Abstract: A method of oral health risk assessment is provided in which diagnostic data from an oral health detection device and patient risk factor data is processed to provide a integrated risk measure relating to a patient's dental health. The patient risk factor data preferably includes risk factor data such as pathological risk factors, protective risk factors, historical factors, self care factors, behavioral factors, and extrinsic factors. The integrated risk assessment and patient data is preferably provided to a remote server for access by various authorized stakeholders.

Abstract: Example embodiments of this invention include a method and a device for assessing the internal structure of the tooth. In one example, the method is comprised of emitting a sequence of ultrasonic pulses from a given point on the tooth surface into the tooth at various directions of incidence (angles of incidence) with respect to the local tooth surface, recording the corresponding sequence of ultrasonic echoes from different internal dental formations, and processing the collected ultrasonic pulse-echo and pulse-direction data to present internal structure of the tooth in quantitative or graphical form.

Abstract: Covering composition for isolating tooth material to be treated and producing a shield for the surrounding gums and/or adjacent teeth from dental treatment means which cross-links in a self-curing manner at an ambient temperature in the mouth interior and produces an elastomeric material.

Abstract: The invention concerns an injection implant for filling up wrinkles, thin lines, skin cracks and scars, for reparative or plastic surgery, aesthetic dermatology, and for filling up gums in dental treatment. The invention concerns the use of biologically absorbable polymer microspheres or microparticles suspended in a gel. Said suspension is produced either ready-for-use or freeze-dried. The biological absorbability of the microspheres is controlled and enables the production of implants having well defined persistence and deliberately limited to 3 years.

Abstract: The invention relates to a colouring solution for colouring a dental ceramic article, the solution comprising: a solvent and a colouring agent, comprising rare earth element metals or ions being present in the solution in an amount of at least about 0.05 mol/l solvent and transition metals or ions being present in the solution in an amount of about 0.00001 to about 0.05 mol/l solvent. The invention also relates to a process for colouring dental ceramic articles, dental ceramic articles treated either with the colouring solution or obtainable by a process comprising the step of firing the dental ceramic articles.

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 medical implant comprising in components from a tooth and stem cells harvested from at least one tooth. Tooth stem cells may be harvested from the dental pulp of mammalian teeth, such as unerupted third molars in humans. After the stem cells are removed and isolated from the other teeth tissue, the hard tooth may be ground into a base material for the manufacture of a porous matrix into which the tooth stem cells can be added. Additionally, soft tissue from the harvested tooth may be used as a carrier scaffold for soft tissue applications such as meniscal or cartilage repair.

Abstract: A device for disinfecting and/or sterilization of a dental cavity comprising: an electrode pair adapted to extend into said cavity to provide current along at least a portion of the cavity; and a controller configured for sending controlled electrical energy to said cavity via current flowing between the electrodes when located in said cavity, thereby to provide electrical energy for said disinfection and/or sterilization.

Abstract: A rotating cutting tool (10, 110) includes a body (12, 112) with a longitudinal axis (14, 114) and at least one flute (16, 116) and one active part (18, 118). Each active part has a peripheral surface including: a radial cutting edge (20, 120) that is at a cutting distance (Rc) from the longitudinal axis, a clearance face (30, 130) that is at a final clearance distance (Rd) from the longitudinal axis, and a control face (40, 140) that is at a penetration control distance (Rp) from the longitudinal axis. These distances satisfy the relation: 0<?p<?d, with ?p=|Rc?Rp| and ?d=|Rc?Rd|.

Abstract: A display associated with a treatment device for dental material, with which at least one operating state of the device can be displayed. The display is a function of the operating state of the device. The display shows different operating states of the treatment device exclusively with the aid of color signals, whereby each color is associated with an operating state of the device.

Abstract: Devices for connection to a dental evacuation system and methods of manufacturing the same. In one example, a dental evacuation device for connection to a dental evacuation system includes an elongated body having a central passageway extending through the body, a protective tip disposed over and extending from an end of the body member, and a screening device positioned within the central passageway. The protective tip can define an aperture configured to provide access to the central passageway and can include a blunt ridge circumscribing the defined aperture. In one example, the screening device is offset from the protective tip to form a receiving space within the central passageway therebetween.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a cannulated dental implant system for implanting a dental implant in bone tissue includes a guide splint having at least one guide sleeve defining a guide channel. The system also includes a guide pin with a bone penetrating end portion. The guide pin is extendable through the guide channel and drivable into bone tissue. Further, the system includes a first drill bit with a first outer diameter and an axial channel sized to receive the guide pin. The first drill bit is rotatable about the guide pin to drill a hole into the bone tissue. The hole has a diameter corresponding with the first outer diameter. The system includes a second drill bit with a second outer diameter that is greater than the first outer diameter. The second drill bit further includes an axial channel sized to receive the guide pin. Moreover, the second drill bit is rotatable about the guide pin to enlarge the hole in the bone tissue to correspond with the second outer diameter.

Abstract: A surgical tool for preparing a surgical sinus-lift osteotomy has a defined thread geometry in series with an osteotome tip to cut, crack and push bone from the sinus floor upward into the sinus cavity in a tactual, gentle and controlled motion. The apical osteotome tip is driven into a pre-drilled pilot osteotomy after the cutting threads are engaged and rotated until the sinus floor is cracked free. Once the bony sinus floor is cracked free, a fluid passageway can be pressurized with a sterile fluid at a defined pressure to release and push the sinus membrane upward into the sinus cavity to create a desired apical cavity for grafting while minimizing the risk of compromising or tearing the sinus membrane.

Abstract: A method for whitening teeth which utilizes laser light to activate bleaching agents applied to the teeth. The mouth is first prepared so that the soft tissues of the gums are protected and only the teeth are exposed. The teeth are cleaned to remove any materials which will reduce or nullify the effects of the bleaching agents. A first bleaching composition comprising a peroxide compound is prepared and applied to the teeth. The teeth are exposed to laser light from an argon laser which light activates the peroxide to accelerate the bleaching process without heat. If further whitening is desired, a second bleaching composition comprising a peroxide compound is prepared and applied to the teeth. The teeth are briefly exposed to laser light from a carbon dioxide laser which heat activates the peroxide to accelerate the bleaching process.

Abstract: Multilayer device comprising two outer layers of hydrophilic fibre-reinforced textile material between which an intermediate layer is interposed formed from a partly dehydrated aqueous gel comprising sodium alginate, glycerol and water substantially free of calcium and/or magnesium ions. This device is useful for forming adhesive pads for fixing dentures and for forming dermal adhesive bandages.

Abstract: A dental implant for mounting prosthetic devices such as crowns, comprising a shaft having an external end adapted for receiving a prosthetic device, a foot attached to an opposing end of the shaft, the foot and shaft being generally orthogonal and the implant foot having a circular outline over an arc ? with two long substantially linear sides enclosing an angle ?, the linear sides being disposed substantially symmetrically with respect to the shaft.

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 apparatus that indicates a proximity of a dental instrument in a tooth's root canal to the canal's apical foramen while using the dental instrument to perform a dental/medical procedure. The apparatus includes a signal generator that provides divider signal across a first node and a third node, and a reference impedance coupled between the first node and a second node. The second node and third node include configuration for electrically coupling between a tip of the dental instrument and an electrode coupled with a body tissue of the patient, a stimulation signal being defined across the second node and the third node. The apparatus also includes a microprocessor operable to compare the stimulation signal and the divider signal, and generate a proximity signal in response to the comparison, and a proximity indicator that indicates the proximity of the dental instrument to the apical foramen in response to the proximity signal.

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: In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a system and method for automated generating of a cutting curve on a surface is provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented method for automated generating of a cutting curve on a gingival surface to facilitate cutting of an aligner material comprises the defining of initial gingival curves along the line around a tooth (LAT) on a patient's jaw, including within an interproximal area between teeth. The initial gingival curves are replaced with a modified, dynamic cutting curve comprising an offset adjustment configured to minimize weakening of a region of the aligner material within the interproximal area. This process for generating a modified, dynamic cutting curve within an interproximal area can be suitably applied or continued for each of other the teeth and interproximal areas between those teeth to define a complete dynamic cutting curve.

Abstract: In a method, computer program, and system a dental target, such as a tooth, is located within a digital dental image. A reference object that was placed in the patient's mouth is segmented within a digital dental image to provide a segmented reference. The reference object has a predetermined size dimension. A window is segmented in the dental image at the position of the dental target. The segmented reference defines the relative size and location of the window, prior to the segmenting of the window.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical imaging method and device enabling display and 3D measurement of tridimensional objects (1), whereby at least two individual images are captured one after the other and the image conversion is controlled or regulated differently for these individual images. By employing adustable optical means (10-14) for the illumination of the object or in the optical path for the imaging of the object on the image converter (15) it is possible to acquire a larger amount of visual information on the object observed than that which is available in an individual image due to the limitations imposed by the design of the converter used (15). The invention relates to processes and design forms of the device enabling recording units to be designed, using simply and generally commercial components, which are able to display and measure larger objects (1) despite a reduced field of vision imposed by the design.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for catheterized delivery or infusion of medication and anaesthesia are disclosed. The perforating catheter is first used to perforate the periodontal ligament and/or the cortical plate of bone tissue, and is then left in place and used as a catheter for insertion of a hypodermic needle of smaller gauge to deliver medication or anaesthesia to a target area. The perforator is a bevelled needle for drilling into the ligament or bone tissue. For drilling, the device comprises an adaptor which transmits the rotational movement from a dental hand piece or the like to the bevelled needle. A cap is also included for protecting the bevelled needle during storage of the device. The adaptor may have a rod which extends axially into the bevelled needle when the device is assembled for drilling. The rod is used to prevent the debris resulting from drilling from blocking the passage in the bevelled needle.

Abstract: Stable and substantially filled cationic dental compositions are described which include: (1) at least one cationically reactive compound (A); (2) at least one dental filler (B); (3) optionally, at least one dispersant (C) composed of at least one organic polymer or copolymer; (4) at least one cationic photoinitiator (D); and (5) optionally, at least one photosensitizer (E). The dental filler (B) is treated with at least one organosilicon coupling agent (F), and at least one compound (G). The organosilicon coupling agent (F) has at least one reactive function (rfA) directly linked to a silicon atom forming after activation of a chemical bond with the dental filler, and at least one reactive function (rfB) not directly linked to a silicon atom, forming after activation, a chemical bond with a reactive function (rfC) of the compound (G).

Abstract: A temporary restoration or preform for use in a patient's body may comprise apical end, a coronal end opposite the apical end, and a portion configured to engage with an underlying structure for retention thereto, wherein a first portion of the preform comprises a hardened material and a remaining portion of the preform comprises a hardenable malleable material. Methods for fitting a temporary restoration in a patient and kits for making dental restorations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dental implant includes a first member (100) having a proximal end (102) and a distal end (104) and extends along a longitudinal axis (62). The proximal end (102) has an axial end surface (103). The first member (102) is formed from a first material. A second member (70) is integrally formed with the first member (100) and is adapted to receive a dental prosthesis (150). The second member (70) engages the entire proximal end surface (103) of the first member (100). The second member (70) intersects the axis (62) of the first member (100) at the proximal end surface (103) to prevent access to the proximal end surface (103) of the first member (100) through the second member (70). The second member (70) is formed from a polymer that is different from the first material of the first member (100).

Abstract: A plastic mouthpiece insert for allowing a wearer to whiten their teeth while getting a suntan, and have a generally oblong oval-rectangular opening with a curved rear end that abuts against the root surfaces of the frontal upper and lower teeth of the wearer. A raised front edge can protect the lips and separate in place about the opening to the mouthpiece. Whitening agents can be used to enhance the whitening effect so that ultraviolet light and heat source such as the sun or a sunlamp is all that it is needed. Reflective inner walls in the mouthpiece can magnify light to the teeth. The mouthpiece can include bite tables, and the side walls of the mouthpiece can be inwardly flared and funnel shaped for focusing and magnifying incoming light and heat. The mouthpiece can be colored to protect the inside of the wearer's mouth from receiving any light. An attachable *and detachable compact hands-free light source can also be used.

Abstract: An alginate impression method for dental treatment is provided. The method comprises steps of: separating a first portion and a second portion in a squeezable pouch with a separator; providing alginate in the first portion; providing water in the second portion; breaking the separator by squeezing the squeezable pouch; kneading the squeezable pouch so as to mix the alginate and the water inside; and squeezing out the mixed alginate and water onto a mold so as to make an impression. The squeezable pouch comprises a container portion, an opening, and a lid. The lid is configured to fit air-tightly with the opening of the squeezable pouch. The opening of the squeezable pouch comprises male threads inside the opening, and the lid of the pouch comprises female threads fitting with the male threads in the opening.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a kit for fixing a dental restoration material on a tooth substance, which material contains the following components: a. an electron donor compound; b. a first adhesive component which contains an oxidation agent as constituent of a polymerization initiator system and a polymerizable acid; c. a second adhesive component which contains a reduction agent as constituent of a polymerization initiator system and a polymerizable monomer, oligomer, or prepolymer, which does not contain any acid groups.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method of bonding FDA approved pigmented polymeric film forming coatings onto the surface of metallic orthodontic tools and appliances. In the preferred embodiment, stainless steel orthodontic brackets are coated with a functionalized coating that bonds to the metal surface and reacts with the molecules present at the surface as well as functional groups present in the coating formulation. In the present invention, the pigmented coating can be any polymeric material with epoxy, phenolic, carboxylic acid, urethane, or acrylic functionality able to form a continuous film upon curing.

Abstract: An alginate impression method for dental treatment is provided. The method comprises steps of: providing alginate in a squeezable pouch; providing water in a syringe; injecting the water into the squeezable pouch; closing the squeezable pouch; kneading the squeezable pouch so as to mix the alginate and the water inside; and squeezing out the mixed alginate and water from the opening of the pouch onto a mold so as to make an impression. The syringe may comprise a tube portion having a first opening and a second opening and a plunger configured to be fit into the second opening of the tube portion for piston pumping movement. The first opening may fit air-tightly with the opening of the squeezable pouch so as to inject water into the squeezable pouch.

Abstract: System and methods of detecting and measuring periodontal disease comprising filling a periodontal pocket with a fluid capable of propagating sound waves, transmitting a sound wave into the periodontal pocket, sensing the return sound wave from the periodontal pocket, and determining the depth of the pocket by measuring the time it takes the at least one transmitted sound wave to traverse the periodontal pocket and return. A peak discrimination analysis algorithm is also provided.

Abstract: An oral implant for mounting in a patient's maxilla or mandible is provided that includes an abutment and a fixture. The implants may be arranged in a system including two or more adjacent implants disposed in predetermined locations and bearing a predetermined locational relationship to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing mesenchymal cells for production of mesenchymal cells for formation of a tooth, the method comprising: culturing totipotent stem cells in the presence of a differentiation inducer to produce a cell population after differentiation induction treatment, the cell population containing CD44-positive and CD29-positive cells or CD44-positive and CD 106-positive cells; and selecting, from the cell population after the differentiation induction treatment, the CD44-positive and CD29-positive cells or CD44-positive and CD 106-positive cells as the mesenchymal cells for the formation of the tooth.

Abstract: A system and method for use in constructing a prosthesis/complete restoration that obtains a digital dentition model, such as a 3D geometric surface model or a 3D volumetric image model, processes the digital dentition model to form a virtual model, forms a virtual mold including a digital prosthesis and/or complete restoration, and uses the virtual model to construct the prosthesis/complete restoration. Processing circuitry, such as a programmed server, can be used to obtain the digital dentition model and form the virtual mold. A rapid manufacturing device can be used to construct the prosthesis/complete restoration.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating and controlling oral periopathogens that have been found to be associated with systemic inflammation and/or disease in a periodontal pocket, inhibiting their entry into the host circulatory system, and decreasing the systemic effects. A bacterial community present in one or more oral treatment regions is determined. A periodontal medicament delivery tray is prepared for the patient with the delivery tray being configured with one or more application regions, each configured for applying a medicament to a different one of the oral treatment regions. The medicaments are applied to each oral treatment region, including placing each medicament into a different application region of the delivery tray. Each of the applied medicaments is applied as a function of a determined efficacy of the medicament against the bacterial community determined to be in the oral treatment region associated with the application region in which each medicament is applied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for whitening teeth which allow the user to undergo dental bleaching with the mouth closed and without protruding instruments, trays or electrical wires and the like. The apparatus includes a support structure and a dental whitening composition in contact with the support structure. A light source is included in the apparatus, disposed on or in the support structure so that light emitted from the source contacts on the dental whitening composition. The apparatus has a volume ranging between 0.5-450 cm3 permitting the apparatus to fit entirely within the mouth of a user during treatment.

Abstract: The invention describes a conditioning medium, the use thereof in mediating in the adhesion of a hardenable mixture to a shaped article, and a method of pretreating the surfaces of shaped articles made of filler-containing high-temperature-resistant plastics for the purpose of better adhesion of hardenable mixtures to those shaped articles, and also the method products resulting therefrom, especially conditioned shaped articles.

Abstract: A device for testing a heat sensitivity in teeth, a heated cushion for a dental device for testing a heat sensitivity, and a method for testing a tooth for a heat sensitivity.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a system and method for automated generating of a cutting curve on a surface is provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented method for automated generating of a cutting curve on a gingival surface to facilitate cutting of an aligner material comprises the defining of initial gingival curves along the line around a tooth (LAT) on a patient's jaw, including within an interproximal area between teeth. The initial gingival curves are replaced with a modified, dynamic cutting curve comprising an offset adjustment configured to minimize weakening of a region of the aligner material within the interproximal area. This process for generating a modified, dynamic cutting curve within an interproximal area can be suitably applied or continued for each of other the teeth and interproximal areas between those teeth to define a complete dynamic cutting curve.

Abstract: Systems and methods support dental implant patient scheduling and treatment process relating to packaging one or more dental appliances as a kit which is readily used by dental professional during surgery, by communicating manufacturing progress information with a doctor over a network and performing patient scheduling and treatment when the dental appliances reach a certain manufacturing progress. A network-based service may also provide a doctor with a treatment solution including a surgical kit derived from patient data.

Abstract: A systematic approach to planning and selection of a dental implant. Models of the patient's dentition, including the gingival and supporting bone structure are analyzed in relation to a model of the dentition that will be replaced by the implant. Based on information collected from a missing tooth (or teeth) model, greater insight can be gained into the functional and aesthetic attributes of the implant best suited for the patient. And from this realization a more informed decision can be made for planning the procedure for installation of the implant for the patient, and selection of the implant, e.g., size, type and orientation of supporting fixture and abutment.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to methods for producing demonstration models of dentition, which may be used for a variety of purposes, including, for example, installing dental implants in a patient and designing orthodontic devices. According to certain embodiments of the invention, methods for installing dental implants in a patient are provided. The methods generally comprise producing a demonstration model of a patient's teeth and a pilot hole for a dental implant and using the model as,a guide for drilling a pilot hole at the implant site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing bone growth in teeth and/or other craniofacial regions of a subject. This method includes administering to the jaw and/or teeth of the subject a mechanical vibration having a frequency of 10 to 1000 Hz with an acceleration peak of 0.1 to 2.00 g and that can produce a low magnitude strain of 1 to 50 microstrain in the jaw and/or teeth. The present invention also relates to devices that deliver high frequency, low magnitude force to the teeth.

Abstract: A dental implant is provided that has a proximal-most part, a lateral external surface, and a distal implant portion that extends from a distal implant end along up to 50% of a longitudinal length of the implant. The implant is shaped so as to define a lumen therethrough (a) having at least one distal opening through a distal external surface of the distal implant portion, (b) having a lateral opening through the lateral external surface, and (c) not open to a proximal external surface of the implant within 2 mm of the proximal-most part of the implant. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel implant provided with a macroporous surface on the top surface, and a method for the production of such a metallic and/or ceramic implant having a textured, particularly porous, surface for the at least partial insertion in hard tissue, such as in a bone, and/or into soft tissue. The implant is produced as a green compact, at least in sections, using a cold isostatic pressing, casting, and/or injecting (CIM, MIM) with subsequent sintering to obtain an implant, and is particularly characterized in that the surface is modified and/or prepared before sintering such that a macroporous surface is present after sintering without requiring any finishing.

Abstract: A dental impression tray has a base and a relator. The base has a biting portion and a handle. The biting portion is curved. The handle is formed on the biting portion and has an arc hole that is defined through the handle to receive impression material. The relator has a vertical bar and a horizontal bar. The relator is mounted in the arc hole and is fastened in the arc hole by impression material. The horizontal bar connects perpendicularly to the vertical bar. Therefore, the impression of the teeth to be crowned or veneered as well as the relation between the impression and the patient's face are obtained simultaneously.

Abstract: A method for preparing a dental prosthesis based on electronically determined image and color/shade data of a patient's tooth is disclosed. The image data and the color/shade data are displayed on a display device in the dental office. The image data and color/shade data are transmitted to a computing device at a remote location over a data communication channel. A telephone communication is established between a dental professional in a location proximate to the dental office and a dental technician or ceramist in a location proximate to the remote location while the dental professional and the dental technician or ceramist are commonly viewing the image and color/shade data. The dental prosthesis is prepared at the remote location based on the electronically transmitted image and color/shade data. Color/shade data of the dental prosthesis is electronically determined and the dental prosthesis is selectively modified prior to installing the dental prosthesis in the patient.

Abstract: Various methods and systems for providing dental condition evaluation and treatment are provided. One method includes obtaining a scan of a user's teeth, creating a digital model of the user's teeth based upon the scan, evaluating the digital model of the user's teeth, creating a treatment plan for the dental condition of a user using one or more treatment best match criteria, and, after the treatment plan is created, identifying a treatment professional for initiation of the treatment plan based on one or more selection best match criteria.

Abstract: A dental apparatus usable to place cord beneath a gum line and related methods of use are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a handle having one or more rotary members attached thereto. In operation, the edge of a rotary member is placed in contact with a cord surrounding a tooth, and the edge is rolled along the length of the cord, such that contact between the edge and the cord causes the rotary member to rotate, while the other portions of the apparatus are moved laterally during use. The cord is thereby placed beneath the gum line while contact between the apparatus and surrounding teeth and gums is minimized.