Abstract: A dental instrument has an elongated handle, in one embodiment, a molded resin handle which incorporates an elongated metal insert, and in another embodiment, a metal handle. At least one tip carrying cone is slidably received into a hollow end of the respective handle after adhesive has been injected into the respective end of the handle. As the stem of the cone slides into the handle and through the adhesive, the adhesive flows into the stem and around and through torque lock features in the stem. Features include one or more slots in the stem or alternately one or more holes or protrusions in or on the stem. When the adhesive cures a solid mass of adhesive engages the torque lock feature and in combination with the interior periphery in the handle, the instrument exhibits an ability to pass applied torque tests on the order of 400 newton-centimeters without damage or relative motion between the operative tip and the resin handle.

Abstract: This application relates to the field of Dentistry, and in more particular to the use of root canal excavating implements such as files, broaches, reamers, or probes employed for the use of clearing tissue and removing dentin from the nerve canal of teeth. An introduced bent tip of 45 degrees to the angle of the implement, at a distance as close as a half of one millimeter from the leading tip, is cited as an improved means to get the tip of the implement to the desired working length.

Abstract: A hand-held dental instrument has an elongated handle and a blade shaped like a human foot. The blade has ankle, arch and instep edges that curve inwardly and are of different depth and curvature. There is a shank portion between the blade and the handle with the angles between the shank and the handle and between the shank and the surface of the blade preferably being 150° and 120° respectively. These angles allow the user to reach all areas of the mouth. The blade is thin enough to allow the instrument to reach between the lower front teeth.

Abstract: An assembly for securing a dental implant assembly within a package. The assembly comprises a collet that includes at least one lever arm, which defines at least in part, an angular surface and an opening for receiving the dental implant assembly. The assembly also includes a vial that defines a cavity in which the collet is positioned and a complementary angular surface that is configured such that, when the complementary angular surface moves with respect to the collet, the complementary angular surface pushes on the angular surface so as to reduce the diameter of the opening.

Abstract: The invention provides a dental instrument having a handle, a connected to a metal tool tip and supporting a nonmetal cover. The nonmetal cover has a central region, between first and second enlarged end regions. The enlarged end regions are on opposite sides of and integrally connected to the central region. The central region has a thinnest point. The greatest thickness of each enlarged end wall is at least 30 percent greater than the least thickness of the central wall.

Abstract: An applicator principally for use in the dental profession, for the placement of different materials as may be required. The applicator includes an elongated handle having an applicating end portion formed at the opposed ends thereof which may be either of like or unlike construction, i.e. formed as a brush and/or a flocked applicating end portion. The flock may extend from the distal end a predetermined longitudinal distance over an extended portion. Intermediate the opposed applicating end portion, the elongated handle is provided with a circumscribing groove to define a frangible area by which the user, at his or her option, can cleanly sever the applicator handle to form two separate and distinct applicators. The applicator is also provided with a hinging arrangement adjacent the opposed applicating end portions whereby the applicating end portions may be angularly bent relative to the elongated handle at the option of the user.

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 method of and device for testing for conditions, particularly moisture conditions, in root canals and for drying the root canal. In accordance with the method, a small pointed implement in the nature of a rolled piece of paper having pH indicator on the tip thereof is inserted into the root canal. The pH indictor, by change of color, will present information as to whether or not any moisture is present in the canal and, secondly, whether or not the moisture is a positive pH or negative pH.

Abstract: A dental driving tool having a distal end with a drive mechanism adapted to drive a dental implant and a retention mechanism adapted to hold and carry the dental implant. The retention mechanism includes a housing having a ceramic locking member and corrosive resistant biasing member. Preferably, the housing is formed as an axial bore through the distal end, and the locking and biasing members are formed as a ball and spring, respectively.

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. 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.

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: Devices and methods for sensing and detecting cortisol levels in a fluid sample in real-time using a cortisol-imprinted polymer are provided. Also provided are hydration devices comprising a cortisol sensor of the present invention capable both of providing hydration to a user and allowing the user to measure cortisol levels in the user's bodily fluids in real-time.

Abstract: A dental device and process ideally suited for use with a tooth which may required bases or liners during the preparation of the tooth that is to receive restoration is disclosed. The device comprises a shank, which acts as a handle, and a tip. The tip is specifically designed for a particular location on tooth. This will provide for a set of tools, wherein each tip is configured for maximizing placement of the dycal either on the pulpal floor of a small or large cavity or on the axial wall of the tooth. For placement on the pulpal floor of a small cavity the tip includes a flat hexagonal shape; for placement on the pulpal floor of a large cavity, the tip includes a plunger shape; and for placement on the axial wall of the tooth, the tip includes a flat golf-club shape. Each tip can be fabricated from or coated with titanium nitride.

Abstract: A healing cap is provided for covering of an implant installed in a patient's mouth. The healing cap comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is adapted to be inserted within a coronal opening formed in the implant. The healing cap further includes resilient fingers for engaging corresponding surfaces formed within the coronal opening of the implant. The distal end of the healing cap can include an indentation for receiving a snapping portion of an insertion tool.

Abstract: An improved dental floss construction (10) for removing plaque and food particles from the periphery of the metal support posts (101) for a dental implant (100) wherein the construction (10) includes a pair of deformable end units (11) wherein each end unit (11) has a very thin strand of wire (20) encapsulated in a very thin layer of plastic; wherein, each strand of wire (20) has an inboard end (21). In addition, the construction (10) further includes an intermediate flossing unit (12) having a length of flossing material (30) such as plastic yarn whose opposite ends are supported by the inboard ends (24) of each strand of wire (20).

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a double ended applicator principally for use in the dental profession, for the placement of different materials as may be required. The double ended applicator includes an elongated handle having an applicating end portion formed at the opposed ends thereof which may be either of like or unlike construction, i.e. formed as a brush and/or a flocked applicating end portion. Intermediate the opposed applicating end portion, the elongated handle is provided with a circumscribing groove to define a frangible area by which the user, at his or her option, can cleanly sever the applicator handle to form two separate and distinct applicators. The applicator is also provided with a hinging arrangement adjacent the opposed applicating end portions whereby the applicating end portions may be angularly bent relative to the elongated handle at the option of the user.

Abstract: An arrangement comprising a spacer element (1) which can be fastened in an implant with a first screw (3) which can be acted on by means of a screwdriver which can be introduced into the head of the first screw via a first passage (2) arranged in the spacer element. The spacer element is designed to support a superstructure which can be fastened to the spacer element with a second screw (6) which can be acted on by means of said screwdriver, or a second screwdriver which can be introduced into the head of the second screw via a second passage arranged in the superstructure for screwing the second screw into a thread in the spacer element.

Abstract: A dental device (10) broadly comprises a center section (12) flanked by a first picking section (14) and a second picking section (16). The first picking section (14) and the second picking section (16) are relatively flat and may include a roughened surface (50). The device (10) is preferably constructed in one-piece and molded from semi-rigid thermoplastic which resists breaking. The first picking section (14) is thicker and stronger than the second picking section (16) in order to dislodge most any debris caught between teeth. The second picking section (16) is narrow enough to reach between closely spaced teeth. In use, a person holds the device (10) by the center section (12) and inserts either picking section (14,16) between their teeth. The person works the device (10) back and forth using the roughened surface (50) or angles of either section (14,16) to disturb bacteria and other foreign substances.

Abstract: A bone spreader for preparing a site for dental prosthesis implantation consists of a relatively flat, wide, blade component and a longitudinal ridge component centrally disposed on one side of the blade component. Penetration of the instrument effects spreading of cortical bone tissue and produces a recess that includes a groove portion within which the root element of a dental implant can be accommodated.

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 operating means for operating the fastening portion.

Abstract: A dental use instrument having a handle and a functional element connected to one end of the handle. The functional element is used to perform a dental procedure. A portion of the handle, and preferably the entire handle has a surface which is treated by satinizing, which produces a uniform surface roughness in the form of a plurality of microchannels which a circumferential directional component. The magnitude of the plurality of micro channels is of a size to provide a surface free of indentations. In an alternative embodiment, a functional element is connected to each end of the handle, and the surface roughness is provided on the surface of the handle at each end.

Abstract: A dental tool composed of molded plastic for gingival retraction includes an elongate handle and a horseshoe-shaped guard at an operative end of the handle. The guard includes a pair of downward extending elongate legs and a curved neck interconnects the handle and the guard. A wedge extends rearwardly from a top portion of the guard such that the legs of the guard lie along the surface of a tooth when the wedge is inserted between the gingiva and the root of the tooth at the gingival margin. The gingiva is captured between the wedge and the neck portion when the gingiva is in the retracted position. The legs include forward extending surfaces to form a shield between the area of treatment, interproximal gingival tissue, and the laterally adjacent teeth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an impression jig assembly for coupling to a bone implant (10) comprising: a split sleeve having co-axial upper and lower sleeve members (31, 32); and a fixing screw (5) for clamping the split sleeve to the implant. The fixing screw in use passes through the split sleeve, and can be withdrawn once impression material has hardened around the assembly to allow the upper sleeve member to separate from the lower sleeve member.

Abstract: The invention of the Personal Denture Remover solves a problem (the inabilty of most, if not all, denture users to easily remove their own dentures) that was never before resolved. The invention provides a convenient, useful and easy advantage that was never before offered to denture users, and it solved a long-felt, long-existing, unresolved need.

Abstract: An instrument for setting a crown or a sealed prosthesis on a natural or prosthetic support by generating a couple of forces between the occlusal surface of the stump and the basal surface of the crown. The instrument includes an indented intermediate portion and a working portion, which may include an extension of a handle and a tapered intermediate portion. When inserted in a groove previously performed by the practitioner at a supposed level of 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 couple of forces being generated subtantially in the vertical axis of the tooth or implant, the instrument enables to limit the traumas for the patient, to preserve the support base, to safeguard the prosthesis for future resetting.

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: The present invention relates to a new dental implant that includes a generally cylindrical section and a tapered section. The implant has a thread making a plurality of turns around the exterior surface. The implant is installed into a bore that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered portion. The dimensions of the cylindrical section and the tapered section of the implant are at least the dimensions of the generally cylindrical portion and the tapered portion of the bore, respectively. The bore is preferably shaped by a shaping drill that has a profile that generally mimics the profile of the implant. The female threads are preferably developed through a compression tap or a series of compression taps that cause the bone tissue defining the female threads to have increased density.

Abstract: A guide sleeve device for use in insertion of a dental injection needle into a perforation in a cortical bone of a dental patient. A holding member includes a finger grip part and a funnel part. The funnel part opening includes a conical portion within the funnel part flared portion and a cylindrical portion within the funnel part cylindrical portion. A guide sleeve includes a flared part and a tubular part and has an opening through it with a conical portion within the guide sleeve flared part and a cylindrical portion within the guide sleeve tubular part. The guide sleeve is within the funnel part opening with the guide sleeve flared part within the conical portion of the funnel part opening and with the guide sleeve tubular part within the cylindrical portion of the funnel part opening. A retainer retains the guide sleeve within the holding member funnel part opening.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manual hand ratch reamer for a dentist, which is used for forming a cylindrical hole in an alveolar bone of a patient upon implementing a dental implantation surgery. The manual hand ratch reamer for a dentist comprises a front piece body, a rear piece body and a rotating driver which are connected one with another in a manner such that the rotating driver can be independently rotated with respect to the front piece body and the rear piece body. A reamer tip locking section of the rotating driver, to which a reamer tip is secured, includes a connection device which is connected to the rotating driver by passing through the inside of the front piece body. When the rotating driver is rotated with respect to the front piece body, the front piece body is prevented from being rotated.

Abstract: A dental hand instrument (10), comprising a handle (11) with parts (12a, 12b) at its ends. The end of each neck part is provided with a coupling element (15) designed for the connection of replaceable tips (20) and oriented in the same direction with the neck part. The coupling element is a socket or pin (19) extending in the same direction with the neck part and allowing a corresponding concentric pin (21) or socket (26) of the tip to be fitted into/onto it. The socket of the coupling element may be provided with slots (17), and the inner surface of the socket has a circular or cornered cross-sectional form. The neck part and coupling element of the hand instrument are preferably made of stainless steel and the tip is made of steel, aluminun, plastic-coated aluminum, steel or titanium.

Abstract: A dental instrument has an elongated handle, in one embodiment, a molded resin handle which incorporates an elongated metal insert, and in another embodiment, a metal handle. At least one tip carrying cone is slidably received into a hollow end of the respective handle after adhesive has been injected into the respective end of the handle. As the stem of the cone slides into the handle and through the adhesive, the adhesive flows into the stem and around and through torque lock features in the stem. Features include one or more slots in the stem or alternately one or more holes or protrusions in or on the stem. When the adhesive cures a solid mass of adhesive engages the torque lock feature and in combination with the interior periphery in the handle, the instrument exhibits an ability to pass applied torque tests on the order of 400 newton-centimeters without damage or relative motion between the operative tip and the resin handle.

Abstract: A dental instrument (10) has an elongated shaft (16) and a user grip handle (26). A dental tool (12) extends from one end (18) of the shaft (16). A rotatable sleeve (14) is rotatably mounted to the shaft (16) and rotates relative to the shaft (16) and the dental tool (12). The rotatable sleeve (14) is mounted to the shaft (16) between the user grip handle (26) and the dental tool (12). During use of the dental instrument (10) the rotatable sleeve (14) contacts a portion of the patient's mouth and rotates as the dental instrument (10) is moved to provide greater comfort to the patient.

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: An ergonomic grip for an instrument or tool handle is provide which reduces upper extremity musculoskeletal disorder (MSDs) by increasing the grip cross-sectional area, reducing the grip force necessary to manipulate the instrument and increasing the grip comfort using an elastomeric gripping surface. Vibrations from the instrument or tool are reduced or eliminated to further reduce MSDs.

Abstract: A combined internal polygonal and locking drive tool (10,10′) used to engage a mating external implant mounting and drive fixture (12). The locking drive has an internal tapered locking drive section (10b) which is longitudinally in series with an internal polygonal section (10d) and has its largest diameter slightly larger than the smallest diameter of the internal polygonal portion. The combined delivery and drive tool can be incorporated with an external hand drive or power drill drive surface configuration.

Abstract: An ergonomic grip for an instrument or tool handle is provide which reduces upper extremity musculoskeletal disorder (MSDs) by increasing the grip cross-sectional area, reducing the grip force necessary to manipulate the instrument and increasing the grip comfort using an elastomeric gripping surface. Vibrations from the instrument or tool are reduced or eliminated to further reduce MSDs.

Abstract: A dental instrument (10) has an elongated shaft (16) and a user grip handle (26). A dental tool (12) extends from one end (18) of the shaft (16). A rotatable sleeve (14) is rotatably mounted to the shaft (16) and rotates relative to the shaft (16) and the dental tool (12). The rotatable sleeve (14) is mounted to the shaft (16) between the user grip handle (26) and the dental tool (12). During use of the dental instrument (10) the rotatable sleeve (14) contacts a portion of the patient's mouth and rotates as the dental instrument (10) is moved to provide greater comfort to the patient.

Abstract: A novel dental implant comprising an implant fixture assembly for attachment to a jaw bone at a first end thereof, the fixture assembly having a longitudinal axis; an abutment for mounting on a second end of the fixture assembly, the abutment having a longitudinal axis; and a fastener for connecting the abutment to the second end of the implant fixture assembly such that the abutment is movable on the second end of the implant fixture assembly and, upon disposition of the abutment axis at a selected angle to the implant fixture assembly axis, for connecting the abutment to the second end of the implant fixture assembly such that the abutment is fixed on the implant fixture assembly at the selected angle. A novel tool for deploying the novel dental implant is also disclosed. And a novel method for effecting a dental restoration is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system which provides a range of dental screws. The same screw tightener is used to tighten different screws, of different constructions. Each screw is provided with an internal recess which operates with the screw tightener. The recess has elements extending inward toward the center axis of the screw which cooperate with the screw tightener. Bearing capacity is provided by a wedging action between the screw tightener and recess, and a driving function occurs through actually extending elements within the recesses.

Abstract: In order to design a device for the destruction of a tooth free from transverse forces and bending moments comprising a destruction bolt which can be introduced into a bore of the tooth such that a destruction of the tooth is possible without transverse forces and bending moments being exerted on the patient it is suggested that the outer dimensions of the destruction bolt be increasable in such a manner that the tooth is broken and thereby split open by means of internal pressure due to application of symmetric forces in the bore.

Abstract: A centrally rotating periodontal probe for measuring the depth of gingival pockets or sulci, including a handle having a handle-engaging end and a head end, wherein the head end includes a tubular shank rotatably shank rotatably supporting an axle having a substantially planar blunt end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-component preparation for chemical-mechanical treatment of caries. The inventive preparation consists of a two-components: a first component comprising active chlorine; and a second component comprising a non-acidic amine, a gelling agent such as carboxymethylcellulose, and a dye agent, such as erythrosin, that interacts with carious material.

Abstract: This present invention relates to a ratchet wrench and a torque indicator combined concentrically in a single housing. The ratchet wrench is useful for driving a fastener used in dentistry, such as an abutment screw that holds an abutment on a dental implant. In operation, the handle of the wrench can be rotated in one direction (e.g. clockwise) to impart torque on the fastener. When the handle is rotated in the opposite direction (e.g. counterclockwise), no torque is applied to the fastener as the handle is returned to a position where it is easy for the clinician to again rotate the handle to apply additional torque to the fastener. The return motion of the handle (e.g. counterclockwise rotation) may be stepless in operation which is brought about through a coiled clutch spring located in an annular space within a housing between the housing and a concentric driver member. To provide an indication of torque, a rotor body is supported coaxially within the driver member.

Abstract: A healing cap is provided for covering of an implant installed in a patient's mouth. The healing cap comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is adapted to be inserted within a coronal opening formed in the implant. The healing cap further includes resilient fingers for engaging corresponding surfaces formed within the coronal opening of the implant. The distal end of the healing cap can include an indentation for receiving a snapping portion of a removal tool.

Abstract: A pliant elastomeric unitary sleeve is adapted to removably fit the elongate shank of a dental tool which extends beyond a longitudinal end of the shank, whereby to ergonomically enhance a finger grip of the shank in operative manipulation of the dental tool for a dental procedure, said sleeve being characterized by an axially extending generally cylindrical bore sized for circumferentially stressed resilient engagement to said shank, said sleeve being further characterized by an exterior profile, wherein a first peripherally continuous enlargement near one longitudinal end and a second peripherally continuous enlargement near the opposite longitudinal end are longitudinally spaced by a circumferential concavity which is an arcuate contour of revolution about the axis of the sleeve.

Abstract: This invention relates to a periodontal instrument and curettage method for separating and removing calculus and diseased granulation tissue from the tooth surface and periodontal cavity in deep pockets greater than 10 mm. The invention is comprised of a straight shaft, a distal portion in parallel orientation with and terminating in a spoon-shaped blade with a rounded tip and continuous sharp edge. The approximate 90 degree angle orientation between the distal and proximal shank portions, rounded blade tip, and parallel alignment of the blade face relative to the distal shank portion enhance maneuverability, accessibility, and efficiency and minimize tissue trauma during periodontal curettage.

Abstract: A screwdriver for intra-oral implantation features a screwdriver shaft (2), which, at one of its ends, is connected with a hand piece (1) and at its other end, via an angular gear drive (3), with a rotatable tool chuck (4). The screwdriver shaft (2) consists of shaft segments (6) that can, at least partially, be moved in relation to each other and that can be tightened by means of a common longitudinal tightening device for the purpose of fixing them in their relative positions. A drive shaft consists, in the area of the shaft segments (6) of individual shaft pieces that, in the connecting area of two shaft segments (6), are connected via an angular gear for the purpose of torque transmission.

Abstract: A dental instrument for gripping and placing an obturator within an opening in a tooth located in a patient's mouth when a root canal is being performed and the method for using the same. The instrument is provided with a handle that the dental professional grips and with one or more ends for removably holding a proximal end of an obturator. The instrument removably secures to the proximal end of the obturator by a male-female friction fit connection between an end of the instrument and the obturator, or alternately, by arms provided on an end of the instrument that removably grasp the obturator.

Abstract: A dental instrument includes a plastic molded handle body which is reinforced by a metallic tube through a center of the body. Tool parts are adhesively secured into opposing open ends of the reinforcing tube. During assembly, a quantity of adhesive is pre-positioned into the open ends. The tool parts include respective base parts that provide glue traps for capturing a quantity of the pre-positioned adhesive and ensuring adequate adhesive contact between the tool part and the tool. The molded body has surface contours which are molded by a mold having a single parting plane.

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.