (10) formed by metal injection molding or MIM. The use of MIM allows for improved fabrication and function. According to one aspect of the invention, the head (13) and neck (12) of the handpiece (10) are MIM-formed as a single or unitary piece.

Abstract: An endodontic tool is provided to facilitate the removal of the smear layer and to enhance deep lateral cleaning of a root canal system. The tool is comprised of a sonic or ultrasonically driven activator which is made from a strong, flexible, non-metallic, and non-cutting material. The activator can be smooth. A snap-on coupler is adapted to attach the tool to a driver via a snap on action and without the use of tools. The driver will vibrate, sonically or ultrasonically, the flexible activator within a root canal of a tooth. The tool can be provided with fluid passages which allow for irrigating reagents to be delivered through the activator and into the root canal space during endodontic procedures.

Abstract: Dental obturator point having an obturation body containing a composite material comprising (a) a polymer and b) a particulate filler, whereby the obturation body has a radio opacity of at least 3 mm/mm Al, characterized in that the composite material has (i) a tensile strength of from 5 to 70 MPAl (ii) a flexural strength of from 5 to 90 MPA, (iii) a flexural module of from 0.1 to 2.5 GPa, and which has (iv) a 300 rpm drilling coefficient at 37° C. in the range of from ?1 to 7.00.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cleaning and/or conditioning of biological and dental implant surfaces. More particularly, the invention relates to a kit comprising a) a cleaning device said cleaning device (1) comprising: an elongated base member (2) formed of at least two wires (3) being twisted with each other, and a plurality of bristles (4) fixed between said twisted wires (3) and extending away from said twisted wires (3), whereby said bristles (4) are positioned in a cleaning section (5) at a first end (6) of said base member (2) wherein said bristles (4) consist of titanium or a titanium alloy; and b) a container comprising a composition comprising ethylene diaminotetraacetic acid (EDTA). The kit may be used for the cleaning and/or debridement and/or conditioning of a biological or dental implant surface in order to e.g. improve implant attachment and facilitate wound healing.

Abstract: Various tools and procedures are provided for implantation of an implant at a target site. The procedure can comprise performing an osteotomy at the target site; placing a guide sleeve into the osteotomy; inserting a coring tool into the guide sleeve; coring the target site up to a depth less than the depth of the osteotomy, the coring tool being configured to collect autogenous bone material from the target site during the coring of the target site; placing the implant at the implant site; and grafting the autogenous bone material into selected portions of the target site.

Abstract: A dental tool for the removal of dental appliances or oral devices from a user's mouth comprises a universal handle which is substantially cylindrical. Interconnected thereto is an engagement head comprising a first engagement member extending upward and outward opposite the handle, and a second engagement member extending downward and outward opposite the handle. The first engagement member and second engagement member are disposed in angled relation to one another, each terminating in a broad distal tip having a curvilinear edge. The first and second engagement members further contain contact surfaces for contacting and engaging the dental appliance or oral device. The dental tool is comprised of a rigid material, with a resilient portion overlaid on at least the contact surfaces of the first and second engagement members and distal tips thereof. The dental tool may also be stored in a case to make a kit for removing oral devices.

Abstract: An orthodontic aligner removal tool, kit, and method of using the same. An embodiment of the tool includes a shaft including a proximate end and a distal end. A C-shaped portion is positioned at the proximate end of the shaft. The C-shaped portion includes a top hook and a bottom hook. The top hook extends from the shaft and curves toward the bottom hook. The bottom hook extends from the shaft and curves toward the top hook. A handle portion is positioned at the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A container enclosing an applicator and a dental composition including a volatile organic solvent. The container is sealed. The volatile organic solvent is effectively retained within the container, even after storage at about 43° C. for one week. Preferably the container is made of a copolymer of a cycloolefin and an open chain olefin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light curing device/base station combination, comprising a heat absorbing element, which is in particular metallic, and which is in thermally conducting connection with a heat source, in particular a light source, and in particular comprising a handle. The base station (12) has for the light curing device (14) a heat dissipating device(27), which lies against the heat absorbing element (24) when the light curing device (14) is accommodated in or on the base station (12).

Abstract: The dental appliance includes a pouch for an index finger with a dentifrice carrying pad. The pouch covers the index finger to at least a midsection region. The dentifrice pad is atop the user's finger pad surface. The pouch has an elongated tail which extends proximally to at least beyond the thumb of the user. The tail has one or many thumb holes, located at a proximal region, and the user, upon insertion of his or her finger in the pouch, pulls the tail and insert his or her thumb in the thumb hole. Therefore, the thumb hole is adapted to encircle the thumb of the user when the pouch is mounted on the user's index finger. The tail may be elastic. The dentifrice pad (with dry powder) sometimes includes bumps or ridges. Alternatively, the tail may be long to wrap around the wrist of the user.

Abstract: A system for removing dental prosthetics and restorations effectively and efficiently without damaging the dental prosthetic or restoration and with minimal discomfort to a patient is disclosed. The system features central holder designed for receiving and securely supporting a single or plurality of support arms in a spaced apart arrangement, whereby each support arm is capable of supporting an adjustable and pivoting attachment designed to adhesively engage and remove a dental prosthetic and restoration with the application of force. The system also features a plurality of independent attachments that can be used to adhesively engage and effectively remove a dental prosthetic and restoration with the application of force.

Abstract: A connection device for connecting a prosthesis structure with an implant structure comprises a holding shell and a retention insert. The retention insert comprises an end side and a substantially ring-shaped retention rim projecting therefrom. The holding shell comprises an end side and a substantially ring-shaped holding rim projecting therefrom. The holding rim and the end side of the holding shell form a retainer in which the retention insert can be arranged such that an outer surface of the retention rim is adjacent to an inner surface of the holding rim. Moreover, the outer surface of the retention rim is at least partly spaced from and adjacent to the inner surface of the holding rim when the retention insert is arranged in the retainer of the holding shell and when essentially no radial forces are acting on the holding rim and on the retention rim.

Abstract: An implant delivery system includes a carrier that is attached to an implant. The carrier includes a main body having a lower portion to be attached to the implant and an upper portion. The upper portion includes an internally threaded section having a polygonal internal cross-section. The polygonal cross-section engages a tool that applies torque to install the implant into bone. The threaded section receives a threaded portion of a secondary component to be coupled to the carrier after the implant has been installed. One secondary component is a gingival healing component. Thus, the combination of the carrier and the gingival healing component acts as a healing abutment after the carrier has been used to install the implant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the efficient, safe, and hygienic removing of removable tooth positioning appliances such as aligners or other dental appliances from the teeth of a patient. A straight rigid barrel has a lever appendage on the proximal end for fully engaging and removing a lower aligner and a hook appendage on the distal end for fully engaging and removing an upper aligner.