Abstract: A method for identification of caries, executed at least in part on data processing hardware, obtains an original digital tooth image that has a plurality of color channels and generates an adjusted image by adjusting intensity values of the original digital tooth image to a range between a minimum value and a maximum value, wherein the adjusted image has at least a green channel image Iwgreen, a red channel image Iwred, and a blue channel image Iwblue. One or more tooth regions are segmented from gum and background regions within the adjusted image according to a relationship between two or more of the images Iwgreen, Iwred, and Iwblue to each other. One or more caries lesions is identified according to pixel intensity values from within the one or more segmented tooth regions, and the one or more tooth regions and the displayed and identified caries regions are highlighted.

Abstract: A dental implant detector comprising an inductive sensor arranged to detect a position of a dental implant in a jaw within a specified range by applying a magnetic field to the surroundings of the inductive sensor; an ergonomic handle connected to the inductive sensor and arranged to allow positioning the inductive sensor at various positions near the jaw; and a control unit connected to the inductive sensor and arranged to allow defining the specified range by adjusting a strength of the magnetic field, and to indicate detections by the inductive sensor. The dental implant detector is arranged to allow detection of dental implants concealed by bone or gum overgrowth.

Abstract: The system, object of the invention consists of a unit for scanning a mould produced from the sample from a patient's mouth, an image which is sent to digital generation equipment of a removable dental prosthesis, producing a file that is transmitted to metal piece manufacturing equipment by means of sintered powder applying a high-energy ray. The design stages consist of the relief of the mould, the calculation of the insertion axis, the paralleling of the teeth, designing of the elements or components of the prosthesis such as lattice, clamp, stop, major connector, minor connector, bristle, pearls, lingual bars, extrusion of the different elements designed, smoothing of the sharp edges, elimination of the superpositions of the different elements designed and conversion of a closed continuous connected surface to a three-dimensional one.

Abstract: A biocompatible, resorbable collagen membrane having a wedge shape with a thick edge of relatively higher strength and rigidity and a thin edge of relatively higher deformability and elasticity, which membrane is bendable to a desired configuration and is sufficiently rigid to retain the bent configuration upon implantation at a surgical site; a method of making such a membrane, and the use of such a membrane in a “sinus lift” procedure for augmenting alveolar bone.

Abstract: A method for formation of spherical particles of ion substituted calcium phosphate. The method is based on precipitation of particles from a buffered solution under static, stirring or hydrothermal conditions. Also, the use of the formed materials and the particles in itself.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus for removing enamel from a person's tooth includes a blade portion and a handle portion. The blade portion includes an abrasive surface adapted to remove enamel from the tooth in response to reciprocating movement of the abrasive surface against the enamel. The handle portion is coupled to the blade portion and includes first and second regions, the first region is proximal and the second region is distal to the blade portion. The first region includes a substantially solid cross-section with a substantially circular perimeter. The second region includes a substantially solid cross-section with at least a substantially semi-circular perimeter, the solid cross-section defining a notched region. The apparatus is adapted to be inserted via a pressure fit into a corresponding opening in a driver mechanism adapted to drive reciprocating movement of the blade portion and the abrasive surface.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are related to pellets that are placed within an extraction site that is in need of bone augmentation and preservation. The pellets are typically cylindrical in shape and comprise a material and a polymer coating. The goal of the pellets are to encourage sufficient new bone growth that jaw bone deterioration is prevented. The pellets create, arrange, and assemble an ideal growth environment for new bone growth to rapidly grow and preserve the original contours of an individual's jaw bone.

Abstract: Improved compositions comprising a mixture of particulate bone growth material and polymeric carrier are provided. The particulate is preferably porous, resorbable, anorganic bone material. The polymeric carrier can be light-cured to form a cross-linked, biodegradable hydrogel. In one version, the bone growth material is a synthetic peptide bound to anorganic bone matrix particles and the carrier is methacrylated sodium hyaluronate (MHy) or methacrylated hydroxyethylcellulose (MHEC). The composition is particularly suitable for repairing defective dental and orthopedic bone tissue. The particulate and hydrogel carrier are biodegradable so the composition can be replaced by new bone formation over time.

Abstract: A dental bridge and a dental device. The dental device may include a structural portion extending along an axis and connectable to at least one tooth. A truss portion may depend from the structural portion and be operable to support a pontic, the truss portion may define a plurality of slots extending from a peripheral surface. The structural portion may have a first surface oriented toward the occlusal surface and an opposite second surface, the structural portion defining a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings extending transverse to the axis and between the first surface and the second surface. The structural portion may define an angled surface leading into at least one of the plurality of openings. A plurality of projections may be formed on a first surface of the structural portion, each of the projections having a projection surface spaced beyond the first surface toward the occlusal surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a motion analysis system for manufacturing of dental orthotics and prosthetics using computer aided means. The process includes measuring the relative function of one anatomical structure to another based on optical data and in some cases enhanced with other sensor data. The components of hard and soft tissue are used in analysis and where the data can be compared in a time series such that a computer generated occlusal surface from which either a treatment orthosis or prosthesis could be manufactured to aid with dental treatment.

Abstract: A multi-rooted tooth extraction device can include a cutting tool that can be inserted between the roots of a tooth to be extracted. A bracing tool can be coupled to the cutting tool to brace against the crown and a pressure can be applied such that the tooth can be cut from the root to the crown. The separate pieces of the tooth can then be easily removed. The ability of the bracing tool to be decoupled from the cutting tool can allow for improved leverage and usability of the cutting tool while being inserted between the roots.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions based on Ce-stabilized ZrO2, and single- and multi-colored blanks made from oxide ceramics, and a process for their preparation, in which oxide ceramic powder is coated with a coloring substance, the coated powders are preferably graded and at least one colored powder is filled into a compression mould, the colored powder or powders are compressed to produce a shaped body, and the compressed shaped body is sintered to produce a blank, and to the use of these blanks for the preparation of dental restorations. The compositions exhibit high fracture toughness and high flexural strength.

Abstract: Lithium silicate materials are described which can be easily processed by machining to dental products without undue wear of the tools and which subsequently can be converted into lithium silicate products showing high strength.

Abstract: A method of fixing a dental implant assembly is described. The assembly includes an implant, a driver/abutment device, and a spacer. The bottom portion of the device has a protrusion with an inferior aspect and a superior aspect. The spacer prevents the oversized, superior aspect of the device from engaging an interior cavity of the implant so that the driver is easily removable after insertion of the implant in the jaw of a patient. Removing the spacer permits the superior aspect to engage the interior cavity, thereby permanently fixing the driver to the implant.

Abstract: A method of oral treatment comprises passing a flow of a gas mixture from a pressure vessel containing the gas mixture through a generator of non-thermal plasma; applying a partially ionising electrical potential to the flow of the gas mixture in the plasma generator, and thereby forming a non-thermal gaseous plasma in the gas mixture, and causing the flow of the gas mixture downstream of the plasma generator to perform the oral treatment. The gas mixture comprises (a) a noble gas selected from helium and argon and mixtures thereof, and (b) an additive gas selected from water vapour, air, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and nitric oxide and mixtures of any two or more thereof. The additive gas forms up to 1% by volume of the gas mixture. The oral treatment may be the cosmetic whitening of teeth, the non-clinical cleaning of teeth or the in situ cleaning of orthodontic braces, amongst others.

Abstract: A method for forming a tooth positioner for repositioning at least one tooth of a patient includes providing a dental arch cast of a patient, separating at least one tooth from the dental arch cast, fixing a pin in a stump part of the at least one separated tooth, and in any non-separated teeth, reconstructing the dental arch cast of the patient by aligning the separated teeth to correspond to the alignment in the patient's mouth and holding the pins in a material that may be softened by heat, heating an area to soften an area, applying force to the pin fixed in the at least one tooth to be repositioned to move it in a desired direction to obtain a realigned arch, and forming a tooth positioner corresponding to the realigned arch. The tooth positioner is used by having the patient wear it for a period of time.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for intra-oral delivery of drugs.

Abstract: A curable dental composition comprising a monomer with a polyalicyclic structure element that can be used for filling and/or sealing of a root canal is described. Also described is a composition useful as a dental material and a method for preparing such a composition. New polymerizable monomers comprising at least one polyalicyclic structure element and certain ethylenic structure elements, which are particularly suitable for use in a dental composition, and the use of the new monomers in a dental composition are also described.

Abstract: Novel polymerizable compounds comprising a polyalicyclic structure element and certain functional groups, mixtures comprising one or a plurality of these compounds and corresponding curable blends and products as well as their respective use as dental material or for the preparation of a dental material are described. A method for preparing these compounds or mixtures and a method for preparing a product, preferably a product suitable for dentistry, are also described.

Abstract: A composite material and method of making and using the same is described. In particular a dental (and preferably photocurable) composite material, and the use of a composite material according to the invention as a dental material and a method for preparation of a composite material according to the invention. Also disclosed are novel radically polymerizable monomers comprising at least one polyalicyclic structure element and certain ethylenic structure elements, which are particularly suitable for use in a composite material according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention features a composition which can or is to be used in a dental retraction, the composition comprising liquid a liquid and a layer type 1:1 silicate mineral and a layer type 2:1 silicate mineral in a ratio from about 50/50 to 5/95 wt.-% with respect to each other. The invention also relates to a container containing the dental retraction composition and to a kit comprising parts A and B, wherein part A comprises the dental retraction composition and part B comprises at least one accessory selected from the group of applier, dental impression material, retraction cap(s), a container for storing and dispensing the composition and combinations thereof. The invention further features a process of dispensing a dental retraction composition, the process comprising the steps: providing a dental retraction composition contained in a container, placing the container in an applier, and using the applier for dispensing the dental retraction composition out of the container.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use with a gingival periosteum lining a bone. The apparatus comprises a periosteal mesher, which comprises a mesher surface, and a plurality of cutting elements distributed over the mesher surface, which are configured to cut the gingival periosteum to increase flexibility thereof. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a curable dental retraction composition for reacting gingiva from a prepared tooth structure. The composition comprises an alginate, a di- and/or trivalent ion source, water, a retarder and a filler.

Abstract: An implant system may comprise implants, abutments, cylinders and a structural framework with a veneer thereon. A prosthesis comprises the structural framework and veneer. The cylinders are provided with grooves or shelves thereon to retain a structural framework thereon. The structural framework may comprise fiber reinforced composite material which is disposed on and around the cylinders to provide the framework for a prosthesis. Abutments are provided for single or small implant systems wherein the abutments comprise mechanical retentive features such as grooves, holes, nodules or beads thereon for retaining polymeric material thereon.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention is directed to an accessory for use by a dental professional. The accessory includes a mirror and a connector. The connector has a connector body having a first end and a second end. The connector includes an eyewear mount at the first end and a mirror mount at the second end. The eyewear mount is configured to mount to eyewear. The connector is adjustable to position and hold the mirror in a plurality of orientations in which the mirror faces generally forwardly of the dental professional.

Abstract: The invention relates to an impression tray, such as in particular a dental impression tray, which carries a deformable impression mass in order to prepare an impression of arrangements, shapes and/or dimensions, in particular in or on the human body, preferably in the mouth, and further preferred an impression of at least part of a tooth or of dental structures, wherein furthermore sensor devices are present, by means of which a change of at least one physical property and/or variable of the impression mass can be captured in a spatially resolved manner when preparing an impression and can be provided in a form that is suited for electronic data processing.

Abstract: System and method for automatic construction of orthodontic reference objects, such as the occlusal plane, arch form, and the local occlusal plane for a patient's teeth are disclosed. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented system and method for automatic construction of orthodontic reference objects comprises receiving three dimensional data for the teeth, setting an initial direction for a normal of the occlusal plane, determining tips for selected teeth, calculating a plane that matches the determined tip, and determining a new normal for the calculated plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for making dental records, particularly bite registrations for confirming the location, size, height and/or orientation of dental implants. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device and method for making a bite record for restoring teeth using internally configured dental implants. The device may comprise a sterile, plastic, press-fit component, made in varying lengths and in appropriate diameters to work with varying implant platform dimensions. The device may be a single piece component that does not require screw retention.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and related methods for oral health treatment of a subject. Compositions of the invention include an anti-oxidant enzyme, an anti-inflammatory agent, and a pharmaceutically acceptable buffer. In certain embodiments, the compositions are administered to the subjection in conjunction with teeth whitening, oral surgery, oral pathology treatment, endodontic therapy, periodontal therapy, dental restoration, preventative tooth cleaning, or subsequent to a pro-oxidant.

Abstract: In a method for enhancing viability of periodontal tissue cells associated with more than one tooth, the periodontal tissue cells are irradiated simultaneously by an LED (light emitting diode) module having a light emitting range covering the associated teeth, wherein the irradiating energy is between 0.1 J/cm2 and 10 J/cm2.

Abstract: A dental implant system includes bone growth promoting material configured for disposal within a body cavity about an implant. A protective element is configured to overlay the bone growth promoting material. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus and method in the field of dentistry and in particular to optical tools for diagnosis and imaging. It is a problem of the prior art that the use of fibre optic components yield a bulky dental camera with poor resolution. It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging device (55) for dental instruments comprising a chamber adapted to be secured to the head of a dental instrument and for receiving and removing an imaging device (1), the chamber also adapted for isolating said imaging device from said dental instrument without compromising sterility of the dental instrument, comprising an optical window (53). The imaging device is easily removable from the dental instrument and electronic image detection occurs at the instrument head.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described that enable real-time, hand-held diagnostic ultrasonography for use in dental practice. The methods and devices utilize circumferential surface wave modes that are highly sensitive to small surface and near surface flaws. In addition, these surface waves can propagate between the teeth, following the curvature of the tooth.

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 having 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: The invention is directed to an adhesive strip, particularly an adhesive strip or bandage for use in periodontal treatments. The biocompatible adhesive strip comprises a flexible barrier with a biocompatible adhesive for use in an oral environment, wherein the adhesive is in a non-tacky state when dry and becomes adherent upon contact with liquids.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes the use of calcium-based bone graft material in patients with, for example, congenital alveolar clefts. Calcium-based bone graft material facilitates the primary alveolar cleft repair in relation to the secondary grafting. Calcium bone graft materials in secondary alveolar cleft grafting may also be facilitated.

Abstract: A dental splint, a method for fabricating and installing same is disclosed for stabilizing mobile or unstable teeth. The dental splint comprises a one-piece extracoronal component customized to the dentition of a patient, wherein the one-piece extracoronal component is adhered to the lingual aspect of the teeth and substantially non-visible facially.

Abstract: A surgical drill guide for installing dental implants with predetermined angular alignment and rotational orientation for a dental prosthesis, formed of: a. a base part formed to correspond generally to the shape and contour of a patient's upper or lower mouth, the base part having peripheral edges and having opposite tissue and mouth sides and at least one drill guide hole extending through the base part from the tissue side to the mouth side, each of the drill guide holes having a central axis at a predetermined angular orientation relative to the mouth side and having lateral location relative to the peripheral edges, and b. a set of rotational position indicators on the tissue and mouth sides respectively of the base part for each of the drill guide holes, the rotational position indicators of each set being at the same rotational position about the central axis of the drill guide hole.

Abstract: Modeling a complete tooth of a patient to facilitate dental and/or orthodontic treatment includes generating a first set of digital data representing a clinical crown; generating a second set of digital data representing a plurality of digital tooth models of a particular tooth type each having a first parameterization; processing the second set of digital data to obtain a third set of digital data representing an average tooth model of the particular tooth type having a second parameterization which is less than the first parameterization; fitting the third set of digital data to the first set of digital data to create a set of digital data representing an interim tooth model; and morphing the set of digital data representing the interim tooth model to substantially mimic the anatomical shape of the clinical crown of the first set of digital data.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for maintaining space to treat a periodontal defect adjacent to a tooth, the devices and methods comprise a supporting structure comprising a pin, or suture or mesh having a body configured to extend over the periodontal defect and hold gingival tissue above the defect, the supporting structure having a first end configured to retain the supporting structure against at least a portion of the tooth and a second end configured to be attached or implanted in or on at least a portion of bone adjacent to the periodontal defect. The devices and methods provided maintain space between at least gingival tissue and the periodontal ligament and avoid compression of any bone replacement material in the defect. In some embodiments, the devices and methods provided can be removed from the healed periodontal defect without the need to cut into healed soft tissue.

Abstract: Biodegradable stents and methods for selectively guided tissue regeneration in treating a periodontal defect adjacent to a root of a tooth are provided. The biodegradable stents and methods comprise a coronal portion and a transverse portion or shelf, which reduce unwanted migration of gingival epithelium, gingival connective tissue, and soft tissue and enable the cementum and periodontal ligament cells to re-establish the periodontal ligament in a proper sequence resulting in a new periodontal attachment.

Abstract: An apparatus of the present disclosure has a dental tray cup filled with a silicone elastomer and elastomeric sheeting covering the silicone elastomer in the dental tray cup. A method of the present disclosure comprises the steps of providing a dental tray, filling the dental tray with an elastomeric material, covering the elastomeric material in the dental tray with a sheeting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymeric scaffold containing an antibacterial photoactive drug and optionally comprising seeded cells such as stem cells. The invention also includes methods of using the scaffold for tissue regeneration, prevention or reduction of infection whilst tissue regeneration occurs, methods for improving graft or implant survival, promoting scaffold integration and tissue repair and wound healing.

Abstract: A method of cosmetically whitening teeth in vivo comprises exposing the teeth to be whitened to a flow of non-thermal gaseous plasma at a temperature acceptable for oral administration of the non-thermal gaseous plasma and for a time sufficient for the non-thermal gaseous plasma to have a tooth-whitening effect. Repeated treatments may be performed. The non-thermal gaseous plasma may be formed of helium or a mixture of helium and oxygen.

Abstract: A method of designing a dental prosthetic is provided. The method includes converting a scanned model of at least part of a mouth of a patient into an object file adapted to be read by a three dimensional sculpting software application, and importing the object file into the three dimensional sculpting software application. The method also includes selecting a virtual target surface for the dental prosthetic in the object file, and forming a virtual negative surface from the virtual target surface. The method further includes building a dental prosthetic object file from the virtual negative surface. The dental prosthetic object file corresponds in shape to the dental prosthetic. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions is provided. The computer-executable instructions cause a processor to perform a method for creating a dental prosthetic when executed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including at least one tool configured to be placed inside a subject's mouth. A first optically-visible marker is coupled to the tool. A second optically-visible marker is coupled to a structure inside the subject's mouth. A plurality of optical cameras are coupled to the tool, and are placed inside the subject's mouth by the tool being placed inside the subject's mouth. The cameras acquire respective images of the inside of the subject's mouth, in which the second optically-visible marker is identifiable. A plurality of optical cameras that are disposed outside the subject's mouth acquire respective images of the tool, while the tool is inside the subject's mouth, in which images the first optically-visible marker is identifiable. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A radiation emitting apparatus is disclosed that emits a substantially homogenous beam of radiation from an irregularly shaped output end. As described herein, a radiation emitting apparatus includes a bundled fiber guide coupled to an energy distribution tuner. The bundled fiber guide is coupled to the energy distribution tuner to receive a substantially uniform distribution of high power energy. The bundled fiber guide is configured to distribute the energy to emit a substantially uniform distribution of lower power energy toward a target surface, such as a body surface. The bundled fiber guide may include a plurality of fused optic fibers, a plurality of beam splitting mirror elements, or tapered waveguides.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a tooth whitening device includes a body having at least one LED disposed at an end of the body, and a mouthpiece removably attached to the body adjacent the LED. The mouthpiece can include an insertion end having a shape complimentary to an arch of upper and lower teeth of a user and sized to be received within the mouth of a user. The mouthpiece can include a wall at the insertion end that defines an opening. The wall surrounds buccal surfaces of the upper and lower teeth of the user such that at least a smile zone of the upper and lower teeth of the user is exposed through the opening. Light is transmitted from the LED through the opening to expose at least the smile zone of the upper and lower teeth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, systems, kits and devices that emit light to the oral cavity. The device includes a light source; a power source in electrical communication with the light source; and a bite actuated switch in electrical communication with the power source and the light source. The device is a size or shape that fits within an oral cavity of an individual. Since the device along with the light and power source are self contained, the user have their hands-free and can perform other activities while using the device. The device, methods, systems, and kits, further include the use of an agent (e.g., antibacterial agents, tooth whitening agents, cleaning agents) that assists or enhances the efficacy of the light therapy.

Abstract: A tooth treatment device includes a detector that detects a marker of oral health and a fluid ejector that ejects fluid against teeth in response to the detected marker. The device can include a housing configured to be held on hand, the fluid ejector being positioned at an end of the housing. The fluid may include a liquid, a medicant, a cleansing solution, cleaning particles, or any combination thereof. The medicant can include any combination of a chelating agent, fluoride, a fluorescent dye, a bacterial specific probe, and a biochemical specific biomarker. Further, the device can include a servo controller controlling pressure of ejected fluid in response to the detected marker and a sensed surface condition, latter including for example, a mechanical property of tissue. The device may include a pressure sensor that senses pressure of the fluid in the ejector. Also included may be a distance sensor that senses distance of the ejector from a tissue surface.