Abstract: The invention relates to a tooth replacement including at least one posterior tooth having a mesial contact surface, a distal contact surface, and an occlusal surface. The occlusal surfaces includes at least one buccal cusp having a buccal cusp tip, a lingual cusp having a lingual cusp tip, a central fissure which has at least one tooth pit and passes through the occlusal surface in the mesiodistal direction between the two cusps, a first gradient which slopes downward from the buccal cusp tip in the direction of the central fissure, and a second gradient which slopes downward from the lingual cusp tip in the direction of the central fissure. The tooth replacement according to the invention is characterized in that the mesial contact surface, the distal contact surface and/or the occlusal contact surface comprise expansion spaces that have been incorporated in a targeted manner to obtain a dynamic occlusal guidance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tooth made of ceramics, a composite or plastic, which is produced in a mold, said tooth having a basal surface (16) that comprises a trough (18). The especially elliptical or circular trough (18) is adapted to the basal surface (16) and has a trough edge (22, 24) which extends at least partially in an angle of more than 45 degrees, in particular more than 60 degrees or 70 degrees, with respect to the adjacent basal surface (16).

Abstract: A method of forming an implant to be implanted into living bone is disclosed. The method comprises the act of roughening at least a portion of the implant surface to produce a microscale roughened surface. The method further comprises the act of immersing the microscale roughened surface into a solution containing hydrogen peroxide and a basic solution to produce a nanoscale roughened surface consisting of nanopitting superimposed on the microscale roughened surface. The nanoscale roughened surface has a property that promotes osseointegration.

Abstract: A method of forming an implant to be implanted into living bone is disclosed. The method comprises the act of roughening at least a portion of the implant surface to produce a microscale roughened surface. The method further comprises the act of immersing the microscale roughened surface into a solution containing hydrogen peroxide and a basic solution to produce a nanoscale roughened surface consisting of nanopitting superimposed on the microscale roughened surface. The nanoscale roughened surface has a property that promotes osseointegration.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a dental material comprises a plunger for extruding a component of the dental material, and a motor for driving the plunger. The device has two electric circuits for powering the motor to drive the plunger forward or backward. A selector switch is arranged in the device for alternately selecting between the first electric circuit and the second electric circuit for powering the motor. The device further has switches for interrupting the first and/or second electric circuits when the plunger is positioned at certain positions. The device provides automatic functionality for facilitating dispensing of dental materials, and further is preferably relatively robust and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: Endodontic instruments having a desired cutting edge are formed, at least in part, using a cold forming process. The method of forming the endodontic instrument includes providing a blank metal thread or wire and at least one die that has a negative impression of a cutting edge. The die is pressed against the blank with sufficient force in order for the die to form an at least partially formed cutting edge in the blank. Any desired shape can be formed into the blank by selecting a die with the proper corresponding negative impression. Cold forming techniques suitable for forming endodontic instruments include roll forming, flat rolling, radial forming, cold drawing, and similar techniques. The files can be sharpened or otherwise modified before or after cold-forming using techniques such as cutting, grinding, and chemical milling.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an artificial posterior tooth, namely a large and small posterior tooth for the upper and lower human jaw, the occlusal surface of which has at least one buccal cusp 6 and at least one palatal cusp 5, between which a longitudinal fissure 7 runs in the longitudinal direction of the tooth, the buccal cusp 6 of the posterior teeth of the lower jaw engaging in the fissure in the posterior teeth of the upper jaw and the palatal cusp 5 of the posterior teeth of the upper jaw engaging in the longitudinal fissure in the posterior teeth of the lower jaw. The longitudinal fissures 7 and the palatal/lingual cusps 5 and buccal cusps 6, respectively, of the posterior teeth 34 to 37 and 24 to 27 are adapted to one another such that, in the region of the longitudinal fissures 7, at least one rest zone 11 is formed in which there is a punctiform contact in the closed position of the posterior teeth 34 to 37 and 24 to 27, respectively.

Abstract: An improved denture having a gum simulating base with a curved recess therein configured to fit the alveolar ridge of a user with simulated teeth supported by the base, some of the teeth having exposed chewing surfaces and an elongated chew enhancing bar of thin metal positioned within adjacent teeth having chewing surfaces, the bar having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration with opposed first and second longitudinal edges, the bar first longitudinal edge being exposed at the chewing surfaces of at least three adjacent teeth.

Abstract: Dentures of the present invention include opposing upper and lower dentures and have at least one pair of opposing upper and posterior lower artificial teeth. Each posterior upper artificial tooth is formed from a resilient material, preferably an acrylic material, and has a substantially flat masticating surface. Each posterior lower artificial tooth has a single longitudinal crest formed along the length of its masticating surface. An elongated metal blade is embedded in each posterior lower artificial tooth with a longitudinal edge of the metal blade lying flush with the longitudinal crest. The dentures are manufactured by aligning the metal blade and longitudinal crest of each posterior lower artificial tooth substantially parallel with and overlying the apex of denture wearer's mandibular ridge and by aligning each opposing posterior upper artificial tooth substantially parallel with and centrally overlying the denture wearer's maxillular ridge.

Abstract: The mastication enhancing device of the instant invention includes a hardened cusp for providing a hardened occlusal surface in a tooth, and means for retaining the hardened cusp in a predetermined pattern in a tooth. A major portion of a hardened cusp is embedded in the tooth. Cusps may be arranged in an opposing, offset pattern in upper and lower teeth to provide a point-contact between occlusal surfaces of upper and lower teeth.

Abstract: Natural appearing posterior teeth for denture plates and the like, comprising a plurality of generally longitudinally aligned inner connected synthetic teeth, including at least a first and second molar and a bicuspid; each of the teeth including a crown; a cutting bar having substantial height secured in the teeth and including a portion extending a relatively short distance above the crown of each of the teeth for providing a masticating surface; the cutting bar is continuous and of a generally sinusoidal configuration and includes a plurality of crests; a first crest is disposed in first molar; a plurality of crests are disposed in the second molar; and, at least a crest portion is disposed in the bicuspid.