Abstract: The invention is an extractor for roots of broken teeth. This extractor has a square head spiral. That square head spiral has a spiral anchor and a square head with optional depressions in the sides of that square head. In that square head opposite the spiral anchor is a threaded hole. Included is a generally cubical square head socket with a lower square opening. There is a centrally located passage through the top of that generally cubical square head socket. The invention also has a thumb screw device with a rotator knob part and a threaded section. In operation the square head spiral anchor is screwed into the patient's broken tooth and the cubical square head socket is placed over the square head. The rotator knob part is threaded into the square head threaded hole. The extractor for roots of broken teeth is ready to remove the root of the broken tooth. The square head socket may have an extension. The invention includes a process for removing roots of broken teeth using the above device.

Abstract: In preparing dentures, hardened mould material surrounds the denture. This mould material is adhered inside a denture flask with a housing having two separably matable portions. To remove the hardened mould material from the flask, the flask is mounted in a mould press having a shaft, with one of the portions is restrained against movement along an axis of travel of the shaft. A portion of the mould material at an end of the restrained flask portion is available for contact with the shaft along the axis of travel. A capped end of the shaft is forcefully advanced against the adhered mould material therein, thereby breaking the adhesion. After this is done, the denture flask is dismounted from the mould press and the hardened mould material is removed from the first flask portion. If necessary, the process is repeated with the other housing portion.

Abstract: A dental cleaning device (10) comprising cleaning elements (12) arranged in a spaced relationship and angled generally towards one another such that a space (14) is defined there between. The cleaning elements (12) being movable to increase the space (14) to thereby enable the cleaning elements (12) to be located on either side of part of a tooth. Each cleaning element (12) acts to control the angle of the other cleaning element (12) relative to the tooth and gum, to ensure that the cleaning elements (12) engage the tooth and gum at an angle, so that the cleaning elements (12) can clean between the tooth and the gum.

Abstract: A dental wrench device to loosen and extract teeth, comprising a handle with a fixed tapered jaw. A moveable jaw is also coupled to the handle. The tapered jaw is positioned along the root of a tooth selected to be extracted. The moveable jaw has a blunt contoured shape configured to grasp the gum and bone on the opposite side of the selected tooth at a level below the crown of the tooth. The device is applied and tightened around the selected tooth by turning a thumbscrew, or other jaw movement interface, that moves the moveable jaw end closer to the fixed tapered jaw end until the tooth is tightly gripped by the device. Once the wrench is locked into position, force may then be applied to extract the tooth. The device may also incorporate an optional force feedback gauge to warn the operator when excessive force is being applied.

Abstract: A method forms a non-circular socket in a jawbone of a patient for receiving a dental implant. A pilot hole is formed in the jawbone. A framework having one or more sets of opposing drill points configured to rotate along axes that are transverse to a vertical axis is directed along the pilot hole. The framework produces the non-circular socket, which may have a series of tiers. A dental implant is inserted into the socket. The dental implant may have a series of tiered sections shaped so that each tiered section conforms to a respective one of the tiers in the socket. An abutment may be securely fastened to the dental implant.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument extractor tool is configured for removing a fragment of a broken endodontic instrument that has become lodged within a root canal of a tooth. The extractor tool comprises an elongate shaft, including a hollow gripping body at a distal end, and a proximal handle portion. The hollow gripping body includes an inside diameter that is initially greater than a cross-sectional dimension of a fragment of a broken endodontic instrument to be removed from a root canal of a tooth. The inside diameter of the hollow gripping body defines a hollow interior cavity portion into which at least a portion of the fragment is receivable. At least the hollow gripping body of the body is formed of a shape memory alloy (e.g., nickel-titanium) or polymer in an expanded configuration so that upon heating, the shape memory alloy or polymer returns to its unexpanded configuration, tightly gripping around a proximal end of the fragment.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument extractor tool is configured for removing a fragment of a broken endodontic instrument that has become lodged within a root canal of a tooth. The extractor tool comprises an elongate shaft, including a hollow gripping body at a distal end, and a proximal handle portion. The hollow gripping body includes an inside diameter that is initially greater than a cross-sectional dimension of a fragment of a broken endodontic instrument to be removed from a root canal of a tooth. The inside diameter of the hollow gripping body defines a hollow interior cavity portion into which at least a portion of the fragment is receivable. At least the hollow gripping body of the body is formed of a shape memory alloy (e.g., nickel-titanium) or polymer in an expanded configuration so that upon heating, the shape memory alloy or polymer returns to its unexpanded configuration, tightly gripping around a proximal end of the fragment.

Abstract: A matrix band retainer for dental restoration has a unitary member of a stiff planar spring material. The unitary member has an open ring substantially in a first plane, with the plane of the material of the ring perpendicular to the first plane. A tine at each end of the open ring extends substantially normal to the plane of the ring. Each tine has a first planar portion extending from the ring and a second planar portion extending from the first planar portion. The second planar portion is at an angle to the first planar portion and adjoins the first planar portion to define a ridge. The ridges of each tine face each other across a gap. Each tine may be bifurcated at the end distal from the ring so that the distal portion of each of the first planar portion and the second planar portion are divided by a notch. A dental wedge can be inserted through the notch with the matrix band retainer in place.

Abstract: A dental contact matrix system is described for the placement of dental fillings. The dental contact matrix system includes a matrix, a retainer for placing and retaining the 5 matrix and an elastic wedge. The retainer includes two lugs or tines that fit between two teeth on the buccal and lingual sides of the teeth. The lugs are connected by spring member that presses the lugs against the lingual and buccal sides of the teeth. There is an adaptation to hold the elastic wedge in a stretched condition between the lugs.

Abstract: A band seating tool is disclosed. The tool comprises a pair of curved claws for applying force to opposed sides of an orthodontic band. At least one of the claws may be translationally and/or pivotally moveable, such that the separation distance between the claws can be adjusted. Each claw preferably comprises a notch-shaped engagement feature for engaging the band and applying force thereto. The notches may comprise catch ledges for engaging the edges of the band and guide surfaces for engaging the outer surface of the band. In preferred embodiments, the band seating tools according to the invention comprise a bite-receiving member, such that the force associated with a patient's bite can be used to seat the band. The tool may also comprise an elongated safety portion which extends between the claws to protect the patient from injury.

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

Abstract: A bone-dislocating device suitable for being inserted in a bone to be dislocated (16), in particular a maxillary or jaw bone, comprises a wedged body (12), subdivided into two parts (12a and 12b) substantially having a triangular section, said wedged body (12) being equipped with driving elements (17) close to an upper end, for spacing the two parts (12a and 12b) of the wedged body (12).

Abstract: Method and tool for fracturing the cement interface between a crown and a tooth or the like. The method is accomplished by positioning a piezoelectric driven rapid impacting tool against one side of a portion of a crown covering the tooth. The tool is covered with a malleable metal and is interfacing abutment with said crown. The opposite side of the crown is abutted against an anvil which is covered with a thicker malleable metal interface.

Abstract: Device (1), kit and method for simplifying the tooth root extraction process, said device comprising a first arm member (3), lever-operable within the oral cavity, and anchoring means (4), for anchoring the dental structure to be extracted to the arm member at an operative portion of the latter (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A method, with requisite tools, for producing a boat-shaped adhesive crust, contoured for dental composite filling, including steps of:

Abstract: A versatile system for the manipulation of dental appliances is described that includes a grasping assembly coupled to an actuating assembly. Members of the grasping assembly are shaped to approximate contour of the dental appliance. An apical seating member is disposed upon the grasping assembly to facilitate the application of seating pressure. The grasping assembly may be removably or permanently coupled to the actuating assembly. Portions of the actuating assembly, the grasping assembly, or both the actuating and grasping assemblies may be shaped to facilitate distal, mesial, or both distal and mesial manipulation of the dental appliance.

Abstract: A versatile system for the manipulation of dental appliances is described that includes a grasping assembly coupled to an actuating assembly. Members of the grasping assembly are shaped to approximate contour of the dental appliance. An apical seating member is disposed upon the grasping assembly to facilitate the application of seating pressure. The grasping assembly may be removably or permanently coupled to the actuating assembly. Portions of the actuating assembly, the grasping assembly, or both the actuating and grasping assemblies may be shaped to facilitate distal, mesial, or both distal and mesial manipulation of the dental appliance.

Abstract: Method and tool for fracturing the cement interface between a crown and a tooth or the like. The method is accomplished by positioning a piezoelectric driven rapid impacting tool against one side of a portion of a crown covering the tooth. The tool is covered with a maleable metal and is interfacing abutment with said crown. The opposite side of the crown is abutted against an anvil which is covered with a thicker maleable metal interface.

Abstract: A versatile system for the manipulation of dental appliances is described that includes a grasping assembly coupled to an actuating assembly. Members of the grasping assembly are shaped to approximate contour of the dental appliance. An apical seating member is disposed upon the grasping assembly to facilitate the application of seating pressure. The grasping assembly may be removably or permanently coupled to the actuating assembly. Portions of the actuating assembly, the grasping assembly, or both the actuating and grasping assemblies may be shaped to facilitate distal, mesial, or both distal and mesial manipulation of the dental appliance.

Abstract: A versatile system for the manipulation of dental appliances is described that includes a grasping assembly coupled to an actuating assembly. Members of the grasping assembly are shaped to approximate contour of the dental appliance. An apical seating member is disposed upon the grasping assembly to facilitate the application of seating pressure. The grasping assembly may be removably or permanently coupled to the actuating assembly. Portions of the actuating assembly, the grasping assembly, or both the actuating and grasping assemblies may be shaped to facilitate distal, mesial, or both distal and mesial manipulation of the dental appliance.

Abstract: A hand operated dentist's instrument having two adjacent tines that spread apart when the instrument handles are squeezed. The tines are used to press against a matrix band surrounding a molar and press the matrix band and adjacent teeth away from a central molar being repaired. The handles are spring-load to return to an open-handle and closed-tine position.

Abstract: A bone-dislocating device suitable for being inserted in a bone to be dislocated (16), in particular a maxillary or jaw bone, comprises a wedged body (12), subdivided into two parts (12a and 12b) substantially having a triangular section, said wedged body (12) being equipped with driving elements (17) close to an upper end, for spacing the two parts (12a and 12b) of the wedged body (12).

Abstract: The invention comprises improved matrix band retainers for use in dental procedures. The matrix band retainers comprise a pair of tines anatomically configured to be inserted into the interproximal spaces between adjacent teeth for holding a matrix band in proper alignment during a dental filling procedure. The matrix band retainers have a thin profile characterized by the cross-sectional area of the flexible body member in which the width of the body is greater than the height of the body. The tines are connected to the flexible body member by crossbar members. The matrix band retainers also comprise receptacle means for securely receiving the prongs of a spreading device. The receptacle means may include hole formations formed in the body member configured for engaging the prongs of a rubber dam clamp spreading tool.

Abstract: The invention comprises improved matrix band retainers for use in dental procedures. The matrix band retainers comprise a pair of tines anatomically configured to be inserted into the interproximal spaces between adjacent teeth for holding a matrix band in proper alignment during a dental filling procedure. The matrix band retainers have a thin profile characterized by the cross-sectional area of the flexible body member in which the width of the body is greater than the height of the body. The tines are connected to the flexible body member by crossbar members. The matrix band retainers also comprise receptacle means for securely receiving the prongs of a spreading device. The receptacle means may include hole formations formed in the body member configured for engaging the prongs of a rubber dam clamp.

Abstract: The invention comprises improved matrix band retainers for use in dental procedures. The matrix band retainers comprise a pair of tines that are anatomically configured to be inserted into the interproximal spaces between teeth for holding a matrix band in proper alignment during a dental filling procedure and for keeping the matrix band retainer from slipping out of position. The tines may be curved and/or include a wedge-shaped portion to facilitate insertion of the tines into the interproximal spaces between two adjacent teeth. The matrix band retainers also comprise two apertures that are configured in size and shape to receive the prongs of a rubber dam clamp or other tine-spreading device for enabling the rubber dam clamp to spread the tines of the matrix band retainer in a safe and secure manner.

Abstract: jIn restoration of teeth, the use of conventional matrix bands and wedges tends to leave gaps or spaces which can through inefficient restoration lead to fracture or infection, and also prove to be time consuming and inefficient. This invention addresses shortcomings of conventional restorative devices by providing an easy to use dental tool that has a first member and a second member with struts that adjust to fit into the proximal box, and that provides a predictably tight contact area for optimal tooth restoration.

Abstract: A dental post extractor which includes a main body having a fixed jaw against which a second movable jaw is urged to grasp a dental post. The main body also includes a fixed handle against which a second movable handle may be urged, creating lateral movement in an elongated plate that extends through the main body. Lateral movement in the elongated plate causes downward force to be exerted on the tooth containing the dental post, resulting in the removal of the post.

Abstract: An implement for extraction of bridges from the mouth of dental patients has a flexible wire engageable with a bridge at a distance from the edge of the bridge and at a distance from the gums of the patient, and a force applying unit which can pull the wire in a direction to lift the bridge off the respective teeth. The wire can engage the connector or connectors between neighboring crowns of a bridge and then be locked in the force applying unit.

Abstract: A prosthesis which is affixed to at least one tooth can be extracted from the mouth of a patient by an implement employing two discrete substantially disc-shaped jaws which are to be bonded to spaced-apart portions of the external surface of the prosthesis by a rapidly setting adhesive. The jaws are permanently or separably connected to spaced-apart portions of an endless cable or to the end portions of a cable of finite length, and the cable is engaged by a follower of a tool which is used by a dentist to pull the cable and to thus detach the prosthesis from the at least one tooth. The adhesive can be polymerizable in response to exposure to light (such as ultraviolet light) which is transmitted thereto through the jaws by an optical conductor.

Abstract: A dental instrument comprising a grasping device in the form of a tweezer member having a finger receiving ring detachably connected to one of the legs of the tweezer member is disclosed. The instrument is used for holding and inserting a Cerec inlay, manufactured by a dental Cerec machine, in a tooth undergoing a restorative procedure. The instrument may further include a threaded axle which coacts with each leg of the tweezers and protrudes from one of the legs. The instrument may also further include a plunger mechanism which facilitates the insertion of an inlay in a prepared tooth cavity.

Abstract: An implement for extraction of crowns or bridges from the mouths of dental patients has one or more pairs of jaws and/or one or more hooks or a flexible wire engageable with a crown or bridge at a distance from the edge of the crown or bridge and at a distance from the gums of the patient, and a force applying unit which can pull the jaws and/or the hook or hooks or the wire in a direction to lift the crown or the bridge off the respective tooth or teeth. The jaws can engage spaced-apart portions of external surfaces of crowns, and the hook or hooks or the wire can engage the connector or connectors between neighboring crowns of a bridge.

Abstract: A two prong clamp is adjustably attachable to a dental prosthetic device with compressible resilient inserts to securely grip and retain the dental prosthetic device without causing damage while a force is applied to the clamp sufficient to dislodge and remove the dental prosthetic device. A tool for engaging and exerting a force upon the clamp or upon a bridge is also shown.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an articulating paper holder which has an elongated handle and an elongated holding arm. The holding arm is securely attached to and extends from the handle. The holding arm includes a holding means for securely holding a piece of articulating paper for imprinting occlusion contact patterns. Specifically, in a preferred embodiment, the elongated handle and arm are composed of plastic material whereby the articulating paper holder can be inexpensively mass produced and is therefore disposable.

Abstract: The device for extracting dental crowns has two levers, each having a handgrip and a jaw. The levers are pivotally connected so that the jaws are moved apart by moving the handgrips closer together. A body is articulated to one of the jaws and guided in a seat of the other jaw, and supports two opposite hook-like elements which oscillate in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the levers. The other jaw has abutments adapted to rest on teeth adjacent the crown to be extracted. In the position of mutual approach of the jaws, the hook-like elements engage the edges of the crown so that by acting on the levers a force is exerted for the extraction of the crown against the resting reaction of the abutments on the adjacent teeth.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental instrument for attachment to a tooth providing a stable support for the use of other dental instruments such as those used to remove crowns. The instrument comprises a pair of arms, pivotably joined, each arm having a handle portion and an adjustable instrument mounting handle portion and an adjustable instrument mounting head portion which includes opposable tooth gripping means and a tool suitable for providing a stable support for dental instruments. The invention also provides a method of removing dental prostheses such as crowns utilizing the dental instrument of the invention as a stable support for a dental instrument used to apply pressure to the margin between the tooth and crown.

Abstract: It is often necessary to manipulate or extend a tongue in order to perform an operation on the tongue or inside the mouth. The apparatus and method claimed provide non-slip surfaces which are attached to a user's finger and thumb, and which are maintained in an optimal predetermined physical relationship to each other so that the apparatus may be easily attached to the user's finger and thumb, and so that a positive and comfortable contact with the tongue is achieved. Thereby, the tongue may be manipulated or restrained in any position, even fully extended.

Abstract: A device for removing crowns, bridges, or similar structures from the stumps (5) of teeth by breaking up the cement that secures them and having an extraction frame (3) with two mutually opposed jaws (4) that engage the vicinity of the crown (6), bridge, or other structure. A mechanism (1) for applying and extracting force to the extraction frame in a direction opposite the direction (6) of insertion is provided. The mechanism (1) has a massive movable projectile (17) guided along a path that at least terminates contrary to the direction (16) of insertion and subject to a source of power that can be released. An anvil (28) is positioned at the end of the path and secured to the extraction frame (3) and to the jaws (4). The jaws (4) are designed to engage the surface (10) of the crown (6), bridge, or other structure.

Abstract: A dentistry kit for tooth extraction consisting of a vise-type grip member having a joint member engaged by a forked end of a lever whose convexly curved fulcrum surface rests against a planar base plate located on teeth adjacent to the extracted tooth. The connection between the grip member and the lever is thus of the type generally resembling an angularly loose swivel joint. The grip member has two hemispherical tips, for engaging correspondingly shaped indentations drilled in the buccal and lingual side of the tooth. The tool set combines a virtually ultimate simplicity of the elements, resulting in an easy cleaning and disinfection, with an improved operation mainly due to the fact that the extreme pull force can be delicately gauged, while the direction of the force can also be changed by displacing the point of contact between the fulcrum and the base plate.

Abstract: A matrix band guide for use in simultaneously applying a matrix band to a plurality of teeth. The guide is a flexible elongated member having a plurality of slots. The elongated member is of sufficient length and of sufficient width to allow placement of the guide against the teeth and to guide the matrix band around the teeth. The slots are of a width, height and spacing sufficient to permit the looping of the matrix band through the slots to form a plurality of loops for binding engagement with the teeth. When the matrix band is drawn into binding engagement with the teeth, the elongated member and the matrix band substantially conform to the taper and curvature of the teeth.The guide, may have a mounting means for mounting the elongated member to a conventional matrix retainer in such a manner that the matrix band can be drawn into binding engagement with the teeth by the conventional matrix retainer.The elongated member may also be shaped to substantially conform to the alignment of the teeth.

Abstract: Instead of prying the crown in the direction opposite to the direction in which it was forced onto its cooperating support tooth, the within crown-removal method calls for initially preparing the crown with a vertically oriented cleave, and then projecting crown-spreading members into the cleave so as to produce an enlargement thereof in its circumferential dimension, with the result that the crown is correspondingly expanded circumferentially and thus is readily disengaged from the tooth.