Abstract: A denture adhesive removing device comprising an elongated handle, affixed to the end of the handle is a thin semi-rigid scraper. Two opposing edges of the scraper are flat. One remaining edge is to be convexly shaped, approximating the shape of the palate. The other remaining edge, opposite the convexly shaped one, is concave in its approximate middle one-third and convex in each approximate outer one-third, approximating the shapes of the mandibular edentulous ridge and accompanying buccal vestibule, respectively. No sharp edges or corners are present on the scraper.When used, the invention will efficiently and quickly remove residual denture adhesive, whether powder or cream type, from one's edentulous areas, palate, and tongue.

Abstract: An instrument employing multiple adhesives for manipulating and placing dental prosthetics includes an autoclavable handpiece and a removable, disposable foam double-stick pad with pressure-sensitive adhesive coated on opposite sides and protected by release paper.

Abstract: A method and device for cleaning abutment members of a dental implant in which a relatively rigid support member carries a cleaning element into a position around the lingual surface of the abutment member to be cleaned whereafter the cleaning element can be rubbed against the abutment member to effect the cleaning. The cleaning element can be fixed to the support member in which case, the support member is manipulated to achieve the cleaning of the abutment member by the cleaning element. Alternatively, the support member can be removed from the mouth after the cleaning element has been put into place around the abutment member whereafter cleaning of the abutment member is achieved by the cleaning element itself.

Abstract: An all purpose device for cleaning dental implant posts is disclosed. The device is provided with a brush angled and sized to effectively reach the rear of the implant posts, as well as the lingual side of the implant posts. In certain embodiments, a second brush which is a conventional toothbrush head is added to the end opposite the smaller implant post brush.

Abstract: A tool for the tapping of a bone hole and installation of an implant in dentistry has a knob manually rotatable externally of a patient's mouth on one end of an arm and a bit, releasably secured on a sprocket, rotatable inside the patient's mouth in response to rotation of the knob. A chain connects the bit sprocket to a sprocket attached to the knob, so that the bit rotates about an axis parallel to, but laterally offset by the arm from, the axis of rotation of the knob. For bone tapping purposes, a tapping bit is used and a "T"-shaped handle attaches to the knob to increase the lever arm for torque application. For screwing implant components together or into the tapped bone, a screwing bit is used. A resilient elastomer sleeve is releasably stretched over the implant component and over the screwing bit for initial positioning. Multiple, interchangeable bits are provided to match different-sized implant components.

Abstract: A handpiece assembly is disclosed for use with a dental laser assembly of the type having a laser and an elongated optical fiber assembly. The optical fiber assembly has a proximal end which receives radiation from the laser and a distal end which delivers the laser radiation to a target site. The handpiece assembly includes an elongated handpiece which is dimensioned to be held in a human hand. A longitudinal throughbore is formed in the handpiece and is dimensioned to slidably receive the optical fiber assembly so that the distal end of the optical fiber assembly extends outwardly from one end of the handpiece. A locking assembly removably locks the other end of the handpiece against longitudinal movement to the optical fiber assembly. Furthermore, the entire handpiece assembly is discarded after use on a single patient to prevent disease transmission by the handpiece.

Abstract: A method for determining which one of a group of teeth is causing pain to a patient upon such group of teeth being exposed to a material wherein a portion of such pain causing material is applied to such teeth one at a time until it is ascertained which tooth is causing the pain. The pain causing material can be mounted on a tape for application to the teeth. Also disclosed is an applicator comprising a hemispherically shaped head, having a cavity, adapted to receive the pain causing material, located in the rounded side of the head opposite the flat side of the hemisphere. The hemispherically shaped head is equipped with a handle for convenient use.

Abstract: An attachment tip for use with a slide hammer includes a straight foot bent extending at an angle of 90.degree. to the body of the tip. The foot is adapted to engage and impart percussive forces to a dental prosthetic without causing damage in the nature of breakage or bending. In a variant foot, inserts, specially configured to mate with a component of the dental prosthetic device, are detachably detachable to the foot of the tip.

Abstract: The present method and apparatus are directed to the treatment of periodontal disease. A contoured, calibrated instrument is employed to probe the gum tooth interface to locate periodontal lesions containing bacteria and their by-products such as plaque, calculus, and diseased tissue. After the prove has identified a periodontal lesion, a vibrating instrument having a configuration similar to the probe is inserted into the periodontal pocket in a manner so as to perferentially contact the tooth. The frequency and power used to drive the vibrating instrument is adjusted to a level sufficient to cauese the instrument to fracture the cementum and cause the instrument to fracture the dentin of the tooth leaving the dentinal tubuli exposed. The lesion is irrigated during treatment with a vibrating instrument with solution having preferably a pH between about 5 and 5.5.

Abstract: An autoclavable instrument for use in discovering and recording information during a dental examination includes a handpiece with a dental probe at one end and a pen at the other. The pen may be reversed or otherwise sealed to withstand autoclaving.

Abstract: A system for driving and tightening components in a dental prosthodontic restoration. The system comprises at least a first driver having a body portion and a shank portion depending from the body portion, the body portion including a socket and a bore axially disposed through the body portion and opening through to the socket, the shank portion having a predetermined driver structure at one end. The system includes at least a first torque element comprising an outer member and an inner member, the inner member aligned with respect to the outer member and attached thereto by one or more spokes, the outer member having a predetermined geometry to enable the outer member to be received in the socket of the driver. A mandrel is also provided and includes a first portion received in the inner member of the torque element and a second portion received in the bore when the mandrel, the torque element and the driver are assembled together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction root elevator and a suction dental curette each of which comprises a handle and a working part both of which are provided with a canal system which extends through both the handle and working part. The canal system terminates in an opening at the tip of the working part on one side while the opposite end of the canal is by means of a flexible connection attached to a suction unit. In addition to the integrated canal system an external pipe system may be attached running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the instrument terminating in an opening next to or distally of the working part's tip, while its opposite end is attached by means of a flexible connection to a rinsing device. The working end of the suction root elevator as well as the suction dental curette may be detachably secured to the handle thus permitting to be replaced by another similarly or differently shaped working part.

Abstract: A tool for the installation of an abutment or screw in implant dentistry has a knob manually rotatable externally of a patient's mouth on one end of an arm and a bit, releasably secured on a sprocket, rotatable inside the patient's mouth in response to rotation of the knob. A chain connects the bit sprocket to a sprocket attached to the knob, so that the bit rotates about an axis parallel to, but laterally offset by the arm from, the axis of rotation of the knob. A resilient elastomer sleeve is releasably stretched over the abutment or screw and over the bit for initial positioning. Mutliple, interchangeable bits are provided to match different sized abutment or screw heads. The bit shank is recessed intermediate cylindrical portions, for receiving a set screw.

Abstract: An improved dental scaler or curette wherein the cutting blade is spaced from the handle of the instrument by an arcuately formed shank portion which extends outwardly from the lower portion of the handle in a generally continuous arc to a relatively straight portion that extends transversely at an obtuse angel with respect to the plane of the arcuate shank and from which the cutting blade of the instrument extends at an acute angle with respect to the plane of the arcuate shank. In a further embodiment, the cutting blade includes a concave or generally V-shaped portion extending inwardly of the cutting edge thereof so as to form an elongated trough or trap in which material may be retained for removal during scaling or scraping of a tooth surface.

Abstract: An instrument for removing deposits and stains on teeth is provided with a handle having an end-piece which carries a working tool, the tip of which is intended to be applied on the teeth to be treated. The tool consists of an eraser formed by a body of molded synthetic resin such as polyvinyl chloride, polyamide or silicone, within which are incorporated abrasive or polishing elements of greater hardness such that their Rockwell hardness number is higher than 25 mPa but lower than 200 mPa. These abrasive or polishing elements consist either of glass fibers with a fiber content on the order of 20 to 30% or of micrograins of a synthetic resin such as methyl polymethacrylate or a polyamide resin with a concentration within the range of 5 to 90% by weight, with a preference for a range of 20 to 50%, the particle diameter of these micrograins being approximately 10 to 400 microns.

Abstract: A dental instrument for use in filling cavities in teeth with a light activated filling compound which includes a condensing tip constructed from a plastic or glass fiber optic material. A source of light, either external to the instrument, or contained therewithin, can be selectively energized to enable controlled activation of the activator in the filling compound as the compound is being packed and shaped within the cavity by the condenser tip of the instrument. The dental instrument includes a suction cup removably connected to the tip for releasably gripping a dental overlay.

Abstract: A dental curette or scaler having a finger pad including a generally concave finger surface proximate a working head and complementary contoured to the shape of an extended middle finger urged thereupon. The finger pad is selectively rotatable about and removable from a tapered end closely proximate the working head of the instrument. The finger pad is comprised of a resilient material to adapt to individual finger variations and is textured to provide a comfortable feel and a friction grip to the dental hygienist or dentist. The finger pad is restricted from lateral sliding along a longitudinal axis of the instrument and, further, is sterilizable prior to use. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the finger pad has a plurality of finger surfaces for receiving a finger in more than one position.

Abstract: A method of administering an injectable anesthetic to the palatal tissue covering one of the foramina of the palate with a hypodermic syringe and a specialized instrument. The instrument has a handle with stem ends, the right hand end and left hand stem end each having a compositely angled shank part connected to a ring to be disposed flatwise on the palatal tissue. The ring at each end presents a blunted bottom to the palatal tissue. The ring further has a through slit therein. Firstly the instrument is placed in the patient's mouth with one of the rings in contact with the palatal tissue immediately adjacent to one of the foramina. The ring is firmly pressed against the palatal tissue until the tissue blanches and a pressure anesthesia through ischemia is achieved. Then a hypodermic syringe is placed in the mouth of the patient, and the needle is inserted through and guided by the ring into the very center of the palatal tissue.

Abstract: A holding device allows for tightening of a screw joint in a bone-anchored dental implant without imposing stress upon the tissue surrounding the implant. The device includes a first part which is rotationally locked in relation to the implant and a second part in the form of an arm which is rigidly connected to the first part, extends substantially perpendicularly thereto and is provided with a holding portion which interacts with the stationary part of the tightening tool to prevent undesirable rotary movements.

Abstract: A device for manipulating dental restorations, such as thin, ceramic tooth veneer of the type used in cosmetic bonding to teeth comprises an elongated, pencil-like handle structure having a tip which is releasably attachable to a surface of a veneer, affording convenient means for manipulating the veneer, as for example when bonding the veneer to a patient's tooth. A basic embodiment of the device includes a thin, small flexible circular plate attached transversely to one end of the pencil-like structure and forming the tip of the device. The outer tranverse of the tip plate, which may be flat or concave, is coated with a tacky substance providing sufficient adherence to the surface of a ceramic veneer to permit the veneer to be picked up when the plate is gently placed in contact with the surface of the veneer. The adhesion force of the tacky substance is sufficiently small to permit the tip to be disengaged from the veneer with a slight pulling force, when desired.

Abstract: An instrument for opening and closing a dental bracket where the bracket has a cover for an archwire slot. The instrument contains projections rotating about the archwire, a key fitting behind the cover and causes the cover to telescope into the bracket.

Abstract: A denture adhesive removing head is affixed to one end of an elongated handle. The head has several lines of projections extending from a common surface. The outer ends of the projections lie on a convexly curved surface. The head and projections are molded from a material that is pliable when warm and relatively rigid when cooled.

Abstract: A dental implant installation assembly which comprises three components, first, a dental implant having a biocompatible surface, a first end for being located in the alveolar cavity and a second end having formed therein a threaded opening, second a protective cap screw in the threaded opening in the implant, the screw having formed therein a female wrench-engaging cavity constructed and adapted to engage an insertable wrench, and, third, a holder having a gripping portion and a holding projection received in compression in the wrench-engaging cavity of the cap screw, the holder being releasable from the cap screw when the holder is bent relative to the head thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: A dental curet and sharpening machine system has been developed for complete mechanical guidance of the instruments during the sharpening procedure. Double-ended dental curets comprising cutting blades, shanks, and a handle have been designed so that regardless of the instrument's rake angle, the arc center of the toe on the face of the cutting blade which is to be sharpened lies on the longitudinal center axis of the instrument and at a constant distance from reference points on the instrument handle. The sharpening machine comprises a base, an electrical motor with a rotating sharpening stone, and an instrument guide unit. The instrument guide unit can position the blade face of a curet of any rake angle in a horizontal plane with the arc center of the toe on the blade's face coincident with a vertical axis about which the guide unit is swung while the blade edge is engaged with the rotating stone during the cutting procedure.

Abstract: A dental appliance safety-line consists of a line, one end of which contains a flexible vinyl handle and with an attachment end. The vinyl handle is used to grasp onto and manipulate the safety line, and the attachment end provides an adequate amount of retentive surface area for an adhesive to penetrate and adhere to and imparts substantial strength between the safety line and a dental device such as a dental restoration or appliance. The safety line is left attached to the dental device during the fitting and adjustment procedures. Once the dental device is permanently affixed in the oral cavity, the chair side practitioner takes any readily available instrument and removes the safety line by cleaving the adhesive at the junction of the attachment end and surface of the dental device. This removal is accomplished without the need for modifying or refinishing the surface of the dental device.

Abstract: A dental tool providing a sure grip handle connected at one end or both ends to a head for inserting tool parts such as brushes, the head and brushes disposed at an angle from the longitudinal axis of the handle, the head accepting tool parts into an aperture formed through the head. The centerline axis of the aperture being disposed at an angle from the longitudinal axis of the handle causes the axis of the tool part to be disposed at either an acute or obtuse angle from the longitudinal axis of the handle depending on which side of the aperture is used for tool part insertion. The aperture is formed in a manner to securely hold the tool part while allowing removability, either by opposing tapered ports through the head, or by a restricted orifice interior of the aperture.

Abstract: An implant for an individual tooth including a metal implant post having a fastening head for receiving the removable denture, the implant post being mounted in a metal spacing element which is threaded in a basic structure that is implantable in the tooth. To hold the spacing element in a fixed, non-twisting and rotatable position, the element is composed of a base portion having a first threaded portion which is received in the basic structure and a second threaded portion of a pitch less than the first portion, which receives a ring element that is threaded thereon and has a shoulder for engaging an upper edge of the basic structure to form a locking arrangement.

Abstract: An improved dental instrument is provided for facilitated placement of retraction cord into the gingival crevice surrounding a tooth. The instrument includes a narrow working tip defining a concave and face adapted for secure, substantially slip-free engagement with retraction cord in the course of packing the cord into the gingival crevice. The retraction cord can thus be placed quickly and easily without significant risk of damage to periodontal attachment tissue at the base of the gingival crevice.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a handheld dental instrument which automatically regulates the pressure at which the working end of the instrument engages a person's teeth or gums. The instrument includes a probe that is spring biased into a set position. The bias of the probe is predetermined, and is designed to yield to a preset minimum force. The deformation of the instrument's spring bias keeps the force of the instrument consistent against any object. This consistent pressure assures that the instrument will work in the same manner, and give the same results, time after time. Additionally, the consistency of the instrument will result in more accurate results and increase in the dentist's confidence while using the instrument.

Abstract: A tool is described, which is intended for screwing into place a threaded prosthetic part (6). The tool comprises a turning bolt (1) which has an elongated cylindrical core (2) having at one end thereof a head (3) for turning the tool, and having at its opposite end a portion (4) first threads (5) for fitting into threads in the prosthetic part, and is characterized in that the core has second threads (11), on a portion (10) thereof between the ends thereof, said second threads having a pitch direction opposite to the pitch direction fo the first threads, and a sleeve (13) arranged around the core, said sleeve having threads engaging said second threads, whereby the sleeve may be screwed into contact with the prosthetic part (6) locking the tool in the prosthetic part.

Abstract: A tool and method for handling small objects particularly suitable for placing small cast restorations into prepared cavities inside the mouth of a dental patient. The tool comprises an elongate handle having an adhesive tip of nonhardening pliable adhesive material. The material is plastically deformable, upon sustained pressure, and a forward bonding surface may be formed of a size appropriate for the size of the object to be placed and the contour of the placement location. A lump of the material encompasses a terminal portion of the handle, and the tool is operable at any convenient angle within the space restrictions inherent at a particular location. Economical manufacture allows disposable use of the tool and lessens the likelihood of transferring infection between patients.

Abstract: Dental instruments including metallic curettes and scalers are provided with one or more annular rings which are formed in the handle of such instruments with the number of annular rings and their positioning with respect to the end of the handle indicating the appropriate instrument for use in treating the anterior and posterior, upper and lower, left and right, lingual and buccal tooth surface areas and also which reflect which block of an instrument is for use on distal and mesial surfaces.

Abstract: A screw driver system particularly adapted for use in placement and removal of dental implant screws is shown to comprise a forceps holder having distal pincer portions adapted to firmly engage the head of a screw driver at an optimal angle to permit improved visibility of the work area and access thereto when the system is placed in the mouth of a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for dentistry which includes an information system having a program for generating data in a sequential manner, a handle device, and an information link which allows for the introduction of data from the information system to the handle device. The handle device includes a display unit as well as a data input key. The data input key, upon being manipulated, chooses a data item derived from the information system and the display unit displays at least the last data item introduced or the data item being introduced. The data being introduced is segmetized into discrete groups and a data item from each group can be chosen upon manipulation of the data input key and the display unit can include a plurality of display segments for displaying data items chosen from the segmetized groups of data. Audible signals can also be used in association with displaying data items.

Abstract: A porcelain veneer placement holder is provided for picking up a small porcelain veneer piece and placing it on a surface of a tooth. The holder includes an elongated handle having an end portion, a plunger fixedly connected to and cantilevered from the end portion, a hollow cylinder slidably mounted on the plunger and forming an open-ended variable-volume chamber containing an adhesive material. The adhesive material is extruded for making a small deposit at the top of the cylinder. The handle end portion has a peripheral wall cantilevered therefrom and is coaxial with the plunger along a plunger axis. The peripheral wall and the plunger form a cylindrical cavity therebetween, which receives the cylinder. The end portion and the plunger axis are disposed at an angle to the handle.

Abstract: A unique dental spatula includes an angle head, and an elongate body having a plurality of lateral projections forming apertured posts for affixing and displaying color-shade samples. The spatula portion of the instrument has an angled head so that the instrument can be conveniently held for spatulation or for holding the color samples adjacent to the patient's teeth to visually determine the proper color match. The elongate handle portion of the present invention is made of a clear material so that it does not affect resin coloration and further includes a roughened front surface for retaining written indicia, which serves to denote the particular proportions of material used in a given sample.

Abstract: A dental pick having an enlarged head for removing plaque between teeth is disclosed. The pick has a handle portion and an operational portion. The handle portion has two gripping portions to provide two different operational lengths for the pick. The operational portion includes a flexible neck portion and an enlarged head portion. Advantageously, the operational portion of the pick is of a substantially continuous, non-tapering thickness which enables the pick to be inserted into the interproximal spaces between adjacent teeth without the risk of becoming impacted. The pick is adapted to slide between adjacent teeth while in a vertical orientation, and is then rotated so that the larger vertical portion of the head assumes a generally horizontal orientation. Once the device is substantially horizontally oriented, the pick is agitated both vertically and horizontally so as to disrupt food, plaque and bacteria residing therein.

Abstract: A dental probe is disclosed for use in detecting periodontal disease and gingivitis. The probe includes an elongage member having a distal end with the double-tapered flexible plastic tip thereon; the distal end has a first portion indicating a non-diseased condition and a second portion indicating a diseased condition, the first portion being disposed between the tip of the distal end and the second portion, the second portion being disposed adjacent to the first portion. The invention also includes a method using the dental probe for diagnosing periodontal disease and gingivitis.

Abstract: A dental tool for assisting in cavity repair in two adjacent teeth by facilitating removal of matrix bands therefrom after installation of filler restoration material.The tool includes a shank terminating in a bifurcated end portion, each branch of the bifurcated end portion terminating in a working surface having an inner edge. The inner edges of the working surfaces are separated by a gap having a width sufficiently large to accommodate a dental matrix band and sufficiently narrow to enable the working surfaces to maintain tight common interproximal contact with the filler restoration material in adjacent teeth.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis applicator having an elongated flat handle and a flexible adhesive strip for retaining a dental prosthesis is provided. The handle includes along one end thereof an opaque element which is suitable for covering a substantial portion of the dental prosthesis held by the adhesive strip when the strip is flexed 180 degrees.

Abstract: A double-threaded tooth pick bar formed with a double-threaded portion on one end of the pick bar and a slim portion terminating in a hook at the other end for easier and safer removal of plaque and food debris lodged between the teeth.

Abstract: A ball at one end of a handle has opposite indentations to receive the ends of cusps of opposed teeth of a patient. The other end of the handle is flattened to help position the ball. When the patient bites against the ball, a crack in a tooth near a cusp against the ball will cause pain and thereby indicate the location of a crack.

Abstract: A dental instrument is provided for use in facilitated placement and fixation of dental veneers of fragile porcelain-based material or the like designed for bonding onto patient teeth. The instrument includes a lightweight handpiece adapted for coupling to a vacuum source, in combination with a disposable transparent tip designed to engage and conform with surface contours of a dental veneer for vacuum-holding of the veneer during manipulation preparatory to fixation. A valve port on the handpiece can be opened or closed with a fingertip or with a movable valve member to facilitate controlled pick-up and release of the dental veneer. The transparent tip enhances dentist vision during veneer placement and further permits passage of radiation for improved curing of a light curable bonding agent conventionally used for veneer fixation. A multipurpose vacuum source adapter and alternative instrument geometries are also disclosed.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises an anchoring element (2), a pin (3) fixed thereto, and a pin (4) rotatingly and pivotingly connected thereto. By means of a plastic handle (15) detachably affixed in a groove (13) of the anchoring element, this element can easily be inserted by its pins into matching boreholes (39, 47) in the tooth (38) serving as a support for the anchoring element. The telescoping drilling template (40) can be attached to the drill head (35) of a dental drill so that after the first hole (39) has been drilled in the tooth with a drill bit (36), the template is inserted in that hole, thus ensuring that the second hole (47) is drilled with the desired spacing corresponding to that of the two pins.

Abstract: A cleaning instrument for removing plaque and calculus deposits from the titanium anchor cylinders of tissue integrated dental prostheses is disclosed. The instrument, molded from hard plastic, such as polypropylene or glass reinforced nylon, has an elongated handle and a substantially crescent-shaped scraper body disposed at one end of the handle. The scraper body defines an interior opening which is of the same internal diameter as the external diameter of the titanium anchor cylinders to be cleaned. Interior walls of the crescent-shaped scraper have teeth or ridges to provide a scraping or cutting action for the calculus deposits. The crescent-shaped body extends more than one-half of the corresponding circle. Therefore, in order to place the scraper on the titanium cylinder the jaws of the scraper must be slightly spread apart and thereafter the scraper body snaps onto and is removably held on the titanium cylinders.

Abstract: In the visual measurement system for reading the occulusal clearance between the pulpal cavity wall and the opposing tooth, a thermoplastic material for occulusal registration is cast in a pulpal cavity wall at the time of the primary preparation of a cavity or abutment, and is put into occulusal closure engagement with the opposing tooth to register the opposing tooth surface thereon, the material being capable of being softened and formed at a temperature slightly higher than the internal temperature of the oral cavity and being of slight transparency. A specially designed explorer for thickness mesurement is then inserted into the required regions on the prepared surface covered with the material, thereby to produce indentations which are of various sizes and shapes similar to those of the head of the explorer, and which has its width coincident with the indented depth, and the sizes of the indentations are visually observed to read the clearance between the pulpal cavity wall and the opposing tooth.

Abstract: A periodontal probe and recording apparatus for measuring the depth of a pocket formed by the gum (gingival tissue) surrounding a tooth. The periodontal probe and recording apparatus are comprised of a probe tip with a simplified spring tension device electrically connected via a transducer to the recording apparatus. The probe tip reciprocates via a movable arm in a short, easy to clean, sleeve fixed to a probe handle, wherein the probe tip acts against a constant spring tension. With the probe tip resting on the bottom of the pocket, the periodontal probe handle is pressed toward the pocket until the sleeve touches the margin of the gum forming the pocket. The exposed length of the probe tip represents the depth of the pocket. There is a locking mechanism for locking the tip at the measured depth for visual measurement.

Abstract: A dental probe is disclosed for use in detecting periodontal disease and gingivitis. The probe includes an elongate member having a distal end with a flexible plastic tip thereon; the distal end has first portion indicating a non-diseased condition and a second portion indicating a diseased condition, the first portion being disposed between the tip of the distal end and the second portion, the second portion being disposed adjacent to the first portion. The invention also includes a method using the dental probe for diagnosing periodontal disease and gingivitis.

Abstract: A disposable dental instrument is described in which the instrument is formed by insert molding a handle about a wire. The wire has a working portion and a embedding portion; both the working portion and the embedding portion have a common diameter. In one embodiment of the subject invention, the handle changes color when exposed to ultraviolet light. In another embodiment of the invention, the instrument can be sterilized using only radiation sterilization techniques.

Abstract: A dental instrument for assisting in the placement of a dental matrix band around a tooth to be repaired and the associated gingival margin of the repair. The dental matrix includes an elongated slender handle having a thin guide blade disposed from at least one end of the handle. The guide blade is adapted to be fitted between the matrix band and the tooth to be repaired to facilitate positioning of the matrix band over the gingival shoulder of the repair, then progressively around the tooth. The guide blade is preferrably tapered toward its distal end, having a generally curved transverse section to mate against the side of the tooth. The guide blade may also include matrix band engaging means for providing positive connection between the matrix band and the matrix band during manipulation of the guide blade toward the patient's gums and the base of the tooth for enhanced positive and quick disposition of the matrix band.