Abstract: A dental driving tool having a distal end with a drive mechanism adapted to drive a dental implant and a retention mechanism adapted to hold and carry the dental implant. The retention mechanism includes a housing having a ceramic locking member and corrosive resistant biasing member. Preferably, the housing is formed as an axial bore through the distal end, and the locking and biasing members are formed as a ball and spring, respectively.

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: 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. 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 hand held tool for placing and shaping dental resin composites and the like has various interchangeable tips attached to a handle that allow for specific use and geometries associated with tooth surfaces, hard and soft tissues, and the placement of medicaments or irrigation of periodontal tissues. Individual tips may have geometries in three dimensions that coordinate with specific tooth surface analogues that allow a dentist to place and shape restorative materials on the surfaces of teeth. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

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: 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: The invention provides a storage stable dental composition comprising a volatile organic solvent and a polymerizable material enclosed by a package,which includes a cover and a container made of a polymer such as a copolymer of a cycloolefin and an open chain olefin. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention is provided a stored packaged dental product by the process including: enclosing a dental composition in a package with at least a substantial portion of an injection molded polymer such as a thermoplastic copolymer of a cycloolefin and an open chain olefin, and storing the dental composition in the package for at least 1 week.

Abstract: A clip holder has a base body and an elastic securing clip connected to the base body for securing the clip holder to a body part of the user by elastic stress. The base body has at least one cutout for receiving a dental material unit, preferably containing a single dose of dental material.

Abstract: An accessory for a dental practitioner during a dental procedure utilizing an instrument held in one hand is in the form of a miniature tray-like holder of tough sharp-point penetration resistant, stiffly resilient material, preferably a thermo-formable plastic, formed with a recess containing a flexible absorbent wiping medium for the instrument, such as one or more small elongated cylinders of conventional quilted dental padding or a flexible cellular foam, is anchored to the back of the opposite hand of the practitioner by means e.g. of a layer of adhesive carried on its underface and adhered to the back of the hand or resilient wings downwardly gripping a finger thereof. The recess is contoured to promote retention of the absorbent material therein The holder preferably also has a well for holding a small vial of tooth polishing paste adjacent to the wiping medium recess for ready access during polishing.

Abstract: A single stage dental implant for implantation in living jawbone having overlying gingiva comprises a generally cylindrical body section having an exterior surface for confronting the jawbone and a head section attached to the body section for extending through the overlying gingiva when the body section is confronting the jawbone. The head section has an end portion which is generally near an outer layer of the gingiva. The implant further includes a bore within the head section extending to an opening at the end portion of the head section. The bore is defined by first, second, and third walls. The first wall has internal threads. The second wall has a larger diameter than the first surface and is substantially cylindrical. The second wall extends from the first wall toward the end portion. The third wall extends from the second wall to the opening and flares toward the opening to a diameter that is wider than a diameter of the second wall.

Abstract: A dental instrument (10) having a tool (100) with a tip (108) capable of being rapidly adjusted and fixed in a variety of orientations relative to an instrument body (14). The instrument comprises opposing jaws (22 and 32) having concave surfaces (26 and 36). One jaw (22) is attached to one end of the instrument body, while the other jaw (32) is attached to the end of a lever arm (40). The lever arm is pivotally attached to the instrument body and is pivotal between a first (closed) position (P1), a second (intermediate) position (P2) and a third (open) position (P3). The lever arm includes a latch (50) which releasably grips the instrument body so as to retain the lever arm in the first (closed) position. The tool includes a spherical ball-end sized to be tightly engaged by the concave surfaces of the jaws when the lever arm is in the first (closed) position, thereby preventing the tool from moving relative to the instrument body.

Abstract: Providing a finger ring retainer for a container of prophylaxis dental paste from elongated formable material segments, each segment having two end portions and a central portion, the two end portions having arcuate configurations greater than 180.degree. in extent so that one end portion can be fitted onto a human finger and the second end portion can be fitted onto a container of dental paste, the central portion being bent at an approximately 45.degree. apex angle sufficient to create a pair of doubled over layers of said central portion extending generally normal to each other in substantially parallel planes.

Abstract: A carrier, for a dental implant kit, for reliably and releasably holding the dental implant. The carrier incorporates a plurality of flexible fingers for engaging a screw of the dental implant kit in which the screw is threadably engaged with the implant. The fingers latch on to the screw by providing a mechanical lock in a groove of the screw. The fingers can further grip the screw by applying a generally radial compressive force on the screw. Advantageously, the resiliency and structure of the carrier fingers not only provides a reliable long-term grip on the screw, and hence the implant, but also permit the screw, and hence the implant, to be conveniently attached and detached from the carrier.

Abstract: A device for retaining and delivering dental implant components includes a retainer-delivery member which may be pivotally attached to a handle member and selectively detached therefrom. The retainer-delivery member has a plurality of multi-sized stepped down portions for hands-off insertion into, and frictional engagement with various dental implant components. The retainer-delivery member can retain one or more of the components for delivery to the implant site and can be manipulated for initial connection to the implant.

Abstract: A dental implant component package and holder for permitting the user, a dentist or oral surgeon, to readily remove the component from a sterile package is disclosed.

Abstract: A device for securing dental prophylaxis paste to the hand of a dental professional performing a dental cleaning. The device includes a receptacle with an opening at the top and a closed bottom. The receptacle is sized to receive a standard sized cup of pre-packaged dental prophylaxis paste. A deformable loop is connected to the receptacle for securing the receptacle to the finger of a dental professional. A support leg protrudes from the receptacle to bear against a finger adjacent to the encircled finger to thereby prevent the dental prophylaxis paste holder from rotating around the dental professional's finger.

Abstract: The adhesion of dental restorative materials, more particularly of composite materials containing an organic binder, to dental instruments can be reduced, essentially independently of the material of which the dental instrument is made, by providing the working surfaces with impressions. These impressions result in a reduction of the contact surface of the composite material on the working surface and thus in a reduction of the component of the adhesion which is due to physical attraction, e.g. to the van der Waals force. If the impressions are sufficiently small, a penetration of the composite material into the impressions is prevented by the high viscosity of the latter alone. If additionally the impressions are capable of being sealed by the tooth replacement material in contact therewith, an air cushion forms in the impressions which additionally counteracts a penetration of the tooth replacement material.

Abstract: A finger-mounted dental instrument servicing system is provided, the system including a socket-forming member having a first end of predetermined contour, and a resiliently deformable cushion having a first end of a contour which mimics the contour of socket-forming member's first end. The cushion thus may be provided with a plurality of distinct surface regions, each surface region being configured to receive endodontic files or related instruments of a particular size or type. In this manner, the servicing system may be used both to service the files, and as a dental organizer. A finger mount is attached to the socket-forming member, accommodating use of the system by a wearer without the need for an additional pair of hands.

Abstract: The invention provides a tooth polishing paste holder having a cup member, a connector member and a base member. The cup has an inner wall. The inner wall has a circumference less than 10 cm. The connector connects the cup to the base. The base is adapted to support the cup in an upright position on a horizontal surface.

Abstract: A dental organizer is provided which includes an opaque base having plural wells configured to contain light-sensitive materials and an opaque cover pivotally coupled with the base so as to protect light-sensitive materials both from spillage and from exposure to light. The cover is configured to engage the base when in a closed orientation, such cover including a plurality of projecting plugs which mate with the wells to seal the onboard light-sensitive materials in the wells. A resilient hinge is mounted intermediate the base and cover, such hinge accommodating pivotal opening and closing of the cover relative to the base. The hinge typically is configured to bias the cover toward an open orientation wherein the cover defines an acute angle relative to the base so as to at least partially shade the onboard materials from light.

Abstract: A material holding apparatus comprising a receptacle and an integrated finger mount. A lip or groove is circumferentially added to disposable plastic cups used in the dental profession. The receptacle preferably includes projections which mate by snap fit with either the lip or groove of the disposable cups. The finger mount is made of a flexible material and is made with two arms extending from the base of the receptacle, arcing to form a ring. The ends of the arms approach one another, bur remain flexible so as to fit a wide variety of finger sizes. Alternatively, a single band may be used as the finger mount. With either embodiment, the finger mount is slipped over the finger of the use, usually a dental professional.

Abstract: An implant arrangement for securing a denture to a jawbone includes an implant shaft which is provided at its upper end with a threaded bore whose central axis is inclined relative to the central axis of the implant shaft. The implant shaft can therefore be inserted into the jawbone such the implant shaft is inclined relative to the denture crown axis while the crown axis of the denture itself remains in the desired position. The angled implant can be inserted in a rotationally symmetrical manner without requiring additional space, even in narrow tooth gaps, by means of a special screwed-on insertion instrument.

Abstract: A finger-mounted dental instrument servicing system is provided which is adapted both to clean a dental instrument and to carry a medicament which may be applied thereto. The system includes socket-forming member which defines a socket to which both a cushion and medicament holder are secured. The socket-forming member also carries a finger mount by which the system is made attachable to a user's hand. The medicament holder is configured to hold a medicament such as dental paste adjacent the cushion so that an instrument may be both cleaned and charged with a dosage of medicament on a single pass.

Abstract: The present invention is a universal anatomical dental carrier for carrying a component of an anatomical dental restorative system which typically includes impression copings, healing caps, temporary and anatomic abutments, and screw bolts. The universal anatomical dental carrier comprises an elongated handle, a ring-shaped holder for press-fitting a generally cylindrical shaped portion of the anatomical dental restorative component, and a double-angled portion interconnecting the elongated handle and the ring-shaped holder to have the ring-shaped holder situated below and extended away from the elongated handle. The ring-shaped holder may incorporate an antifrictionally supported rotatable inner ring for press-fitting the generally cylindrical shaped portion of the anatomical dental restorative component, and the double-angled portion may incorporate a swivel joint for making the ring-shaped holder rotatable to any desired angle.

Abstract: A finger-mounted thumb-actuated compact dispenser for use by a dental assistant to enable light curable compositions to be shielded from undesirable ambient light until such time as they are to be applied. The dispenser mounts on a finger and has a lid that can be opened and closed by a thumb. The dispenser minimizes interference with the user's hand and thereby frees both hands for assisting the dentist. This technique enables the dentist to perform the bonding procedure quickly and efficiently requiring less chair time.

Abstract: A materials holding apparatus consisting of a receptacle, flange, and mount for use in the practice of dentistry capable of bringing the necessary implements to the operation at hand and making the requisite materials available for timely use, which can be worn on the finger or thumb of both left-handed and right-handed individuals with equal ease and remains stable and does not slip and slide around the finger or thumb. A protective cap is used in conjunction with the finger mounted apparatus to reduce spilling or splattering of the materials contained in the receptacle.

Abstract: A materials holding apparatus consisting of a receptacle, flange and mount for use in the practice of dentistry capable of bringing the necessary implements to the operation at hand and making the requisite materials available for timely use, which can be worn on the finger or thumb of both left-handed and right-handed individuals with equal ease and remains stable and does not slip and slide around the finger or thumb.

Abstract: The present invention is a dental prophylactic polishing paste container-dispenser of unique design, shape and size having an integral ring like holding device as part of the body member to be unfolded or pulled down and used to secure the container-dispenser to the hand of the operator by slipping the ring like device over one of the fingers where it will be held securely by the memory of the plastic ring like device trying to return to its original position. The present invention is designed to allow the prophy cup to be inserted easily and fully able to reach all the internal surfaces of the container-dispenser.

Abstract: Handle is formed with the metal portion of a dental prosthesis so that the handle can be used for supporting and handling the metal structure from the mold to the final finishing, when the handle is cut off. The handle preferably has both a ring for supporting the structure on a post and a ball for grasping of the metal structure.

Abstract: A dispenser for maintaining light sensitive substances utilized in the practice of dentistry shielded from light and providing easy and convenient access by the dentist includes a container and a cover therefor with the cover being hingably attached to the container. The container includes a plurality of recesses for receiving one or more light sensitive substances. The container is provided with structure such as a finger hold on the bottom or an elastic band for maintaining the container on one or more digits of a hand and the cover is provided with a ring or other suitable structure for maintaining the cover in operable engagement with another digit of the hand, such as a thumb, whereby the dispenser may be held in one hand and readily opened and closed to provide easy, quick, convenient access to the light sensitive substances by the dentist.

Abstract: An appliance for use by medical and dental practitioners utilizes a latex glove as a platform for attachment of supplies. After donning a pair of latex gloves, the practitioner may load a measured portion of dentifrice into a suitable receptacle. The receptacle may then be detachably affixed to the glove surface in a location permitting convenient access to the dentifrice retained therein. After completion of the procedure the gloves and affixed receptacle may be removed and disposed of as a unit. In a simple embodiment of the appliance a pouch or depression formed on the glove surface serve as dentifrice receptacles.

Abstract: A dental paste cup is provided which comprises a cup having an open mouth defined by a rim, a removable closure overlying the open mouth and engaging the rim, and a finger mount extending adjacently and circumferentially from the rim, in a ring-like manner, and terminating in an open end proximate to the rim to thereby provide a slide-resistant grip on a support finger. In a preferred embodiment, the closure is releasably secured to the inner rim of the cup and the open end segment of the finger mount, which is releasably attached to the outer rim of the cup, passes through an aperture in the finger mount into alignment with an outer extension of the closure. The application of a vertical squeezing force to the finger mount disengages the end segment from the rim and permits the end segment to bear against the outer extension of the closure and thereby effect displacement of the closure form the mouth of the cup.

Abstract: An instrument for processing artificial teeth and the like, which is utilizable for collecting precious metallic powder shavings produced during the processing of the teeth, and which comprises a handy bowl-like collector and a collector plate for supplementally collecting the powders which have not been caught by the handy bowl-like collector.