Abstract: The present invention relates to promoting whole body health in humans and animals by using topical oral compositions comprising a safe and effective amount of an antimicrobial agent in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, said compositions being effective in controlling bacterial-mediated diseases and conditions present in the oral cavity and in inhibiting the spread into the bloodstream of pathogenic oral bacteria, associated bacterial toxins and endotoxins, and resultant inflammatory cytokines and mediators. The present invention also encompasses methods of use of these compositions by topically applying to the oral cavity, a safe and effective amount of an antimicrobial agent to promote and/or enhance whole body health in humans and other animals.

Abstract: A toothbrush holding device for battery-powered toothbrush(es) comprises a top piece; a bottom piece; at least one sturdy hinge; and an interlocking clasp fastener. The top piece of the toothbrush holding device for battery-powered toothbrush(es) is hingably-coupleable to the bottom piece via the hinge to temporarily sanitarily store the (fully) assembled battery-powered toothbrush during a non-use period. The toothbrush holding device is rectangular in shape, manufactured from plastic material, and is form-fitting to the battery-powered toothbrush such that the battery-powered toothbrush is prevented from moving within the toothbrush holding device. Further, the toothbrush holding device comprises soft, rounded edges. The toothbrush holding device is about 9¼-inches in length, about 1½-inch in width when in a closed position, and about 1? inch in depth thereby permitting the battery-powered toothbrush to be in an assembled state when stored in the toothbrush holding device.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for acoustically determining one or more characteristics of a powered oral care (POC) implement. The device comprises a transducer and a processor, wherein: the transducer receives sound generated by the POC implement and converts the sound into a signal representative of the sound; the transducer is in electrical communication with the processor and transmits the signal representative of the sound to the processor; and the processor determines one or more characteristics of the POC implement based on the signal representative of the sound.

Abstract: A method of removing an adhesive resin from a dental tooth which method comprises contacting the dental tooth with a bioactive glass using an air abrasion system.

Abstract: A micro-abrasive blasting device comprises a mixing chamber, a delivery conduit extending from external the mixing chamber to the mixing chamber and a discharge conduit extending from the mixing chamber. Embodiments having delivery and discharge conduits extending from the same, or from opposite ends of the mixing chamber are disclosed. Abrasive material may selectively be sealed in the chamber by positioning the discharge conduit to abut the inlet port. Other sealing techniques are disclosed, such as capping or plugging the delivery and discharge conduits. The chamber may be spherical to deliver consistent powder perturbation at all mixing chamber orientations. Methods of using the device are disclosed. Methods of making the device by blow molding are disclosed.

Abstract: A self-etching and self-adhesive dental restorative composition is described herein. The composition includes a polymerizable compound having at least one phosphorus containing acidic group, a polymerizable compound having at least one carboxylic acid group, and a copolymerizable multi-functional (meth)acrylate monomers. Compositions described herein demonstrate adhesion to dentin and enamel and are useful as a cavity filler, dental pit and fissure sealants, and restoratives.

Abstract: The toothbrush includes a handle portion and a brushhead assembly which comprises a head portion and a stem portion. The head portion includes a bellows-like acoustic action member for creating acoustic wave action as it moves in and out in response to an acoustic driving force. A drive system is located in the handle and includes an audio speaker-type assembly to create acoustic waves which are transmitted through a transmission line to the acoustic action member. The acoustic action member is driven toward and away from the teeth when the toothbrush is operatively positioned within the mouth. The action of the acoustic member is directly or indirectly coupled to the fluid in the mouth, producing a foam which couples shear forces between the acoustic action member and the teeth/gums to produce a desired cleaning/therapeutic effect.

Abstract: Oral care compositions comprising an oxidase, polyethyleneimine, and an orally acceptable carrier are described, along with methods of use thereof. The oral care composition may be applied to a tooth surface to produce peroxide.

Abstract: A composition, containing a carrier medium and particles based on a metal compound with a weight-average particle diameter of 1 nm to 10 ?m is useful to clean metal or ceramic surfaces which are part of a dental restoration or of an implant abutment.

Abstract: There are provided a device and a method for cleaning teeth. The device comprises a brush, a shaft connected to the brush, a neck surrounding the shaft along a substantial portion of the length of the shaft, and a controller coupled to the shaft at the end of the shaft opposite the brush, the controller being mounted at the base of the neck so as to be movable between a first position that extends the brush away from the neck, and a second position that retracts the brush towards the neck. The method comprises inserting, between adjacent teeth, a device having a brush, a controller and a handle, the controller for effecting movement of the brush in a direction generally perpendicular to the handle, and keeping the handle generally stationary while moving the controller up and down to move the brush along front-to-back and back-to-front paths between the adjacent teeth. Moving the controller may occur via pressure from a user's finger, or via force from a motor in the device.

Abstract: In situ foamable dental bleaching compositions include a dental bleaching agent, thickening agent, polyol, and in situ foaming agent. The foamable dental bleaching compositions are initially dispensed as a dental bleaching gel. Upon placement of the dental bleaching gel onto a person's tooth surfaces, the in situ foaming agent causes the bleaching gel to foam. Dental bleaching systems include an in situ foamable dental bleaching composition within a pressurized container (e.g., bag-on valve container) having a nozzle that, when actuated, expels the in situ dental bleaching composition as a gel. Dental bleaching methods include dispensing the in situ foamable dental bleaching composition as a gel, contacting a person's tooth surfaces with the dental bleaching gel, and allowing the gel to expand and foam in order to dynamically distribute and replenish the dental bleaching agent to the tooth surfaces and into the interproximal spaces between teeth.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and a device for cleaning teeth wherein a variety of cleaning tools are coupled to a common handle section for the individual cleaning of teeth. It relates in particular to a handle section of an electric dental cleaning device, with a coupling section for coupling various cleaning tools thereto, as well as said cleaning tools. According to the invention the handle section detects a coding provided on the respective cleaning tool attached. In dependence upon the respective coding detected, various functions of the dental cleaning device are controlled.

Abstract: The invention provides an orthodontic composition, related methods and packaged articles that include a hardenable component, a hardener, and a heat-modified inorganic mineral filler. The composition displays improved hardened remnant cleanup compared with compositions using traditional hard mineral fillers, while maintaining acceptable handling, bond strength and mechanical properties. Bond strength enhancement is achieved by heat-modifying a soft mineral filler, a process by which water of hydration is eliminated from the microstructure of the mineral to form a non-hydrated phase. By using heat-modified mineral fillers that are soft relative to human enamel, the hardened orthodontic composition can be conveniently removed using a lowspeed abrasive disk or other mild abrasion process that is safer and more comfortable for the patient. The composition is especially beneficial for use in bonding orthodontic appliances to teeth.

Abstract: A toothbrush for providing germicidal UV-C radiation to a users mouth. The tooth brush has a main body portion arranged along a longitudinally aligned axis. The main body portion includes a power source, a controller board, a power switch mechanism; and is interoperability attached to a longitudinally aligned neck/head portion. The longitudinally aligned neck/head portion has a replaceable/detachable brush head and a medial neck portion. The neck/head portion further includes a neck cavity for operably receiving a germicidal UV-C lamp. The germicidal UV-C lamp is arranged along a longitudinally aligned axis to provide ultraviolet radiation in 360° radiating illumination about the longitudinally aligned axis. The germicidal UV-C lamp provides ultraviolet radiation between the range of about just less than 100 nm to about just greater than 280 nm. The replaceable/detachable brush head includes a transparent base and a plurality of vertically aligned bristles.

Abstract: The oral health appliance (10) includes a source of light (16) having a wavelength which is suitable for determination of oral health conditions, as well as treatment thereof. An assembly (16) in the appliance directs the light to selected dental regions of the mouth. A light receiver and sensor (16) receives reflected light from the dental regions, produces signal information therefrom and delivers the signal information to a processor (20), which determines the presence of oral health conditions, as well as determining the overall coverage of the mouth during a use of the appliance. The information from the processor is then sent to a display (24), identifying the presence of any oral health conditions and the location thereof, as well as information concerning those areas of the mouth which have been investigated during the use of the appliance and those which have not.

Abstract: A power toothbrush (10) is disclosed having a handle (15), battery (12), ultrasonic drive circuit (14), motor (16), control unit (18), and toothbrush head (20). The toothbrush head includes bristles (26) and a waveguide (24) that is operatively connected to an ultrasonic transducer (22). The waveguide facilitates the transmission of acoustic energy into the dental fluid to achieve improved cleaning and stain removal and improved cleaning in interproximal and subgingival regions. In one embodiment an ultrasound transducer module (30) includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements (32, 34) that may be mechanically connected in series, and electrically connected in parallel. One or more contacts (36) connect the elements, and a waveguide structure (50). An impedance matching layer (38) may be provided between the waveguide and the ultrasonic transducer module. The waveguide may be formed from a relatively soft material, for example, a polymer having a hardness between 10 and 65 Shore A.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods for administering at least one effective dose of at least one therapeutic substance to at least one of the maxillary sinuses of a patient in need thereof. Alternate embodiments may comprise administration of the at least one effective dose of at least one therapeutic substance to both maxillary sinuses, where the administered therapeutic substance(s) are either the same or differ from sinus to sinus. Still further alternative embodiments may comprise more than an initial effective dose administered to a patient's maxillary sinus(es), so that the therapeutic substance may be delivered over time, thereby requiring a larger dose be deposited within at least one of the maxillary sinuses so that the maxillary sinus(es) serve as a therapeutic substance depot for long-term release to the target structure(s).

Abstract: A method of surface treatment includes sensing a surface condition and controlling ejection of a fluid jet against the surface to treat the surface based on the sensed condition. The fluid may be a liquid and may be carried in a self-contained reservoir in a handle of a fluid ejection device. The liquid can be a cleansing solution and may contain cleaning particles. The ejection can be controlled to clean a part of the surface at high pressure and to reduce pressure applied to another part of the surface, for example, to clean the surface. The method may further include automatically scanning the fluid jet relative to a handle of an injection device. In an embodiment, the fluid is ejected by means of a fluid ejector comprising a stationary magnet assembly providing a magnetic field and a coil assembly, slidably disposed with respect to the magnet assembly, the coil assembly driving ejection of the fluid jet.

Abstract: Gum Saver Toothbrush is a battery or otherwise electrically powered toothbrush. The toothbrush includes a handle and a removable brush head. The bristles on the brush head are designed to roll over the teeth and gums. There is a switch on the handle that allows the user to change the bristle direction of rotation. When brushing the upper teeth and gums, the head rolls downwardly. When brushing the lower teeth and gums, the head rolls upwardly. The chewing surface of the back teeth can be brushed in either direction. There may be two sets of bristles on the brush head. The first set may be long and soft for massaging. The second set may be short and soft for cleaning. There is an optional cylindrical compartment on the handle for either mouthwash or a non-sugar reward for children.

Abstract: An applicator principally for use in the dental profession, for the placement of different materials in a post hole as may be required. The applicator includes an elongated handle having an applicating end portion formed as a brush and/or a flocked applicating end portion. The flock may extend from the distal end a predetermined longitudinal distance over an extended portion. The applicator is also provided with a hinging arrangement adjacent the opposed applicating end portions whereby the applicating end portions may be angularly bent relative to the elongated handle at the option of the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a polyalkenoate acid, such as polyacrylic acid or polymaleic acid, in the manufacture of an air abrasive agent for use in conditioning dental tissue, methods of using such air abrasive agents, dental compositions comprising a polyalkenoate acid, air abrasive agents comprising a polyalkenoate acid and at least one of a bioactive glass, a glycine salt, baking soda and alumina, methods of treatment and/or prophylaxis using an air abrasive agent comprising a polyalkenoate acid.

Abstract: A toothbrush and method of brushing the teeth of a user. The toothbrush comprises a toothbrush handle having one or more toothbrush heads movable with respect to the handle. There are bristles provided on the toothbrush head or heads and those bristles can be along a single plane or may be along a plurality of planes. The flexibility and movability between the toothbrush handle and the toothbrush head allows the user to brush the teeth in a smooth, even pattern across the teeth, that is, the toothbrush handle can be used to manipulate the toothbrush head from the rear of one side of the teeth to the rear of the other side of the teeth without removing the toothbrush head from the mouth of the user. As such, users with difficulty carrying out complex manipulation of the toothbrush handle can still fully brush the teeth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a strand-like profile body for dental cleaning, wherein the cross-section of the profile body comprises a bottom section (10) and first wall sections (12) and second wall sections (14), which adjoin the bottom section and are arranged opposite of each other, and wherein furthermore the bottom section (10) together with the first and second wall sections (12, 14) forms at least one recess (16, 18) in the profile body for receiving a tooth. The invention further relates to a method for the production thereof and the use thereof for cleaning teeth.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device having two toothbrushes connected or connectable to the end of a handle, the one or more toothbrushes providing a desirable fit about the teeth and/or gums and/or providing a desirable brushing action. An oral hygiene device hereof may provide for mechanically providing the brushing movements of the professionally recommended manual tooth-brushing method known as the “Bass” or “Modified Bass” technique to thus reduce or eliminate the element of human error associated with the brushing of a user's teeth and gums.

Abstract: Oral care treatments are provided, including multi-component oral care compositions and methods for delivering such compositions to the oral cavity. Oral care devices and systems for implementing such oral care treatments are also provided.

Abstract: A nozzle head (5) for a powder jet device (1), for use in applying dental material, comprises a first fluid flow path (8) for delivering a powder/fluid mixture to a first discharge nozzle (8A). A second fluid flow path (6) is provided for delivering a liquid to a second discharge nozzle (6A) located adjacent the first discharge nozzle (8A), so that the materials discharged by the first and second discharge nozzles combine at a desired location to form a dental composition. A nozzle-clearing member (10) is located inside the nozzle head and is movable to remove powder material from the first discharge nozzle when the flow of powder/fluid mixture to the nozzle ceases.

Abstract: A dental prophylactic paste having excellent flowability during the manufacturing process, minimal to no splattering during use, and remineralization characteristics is provided. The prophylactic paste includes at least one water soluble calcium salt; a water soluble phosphate salt, a water soluble silicate; and a moisture retention agent. The paste has a splatter rating of less than 3. The splatter rating of the paste refers to the tendency of the paste to splatter during a dental cleaning procedure. The lower the splatter rating, the less the paste has a tendency to splatter. A paste having a splatter rating of less than 3 is considered to have good handability.

Abstract: Tooth whitening compound includes a whitener and a carrier selected for adhering the carrier and whitening composition to a user's teeth. The whitening compound may be applied by the method including painting, washing, sponging, coating, daubing, spraying, wiping, rubbing, and by any movement relative to a horizontal or vertical axis of the user's tooth. The whitening compound may be sufficiently viscous to adhere to a user's teeth, in use, without a mechanical retaining device. The whitening compound may be a semi-solid or a solid compound at ambient temperatures.

Abstract: A method for providing a beneficial effect to an oral cavity of a mammal, the method including contacting a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity with a liquid effective for providing the beneficial effect to the oral cavity and providing reciprocation of the liquid over the plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity under conditions effective to provide the beneficial effect.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an oral hygiene device for use in cleaning the teeth as well as the interproximal spaces between the teeth, and methods of manufacturing and using same. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an oral hygiene device comprises a substantially rigid member having a dental cleaner on a first end and an interdental cleaner substantially terminating in an apex on a second end, the substantially rigid member being substantially free of filaments and bristles, and a coating material disposed on an outer surface of the dental cleaner, the coating material comprising at least an abradant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry type tooth whitening patch comprising peroxide as a tooth whitening agent. In particular, disclosed is a dry type tooth whitening patch in which a peroxide is contained, as a teeth whitening agent, in a matrix type adhesive layer. The adhesive layer includes, as a base polymer thereof, a hydrophilic glass polymer which provides a strong adhesion to teeth while releasing the tooth whitening agent when hydrated on the enamel layers of teeth in the moist oral cavity. The dry type patch according to the present invention is convenient in use, as compared to wet type patches. Further, it exhibits a superior adhesion while being maintained in a state attached to the teeth for a lengthened period of time so as to assure an enough contact time between the whitening agent in the patch and stains on the teeth, thereby giving a sufficient whitening effect.

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: A motorized toothbrush comprising a motor disposed within an interior chamber of a handle member. A drive shaft is in communication with the motor, its distal end having a drive gear thereon. A brush head is secured to the handle member, having three brush assemblies disposed therein, each brush assembly including a base gear disposed within the cover, and a bristle block disposed above the cover. Each of the base gears are engaged with the adjacent base gears of the other brush assemblies, and the drive gear is engaged with the first base gear. When the motor rotates the drive shaft, the first base gear rotates the first bristle block in a first direction, which causes counter-rotation of the second base gear and bristle block, which causes the third base gear and bristle block to rotate in the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides tooth-whitening compositions comprising a bleaching agent and a baste amino acid, together with devices for application thereof, and methods of use therefor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and a device for cleaning teeth wherein a variety of cleaning tools are coupled to a common handle section for the individual cleaning of teeth. It relates in particular to a handle section of an electric dental cleaning device, with a coupling section for coupling various cleaning tools thereto, as well as said cleaning tools. According to the invention the handle section detects a coding provided on the respective cleaning tool attached. In dependence upon the respective coding detected, various functions of the dental cleaning device are controlled.

Abstract: A powder and a powder mixture, respectively, preferably for powder blasting with a powder-jet device, said device mixing the powder or the powder mixture with air to a powder/air mixture, wherein said powder and powder mixture is an alditol or contains such alditol. Preferably, mannitol and/or erythritol are used; because of the anti-cariogenic effect, xylitol is also well suitable for the cleaning of tooth surfaces, especially of less strongly mineralized tooth surfaces like dentine.

Abstract: A device (10) for debridement of dental implants, which are arranged into bone tissue and are surrounded by gingiva of a jaw of a human being, has a debriding element (11) and an axle (12) with a fastener (13) for attachment to a rotational apparatus The debriding element (11) has at least one cleaning leg (20) with at least one cutting edge for engagement with the implant, the gingiva and/or the bone tissue According to a second embodiment the debriding element has several portions each having said cleaning leg (20) and the portions are connected to each other Said cleaning leg (20) has a free end (21) shaped as a hook (30) with a point (31), which is provided with said cutting edge The device (10) may have several cleaning legs (20), each provided with several cutting edges A method for cleaning and abrasion of dental implants and implant sites are provided, which uses the device (10) for abrasion and cleaning.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to compositions for whitening human teeth, and more particularly, to compositions that do not contain hydrocarbon humectants and which, when applied onto the surface of teeth act to whiten without damage to tooth surfaces. They do contain a hydrogel, defined as a gel that does not contain a hydrocarbon humectant. A hydrocarbon humectant is defined as a carbon, hydrogen and oxygen compound which is used to prevent the oral care composition from hardening upon exposure to air or a carbon, hydrogen and oxygen compound which is used as a carrier for ingredients of an oral care composition.

Abstract: A composition and method for treating periodontal infections and gingivitis includes an extract of Centipeda cunninghami, coenzyme Q10, aloe vera and folic acid. The composition also contains additional plant extracts and nutrients that are effective in cell reproduction, wound healing and provide antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. The composition is applied to the teeth and gums to inhibit bacterial growth and reduce inflammation of the gums.

Abstract: A tubeless toothpaste container includes a sheet of individual containers of toothpaste tubs. By pealing back or removing the lid on a particular tub, the toothpaste tub is exposed. Toothpaste may be applied to a toothbrush by rolling the brush element through the toothpaste to apply a desired amount of toothpaste without requiring squeezing a tube.

Abstract: An oral irrigator includes a base having a pump mechanism, a reservoir housed within the base and fluidically connected with the pump mechanism. A handle with a jet tip is connected with an outlet from the pump mechanism to receive a pressurized fluid stream from the reservoir to direct a fluid at a surface inside an oral cavity. The oral irrigator also includes a radiant energy source and delivery system for directing radiant energy at a surface inside an oral cavity.

Abstract: An electrospinning device is described for producing fibrous porous structures. The device is adapted for providing a predetermined distance profile for the distance between outlets of the electrospinning device and the receiving surface. The latter may be obtained by geometrically adapting the electrospinning device or by moving the outlets with respect to the receiving surface during growth of the fibrous structure. A fibrous structure obtained by the described electrospinning device is also described which comprises fibres, wherein the diameter of the fibres has a predetermined profile along a dimension of the electrospun fibrous structure. Furthermore application of the laminated structure for wound dressing and teeth bleaching is discussed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and a device for cleaning teeth wherein a variety of cleaning tools are coupled to a common handle section for the individual cleaning of teeth. It relates in particular to a handle section of an electric-dental cleaning device, with a coupling section for coupling various cleaning tools thereto, as well as said cleaning tools. According to the invention the handle section detects a coding provided on the respective cleaning tool attached. In dependence upon the respective coding detected, various functions of the dental cleaning device are controlled.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to toothbrushes and to methods of operating toothbrushes. In some embodiments, a method of operating a toothbrush includes measuring an actual cleaning time of a first teeth cleaning process, comparing the actual cleaning time of the first teeth cleaning process to a standard cleaning time, and determining a target cleaning time of a second, subsequent teeth cleaning process. In certain embodiments, the target cleaning time of the second teeth cleaning process is the standard cleaning time plus additional time when the actual cleaning time of the first cleaning process is less than the standard cleaning time.

Abstract: The present invention is dental tray for applying treatment gels to a person's teeth. The dental tray is sized and shaped to accommodate the dental arch of a person's oral cavity and is constructed from a temperature-dependent material such that the dental arch forms to the shape of the person's teeth profile at temperatures at or above that of the person's oral cavity. Once the dental tray is fitted to the person's specific teeth profile, a treatment gel is applied to the dental tray, the dental tray reinserted and the treatment gel applied to the person's teeth by contact therewith. In one embodiment of the present invention, the treatment gel is applied to the unformed dental tray such that the dental tray is fitted to the person's teeth profile simultaneous with the treatment thereof.

Abstract: An improved dental sanding strip for removing material between the teeth is provided. The dental sanding strip includes a lead portion extending from one end of the dental sanding strip to facilitate the insertion of the strip into the space between the teeth. The dental sanding strip is an elongated strip of film having a first end and a second end. The first end having an abrasive portion and the second end having a holding portion. A lead portion extends from the first end, the area having the abrasive portion. The lead portion is affixed to the first end in a suitable manner such as with adhesive or by heat welding. The first end of the dental sanding strip is tapered toward the lead portion providing a gradual transition from the lead portion to the full width dental sanding strip. The lead portion of the dental sanding strip is inserted between the teeth by first inserting a free end of the lead portion into the space between the teeth.

Abstract: A device and system for use in a root canal treatment, the device having a probe member and a handpiece for holding the elongate probe member, the probe member having an elongate distal portion capable of being accommodated in a root canal, said probe member comprising: at least one treatment channel having a distal opening in said elongate distal portion, said at least one treatment channel being configured for enabling operation of a suitable root canal treatment tool via said distal opening; at least one illumination channel comprising a first light guide having a first proximal end configured for optical coupling to a light source system, and a second distal end in said distal portion for illuminating internal regions of the root canal during operation of said device; at least one light collection channel comprising a second light guide having a first proximal end configured for optical coupling to an imaging system, and a second distal end located in said distal portion for collecting and transmitting li

Abstract: Methods for disinfecting and removing smear layer from prepared tooth surfaces are provided. The methods involve irrigating the tooth surface with a disinfectant solution containing doxycycline or tetracycline, a surfactant such as polysorbate, and organic acid such as citric acid. The methods can be used in various dental treatments including, for example, endodontic and periodontic procedures as well as tooth restoration and reconstruction.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of treating residual caries utilizing a matched laser and dye combination. After initial preparation and excavation of a caries site, a dye is flooded into the site which stains areas of residual caries. A laser with a complimentary wavelength is then used to ablate stained areas. Since healthy dental tissue will not receive the dye and allow staining, diseased tissue will be the only tissue that is stained, not only providing a visual indicator, but also providing a more efficient surface to receive laser energy and allow for more efficient ablation of the compromised tissue. According to the method, the dye may contain and enhancing, oxidizing compound or an anesthetic, and surrounding tissues may be protected by the use of substances opaque to the radiant energy. Indocyanine green has shown particular effectiveness as a dye in this and related methods.

Abstract: Dental compositions containing adjuvants are provided that have the capability of undergoing an increase in viscosity in response to an increase in temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions also have the ability to reverse their viscosity in response to a decrease in temperature.