Abstract: Systems for the minimally invasive repair, stabilization and/or fixation of a fractured bone, such as a rib, are disclosed. The systems include one or more rods/support members that are designed to extend along a dimension of a bone being repaired and secure the fractured bone. The support members can be photodynamic and are formed using an expandable member that is filled with a light-sensitive liquid that is cured to form the rigid support member. Two or more clamps are used to secure the support member(s) to the rib or other bone. Minimally invasive surgical methods for securing the systems to a fractured bone are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sealing of a circumferentially closed canal. A closure element is secured to one free end of a light guide conducting a laser beam. The light guide with the closure element is introduced into the canal. The closure element is positioned in the region of the canal to be sealed and after positioning of the closure element energy is introduced, so that the closure element melts or softens and remains in this position in the canal and seals it tightly.

Abstract: A dental device comprising: a handle and; a stem. The stem having a tip with an end. The tip has a first groove winding therearound extending from a first distal point proximate the end towards the handle at least one complete turn around the tip to a first-groove termination point. The stem has a first flange projecting outward therefrom and winding therearound. The first flange extends away from the handle from a first proximal point towards the end of the tip to a first-flange termination point. At least a portion of the stem having the first groove and at least a portion of the first flange is suitable for insertion into an area between two teeth, whereby the area between the teeth may be cleaned by the at least a portion of the stem inserted between the teeth.

Abstract: Systems for the minimally invasive repair, stabilization and/or fixation of a fractured bone, such as a rib, are disclosed. The systems include one or more rods/support members that are designed to extend along a dimension of a bone being repaired and secure the fractured bone. The support members can be photodynamic, and are formed using an expandable member that is filled with a light-sensitive liquid that is cured to form the rigid support member. Two or more clamps are used to secure the support member(s) to the rib or other bone. Minimally invasive surgical methods for securing the systems to a fractured bone are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dental instrument for shaping an occlusal surface of a dental restoration includes a handle portion and an end member. The end member includes an elongated portion and a working end portion. The elongated portion is coupled with the handle portion and extends to the working end portion. The working end portion includes a concave surface shaped to be interfaced with a dental restoration material to shape the dental restoration material to form a convex occlusal surface of the dental restoration.

Abstract: The invention relates to medicine, namely to dentistry and is intended to reinforce composite materials used for elimination various defects of hard dental tissues of carious and non-carious origin in the process of direct/indirect, reinforced/unreinforced composite restoration. The claimed method includes vibrational mechanical activation of composite materials by a vibrational impact on portions of composite material shaped by manual mechanical activation (e.g., roll/ball) and applied layer by layer to a defect area. A device for vibrational mechanical activation of a composite material includes at least one working part for applying a composite material to a defect, the working part fixedly attached to a handle, which is connected by a framework to a micromotor that creates vibration which are transferred via the working portion to a layer of composite material by distributing the same across the entire surface of the defect and achieving the simultaneous surface plastic deformation thereof.

Abstract: A dental instrument for shaping a dental restoration. The instrument includes an end with at least one undulating edge which eases the placement, manipulation, and sculpting of dental restoration.

Abstract: A dental instrument with an interchangeable frustum roller with a fixed apical tip for unobstructed viewing a working surface on a tooth and for rapidly, precisely and homogenously distributing a restorative material on the surface of a tooth while avoiding adherence of an applied restorative material to the dental instrument.

Abstract: A dental instrument with an elongated tip housing a ball within a socket. The exposed surface of the ball may be pressed against a restorative material on a tooth surface in order to evenly distribute the restorative material without incorporating air bubbles. A dental instrument may have a second elongated tip housing a ball on an opposing end. The elongated tip housing the ball may be removably attached or may be rotatable.

Abstract: A description is given of a sonotrode (18) for connection to an ultrasonic vibration transducer (2, 3) comprising a connecting portion (4), which extends along a first axis (16) and is attached by a first end (42) to the vibration transducer (2, 3) or is connected thereto, wherein the connecting portion (4) is made to vibrate almost exclusively along the first axis (16) by the ultrasonic vibration transducer (2, 3).

Abstract: Dental obturators are used in the preparation of root canals in teeth. The subject obturators are so constructed that they bind at a particular distance into the canal, thereby precluding possible damage at the end of the canal. The obturator is used for positioning of a sealing material placed on a carrier portion of the obturator into the root canal. Disclosed are a variety of structural configurations on a tapered surface of the carrier portion is disclosed.

Abstract: A compressible dental instrument to non-impressively adapt restorative material through compression comprises a handle portion (2), having a docking aperture (4) to interface with a highly compressible foam insert (10) with a docking extrusion and a tip holder (14) having highly compressible tip (16). A user can dock both to compressively adapt composite resin to a tooth's surface by first applying a restorative to a tooth and second applying the compressible portion to the restorative. Applied pressure compresses the tip to non-impressively micro manipulate composite resin.

Abstract: An endodontic plugger comprises a plugging surface which contacts filler material that has been inserted into a prepared root canal. The plugging surface comprises a plurality of moveable plates which move independently of each other. The movable plates enable the plugger surface to automatically and substantially instantaneously adjust in size and/or shape in response to the cross-sectional size and/or shape of a root canal as the plugger surface passes along the root canal.

Abstract: A rotary rammer is provided which is suitable for the cold filling of a root canal. The rotary rammer includes an active zone having a shoulder and a point. The active zone has a generally conical form, an outer surface of which is smooth, a diameter of a section of the active zone in the vicinity of the point being less than a diameter of a section of the active zone in the vicinity of the shoulder. An end section is provided adjacent to the shoulder of the active zone. The end section has a means for connecting to a mandrel of a mechanical rotational driving device. The rotary rammer is applicable to the dental field.

Abstract: A dental instrument that has a first shaft, and a first operative end that defines a generally flat face. The face has a generally oval shape with opposite narrow ends. The instrument can have two shafts that are each adapted to be coupled to a handle; each shaft has such a flat face. The faces can be perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A therapeutic compound, methods and applicators to prevent and treat focal tissular lesions and infections in mammals is made by the mixture of an antiseptic powder and an antiseptic liquid, wherein the compound may be employed for an assisted integration of implants to bone, through the bone socket arrangement pre or post-implantation by medication in a patient, for preventing or curing by direct contact diseases within the mouth and also to treat skin inflammations, infections, aphthas, herpes simplex infections, ulcers, burns, and other externally illness, to promote healing and bone growth and to chemical debridement.

Abstract: A compressible dental instrument to non-impressively adapt restorative material through compression comprises a handle portion (2) having a docking aperture (4) to interface with a highly compressible foam insert (10) with a docking extrusion and a tip holder (14) having highly compressible tip (16). A user can dock both to compressively adapt composite resin to a tooth's surface by first applying a restorative to a tooth and second applying the compressible portion to the restorative. Applied pressure compresses the tip to non-impressively micro manipulate composite resin.

Abstract: A dental instrument comprises a handle member and a tool assembly. The handle member includes a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis. The tool assembly extends from the first end of the handle member. The tool assembly comprises a tool arm, a first blade member and a second blade member. The tool arm has a proximal end extending from the first end of the handle and a distal end spaced therefrom. The first blade member extends away from the distal end of the tool arm and has a first flattened region. The second blade member extends away from the distal end of the tool arm and has a second flattened region. The first and second flattened regions are substantially perpendicular to each other in one dimension. The first blade member is configured for substantially transverse movement within a mouth of a patient. The second blade member is configured for substantially longitudinal movement within a mouth of a patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and composition for bleaching teeth made up of two components blended together before each application. The method and composition offers faster results while significantly reducing the possibility of user discomfort. One of said components comprises carbamide peroxide, the other contains salts and hydroxides and/or oxides of metals belonging to the first or second group of the Periodic Table which stimulate the generation of radical oxygen. In one embodiment, the first part comprises up to 50% water by weight and optionally comprises a stabilizer. In some embodiments, the first component is substantially colorless and the second component comprises a dye indicator which discolors or loses color when exposed to radical oxygen generated by the mixing of the two components.

Abstract: A dental tool apparatus for use with a curing lamp in filling a tooth preparation, has an elongate handle, and with the elongate handle held in a horizontal attitude, one end of the elongate handle extends upwardly at an angle of between 20 and 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal. The one end of the elongate handle engages a light transmissive utility element having an upwardly facing convex top surface, a cone shaped body extending downwardly from the top surface, and a workpiece extending downwardly from the cone shaped body. With the elongate handle held in the horizontal attitude, the workpiece presents a vertical contact surface for pushing on a vertical surface of the tooth preparation.

Abstract: Dental bleaching systems that include a bleaching component and a neutralizing component which, when mixed together, yield a mixed composition having a desired bleaching activity and gel properties. The bleaching composition includes a suitable bleaching agent, such as aqueous hydrogen peroxide, in a concentration of about 3% to about 95% by weight of the bleaching composition component. The neutralizing component includes a strong particulate base mixed with a polymeric thickening agent. The neutralizing component is substantially water-free to prevent destruction of the gelling capability of the thickening agent by the base prior to formation of the mixed composition. The particulate base may include oxides, hydroxides or carbonates of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals. Maintaining the bleaching agent and neutralizing agent in separate components provides increased stability of both the bleaching agent and gelling (thickening) agent during storage and transport.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved plugger design that utilizes a tapered conical tip having a stepped cross-section to create angular lateral displacement leading to a concurrent diagonal resultant force both in length and direction. The improved plugger design results in a main compaction that is a compounded displacement having vector quantities of both magnitude and direction throughout its working length due to the varying steps throughout the working length (as opposed to existing pluggers having a single point of pressure). This allows the gutta percha to be worked upon by several forces in different directions at the same time, which in turn distorts and compacts the gutta percha in various locations and directions to enable a more complete compaction and condensation within the root canal. Insertion length markings are also provided. The stepped plugger of the present invention with insertion markings achieves the fullest possible compaction condensation of the gutta percha.

Abstract: A dental device and process ideally suited for use with a tooth which may required bases or liners during the preparation of the tooth that is to receive restoration is disclosed. The device comprises a shank, which acts as a handle, and a tip. The tip is specifically designed for a particular location on tooth. This will provide for a set of tools, wherein each tip is configured for maximizing placement of the dycal either on the pulpal floor of a small or large cavity or on the axial wall of the tooth. For placement on the pulpal floor of a small cavity the tip includes a flat hexagonal shape; for placement on the pulpal floor of a large cavity, the tip includes a plunger shape; and for placement on the axial wall of the tooth, the tip includes a flat golf-club shape. Each tip can be fabricated from or coated with titanium nitride.

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.

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: A dental device for assisting in the filling and curing of a dental restoration with light activated materials having a truncated conical shape with a disposable insert member at its apex. The conical holding device has an opening at the base to accommodate a light guide and an opening at the apex to accommodate a disposable insert member. Each insert member has a shape tapered at one end thereof and an indicator means to monitor the depth of the restoration to the pulpal floor and to provide alignment of the preparation relative to the marginal ridge of the adjacent tooth.

Abstract: A dental applicator for applying amalgam or other filling material to a tooth is provided, in which a plunger is arranged to reciprocate into and out of a barrel to thereby eject and administer the amalgam or filling material. The barrel and/or plunger are fabricated from plastic and/or metal or metallic material provided with a coating, to inhibit or totally prevent amalgam residue from solidifying and adhering to the barrel or plunger.

Abstract: A compactor for placing light-curable filling material in connection with dental treatment, especially for filling a cavity in a tooth which is contiguous with an adjacent tooth, the compactor in the longitudinal direction having a tapering, conical shape; the end which is to be pressed down in the filling has in cross section a square, rounded shape; one of the longitudinal side faces is concave in form, whilst the opposite side face is convex in form, and in the end which is furthest from the filling, the compactor is equipped with an opening and hole for connection to a handle, e.g., an amalgam plugger.

Abstract: A light concentrating dental tool apparatus has an elongate handle defining a longitudinal axis and a light transmissive utility element at one or both ends of the handle. The utility element providing an outwardly facing, light receiving, top surface, and a downwardly converging cone-shaped body terminating with an integral workpiece adapted for moving a dental matrix band. A light disbursing surface directs light outwardly for curing a dental resin. The light disbursing surface provides a downwardly directed flat portion used for leverage against the dental preparation, and a downwardly curved portion in mutually opposing juxtaposition, for pressing against the matrix band. The flat and the curved portions define a common axis of symmetry forming an angle with said longitudinal axis so as to allow the tool to be used to provide improved visibility by the practitioner. A tapered mounting structure enables the utility element to be removed and reset within the handle at a selected angle.

Abstract: A hand-held dental instrument for use in condensing and packing soft, composite filling material. The condenser includes resiliently pliable, bulbous tips of various diameters, having a pliable surface such as rubber or soft plastic that deforms under hand pressure and returns to its original shape upon removal of said pressure. The condenser enables a dentist, dental assistant or technician to condense efficiently and uniformly composite filling material into a prepared tooth cavity. The condenser is an improvement over the typical existing art, which comprises rigid metal, plastic or ceramic tips of relatively small diameter, designed for condensing silver amalgam filling material. The condensing instrument provides a solution to the problem of rigid tipped condensing instruments applying uneven pressure into the soft composite, pushing holes or air pockets into the material rather than condensing it.

Abstract: A dental instrument for assisting in the filling and curing of a dental restoration with light activated resin composite material(s) having a handle with an elongated body of triangular shape, a first and second end section extending from the elongated body at each opposite end thereof and a first and second opening in each end section in combination with a first and second insert member removably engaging said first and second opening respectively in each of the opposite ends of the handle. Each insert member has a shaped body tapered at one end thereof and indicator means to monitor the depth of the restoration to the pulpal floor and to provide alignment of the preparation relative to the marginal ridge of an adjacent tooth.

Abstract: An improved amalgam or resin carrier, which has a plunger and lever mechanism similar to the well-known lever-actuated carrier and which has an easily replaceable sleeve or barrel for holding highly filled materials. The barrel may be easily removed for maintenance, cleaning, or replacement. In an alternate configuration, the barrel may be preloaded with a packable composite dental resin, thus allowing quick and easy clinical use. The preloaded barrel may be manufactured in the form of a disposable cartridge, and is especially suitable for use with light-activated materials.

Abstract: A kit is presented, comprising at least a condensable composite and an amalgam carrier. The condensable composite is further provided in premeasured amounts, that is, in amounts of one spill, two spills, or three spills. In another embodiment, the kit further comprises a flowable composite material, and in still another embodiment, the kit further comprises a flowable composite material and dispenser, an etchant, a primer/adhesive, a plugger, and brush tips. The kit is especially useful in forming posterior dental restorations that are aesthetic, strongly-bonded, and wear-resistant. The restorations have negligible shrinkage upon polymerization.

Abstract: A dental applicator for applying amalgam or other filling material to a tooth is provided, in which a plunger is arranged to reciprocate into and out of a barrel to thereby eject and administer the amalgam or filling material. The barrel and/or plunger are fabricated from plastic and/or metal or metallic material provided with a coating, to inhibit or totally prevent amalgam residue from solidifying and adhering to the barrel or plunger.

Abstract: The present invention reveals an improved light-transmitting apparatus and methods for polymerizing light-hardening dental fillings of Class II resins. In the improved apparatus and methods, a magnified prism is constructed in the middle of a light-transmitting apparatus which transforms broad light from a light transmitting source to a concentrated light to the center of the focal point of the tip of the apparatus. The improved apparatus and methods permit the optionally connection of the light-transmitting apparatus to a light source.

Abstract: Dental inserts for stopping or filling a cavity of a carious tooth treated by preparation. The inserts have a spherical or hemispherical shape and are matched to the particular drilling and plugging instruments.

Abstract: A disposable resin applicator is used for applying a small, precise mound of resin to hold an orthodontic wire to the teeth of a patient. The disposable resin applicator assists an orthodontist to bond curing resin to the teeth to retain the wire used to stabilize the teeth after or during orthodontic movement. The resin applicator has a translucent wire bonder tip which has two opposite wire slots through which the orthodontic wire can be inserted therein. An alignment guide runs the length of the wire bonder tip on either side so that it is easy to visually view where the wire slots are to place on the orthodontic wire. The curing resin is placed in a tiny cup on the wire bonder tip and then it is placed over the orthodontic wire on the tooth so that the wire fits in the two wire slots such that the wire bonder tip can be held by a dental tool. Then a curing light is shined on the resin through the translucent wire bonder tip so that the resin becomes hardened and holds the orthodontic wire to the teeth.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing and adapting filling material introduced into a dental cavity with an elastic punch which is fixed in or on a holder.

Abstract: A dental tool for compressing filling materials in a bore of a tooth. The dental tool includes an elongate member having a tip portion with a surface for contacting the filling materials. A portion of the contact surface of the tip segment is concave.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a tool for applying a filling material to a tooth cavity or other surface including a housing for grasping by the hand of the user, a vibrator contained within the housing for vibrating the housing, a brush for applying or shaping and molding cavity filler material, and an elongated brush holder connected to the housing and to the brush.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument having a rotatable shank and a working portion which extends along at least a portion of the length of the shank to a tip includes two continuous helical flutes which spiral along the length of the working portion. Each of the helical flutes has a shoulder which generally faces in the same direction along the length of the working portion as the shoulder of the other flute and which has a helical angle which is different from the helical angle of the shoulder of the other flute. In one embodiment, the instrument includes shoulders which generally face in the direction along the working portion toward the tip and is well-suited for thermomechanically condensing gutta-percha in a root canal of a tooth and for cutting dentinal chips from the wall of an extirpated root canal and transporting the cut chips to the terminus of the root canal system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing, compacting and shaping a light-activated dental restorative material in a cavity preparation or between adjacent teeth and for polymerizing said restorative material in said cavity preparation or between said teeth to produce a restorative are disclosed. A mirror/oral illuminator and a combination mirror and fiber optic probe are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a condenser instrument for thermomechanically condensing a thermoplastic material, such as gutta percha, in the extirpated root canal of a tooth through rotation of the instrument is disclosed. The condenser instrument includes a shank having a tapered working portion along part of its length. The working portion includes a single, continuous helical flute defining a continuously helical shoulder having a negative rake angle. The shoulder is generally directed downwardly toward the tip end of the shank. A wide land is formed at the periphery of the shoulder. In a second embodiment, a remover instrument for removing a thermoplastic material, such as gutta percha, from a previously obturated root canal of a tooth through rotation of the remover instrument is disclosed. The remover instrument includes a shank having a tapered working portion along part of its length.

Abstract: A dental instrument adapted to be used as a dental compactor for condensing a thermoplastic material in the extirpated root canal of a tooth. The dental compactor instrument is formed with a tapered shank or working portion having at least two helical flutes defining at least two continuous helical shoulders. A helical peripheral land extends between adjacent helical flutes at the periphery of the shank. The shoulders have a neutral rake angle at the periphery of the shank.

Abstract: A filling and forming system for dental viscous plastic materials utilizing ultrasonic vibrations in which a dental plastic material possessing viscousness (such as light polymerizable type composite resins) is used in the mouth cavity. Generation of ultrasonic vibrations from the tip of a forming instrument and application thereof to a dental material are obtained without generating heat in the absence of poured water. The effect of the ultrasonic vibrations permits the prevention of the adhesion of the material to the instrument. Additionally, it decreases the consistency of the material, thus making the filling and forming of the material easy and enhancing the close adaptation of the material.

Abstract: An applicator for dental cement lining includes a shaft having its head divided into an available face in the spherical form and an unavailable opposite face in the flat form. The flat place of the unavailable face may subtend a given angle of 0.degree. to 30.degree. with respect to the axial direction of the shaft. The available and unavailable faces of the head may be joined to each other through cut-outs formed in both sides of the head. The portion of the shaft contiguous to the head may be turned by a given angle with the middle portion thereof, and is fixed in place at that angle.

Abstract: An elongated straight handle portion has a cylindrical plugger element on each end thereof. Each plugger element has a 45.degree. bend adjacent the end of the handle and a 90.degree. bend adjacent the distal end of the plugger element. Protruding laterally from the apex of each 90.degree. bend is a burnishing element. The burnishing element on one end of the handle is ball shaped and the burnishing element on the other end is cone-shaped.

Abstract: Gold powder is inserted in a cavity for the production of fillings in teeth by means of filled gold and this is subsequently hardened mechanically. The moisture sensitivity of this process can be avoided by using a paste made of platelet shaped gold powder with a plastic, organic binder which liquifies at 20.degree. to 45.degree. C. and the mechanical hardening is carried out with ultrasonic.

Abstract: A dental condensing instrument having an elastomeric tip of sufficient size to surround the margins of a prepared cavity, which will yieldably urge the flow of soft restorative materials inside prepared cavities to improve their adaptation to cavity walls and margins without the introduction of deleterious air voids therein. When hand pressure is applied, the tip will not only seal said margins, but also apply a steady, isostatic condensing force upon said materials.

Abstract: A dental instrument adapted to be used as a dental compactor for condensing a thermoplastic material in the extirpated root canal of a tooth. The dental compactor instrument is formed with a tapered shank or working portion having at least two helical flutes defining at least two continuous helical shoulders. A helical peripheral land extends between adjacent helical flutes at the periphery of the shank. The shoulders have a neutral rake angle at the periphery of the shank.