Abstract: A rotatable file dental treating device (1) driven by a motor (2) includes elements (3, 18) for determining a root-canal position instruction related to a tooth apex, elements (4) for stopping the motor according the file (1) position with respect to the position instruction and first members (5, 6) for measuring and calculating the canal length (L) remaining between the file and the position instruction. The device includes second members (7, 7a, 7b) for calculating a value (D) derived from the remaining canal length and third members (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e) for combining the derived value and the remaining canal length and the combination of the derived value. The canal length produced by the calculating elements (6, 7, 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e) controls the motor turn-off in such a way that the rotation of the file is stopped in anticipation of the position instruction.

Abstract: This invention is an improved method and intra-oral device for smoking cessation or alcohol cessation. Specifically, this method requires the use of an intra-oral device comprised of a carbon monoxide sensor, ethanol sensor, sensor supervising and signal processing circuit, power source, electrodes, mounting element. The intra-oral device is used in association with the molar tooth via the mounting element which provides affixation to the device. During the process of smoking, the carbon monoxide sensor of the intra-oral device detects the threshold of carbon monoxide in the smoke entering the mouth. The sensor supervising and signal processing circuit is set into an activation mode, which triggers an electrical stimulation of the neck of the tooth via two electrodes of the device. During the process of alcohol consumption, the ethanol sensor of the intra-oral device detects the threshold of ethanol in the mouth.

Abstract: A handpiece for measuring root canal length having an outer sleeve that is substantially non-insulating, a connecting device, an instrument carrier, at least one transmission element within the outer sleeve, a length measuring circuit portion, a contact portion and an insulating portion. The instrument carrier is configured to receive a dental instrument. The transmission element transmits force to move the instrument carrier so that a dental instrument received in the instrument carrier executes a rotating, reciprocating and/or vibrating working movement. The length measuring circuit portion is disposed inside the handpiece and operable to transmit measuring signals for measuring length. The contact portion is operable to establish a conductive path between the dental instrument serving as an electrode and the length measuring circuit portion.

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

Abstract: A device such as a dental cuspidor or a dental delivery unit, with an electric field sensor, control circuitry, and a solenoid. The control circuitry is in electronic communication with the electric field sensor, and the solenoid is in electronic communication with the control circuitry. The electric field sensor has capacitive sensing and is operable to detect a change in capacitance. The control circuitry is operable to receive a signal from the electric field sensor indicative of a detected change in capacitance. The control circuitry is operable to actuate the solenoid in response to receiving the signal from the electric field sensor. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining the preload in a dental implant system. The preload is determined by transmitting a sonic impulse, which is preferably an ultrasonic impulse, at a predetermined frequency to the head of the implant screw through a transducer, which may be incorporated into the head of the screw, the head of a wand which generates the sonic impulse, or the transducer and pulse-generating instrumentation may be incorporated into a torque generating instrument used to tighten the screw. The preload is determined by measuring the delay between the first and second reflections through the preloaded screw to determine a preload value and comparing that value with a pre-established baseline value for the screw, and comparing the difference with a predetermined table of values to determine the preload on the screw.

Abstract: The discovery of a new coefficient named “Radicular Spectral Attenuation Coefficient-RSAC”, applicable in electronic foramen locators is described. The novelty is the use of the spectral attenuation of a multifrequency electrical current signal, applied through the endodontic file into the tooth canal (TC), to determine the root length and the foramen position. FIG. (2): (2.1), (2.4), (2.8) and (2.2), (2.5), (2.9) are the amplitude and frequency axes, respectively; (2.3) is the electrical current frequency spectrum applied into the TC; (2.6) shows the spectrum exponential decay (2.7) of the signal measured over the TC. In (2.10) the axes (2.4) and (2.5) were logaritmized to linearize the exponential decay. The RSAC is the average inclination of the line (2.11), which is proportional to the distance between the tip of the endodontic file and the apical foramen. The RSAC changes as the tip of the file gets near the foramen.

Abstract: A light-weight, portable photocuring device possesses a single light emitting diode (LED). The single LED backed with a heat sink is driven by a driving circuit and controlled by a timing circuit. A temperature monitor can be included in a closed loop to feed back and control the driver. Lenses and/or light guides in the device act to further direct the light.

Abstract: An oral device for improving airway patency comprises a tongue constraint and a negative pressure source. The tongue constraint engages the patient's tongue to maintain a clear region below the palate in an oral cavity. By applying a negative pressure in the clear region, an airway behind the soft palate or tongue of the patient can be maintained. The tongue constraint is usually connected to an anchor. The anchor may be held between the patient's teeth or may engage the inferior surface of the palate. Another oral device for improving airway patency comprises a lateral tongue structure and a negative pressure source.

Abstract: An electronic device for locating the apex of a root canal within a tooth of a dental patient has a display screen on a display component to provide an image indicating when the apex of a root canal has been located. A free end of a first electrical lead is provided for placement within the root canal or in contact with an electrically conductive tool within the root canal. A free end of a second electrical lead is used to establishing a ground on a conductive portion of the dental patient such as a tissue surface within the mouth. The opposite ends of each of the leads is connected to the display component. Removeably attached to the display component is a lead carrier. The detachable lead carrier and the leads mounted thereon can be sterilized as a unit and then attached to the display component, which is bagged in a sterile barrier, for performing the apex locating procedure.

Abstract: A handpiece for measuring root canal length comprises an outer sleeve that is substantially non-insulating, a connecting device, an instrument carrier, at least one transmission element within the outer sleeve, a length measuring circuit portion, a contact portion and an insulating portion. The instrument carrier is configured to receive a dental instrument. The transmission element transmits force to move the instrument carrier so that a dental instrument received in the instrument carrier executes a rotating, reciprocating and/or vibrating working movement. The length measuring circuit portion is disposed inside the handpiece and operable to transmit measuring signals for measuring length. The contact portion is operable to establish a conductive path between the dental instrument serving as an electrode and the length measuring circuit portion.

Abstract: A dental handpiece is provided with a collar that moves along an outer surface of the handpiece. A contact is secured to the collar. The collar interfaces with an electrical circuit that extends within the dental handpiece. The contact is removable from the collar and the contact defines an electrical connection between a cutting tool used with the dental handpiece and the electrical circuit that extends within the dental handpiece.

Abstract: A handpiece for measuring root canal length comprises an outer sleeve that is substantially non-insulating, a connecting device, an instrument carrier, at least one transmission element within the outer sleeve, a length measuring circuit portion, a contact portion and an insulating portion. The instrument carrier is configured to receive a dental instrument. The transmission element transmits force to move the instrument carrier so that a dental instrument received in the instrument carrier executes a rotating, reciprocating and/or vibrating working movement. The length measuring circuit portion is disposed inside the handpiece and operable to transmit measuring signals for measuring length. The contact portion is operable to establish a conductive path between the dental instrument serving as an electrode and the length measuring circuit portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an accessory for an apex locating apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a fitting (16) held with the aid of electrically conducting fastening means (20, 50) to the tooth to be treated or to a neighbouring tooth (14) and which comprises first means (36, 54) for wire-based electrical connection (44) between the apex locating apparatus (2) and the endodonty tool (46), and second means (28, 52) for wire-based electrical connection (34) between said apparatus (2) and the patient. The invention also relates to such an accessory characterized in that it comprises means for wireless electrical connection between said fitting and said apex locating apparatus.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system (1) for managing rotary cutting tools (2,2a,2b. . . ) mounted on a motor-driven appliance (7) receiving and driving the rotary cutting tools designed to manage dentist's files comprising mainly: first identifying means (6, 8) for identifying the cutting tools, means for recording (8) reference data of each cutting tool identified by the first identifying means (6,8), means (9a, 9b) for transmitting preprogrammed values of the cutting tool to the motor-driven appliance (7), means (9a, 9b) for transmitting measurements of the operating conditions of the cutting tools from the motor-driven appliance (7) to recording means (8), means for evaluating the fatigue of the cutting tools, a computing device (12) adapted to compute a fatigue level of the cutting tools based on the reference data recording means (8) and the evaluating means.

Abstract: In the case of a treatment device, in particular a dental treatment instrument, having a tool, such as a dental drill, driven by a drive unit, and a conduit for delivery of a cooling medium to a treatment site worked by the tool, the quantity of the cooling medium delivered to the treatment site is dependent upon the removal power of the tool or upon the torque exercised by the tool.

Abstract: A water spray intensity system for providing water to a dental workpiece based on dynamic conditions experienced by the handpiece. The dental workpiece is a dental structure, typically in the mouth of a patient. A periodic function of the handpiece may include a motion such as a periodic motion of a tool of the handpiece, the speed of the rotating tip or some measurable parameter such as the torque experienced by a rotating tip assembled to the handpiece. Instead of providing water at a constant flow rate, the periodic function of the handpiece, such as torque or tip speed, is made by measuring a parameter associated with the handpiece. The water spray intensity system then automatically adjusts the flow of water from the handpiece based on the sensed parameter or periodic function to improve cutting efficiency.

Abstract: Apparatus for dental treatment includes a base, a treatment unit, and a connecting piece. The treatment unit has one or more treatment instruments and one or more lines for the supply of water, air and electricity. The connecting piece is placed in between the base and the treatment unit. The treatment unit can be disconnected from and connected to the base by using the connecting piece.

Abstract: A light meter for detecting two or more different wavelengths of light and methods for determining whether a light source configured to emit light at two or more dominant wavelengths is working properly. The inventive light meter includes a housing, two or more receiving means for receiving light energy emitted by an external light source wherein each receiving means is configured to receive light energy of a desired wavelength, detecting means for detecting and measuring light energy received by the receiving means, and display means for providing a visual indication of the existence and intensity of one or more wavelengths of light energy received by the receiving means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical or dental-medical instrument (2) having a memory element (10p) for identification and/or operational parameter data. IN order to extend the range of possible applications of the instrument, the memory element (10p) is constituted for the overwriting of the data by other data.

Abstract: A gauge for connecting with a power tool and providing a system for determining structural factors of a workpiece to be operated upon by the power tool is provided by the present invention. The gauge including a probe connected with a sensor via a spring, wherein contact by the probe with the workpiece allows a reading by the sensor which may be utilized to determine the proper operational settings of the power tool based on the determined structural factors of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method and device for identification of surgical instruments, in particular of dental instruments, uses a stationary geometric arrangement of instrument holders and a suitable positional allocation of the instruments to these holders. The holders are provided in an arrangement of raster modules which cooperate with a base unit, only a single raster module being accessible in each case for removal and fitting of instruments.

Abstract: A method for measuring arch wires. A guide wire is provided, having at one end an exposed length of wire and a stop. The exposed length of wire may be inserted into a buccal tube, up to the stop. At least a portion of the guide wire may then be inserted into brackets, at least to a point proximate a midpoint of the patient's teeth. The midpoint may be marked on the guide wire, for example by clamping. The guide wire may then be removed, and compared to an arch wire. The arch wire may then be cut to length, outside of the patient's mouth, and thereafter installed in the conventional manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental head unit capable of measuring a root canal length of a patient. The head unit includes a head section having a sleeve rotatably supported therein for detachably holding a cutting tool therein, a neck section extending proximally from the head section and having a proximal end for connecting to a handpiece body, a contact capable of detachably contacting the cutting tool for providing electric connection to the cutting tool when in contact, and a contact holder fixed to a proximal end of the contact and axially slidable with respect to the neck section. The contact holder has a lead attachment to which a lead for electrically connecting the contact to a root canal length measuring device is detachably attached. The present invention also relates to a contact holder assembly including the contact and the contact holder.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program product correlates measured endodontic signals to stored distance values indicative of probe position within a root canal. An appropriate distance value is retrieved from a memory having a plurality of electrical signal measurements and other information stored in associative relationship with respective distance values.

Abstract: A system for establishing a cumulative history of stress factors encountered during use of an endodontic file and keeping track of such for a plurality of files so that the files can be re-used with confidence that a given file is as safe to use as a new file. Cost of file maintenance is significantly reduced and the likelihood of file breakage in use is minimized.

Abstract: A dental equipment for cutting teeth, forming root canals and so on. The dental apparatus includes: an actuator for actuating a cutting tool; a load sensor for sensing a load worked in the cutting tool; and a load indicator for making an operator know the load sensed by the load sensor visually, aurally and/or tactily.

Abstract: This invention modifies hand root canal files used in dentistry by placing metallic contact areas on the plastic handle. This change makes using electronic apex locators to determine the length of the root canal much faster and easier.

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: An apical foramen locator that a dental or medical practitioner can use to quickly and accurately identify the location of a patient's apical foramen during a dental/medical procedure is provided. The apical foramen locator determines the location of the apical foramen relative to a tool inserted into the patient's tooth by sensing an impedance—typically the voltage across two electrodes—and a stimulus voltage, and retrieving from an impedance map apical foramen location data that corresponds to the sensed impedance. The apical foramen locator can include a power circuit operable to apply a stimulus voltage across two electrodes and a reference resistor, an impedance-sensing circuit operable to read the stimulus voltage, a first voltage across the electrodes and a second voltage across the reference resistor and a processing component operable to derive first and second voltage indices from the stimulus, first and second voltages.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting biofilm in the water conduits of dental units, especially biofilm adhering to the inside surfaces of the conduits, can be used on a water line equipped with a plurality of conduits for supplying fluids to handpieces and fluid consuming units that use fluid from a main supply or accessory fluids from corresponding independent lines. A portion of one of the conduits is equipped with a system for detecting the presence of the biofilm on the surfaces of the portion itself. The invention also relates to a method for detecting the biofilm. The method comprises the steps of contacting the biofilm attached to surfaces with a reagent substance or fluid; altering the biofilm by the reagent substance or fluid; and detecting the alteration that has taken place in the biofilm using the detecting system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising a mechanism for indicating a value representing current fatigue and devices for modifying the value based on parameters related to the use of the odontological instrument. In a particular embodiment, the devices indicating the fatigue value comprises a washer (16) connected to the instrument and provided with a certain predetermined number of detachable elements or pre-perforations (17). Depending on the use of the instrument, for example, its diameter, its taper ratio, the curve of the dental canal to be excavated and the duration of the operation, a certain number of detachable elements are removed or a certain number of pre-perforations are perforated (17′). When the number of detachable elements or the number of pre-perforations (17) remaining on the device is less than the number of elements to be detached or perforated on the basis of the predetermined operational parameters, the odontological instrument should no longer be used.

Abstract: A drill bit penetration measurement system and method for determining a depth of penetration of a rotating drill bit in a bore. A first sensor outputs a first signal representative of a displacement of the leading edge of the drill bit in the bore. A second sensor outputs a second signal representative of a force applied to the leading edge of the drill bit. A processor outputs a third signal representative of the depth of penetration of the leading edge of the drill bit when the leading edge of the drill bit passes from a first medium having a first density to a second medium having a second density. The third signal is based on the first and second signals.

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 light-weight, portable photocuring device possesses a single light emitting diode (LED). The single LED backed with a heat sink is driven by a driving circuit and controlled by a timing circuit. A temperature monitor can be included in a closed loop to feed back and control the driver. Lenses and/or light guides in the device act to further direct the light.

Abstract: An endodontic file having an electrically conductive stem with a bottom-cutting portion and a top head for electrically connecting to an instrument to measure the internal cavity of the tooth. A handle is mounted to the head. The middle stem portion of the stem has a surrounding insulating medium.

Abstract: In order to control a dental device having at least one treatment instrument (1), a central control device and a display unit (2), the device has additional means (4, 5, 6) for detecting the spatial position of the treatment instrument (1). In a control mode, the detected spatial position of the treatment instrument (1) is converted by the control device into coordinates for controlling and operating a pointer (3) on the display unit (2). The treatment instrument (1) is thus also used as an input instrument, its method of functioning being similar to that of a computer mouse.

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: A distributed intelligence system for controlling a plurality of groups and equipment for use in dentistry is disclosed wherein the system comprises four separate micro controllers; each micro controller contains its own predetermined routines and a first micro controller being located within control circuitry wherein the control circuitry generates control signals for a first group of tools or equipment, a second micro controller being located within foot switches wherein the foot switches generate control signals for a second group of tools or equipment, a third micro controller located within a control console wherein the control console generates control signals for a third group of tools or equipment and a forth micro controller being located within a power supply wherein the power supply generates control signals for a forth group of tools or equipment. The micro controllers are all interconnected by a wire cable and communicate with one another using a serial communication bus protocol.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging means (10) suitable for recording images from the teeth and the mouth region. The imaging means (10) comprise an image-recording device such as a video camera, the optical components of an object illumination system, an instrument connection cable and a connector. The invention further concerns a dental unit (30) having one or more instrument connectors (C) onto which the control system of said dental unit (30) switches the physical variables required for the use of the instrument attached to said instrument connector. The invention also concerns a method of connecting an imaging means to a dental unit.

Abstract: A process for the fabrication of indirect dental restoratives includes the making of a first, pre-operative impression of a tooth to be restored using a first polyvinyl silicone (PVS) material disposed in a clear tray, followed by the preparation of the tooth. A second, final post-operative impression of the tooth is taken utilizing a second PVS material. A tooth model is then made by pouring a low viscosity and suitably rigid, third PVS material into the final impression. Prior to the complete setting of the low viscosity PVS material, a higher viscosity, fourth PVS material is applied onto the model PVS material to form a completed model with base. The model is then fitted into the pre-operative impression matrix made from the first PVS material. Layers of composite are packed onto the impression in the clear matrix.

Abstract: A dental apparatus has a display and an actuating device for selecting and activating operating programs for operating the dental apparatus. The display has a tooth schematic that is divided into indicator fields. The indicator fields may be distributed over a plurality of teeth so that each indicator field represents one tooth or may be used to indicate certain locations of an individual tooth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preparation unit for tubeless and cordless dental treatment appliances such as handpieces or the like which comprise at least one charging device that is connected to a pressure source for flowable media in order to charge the treatment appliances.

Abstract: A system for use in skill acquisition, transfers and verification for performer has a simulated object, i.e., simulated head, to which the performer would perform clinical procedure. An image pickup, e.g., CCD camera, picks up an image of a point indicator provided on the performer or an instrument. Using the picked-up image, an image signal corresponding to the picked-up image is made. An image processor processes the image signal and generates data for showing a movement or tracks of the point indicator on a two-dimensional coordinate system. Thereby, a display shows tracks of the point indicator by using coordinate data.

Abstract: An electrical impedance probe is provided that includes a surgical needle. In an exemplary embodiment, the probe is a two-part trocar needle designed to acquire impedance measurements at its tip. The impedance measurements are representative of the local properties of a biological substance at the needle tip. Thus, the probe may be used to confirm needle insertion into a desired anatomical target or to identify the nature of the cells surrounding the tip of the needle. In urology, this sensor is used for confirming the needle insertion into the urinary tract, for localizing renal cell carcinoma, and prostate cancer.

Abstract: A dental device intended for performing a dental process with a program control that controls at least one parameter curve of the dental device during the process. It includes a cut-off apparatus that turns the dental device off at some time after the beginning of the process when the process has concluded. The device includes a pager that is connected to the program control, and the pager is activateable near the end of the process or directly upon conclusion of the process. Preferably, the pager is a wireless pager.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filling means (1) for root canals in humans and animals, having a proximal end (5) and a distal end (4), which filling means comprises an elongate electrically conductive element (2) sheathed in an isoprene-based matrix (3), characterized in the distal end of the electrically conductive element lies exposed. The invention relates also to a method of preparing the filing means according to the invention.

Abstract: A curing light for dental filling materials is used in combination with a light guide that bears a unique identifying code. A code reader in the nose cone of the curing light compares the code on the light guide with stored codes. If the code is a new code, a timer is started and provides a time out signal after expiry of a predetermined time representing the working time of the light guide. The time out signal may deactivate the light so that it cannot be used again until a new tip is inserted.

Abstract: A dental instrument includes a handpiece having a nozzle from which is ejected a stream of abrasive particles, and a valve operated under the control of a microprocessor which regulate, as selected by a user, the stream of abrasive particles either as a continuous flowing stream or a pulsed flowing stream. The microprocessor enables the valves to be operated at a plurality of different pulse durations. A remote control unit, small enough to fit into the palm of a hand of a user, provides control of the basic parameters of the instrument, allowing the instrument to be conveniently placed and allowing fingertip control of the instrument without having to move away from the patient. The handpiece is integrated with a main dental unit foot control for a dental drill, so that the main dental unit foot control operates both the dental drill and the handpiece.

Abstract: An improved precise orientating tooth drilling device of a type having drill orientation apparatus attaching to a dental drill with a drill bit by a drill clamp and generating a drill angular position signal having a drill signal X-component and a drill signal Y-component and representing an angular position of the drill orientation apparatus, tooth orientation apparatus for removably attaching to a tooth and generating a tooth angular position signal having a tooth signal X-component and a tooth signal Y-component and representing an angular position of the tooth, comparing apparatus for, comparing the drill angular position signal and the tooth angular position signal to each other and determining if a difference therebetween is within a predetermined value, and an alarm alerting when the difference between the drill angular position signal and the tooth angular position signal is not within the predetermined value so that repositioning of the drill can be initiated.