Abstract: The present invention is directed to implantable compositions comprising substantially spherical bioactive glass particles.

Abstract: A method of creating a 3-D anatomic digital model for determining a desired location for placing at least one dental implant in a patient's mouth. The method comprises the act of obtaining a first dataset associated with hard tissue of the patient's mouth. The method further comprises the act of obtaining a second dataset associated with soft tissue of the patient's mouth. The method further comprises the act of combining the first dataset and the second dataset to create a detailed structure of hard tissue and soft tissue having variable dimensions over the hard tissue.

Abstract: Dental forceps include opposing gripping surfaces configured to grip a tooth or crown and a fulcrum pad adjacent the gripping surfaces. The forceps may act as a first class lever with the fulcrum pad to extract the tooth or crown when gripping the tooth or crown.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a proximal tooth separator. One embodiment comprises a handle and at least one separator connected to an end. The at least one separator comprising rigid metals, steel, titanium, or other materials suitable for separating teeth, and being sized so as to appropriately separate the teeth as known to those of skill in the art.

Abstract: A dental aspiration device comprising an inside housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion with an interior surface; an outside housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion with an interior surface; at least one of the interior surfaces of the inside housing and the outside housing including vacuum channels; a hinge connection mechanism hingeably connecting the proximal portions of the inside housing and the outside housing; and a locking mechanism for removably attaching the distal portions of the inside housing and the outside housing to each other.

Abstract: Feedback data useful in prosthodontic procedures associated with the intra oral cavity is provided. First, a 3D numerical model of the target zone in the intra oral cavity is provided, and this is manipulated so as to extract particular data that may be useful in a particular procedure, for example data relating to the finish line or to the shape and size of a preparation. The relationship between this data and the procedure is then determined, for example the clearance between the preparation and the intended crown. Feedback data, indicative of this relationship, is then generated, for example whether the preparation geometry is adequate for the particular type of prosthesis.

Abstract: Method and kit for producing implant drilling guides positioned at the proper orientation to avoid inadvertent damage to critical regions of the patient's jaw when drilling to place dental implant screws. The method works by placing a small post device with x-ray visible depth markers in the root socket of the patient's tooth immediately after tooth extraction. The post device may additionally be configured to guide the drill at a position and angle that is different from that of the original tooth socket. This post device is used to construct a removable guide that anchors to the patient's adjacent teeth, and preserves the location and orientation of the extracted tooth root. Once the root socket is filled in with new bone, the guide, in conjunction with the X-ray post depth information, can be used to direct drilling along the same route as the old tooth root, thus avoiding critical structures.

Abstract: An intra-oral mouth vibrator preferably includes a lower bite pad, an upper bite pad, a retention pad, at least two vibratory motors and a power source. Two holes are formed through the upper bite pad to receive the two vibratory motors. One end of a wire is connected to the two vibratory motors to supply power thereto. The other end of the wire is connected to a power source. The retention pad preferably includes a perimeter retention lip. The upper bite pad is placed on a top of the lower bite pad. The upper and lower bite pads are inserted into the retention pad. In use, the vibratory motors receive electrical power from the power source, which causes the at least two vibratory motors to vibrate. The vibration causes the lower bite pad, the upper bite pad and the retention pad to vibrate.

Abstract: A dental bleaching composition comprises a dental bleaching agent and a polyvinylpyrrolidone thickening agent. The bleaching composition may include water, flavoring agents, a basic substance and desensitizing agents, as desired. Polyvinylpyrrolidone avoids acid etching and chelation of teeth that were problematic in bleaches using carbomer as a thickener. A delivery system for delivering the bleaching composition comprises the aforementioned dental bleaching composition in combination with a moisture-resistant barrier layer such as a dental tray or a flexible strip of material.

Abstract: Non-customized dental treatment trays used to provide a desired treatment are formed from elastomeric silicone or silicone-like material. They may be 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: This device comprises a measuring clamp (1) for teeth (20) and dental spaces (21), comprising a set of mobile arms (2) ending in some exploration extremities (3), which exploring displacement along the teeth (20) and dental spaces (21) determines the joint displacement of the mobile arms (2). A transducer (11) turns the relative displacement movement between mobile arms (2), into signals (25) expressing the positional parameters (23) determined by that movement, and, upon being connected to a computerized system (30), it transmits the signals (25) for their processing as measurement parameters (23). The transducer system (10), that may be analogue and/or digital, may have a manual driving means (12) in the measuring clamp (1). The invention is also related to a measuring method through which steps the exploration extremities (3) are arranged in the teeth (20) or dental spaces (21), the measurement is performed and the sequence is repeated, as many times as needed until completing the measurement.

Abstract: An oral care apparatus includes: a care member; an orientation detection unit; an area estimation unit; a light source that emits light having a predetermined wavelength to which plaque reacts; a photoelectric conversion unit that receives light and converts the received light into an electric signal; an image capture unit that causes the light source to irradiate the care area with light, and that obtains image data, based on the electric signal of light reflected from the care area that is converted by the photoelectric conversion unit; a plaque detection unit for detecting an amount of plaque in the care area, based on the image data obtained by the image capture unit; and a storage unit for storing, in a memory, the care area estimated by the area estimation unit and the amount of plaque in the care area detected by the plaque detection unit in association with each other.

Abstract: A device for determining a contour of a dental treatment area during treatment thereof includes a laser beam guidance system and an imaging system. The laser beam guidance system can guide a laser beam and, optionally, a scanning light to a dental treatment area, and the imaging system, which can include an adjustable focus image sensor, can obtain an image of the dental treatment area based on light rays reflected therefrom. The device also includes a computation system to compute a contour, e.g., a 2D contour, of a surface of the dental treatment area based on the image obtained by the imaging system and, optionally, geometries of one or more components of the laser beam guidance system and/or optical components associated with the imaging system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an endotracheal tube having an absorbent device attached so that the absorbent device is able to absorb and block any procedure produced debris. The absorbent device has strings that are attached to a device around an endotracheal tube so that the absorbent device is properly dislodged at the end of the procedure.

Abstract: Provided are a system, method, and computer readable storage medium in which data is received from a dental imaging system. The received data is analyzed to adjust one or more imaging parameters of the dental imaging system.

Abstract: A system and method of initiating alveolar bone regrowth about a tooth of a patient suffering from bone loss due to periodontal disease that includes topically administering to a periodontal pocket about the tooth of the patient a hydrogen peroxide solution and topically administering to the periodontal pocket about the tooth a medicament that can help manage/control osteogenic activity.

Abstract: A suction system for removing fluid from an individual. The suction system has a container assembly, a suction tube, an output hose and a suction valve assembly. The container assembly is connectable to an air source and a container is configured to receive the fluid from the individual. The suction tube is connectable to the container assembly and in fluid communication with the air source. The output hose is connectable to the container assembly and in fluid communication with the container. The suction valve assembly has a housing and a pin. The pin is movable between an open and closed position so that fluid is removable from the individual.

Abstract: An oral irrigator including a reservoir, a handle, and a tip connected to the handle and in fluid communication with the reservoir. The oral irrigator also includes a base unit including an operating assembly configured to selectively provide a first fluid from the reservoir to the tip. The operating may include, an some examples, a motor and a pump. The oral irrigator further includes a fluid pressure trigger connected to the handle and including a second fluid. Based on a pressure of the second fluid, the fluid pressure trigger closes an electrical contact to the operating assembly causing the operating assembly to selectively vary at least one characteristic of the first fluid flow from the reservoir to the tip.

Abstract: Provided are a system, method, and computer readable storage medium for generating an intra-oral scan of a dentition. A contiguous scan of an occlusal surface of at least a part of one arch of the dentition is generated. At least one additional surface is associated to the contiguous scan of the occlusal surface.

Abstract: Provided are a system, method, and computer readable storage medium for using a digital reconstruction of a tooth, wherein the digital reconstruction includes a crown and a root. An image of the crown of the tooth is acquired, subsequent to a movement of the tooth. The shape data of the crown is extracted from the image and registered to the digital reconstruction of the tooth.

Abstract: An oral treatment composition that includes a carrier, an active agent and a silicon dioxide compound. The active agent can be a variety of compositions, such as dental whitening or bleaching agents, desensitizing agents, antimicrobials, anti-plaque agents, remineralizing agents, anti-tartar agents, mouth fresheners, and anesthetics. Optionally, a processing aid can be added to the composition to streamline manufacture of the gel. The composition can be formed as a bead in a dental tray so that when a user applies the dental tray to their dental arch, the bead readily spreads over the surfaces of the teeth without the user having to supply significant force to achieve such spreading.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various devices, systems, kits and methods having dental applications. For instance, a dental tray is provided for use in taking an impression of a person's teeth. A dental shade chart is also provided and includes a shade sticker for use in determining the shade of a person's tooth. Further, the dental tray and/or the shade chart can be included in a kit.

Abstract: In the case of a method for optical acquisition of the three-dimensional geometry of objects, in particular teeth (4), with a scanner (14), which has a scanning head (13), the three-dimensional geometry that is acquired in a virtual three-dimensional space (1) in the course of scanning is noted. In this case, in the course of scanning, positions of a defined scanner geometry (2) of the scanner (14), in particular of the scanning head (13), are noted relative to the object (4) that is acquired, and, moreover, an area (6) in which the defined scanner geometry (2) is or was located is determined. The determined area (6) is marked, for example as “empty,” in the virtual space (1).

Abstract: The invention provides a polymer based material comprising a water binding agent present in an amount sufficient to chemically and/or physically absorb and/or adsorb water to prevent degradation of the polymer. The invention also provides a polymer based material comprising a plasticizer or organic solvent as well as a multi-component material or composite including materials encompassing a second polymer and/or an active agent. The invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the aforesaid polymer based material, which can be used for treatment of bone, cartilage and/or periodontal defects.

Abstract: A medical barrier made by micro porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) is disclosed. The medical barrier allows the attachment and ingrowth of cells and tissue to within one, two or several cellular length, but not across the sheet material, and the tissue can still be pulled or peeled apart from the micro porous sheet with non-surgical and non-traumatic procedures. This medical barrier of the present invention is particularly useful in guided tissue regeneration in the repair of bone defects, as for example in the repair of alveolar bone defects. The medical barrier prevents the entry of rapidly migrating gingival tissue cells into the defect and allows the alveolar bone to regenerate.

Abstract: An intra-oral scanning device includes a light source and an optical system, and communicates with a display system. The device captures images of an object of interest, e.g., patient teeth or associated anatomy, by projecting the light source as a first series of frames, and a second series of frames. The first series of frames projects first pattern data, and the second series of frames projects second data. The second series of frames are interleaved between frames in the first series of frames. The frames in the first series are partially-illuminated and are used to capture data for a 3D model. The frames in the second series are preferably fully-illuminated and are used to generate a live preview of the object. By displaying the live preview frames in juxtaposition to the 3D model, the operator is provided with visual feedback of the object.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system of devices and a method for preparing a tooth to receive a restoration. The system includes a dental instrument for removal of portions of a tooth in the mouth of a patent and an overlay for guiding the dental instrument during the step of tooth removal. The overlay is designed for temporary installation into the mouth of the patient to guide the dental instrument to remove tooth material. The overlay has one or more sets of guide walls, with a predetermined configuration capable of contacting one or more guide projections of the dental instrument, and a receptacle capable of receiving and attaching to the dental instrument.

Abstract: The system creates digital images of teeth topography using a dental impression tray that provides registration information for integration of a digital three-dimensional model with a digital three-dimensional cranio-facial CAT scan record. The impression tray is held in the patient's mouth during a CAT scan. The tray includes fiduciary markers that can be accurately located by the CAT scan. The tray also includes a dental impression material which, subsequent to the CAT scan, is removed from the patient's mouth and placed on a table of an X-Y-Z scanning machine for scanning the impression. In this manner, a set of electronic data related to the patient's teeth and surrounding soft tissues is generated. The fiduciary markers, which may be constructed of titanium, are included in both sets of electronic data for the patient's teeth. The markers are then used as common reference points in the spatial matching of the two scans.

Abstract: A method for capturing the shape of a dento-maxillofacial object out of volumetric image data of the dento-maxillofacial object is described. The method includes performing a segmentation of the volumetric image data with at least one calculated segmentation parameter indicative of the distinction between the dento-maxillofacial object and its background and derived from a calibration procedure. The method further includes capturing the shape of the dento-maxillofacial object from the segmented volumetric image data.

Abstract: A dental cutting system and method for cutting a patient's tooth includes a hand piece to be held and carrying a cutting burr to cut the patient's tooth. A plurality of guide pins is attached to and extends from the hand piece of the cutting tool remote from the cutting bur. One or more cutting guides each have a cavity coinciding with at least a portion of teeth inside a patient's mouth that are adjacent to or remote from the patient's tooth to be cut. The guide pins of the handpiece slide in slots in the cutting guide to guide the cutting burr to cut the patient's tooth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tooth coating applicator (10), typically in the form of a strip (11), and a method for applying a dental sealant to a surface of a tooth (T), and specifically to the interproximal surface (S) thereof. The applicator (10) is elongated and is adapted to be typically inserted into an interproximal space (I) defined between a pair of adjacent teeth (T, T?) and to be gradually slid against a dental surface of one of the teeth.

Abstract: Methods for making a layered dental appliance. Some methods can include providing a solid structure (e.g., a die or a dental core, such as a fully sintered ceramic dental core) having a desired outer shape, and applying a first slurry to the solid structure to form a first free form layer on the solid structure. The method can further include solidifying the first free form layer on the solid structure, and machining the solidified first free form layer to a desired shape to form a first article comprising the solid structure and a first shaped layer. The method can further include applying, solidifying, and machining a second layer in a similar way to form a second article comprising the solid structure, the first shaped layer, and a second shaped layer. In some methods, the free form layers are not exposed to a high temperature prior to being machined.

Abstract: A tooth whitening system comprising a dental tray having a surface operable to confront a tooth surface, and a tooth whitening composition comprising a whitening agent and a hydrophobic polymer carrier. The tooth whitening composition is preferably substantially non-water soluble. A tooth whitening kit is also provided using a dental tray and the tooth whitening composition comprising a whitening composition and a hydrophobic polymer carrier.

Abstract: An assisted guidance and navigation method in intraoral surgeries is a method using computerized tomography (CT) photography and an optical positioning system to track medical appliances, the method including: first providing an optical positioning treatment instrument and an optical positioning device; then obtaining image data of the intraoral tissue receiving treatment through CT photography, precisely displaying actions of the treatment instrument in the image data, and real-time checking an image and guidance and navigation. Therefore, during the surgery, the existing use habits of the physicians are not affected and accurate and convenient auxiliary information is provided, and attention is paid to using the treatment instrument in physical environments such as a patient's tooth or dental model.

Abstract: The method for periodontal disease measurement of the present invention includes: using a plurality of cross-sectional images provided by x-ray CT images of teeth and periodontal tissues to detect a contour of each tooth in each cross-sectional image, detect a dentition, and provide a dental formula; detecting the positions of the root apex, the alveolar crest, and the crown of each tooth from the detected tooth contour data; calculating at least one of a distance indicator, a volume indicator, a surface area indicator, a first moment indicator, a center-of-gravity indicator, and an alveolar bone indicator from the detected tooth contour data, and the position data of the root apex, the alveolar crest, and the crown of the tooth; and measuring the progression of periodontal disease based on at least one calculated indicator.

Abstract: A dental elevator apparatus used to easily and efficiently elevate a tooth or dental implant for removal thereof. Specifically, the dental elevator has a tip portion having a curved, helically-shaped contoured surface for engaging a tooth or dental implant, allowing the same to be utilized by a user, providing leverage against the tooth or dental implant for elevation of the same. Methods of using the same are further provided.

Abstract: A dental implantation system is provided, comprising an implantation device adapted to prepare a site within a mouth of a patient for receiving a dental implant. A guidance device is operably engaged with the implantation device and is adapted to operably engage the mouth of the patient. The engagement between the guidance device and the mouth of the patient provides a fiducial marker for guiding the implantation device to prepare the site for receiving the dental implant. An associated method of implanting a dental implant, and associated devices, are also provided.

Abstract: Orientation of a patient's tooth is determined from shape data of the patient's crown and volumetric imagery of the patient's tooth. A computational device is used to register the shape data of the patient's crown with model data, based on the determined orientation of the patient's tooth.

Abstract: A dental fluoride foam composition comprising an aqueous solution of a water soluble fluoride ion releasable salt, a surfactant selected from the group consisting of nonionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, betaine surfactants and mixtures thereof; and an orally compatible acidifying agent in an amount sufficient to adjust the pH of the composition to about 3 to about 5. The composition is stable at low temperatures and is a clear solution substantially free of precipitates when held at 4.4° C. for 12 hours. When dispensed from a container into the trough of a dental tray, the composition forms a low density, rapidly collapsible foam which substantially liquefies in about 1 minute after being dispensed from the foam generating container and placed in contact with a patient's teeth.

Abstract: A method and accompanying apparatus that allows high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide for tooth whitening by use of an aerosol spray. The aerosol spray may be delivered through a mouthpiece that will direct the spray onto the teeth while inhibiting any escape of the spray to the lips and outside the moth. Also, in combination with antiplaque formulations, enhanced tooth whitening is effected.

Abstract: A mouth guard system for displaying a message using interchangeable tiles resembling teeth features an upper mouth guard. A plurality of tile channels, tile openings, and tile insertion apertures is located in the upper mouth guard. The system features a lower mouth guard. A plurality of tile channels, tile openings, and tile insertion apertures is located in the upper mouth guard. Each tile opening features a shape resembling a tooth. The system features a plurality of tiles designed to snuggly slide into the tile channel via the tile insertion aperture. The tile is visible via the tile opening. A tile cutout of a symbol, a character, or a picture is located throughout a cross-section of the tile from a tile front surface to a tile rear surface. A back wall of the tile channel is visible through the tile cutout. Each tile features rounded edges and rounded corners.

Abstract: This invention pertains to dental care compositions with antimicrobial benefits. In particular, the invention provides for compositions of oral tissue-adherent salts that release biocidal ions on a controlled release basis and thereby provide and maintain an essentially uniform concentration of biocidal ions above the MBC or MIC of the target bacteria at the site of application in the mouth for an extended period of time. The compositions are useful for treating or preventing oral diseases resulting from bacteria, fungal or yeast infections, such as caries, gingivitis, periodontal disease and candidiasis.

Abstract: A tooth whitening and maintenance system and method and a system and method for protecting the gums.

Abstract: A medical or dental treatment device for use in an oral or dental procedure, comprises a base part with a power supply unit and an electrical or electronic control device and a set of different parts for use with the base part. The set of different parts comprises at least one delivery part for a first treatment phase and comprising a sound or ultrasound source, a movable piston and a piston operating element operable to deliver a substance from the delivery part to a treatment site, and at least one active part for use in a second treatment phase to act on the treatment site. The active part comprises a sound source, an ultrasound source and/or an electromagnetic radiation source. The delivery part and the active part are selectively connectible to the base part for use in consecutive treatment phases (the first can precede or follow the second).

Abstract: A method for detecting a movable object in a location includes —providing a first 3D representation of at least part of a surface by scanning; —providing a second 3D representation of at least part of the surface by scanning; —determining for the first 3D representation a first excluded volume; —determining for the second 3D representation a second excluded volume; —if a portion of the surface in the first 3D representation is located in space in the second excluded volume, the portion of the surface in the first 3D representation is disregarded, and/or —if a portion of the surface in the second 3D representation is located in space in the first excluded volume, the portion of the surface in the second 3D representation is disregarded

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing a disinfecting treatment. A fluid is placed within a volume, where the fluid absorbs radiation of a first wavelength, and where the fluid is transparent to radiation of a second wavelength. Radiation of the first wavelength is applied near or inside the volume to generate shockwaves or pressure waves in the fluid. Radiation of the second wavelength is applied near or inside the volume to cause thermal disinfection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing of a glass ceramic material for dental applications. The method comprises: providing a first precursor comprising silicon(IV); providing a second precursor comprising zirconium(IV); hydrolyzing said first precursor and second precursor in solution; polymerizing of the hydrolysed first precursor and second precursor in a solvent, wherein polymers are formed; formation of colloids comprising said polymers; formation of a gel from said colloids; aging the gel; drying the gel; and sintering the gel under formation of a glass ceramic material.

Abstract: A dental cutting system for cutting a patient's tooth comprises a cutting guide with a slot to guide a cutting tool. Opposing channels are formed in opposing walls of the slot. A sleeve is slidably disposed in the slot and has an enlarged collar slidably disposed in the opposing channels. The enlarged collar retains the sleeve in the slot with respect to an in-and-out direction and limits the sleeve to movement within and along the slot. The sleeve has a bore removably receiving the cutting tool, with the cutting tool being rotatable in the bore and slidable through the bore in the in-and-out direction, and into and out of the sleeve. The cutting tool has two transverse degrees of freedom, including laterally along the slot, and in and out of the slot and the sleeve.

Abstract: A dental preparation delivery system includes a soft malleable wax sealing strip bonded to a wax base strip. The peripheral outline of a model dentition extends into the thickness of the sealing strip to form a receptacle. A border of the sealing strip completely surrounds the outline. The receptacle is filled with a dental preparation to be administered and the sealing strip is overlaid with a film. In use, the film is removed, the system is bent to an arch shape and the outline is registered with the user's buccal dentition. Lateral force is applied in a lingual direction against the base strip to reshape the sealing strip for sealing contact of the border against the periphery of the user's buccal dentition, while leaving the preparation in contact with remaining buccal surfaces.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a method of creating an impression of structures of the human oral cavity comprises: preparing impression trays; creating a first, or base, impression; grinding out portions of the base impression; and using the void(s) in the ground out base impression to take a second, or wash, impression. The base impression is taken with an excess of a high-density impression material which is positioned to extend beyond the structures of interest (of which the impression is being taken). The base impression is removed and all fine structure surrounding the structure(s) of interest is ground out. A wash impression is then taken using a low-density impression material. The base impression creates a seal around the structure(s) of interest (a closed system), thereby producing omnidirectional hydraulic pressure on the low-density material. Such omnidirectional hydraulic pressure produces a highly detailed final impression from which a high-quality model (e.g., cast) can be made.