Abstract: Dental inserts for stopping or filling a cavity of a carious tooth treated by preparation. The inserts have a spherical or hemispherical shape and are matched to the particular drilling and plugging instruments.

Abstract: A dental restoration system includes a plurality of proximal inlays of differing sizes for selection by a dentist to fit a prepared tooth cavity. In addition, a plurality of occlusal inlays is provided for covering the prepared tooth cavity and abutting the proximal inlays. In combination therewith, a curable restorative resin is provided for securing the proximal inlay in a blocking relationship with the end of a prepared tooth cavity and for securing the occlusal inlay to a bottom of the prepared tooth cavity and to the proximal inlay. The method of the present invention provides for forming a prepared tooth cavity and the utilization of curable restorative resins for providing modular-occlusal-distal (MOD) or modular-occlusal (MO) dental restorations using a modular preformed proximal and occlusal inlays to provide the usual appearance of an original natural tooth.

Abstract: A method for fabrication of a restoration for a patient's dentition by pinhead molding comprising the steps of examining the patient's dentition, restoring gross areas of tooth loss, and restoring proper anatomy and contour of the dentition, forming a first optically correct impression of the dentition and scanning the first impression to provide a first data set, appropriately isolating and preparing the patient's dentition for the dental restoration, forming a second optically correct impression of the dentition and scanning the second impression to form a second data set, comparing the first and second data sets and deriving a third data set based upon the comparison, the third data set being descriptive of a restoration to be prepared, and forming the restoration by pinhead molding of a flowable composite material in accordance with the third data set. An apparatus is also described for fabrication of a restoration for a patient's dentition.

Abstract: A modified amalgam composition forming an adhesive bond with tooth structure treated with a dental adhesive. The modified amalgam can be prepared by admixing particulate additives into conventional amalgam alloy powder to form a modified alloy powder and then triturating the modified alloy powder with mercury. The modified amalgam when applied to a prepared tooth cavity that has been precoated with an acrylate- or methacrylate-functional dental adhesive results in an adhesive bond between the modified amalgam and coated tooth structure. Preferred particulate additives for the amalgam alloy powder are acrylate- or methacrylate-functional polymers, metal salts of acrylates or methacrylates, nonmetallic fillers, oxidizing agents and reducing agents.

Abstract: A method for desensitizing a hypersensitive tooth in a patient includes contacting exposed tubules with particles including a degradable material.

Abstract: A composition containing a water soluble or water swellable polyelectrolyte mixed salt in a dentifrice base or other oral compositions which can be used for relieving pain and discomfort caused by hypersensitive teeth.

Abstract: An applicator device for applying a dental compound to the surface of a tooth and its root. The applicator has an elongated handle formable or bendable to hold a desired shape. A shield extends from an end of the handle. The shield is shaped to facilitate application of the compound to the tooth surface. A thin, absorbent pad is affixed to a concave side of the shield. The pad is sufficiently thin that compound on the pad can be applied to the tooth and root surfaces without introducing the compound into the gingival margin.

Abstract: This invention provides for an acetabular cup and the manufacturing of an acetabular cup implant formed from a composite of polymer materials such that the articulating surface of the implant is 100% ultra high molecular weight poly ethylene (UHMWPE) and the bone engaging surface of the cup contains a significant amount of poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA). The cup would consist of at least two zones. Zone 1 forming the articulating surface and zone two extending from the zone 1 to the bone engaging surface. Preferably, the zone 1 would consist of UHMWPE and would extend a predetermined thickness from the articulating surface. Zone 2 would preferably consist of a mixture of UHMWPE and PMMA dry blended before molding. A third zone may abut zone 2 and consist of PMMA.

Abstract: A dental composition is produced from a dilatant silicone polymer composition by dispersing a bioactive component in the polymer composition. The dental composition is shaped and pressed against the teeth and gum surfaces and allowed to remain in place for a period of time sufficient to release the active component to the tooth and gums. The dilatant rheological properties enable the dental composition to be pushed under the gingival flap to remove food particles and treat tooth and gum surfaces below the gum line. The composition is sufficiently plastic to be easily removed from the teeth without pieces breaking and adhering to tooth surfaces.

Abstract: A double matrix band and technique for using the same is utilized in tooth repair to minimize interproximal spacing. The first portion of the matrix band is wrapped around the tooth adjacent to that being repaired, and the second portion of the band is then wrapped around the tooth to be repaired. Light permeable materials may be used for the matrix bands, thereby allowing tooth repair with light curable materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to diacrylates and dimethacrylates having cyclic carbonate groups, and their use in dental materials.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides novel and unique filler compositions and ceramic enhanced dental materials. The preferred embodiment of the filler composition and the ceramic dental restorative material is comprised of about 22% by weight alumina, about 78% by weight silica, about 2% by weight silicon carbide, and about 2.85% by weight boron nitride with less than 1% cristobalite contamination.

Abstract: A laser system for use in performing dental procedures is provided. The system includes a handpiece which is capable of being connected to a source of laser light, such as a fiber optic cable. The fiber optic capable carries laser light into the handpiece. For most of the purposes contemplated herein, the argon laser light is preferred. The handpiece includes a collimating lens such that the laser light is collimated and a collimated laser output exits said handpiece. Collimated laser light is found to be useful in initiating the curing of dental resin restorative materials. Also placed within the handpiece is a mirror for controlling the direction of laser light output from said handpiece and for directing the collimated laser light toward a dental work area. Finally, multiple detachable attachments are provided which are capable of being mounted on the exterior or at the proximal end of said handpiece for optionally modifying said collimated laser light output.

Abstract: A method for adhering amalgam to a dental surface comprising the steps of a) etching the dental surface with acid, b) applying a treatment composition comprising an aromatic sulfinate salt to the etched dental surface, c) applying a priming solution containing a film-former to the treated dental surface, d) applying a chemically curable dental adhesive to the primed dental surface, and e) applying amalgam to the adhesive-coated dental surface. The chemically curable adhesive comprises an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent. The oxidizing agent is present in an amount sufficient to interact with said aromatic sulfinate salt to achieve higher adhesion to the dental surface than a like method not comprising an aromatic sulfinate salt in the treatment composition.

Abstract: A prefabricated inlay (1) for restoring a tooth by application and fixation in a cavity prepared in the tooth and having essentially the same shape as the inlay part adapted for insertion, is provided with a pin (6) which projects from the inlay part not adapted for insertion and which is arranged to be received in an inlay holder. The whole inlay (1) is made of a material translucent to light that is suitable for curing a light-curing material used for fixing the inlay in the cavity. The inlay holder has a light source and a light guide having a tip (18) with a recess (19) for receiving the pin (6) of the inlay (1), such that the light generated by the light source can be guided through the light guide and the inlay (1) to the light-curing material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing artificial tooth veneer restorations for natural teeth composed of a ceramic core by pressing and sintering ceramic powder. The core is preferably manufactured from a high strength densely sintered ceramic material by copy milling from an impression of the prepared tooth surface to a compacted body, a presintered body or a sintered body. Alternatively, the core is manufactured by compacting the ceramic powder against a body, which surface is copy milled from a model of the prepared tooth surface. During the copy milling, the sintering shrinkage is considered by enlargement of that body. The tooth veneer restorations are given their final shape by shaping the external surface of the compacted, presintered or sintered ceramic body. After the final sintering, the external surface can be shaped before a veneer material is attached to the external surface of the core by firing of dental porcelain.

Abstract: The invention involves new compositions and methods of use and delivery of amorphous calcium compounds such as: amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), amorphous calcium phoshate fluoride (ACPF), amorphous calcium carbonate phosphate (ACCP), amorphous calcium carbonate phosphate fluoride (ACCPF), and amorphous calcium fluoride (ACF) for use in remineralizing and fluoridating teeth. These amorphous compounds or solutions which form the amorphous compounds, when applied either onto or into dental tissue prevent and/or repair dental weaknesses such as dental caries, exposed roots and dentin sensitivity. The compounds have the highest solubilities, fastest formation rates and fastest conversion rates (to apatite) among all the calcium phosphates under physiological conditions. Moreover, in the presence to fluoride the amorphous compound convert rapidly to fluoride containing apatite.

Abstract: Glassy coatings are made by curing in situ a coating of a sol gel of boron triethoxide, water, alcohol, and the alkoxides of: titanium and zirconium. A platey filler such as mica is present. The coating may be applied to teeth as a dental fissure sealant or varnish to protect restorations, or as an inherently coloured cosmetic coating, or as a prophylactic coating.

Abstract: A method for adhering non-amalgam dental restorative materials to a dental surface comprising the steps of a) etching the dental surface with acid, b) applying a treatment composition comprising an electron donor to the etched dental surface, c) applying a priming solution containing a film-former to the treated dental surface, d) applying a chemically curable dental adhesive to the primed dental surface, and e) applying non-amalgam dental restorative material to the adhesive-coated dental surface. The treatment composition comprises an electron donor compound selected such that the dental restorative has a higher Adhesive Shear Bond Strength than a like method without said electron donor compound.

Abstract: A method of ablating non-metallic dental material from a tooth comprises the steps of generating radiation pulses having a predetermined wavelength, energy level, pulse repetition rate, and duration, and applying the radiation pulses to the non-metallic dental material in a tooth, whereby the non-metallic dental material is ablated from the tooth. The radiation may be generated by a frequency tripled Nd:YAG, an Er:YAG laser or an Er:YsGG laser and may have a wavelength of about 355 nanometers, 2.94 micrometers, and 2.79 micrometers respectively, for example.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for priming or sealing dental or biological substrates for subsequent bonding. The primer is particularly useful for priming dentin of a tooth to prepare the dentin for bonding with a resinous material. The primer comprises a mixture of a polymerization initiator such as camphoroquinone and a polymerizable promoter such as methacrylic acid. Polymerizable promoters within the scope of the present invention have at least one ethylenically unsaturated group and at least one carboxylic acid group. The primer may further comprise a solvent such as ethanol, a natural resin such as Canadian balsam and a polymerizable resin such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). The primer can also be formed from a mixture of a polymerization initiator, a natural resin and a polymerizable resin.

Abstract: Disclosed here is a dental resin sheet that is attached onto the surface of a tooth or the veneering crown to form the surface of the tooth or the crown. The dental resin sheet is constructed of a plurality of resin layers laminated into a uniform thickness, and the resin layers correspond to the layered structure of the tooth, one for the cervical, another for the dentin and another for the incisal. By laminating the layers of different shading in inclination with respect to the surface of the sheet, a shade of a tooth is achieved. A single elongated continuous sheet may be cut to a plurality of pieces of sheet each of which matches the configuration of a tooth. A single sheet may be configured to be shaped to the surface configuration of a tooth.

Abstract: Glassy coatings are made by curing in situ a coating of a sol gel of tetraethoxysilicon, water, alcohol, and the alkoxides of: Al, Ti and Na; or of Na and Zr.The coating may be applied to teeth as a dental fissure sealant or varnish to protect restorations, or (if filled) as an inherently coloured cosmetic coating, or as a prophylactic coating.

Abstract: Glassy coatings are made by curing in situ a coating of a sol gel of tetraethoxysilicon, water and alcohol, filled with kaolinite or with flat plates (1-2 .mu.m.times.10-50 .mu.m) of mica, which may be colored by Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 /TiO.sub.2 coatings.The coating may be applied to teeth as a dental fissure sealant or varnish to protect restorations, or as an inherently colored cosmetic coating, or as a prophylactic coating.

Abstract: This invention involves methods and compositions for preparation of unstable carbonated calcium phosphate solutions, which are supersaturated with respect to calcium phosphate solids and carbon dioxide and the use of such solutions for the treatment of dental tissue and hyposalivation. Specifically the methods include mixing a stable alkaline carbonated solution containing carbonate with a stable acidic calcium solution, either or both solutions also containing phosphate to create an unstable carbonated solution with respect to calcium phosphate and carbon dioxide. Also, the methods include adding aqueous solution to the solids containing calcium salts, phosphate salts and carbonate salts to create an unstable carbonated solution supersaturated with respect to calcium phosphate solids and carbon dioxide. The methods further include using alkaline solutions to remove the acidic residue from dental tissue and maintain cariostatic conditions.

Abstract: A matrix segment of sufficient size to cover the interproximal area of a tooth restoration is shaped for patient comfort, easy application, and easy removal. The smooth tapered shape of the segment sides provides adequate tooth coverage and minimizes potential gingival laceration. An aperture is located in the segment so that it may be conveniently pulled away after use with a string-like material, such as dental floss.

Abstract: Dental compositions used in sealing pits and fissures in tooth enamel to aid in the prevention of dental caries are disclosed, along with methods for their use. The enamel is cleaned and prepared using conventional methods, etched with either aqueous phosphoric acid or citric acid, treated with a drying/priming agent containing either anhydrous ethyl alcohol or anhydrous acetone and the adduct of N(p-tolyl)glycine and glycidyl methacrylate ("NTG-GMA"), and sealed with a resinous sealing material which includes 2,2-bis(hydroxyphenyl)propane diglycidylmethacrylate.The sealing material may also include other additives such as filler materials, thinning agents, hydrophilic resins, and photoinitiators. The compositions may be adapted to be applied by means of a syringe delivery system.

Abstract: A method and product for improved ceramic fiber reinforced and/or filled thermoplastic and/or thermosetting resin systems utilizes ceramic fiber material which is first etched and then silanated using an organo-functional silane. The etching of the ceramic fiber may be performed utilizing hydrofluoric acid, acidulated phosphate fluoride or the equivalent thereof. The term ceramic fibers is used broadly to include all types of fibers which are made from substantially pure or pure silica, various silicates, metal oxides and other fibers, such as carbon, which are coated or provided with a silica treatment on their surface.

Abstract: An improved dental apparatus for curing actinic light curable composites, primers and adhesives, incorporating in a single unit an actinic light source with an inert gas manifold and apertures for providing an inert gas blanket layer in the immediate area of the focal point of the actinic curing light, thereby giving improved bonding strengths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transparent material based on addition-crosslinking polysiloxanes, which is used as occlusal print for molding side teeth composites.

Abstract: A process for making a ceramic inlay for filling a cavity in a tooth. A piece of metal foil is pressed into a depression in a jig, where the depression approximates the shape of the cavity; the pressed metal foil is annealed and the pressing and annealing steps are repeated until the foil has a concave depression roughly the same size and shape as the cavity. A ceramic layer is built up on the concave foil to form a ceramic inlay substantially reconstructing the tooth.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for adapting and implanting at least one dental porcelain chip (9) in a cavity (2, 3, 4). The cavity and each porcelain chip (9) are subjected to necessary etching, silanization, and application of a binder before implantation occurs. At first, a moulding (10a) is made of the cavity (2, 3, 4), whereupon the moulding (10a) is fastened to the porcelain chip (9). Then the porcelain chip is contour worked to substantially the same shape as the moulding (10a), and the formed chip (9c) is placed in the cavity and fastened by means of a binder to the original tooth (1).

Abstract: A modified metal matrix band includes a plastic member and a metal member. The matrix band 10 includes a first plastic member 12 operatively connected to a metal member 11. In another embodiment, the matrix band 20 includes a plastic member 23 operatively connected at one end to a first metal member 21 and at its other end to a second metal member 22. The metal members are for inserting between contact points of adjacent teeth, while the plastic member is adjacent the prepared cavity area to be filled.

Abstract: A dental composition is produced from a dilatant silicone polymer composition by dispersing a bioactive component in the polymer composition. The dental composition is shaped and pressed against the teeth and gum surfaces and allowed to remain in place for a period of time sufficient to release the active component to the tooth and gums. The dilatant rheological properties enable the dental composition to be pushed under the gingival flap to remove food particles and treat tooth and gum surfaces below the gum line. The composition is sufficiently plastic to be easily removed from the teeth without pieces breaking and adhering to tooth surfaces.

Abstract: Adhesive component formulations containing (meth)acrylic acid esters, containing formamide groups, and optionally an initiator, which are used as an adhesive component for the treatment of collagen-containing materials.

Abstract: A dental laser assembly is disclosed for use in eradicating carious lesions in teeth, the treatment of sensitive teeth, as well as the removal of soft tissue, the incising of the frenum, opurculum, anesthesia of the tooth, etching enamel for restorations or orthodontic appliance fixation, the welding of fixed prosthesis, removal of bacterial flora periodontal pockets, removal and/or vaporization of healthy or necrotic pulp, the vertical and/or horizontal condensation of gutta percha or any other root canal sealant, the cauterization of blood vessels in the oral cavity, vaporizing bone tissue, removing tartar, apical fusion of foramina, enlarging and shaping root canal, removing carbon from surface of teeth, removal of enamel, bleaching teeth, etching dentin, separating orthodontic brackets, merging hydroxyapatite to bone and enamel, amalgam removal and undercutting of carious and/or healthy dentin and/or cementum. The laser assembly includes a housing having a cavity in which a pulsed laser is contained.

Abstract: A metal composite and method for filling a dental cavity independent of cavity size. The dental metal composite comprises high-fusing temperature particles, low-fusing temperature particles, and a wax binder, and is inserted into the cavity to replicate the cavity, removed for heat treatment, densified, and reinserted to complete the filling operation.

Abstract: A method for desensitizing teeth includes applying an effective amount of charged polymeric particles to the surface of the tooth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivery of highly filled, thixotropic resin sealant to tooth surfaces. The apparatus includes a dispenser for holding a quantity of the sealant material and a delivery tip having adjustable bristles at one end. The bristles are slidably secured in a spiral passageway formed by a helical ridge inside the delivery tip, thereby allowing the sealant material to be continuously applied without the need to stop the procedure and rewet the applicator. The applicator permits accurate control of the amount of sealant material applied to the surface. In this way, the surface receives neither an excessive nor an insufficient amount of the sealant material. Moreover, the bristles may be pushed in to permit the sealant material to be applied to a small, irregular surface, such as pits and fissures, or pulled out to permit the bristles to fan out for application to broad surface areas.

Abstract: A composition for endodontically treating a root canal is provided. The composition uses a thermoset resin based material adapted for insertion into the root canal of a dental patient and an adhesive material suitable for maintaining the polymer based material in the root canal. Either one or both of the thermoset resin based material and the adhesive material is conductive. As a result, the dental practitioner is able to determine where the apex of the root canal is located by means of measuring the conductance between the thermoset resin based material and the oral mucosa and periodontal ligament. This facilitates the filling of the root canal with the polymer based material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial onlay tooth crowns or inlays composed of a prefabricated core designed for preparations for onlay tooth crowns or inlays in natural teeth. The core is preferably fabricated from a high strength densely sintered ceramic material by copy milling from a negative reproduction from the prepared cavity to a compacted body or a presintered ceramic material. During the copy milling, the sintering shrinkage is considered by enlargement of the copy milled compacted body or the presintered body corresponding to the sintering shrinkage. The onlay tooth crowns and inlays are given the final shape by shaping the surfaces outside the cavity of the compacted or the presintered body. After the final sintering, the external surface can be shaped and a veneer material attached to the external surface of the core by, e.g., firing of dental porcelain.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a dental adhesive comprising glyceryl mono(meth)acrylate and a polymerizable monomer having at least one olefinic double bond and capable of copolymerizing with said glyceryl mono(meth)acrylate is provided.

Abstract: Bioadhesive pharmaceutical carrier consisting essentially of a polymer blend of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and xanthan gum or sodium alginate. The invention also provides for a method of control releasing a pharmaceutical active comprising incorporating an active into the bioadhesive pharmaceutical carrier. The invention is particularly adaptable for oral use and teething gels.

Abstract: A dental bonding arrangement for use in attaching a dental prosthesis onto a dental surface. The bonding arrangement includes a self-supporting, semi-rigid layer of adhesive material positioned between a pair of opposing backing sheets. The adhesive material is of sufficient viscosity to permit contouring of the adhesive along the dental surface, and yet of sufficient rigidity to maintain itself erect on the dental surface without flowing. The backing sheets are selectively removed to initially place the adhesive film on the dental surface and, after being positioned, removing the opposing backing sheet and then placing of the dental prosthesis. The particular dental prosthesis can be a porcelain inlay, a dental bracket, or the like.

Abstract: A method of preventing or decreasing the emission of mercury vapor in the mouth, from a mercury amalgam filling, comprising contacting the amalgam filling with an oral composition containing sulfur in an amount sufficient to reduce or eliminate the emission of mercury or mercury vapor. The oral composition may be in the form of a toothpaste, chewing gum, mouthwash water, mouth spray, or the like.

Abstract: Lenses coated with a UV light absorbing coating and a blue light absorbing coating protect the eyes of a dental practitioner from harmful radiation emitted by a light source used during dental curing procedures. The lenses include a clear portion which allows the wearer to view the treated area without a loss of contrast encountered when the treated area is viewed through the portion of the lenses provided with the blue light absorbing coating.

Abstract: A method for preventing mercury released from amalgam dental fillings from passing into and adversely effecting the body by the use of sulfur in effective amounts. A protective layer may be formed over hardened amalgam surfaces by brushing a tooth surface with a toothpaste composition containing sulfur. Alternatively, surfaces of a tooth cavity can be coated with a lining composition containing sulfur, and the dental amalgam may then inserted into the lined cavity to form dental restorations of improved corrosion resistance. Also, sulfur may be incorporated into setting compositions comprising a dental amalgam alloy composed mainly of silver and tin, and including mercury in an amount sufficient to amalgamate said alloy.

Abstract: A dental undercut application device for producing an undercut on the surface of a tooth for securing a dental appliance. The application device contains an undercut or applique with a curved front side for engagement with the surface of the tooth and a stem on the back side attached to a locator tab. The locator tab can be grasped when applying the adhesive to the front side of the undercut and for locating the undercut on the surface of the tooth while the adhesive cures. When the undercut is secured to the tooth, the stem is cut and the tab removed. The back side of the undercut may then be smoothed to match the contour of the tooth. Clasps on removable orthodontic appliances or removable partial dentures engage with the undercut to retain the dental appliance or denture in the patient's mouth.

Abstract: Laser radiation having a selected wavelength and in the form of pulses having a selected pulse duration, repetition rate and energy content per pulse, is employed for performing a variety of dental and medical procedures, including cutting of enamel, dentin, cementum, dental root material, bone and metal. Cavities and openings in teeth and bones can be filled with a mixture containing hydroxyapatite and phosphoric acid, mixed together to form a paste, and the resulting mixture, after being introduced into the opening or cavity, can be cured and hardened by application of pulses of defocused laser radiation.

Abstract: A thermoplastic optical fiber for use in treatments requiring filling of openings, recesses, passages, or crevices in mineralized physiologic tissue, the fiber having at least a portion composed of at least one ingredient which is capable of being placed in a flowable state when heated by application of selected laser radiation, is physiologically compatible with the mineralized physiologic tissue and bonds with the mineralized tissue.