Abstract: A surgical instrument end effector assembly includes a first jaw member defining an insulative tissue-contacting surface and first and second electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces disposed on either side of the insulative tissue-contacting surface. A second jaw member includes an ultrasonic blade body positioned to oppose the insulative tissue-contacting surface of the first jaw member. The first jaw member is movable relative to the second jaw member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to apply a first grasping force to tissue disposed therebetween. A slider is movable, independent of the first jaw member, between a retracted position, wherein the slider is disposed proximally of the first and second jaw members, and an extended position, wherein the slider extends about the first jaw member and urges the first jaw member from the approximated position further towards the second jaw member to apply a second, greater grasping force to tissue.

Abstract: A dental crown removal apparatus is provided, including a handle for placement in an operator's hand, an elongated post projecting along a first axis, the post being connected for reciprocal motion with respect to the handle, a motor in the handle for moving the post, a tool adapter connected with the post opposite the handle, the tool adapter having an extension arm extending away from the handle with a pivot arm connected with the extension arm and spaced from the handle, and first and second opposing jaws having claw ends spring biased together, the first and second jaws having independent and unitary pivotal connection with the pivot arm.

Abstract: A thin-form mouthguard can be formed from a U-shape planar sheet. The sheet can be made of expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene and have a thickness between 0.02 inches and 0.25 inches. The sheet can also include instructions for modification of the mouthguard printed thereon. A method for preparing a mouthguard is also provided.

Abstract: A device for detaching a first substrate from a second substrate in a detaching direction (L) with: at least two elements guided crosswise to the detaching direction (L) and in a radial direction (R) to the first substrate for clamping the first substrate crosswise to the detaching direction (L), a substrate holding device for holding the second substrate, and detaching means for detaching the first substrate from the second substrate by moving the first substrate, attached by the clamping elements, in the detaching direction (L) and/or by moving the substrate holding device opposite to the detaching direction (L). In addition, this invention relates to a corresponding method.

Abstract: An improved rotary endodontic file includes a multi-planar pre-curved apical portion having a first and a second curvature. The pre-curved apical portion begins at about one-third to one-quarter of the working length as measured from the tip end of the endodontic instrument. The first and second curvature permit the file to continually search and engage the walls of a tooth root canal in a forced inside-forced outside manner. As the file works its way down, it breaks free of any ledges encountered, probes lateral- and delta-type openings, and does not allow the file to stray from the curvature of the canal.

Abstract: The Coping and Crown Holder Instrument uses two separate tips at a 35 and 50 degree angle to better hold a coping or crown in place with very little surface contact while applying the proper medium to the coping or crown, while using a 35 degree angle to hold the crown holder up from the surface for easier pick up off a flat surface and easier placement of restorations onto a sagger tray, with 10 degree angles of bend for the finger holes to be closer together for use with the clasp and the stopper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elastic tongue-dorsum refraction device for treating obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), clamping pliers, installation pliers, a line guide, and an implantation method. The elastic tongue-dorsum refraction device of the present invention includes a tongue dorsum connection mechanism, an elastic retractor and a tooth-side fastener. The tongue dorsum connection mechanism is disposed at the tongue dorsum portion, the tooth-side fastener is fixed to teeth or the alveolar bone or outside the maxilla and mandible lips, one end of the elastic retractor is connected to the tooth-side fastener, and the other end of the elastic retractor is connected to the tongue dorsum connection mechanism. In this way, an elastic retraction device using the tooth-side fastener as a fulcrum is formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nut for a dental implant and methods related thereto, said nut adapted to be positioned under the sinus membrane of a maxillary sinus of a patient and comprising a hollow body having a first end, a second end and a through passage extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the second end abuts against the maxilla when the nut is positioned under the sinus membrane in a maxillary sinus of a patient and the through passage is adapted for receiving a dental implant at said second end, and wherein said second end further comprises at least two pins, adapted to extend into the maxilla when said nut is implanted under the sinus membrane in a maxillary sinus of a patient.

Abstract: Dental forceps include opposing gripping surfaces configured to grip a tooth or crown and a fulcrum pad adjacent the gripping surfaces. The forceps may act as a first class lever with the fulcrum pad to extract the tooth or crown when gripping the tooth or crown.

Abstract: A dental crown removal apparatus easily and efficiently removes dental crowns, caps or other dental implants from a tooth. Specifically, the present invention provides a dental crown removal apparatus having a first elongated beak and a second elongated beak arranged in a pliers-type arrangement. The first elongated beak has a first beak portion angularly extending from a first handle, and a second beak portion angularly extending from the first beak portion, the first elongated beak engaging the top of a crown, cap or other dental implant. Moreover, the second elongated beak extends angularly from the second handle, the first beak portion of the first elongated beak and the second elongated beak arranged in parallel when the apparatus is in a closed configuration. Methods of using the same are further provided.

Abstract: A dental elevator for elevating, or loosening a tooth, portion of a tooth, or implant from any position in a mouth. Extending from one handle of the elevator in accordance with this invention is a hook shaped member terminating in a curved sharp edge for engaging the side of a tooth to be elevated or loosened. Extending from the other handle of the elevator in accordance with this invention is a pad, rotationally supported from the handle. The axis about which the pad may rotate 360 degrees is perpendicular both to the major axis of the handle and the plane in which the handles of the pliers lay. By providing two elevators which are mirror images of each other, a tooth, portion of a tooth, or implant may be elevated or loosened from any position within a mouth.

Abstract: An ergonomic tool for atraumatic tooth extraction consists in an innovative tool that solves all problems related to tooth extraction which, by its own nature, is a traumatic and lengthy process that requires the prolonged application of strong physical forces and involves high risks of iatrogenic effects. An ingenious combination of two components—holding pliers that firmly keep the tooth to be extracted fixed between the active tips thereof before, during and after avulsion, and an extractor device which, by means of a lever and millimetric screw system, slowly applies strong forces for extracting the tooth without physical effort—makes the following contributions over the prior art: 1. The tool eliminates the numerous iatrogenic effects inherent to traditional tooth extraction, protecting the alveolar edges from injury, avoiding bleeding and any possibility of causing lockjaw in the patient; 2.

Abstract: A dental pliers and method for loosening teeth from an underlying bone and gum. Pivotally connected handles which each include a user grasping portion. The first handle terminates in an arcuately extending beak exhibiting a narrowed blade edge. The second handle terminates in an opposing pad support with an ergonomic configuration substantially matching that of the patient's gum line. Upon positioning the support along a buccal location at or below the gum line, and upon aligning the beak in abutting fashion against a lingual surface of a tooth, the pad support defines a center point of rotation proximate to an edge location of the gum line and bone. The handles are subsequently rotated in an outward fashion away from the patient's gum line to separate the tooth and its roots from the patient's gum line and bone.

Abstract: The invention includes a dental tool for applying orthodontic attachments to teeth. The tool includes a body having a portion for holding the dental tool and a portion for selectively gripping an object to be bonded to a tooth. The tool also includes a nozzle for emitting pressurized air adjacent the portion for selectively gripping the object to be bonded to the tooth. A method of using the tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: A two piece orthodontic pliers having a pair of arms separably hinged together, in which a first hinge portion on a first arm includes a shaft having a central, axially projecting protrusion, and a second hinge portion on a second arm includes a bore having a central recess for receiving the shaft and the central protrusion of the first hinge portion.

Abstract: A prosthesis mounting device (30) for mounting onto mini dental implants (50), of generally frusto-conical shape with an axial recess (20), which base (21) has overhang (33) over the collar (34) of a mini implant (50). Together with a two stage cement removal process this provides a prosthodontic solution to the problem of excess cement removal in mini implant fixed restorations. When an annular groove is provided at location (6) and anti rotation means (not shown) is provided on the external wall (19) the prosthesis mounting device (30) can function as a denture attachment device. A carrier tool (80) to enable easy handling in the mouth is also provided.

Abstract: A dental instrument with arms pivotally connected for scissors pivot action between closed and open positions is disclosed. A pair of tines extends from distal ends of the arms and at least one shaping surface on one of said tines is supported so that it is operable to shape an interior surface of one of two matrix bands positioned around adjacent teeth. In use, each tine is positioned inside of adjacent matrix bands positioned around adjacent teeth. As the arms are pivoted towards the closed position, the shaping surface is moved towards the tine on which it is not supported and a clamping force is applied by the tines causing the shaping surface to shape at least one of the matrix bands.

Abstract: A pliers for forming orthodontic wires has opposing beaks with complementary wire-forming surfaces that include interfering portions. A hinge mechanism enables the beaks to open and close by rotating about an axis, and also allows a range of axial motion between the beaks sufficient to prevent interference between the wire-forming surfaces as the beaks are closed. By preventing such interference, novel over-bending capabilities can be achieved to form useful bending of low spring rate wire. A spring, such as a Belleville washer, exerts a biasing force parallel to the hinge axis to maintain alignment of the beaks, but allows the required range of axial motion between the beaks to prevent interference.

Abstract: A dental pliers includes a pair of opposing jaw parts which generally lie in a first plane, a pair of arms each connected to one of the jaw parts and wherein the arms lie generally outside the first plane, wherein the arms are pivotally connected in a manner such that the jaws are displaced from/restored toward each other as the arms are displaced from/restored toward each other, and a pad connected to at least one of the arms extending toward the first plane.

Abstract: A dental pliers design removing teeth and which incorporates a first jaw portion and a second and offsetting handle portion and which permits a rotating, rather than a pulling, force to be applied to a selected tooth or root tip and in order to more quickly and efficiently extract the tooth from the patient's mouth. An adjustable pad support portion is associated with the selected jaw and can further include a threaded bolt which is adjustable relative to a collar associated with the handle in directions towards and away from the jaw. One or more cushioning and replaceable insert can also be seated over a mounting pedestal supporting end of the stem.

Abstract: A dental forceps for removal of rear molars having first and second handles which are pivotally connected. Forward distal ends of the handles terminate, respectively, in a first handle support with an end most pad exhibiting a three dimensional and rounded surface profile extending laterally to one side, as well as a second handle terminating in a correspondingly angled beak. The arrangement of the pad and beak are such that, upon setting in position at the desired molar by placing the rounded and width extending pad support upon the gum of the patient between the molar and the cheek and concurrently placing the pointed beak on the lingual side of the molar, an outward rotating force is then exerted on the handles to roll (or rotate) the pad and beak such that the molar is forcibly extracted.

Abstract: This invention pertains to pliers for increasing the interproximal retention of thermoplastic appliances by denting the appliances in the interproximal areas between the teeth, especially denting the thermoplastic material at the interproximal gingival area.

Abstract: Self-locking forceps for gripping and transporting small objects and usable in particular in dental surgery, said forceps comprising two branches that intersect freely and have a proximal manoeuvring part and a distal gripping part, the proximal parts being joined elastically at one of their ends, while the distal parts end in jaws, such that the closing together of the proximal parts or grips causes the distal parts to spread apart, while release of the pressure exerted on said proximal parts is translated into an automatic closing together of the distal parts and therefore of the jaws in a clamping position; at least one of said jaws is provided with a cushion of flexible material; said self-locking forceps being provided with a means for limiting the clamping force generated by the return force of the spring formed by the proximal parts of the forceps.

Abstract: The invention discloses an integrated 3 D surgical guide, guide bar, mini-implant system and a procedure to stabilize dental prostheses, based on implanting two parallel mini-implants at a given distance and then joining them by means of a prosthetic bar mounted on them, thus achieving the required strength to mount on the bar a metallic clip that retains a dental prosthesis. The advantage of this integrated system is the stabilization of dental prostheses with high precision and save standardized protocol, lower costs and less trauma for the patient than the traditionally used method.

Abstract: A dental crown remover has forceps with opposing beaks. Each of the beaks has a flattened base and a notch located at the base. The faces of the notch form an angle of about 90 degrees to one another, and the lower face of the notch intersects the base at about a 50-degree angle. The notch is intersected by a longitudinal cavity having a width less than that of the beak. This structure defines two sharp points where the longitudinal cavity intersects the base of the beak and the lower face, and two stops where the longitudinal cavity intersects the upper face of the notch. When the beaks of the forceps are moved toward closure, the points of each beak are capable of penetrating and holding a crown, providing stable support at least at four points, which support allows twisting and rocking motion to be applied to break the tooth-to-cement bond holding the crown in place.

Abstract: In a pliers for use in orthodontics and dentistry, comprising pliers halves which are joined by a pivot joint and include operating jaws at one side and handle legs at the opposite side of the pivot joint, wherein the handle legs are provided with cutting edges adjacent the pivot joint and the operating jaws are provided with punching structures for shaping wires, an operating branch is supported by the pivot joint and extends therefrom into the space between the operating jaws and also includes operating surfaces with punching structures corresponding to those on the opposite jaw surfaces.

Abstract: An instrument for debonding an orthodontic bracket from a tooth surface includes first and second plier portions coupled for relative pivotal movement. A lever arm pivotally movable relative to the first and second plier portions has a tooth engaging member on a first end. In one embodiment, the tooth engaging member is positioned on the lever arm for movement between a jaw of the plier portions and the tooth surface when a second end of the lever arm is pivotally manipulated in a direction toward a handle of the plier portions. In another embodiment, at least part of at least one plier portion is flexible relative to the lever arm such that the lever arm moves the tooth engaging member relative to a jaw of the plier portions after the bracket engaging portions are engaged with the orthodontic bracket and the handles and lever arm pivotally manipulated toward one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental forceps with two articulated parts, which are connected to each other at a pivot and which each exhibit a handle at one end and at the other end a working end with an inside area, such that the inside area exhibits a corrugated area which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and such that a longitudinal groove is positioned within the inside area, starting at the distal end of the working end and running along the longitudinal axis of the working end, and such that a recessed cavity is positioned in the longitudinal groove, starting at the distal end, and the radius of curvature of the recessed cavity is smaller than the radius of curvature of the longitudinal groove.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an extraction or pliers type device, such as typically utilized by a dentist or oral surgeon. More specifically, the present invention teaches an extraction device exhibiting a single handle terminating at a forward location in one of a hooked engaging portion or a pad support portion. A linearly translatable pad support portion or hook engaging portion is linearly supported along an extending neck of the elongated handle, in proximity to the hooked engaging portion, and for quickly and efficiently enabling a dental professional to remove a patient's tooth or root tip.

Abstract: A dental tool having a pair of opposing jaw members. A biasing mechanism connected to at least one of the jaw members biases the jaw members toward a proximate rest position. A separating mechanism is connected to at least one jaw member for separating the jaw members. An ultrasonic vibrator is connected to the jaw members for vibrating them. Securing means connect the pair of opposing jaw members.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an extraction or pliers type device, such as typically utilized by a dentist or oral surgeon. One or more individual devices are provided which establish a variable clearance established between a hook engaging portion and an offset and opposing arrayed pad support portion. A kit can establish a plurality of fixed items exhibiting the varying clearances. Alternatively, the hook engaging and pad support portions can be integrated into one or two separate components which are engaged with a further handle component.

Abstract: Auxiliary forceps are provided for video-assisted minimally-invasive surgery, such as hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery, the forceps being intended for operation by a surgeon's non-dominant hand inserted through an incision for entering a patient's natural body cavity. The forceps comprises a plurality of actuating plates hinged elastically to one another and having a size and shape suitable for operation when held by the tips of two fingers. The forceps also has a plurality of jaws extending from each actuating plate, and a member for temporarily connecting the forceps to the surgeon's hand so as to maintain the forceps at an adjustable distance from the hand of not greater than a predetermined value. In addition, a structure is provided for housing the jaws relatively close to one another, within which the jaws are engaged during operation when the forceps is not in use.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present subject matter includes a forceps defining a clamping surface, the clamping surface adapted for grasping an absorbent point; and graduations on the forceps defining a distance extending away from a distal tip of the forceps. In various embodiments, the graduations are used for determining a working length of a gutta-percha point.

Abstract: A dental extraction device. The dental extraction device includes a quick-release shaft, a pliers assembly pivotably coupled to the quick-release shaft, a handle, a lock mechanism to selectively secure the quick-release shaft in a fixed position relative to the handle, and an adjustment mechanism moveably coupled to the handle. Movement of the adjustment mechanism relative to the handle actuates the pliers assembly.

Abstract: Dental pliers with two pliers parts, each respectively comprising one jaw of a pliers mouth and one lever arm of a pliers grip, the pliers parts pivotably connected with each other via a linkage. The linkage includes a cylindrical journal (26) on the first pliers part (12) coaxial to the pivot axis, which engages in a cylindrical bore (32) on the other pliers part (10) coaxial to the pivot axis having the same diameter, and is rotatable in this bore (32) about the pivot axis. The journal (26) and the bore (32) are axially located form-fittingly via at least one circumferential tab (28) and one circumferential groove (34). The at least one circumferential tab (28) extends only over a partial angular area of the circumference. At least one entry segment (36) corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the circumferential tab (28) leads axially to the circumferential groove (34).

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling loose teeth having a releasably attachable decorative element for soothing the patient. The apparatus of the present invention provides a first arm and a second arm each with a decorative end and a tool end wherein the first and second arms are connected at the decorative ends. The tool ends of the first and second arms are moveable between a first position, wherein the tool ends of the first and second arms are adapted to disengage the tooth, and a second position, wherein the tool ends of the first and second arms are adapted to engage the tooth. A decorative element is releasably attachable to the decorative end of the first and second arms.

Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating a dental device comprises first and second gripping elements rotatably coupled to one another for movement between a gripping configuration in which a first gripping surface of the first gripping element is positioned adjacent a second gripping surface of the second gripping element to grip a dental device there between and a release configuration in which the first and second gripping surfaces are spaced from one another, wherein each of the first and second gripping surfaces includes a device receiving recess shaped to accommodate a gripping portion of a device to be gripped by the apparatus and a locking mechanism for locking the first and second gripping elements in the gripping configuration. The apparatus may further include a seating surface for applying a seating force to a bearing surface of the dental device.

Abstract: A divice for the removal of teeth and/or tooth roots from a tooth socket or from a jawbone includes an extractor having a fisrt and second lever and a first and second branch pivotably connected to each other by a hinge, the first branch including a receiving part. A rod for mechanically and manually adjusting the first and second levers is provided. An adjusting part for axially moving the rod relative to the second lever against a force needed to extract a tooth is provided. An extracting part including at least one resistance element is provided for anchorinf the tooth or a tooth stump, the extracting part including a first support for coupling with the receiving part of the first branch. A second support is placed against the extractor and has an openning for the extracting part.

Abstract: A device for holding a trocar sleeve in its position of engagement in the body of a patient has clamping jaws which in the closed position define an opening and which can be placed about the outside of the trocar sleeve, and at least one hole via which the device can be fixed on the patient. The device is designed as a forceps with two forceps arms which at their area of intersection are connected to one another via a hinge and which at their distal ends in each case have at least one clamping jaw, a spring being arranged between the forceps arms, which spring is supported on the forceps arms via its long ends and forces the clamping jaws into the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to endoscopic clips with multiple independently-controlled legs. The present invention also relates to a method for using a clip with multiple independently actuated legs. The clips and methods of the present invention may be used, for example and without limitation, for repairing tears and other defects endoscopically.

Abstract: A dental instrument includes a first arm, a second arm, which is pivotally coupled to the first arm about a pivot axis, and a spring. The first and second arms are pivotal with respect to each other in a plane generally orthogonal to the pivot axis. Each of the arms has a proximal portion, a medial portion, and a distal portion, with the proximal portions defining hand grip portions, and with the arms being pivotally connected at their medial portions. The spring biases the distal portions of the arms toward each other. Each of the distal portions comprises a first portion and a prong portion depending from the first portion. The prong portions comprise back-to-back generally C-shaped portions and spaced apart tines. The C-shaped portions define a pair of seats, with the tines depending from the seats and having spaced apart distal ends adapted for engaging a rubber-dam clamp, and the seats providing contacts for a dental retaining ring.

Abstract: A tooth elevator designed to minimize risk of injury to a patient's mouth or adjacent teeth during tooth extraction is described. The elevator has mating side members, a handle portion and a mating jaw portion. As force is applied to the handle portions, the jaw portions are urged together on either side of a molar to be extracted. Inward curving side members disjoint the tooth upwardly while an angled front face simultaneously moves the tooth back, loosening it for extraction. A variation of the tooth elevator has a downward angled offset that allows a practitioner to easily position the elevator in a patient's mouth without the discomfort of raising the elbow of the grasping hand. The handle portions may also have non-slip features.

Abstract: Device for pushing away an enclosure arranged around a dental element. When filling dental elements, it is important that adjacent dental elements should come into contact with one another at a defined location. To this end, the invention proposes a tool for pushing the enclosure arranged around the dental element onto the adjacent dental element during the filling operation. In the vicinity of the free end, this tool is provided with a thickened section which has to push away an enclosure of this type. This thickened section is provided with a recess in the vicinity of the free end, approximately in the center. This recess forms an elevation in the filling material, and in this way shrinkage stresses can be guided out of the center of the filling material towards the outside, resulting in a shrinkage-free filling.

Abstract: A tooth extraction device is provided that uses a clamp assembly to clamp a tooth to be extracted, and a handle for positioning the clamp assembly within a patient's mouth. A cable and an actuator for moving the cable are provided for moving the clamp assembly. The clamp assembly includes a pair of clamp links pivotally connected to a carrier block. The carrier block is slidably movable relative to the handle to extract the tooth after the clamp links are rotated into engagement with opposite sides of the tooth. A base tooth support engages a first neighboring tooth on a proximal side of the clamp assembly, and a removable tooth support engages a second neighboring tooth on a distal side of the clamp assembly. The tooth supports distribute the force of extracting a tooth over the neighboring teeth, thereby allowing more control in manipulating the device during a tooth extraction.

Abstract: Pliers adapted to lock wires within thermoformed dental appliances following the partial enclosure of wires during the thermoforming process.

Abstract: A dental pliers appliance and associated method for removing teeth from a patient's gum line and bone. First and second pivotally connected handles are provided, each including a user grasping portion. The first handle terminates in an arcuately extending jaw exhibiting a substantially pointed end, the second handle terminates in an opposing and offset support exhibiting a support surface with an ergonomic configuration substantially matching that of the patient's gum line. Upon aligning the support along a selected location below the gum line, and further aligning the jaw in abutting fashion against an inwardly facing side of a tooth, the offset support defining a center point of rotation proximate to an edge location of the gum line and bone. The handles are subsequently rotated in an outward fashion away from the patient's gum line to forcibly dislodge the tooth from the patient's gum line and bone.

Abstract: A dental device for removing an onlay or crown from a patient's tooth. The device includes pliers-type handles for operating a corresponding pair of tips. The tips are equipped with grips adapted for holding an onlay or crown therebetween. The grip edges have a number of rounded projections that are effective to firmly grip the onlay or crown.

Abstract: Tweezers for holding strip-shaped or thread-shaped material with particularly abrasive characteristics are disclosed, for example, for dental purposes, wherein clamping elements, particularly in the shape of rods, are arranged in the area of the free end of each of the two legs of the tweezers, and wherein, in the closed position of the tweezers, at least one clamping element arranged at a leg contacts two clamping elements arranged at a distance from one another at the other leg or engages in a recess located in the latter.

Abstract: Pliers for forming and removing bumps for the dental appliance without heating are disclosed. The eraser pliers for erasing a bump on an appliance include a first elongated member having a first jaw portion at one end and a handle portion at the other end, the jaw portion having flat surface mounted at a distal end of the first jaw portion; and a second elongated member joined to the first elongated member, the second elongated member having a second jaw portion at one end and a second handle portion at the other end, the second jaw portion having a second flat surface mounted at a distal end of the second jaw portion, the first and second flat surfaces adapted to engage and flatten the bump.

Abstract: A sterilizable forceps is composed of two parts, a first component and a second component. The first component and the second component are preferably similar or even substantially identical to each other. The first component includes a handle portion, an intermediate portion, and a beak element. The intermediate portion has a generally flat upper surface, and has two opposed semicircular processes. The intermediate portion also has two groove portions. The first component has an upper shoulder portion, and carries a stop element on the handle portion. The first and second components can be separated simply by opening the handle portions to a maximum extended position. In the closed position, the semicircular processes of each component are engaged in groove portions formed by the other component.