Abstract: A dental flattening drill is disclosed, which can include a drill lance having a drill blade for forming an implant groove and a drill housing to which the drill lance is detachably coupled. The drill housing includes a processing blade for flattening the alveolar bone region around the implant groove.

Abstract: A set is disclosed that includes a connection device for connecting a prosthesis structure with an implant structure or a capped tooth, the connection device having a retention insert and a holding shell. The set also including a mounting tool for mounting and demounting the retention insert of the connection device to and from the holding shell of the connection device such that a retention rim of the retention insert is moved in towards its central axis when a demounting head of the mounting tool is arranged within a space between an outer surface of the retention rim of the retention insert and an inner surface of a holding rim of the holding shell allowing the retention insert to be released from the holding shell.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a cell culture vessel having a plurality of microwells, which allows to identify the position of a microwell by observing it under a microscope without moving a viewing position, which has identifiers to be easily disposed to the microwells. The present invention is directed to a cell culture vessel comprising a bottom and a sidewall, in which the bottom has a cell containing section in which a plurality of microwells for containing cells are disposed, identifiers are disposed in the vicinities of the plurality of microwells so as to make pairs in individual microwells, and the relative position of each of the identifiers to a partner microwell varies in every pair.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for processing a plurality of customized dental restorations in an automated process that comprises a milling center, a carrier for holding a plurality of customized dental restorations, and a transfer system for transferring the customized restorations between processing units. Processing units may comprise one or more of a separating unit, a scrap disposal unit, a heating unit and a cooling unit. A multi-compartment tray and a material block are disclosed for use in the system.

Abstract: The orthodontic cinch back instrument is an orthodontic tool used for cinching back an end of an orthodontic wire. The orthodontic cinch back instrument includes an elongated handle portion which extends along a longitudinal axis and has opposed first and second ends. First and second shank portions are respectively secured to, and extend longitudinally from, the first and second ends of the elongated handle portion. First and second arcuate head supports are respectively secured to, and extend from, the first and second shank portions. The first and second arcuate head supports are positioned and contoured antisymmetrically with respect to one another about a lateral axis. First and second heads are respectively secured to the first and second arcuate head supports and are positioned and angled antisymmetrically with respect to one another about the lateral axis. Each of the first and second heads has a slot formed therein.

Abstract: The invention includes a support frame for producing a dental workpiece. The frame has a Z axis and comprising wall sections defining a hole that extends along the Z axis through the frame. At least one of the wall sections comprises an adhesive-directing surface extending along the Z axis in a non-parallel relationship. Such a configuration provides optimized methods for affixing a blank to the support frame and optimized properties of the blank after fixation to the support frame.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a dental bur storage device having a plurality of dental bur receiving holes capable of retaining a plurality of different dental bur types having different shank diameters, wherein, each of the plurality of dental bur receiving holes is tapered to allow a retaining fit to be established with any one of the plurality of different dental bur types having different shank diameters. The advantage of using a receiving hole that has a tapered form is that different types of dental burs having different diameters of shanks may be retained by the receiving holes in the dental bur storage device. This allows a wide range of different brands and different types of dental burs to be accommodated on one single dental bur storage device which greatly simplifies the process of selecting a dental bur for a dentist, particularly during a dental treatment.

Abstract: A device for use in an oral healthcare or other procedure includes a ring having a base and two arms extending in opposite circumferential directions. An upstanding receptacle having a flexible wall is mounted on the base. The two arms may partially overlap. Each arm may include a radial tab at a distal end, and a lateral lobe turned toward and overlapping a portion of the other arm. A cup may be inserted into the first receptacle. A pedestal may extend outward from the base within the receptacle. Anti-rotation pins may extend upward from a top surface of the pedestal, the anti-rotation pins contacting and engaging the cup. A sunken receptacle may be formed in the base. A flange extending at inclined angle may overhang the interior space.

Abstract: A driver assembly for driving a dental implant into an implantation site comprises a driver assembly and an abutment assembly. The lower portion of the driver assembly accommodates the upper portion of the abutment assembly in a rotation-preventing manner so as to prevent relative rotation between the driver assembly and the abutment assembly. In addition, the driver assembly includes a weakened section which permits the upper portion thereof to be separated from the lower portion and discarded while the lower portion remains mounted upon the abutment assembly.

Abstract: A housing (35) for an implant (25), a holding piece (1) to connect the implant (25) to the housing (35), and an insertion tool (20) for inserting the implant (25) into an implant site. The holding piece (1) includes at least one resilient element (45) for detachably connecting to the implant (25) with a first retentive force and a tool retention means to connect to the insertion tool (20) with a second retentive force which is greater than the first retentive force. In between the two ends the holding piece (1) features a housing connection segment (30) for connecting the holding piece (1) to the housing (35). On a distal end the insertion tool (20) comprises torque transmission means, which transmit torque directly to the holding piece (1) and/or to the implant (25).

Abstract: An implant carrier device for removable engagement with a dental implant includes a linear body member having first and second faceted exterior ends and an axial bore there through. A screw member having a head end and a threaded end is rotationally captured within the axial bore, with the threaded end extending exterior the second end of the carrier device. The threaded end of the screw member is adapted for rotational engagement of a threaded well within a dental implant. A dental implant engaged with both the faceted exterior second end of the linear body member and the threaded end of the captured screw member is partially driven into an osteotomy by way of the implant carrier device, followed by disengagement of the implant carrier device from the partially driven implant by rotation of the screw member captured within the axial bore of the implant carrier.

Abstract: A firing tray for a furnace for dental ceramics having a plate for the placement on it of the firing material, wherein the plate is made as a base for the improvement of the application possibilities and the firing tray has additional wall elements which are designed for the placement on them of a further firing tray for the forming of a stack.

Abstract: A porous material for insertion cleaning of instruments is provided, such porous material including an at least partially open-cell foam body and a surface configured to enable an instrument having contaminants to be inserted into the body. The body may be configured to substantially grip the instrument to remove a substantial portion of the contaminants from the instrument.

Abstract: A finger mounted instrument cleaner (2) of the type having an elongated semi-circumferential protective body (4) to desirably wrap around a finger. The protective body (4) has a volume of absorbent foam or cleaning member (22) thereon and a securing means to engage a finger. The securing means comprises a semi-circumferential finger clasp (12) pivotably conjoined to a first side of said protective body by a flexible juncture or flexion pivot (10) and a clasp securing extension (18) contiguous to an opposing second side of said protective body. The finger clasp (12) and clasp securing extension (18) have a predetermined number of ratchet teeth formed thereon. Desirably pivoting said engaging clasp (12) to communicate with clasp securing extension (18) engages the ratchet teeth to form a variably interlocking circumferential union with said protective body (4).

Abstract: A tubular sleeve is configured to grasp a small part, move it, and place it in a correct location in a patient's mouth. The tubular sleeve comprises a picking end; a connection end having a connection end piece configured to connect to a suction system; and an inner part between the picking end and the connection end, the inner part being equipped with a sealing flap configured to cooperate with a control device to move the sealing flap between an open position and a closed position. The sealing flap, in the open position, allows passage of aspirated air flow from the suction system to pick up and suction the small part, and the sealing flap, in the closed position, blocks the aspirated air flow to separate the small part from the tubular sleeve.

Abstract: A holding device for retaining and transporting a dental implant, particularly a dental implant stored in an ampule having preserving fluid, is provided. The holding device has a securing section, which has a force transmission element for rotationally securing the dental implant and an attachment element having one or more resilient arms formed integrally with and distally of the force transmission element, for longitudinally retaining the dental implant. The resilient arms do not extend beyond the radial perimeter of the force transmission element. The resilient arms can be transformed between a first operative configuration and a second compressed configuration under forces during operation, to allow a radially enlarged end of the arms to releasably engage an undercut of the dental implant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the automated production of dental workpieces. A blank is inserted in a substantially slab-shaped support of the device, said support being dimensioned such that the blank does not extend beyond it in any direction. The blank is linked with corresponding inner walls of a recess provided in the support only on two opposite faces while a gap is left between the other inner walls of the recess and the corresponding faces of the blank. The inventive design allows to avoid tensions and microcracks of the blank material thereby caused. The gaps further make the blank directly accessible for a lateral working by the milling tool.

Abstract: A dental fulcrum composed of soft material, such as foam, containing a slit for the insertion of incisors, and used as a pivot for scaling, or other treating, teeth by an oral hygienist or dentist. The dental fulcrum protects the fingers of an oral hygienist or dentist from calluses, or loss of sensitivity over time, while at the same time providing friction to reduce the risk of injury caused by fingers slipping on wet incisors. The device may be disposable or reusable, depending on the material used. Foam provides the additional benefit of absorbing saliva to further reduce the risk of slippage.

Abstract: A device for preparing, fitting, and placing periodontal prosthodontics having a finger covering and an attached bilayered adhesive patch, wherein the bilayered adhesive patch comprises two separable layers joined by a weak adhesive and one external side of the bilayered adhesive patch is attached by a strong adhesive to the finger covering while the other external side of the bilayered adhesive patch has a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: Provided herein is a strip, shaped for the application to the labile surface of the front teeth and/or gums of a subject, which strip is provided with at least one oral care composition for delivery to a pre-determined area of the teeth and/or gums of the subject. Also provided herein are uses for delivery of compositions. Further provided are uses of the strip in combination with a dental device.

Abstract: Holding element for a dental implant including: an engagement section adapted for engagement with a manipulating tool; a retention section joined to the engagement section and adapted for engagement with a package, in particular an ampule; and a clamping section joined to the retention section and adapted for connecting the holding element to the dental implant, the clamping section including a force transmission element, wherein the clamping section further includes a clamping element provided with an elastic means extending in a non-compressed position thereof at and beyond the outer perimeter defined by the force transmission element.

Abstract: A porous material for insertion cleaning of instruments is provided, such porous material including an at least partially open-cell foam body and a surface configured to enable an instrument having contaminants to be inserted into the body. The body may be configured to substantially grip the instrument to remove a substantial portion of the contaminants from the instrument.

Abstract: A housing (35) for an implant (25), a holding piece (1) to connect the implant (25) to the housing (35), and an insertion tool (20) for inserting the implant (25) into an implant site. The holding piece (1) includes at least one resilient element (45) for detachably connecting to the implant (25) with a first retentive force and a tool retention means to connect to the insertion tool (20) with a second retentive force which is greater than the first retentive force. In between the two ends the holding piece (1) features a housing connection segment (30) for connecting the holding piece (1) to the housing (35). On a distal end the insertion tool (20) comprises torque transmission means, which transmit torque directly to the holding piece (1) and/or to the implant (25).

Abstract: Certain embodiments relate to an assembly of a dental product and a holding system for temporarily holding the dental product. The holding system can include a first and a second part for sandwiching the dental product therein between. The first part can be provided with a shape which is substantially complementary to the shape of one side of the dental product and the second part can be arranged for releasably bonding another side of the dental product against the second part. Certain embodiments also relate to a method of improving the aesthetics of a tooth. The method can include placing a dental product onto a tooth by re-placing the dental product from an assembly directly onto the tooth. A part of the assembly can be used as a tool for placing the dental product onto the tooth.

Abstract: A dental fulcrum comprised of soft material, such as foam, containing a slit for the insertion of incisors, and used as a pivot for scaling, or other treating, teeth by an oral hygienist or dentist. The dental fulcrum protects the fingers of an oral hygienist or dentist from calluses, or loss of sensitivity over time, while at the same time providing friction to reduce the risk of injury causes by fingers slipping on wet incisors. The device may be disposable or reusable, depending on the material used. Foam provides the additional benefit of absorbing saliva to further reduce the risk of slippage.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved pre-loaded placement tool (10) useful for positioning small objects. The head portion (14) of the placement tool (10) is pre-loaded with a heat-activated adhesive (16) and the body (12) of tool (10) includes a flange (18) cooperating with receiving bracket (24) of a heating device (20).

Abstract: A disposable finger mounted instrument cleaner (2) of the type having a semi-circumferential protective body (4) with a swiping expanse (6) to generously occlude lateral and extensor aspects of a finger and a tapered gripping coil (10) to wrap around the flexor aspects of a finger. Attached to the swiping expanse is an adherent foam body (14) with a number of pressure sensitive grooves (18) and debris traps (16) so that an instrument can be inserted into the pressure grooves to deposit debris in the debris traps. In Addition, the foam body has a pocket (20) for thorough instrument immersion and for holding desired medicaments.

Abstract: Holding element for a dental implant including: an engagement section adapted for engagement with a manipulating tool; a retention section joined to the engagement section and adapted for engagement with a package, in particular an ampule; and a clamping section joined to the retention section and adapted for connecting the holding element to the dental implant, the clamping section including a force transmission element, wherein the clamping section further includes a clamping element provided with an elastic means extending in a non-compressed position thereof at and beyond the outer perimeter defined by the force transmission element.

Abstract: Holding element for a dental implant including: an engagement section adapted for engagement with a manipulating tool; a retention section joined to the engagement section and adapted for engagement with a package, in particular an ampule; and a clamping section joined to the retention section and adapted for connecting the holding element to the dental implant, the clamping section including a force transmission element, wherein the clamping section further includes a clamping element provided with an elastic means extending in a non-compressed position thereof at and beyond the outer perimeter defined by the force transmission element.

Abstract: A carry and drive device and method for a dental implant or a dental implant component with a driving recess. The device includes a drive end with a configuration substantially matching the drive recess and with an interference surface frictionally engageable with a portion of the driving recess.

Abstract: A carry and drive device and method for a dental implant or a dental implant component with a driving recess. The device includes a drive end with a configuration substantially matching the drive recess and with an interference surface frictionally engageable with a portion of the driving recess.

Abstract: A dispenser made of a pliable material having a slit therein for dispensing primarily low viscosity materials. A block made of pliable foam contains a low viscosity material within a slit. Dental instruments or dental material applicators having an applicating end are inserted into the slit of the block, coating the applicator end with the low viscosity material. The resilient nature of the block material also helps to keep the dental instrument clean by wiping the instrument against the interior sides of the pocket formed by the slit. The present invention is particularly well suited for dispensing a lubricating material, such as a resin, on dental instruments used in working, shaping, or contouring a relatively viscous composite restorative material on a patient's tooth.

Abstract: Disclosed are an implant-driver assembly and an associated method. Generally, the implant-driver assembly includes a driver, an implant and a coupler that affixes the implant to the driver during transport and during insertion of the implant into the jaw of a patient. As shipped, the assembly may take the form of a superassembly with a vial insert that impedes axial movement of the driver, coupler, and implant. Via manual action or assisted with a suitable tool, the coupler may be disengaged to thereby decouple the implant and driver once the implant has been properly positioned. Also disclosed is a method for inserting an implant, the method comprising applying torque to the driver of an implant-driver assembly as disclosed herein.

Abstract: A manufactured device for handling a dental restoration, the device comprising an adhesive receiving surface and handle adjacent thereto for grasping of the device by a dental hand tool such as a tweezer or forceps. The handle may also include a bore configured to receive the pins ends of the pin tweezer for grasping the device. The adhesive receiving surface is configured with varying dimensions and shapes to correspond to the different restorations. The adhesive receiving surface may also include lug portions for controlling the amount of adhesive to the device.

Abstract: A dental instrument includes an elongated handle configured for the grasping of a user's hand, a narrow elongated sinus membrane lifting tip extended from one end of the handle and having a smoothly curved end portion for insertion into the nasal sinus of a person to lift the sinus membrane, and a L-shaped bone powder applicator tip extended from the other end of the handle and having a peripherally grooved end portion for picking up bone powder for application to the inside of the nasal sinus.

Abstract: The siwak tooth cleaning instrument provides a carrying, protecting and application instrument for a siwak stick, to be applied to the user's teeth for cleaning thereof. In some embodiments, the siwak tooth cleaning instrument includes a tubular housing with a siwak that may be selectively and adjustably raised and lowered to extend the siwak from the housing for cleaning one's teeth, and retracted within the housing for storage and transport, similar to a lipstick. In other embodiments, the siwak tooth cleaning instrument has tooth cleaning cartridges including a siwak that releasably engage the head portion of an elongated handle. A cover may be pivotally attached to the handle for covering the handle and attached cartridge, or a storage tube with replacement cartridges may be pivotally attached to the handle.

Abstract: A finger mounted instrument cleaner (2) of the type having an elongated semi-circumferential protective body (4) to desirably wrap around a finger. The protective body (4) has a volume of absorbent foam or cleaning member (22) thereon and a securing means to engage a finger. The securing means comprises a semi-circumferential finger clasp (12) pivotably conjoined to a first side of said protective body by a flexible juncture or flexion pivot (10) and a clasp securing extension (18) contiguous to an opposing second side of said protective body. The finger clasp (12) and clasp securing extension (18) have a predetermined number of ratchet teeth formed thereon. Desirably pivoting said engaging clasp (12) to communicate with clasp securing extension (18) engages the ratchet teeth to form a variably interlocking circumferential union with said protective body (4).

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 tray for dispensing a material to be applied with an applicator having a plurality of applicator support openings. The applicator support openings have a depth and width sufficient so that when an applicator is placed therein, it is held substantially upright. The material and applicator support wells may be funnel shaped. The relatively deep narrow funnel shape protects the material placed therein from ambient light, contamination, evaporation, and spilling. The invention is particularly well suited to use in a dental procedure that may require the application of multiple different materials or materials that react with one another or that are light activated. The plurality of different material wells are readily identifiable and keep the different materials separate and ready for use.

Abstract: A mount for holding and releasing dental implant components. The mount has a generally cylindrical body with a capture formed in the body. The capture includes an opening that is deformable between two positions. In a first position, a dental component is frictionally captured or engaged in the opening. In a second position, the dental component is released or disengaged as the opening deforms.

Abstract: A dental hygiene device comprises a cup member including an attachment member that enables the device to be attached and detached to a suction tube adapted to be inserted into the mouth of a patient during polishing of the patient's teeth. The cup member holds a tooth polishing material that is accessed by a dental hygienist during polishing of a patient's teeth.

Abstract: A dental hygiene accessory for cleaning a dental scaler or similar dental instrument has a platform member with a multitude of bristles upstanding from a central area of the platform. An annular body of soft dental debris retaining material is carried by the platform and surrounds the bristles. The accessory also has a retainer extending downwardly from the platform and engageable with a hygienist's finger to retain the accessory thereon.

Abstract: A foil sheet of semi-rigid laminated material provides a disposable adhesive pad which includes adhesive on portions of opposing top and bottom surfaces. On a portion of the top side an adhesive is covered by a peel-off label that preferably includes advertising. The remainder of the top surface is substantially a fictionless foil surface. The opposite bottom side is also provided with an adhesive on a portion of its surface. The foil is a medical metal foil that is insoluble in saliva, prophylactic paste, and water. The device is substantially planar, however two wings may be formed along foldlines which provide sidewalls that extend upwardly from the top surface and contain a dental material such as a cleaning paste, holding it on the foil portion of the pad.

Abstract: A dispenser made of a pliable material having a slit therein for dispensing primarily low viscosity materials. A block made of pliable foam contains a low viscosity material within a slit. Dental instruments or dental material applicators having an applicating end are inserted into the slit of the block, coating the applicator end with the low viscosity material. The resilient nature of the block material also helps to keep the dental instrument clean by wiping the instrument against the interior sides of the pocket formed by the slit. The present invention is particularly well suited for dispensing a lubricating material, such as a resin, on dental instruments used in working, shaping, or contouring a relatively viscous composite restorative material on a patient's tooth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for establishing correct interproximal contact between a tooth that has been bored out and the cavity filled with plastic filling, and an adjacent tooth with a contact surface directed towards the bored out tooth referred to, with plastic filling. The tool is provided with two outer pins and a central pin. The outer pins create stability for the tool, when a head of the tool, and from where the pins extend, is arranged in the bored out cavity. The central pin ensures, together with the outer pins and facing outs between the pins, that it is possible to establish the correct interproximal contact for the plastic filling against the contact surface of the adjacent tooth.

Abstract: A dental hygiene device comprises a cup member including an attachment member that enables the device to be attached and detached to a suction tube adapted to be inserted into the mouth of a patient during polishing of the patient's teeth. The cup member holds a tooth polishing material that is accessed by a dental hygienist during polishing of a patient's teeth.

Abstract: In a device for the automatic production of dental replacement parts, a blank 13 is fitted in a substantially plate-shaped carrier body 10 which is so dimensioned that the blank 13 does not exceed the carrier body 10 in any direction. The carrier body 10 serves not only for holding the blank 13 in the working machine but also for protecting it during its automatic handling in magazines or the like. The carrier body 10 is provided with a bar code 20 which relates to the material and dimensions of the blank 13 and may identify data according to which the blank 13 is to be worked The bar code 20 is adapted to be changed by the working machine so as to prevent the carrier body 10 from being reused with the same or a different blank 13.

Abstract: One embodiment is a dental appliance, and another embodiment is a method for using a dental appliance to position a veneer, for example a ceramic or porcelain laminate veneer, on the surface of a tooth. One embodiment of the dental appliance comprises a plurality of grippers, allowing a dentist to adjust the position and hold a veneer on the tooth during the bonding process. Another embodiment of the dental appliance comprises one gripper, allowing a dentist to adjust the position and hold a veneer on the tooth during the bonding process. One embodiment of the method includes repositioning of the veneer using a dental appliance, holding the veneer with the dental appliance while excess adhesive is removed and a light source probe is used to cure a localized area of a light-sensitive adhesive, again repositioning the veneer using the dental appliance, and holding the veneer with the dental appliance during curing of another localized area.

Abstract: A dental tool for installation of orthodontic brackets is provided which has an adjustable gripping mechanism for gripping the orthodontic bracket and a centering mechanism for centering the bracket on the tooth. The tool is adjustable to fit a wide variety of orthodontic brackets and the tool is further adjustable to enable the bracket to be installed at the proper mesial-distal, occlusal/incisal-gingival position on teeth of a wide variety of sizes and lengths, posterior and anterior teeth.