Abstract: An integral, one-piece silanated particle impregnated gutta percha core/cone technique employs a thin layer of a luting agent, such as glass ionomer cement with a machined gutta percha core/cone, precisely matches the preparation, thereby reducing leakage and achieving a hermetic seal. The hermetic seal is further enhanced by a mono-block bond that occurs between the silanated particles in the gutta percha and the appropriate chemical sealant. Optional cryogenic treatment of the gutta percha material changes its molecular weight, making it stiffer and conducive to forming an integral, one piece core/cone, without the need for a separate carrier core to install the tapered gutta percha core/cone within the root canal. Additionally, the tapered body of the core/cone may be reticulated in a slightly three dimensional texturized framework to increase surface area and therefore increase retention. Optional line demarcation indicia are also placed on the core/cone.

Abstract: An integral, one-piece silanated particle impregnated gutta percha core/cone technique employs a thin layer of a luting agent, such as glass ionomer cement with a machined gutta percha core/cone, precisely matches the preparation, thereby reducing leakage and achieving a hermetic seal. The hermetic seal is further enhanced by a mono-block bond that occurs between the silanated particles in the gutta percha and the appropriate chemical sealant. Optional cryogenic treatment of the gutta percha material changes its molecular weight, making it stiffer and conducive to forming an integral, one piece core/cone, without the need for a separate carrier core to install the tapered gutta percha core/cone within the root canal. Additionally, the tapered body of the core/cone may be reticulated in a slightly three dimensional texturized framework to increase surface area and therefore increase retention. Optional line demarcation indicia are also placed on the core/cone.

Abstract: A device for performing endodontic procedures such as root canals by utilizing ultrasonic energy to debride the root canal space. The device includes a modified shaft assembly and a stainless steel hypodermic needle which concentrates the ultrasonic energy at the tip of the needle. The shaft assembly further includes a threaded housing for attaching the shaft assembly to an ultrasonic generator, an angled shaft attached to the threaded housing, and a hub attached to the end of the angled shaft opposite the threaded housing for reducing the diameter of the bore when the hub is tightened. The angled shaft further includes a bore passing through its length and an aperture passing through the outer wall of the shaft. The aperture is positioned near the larger of the two angles formed by the angled shaft and is oriented in the direction of the hub. The needle is inserted into the aperture and passes through the bore in the angled shaft until it exits the shaft through the hub.

Abstract: An endodontic obturator comprising a shaft section and a filler section fabricated of the same material and formed as a single unit. A handle section may be included and may be formed integrally with the shaft section and filler section as a single unit, or may be fabricated separately and attached to the single unit containing the shaft section and the filler section. An endodontic post is provided having a post section and a filler section fabricated of the same matrix material to provide a cohesive bond between the two sections.

Abstract: A root canal is cleaned in a manner that at least partially approximates the actual anatomy of the root canal. An endodontic file instrument is inserted into an exposed root canal, such as an asymmetric root canal, and then rotated and moved in a manner so as to have a plurality of centers of rotation. The file instrument may be moved from side to side and/or in a milling motion and/or using the contours of the root canal as a guide in order to remove substantially all of the pulp material, e.g., from the operative middle portion of the root canal. In this way, less of the surrounding dentin is removed compared to conventional methods. The file instrument may be rotated in a single direction, or it may have a reciprocating motion.

Abstract: A device, method and composition of matter for use in mobilizing a medicament into the dentinal wall of a tooth comprising depositing a charged substance within a cavity of a tooth and subjecting the substance to an electric charge.

Abstract: The present system for biomechanical endodontic preparation uses an electro-electronic piece of equipment commanded by software, based on the principle whereby the mechanical forces determining the fracture of the file are monitored by an electronic circuit of great precision to detect the existence of a force equal to or greater than the one determined by the system, and interrupt its operation prior to the actual risk of file fracture, developed to monitor the forces applied to the file being used, within the sequence of sectored cutting, as appropriate for the work, controlling the torque applied to said files, thus avoiding their rupture.

Abstract: Endodontic fibers comprising a biocompatible polymer vehicle permeable to medicaments, or combinations of medicaments are described. Such fibers can be used, for example, in a method for the local delivery and sustained release of medicaments to periodontal or intracanal treatment sites. Endodontic fibers described include modified periodontal fibers and intracanal fibers.

Abstract: A method for preventing infections during an endodontic procedure comprises removing pulp material from a pulp canal and inserting a temporary antibacterial material, such as a sponge or pellet, into the resulting pulp cavity. The antibacterial material comprises an absorbent material embedded with an antibacterial composition. Optional components that can also be embedded in the antibacterial material include hemostatic agents, colorants, and radiopaque materials. A temporary restoration is applied over the pulp canal and antibacterial material for a desired time period, after which the temporary restoration and antibacterial sponge are removed and a permanent filling is introduced into the root canal and a permanent restoration is attached to the tooth. Because temporary restorations often leak bacteria-laden saliva, the antibacterial sponge prevents infections arising from such bacteria while the temporary restoration is in place.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the application of materials to an interior space of a tooth, such as the extirpated pulp chamber and/or root canals of the tooth subsequent to root canal surgery. The device has one or more syringe-like pistons and associated chambers for drawing a vacuum within an extirpated pulp chamber and applying cleansing, sealing, and/or filler materials into the tooth under continued vacuum pressure to ensure complete and thorough application.

Abstract: A dental handpiece stably cutting a wall of a root canal without a fear of piercing a root opening. The dental handpiece includes a means for holding a tool cutting a tooth to be cured and a support for setting the cutting tool at a desired position relative to the tooth to be cured. The length of the support may be changeable by stages. The holding means may be formed of a head of the dental handpiece and a plurality of supports with different lengths may be removably mounted to the head. The support can stand on a head of the dental handpiece and the length from the head is changeable. The support is formed separately from the dental handpiece to be removable, and may have a stopper which abut with a tooth to be cured or an appropriate portion near the tooth.

Abstract: A complex root canal plugging apparatus for dental work, with a gun-type injection device and a pen-type vertical spreader connected to a single controller, is disclosed. The spreader consists of a body part, a power transmission part, a chucking part, and a plugger tip. The power transmission part consists of a first contact ring connected to the first electric wire, an insulating ring, a second contact ring. The plugger tip consists of a hollow mounting part inserted into the chuck, a hollow heating part extending from the mounting part while being tapered, with a heating member installed in the end of the heating part. A second electric wire is connected to the second contact ring, and axially extends through the heating part after passing through the mounting part while coming into contact with the upper portion of the heating member.

Abstract: A method of and device for testing for conditions, particularly moisture conditions, in root canals and for drying the root canal. In accordance with the method, a small pointed implement in the nature of a rolled piece of paper having pH indicator on the tip thereof is inserted into the root canal. The pH indictor, by change of color, will present information as to whether or not any moisture is present in the canal and, secondly, whether or not the moisture is a positive pH or negative pH.

Abstract: Instrument for the treatment of the apical portion of radicular dental canals, has a conical shaft (1) having at least one helicoidal working ridge. The active anterior portion (2) of the instrument is comprised of at least two successive cones whose opening (&bgr;,X) decreases from the anterior point (3) of the instrument in the direction of its active posterior portion.

Abstract: A method of filing an endodontically prepared root canal includes the steps of applying filler material to a distal portion of an elongated shaft formed of heat conducting material, inserting the proximal portion of the shaft having the filler material thereon into the root canal, heating the shaft to decrease the surface tension of the filler material and removing the shaft leaving the filler material in the root canal. An obturator system for practicing the method of filling an endodontically prepared root canal employs an elongated heat conductible shaft having proximal and distal portions with filler material on the distal portion, the distal portion of the shaft with the filler material thereon being insertable into a tooth root canal and a heat source serving to selectably heat the shaft allowing it to be removed while leaving the filler material in the root canal.

Abstract: A flexible endodontic syringe for use in performing root canal therapy on a tooth and that is particularly useful for irrigating a root canal possessing a non-linear central axis is presented. The instrument comprises an elongate shank or needle having an enclosed axial channel or lumen. The shank or needle possesses a flexibility sufficient to substantially traverse the entire length of a root canal. A method for irrigating a root canal is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for sealing a root canal using sealant or other filling materials. The compositions may include one or more resins that promote adhesion to hydrophilic dental tissues. The compositions are introduced into the root canal using a narrow cannula coupled to a high pressure hydraulic delivery device. In the case where a chemical cure composition is used to seal the root canal, a chemical initiator can be used to cause the mixed composition to harden over time. Hardening of at least a portion of the composition can be accelerated by including a photoinitiator and irratiating the mixed composition with radiant energy (e.g., from a dental curing lamp).

Abstract: To provide a root canal filling material remover that can remove a root canal filling material such as a gutta-percha point which is liable to remain in a root apex portion, or a sealer for root canal filling which is liable to enter into a dental pulp of a root canal wall and remain therein, after being removed during the re-treatment of a root canal, in a simple operation, without need of an excessive root canal enlargement operation as has been seen before, the root canal filling material remover contains at least one member selected from limonene, eucalyptus oil, chloroform and xylene, and a surfactant. Further, a polishing material may be added to the root canal filling remover.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electric drive device for medical applications, especially for driving drills, cutting instruments and screw drivers. Such endo-instruments have predetermined working rotation areas and comprise maximally permissible torque load limits according to the materials thereof. The drive device is equipped with a stepping motor in order to avoid exceeding the torque load limits. The stepping motor disconnects when the maximum torque limit of the stepping motor is fixed below the torque load limit of the instrument. In order to precisely set the torque load limit, a calibration is carried out within the limits of a no-load operation during which the efficiency of the driving shaft up to the instrument is detected, and with it, the value of the current is determined for a zero torque.

Abstract: A device for use in an endodontic treatment, for example for filling a root canal of a tooth that is empty as a consequence of the removal of the nerve, with a thermoplastic product such as gutta percha, which product is distributed in the root canal by means of heating and pressing. The device includes a housing that can be grasped by hand, a treatment element provided at one end of the housing, and a device for making the treatment element vibrate.

Abstract: In connection with insertion of a post into a root canal, a simultaneous curing of the tangible sealing ma1terial aggregate is accomplished. Gutta percha or other sealing material is removably attachable to the apical end of the post and heat or other energy is applied to the post, either before and/or after the post is inserted into the root canal of the tooth being treated, to plasticize and condense the tangible sealing material aggregate. The sealing material is removably integral with the post, or removably attached to the post. In other cases, the tangible sealing material aggregate is provided in a tapered tip and is attached to the bottom of the post without heat or other energy sources, or by condensation, and is therefore attached as an uncondensed single point fill. When placed in the root canal, the tangible sealing material aggregate tip is held in place by typical root canal cements, such as eugenol based cements, resin based cements and glass ionomer cements.

Abstract: An applicator system (2) which includes a fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) post (4) or anchor in its non-polymerized form including a resinous matrix and fibers, i.e., a prepreg (4); and an applicator tube (8). The inner diameter (dT) of the tube (8) is essentially the same or slightly larger than the outer diameter (DP/A) of the FRC post (4) in its non-polymerized form. The outer diameter (DT) end of the tube through which the FRC post is applied is essentially the same or slightly smaller that the coronal opening of the canal (6). The applicator system (2) may be used to prepare permanent or temporary root canal (6) posts, to make a tooth canal (6) filling and to make a post and/or anchorage system that forms a continuous FRC structure from the apex of the tooth to the coronal part of the tooth.

Abstract: An dental filling material comprising a thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer may be biodegradable. A bioactive substance may also be included in the filling material. The thermoplastic polymer acts as a matrix for the bioactive substance. The composition may include other polymeric resins, fillers, plasticizers and other additives typically used in dental materials. The filling material is used for the filing of root canals.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to root canal obturation in a tooth. In one embodiment, a plug is positioned in a root canal and bonded to the root canal by applying a light-curing adhesive to the canal and exposing the plug to a light source to bond the plug to the root canal. In another embodiment, a carrier is disclosed having an optically transmissive plug portion for insertion into the canal. In still another embodiment, the plug portion of the carrier includes an optical fiber to transmit light from a light source into the plug portion. In still yet another embodiment, a filler material is heated and injected into the root canal in a semi-liquid state and exposed to light to cure the adhesive.

Abstract: To dissolve a calcium hydroxide-based root canal filler having been carbonated and fixed within a root canal, which cannot be removed from the root canal by means of a reamer and a file, during doing the root canal treatment again, and to sterilize the root canal, the solubilizing agent of the carbonated calcium hydroxide-based root canal filler includes water containing 1 to 60% by weight of the whole of at least one acid selected from the group consisting of phosphoric acid, gluconic acid, fumaric acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, propionic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, citric acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, acetic acid, glycerophosphoric acid, and malonic acid; and 0.1 to 30% by weight of the whole of at least one sterilizing properties-imparting agent selected from the group consisting of an iodine preparation, a surfactant, a bactericide, hydrogen peroxide, and limonene.

Abstract: An apical portion of a root canal is cleaned with an abrading portion of a file that has a taper that is greater than 0.20. Once the apical portion has been cleaned with an abrading portion that is greater than 0.20, such as 0.25, then an endodontic point, such as a gutta percha point can be easily received in the apical portion of the root canal to seal the apex. It is optimal to utilize a set of instruments. All of the instruments may have files with abrading portions that are greater than 0.25. However, only the larger files need have such abrading portions since they are the last to be used when cleaning the apical portion.

Abstract: An endodontic filling material comprising a biodegrable thermoplastic polymer. A bioactive substance may also be included in the filling material. The thermoplastic polymer acts as a matrix for the bioactive substance. The composition may include other polymeric resins, fillers, plasticizers and other additives typically used in dental materials. The filling material is used for the filing of root canals.

Abstract: A method of treating gum disease provides for directing a stream comprising an oxidizing gas onto inflamed human gingiva for a period of time sufficient to kill microorganisms within said inflamed human tissue.

Abstract: A dental bonding formulation provides a single application step in which a chelating agent present within the formulation is capable of complexing ions present in a dentinal tubule calcified deposit. The formulation has a pH of between 1.2 and 4 to promote complexation without inducing excessive dentin etch. A curable resin is also present in the formulation to seal the underlying dentin surface.

Abstract: A calcium hydroxide-based root canal filling material having superior bioaffinity is provided, which is a temporary root canal filling material to be used in the root canal treatment of teeth, having such roles that, when filled temporarily in the root canal, it stays in an affected part during a predetermined period of time, thereby a root canal being prevented from staining by pathogenic bacteria or exudates, has corrosion resistance, and promotes the remedy of an apical abscess by wound of the root apex portion. The calcium hydroxide-based root canal filling material is comprised of 3 to 20% by weight of polyvinylpyrrolidone and/or polyvinyl methyl ether, 30 to 60% by weight of calcium hydroxide, and 35 to 60% by weight of water. Further, there is an embodiment in which from 5 to 20 parts by weight of at least one X-ray opacity medium selected from barium sulfate, zirconium oxide, bismuth subnitrate, bismuth trioxide, and bismuth carbonate and/or 0.

Abstract: A root canal is sequentially cleaned in sections from the crown to the apex by dividing it into three sections including an operative coronal portion, an operative middle portion and an apical portion. The pulp material is then sequentially removed from the portion of the root canal above the apical portion of the root canal with a set of instruments. The apical portion is then optionally cleaned with another set of instruments. Another optional set of instruments can also be used to improve the access into the apical portion such that irrigants can be delivered to the apical portion.

Abstract: An endodontic file comprising a conductive shank, and a generally non-conductive portion circumscribing the conductive shank and longitudinally extending along the conductive shank. A method for conducting an endodontic procedure comprising providing an endodontic file assembly having a conductive shank electrically engaged to an electronic device for furnishing current to the conductive shank. A generally non-conductive portion circumscribes the conductive shank. The conductive shank including the non-conductive portion passes into a root canal of a tooth for conducting an endodontic procedure.

Abstract: A paste formulation for dental use, a paste injector, and a system for detecting paste filling are disclosed. The paste formulation includes electric conductive material. The present invention also discloses the system for detecting paste filling comprising a paste injector containing electric conductive paste and an electric conductive member for electrically connecting the electric conductive paste to an external electrode, a current detector for detecting the current flowing through the electric conductive paste held in the container portion, and a current display device for indicating the current flowing through the electric conductive paste.

Abstract: A dental diagnostic system for analyzing tooth structure, restorative materials within a tooth structure, and disease states of a tooth includes an analyzer which may be attached to a variety of dental probes, dental drills, and instruments to afford adaptability to a variety of clinical situations in providing diagnostic information on the naturally occurring tooth structure, man-made materials placed or found within the tooth structure, diseased or otherwise affected, infected or effected tooth structure, as well as tooth structure that has been eroded, worn by attrition, abraded, abfracted, fractured, crazed, broken or otherwise compromised through patient use, misuse, fatigue or longevity of use; and a method of diagnosing using the system.

Abstract: The invention generally provides flocked files for debriding root canals during endodontic procedures. The flocked files comprise a shank with a periphery surface and fibers that are flocked or otherwise attached to the periphery surface. The periphery surface comprises at least one flocked surface segment over which the fibers are dispersed and may include at least one abrading surface segment that is suitable for abrading or scraping the walls of the root canal. The fibers may be composed of various materials and may comprise various textures, Deniers, lengths, and flexibility. The fibers abrade and loosen potential irritants in the root canal architecture, including the recessed regions and the accessory canals, without requiring unnecessary reshaping and removal of dentin from the root canal. The fibers also capture and carry loosened debris out from the root canal.

Abstract: A highly flexible instrument particularly useful in medical applications is elongated and formed of a plurality of flexible metallic strands, at least one strand being spirally wound and having a scraping edge thereon.

Abstract: A portable dental system and method is disclosed for cleaning endodontic files and the like during a operation such as a root canal procedure. This allows a dentist to clean files in situ while performing the removal of root material. As the file is withdrawn from the patients mouth by the dentist, it can be inserted into a sealed container through the lid and can be cleaned ultrasonically and immediately withdrawn and reinserted into a patients tooth canal for further removal of tooth and root material. Debridement of the files ensures less likelihood the file will break within the canal; furthermore, since no passing off to or cleaning the tip by an assistant is required, there is less likelihood of inadvertent skin puncturing and infection of the dentist or assistant. The sealed disposable container housing a cleaning fluid is insertably removable from the base, which supports it and provides a source of ultrasonic energy thereto.

Abstract: A gauge for use in measuring, or evaluating, conical root canal gutta percha inserts has a body and a plurality of measuring locations. The measuring locations include a chute having first and second ends bounded by first and second walls and a floor. The first and second walls are portions of planes which meet at a first angle and a first distance between the first and second walls at the first end is greater than a second distance between the first and second walls at the second end. A standardized gutta percha cone may be received in the measuring location by placing the gutta percha cone in the chute and pushing it toward the second end to evaluate the taper and apex diameter of the gutta percha cone.

Abstract: A rinsing cannula (1) to rinse a root canal (2) of a tooth (3) having a supply channel for rinsing fluid. A proximal end area of the rinsing cannula (1) is connected to or connectable to a syringe or similar fluid supply and has at least one inlet opening (6), and a distal end area of the rinsing cannula (1) that is insertable into the root canal (2) in its position of use has at least one outlet opening (7) for the rinsing fluid. The distal end area of the rinsing cannula (1) is formed of titanium or a titanium alloy for flexible adaptation of the end area to the shape of the root canal (2) when it is inserted.

Abstract: The invention relates to urethane prepolymers, obtainable by reaction of:

Abstract: A method of and device for testing for conditions, particularly moisture conditions, in root canals and for drying the root canal. In accordance with the method, a small pointed implement in the nature of a rolled piece of paper having pH indicator on the tip thereof is inserted into the root canal. The pH indictor, by change of color, will present information as to whether or not any moisture is present in the canal and, secondly, whether or not the moisture is a positive pH or negative pH.

Abstract: Endodontic sealant compositions and methods for sealing a root canal using sealant or other filling materials. The compositions include one or more resins that promote adhesion to hydrophilic dental tissues. Examples include alkyl methacrylates and derivatives thereof, such as alkylamino methacrylates and oxyphosphoro methacrylates. The compositions include a radio opacifying agent, so that they may be seen using X-rays, and one or more polymerization initiators to effect curing, typically both chemical and photo initiators to yield a dual cure sealant composition. The compositions are introduced into the root canal using a narrow cannula coupled to a high pressure hydraulic delivery device. Additional pressure may be applied to the sealant compositions using a syringe-like plunger introduced within a cylindrical access hole drilled through the crown of the tooth.

Abstract: An autoclavable needle assembly and method of making the same is provided for endodontic surgical procedures. The needle assembly includes a supporting hub member containing an adhesive in which one end of the needle is embedded. The surgical needle is preferably fabricated from NiTi alloy and includes, at its distal end, a side vent in the form of a skived portion extending a predetermined distance inwardly from the tip from the distal end of the needle. One or more coatings may be applied to the needle. An angle-adjustment sleeve can be bent to hold a desired angle in the needle.

Abstract: Endodontic sealant compositions and methods for sealing a root canal using sealant or other filling materials. The compositions include one or more resins that promote adhesion to hydrophilic dental tissues. Examples include alkyl methacrylates and derivatives thereof, such as alkylamino methacrylates and oxyphosphoro methacrylates. The compositions include a radio opacifying agent, so that they may be seen using X-rays, and one or more polymerization initiators to effect curing, at least one chemical initiator and, optionally, a photoinitiator, to yield a curable sealant composition. The compositions are introduced into the root canal using a narrow cannula coupled to a high pressure hydraulic delivery device. Additional pressure may be applied to the sealant compositions using a syringe-like plunger introduced within a cylindrical access hole drilled through the crown of the tooth. The chemical initiator causes the mixed composition to harden over time.

Abstract: A method of and device for testing for conditions, particularly moisture conditions, in root canals and for drying the root canal. In accordance with the method, a small pointed implement in the nature of a rolled piece of paper having pH indicator on the tip thereof is inserted into the root canal. The pH indictor, by change of color, will present information as to whether or not any moisture is present in the canal and, secondly, whether or not the moisture is a positive pH or negative pH.

Abstract: Process for devitalizing a tooth by transmission of a high-frequency electric pulse to the vascular and nervous tissue in the root canal by insertion in said canal of an electrode in the form of a needle (100), said pulse being generated by an electronic apparatus (10), values of power, time and frequency of said electric pulse being automatically regulated by the electronic apparatus in accordance with the control given by pressing one or another of four push buttons (30-33) one for each of the different types of teeth.

Abstract: To dissolve a calcium hydroxide-based root canal filler having been carbonated and fixed within a root canal, which cannot be removed from the root canal by means of a reamer and a file, during doing the root canal treatment again, and to sterilize the root canal, the solubilizing agent of the carbonated calcium hydroxide-based root canal filler includes water containing 1 to 60% by weight of the whole of at least one acid selected from the group consisting of phosphoric acid, gluconic acid, fumaric acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, propionic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, citric acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, acetic acid, glycerophosphoric acid, and malonic acid; and 0.1 to 30% by weight of the whole of at least one sterilizing properties-imparting agent selected from the group consisting of an iodine preparation, a surfactant, a bactericide, hydrogen peroxide, and limonene.

Abstract: Endodontic fibers comprising a biocompatible polymer vehicle permeable to medicaments, or combinations of medicaments are described. Such fibers can be used, for example, in a method for the local delivery and sustained release of medicaments to periodontal or intracanal treatment sites. Endodontic fibers described include modified periodontal fibers and intracanal fibers.

Abstract: An assembly for aspirating and irrigating an endodontic or other cavity. The assembly includes a handpiece having at least one fluid discharge inlet and a vacuum outlet. The assembly further includes a surgical needle connected to the handpiece by way of a L-shaped connector. The L-shaped connector is arranged to support the needle while concurrently providing communication between a fluid discharge tube and an aspiration tubing.

Abstract: A filling element for use in a root canal treatment, which treatment comprises the removal of the nerve from the root canal, machining the walls of the root canal and inserting a thermoplastic material in the root canal, which thermoplastic material is able when warm to adapt to the shape of the root canal such that no open spaces remain therein, comprises a support as well as a coating of the thermoplastic material on said support. The support comprises an element that can be electrically heated.