Abstract: An interdental cleaning tool capable of reducing possibility of a cleaning portion being detached from a shaft portion includes a base portion including a shaft portion (20) having a shape insertable in an interdental space, and a cleaning portion (50) that covers at least a portion of the shaft portion and is capable of cleaning an interdental space. The base portion further includes a protruding portion (40) that protrudes from a covered portion (22) in a direction intersecting the shaft portion (20), the covered portion (22) being a portion of the shaft portion (20) and covered by the cleaning portion (50).

Abstract: A catheter for use in treating pleura diseases, such as pleural effusions and pneumothorax, includes a tip portion that is configured to irritate the pleura when the catheter is inserted in the pleural cavity, thereby initiating mechanical pleurodesis. The tip portion has a substantially rough configuration and may include one or more protrusions that contact the pleura when the catheter is in use, thereby irritating the layers. This irritation causes the creation of fibrous adhesions between the parietal and visceral layers that close off the pleural cavity and prevent further fluid and/or air accumulations that occur as a result of pleural diseases.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a disposable food storage bag including a pair of disposable finger gloves that can be separated from the food storage bag and worn to prevent a user's fingers from directly contacting the food content inside the storage bag. In an example, the disposable finger gloves can be positioned at and around the top portion of the food storage bag, wherein the removal the disposable finger gloves (e.g., tearing according to perforation) creates an opening in the food storage bag for access to the inner contents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand held interproximal dental tool for detaching unwanted materials from a patient's teeth and to methods of manufacturing such tools. The interproximal dental tool includes a compact, ergonomically designed housing which is gripped by a dental practitioner during use and a blade extending from and structurally supported by the housing which includes serrations for cutting or abrasive materials for sanding unwanted material.

Abstract: An improved handle for a dental filing tool, the tool having an arcuate handle with a horizontal bridge and opposed first and second vertical arms, the improvement including first and second sets of partial-cylindrical grip portions distributed along the outer surfaces of the first and second vertical arms, respectively, the grip portions aligned normal to the handle plane, the respective first and second sets defining convex or concave outer grip profiles and concave front-back grip profiles. An improved handle may further include an embedded socket to receive a coupler for a dental driver, or a projecting coupling to engage a dental driver coupling.

Abstract: A system for reconditioning a dental implant in situ comprising a buffer member, a drive member, abrasive material, and a sleeve member. The sleeve member moves between first and second positions relative to the buffer member. The buffer member is in an open configuration when the sleeve member is in the first position. The sleeve member holds the buffer member in a closed configuration when the sleeve member is in the second position. The buffer member is rotated such that the plurality of fingers of the buffer member cause the abrasive material to remove at least a portion of the texture layer on the textured portion of implant outer surface of the second implant portion.

Abstract: The current invention refers to a device for the removal of residues that have not been removed after the repair of teeth. It enables easier sanding between teeth, provides greater support, and requires less time for the oral cavity to be open. It is lubricant, electricity, and battery free. The surfaces of this invention are smooth with rounded edges, and can sand both the fronts and the backs of the teeth. The current invention will enable dentists throughout the world easier manipulation in the process of removing residues after teeth repair and will only require the use of one hand.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a proximal tooth separator. One embodiment comprises a handle and at least one separator connected to an end. The at least one separator comprising rigid metals, steel, titanium, or other materials suitable for separating teeth, and being sized so as to appropriately separate the teeth as known to those of skill in the art.

Abstract: A dental shaping strip includes a base portion and a shaping portion. The base portion has a first base surface and a second base surface facing in an opposite direction from the first base surface. The first and second base surfaces have prescribed longitudinal lengths and prescribed widths transverse to the prescribed longitudinal lengths. The shaping portion is connected to a longitudinal edge of the base portion. The shaping portion has a first shaping surface connected to the first base surface, with at least part of the first shaping surface being abrasive. The first and second base surfaces are at least partially non-abrasive. Preferably, the first shaping surface and the first base surface diverge from each other as they approach longitudinal free edges of the dental shaping strip. Preferably, the first and second base surfaces are non abrasive along their prescribed longitudinal lengths.

Abstract: A dental shaping strip includes a base portion and a shaping portion. The base portion has a first base surface and a second base surface facing in an opposite direction from the first base surface. The first and second base surfaces have prescribed longitudinal lengths and prescribed widths transverse to the prescribed longitudinal lengths. The shaping portion is connected to a longitudinal edge of the base portion. The shaping portion has a first shaping surface connected to the first base surface, with at least part of the first shaping surface being abrasive. The first and second base surfaces are at least partially non-abrasive. Preferably, the first shaping surface and the first base surface diverge from each other as they approach longitudinal free edges of the dental shaping strip. Preferably, the first and second base surfaces are non abrasive along their prescribed longitudinal lengths.

Abstract: An improved handle for a dental filing tool, the tool having an arcuate handle with a horizontal bridge and opposed first and second vertical arms, the improvement including first and second sets of partial-cylindrical grip portions distributed along the outer surfaces of the first and second vertical arms, respectively, the grip portions aligned normal to the handle plane, the respective first and second sets defining convex or concave outer grip profiles and concave front-back grip profiles. An improved handle may further include an embedded socket to receive a coupler for a dental driver, or a projecting coupling to engage a dental driver coupling.

Abstract: An improved handle for a dental filing tool, the tool having an arcuate handle with a horizontal bridge and opposed first and second vertical arms, the improvement including first and second sets of partial-cylindrical grip portions distributed along the outer surfaces of the first and second vertical arms, respectively, the grip portions aligned normal to the handle plane, the respective first and second sets defining convex outer grip profiles and concave front-back grip profiles. An improved handle may further include an embedded socket to receive a coupler for a dental driver.

Abstract: An improved handle for a dental filing tool, the tool having an arcuate handle with a horizontal bridge and opposed first and second vertical arms, the improvement including first and second sets of partial-cylindrical grip portions distributed along the outer surfaces of the first and second vertical arms, respectively, the grip portions aligned normal to the handle plane, the respective first and second sets defining convex outer grip profiles and concave front-back grip profiles. An improved handle may further include an embedded socket to receive a coupler for a dental driver.

Abstract: A disposable dental filing tool having a handle easy to hold between fingers which arches over and secures at both ends of a thin filing strip. The filing strip can be coated with superfine abrasive material. The filing strip can also be a sharp cutting system along the edge or lateral surface. The strip is fastened between each end of the handle with sufficient tension in the strip to create a rigid filing and grinding surface. The handle is made from formable materials into which a filing strip is inserted. On the outside edge of each vertical arm of the handle is a smooth flattened surface to place fingers to hold the handle.

Abstract: A system for reconditioning a dental implant in situ has a buffer member and a drive member. The buffer member is operable in an open configuration in which the buffer member may be placed over a portion of the implant and a closed configuration in which the buffer member is in contact with the portion of the implant. The drive member is adapted to engage the buffer member such that rotation of the drive member is transferred to the buffer member. Rotation of the drive member with the drive member engaged the buffer member and the buffer member in the closed configuration causes rotation of the buffer member such that the buffer member abrades at least a portion of the surface of the implant.

Abstract: A device is provided for preventative and acute treatment of teeth and gums, with a handle (1) and a treatment element mounted on the handle for insertion into the mouth of a patient, comprising an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the handle. In order to treat teeth and gums, for example, for dissolving and removing lipophilic bacteria, and to provide for treatment and massage of the gums without risk of damage to the epithelia, in addition to feeding care and treatment agents, the treatment element (2) comprises a three-dimensional, rotationally symmetrical surface made at least partially of open-pore foam, wherein the treatment element (3) is mounted so as to be freely rotatable about the axis of rotation, such that the rotationally symmetrical surface thereof can be rolled along the teeth and/or gums.

Abstract: An interproximal dental strip with a serrated zone flanked by abrasive zones in repeated longitudinal succession along a side face of the strip. The abrasive zones have a plurality of abrasive sections with non-abrasive sections between. The abrasive sections are inclined with respect to the side edges of the strip such that only a portion of each abrasive section makes grinding contact with a tooth at any given time for more controlled and effective working of the strip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and inventive composition for implant cleaning and/or debridement of hard surfaces in the oral cavity, which comprises optimally activated nanoparticles of TiO2, having a mean particle diameter (D50) of about 10-100 nm at a concentration between 0.5-500 g/L, and H2O2, at a concentration of at the most 7.5% by volume, said composition being antibacterial, without causing microbial resistance, and anti-inflammatory, and wherein said composition further comprises solid microparticles, having a mean particle diameter (D50) of about 100-200 ?m at a concentration between 0.5-300 g/L, for improved mechanical debridement and/or cleaning of rough surfaces in the oral cavity and/or on an implant.

Abstract: A dental tool includes a work area which is covered with abrasive particles, wherein the abrasive particles are embedded at least in part in a support layer formed galvanically on a surface of the work area, and wherein at least one cover layer which at least partly encloses the abrasive particles is arranged on the support layer, and to a method for producing the dental tool.

Abstract: The tool for the treatment of surfaces of dental materials comprises a spindle one end of which is provided with an abrasive layer that forms a head and the other end of which is provided with means for connection to a dental handpiece. The end of said spindle on which said abrasive layer is arranged is in the form of a core whose profile is similar to the profile of said abrasive layer, said abrasive layer enclosing said core with the exception of its termination on the handpiece side and having a thickness of at least 0.2 mm. Such a tool is substantially more rupture-proof and allows faster and more precise work.

Abstract: The current invention refers to a device for the removal of residues that have not been removed after the repair of teeth. It enables easier sanding between teeth, provides greater support, and requires less time for the oral cavity to be open. It is lubricant, electricity, and battery free. The surfaces of this invention are smooth with rounded edges, and can sand both the fronts and the backs of the teeth. The current invention will enable dentists throughout the world easier manipulation in the process of removing residues after teeth repair and will only require the use of one hand.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for removing enamel or debris from a tooth includes a blade having an abrasive surface and a handle portion. The handle portion includes a support portion for mounting the blade and a shank having a proximal end connected to the support portion and a distal end. The shank includes a flexible shank portion having two flexible elements separated by a slit extending axially from the distal end of the shank along the flexible shank portion.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus for removing enamel from a person's tooth includes a blade portion and an arch portion coupled to the blade portion. The blade portion includes an abrasive surface having a repeating pattern of recesses, and the abrasive surface is adapted to remove enamel from the tooth in response to reciprocating movement of the abrasive surface against the enamel.

Abstract: The invention provides a dental method including forming a polishing member sufficient, when rotated, to polish a cut unpolished dental tooth surface to a surface roughness of less than 0.07 sRa ?m and, to polish an unpolished dental restorative material supported by a tooth in a patient's mouth to a surface roughness of less than 0.03 sRa ?m. The dental polishing material preferably includes elastomeric polymer impregnated with blocky synthetic diamonds. The synthetic diamonds effectively have particle sizes less than 50 microns. The synthetic diamonds are more than 50 percent by weight of the dental polishing material.

Abstract: A flexible band file with improved control for dental work in orthodontics, in conservative dentistry and in prophylaxis comprises a flexible abrasive foil, extending mainly longitudinally, and provided at both ends with grip elements fixedly connected to the foil to constitute a single piece.

Abstract: A dental appliance for abrading dental resin, particularly in the interproximal space, is characterized by a length of dental tape formed of a supple, synthetic monofilament material of a rectangular cross section having an abrading material on an exterior portion thereof suitable for abrading dental resin, and a plastic threading element attached to an end of the dental tape for allowing the insertion of the dental tape into the interproximal space via the side. In one form, the dental abrading appliance has an abrading section formed of a continuous abrader or having an alternating pattern of non-abrading and abrading portions along a length of the dental tape. The abrading portions may be a single grit of the dental abrading material or may be different grits of the dental abrading material. In another form, the dental abrading tape has a single grit of a dental abrading material about its entire length.

Abstract: An adjustable angle adapter for a prophy angle comprises a nose, a rotating member, a body, a shaft, and a multi-axis rotation joint. The nose is configured to receive a portion of a prophy angle. The rotating member is positioned within the nose. The body is adjustably connected to the nose. The shaft is positioned within the body. The multi-axis rotation joint connects the shaft to the rotating member. The nose is rotatable relative to the body into at least a first configuration and a second configuration.

Abstract: A dental prophy angle includes a housing and a rotor. The dental prophy angle adapter can include a drive shaft with a tip. The drive shaft of the adapter can be coupled to a gear at the same end of the tip with the rotor of the prophy angle being configured to receive the tip. Further, a slidable sleeve can extend over a portion of the drift shaft so that the slidable sleeve becomes automatically retracted upon engaging a shoulder of the housing resulting in the gear of the drive shaft being revealed.

Abstract: A file for working on the interproximal space in orthodontics as well as in conservative treatments and prophylaxis of teeth comprises a tool-holding structure and an abrasive plate, wherein the tool-holding structure is shaped in an arc and provided at the ends with two tubular portions and wherein the abrasive plate is stably fixed at both of its ends to the tubular portions of the tool-holding structure, wherein the tool-holding structure is symmetrical and overmolded on said abrasive plate. A relative device able to be connected to an oscillating handpiece comprises such a file and a shank for the connection to the handpiece, wherein the shank is removably fixed to the file.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus for removing enamel from a person's tooth includes a blade portion and a handle portion. The blade portion includes an abrasive surface adapted to remove enamel from the tooth in response to reciprocating movement of the abrasive surface against the enamel. The handle portion is coupled to the blade portion and includes first and second regions, the first region is proximal and the second region is distal to the blade portion. The first region includes a substantially solid cross-section with a substantially circular perimeter. The second region includes a substantially solid cross-section with at least a substantially semi-circular perimeter, the solid cross-section defining a notched region. The apparatus is adapted to be inserted via a pressure fit into a corresponding opening in a driver mechanism adapted to drive reciprocating movement of the blade portion and the abrasive surface.

Abstract: A dental prophylaxis angle and handpiece assembly for cleaning and polishing teeth is provided. The dental prophylaxis angle is removably attached to the dental handpiece by an interlocking mechanism that includes extension locking tabs, a locking annular member, and an interlocking drive member in the handpiece. The prophy angle is securely snap-fitted onto the handpiece and locked in place so that it has minimal lateral movement. After the prophy angle has been used to treat a patient, it can be removed easily from the handpiece and disposed thereof.

Abstract: A system for reconditioning a dental implant in situ comprising a buffer member and a drive member. The buffer member is operable in an open configuration in which the buffer member may be placed over a portion of the implant and a closed configuration in which the buffer member is in contact with the portion of the implant. The drive member is adapted to engage the buffer member such that rotation of the drive member is transferred to the buffer member. Rotation of the drive member with the drive to member engaged the buffer member and the buffer member in the closed configuration causes rotation of the buffer member such that the buffer member abrades at least a portion of the surface of the implant.

Abstract: A disposable oral care implement that provides various oral care functions in a compact form is disclosed therein. The disposable oral care implement includes a body, a polishing block attached to a first end of the body, and one or more oral care tools coupled to a second end of the body. The one or more oral care tools may include a tongue scrapper, an inter-dental pick, a brush, a floss holder, and/or a gum stimulator. The body of the disposable oral care implement may be formed by injection molding. The oral care tool may be formed on the second end of the body by over-molding while the polishing block may be attached to the first end of the body by way of press-fit.

Abstract: The tool for the treatment of surfaces of dental materials with liquids, includes an abrasive body that includes a carrier material and abrasive particles embedded therein. In order to achieve a vibration-free treatment of said dental surface the carrier material is cellulose-based and the cellulose-based material is prepared in such a way as to possess a capacity for absorbing liquids for softening the carrier material.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating teeth utilizing a base member having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion. A first spring extends outwardly from the first end portion while a second spring extends outwardly from the second portion of the base member. A lingual shield spans the distal portions of the first and second springs extending from the base member. A pair of tines overlap one another, one tine extending from the base member, the other extending from the shield. The first and second springs urge the meeting or overlapping of the first and second tines in the vicinity of gap for meeting place between a pair of teeth.

Abstract: An abrading dental floss is characterized by dental floss formed of a circular fiber or fibrous material having a dental abrasive on the exterior portion thereof suitable for polishing, sanding and/or finishing (abrading) dental restorative material particularly dental composite resin. The dental abrading material is impregnated into or provided onto the dental floss. In one form, the dental abrading floss has an abrading section situated between lengths of non-abrading dental floss. The abrading section may be formed of an alternating pattern of non-abrasive portions and abrasive portions along a length of the floss. The abrasive portions may be of a single grit or texture of the dental abrasive or may be of different grits of the dental abrasive. In another form, the dental abrading floss has a single grit of a dental abrasive along and about its entire length. The dental abrasive may be of a single grit or different grits of the dental abrasive along its length.

Abstract: A two-unit system for finishing and polishing a target surface such as a dental restoration or appliance. A two-unit system and the method of employing such a system may include a finishing unit that combines gross reduction and final contouring capabilities into the single finishing unit that still results in leaving a smooth surface finish. A separate polishing unit may also be provided that combines contacting the target surface to polish and to achieve high gloss luster into the single unit.

Abstract: A dental filing tool and method for use includes providing a unitary injection-molded handle with integral finger pads, indicia markings, and an abrasive filing strip embedded into the handle vertical arms; inserting the tool between teeth to cut and file restorations; and, disposing after use. A method for making a dental filing tool is provided, including the steps: selecting a strip; providing the strip with abrasive means; providing the strip with mounting holes; providing an injection mold with a horizontal and first and second vertical arm channels, each of the vertical arm channels having flattened opposing outer edges to form integral finger pads; and, first and second mounting pins spaced distally to hold the strip in tension; mounting the strip onto the pins within the mold; injecting plastic by injection molding means to form the dental filing tool; cooling the dental filing tool until resilient; and, removing the filing tool.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an oral hygiene device for use in cleaning the teeth as well as the interproximal spaces between the teeth, and methods of manufacturing and using same. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an oral hygiene device comprises a substantially rigid member having a dental cleaner on a first end and an interdental cleaner substantially terminating in an apex on a second end, the substantially rigid member being substantially free of filaments and bristles, and a coating material disposed on an outer surface of the dental cleaner, the coating material comprising at least an abradant.

Abstract: A dental filing tool includes a handle and a filing strip, wherein the handle includes first and second handle parts, each having a bridge and corresponding first and second arms extending therefrom, the handle parts connectable by a plurality of snap fittings and forming finger pads at either end when snapped together. Male snap fittings may include one or more cross-slots extending at least part of the length of the male snap fitting. A filing strip includes abrasive material on one or both faces, or a sharp-edged perforation pattern, and one or more serrated edges. The interior surfaces of the handle may be beveled to improve comfort and better fit between teeth. The bridge portion of the handle parts can include a raised portion and indicia formed into or printed on the raised portion.

Abstract: A dental prophy chip with a hollow core of different shapes such as canopy, cylinder, cup and inverted cone, is covered by hydrophilic grindstone sponge containing a polishing agent and its edge is either pressed fixed or folded into the interior of the core with a latch plate. A shaft is fixed to the latch plate to avoid resonance at bottom surface, during rotation. The device maintains polishing efficiency by avoiding transverse oscillation in polishing barrel-shaped tooth clearance and reducing frictional heat.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus for removing enamel from a person's tooth includes a blade portion and a handle portion. The blade portion includes an abrasive surface adapted to remove enamel from the tooth in response to reciprocating movement of the abrasive surface against the enamel. The handle portion is coupled to the blade portion and includes first and second regions, the first region is proximal and the second region is distal to the blade portion. The first region includes a substantially solid cross-section with a substantially circular perimeter. The second region includes a substantially solid cross-section with at least a substantially semi-circular perimeter, the solid cross-section defining a notched region. The apparatus is adapted to be inserted via a pressure fit into a corresponding opening in a driver mechanism adapted to drive reciprocating movement of the blade portion and the abrasive surface.

Abstract: An improved dental sanding strip for removing material between the teeth is provided. The dental sanding strip includes a lead portion extending from one end of the dental sanding strip to facilitate the insertion of the strip into the space between the teeth. The dental sanding strip is an elongated strip of film having a first end and a second end. The first end having an abrasive portion and the second end having a holding portion. A lead portion extends from the first end, the area having the abrasive portion. The lead portion is affixed to the first end in a suitable manner such as with adhesive or by heat welding. The first end of the dental sanding strip is tapered toward the lead portion providing a gradual transition from the lead portion to the full width dental sanding strip. The lead portion of the dental sanding strip is inserted between the teeth by first inserting a free end of the lead portion into the space between the teeth.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus for removing enamel from a person's tooth includes a blade portion and a handle portion. The blade portion includes an abrasive surface adapted to remove enamel from the tooth in response to reciprocating movement of the abrasive surface against the enamel. The handle portion is coupled to the blade portion and includes first and second regions, the first region is proximal and the second region is distal to the blade portion. The first region includes a substantially solid cross-section with a substantially circular perimeter. The second region includes a substantially solid cross-section with at least a substantially semi-circular perimeter, the solid cross-section defining a notched region. The apparatus is adapted to be inserted via a pressure fit into a corresponding opening in a driver mechanism adapted to drive reciprocating movement of the blade portion and the abrasive surface.

Abstract: A dental filing tool includes a handle and a filing strip, wherein the handle includes first and second handle parts, each having a bridge and corresponding first and second arms extending therefrom, the handle parts connectable by a plurality of snap fittings and forming finger pads at either end when snapped together. Male snap fittings may include one or more cross-slots extending at least part of the length of the male snap fitting. A filing strip includes abrasive material on one or both faces, or a sharp-edged perforation pattern, and one or more serrated edges. The interior surfaces of the handle may be beveled to improve comfort and better fit between teeth. The bridge portion of the handle parts can include a raised portion and indicia formed into or printed on the raised portion.

Abstract: An abrading dental floss is characterized by dental floss formed of a fiber or fibrous material having a dental abrasive on at least a portion thereof suitable for polishing, sanding and/or finishing dental restorative material such as dental resin. The fiber is preferably a synthetic material. The dental abrading material is impregnated into or provided onto the dental floss. In one form, the dental abrading floss has an abrading section situated between lengths of the dental floss. The abrading polishing section may be formed of an alternating pattern of non-abrasive portions and abrasive portions along a length of the floss. The abrasive portions may be of a single grit or texture of the dental abrasive or may be of different grits of the dental abrasive. In another form, the dental abrading floss has a single grit of a dental abrasive along its entire length.

Abstract: A disposable tooth cleaning article for manually cleaning tooth surfaces is disclosed. The disposable tooth cleaning article extends in a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, and has a finger faced surface and an outer surface. The disposable tooth cleaning article comprises a single sheet. The outer surface is provided with a diamond dust polishing agent for home use and professional use in the care of natural tooth enamel and dental veneers comprised of a quantity of diamond dust coated with a lubricant in conjunction with a paste for carrying the lubricant coated diamond dust, or other semi-precious, non-toxic abrasive dust, said diamond dust being of a size of approximately 500 nanometers or less to a size of approximately 5 nanometers. The size of the dust of both the diamond and the semi-precious stone may vary, depending on the degree of abrasiveness and the lubricant employed.

Abstract: A loop is formed by a bow having across one side a strip or blade. The bow has flexure and memory. The flexure and memory of the bow are imparted to the strip, enabling the strip to be either taut or loose, depending on the pressure exerted by the operator upon the bow. The bow is held and manipulated by the operator with the thumb and finger. The strip is positioned under tension. A holder for the device allows additional variability in the angle of attack of the strip, and facilitates quick and easy interchange of the strips. A holder avoids insertion of fingers far back in the mouth, where working space is limited.

Abstract: A abrasive dental filing strip coated with some superfine abrasive material, especially but not limited to diamond dust like particles, or alternatively a sharp cutting system along the lateral surface, and having cutting edge like serrated or saw tooth along the longitudinal edge or edges.