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: 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: The present invention provides an interdental brush and a cap, said brush having a good handling property and a low manufacturing cost, said brush being stored with the cap on while adjusting the brush body at any angle. The handle member 3 supporting the brush body 2 includes a handle body 6, an arm 12 extending from one end of the handle body 6, a brush support 13 that holds a base of the brush body 2, a first hinge 14 that connects the tip of the arm 12 and one end of the brush support 13 in a freely rotating manner, an operating portion 15 provided slidably at the other end of the handle member 3, and a second hinge 16 that connects the tip of the operating portion 15 and the other end of the brush support 13 in a freely rotating manner.

Abstract: A dental implant system comprising an implant member, an abutment member and a transfer key with cooperatively engaging structures for ensuring proper alignment and orientation of an abutment assembled on the implant member and for preparing an accurate dental impression and mold which represents the implantation site and its relationship to adjacent teeth structures. The abutment has the advantage of being easily removed for maintenance, repair or replacement with minimal or no discomfort to the patient. The invention also includes a dental implant with an improved bone-engaging structure for enhancing implant stability and fixation as well as an O-ring type abutment assembly with a reduced footprint in its assembled state when compared with similar conventional systems. Further, dental reconstruction and abutment installation methods utilizing the dental implant system and instruments of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: A dental instrument for installing and removing dental prostheses which includes both a speed wrench and a ratchet wrench, each being independently geared to a row of teeth on a screwdriver mounted in the dental instrument. The dental instrument includes a housing having a first and a second chamber. The screwdriver is partially mounted within the first chamber and the speed and rachet wrenches extend into the second chamber. The speed and ratchet wrenches are coaxially mounted within a handle that extends outwardly away from the housing. The speed wrench is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the handle. The ratchet wrench is slidable along the longitudinal bore of the handle and is rotatable about the handle's longitudinal axis through 180°. The screwdriver is mounted in such a manner that the driver bit is oriented substantially at ninety degrees to the wrenches.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a supporting device for an interdental cleaning means, of the type comprising a handle and a tightening head for an elongated appendix portion of said cleaning means, said tightening head comprising a central body around which a complementary rotating bush is mounted, and wherein said bush and said central body have a common hole for hosting said appendix portion, which hole is substantially parallel and offset relative to the rotation axis of the bush.

Abstract: A manual driver for a dental implant drill or other dental implant tools and the method of use for preparing for dental implantation are provided. The manual driver includes a handle, an extension shank and a chuck having an axial channel configured to receive and interlock an implant drill, and a fastening screw transverse to the axial channel. The method of manual preparation for dental implantation using the manual driver has a high precision, and reduces the risk of bone cracking caused by vibration of motor-driven drilling. The manual drilling method provides better tactile sensation and drilling control to the dentist. Further, the method avoids drilling irrigation, allows collection of virgin bone tissue from the drills, and reintroduces the collected bone tissue in the receiving bore to promote bone regeneration after the implantation.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for ergonomic dental instruments for dental professionals with small hands. In one embodiment, a dental instrument includes an elongated metal handle having a length in the range of about 3- 7/16 inches to about 3- 15/16 inches and a diameter in the range of about ¼ inches to about ¾ inches. A working end may be operably coupled to one or both ends of the handle via a sweated fit. The length and knurling of the elongated metal shaft and terminal shaft facilitate optimum performance for the user.

Abstract: A method and devices for bone tissue expansion and compression for receiving a dental implant are disclosed. The method includes the steps of creating an initial osseotomy site in the maxilla or the mandable using a pilot drill; screwing a first threaded expander into the site to expand the site laterally; and allowing the expander staying in the site for a short time to impress the interior wall of the osseotomy site; then retrieving the first expander. These steps are repeated using a second, and/or third threaded expander having an increasing outer diameter to further expand the osseotomy site to a final diameter which is complementary, but narrower than the diameter of the dental implant so that expanded osseotomy site enables uniform engagement of the implant with the bone tissue. A preparation drilling to extend osseotomy site only at cortical level can be incorporated for hard bone and larger implants.

Abstract: The disclosed drive system and fixture mount self limit the torque that can be applied to an implant during implantation to a value that is nondamaging to the implant. System components include releasably engaging elements. In certain embodiments, elements deform, elastically or permanently, to limit the applied torque. The fixture mount serves as an impression post and abutment for a temporary prosthesis and is subject to chair side modifications by the surgeon. Methods of shaping the fixture mount for use as an abutment and making a dental restoration using the shaped abutment are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for cleaning interdental spaces has a tubular guide element having a first profiled open end to allow its positioning at the entry to an interdental space. A cleaning member mounted movably in the tubular guide element, fixed to a first end of a support member, the support member having a fixed longitudinal direction relative to the axis of the tubular guide element. A gripping member is provided for moving the cleaning member between a first position, in which they are entirely arranged inside the tubular element, and a second position, in which they are arranged entirely outside the first end of the tubular element.

Abstract: A tool is used to limit the torque applied to tighten the threaded connection of prosthesis components placed in skeletal bones, for example dental implants. The device had a handle, a retaining screw, a single use torque limiting shear pin and a drive shaft. The handle has a tapered counter sunk cross bore with left handed threads to allow installation of a drive shaft which engages a torque limiting shear pin which, in turn, engages a left hand threaded retaining screw. The drive shaft extends from the handle to engage any threaded fastener that has a head that corresponds to the drive shaft end. The drive shaft and the shear zone of the shear pin are completely isolated within the wrench handle so that all rotational force is utilized in the actual shearing of the shear pin to a torque accuracy of ±0.3 Ncm, approximately.

Abstract: A dental implant installation method and device for picking up a prosthetic support implant, transporting it to an osteotomy site, then transmitting rotational force from a drill to the implant to thread the implant into bone tissue at the osteotomy site. The device includes an alignment section that aligns and rotationally engages the device in a socket of a threaded implant. An aft end of the device is configured to releasably engage a drill and to transmit turning forces from such drill to the device. A retainer supported on the shaft adjacent the alignment section releasably engages and retains the implant against axial disengagement once the alignment section has been inserted into the socket.

Abstract: A light polymerization device for polymerization of a polymerizable material includes a hand-held device having a multi-branch electrical supply receptacle or a multi-prong electrical supply plug for the connection of the hand-held device with the storage battery assembly or with a connection module, which, in particular, makes available a releasably connectable electrical supply connection as well as a data bus port or interface. A base station comprises a single receptacle or several receptacles for the receipt of the storage battery assembly. The base station can comprise an electrical supply plug connection via which the base station is supplied with electrical energy, especially electrical energy supplied via a power pack.

Abstract: A manually-operated, adjustable dental implant torque wrench employs a screw holding sheath for placing a dental screw in a mouth of a patient. A handle offset to avoid opposite teeth to the work area is provided with a bevel gear and pinion set to translate the turning motion from a straight turning shaft in the handle to a perpendicular screw turning head. An assortment of replaceable snap-fit screw turning heads fits the various types of dental screws. An easy turn T-shaped handle with a pivotable turning knob is controlled by a torque limiting device.

Abstract: This invention provides a device for removing a broken piece left in the root canal of a tooth comprising a handle to be held by the operator, a portion for fastening the broken piece, and a trigger component for operating the fastening portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and composition for bleaching teeth made up of two components blended together before each application. The method and composition offers faster results while significantly reducing the possibility of user discomfort. One of said components comprises carbamide peroxide, the other contains salts and hydroxides and/or oxides of metals belonging to the first or second group of the Periodic Table which stimulate the generation of radical oxygen. In one embodiment, the first part comprises up to 50% water by weight and optionally comprises a stabilizer. In some embodiments, the first component is substantially colorless and the second component comprises a dye indicator which discolors or loses color when exposed to radical oxygen generated by the mixing of the two components.

Abstract: A dental implant system includes a dental implant having an external thread for threading into bone and an internal thread for attachment of a prosthesis. The internal thread has a plurality of notches which accept a complimentary shaped insertion tool. The insertion tool is used to transport the dental implant to the surgical field and to insert the dental implant into the bone.

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 dental hygiene accessory for cleaning a dental scaler or similar dental instrument has a platform member with a multitude of bristles upstanding from a central area of the platform. An annular body of soft dental debris retaining material is carried by the platform and surrounds the bristles. The accessory also has a retainer extending downwardly from the platform and engageable with a hygienist's finger to retain the accessory thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of removing removable tooth positioning appliances, such as aligners, from the teeth of a patient. In one aspect, the invention is an apparatus for removing a removable tooth positioning appliance from teeth of a patient comprising: a handle portion; a member extending from the handle portion and having a distal end; and an engagement block having a tapered edge for engaging an edge of the tooth positioning appliance, the engagement block protruding from the member at or near the distal end.

Abstract: A dental tool for retracting gingival tissue is provided that includes a shaft and a working end member, the working end member having an operative end including a first portion sufficiently narrow to retract tissue from a groove of a tooth and a second portion, adjacent the first portion, and being sufficiently wide to retract tissue from an area of the tooth adjacent the groove. A method for retracting gingival tissue is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for use at least in conjunction with powdered, time-released, periodontal medication, with a view to improving at least upon problems associated with conditional applicators for such medications. Such a device may be in the shape of a hollow, half-cone with a tubular holding element attached to the top of the cone for rotational adjustments. The thin conical shape at the apex of the assisting device penetrates under the gum-line (into the gingival crevice) naturally. The device expands and maintains a sub-gingival space between the gingiva (gum-line) and the tooth. This allows the syringe tip to expulse the medication into the gingival crevice via at least three techniques.

Abstract: A manual dental driving tool adapted to drive a dental implant into the jawbone of a patient. The driving tool includes a handle at the proximal end, a ratchet assembly and a pin assembly located within the handle, and a tool engaging assembly located at the distal end. The pin assembly switches the driving tool between a manual mode and a ratchet mode.

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 method for preventing tooth decay by initially treating the tooth surface with a laser with a coherent or noncoherent light source. This process makes the tooth more resistant to acid and more able to bond fluoride, thus requiring a lower concentration of fluoride. The method allows for a deeper penetration of the tooth then previously accomplished with other methods.

Abstract: A dental bleaching gel composition having a long shelf life for use with an activator system to cause accelerated bleaching action over a shortened time period of a peroxide bleaching agent in the bleaching gel composition when applied upon a tooth surface for cosmetically whitening the tooth and/or for the treatment of stains or discolorations.

Abstract: The cleaning instrument (10) comprises a head portion (10) and, adjacent thereto, a cleaning portion (14) having a shank (20), which is provided with bristles (22) on its external surface. In order that especially the tooth root canal or also a tooth interstice can be reliably cleaned using the cleaning instrument (10), the shank (20) is of integral construction with the bristles (22).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and silicone product for shaping a fibre product used in dentistry to reinforce a prosthetic appliance or a similar structure under construction to conform to the final location. The fibre product containing fibres and curable material is pressed by means of silicone material against the final location or a model thereof followed by curing the curable material present in the fibre product. The invention is characterized in that the silicone material is a polymerised, elastic and soft silicone material that has been shaped to a piece (10,11) corresponding to the size and shape of the fibre product to be shaped, and that when pressed, the silicone material adopts the shape of the final location or the model thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for establishing correct interproximal contact between a tooth that has been bored out and the cavity filled with plastic filling, and an adjacent tooth with a contact surface directed towards the bored out tooth referred to, with plastic filling. The tool is provided with two outer pins and a central pin. The outer pins create stability for the tool, when a head of the tool, and from where the pins extend, is arranged in the bored out cavity. The central pin ensures, together with the outer pins and facing outs between the pins, that it is possible to establish the correct interproximal contact for the plastic filling against the contact surface of the adjacent tooth.

Abstract: A dental implant (105,137,156) has an elongated body (100) having first and second end portions (101,103) and having a root on one end portion (104,115,116) for attaching to a patient's jawbone to replace the root of a removed tooth. The root portion (104,115,116) has an anatomically shaped portion between the end portions of the body for fitting into a jawbone opening below the gum tissue of a patient when the root (104,115,116) is attached to a jawbone. An artificial tooth abutment (103,112 & 113) is formed on the other end of the elongated body for attaching an artificial tooth thereon of the abutment extending above the gum line of a patient.

Abstract: A method of forming a hand tool by providing a mold having at least two sections injecting a material for forming the hand tool into the mold, and forming a sharpened edge surface on the hand tool along a surface formed by the parting line of the mold. The hand tool may be a dental tool having a working surface for contacting a patient's teeth. The working surface is formed of a substantially a flat curved section extending from a distal end of the dental tool. The distal end of the curved section having a facet extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the dental tool and having a sharpened surface formed on a proximal edge surface of the facet.

Abstract: A dental tool includes a deformable grip for resiliently conforming to individualized anatomical contours and preferences, thereby providing enhanced user comfort with reduced fatigue. The deformable grip includes a resilient outer sleeve carried on a tool body in a position for fingertip grasping during normal use. The outer sleeve encloses an annular cavity filled at least partially with a deformable or flowable material adapted to undergo substantial localized deformation in response to fingertip pressure for custom fit conformance with the shape of the user's fingertips. In one preferred form, the dental tool is a double-ended instrument carrying a pair of tool components at the opposite ends of the tool body, with a pair of the deformable grips on the tool body proximate said opposite ends for respective fingertip grasping and appropriate custom fit deformation upon respective use of the tool components in the course of performing a dental procedure.

Abstract: A dental tool apparatus for use with a curing lamp in filling a tooth preparation, has an elongate handle, and with the elongate handle held in a horizontal attitude, one end of the elongate handle extends upwardly at an angle of between 20 and 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal. The one end of the elongate handle engages a light transmissive utility element having an upwardly facing convex top surface, a cone shaped body extending downwardly from the top surface, and a workpiece extending downwardly from the cone shaped body. With the elongate handle held in the horizontal attitude, the workpiece presents a vertical contact surface for pushing on a vertical surface of the tooth preparation.

Abstract: The invention provides a flossing device to remove debris, food, plaque, and bacteria from in between the proximal surfaces of teeth undergoing orthodontic treatment. In an embodiment of the invention, a dental flossing guide comprises a lead portion and floss filament attached thereto and extending therefrom. The lead portion comprises two wires mechanically entwined with the floss filament and a soft flexible coating, with a good portion of the floss filament extending long enough to be grabbed by two hands. The flossing guide features a small diameter to fit between the orthodontic wire and the front portion of the tooth. The soft coating and a curvilinear tip of the flossing guide protects the gingival tissue when inserted into a patient's mouth. The flossing guide is used on patients that are undergoing orthodontic treatment to promote a healthy oral cavity environment. The flossing guide is easy to use by all ages.

Abstract: A light polymerization device for polymerization of a polymerizable material includes a hand-held device having a multi-branch electrical supply receptacle or a multi-prong electrical supply plug for the connection of the hand-held device with the storage battery assembly or with a connection module, which, in particular, makes available a releasably connectable electrical supply connection as well as a data bus port or interface. A base station comprises a single receptacle or several receptacles for the receipt of the storage battery assembly. The base station can comprise an electrical supply plug connection via which the base station is supplied with electrical energy, especially electrical energy supplied via a power pack.

Abstract: A tool is used to limit the torque applied to tighten the threaded connection of prosthesis components placed in skeletal bones, for example dental implants. The device has a handle, a retaining screw, a single use torque limiting shear pin and a drive shaft. The handle has a tapered counter sunk cross bore with left handed threads to allow installation of a drive shaft which engages a torque limiting shear pin which, in turn, engages a left hand threaded retaining screw. The drive shaft extends from the handle to engage any threaded fastener that has a head that corresponds to the drive shaft end. The drive shaft and the shear zone of the shear pin are completely isolated within the wrench handle so that all rotational force is utilized in the actual shearing of the shear pin to a torque accuracy of ±0.3 Mcm, approximately.

Abstract: A power flosser tip incorporating a tooth-whitening coating. The coating is typically abrasive, and whitens teeth by scraping or wearing down hardened plaque or other tooth discolorations. The coating may also whiten teeth through a chemical reaction. The coating may be flavored in order to enhance user enjoyment. The coating is chemically bonded to the flosser tip, and dissolves when in contact with saliva or water at room temperature and pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cleaning interdental spaces.

Abstract: An instrument for removing a crown by generating a couple of forces between the occlusal surface of the stump of the tooth and the basal surface of the crown. The instrument has an indented intermediate portion and a working part extending from a tapered intermediate portion and a handle. When inserted in a groove formed at the occlusal part of the stump along a plane substantially parallel to the occlusal surface of the crown, the working portion enables, by a physical action, exertion of a couple of forces between the respective occlusal surfaces of the stump and the basal surface of the crown. The working part is rotatable integrally and correspondingly with a rotation of the handle.

Abstract: A dental implant system includes a dental implant having an external thread for threading into bone and an internal thread for attachment of a prosthesis. The internal thread has a plurality of notches which accept a complimentary shaped insertion tool. The insertion tool is used to transport the dental implant to the surgical field and to insert the dental implant into the bone.

Abstract: An adjusting tool and associated method of use for turning orthodontic expansion screws are described. The tool or device consists of a contra-angled molded plastic handle or housing with a rotatable pin at the distal end for inserting into an expansion screw located in a patient's mouth. The tool housing is designed to limit the angular rotation of the pin to the arc required for insertion and subsequent activation of the orthodontic screw. When rotated to the position associated with screw activation, the pin is captured and held in place by a locking mechanism which then requires the tool to be disengaged from the screw prior to its removal from the patient's mouth. This feature eliminates the possibility of reversing and deactivating the expansion screw by pulling the expansion key straight out of the mouth. A manual release mechanism on the tool frees the pin to allow the pin to be rotated back to the insertion position.

Abstract: A marginal ridge attachment plate slides onto the center tab of a height gauge to provide more accurate orthodontic bracket placement. In use, vertically-extending legs on the attachment plate rest on mesial and distal marginal ridges of the tooth. The plate is shaped so that while the legs rest directly on the marginal ridges, a cut-out portion between the legs avoids contact and interference from the inward-facing slopes of the tooth cusps. Therefore, correct bracket height is measured with reference to the marginal ridges of the tooth rather than the tooth cusp.

Abstract: A dental tool for retracting gingival tissue is provided that includes a shaft and a working end member, the working end member having an operative end including a first portion sufficiently narrow to retract tissue from a groove of a tooth and a second portion, adjacent the first portion, and being sufficiently wide to retract tissue from an area of the tooth adjacent the groove. A method for retracting gingival tissue is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dental instrument for the extraction of an object from a root canal, comprising a shaft (1) having an open-end part (3) designed to receive at least a part of object (9), this open-end part (3) able to be deformed to permit seizing object (9) by clamping and then extracting it from the root canal, is characterized in that open-end part (3) is tubular and is able to plastically deform, in a manner that involves a reduction of its inner section, under the effect of a given stress.

Abstract: Hygiene instrument for removing stains, cleaning and polishing the surface of the teeth and the composite materials of dental fillings.

Abstract: The invention describes rubber dam punches that punch the entire slit or central opening in a rubber dam membrane in order to prepare the conventional rubber dam for the slit-dam technique. The invention further describes rubber dam punches capable of lengthening the central opening in a rubber dam that is specifically designed for general field isolation. The rubber dam punches of the invention include a series of embodiments having upper and lower arm members, each arm member further having a gripping handle at one end of the arm member and an operative end extension at the opposite end of the arm member. The arm members are pivotally connected and have male and female slits dies attached to the operative end extensions which are used punch slits and/or holes of varying widths in dental rubber dam membranes in order to create or lengthen existing central openings in general field isolation rubber dams.

Abstract: A head brush for a dental fissure cleaning device is mainly made up of a cleaning rod integrally injected into shape of safely edible plastic material and having a holding section disposed at the front end thereof, and a head brush of relatively slender stick adapted at the front of said holding section thereof wherein said head brush is equipped with a foremost rounded tip, and a plurality of long and short bristles planted in an alternating manner with a sectional view showing a triangular configuration. Via the foremost rounded tip, the cleaning rod can be safely guided into the dental fissures for cleansing thereof without harming the teeth gums. And with the long and short bristles moving back and forth at the dental fissure thereof, the head brush can easily pick out the remains of food attached at the dental fissures and cleansed up the scale or tartar on the teeth so as to effectively prevent dental cavity or other dental diseases.

Abstract: Dental bleaching systems that include a bleaching component and a neutralizing component which, when mixed together, yield a mixed composition having a desired bleaching activity and gel properties. The bleaching composition includes a suitable bleaching agent, such as aqueous hydrogen peroxide, in a concentration of about 3% to about 95% by weight of the bleaching composition component. The neutralizing component includes a strong particulate base mixed with a polymeric thickening agent. The neutralizing component is substantially water-free to prevent destruction of the gelling capability of the thickening agent by the base prior to formation of the mixed composition. The particulate base may include oxides, hydroxides or carbonates of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals. Maintaining the bleaching agent and neutralizing agent in separate components provides increased stability of both the bleaching agent and gelling (thickening) agent during storage and transport.

Abstract: One embodiment is a dental appliance, and another embodiment is a method for using a dental appliance to position a veneer, for example a ceramic or porcelain laminate veneer, on the surface of a tooth. One embodiment of the dental appliance comprises a plurality of grippers, allowing a dentist to adjust the position and hold a veneer on the tooth during the bonding process. Another embodiment of the dental appliance comprises one gripper, allowing a dentist to adjust the position and hold a veneer on the tooth during the bonding process. One embodiment of the method includes repositioning of the veneer using a dental appliance, holding the veneer with the dental appliance while excess adhesive is removed and a light source probe is used to cure a localized area of a light-sensitive adhesive, again repositioning the veneer using the dental appliance, and holding the veneer with the dental appliance during curing of another localized area.