Abstract: Generally regarded as safe (GRAS) dyes can be used as photosensitizing dyes in oral compositions to provide anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory efficacy. Embodiments include oral care compositions including photosensitizing dyes, methods of making the compositions, methods of using the compositions, and kits containing the compositions and light emitting devices.

Abstract: Methods, systems, algorithms, and uses for dentition scores having clinical applicability for an individual patient are described herein. The scores increase as a condition worsens and decrease with treatment. The score can be used to communicate the status of a patient's dentitions to the patient, to an insurer, or to another health care professional.

Abstract: A method for producing a dentist tool for use in removing tooth structure is provided. The method includes acquiring three-dimensional data relating to a shape of a tooth and part of a neighbouring tooth. The method includes processing the data to determine an overlay fitting the tooth and part of the neighboring tooth. The method further includes processing the data to determine the tooth structure to be removed from the tooth to prepare the tooth for further treatment. The method includes determining first and second guiding edges such that the two edges are spaced apart a distance of at least 0.5 mm and configured to enable a dentist cutting tool to be guided by simultaneously contacting the first and second guiding edges to enable a guided removal of at least partially the predetermined part of tooth structure. The method includes producing the determined overlay having the determined guiding edges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inserting an implant in a bone. In the bone, a thin slit is formed by a cutting tool in a mesiodistal direction around an insertion spot of the implant. The thin slit is cut and widened by a bone chisel. Into the implant insertion spot, a tool for forming cavity provided with a needle portion is squeezed while being rotated, and a cavity is formed. In the formed cavity and the slit, blood of a patient is collected, by which a tissue is rapidly regenerated and bonded to the inserted implant, and the implant is firmly fixed to the bone.

Abstract: A bone or dental implant material in the form of a paste includes a mixture of calcium phosphate and/or calcium-containing powders, liquid glycerol, organic acid and gelling agent. The paste is stable, resistant to washout and will harden upon exposure to water. Physical characteristics of the paste, including consistency, porosity, and hardening time, are controlled by the choice and ratio of constituents.

Abstract: A protocol of treating gum disease using a soft tissue diode laser which generates a beam of light having a wavelength in the infrared range at 0.5 to 1.2 watts, used with intermittent stops to control tissue temperature, to decontaminate the gum tissue and biostimulate the periodontium nonsurgically when used with a substrate such as but not limited to enamel matrix proteins, thus preventing the long junctional epithelium from migrating into the sulcus, preserving tissue height, and regenerating periodontium; placing the tip of the laser inside the sulcus; penetrating the entire sulcus by moving the laser light with intermittent stops to control tissue temperature vertically and horizontally throughout the sulcus; and placing a substrate such as but not limited to enamel matrix proteins in the sulcus prior to a blood clot forming nonsurgically when used with the soft tissue diode laser, thus regenerating periodontium in the sulcus.

Abstract: A head positioning instrument is provided for accurately modeling the position of a patient's jaw for orthodontic, prosthodontic, dental, or orthognatic surgery treatment planning The horizontal distance between a pair of reference points that are visible on an x-ray are measured. These reference points are then utilized to ensure that substantially true vertical and substantially true horizontal are reflected in a radiograph. The patient's lower jaw hinge is accurately located, and the upper jaw is located using a bite fork attached to the lower jaw hinge axis locator. The bite fork assembly contained within the lower jaw hinge axis locator is removed from the head positioning instrument and transferred to an axis mounting stand for accurate reproduction of the spatial positioning of the patient's upper jaw. The patient's individual characteristics are accurately preserved throughout the transfer and modeling process, resulting in accurate correspondence between the model and radiograph.

Abstract: An ultrasonic orthodontal monitoring system and method of use is described herein, featuring an intraoral ultrasonic transducer and an ultrasonic monitoring apparatus configured to connect to the intraoral ultrasonic transducer, generate and send electrical pulse signals to the intraoral ultrasonic transducer, receive measured signals from the intraoral ultrasonic transducer, and generate time-of-flight and relative density based on the measured signals. This invention will permit routine measurements to be made of osseointegration by the patient's dentist during regular maintenance appointments, thereby reducing the risk of a failed implant, patient discomfort, and inconvenience. As a diagnostic tool, it can also aid in the diagnosis and treatment of progressive periodontal disease, peri-implantitis, and osteoporosis in edentulous patients.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus for removing enamel from a person's tooth includes a blade portion and an arch portion coupled to the blade portion. The blade portion includes an abrasive surface having a repeating pattern of recesses, and the abrasive surface is adapted to remove enamel from the tooth in response to reciprocating movement of the abrasive surface against the enamel.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining an image of a tooth having at least one light source providing incident light having a first spectral range for obtaining a reflectance image from the tooth and a second spectral range for exciting a fluorescence image from the tooth. A polarizing beamsplitter in the path of the incident light from both sources directs light having a first polarization state toward the tooth and directs light from the tooth having a second polarization state along a return path toward a sensor, wherein the second polarization state is orthogonal to the first polarization state. A first lens in the return path directs image-bearing light from the tooth toward the sensor, and obtains image data from the portion of the light having the second polarization state. A long-pass filter in the return path attenuates light in the second spectral range.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a dental tool having a probe and a portion configured to disguise the dental probe from a patient.

Abstract: A method of describing a periodontal disease state includes assigning severity diagnoses to portions of a dentition, where the severity diagnoses correspond to periodontal disease states, and assigning numeric values to the portions, where the numeric values correspond to the severity diagnoses. The method also includes obtaining a raw score based on the numeric values, and determining a disease score based on the raw score. The disease score corresponds to a periodontal disease state of the dentition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining a color mapping of a dental object. Illumination is directed toward the object over at least a first and second wavelength band, one band at a time. An image of the dental object is captured at each wavelength band to form a set of images of the dental object. For pixels in the captured set of images, an image data value for the pixel corresponds to each of the wavelength bands and calculates interpolated image data values proportional to the spectral reflectance of the dental object, according to the obtained image data values and according to image data values obtained from a reference object at the wavelength bands. Spectral distribution data for a viewing illuminant is obtained and the visual color of the dental object reconstructed according to the calculated interpolated image data values and the obtained spectral distribution of the viewing illuminant.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein employ a scanning system for capturing highly detailed digital dental models. These models may be used within a dentist's office for a wide array of dental functions including quality control, restoration design, and fitting. These models may also, or instead, be transmitted to dental laboratories that may, alone or in collaboration with the originating dentist or other dental professionals, transform the digital model into a physical realization of a dental hardware item.

Abstract: A device for treating sleep apnea, the device comprising a tongue attachment member and a maxilla attachment subassembly. The tongue attachment member is fabricated having a sheath interlock member extending upward from a dorsal side of a sheath. The sheath is shaped to conform to a surface of an individual's tongue. A tongue receiving cavity is formed within the sheath, the cavity comprising an opening provided at a proximal end for receiving the individual's tongue. The sheath is referenced having a dorsal side and a ventral side. A sheath interlock member extends outward from the dorsal side. The maxilla tray is shaped to conform to and removably engage with an individual's upper dental arch. A tray interlock member extends from an interlock side of the maxilla tray and is positioned to interlock with the sheath interlock member, whereby the system extends an individual's tongue forward to treat sleep apnea.

Abstract: A flexible tubular vial is plugged at one end. The plug is pulled out to open the one end and define a gap between the open end of the vial and the plug. A sleeve bounds the gap. The sleeve has a rib as does the vial (or an intermediate component) that block each other so as to limit relative movement of the plug between a retracted relative position that plugs the open end and a cleared relative position that clears the open end. By squeezing the vial, contents of the vial are urged out through interstices in the plug. The contents may be a teeth whitening composition gel that urges out through interstices in the plug to a brush-like applicator to be applied to teeth or may be a topical medicine to be applied to skin.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of ceramic dental implants having a surface for improving osseointegration, wherein the following process steps are performed for preparing such surface: —preparation of a ceramic blank having a surface; —treating at least one partial area of the surface of the ceramic blank by an ablating process that produces a surface roughness of the surface that corresponds to a treatment by sand blasting under a blasting pressure of from 1.5 bar to 8 bar and with a grain size of the blasting media used for sand blasting of from 30 ?m to 250 ?m; —followed by a chemical treatment of said at least one partial area of the surface of the ceramic blank treated with the ablating process; —followed by a thermal treatment of the blank whose surface has been subjected to said ablating and chemical treatments at temperatures of >125° C. > A ceramic body obtainable by the process according to the invention is also described.

Abstract: Milling strategies for machining dental ceramic materials are provided that reduce milling time while maintaining strength, accuracy and marginal integrity.

Abstract: An apparatus for whitening teeth comprises a mouth tray comprising a horseshoe-shaped trough sized to accommodate a dental ridge. A planar projection extends from the outer side of the trough so that its far end is external of the mouth. A light box containing a plurality of LEDs couples with the external end of the projection and illuminates the projection end. The mouth tray and projection are formed of a light-transmissive material to irradiate a peroxide gel in the trough to whiten the user's teeth.

Abstract: An oral appliance is provided for delivering a medicament to at least a portion of teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside a mouth, the oral appliance comprising an interior surface having a porous material disposed on at least a portion of the interior surface of the oral appliance, the porous material containing a medicament and the interior surface being formed to fit contours of at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the mouth and being capable of supporting and holding the porous material in contact with at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the mouth to deliver the medicament.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring dentin hypersensitivity is provided. The apparatus comprises a dental probe configured to apply force increasingly on a tooth until the applied force corresponds to a threshold force. The apparatus further comprises a load cell that is positioned in the dental probe. The load cell is configured to generate an electrical signal proportional to the applied force. Further, the apparatus comprises a microcontroller which is in communication with the load cell. The microcontroller is configured to determine an applied force value corresponding to the electrical signal. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a display device. The display device is in communication with the microcontroller. The display device is configured to display the applied force value and a threshold force value digitally. The threshold force value is a quantifiable value of the applied force to which a patient responds and is a measure of the dentin hypersensitivity.

Abstract: Flavored dosage forms, e.g., lozenges and gums, are provided for sustained release of a flavoring agent in the mouth. The dosage forms provide sustained release by virtue of a wet matrix formed by admixture of a biocompatible, hydrophilic, water-insoluble polymer such as ethylcellulose and a flavoring agent, particularly an essential oil or a constituent thereof, e.g., a terpene or sesquiterpene. The dosage forms may also include a second beneficial agent in addition to the flavoring agent. Exemplary such beneficial agents include ionizable zinc compounds and other cold remedies, local anesthetic and anti-infective agents, diet aids, fluoride-releasing compounds, and nicotine. The dosage forms, when formulated as lozenges, may be somewhat adhesive or substantially nontacky, depending primarily on the molecular weight of the hydrophilic polymer. Adhesive lozenges can serve as dosage forms that adhere to the teeth or gums for delivery of a beneficial agent thereto.

Abstract: A gingival tissue retractor for retracting gingival tissue away from tooth and bone during a surgical procedure having an alveolar bone grip having an open frame structure positionable over at least one tooth and along a predetermined segment of an alveolar bone and providing an inward resilient force about opposite sides of the alveolar bone for maintaining position of the gingival retractor; a first gingival reflector having a solid plate structure and attached to a lower section of one side of the alveolar bone grip for providing a primarily downward force to gingival tissue on one side of the alveolar bone; and a second gingival reflector having a solid plate structure and attached to a lower section of another side of the alveolar bone grip for providing a primarily downward force to gingival tissue on another side of the alveolar bone.

Abstract: A dental article includes yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline ceramic, and no more than about 0.15 wt. % of one or more coloring agents of one or more of: Pr, Tb, Cr, Nd, Co, oxides thereof, and combinations thereof, whereby the dental article is provided with a color corresponding to a natural tooth shade; and wherein the dental article has a flexural strength of at least about 800 MPa. Corresponding methods are also described.

Abstract: A method of preparing a target hard body tissue, such as osseous or dental tissue, to receive an implant component including; positioning an active electrode in proximity to a target tissue and proximate an electrically conductive fluid, followed by applying a high frequency voltage between the active electrode and a return electrode, the high frequency voltage sufficient to form a plasma. This plasma modifies at least a portion of the target tissue. An implant component may then be placed adjacent at least a portion of the modified target tissue.

Abstract: A collecting arrangement for collecting particles from oral fluid from the mouth of a patient during dental treatments, has a) a first particle separating device for separating particles from the oral fluid, wherein the first particle separating device is arrangeable in a flow path of the oral fluid, and b) a second particle separating device for separating particles from the oral fluid, wherein the second particle separating device is arrangeable in a flow path of the oral fluid, c) wherein the first particle separating device is activated or operative when particles not containing noble metal (and/or contain mercury) are present in the oral fluid and d) the second particle separating device is active or operative when particles that contain noble metal are present in the oral fluid and are deactivated or inoperative when particles that do not contain noble metal and/or contain mercury are present in the oral fluid.

Abstract: Elements (5) such as dental fillings, inlays, dental veneers, root pins, implants to be implanted in bone tissue, or endoprostheses are affixed to surfaces (3) of dentine, tooth enamel, bone tissue, or a corresponding substitute material, by providing the element with element surfaces (6) including a first thermoplastic material, by equipping the surfaces (3) of dentine, tooth enamel, bone tissue, or a corresponding substitute material in a preparatory step in such a way that they become weldable with the first thermoplastic material, and by welding the element surfaces (6) to the pre-treated surfaces (3) by e.g. exciting the appropriately positioned element (5) with mechanical vibrations. The pre-treatment of the surfaces (3) in the preparatory step is achieved by attaching solid bodies (2) including a second thermoplastic material to the surfaces (3), with the aid of a curable compound (generally known for preparatory treatment of dentine or enamel surfaces) or with the aid of a cement.

Abstract: This invention, method and device for dental devices for implant installation, provides the tissue regeneration especially bone augmentation for dental implant during surgical placement of the dental implants in the grown maxillary jaw bone in order to obtain adequate volume of osseous structure by addition of the artificial bone graft material. An improved device for dental devices for implant installation comprises a blowing (pumping) means including the resting means, rod, piston, cylindrical body with cylindrical body compartment, handle, threaded cylindrical projection, and passage. Also, an improved device for dental implant installation comprises a conic nozzle or conic nozzle with balloon or nozzle with the suction clipping means, each of which includes a substance channel.

Abstract: A hand tool engages a pair of opposing matrix wedges that are able to mutually nest when pressed into an interproximal space between adjacent teeth. The hand tool draws a floss tightly thereby causing the wedges mounted on it to move convergently. The wedge elements support a thin matrix band which takes the necessary shape to secure a class II dental preparation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for teeth whitening is disclosed that utilized a reflective cheek retractor. The retractor has reflective properties and is flexible enough to be inserted and removed from a patient's mouth. The advantage of the reflective retractor is that the back of the teeth receives better exposure to a light source that activates the teeth whitening substance. A light source or multiple light sources may be disposed on the reflective adaptor to enhance the teeth whitening procedure. The procedure may also be observed using the reflective retractor as an internal mirror for viewing the back of the teeth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting infected tissue are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a light source for producing a light beam and an optical element having an input end optically coupled to the light source and an output end arranged to direct the light beam as a confocal beam into tissue. The apparatus also comprise a detector optically coupled to the optical element to receive a return beam back from the tissue stimulated by the confocal beam and to generate an output dependent upon the return beam.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for providing dental care using pressurized fluid. The pressure is obtained from the effervescence effect of the reaction of two active materials in the presence of the fluid. The pressurized fluid is provided to the mouth in a constant pressure and the apparatus is handy and may be operated in any angle with respect to the direction of earth gravity force. In some operational modes the pressurized fluid is provided in pulsating manner or in vibrating manner or in both manners.

Abstract: The invention relates to manufacturing a surgical guide to be placed in a patient's mouth. The patient's mouth is scanned to obtain surgical-region scan data at a region where an implant is to be located. The patient's mouth is also scanned in the opened position to acquire dental conditions opposite from the surgical region so as to obtain opposing-condition scan data. A virtual model is developed using the surgical-region scan data and the opposing-condition scan data. Using the virtual model, a surgical plan is developed that includes the location of the implant to be installed in the patient. A virtual surgical guide is also developed based on the surgical plan. The dimensions of instrumentation to be used with the surgical guide are checked to ensure they will fit within the mouth by use of the opposing-condition scan data. After checking, final surgical-guide manufacturing information is obtained for manufacturing the surgical guide.

Abstract: An anesthesia delivery system comprising a nanosphere forming a bubble into which an anesthesia is introduced and delivered with a swab of absorbent material to a site to be treated.

Abstract: A method for effecting an oral treatment of teeth and/or gums using an intra-oral device that has a mouthpiece in which is embedded a flexible circuit board and arrays of spaced apart lamps. The mouthpiece has a curvature. The lamps may be light emitting diodes that generate electromagnetic radiation, preferably in the white and blue light spectrum and the infrared and ultraviolet light spectrum. The arrays are positioned to expose the facial and lingual sides of the teeth and/or gums for effecting the treatment when the mouthpiece is positioned to fit upper and lower rows of teeth within accommodating recesses. The flexible circuit board is flexed to exhibit a curvature that follows a curvature of the mouthpiece. Treatments include whitening teeth, desensitizing teeth, and treating gums to prevent periodontal disease.

Abstract: A method for detecting indications of dental caries in an image of a tooth. The method comprises fitting a model to the image to identify a part of the image representing an outside edge of the tooth. Image variations are analysed in an area of the image to detect said indications of dental caries, the area of the image representing a part of the tooth and being defined with reference to the fitted model. Data is then generated indicating the presence of dental caries based upon the analysed image variations.

Abstract: A pressure-regulating, handheld adapter receiving pressurized air from a coupling of a dental chair. A disposable, micro-abrasive dental blasting tip fits into the handheld adapter. The adapter regulates air pressure being supplied to the tip, and is adjustable. The resulting combination/assembly of adapter and tip constitutes a pressure-regulated, micro-abrasive, dental blasting device which may be used for dental air abrasive and prophylaxis procedures. The handheld adapter may include a detritus evacuation portion.

Abstract: Methods of selecting or designing an implant to be used in a patient are provided. A CT scan of a patient's mouth is performed. A 3D CAD model of the patient's mouth is created utilizing data generated by the CT scan. Properties of the patient's mouth are determined based upon CT scan data and assigned to the 3D CAD model. A desired location for an implant is selected. A FEA simulation is performed on the 3D CAD model to choose an implant or to design an implant that optimizes a selected variable.

Abstract: Methods, systems, algorithms, and uses for dentition scores having clinical applicability for an individual patient are described herein. The scores increase as a condition worsens and decrease with treatment. The score can be used to communicate the status of a patient's dentitions to the patient, to an insurer, or to another health care professional.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering at least one therapeutic agent to a dental tissue of a subject includes at least one electrode, a medicament layer including at least one therapeutic agent, an electrical signal source, and logic configured to control the electrical signal source. At least one electrode has oppositely disposed, dental mouthpiece-shaped first and second major surfaces. The first major surface is curved such that the first major surface substantially conforms to the contour of the dental tissue when placed in contact with the dental tissue. The medicament layer is disposed on at least a portion of the second major surface. The electrical signal source provides a signal having certain characteristics and is electrically connected to at least one electrode. The certain characteristics comprise at least one orienting frequency and at least one motivating frequency sufficient to motivate at least one therapeutic agent into the dental tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intraoral imaging method that includes providing an intraoral imaging device having at least one biteplate including a dental impression material and a track, at least one carriage assembly that travels along at least a portion of the track, and imaging equipment which is secured to the at least one carriage assembly; locating the at least one biteplate between upper and lower teeth of the subject such that the dental impression material cooperates with at least one of the upper and lower teeth to provide repeatable registration within an oral cavity of the subject; and obtaining image data using the imaging equipment.

Abstract: A medicament delivery tray and method for treating periodontal disease include fitting of a tray about the teeth and gums wherein the tray includes a seal that creates a substantially airtight seal against the gumline and a substantially airtight treatment chamber about the enclosed teeth and gums, the tray further having a reinforcing skirt providing a biasing force to the seal wherein a positive pressure can be created in the treatment chamber for forcing a medicament into the gums about the enclosed teeth.

Abstract: Method for measuring the shape of a section of a semi-transparent object such as one section of a tooth, using a light source for generating light with a broadband spectrum in a device for generating a multifocal illumination pattern, a lens with a large chromatic aberration for imaging foci of the illumination pattern onto the object, and a detection device for determining the wavelength spectra of the foci confocally imaged onto the object via the lens, wherein a spectral peak position of each focus is determined from the respective wavelength spectrum, from which position the extent of the object in the direction of the imaging beam (Z coordinate) is calculated.

Abstract: Methods for preventing, reversing, ameliorating or treating dental diseases, disorders or injuries are provided. In particular, methods for preventing, reversing, ameliorating or treating dental diseases of the gingival (gums) and bone are provided. Such methods utilize novel compositions including, but not limited to, extraembryonic cytokine-secreting cells (herein referred to as ECS cells), including, but not limited to, Amnion-derived Multipotent Progenitor cells (herein referred to as AMP cells) and conditioned media derived therefrom (herein referred to as Amnion-derived Cellular Cytokine Solution or ACCS), and Physiologic Cytokine Solution (herein referred to as PCS), each alone or in combination with each other and/or other agents.

Abstract: A hand-held light curing apparatus is used with a housing (12), a light source (14), in particular at least one LED, which is connected to a control unit (36), an energy source (20) and at least one energy storage unit in the form of at least one double layer capacitor (26, 28). It is provided that the light source (14) is fed simultaneously by the energy source (20) which is formed as a local energy source such as an accumulator and the double layer capacitor (26, 28).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods of performing periodontal surgeries, and instruments for performing said surgeries. A method of performing periodontal surgery to correct a gingival defect of a patient according to a general embodiment comprises the steps of making an incision at or near a fornix of the patient near the gingival defect, inserting an instrument into the incision to detach a flap, advancing the flap horizontally without enlarging the incision, elevating a papilla within the flap, stretching the flap to cover the gingival defect, and pressing against the flap to promote fibrin formation. An instrument for performing periodontal surgery according to one general embodiment comprises a handle, a first shank connecting to and extending from the handle, a connector section, and a blade section.

Abstract: Non-customized dental treatment trays used to provide a desired treatment are formed from elastomeric silicone or silicone-like material. They may be injection molded from a two-part liquid silicone composition or a silicone-like TPE material (e.g., preferably SEBS and/or VERSAflex thermoplastic elastomer). The dental treatment trays possess high adaptability, flexibility, softness, and elastic elongation while also exhibiting resiliency in order to readily conform to the ridges, depressions and contours of a person's teeth during use. The trays possess a greater ability to adhere to a person's teeth compared to non-elastomeric thermoplastic materials. Due to their high adaptability and conformability, the non-customized dental trays behave like a semi-custom dental tray when placed over conformed to a person's teeth, particularly when used in combination with a sticky, viscous treatment composition.

Abstract: A tip-based computer controlled system for a dental delivery device is disclosed. The system automatically controls an operating characteristic such as power control or fluid flow based on tip identification and history. The operating characteristic may also be controlled in response to particular conditions throughout the dental procedure, such as (but not limited to) temperature, dental hygiene material, fluid type, etc. The system may provide an alert or shut off if unsafe conditions occur and/or error circumstances are detected. An operator interface is provided to configure the system and augment/override an executing control algorithm during a procedure. A method and a computer-readable storage medium are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method and arrangement for allocating prosthetic installation work between at least three parties (A, B, C) a dental situation and fixture application are simulated on a computer screen by the first party. The second party produces first components in connection with the prosthetic installation with the aid of a recording and said simulation. Second components are supplied by the third party (C) and the prosthetic installation is assembled and fitted by the first party by means of said first and second components. The recording includes first and second readings of a loose prosthesis and a portion supporting the prosthetic insallation. The simulation includes collation of representations of the readings on a computer screen. Simulated fixture applications are constructed and a model is produced by one of said parties, or a fourth party. An assembly template guides hole-forming members in an actual substrate in directions which correspond to the directions of the fixtures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for liquefying target tissue within a body and aspirating the same while leaving non-target tissue intact. A biocompatible fluid is heated and contacted with target tissue so that the target tissue is melted while non-target tissue remains intact. As the target tissue is being melted it is also aspirated from the body.