Abstract: A device for abrading or polishing primarily uneven objects, comprising an abrasive section in the form of a strip which is preferably essentially in-elastic and which is coated with an abrasive or polishing layer. One end of the ribbon shows an elastic section connected to the abrasive section. Such a device allows a reciprocating movement without moving the end of the ribbon which is inserted into the mouth of the patient.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dental tool for use with an ultrasonic transducer, comprises a substantially elongate tool defined by a shaft having a proximal end with a connector for attachment to an ultrasonic transducer, a distal end having a tip configured for performing a dental procedure, and a uniform gradual tapered portion intermediate the distal end and the proximal end is composed of a medical grade titanium alloy.

Abstract: Diamond bur A has base metal 1 formed with cylindrical shank 1b on one side of diamond bur A, and cutting portion 1a formed on base metal 1 on the other side of diamond bur A extending over a given length from an end of diamond A. A mixture 2 of various abrasive grains with three different grain sizes are secured to cutting portion 1a. Since various abrasive grains with different grain sizes are secured to cutting portion 1a, with the increase of load applied on artificial tooth, the number of abrasive grains contributing to cutting increases, and the machinability is improved. This tendency is equal to the machinability of the diamond bur on the market for cutting human dentin, or dental enamel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument for periodontal treatment, consisting of a connection piece (4) and of a blade (1), wherein said blade (1) has an abrasive part exhibiting two sectors (10, 11) distributed along the blade, and each situated on opposite sides of a plane passing through the axis of the blade, these two sectors (10, 11) exhibiting different levels of abrasiveness such that when the instrument is introduced into the periodontal pocket during treatment, the more abrasive sector comes into contact with the root surface of the tooth, and the other, less abrasive, sector comes into contact with the mucosa, said instrument being adapted to be held by way of its connection piece (4) on a handpiece which confers a vibratory movement on it, allowing the two sectors (10, 11) to effect the detachment of the undesirable tartar.

Abstract: A dental prophy cup includes a polishing surface formed by a plurality of annular ridges spaced along a longitudinal axis of rotation of the prophy cup. Each ridge includes a generally forwardly facing side which has a micro-cellular texturing capable of retaining abrasive paste. The cup is molded of a solid elastomeric material in a mold which forms the micro-cellular texturing on the polishing surface.

Abstract: A device is proposed for cleaning the surface of inserted oral implants and/or the abutments placed thereon. The device is distinguished by the provision of a cleaning curette (31, 131) which at least partially covers the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A self-limiting dental composite restoration sculpting bur particularly adapted for sculpting occlusal resins. Because of the cuspal angle of its cutting surface, the bur will make cuts that closely match the naturally occurring topography of human teeth as well as provide a visual stop that indicates when the desired cutting depth has been reached. The apparatus also includes a diamond coated cutting surface that is of such a roughness that it creates a physical stop that sends a tactile response to the operator when the bur contacts enamel. This tactile response ensures that the operator can avoid overcutting the restoration. In addition, a non-diamond coated annular band can be provided on the cutting head to create a safe zone which serves a further limit stop. The bur is mounted on a straight shaft to allow maximum vertical adjustment when mounted to a standard dental drill.

Abstract: The cup to be used as a paste carrier for dental hygienic consists of a rubber elastic material and can be driven for rotation by a hand piece. The cup comprises a paste receiving part, the inner side enlarging towards its open edge as well as the outer side of the cup enlarging towards its open edge comprising spiraled ribs which are running in the opposite direction to the rotational direction of the hand piece. The structure on the inner side of the paste receiving part allows a continuous supply of paste and a cooling of the cup, and the structure of the outer side of the cup prevents a bale formation of the mucous and guarantees an effective cooling of the cup.

Abstract: A transducer activated subgingival tool for contacting subgingival tooth surfaces and directing a fluid adjacent to said surfaces, wherein the tool has an activated tip having a fluid inlet end, a subgingival outlet end, a step in the surface of the outer wall of said tip between said inlet end and said subgingival outlet end, and a fluid passageway wall internal to the tip. The passageway wall is formed in the inlet end generally along the longitudinal center axis of the inlet end of the tip. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the step intersects the passageway wall at the orifice edge.

Abstract: A dental prophylaxis angle includes a body having a sleeve, a neck, and a one piece hollow head formed at the end of the neck. A drive member, including a drive gear and shaft is received in the body. A driven member, including a driven gear and shaft, is received in the head so that the driven and drive gears mesh with each other. A cap is received and secured in the head and snappingly receives the driven member. The cap locks the driven member in the head of the angle. The driven member includes a platform spaced above the driven gear having a diameter equal to the diameter of the head to close the opened head. The platform and driven gear define a channel. The cap has a side wall, a part of which is flexible. A finger extends inwardly from the flexible portion of the cap wall and into the channel between the driven gear and platform to snappingly secure the driven member in the cap. The cap includes a projection which interacts with the head to lock the cap in the head.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dental tip that is hardened by a novel process that includes roughing the tip and then applying a metal nitride coating, such as titanium nitride (Ti--N) or zirconium nitride (Zr--N). The roughing is preferably accomplished by sandblasting the tip with a microblaster. Optionally the tip may be heat treated after it has been roughened and prior to being coated in order to further increase its hardness.

Abstract: A prophylactic dental apparatus is designed to minimize splatter from rotation of a rotating resilient element with a diverter which substantially surrounds at least a portion of the resilient element while affording full visibility to the operator of the instrument.

Abstract: A home denture cleaning kit for cleaning dentures. The kit includes at least a one year's supply of dental pumice, at least a one year supply of tin oxide and an electric driven rotating brush. In a preferred embodiment the bristles of the brush are at least 1/2 inch long and no longer than about 1 1/4 inch and are aligned generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the brush. Dentures are cleaned by mixing about one gram of pumice with an equal quantity of water to form a paste which is applied to the dentures. The rotating brush is then used to brush the pumice-water paste against the denture material to remove film and surface stains such as those due to coffee and tea. After the teeth are cleaned, approximately 1/8 gram of tin oxide powder is mixed with an equal quantity of water and applied to the teeth portion of the dentures. The rotating buffing wheel is then used to buff the tin-oxide paste against the dentures in order to produce a shine on the dentures.

Abstract: A dental cleaning assembly including a disposable dental tool including a main body tubular portion and a head portion disposed at right angles to the main body. A prophy cup is secured to a shaft projecting from the head portion so that the cup may be rotated to perform a tooth cleaning operation. A series of flexible bristles are secured to the head of the dental tool and extend forwardly therefrom in surrounding relation to the prophy cup so as to provide an anti-splatter shield for the cup to preclude splatter of toothpaste, saliva and blood. The bristles form an effective circumferential barrier around the prophy cup but yet allow complete freedom of movement of the prophy cup to perform the cleaning function and further allow potentially impacting paste to escape outwardly from the annular space between the prophy cup and the bristles to avoid impairment of the cleaning operation of the assembly.

Abstract: A dental tool for shaping teeth has a shank for fitting to a rotary drive and an abrasive head on the shank for working on teeth. For false teeth, the shank diameter, at least at the end that fits the drive, will be 2.35 mm, while for real teeth that diameter will be 1.6 mm. The head comprises diamond grit in a resin matrix, the resin preferably being a resole phenolic resin. Further particulate filler may be added.

Abstract: A medical tool such as a prophy angle is provided having primarily plastic parts to make disposing more economical. A portion of the drive shaft is made of metal to eliminate detrimental deformation. The housing is made of two plastic halves which snap-fit together and have projecting portions which surround a pair of oversized plastic beveled gears. A prophy cup having a locking projection is provided so that the locking projection fits into locking cavity on a stud of the tool. Vanes are disposed on the inside of the cup and have a step-like configuration to aid in retaining polishing paste in the cup.

Abstract: A dental implement designed to be retained for reciprocating-movement by the sleeve member of a dental handpiece. The dental implement is comprised of a flat dental tool having a flat blade portion and a flat shank portion. The flat blade portion can also be formed with a triangular or arcuate cross-section while retaining the flat shank portion and the blade edges can be straight or have a saw-tooth configuration. A removable tool holder has a slot to receive the dental tool and a outside cylindrical shape complementary with the bore of the sleeve member. Forces applied to the tool holder control the displacement of locking protrusions on the tool shank to selectively permit the tool to be driven in a reciprocating movement with or without rotation and to be removed entirely from the sleeve member.

Abstract: A prophylaxis cup is provided to be used with a dental prophylaxis angle. The cup includes an elastomeric body having an upper section and a lower section and a threaded shaft extending axially from the lower section. The shaft has a head embedded in the body's lower section. The lower section has a deformable annular ring concentric with, and adjacent to, the shaft head. The ring is deformable outwardly into an adjacent annular groove radially outboard of the ring. A peripheral slinger or skirt outboard of the groove extends downwardly and away from the groove. The cup's body upper section defines a pocket which receives cleaning abrasives. When the cup's shaft is threaded into a rotatable driven gear on the dental prophylaxis angle, a stationary edge of a hollow cap stem on the angle engages the cup's ring, to form a rotational ring seal. The structure of the cup ensures that the seal is maintained even when the cup is bent or deformed during use.

Abstract: A dental prophylaxis angle of the snap-on variety comprising two interlocking external parts and 2 internal parts, wherein the base for the mandrel or button formation resembling a knob which arises from the rotary bearing, known as a slinger ring or disk or annular stop, designed to receive the conventional snap-on rubber-like prophylaxis cup, has a plurality of sharp pointed projections or prongs to safely grip and stabilize the engagement of a snap-on prophylaxis cup.

Abstract: A dental interproximal disk formed of rigid sheet material as a unitary or integrally formed handle portion and blade portion with an arcuate cutting edge. The handle portion includes a plurality of corrugated flutes terminating in a laterally offset flange. The side surfaces of the blade portions may be either smooth or roughened on one or both surfaces thereof. An aperture is formed adjacent one end of the handle portion for attachment of a string or cord to effect retrieving if necessary as a matter of safety.

Abstract: A method of providing proper occlusion between natural teeth/natural teeth and a partial restoration/upper and lower plates of a full restoration includes the initial step of examining the occlusion and identifying high spots. Next a chewing compound is selected including an abrasive of a grade between 100 and 220 grit or a polish for providing controlled abrasive or polishing action. This step is then followed by the chewing of the compound for a period of three to fifteen minutes to remove the high spots, polish the teeth and provide overall better occlusion. The chewing compound utilized includes a bulk chewing material that is non-stick with respect to dental restorations and natural teeth. This material is covered and/or impregnated with a polish/abrasive powder material.

Abstract: A dental prophylaxis cup (10) is provided. The cup (10) is rotatably attachable to prophy angles (D) and hence to a dental handpiece. An interior (60) of the prophylaxis cup (10) includes a sidewall (62) extending upwardly and outwardly from a floor (64) of the interior (60) to a rim (50) at a top of the prophylaxis cup (10). The side wall (62) includes projections (70) extending therefrom. Each projection (70) completely surrounds a confinement region (73). Adjacent projections (70) are spaced apart by a gap (78). The gap (78) defines an upper end of an impoundment region (80) located between the floor (64) and confinement regions (73), separated therefrom by projections (70). Polishing compound is retained within the confinement region (73) and impoundment region (80) either until sufficient force (P) is applied, or the cup (10) is distorted, causing the polishing compound to migrate toward the rim (50).

Abstract: Methods of preparation of a tooth by reduction thereof are provided, so as to permit very accurate tooth reduction in preparation for subsequent placement of a crown, onlay, inlay, or other crown or bridge prosthodontic procedure. Such preparation requires that at least a portion of the material of the tooth, its enamel and/or dentin, is to be reduced; and in order to do so, a series of grooves must first be cut into the tooth structure to a specific and predetermined depth. By the present invention, the depth of tooth reduction to be effected is determined, and a dental burr is chosen to cut a series of grooves each having that predetermined depth. After the series of groove reduction have been cut, the cut groove reductions are then connected using a suitable grinding burr so as to grind away the standing enamel and/or dentin lands between the grooves reductions and thereby achieve a reduction of the tooth structure to that predetermined depth.

Abstract: A disposable dental prophy cup designed to be coupled with a dental prophy angle for simultaneously cleansing both the surface of teeth and the surrounding tissue and gingival crevice. The dental prophy cup includes a concentric sidewall including a coupling orifice for coupling the prophy cup with the output member of a dental prophy cup, wherein the rotation of the prophy angle output member causes the prophy cup to rotate, and cleansing ribs attached to the outer surface of the sidewall for cleansing the tissue of the gingival crevice of a tooth when the prophy cup is rotated by the prophy angle output member.

Abstract: An improved prophylaxis cup (10) formed of a silicone elastomer incorporated with a pumice material (17) uniformly incorporated throughout the cup and mounted on a mounting button (11) in a non-disposable dental handpiece (110 ) is described. After a teeth cleaning procedure, the prophylaxis cup is disposed of and the mounting button and the dental handpiece are sterilized for reuse. The mounting button is comprised of a bulbous mounting head (23) having a circular cross-section that mates with a similarly shaped cavity (19) in a mounting section (13) of the cup. The cavity is preferably about 5 to 15 percent smaller in cross-sectional diameter than the mounting head so that the cup must be stretched over the mounted head for mounting the cup on the mounting button. A working section (15) of the cup is provided with a conical recess (15c) that wears down as the teeth are being cleaned to provide continuous application of fresh abrasive to the tooth surface.

Abstract: A dental prophy cup includes an elastically flexible rim which includes a flexure region of reduced thickness. The rim thickness increases to a region of maximum thickness at a location forwardly of the flexure region and then tapers downwardly toward a front end of the rim. A forwardly facing surface of the cup which contacts the tooth surface comprises two convex surface portions joined by a radiused bridge surface portion located at the flexure region. Abrasive particles are distributed within the body of the cup and are released as the base material of the cup breaks down.

Abstract: A rotary member for shaping replacement teeth including a metal support having a generally circular outer shape with a radius less than 20 mm, the metal support having a generally flat inner portion extending at least 30% of the radius, the metal support also having contoured contact surfaces located radially outward of the flat inner portion, and abrasive particles bonded to the contoured contact surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed are dental instruments having a working surface comprising a diamond-like coating. The coating may be applied by the laser ablation process. Also disclosed is a method of operating on teeth or dental workpieces by contacting the teeth or workpieces with a diamond-like coating.

Abstract: An abrasive composition and dental articles made from same, the composition including abrasive particles dispersed throughout and entrapped within a polyurea or polyurethane urea matrix which contains soft and hard segments wherein the matrix is made from the polymerization reaction of a polyfunctional amine and a polyfunctional isocyanate. The abrasive dental articles include prophylactic cups and polishing wheels, points and discs.

Abstract: Bonded abrasive compositions, articles incorporating same, and methods of making the compositions and articles are presented, the compositions comprising abrasive particles dispersed throughout and adhered within an elastomeric polyurea matrix. The polyurea matrix is formed from the polymerization reaction product of a polyfunctional amine and an isocyanate. The compositions exhibit excellent smear- and wear-resistance, and may be attached to a variety of backings. One preferred backing is integrally molded to the bonded abrasive composition.

Abstract: A dental drill exhibits the form of a substantially solid cylindrical body having a cutting portion and a gripping shank. The cylindrical body includes a boss between the cutting portion and said gripping shank. Upon the cutting portion, between the boss and a tip of the cutting portion, are provided at least four axi-symmetric flutes upon a lateral surface of the cutting portion. Each of the flutes are substantially co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the drill, defining a substantially linear profile before reaching the conical tip of the cutting portion, at which each of the flutes narrows. The flutes are separated by substantially co-axial channels having radial depths of about one-eighth of the diameter of the cylindrical body. Each of the channels flare to a larger polar dimension at said tip of the cutting portion. The body is provided with an axial irrigation channel having at least one liquid outlet within each of the channels and proximally to the tip of the cutting portion of the drill.

Abstract: A dental polishing applicator for use with a rotary dental handpiece and method of using the same which is characterized by a collet portion and a removably mounted, disposable single use tip portion. The cylindrical collet is adapted to be removably mounted to conventional dental handpieces and includes an opposing end adapted to removably receive a shaft portion of the applicator tip portion. Preferably the tip portion comprises a relatively very small cylindrical shaft provided with a conical polishing end which is designed to permit access to the more difficult to reach areas of tooth anatomy.

Abstract: A trephine-type dental drill for polishing the external cylindrical surface of a dental implant in a mouth. The drill includes a shank for mounting upon a dental drill drive, and a mount affixed the shank for mounting an abrasive element. The abrasive element has a hollow circular bore defined by a bore wall which is coated with an abrasive material. The inner bore wall is sized to closely fit and rotationally polish the external cylindrical surface of the dental implant installed within a mouth.

Abstract: An improved prophylactic cup device (10, 100) comprised of a prophylactic cup (12, 102) mounted on a mounting screw (14, 104) is described. In the preferred embodiment, the prophylactic cup is molded from a silicone polymer containing a dental cleaning and polishing agent such as pumice and is mounted onto a circular cross-sectioned mounting screw comprised of a shaft (14a) with a threaded portion (14c) and a head (14b). The head provides for cylindrical inlet or channel portions (14g) and (14h), and retaining slots (14i) and (14j). Since silicone polymers are poorly adherent to any surface and because the strength of silicone polymers is greatly reduced by the addition of pumice, the channels and retaining slots increase the contact surface area between the prophylactic cup and the mounting screw. This allows the prophylactic cup device to be mounted on a dental handpiece and to be used to clean teeth and gingival crevices without a dental paste.

Abstract: A plastic, disposable, easy-to-assemble dental angle is provided. The angle includes a one-piece hollow body having a head at its front end which is angled with respect to the body. Both the head and the body have a bore therethrough. The head has an aperture which is centered with respect to the bore of the body to allow insertion of a drive gear through the head of the angle. A driven gear is inserted in the head from above. A snap cap fits within the head over the driven gear to lock both the drive gear and the driven gear in the angle. A sheath on the cap covers the aperture. A latch on the cap is received in the aperture to lock the cap to the head to hold the angle together. An elongated slot in the body permits the body to be force-fit on a dental handpiece.

Abstract: A prophy cup shield is cylindrical in shape and attaches to a dental handpiece by way of elastic fit around the nose of the handpiece. The inside of the shield includes novel spiral tracks which cooperate with the rotating cup to force any trapped paste that may find its way between the cup and the shield back out over the rim of the rotating cup. The shield prevents the splatter of cleaning paste and patient bodily fluids. The shield also prevents against accidental injury to the patient's gum because when in use the shield extends beyond the circumferential rim of the rotating cup.

Abstract: A water-cooled friction-type cutting dental tool is disclosed comprising an at least partially hollow cylindrical body portion having an external circumferential cutting surface, an interior circumferential surface defining a hollow space, and an external annular transverse end cutting surface at one end. The end cutting surface surrounds a central opening to the hollow space; in the hollow space, a centered elongated member is secured so as to be substantially concentric to and held partially within the hollow space and partially extending beyond the hollow space, beyond the end cutting surface. The portion of the elongated member extending beyond the end cutting surface has a smooth rounded surface for limiting the cutting depth of the tool, both longitudinally and transversely. The portion within the hollow space has a cross-sectional dimension such that an annular channel is defined between the elongated member and the interior circumferential surface.

Abstract: A dental prophylaxis polishing cup of the traditional size, shape, material, and attachments, for use with a rotary dental hand piece. The inside wall of the cavity is provided with an abrasive lining of material such as silicon carbide, arranged in a network pattern, or random pattern, with a narrow, abrasive free margin at the opening edge. The prophylaxis cup is provided in different colors denoting the degree of abrasiveness found inside each different colored prophylaxis cup: blue/coarse, green/medium, grey/fine, and pink/extra-fine.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for finishing a surface, such as the surface of a tooth, for improving the strength of an adhesive bond. A plurality of cuts are made into the surface at an angle which is less than 90.degree.. Undercuts are thus formed which enhance the micromechanical engagement between the surface and the solidified adhesive material. The undercuts are dimensioned in response to the viscosity characteristic of the fluid adhesive material so as to promote flow of the fluid adhesive material into the undercuts by capillary action. The undercuts are formed by application of a rotary tool to the surface, the tool having a plurality of spaced-apart edges thereon, which are applied to the surface so that each such cutting edge makes a respective undercut.

Abstract: A dental tool is disclosed having a hollow cylindrical body portion, with an enlarged angular ring at one end, said ring having an abrasive coating thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for securing a veneer onto a tooth substrate comprising removing enamel in a matrix pattern, to a predetermined depth, from the lingual or buccal surfaces of the tooth, removing the remaining outer enamel layer intermediate the matrix pattern, to the predetermined minimum depth, to provide a first, substantially level excavated enamel surface, further excavating a plurality of compact areas on the first excavated enamel surface to an additional predetermined depth therebelow, but without exposing dentin, to form an indexed enamel surface, taking an impression of such indexed enamel surface, and obtaining from said mold a dental veneer, the dental veneer having a first surface which can mate with such indexed excavated enamel surface, and a second outer surface providing an attractive dentitious appearance; and adhering the indexed veneer surface to the indexed enamel surface, so as to accurately place the veneer on a tooth as an attractive outer labial or buccal surface

Abstract: A motor driven dental instrument for peeling away a layer of a tooth is provided. The rotational movement of the driving shaft is transformed into an axially oscillating, not rotatable movement of a tool support of a working tool. The working tool is able to be placed in an angular position in relation to the tool support chosen by the dentist.

Abstract: There is provided a dental tool for use with a reciprocating drive means and a sleeve member operatively connected to the drive means for reciprocating motion and designed to retain a dental tool, the dental tool comprising a crank portion designed to be retained for reciprocating movement by the sleeve member of the handpiece, and a dental blade, preferably with an abrasive surface, secured to one end of the shank; in one embodiment, the dental tool is preferably hollow and further comprises an axially extending channel, preferably extending along the full length of the shank and a plenum extending within the dental blade, and outlet perforations from the plenum extending through the blade, and in a second embodiment there is further provided means secured to the shank portion for applying pressure within the channel to force any fluid material within the channel and plenum out through the outlet perforations through the blade. Finally, there is provided means for dispensing fluid material, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention is a dental prophylactic polishing cup of unique design and shape having uniquely shaped turbine like vanes or ribs positioned at an angle to the long axis of the prophy cup in such a manner, that as the prophy cup is rotated during a dental prophylaxis the polishing paste held in the cup and brought to bear against the surface of the tooth will be acted on by the said turbine like vanes or ribs forcing the polishing paste back into the cup counteracting the forces that tend to dislodge and throw the paste out of the cup. Thus the polishing paste is held in the cup for a longer period of time and for a greater number of revolutions of the cup for greater efficiency reducing the number of times the prophy cup must be refilled or reloaded, saving time effort and materials, and making the whole procedure less messy. The turbine like vanes or ribs also make the prophy cup easier to load or fill as the vanes draw the paste into the cup as it is rotated against the polishing paste container.

Abstract: A dental bur includes a shank adapted to be held by a dental drill and an abrasive portion. The lowermost abrasive portion at the free end of the bur is of a different color from the remaining abrasive portion. As a result, a dentist can observe the colored section to determine the depth of the bur tip under the gum line. Preferably, the bur is formed by coloring the corresponding section of the substrate from which the bur is made and then coating the entire working surface of the bur (colored and uncolored) with diamond chips.

Abstract: A dental instrument for cleaning and planing of tooth root faces comprises a conical or flattened working part, in which one or more countersunk grooves are cut out. Opposed side faces of said grooves form a sharp, essentially square-angled cutting edge with area of the working part situated on either side of the groove. When the deposits upon the tooth have been removed and the tooth face planed, said areas form load-relieving surfaces resting against the tooth face and preventing the cutting edges from coming into contact with and undesirably working off further undamaged tooth material.

Abstract: A brush head for cleaning and massaging the teeth and gums is disclosed having a bundle of fibers welded together to form a bottom plate, with a central axial tunnel expending part way into the fiber bundle, similarly made up of welded fibers. The brush head is produced by partially melting one end of the fiber bundle to form the bottom plate, with the bundle moved into contact with a heated mandrel, while the fibers remain substantially parallel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a counterbored channel into the top surface of a tooth root in preparation for receiving a dental post and core during the fabrication of a superstructure on the tooth root. A dental tool is utilized for forming a counterbored recess around the mouth of a pre-drilled central bore. A dental jig having an enlarged flange which snugly fits into the counterbored channel is then used to form ancillary bores to provide a contoured aperture which will receive a correspondingly contoured post. The dental tool is then used to make similar counterbored recesses around the ancillary bores whereby the composite of the counterbored recesses forms a substantial oval channel wherein the core can suitably sit on a level surface perpendicular to the post without the necessity of leveling off the entire upper surface of the tooth root.

Abstract: A dental cleaning tool comprises a rotatable cleaning body of an elastically yielding material formed in a cuplike concavity extending inward from a rim and where curved ribs having triangular cross-section extend from the rim towards the center of the cup to a point removed from the center so as to provide a free zone at the center of the cup.

Abstract: A disposable hand tool for performing dental and other health care procedures in which the entire tool is thrown away and disposed of after use with a single patient. The tool is made of relatively inexpensive materials such as plastic, and since durability and re-use are not requirements the operating mechanism can itself be constructed of disposable materials, including non-metallic materials. In the embodiment described herein, the disposable hand tool has a rotatable working member such as a rotatable buffer for polishing and cleaning teeth known in the dental profession as a prophylactic angle or cup, a rotatable burr also for use by dentists, and the like. The rotatable operating mechanism includes a small turbine of plastic or other disposable material mounted for rotation in a hand held housing which is also made entirely of disposable material and connectable to a hose which in turn is connected to a source of compressed air to drive the turbine.