Abstract: To provide a detachable stopper fixed on a spindle part of a dental drill to regulate the depth of an implant fixture embedding hole in an implant treatment, the detachable stopper includes a stopper main body 1 being made of an elastically deformable metal material, having a cylindrical shape, having a slightly smaller inner diameter than an outer diameter of the spindle part, having a slit part 1a formed along an axial overall length from an outer peripheral face to an inner peripheral face to have an opening, and having a diameter expanding tool insertion part 1b bored at an axial center of the slit part 1a, and a diameter expanding tool 2 to be inserted into the diameter expanding tool insertion part 1b to expand the inner diameter of the stopper main body 1 to be larger than the outer diameter of the spindle part.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods determine the health of oral objects by providing objective measurements using a detachable probe body. The detachable probe body may isolate reusable system components (including an electromagnetic signal detection, signal transmission, energy generation, and or energy transmitting components) from the oral cavity, optionally by encasing at least a portion of one or more of these components in a sheath or the like. A window of the probe body maintains sterile isolation and transmits electromagnetic energy to and/or signals from the oral object. Accuracy can be enhanced by a clamp or other structure for engaging a surface of the oral object so as to maintain a fixed alignment between the signal receiver and the oral object.

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: Embodiments are provided for modeling gingiva. One method embodiment includes scanning a patient's teeth and gums, or a physical model thereof, to obtain location data, developing a digital model via a computing device, where the model represents a dentition and gingiva from the location data, defining in the model a gingival line at an intersection between at least one tooth and at least a portion of its surrounding gums, measuring a gingival pocket depth at a number of reference locations, and establishing in the model one or more gingival attachment points at the pocket depth from the gingival line.

Abstract: A dental handpiece comprises a housing (27) and a tool retaining mechanism (60) for retaining a rotary dental tool (28). The rotary dental tool rotates about a first axis (42) and the mechanism retaining the tool such that the tool extends from the housing along the first axis. A tubular guide member (35) is mounted coaxially with the first axis and has a tubular part for locating in a bore hole of a template. This serves to guide the working path of the handpiece during use. A flange (37) on the guide member extends perpendicularly with respect to the first axis and limits the depth of the rotary dental tool within the bore hole. The dental handpiece may also comprise an adjustment mechanism which adjusts the position of the tool retaining mechanism within the housing, in the direction of the first axis, to vary the length of tool which projects from the housing.

Abstract: The present application is related to a method for marking an intended position on a surface where an orthodontic element is to be placed and fixed.

Abstract: A wireless dental apex locator (10) for use in determining the location of the apex of a patient's root, includes an electronic module (13) having a battery power source (13a), an impedance analyzer circuit (13b) and a radio frequency transmitter (13c); a grounding module (12) having a clip (15) for grounding the patient; a probe module (14) having an endodontic probe (21); and an associated but not physically connected display unit (11) having a receiver (31) for receiving radio frequency signals from the transmitter (13c). The display unit (11) has an electronic circuit that conditions the signals and interprets the signal for display on a graphic display (31).

Abstract: The present invention detects an irregular bone defect of a dental implant. Resonance frequency is produced and received to recognize a quality, a direction and a depth of the irregular bone defect. Thus, an osseointegration is evaluated, and the present invention is of great help to dental diagnosis and osseointegration surgery.

Abstract: The dental device of the present invention is used to transfer information about registration of an anterior midline between central incisors and a horizontal plane of the teeth after the teeth have been drilled and final impressions have been taken. This information is communicated to the lab technician for fabrication of crowns and or veneers. The dental device allows the dentist to consistently communicate the location and position of the anterior midlines and horizontal plane to the dental laboratory. The dental device is placed between the patient's upper and lower teeth after tooth preparation. The dental device is positioned in a correct midline and horizontal plane. After alignment, the dental device is secured to the teeth using a bite registration material. The dental device is forwarded to the lab technician together with the model of the teeth after preparation.

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 periodontal probe to measure and record periodontal pocket depths easily and economically by one person. The pocket depths are measured by reading markings inscribed onto the head of the instrument and data is entered into the probe via a rotary switch and an integrated pushbutton switch. The data is displayed on the probe for visual feedback. The probe also includes voice for audio feedback and commands to guide the operator through dental examination. Upon completion of dental examination, the probe is placed in a docking station and data is transferred to a Personal Computer (PC) for analysis.

Abstract: Method and instrument for characterizing a material using a test probe constructed for insertion into the material, optionally with a reference probe constructed either for insertion into the material or to contact another material without insertion. The test probe is inserted at least a microdistance into the material (i) together with insertion of the reference probe into the material, (ii) with the reference probe contacting another material, or (iii) without a reference probe, and then withdrawn. The material property is determined by measuring an interaction of the test probe with the material, which may be related to the insertion of the test probe into the material, the movement of the test probe in the material, and/or the withdrawal of the test probe from the material.

Abstract: In order to develop known tracking systems, in particular in the medical field, the invention proposes a device for the contactless determination and measurement of a spatial position and/or spatial orientation of bodies using a tracking system, by means of which the bodies are located and brought into relation with one another, the tracking system, or at least components or modules thereof, being mobile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental clinical instrument for the diagnosis of periodontal disease. The dental clinical instrument comprises a main body held by hand to apply a force during diagnosis, a probe having a front portion bent downward to be inserted into a periodontal site to be diagnosed and a rear portion coupled to the main body to allow the front portion to be movable up and down, and a measurement indicator positioned toward the probe on the main body to display a change in the location of the probe so that a user can discern the force applied to the probe wherein the measurement indicator displays the force applied to the probe when the probe elastically moves up and down with respect to the main body in a state where the probe is positioned at the periodontal site. The measurement indicator is disposed at a front end portion of the main body.

Abstract: A method of comparing the size of a feature in sequential X-ray images includes the steps of: forming first and second sequential X-ray images including an image of the feature, an image of a first target located directly adjacent the feature and an image of a second target located between the object and an X-ray detector; calculating scale factors for the first and second X-ray images based on the relative sizes of the images of the first and second targets in the X-ray images; measuring the sizes of the feature in the first and second X-ray images; adjusting the measured sizes of the feature in the first and second X-ray images by the respective scale factors; and comparing the adjusted measured sizes. A computer program product for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: An occlusal plane analyzer 5 is composed of an analysis board 7 made of a magnetic material and held above a lower jaw model 2, a magnet 8 which can attract the analysis board 7 with magnetic force and which has a circular support hole 15 going through in an attraction direction of the magnetic force, and a Monson curve imparting tool 9 composed of a spherical body section 17 which is made of a magnetic material with a diameter larger than an inside diameter of the support hole 15 and which can be attracted to the support hole 15, an extended section 18 extending from the spherical body section 17, and a spherical surface regenerating section 19 further extending from a distal end of the extended section 18 and drawing a circular arc concentric with the spherical body section 17.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optically imaging a dental structure within an oral cavity by moving one or more image apertures on an arm coupled to a fixed coordinate reference frame external to the oral cavity; determining the position of the one or more image apertures using the fixed external coordinate reference frame; capturing one or more images of the dental structure through one or more of the image apertures; and generating a 3D model of the dental structure based on the captured images.

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 system and method for concurrently measuring a force exerted upon a tooth is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the system includes a target tooth attached to a force gauge which is coupled to a motion module for adjusting the tooth to a reference position. The method includes utilizing a motion module of a force measurement device is utilized to adjust each target tooth of a plurality of target teeth to be located in a reference position. Next, each target tooth receives a dental appliance. Then an exerted force is measured by the dental appliance upon each target tooth utilizing a coordinate system of the force gauge.

Abstract: An erythema meter includes a probe, a light source of one or more specific probing and reference wavelengths, and an acoustic detector which determines the level of erythema present in the dental pulp chamber of a tooth. The probing and reference wavelengths are delivered in pulsed or amplitude modulated fashion through the probe, thereby permitting electronic identification and filtering of the received data. The absorption of the light wave raises the temperature of the material in the tooth and causes it to expand, thus creating tiny shockwaves which are picked up with the acoustic detector, revealing information on the location of blood and the quantity of blood inside the tooth. The erythema meter accurately measures the erythema, or inflammation, within the tooth in a qualitative and quantitative manner.

Abstract: A scanning system 1 for carrying out 3D scanning of dental models 2 in a scanning direction V, comprising a holding device 3 for a whole jaw model 2, wherein the whole jaw model 2 spans an occlusal plane E over a line-shaped mandibular arch 2.2, further comprising a base 3.1, a swivel bearing 3.3 on a swivel axis 3.4 normal to the scanning direction V and a stage 3.2 mounted for rotation on the swivel bearing 3.3 relatively to said base 3.1, on which the dental model to be scanned 2 can be mounted, wherein said stage 3.2 is mounted for rotation relatively to said base 3.1 through an angular range ? of at least 150° about said swivel axis 3.4, and the whole jaw model 2 can be mounted such that said occlusal plane E is aligned parallel to said scanning direction V, and that a axis of rotation 2.1 of said whole jaw model 2 is coaxial with the swivel axis 3.4 of said swivel bearing 3.3 and is normal to said occlusal plane E.

Abstract: A dental drill stop that is couplable with a dental drill to provide guidance for a dental surgeon regarding proper drill depth for drilling into a portion of a patient such as the patient's jawbone or gum tissue and jawbone.

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 method for monitoring tooth wear and a method for monitoring tooth wear and gingival recession and erosion by comparing three-dimensional virtual models at different times are described, as well as occlusal contact between upper and lower virtual three-dimensional teeth of a patient when the upper and lower arches are in an occluded condition are determined and displayed to the user on a user interface of a general purpose computing device. Various techniques for determining occlusal contacts are described. The areas where occlusal contact occurs is displayed on the user interface in a readily perceptible manner, such as by showing the occlusal contacts in green. If the proposed set-up would result in a interpenetration of teeth in opposing arches, such locations of interpenetration are illustrated in a contrasting color or shading (e.g., red). The ability to calculate distances and display occlusal contacts in a proposed set-up assists the user in planning treatment for the patient.

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 present invention provides a root canal length measuring apparatus and a root canal treatment apparatus which can acquire a position of a measurement electrode with high reproducibility in the same root canal. The root canal length measuring apparatus includes a measurement electrode which is inserted into a root canal, an oral electrode which is held in an oral cavity, a measuring section which applies an electric measuring signal between the measurement electrode and the oral electrode and specifies an apex position so as to measure a root canal length, a memory means which stores position data corresponding to a position of the measurement electrode in a root canal acquired by the measuring section, and an operating means which instructs the memory means to store the position data.

Abstract: An apparatus for digitalization of dental structures which is precise and efficient, generating unequivocal three-dimensional data. The apparatus of the invention comprises at least one articulated arm and at least one probe, said articulated arm and probe providing dental structure scanning directly by mouth contact, being a comfortable device for the patient. The method of the invention provides an advantageous way by which dental structure moulds can be produced, since it generates very accurate three-dimensional data of the dental.

Abstract: A prefabricated dental implant surgical guide. The implant surgical guide comprises a tooth shaped contour which simulates a natural tooth and the final prosthesis. The tooth shaped contours can be shaped to match any tooth found in the mouth. The system further comprises apical posts which protrude from the apical aspect of the tooth contour of the surgical guide. These apical posts are capable of marking an initial osteotomy site. The apical posts are further able to be placed in to an initial and developing osteotomy site to verify proper implant location, angulation and rotational position prior to implant placement. Significantly the apical post can be attached to the surgical guide and of a fixed length. The apical post can also be adjustable allowing continuous osteotomy site verification and removable allowing an implant surgical drill to pass thru it thereby allowing continuous osteotomy site development and verification.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method of detecting implants in a jaw or an implant impression in a jaw impression, comprising the following steps: Inserting a gauging member into the implant or into the implant impression, scanning the jaw or the impression thereof together with the gauging member, detecting the position and orientation of the implant in the jaw or the jaw impression with the scan data obtained, wherein for detecting the position and orientation a set of data is used, which represents the individual shape of the gauging member. The invention further refers to a method of detecting the shape of a gauging member by scanning at least a portion that can be inserted into an implant or an implant impression, and of at least a second portion which can be scanned after insertion to determine the individual shape of the gauging member.

Abstract: A method for comparing between an orthodontic element's actual position on the surface of a tooth and a proper position comprise monitoring the element, the tooth or both once the element and the tooth are proximal to one another by an image acquisition unit which transmits an image to a screen that displays the image and displaying information on the screen regarding proper position of the element in a manner allowing to compare between the actual and the proper position is disclosed. Further disclosed is a system and device for positioning of an orthodontic element or a marking device having a marking member for marking a position for subsequent placement of an orthodontic element on a surface of a tooth.

Abstract: A measured object mounting tool 2 for producing a three-dimensional shape data comprises a placing part 2b at the lower face of a cylindrical part 2a, an inclined part 2c at a boundary between the side face and the upper face of the cylindrical part 2a, and a pillar part 2d at the upper face of the cylindrical part 2a, where the pillar part 2d has a mounting part 2e at the upper face thereof, a three-dimensional coordinate other than the engaging portion 3a of a model 3 is produced by engaging the model of the dental prosthesis with the mounting part 2e of the tool 2 on a placing table 1; detecting a position where a received light amount is remarkably decreased to by a laser sensor detect a lower end of the inclined part 2c; and thereby calculating an upper end of the engaging portion 3a.

Abstract: Dental devices in the form of a temporary implant for securing a rubber dam clamp, and a nerve locator for aiding a dental surgeon during oral surgery on a patient.

Abstract: An instrument for determining the occlusal space between a person's upper and lower teeth thereby facilitating the formation of apparatus such as dentures and splints for removable positioning in the person's mouth.

Abstract: The invention provides an assembly for measuring the penetration depth of a dental instrument into a root canal of a tooth. The assembly has a base element configured to be clampingly braced onto a tooth to be treated; an electrically conductive guiding member affixable to the base element and disposed, when assembled, above the tooth, thereby, in use, a portion of the dental instrument makes electrical contact with it. The guiding member further includes an electrical terminal connectable to an apex location measuring device. Methods for continuously measuring penetration depths of a dental instrument into a root canal of a tooth are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the apex of a dental root canal in a tooth includes a software operated microcontroller having a pulse generator, a memory and an analog to digital converter (ADC), the pulse generator feeding pulses to a gain control circuit for controlling the amplitude of the pulses. The apparatus also includes a driver receiving signals from the control circuit for feeding the signals to an electrically conductive shaft having a leading edge and a dental instrument connectable thereto, an input buffer receiving signals from the dental instrument and feeding the signals to the ADC, and a display for exhibiting data concerning the distance of the leading edge of the shaft from the root canal apex. A method for determining the apex of a dental root canal in a tooth is also provided.

Abstract: A positioning device for dental implant has a post and multiple guides. The post is cylindrical and has a diameter corresponding to a diameter of a hole in a dental model. The guides are mounted detachably on the post and are semi-tubular tabs and each has an inner concave, an inner diameter, and an outer diameter. The guides are mounted concentrically one another. A dentist can use the positioning device to precisely position a drill bit of a drilling device on an edentulous place of a patient's jaw bone and drills a bone cavity suitable for a dental implant. The drill bit can be easily inserted into the patient's mouth without opening excessively.

Abstract: A post-shaped element for determining the alignment of an implant (10), or the opening cross-section of an artificial indentation located in a tooth or in the stroma of a human or animal body, relative to the surrounding tissue structures, can be introduced with a receiving section (28, 26A) into an adapted receiving recess (10) in the implant (1) or the artificial indentation, and be affixed therein and removed again. In a connecting position the post-shaped element protrudes with a cantilever section (26K) beyond the opening cross-section of the receiving recess (10) or the artificial indentation.

Abstract: A spacing device for fixing the position of an implant cavity in which a dental implant may be inserted, and a implantological guide instrument, particularly for use in jaw surgery, with a spacing device for guiding a drill mounted on a dental instrument for drilling the implant cavity, are described. One embodiment of the spacing device includes a positioning instrument that is designed such that it is attachable to the neck of a tooth or a dental prosthesis. A further embodiment of a spacing device is provided with an attachment portion or mechanism for connecting the spacing device to a dental instrument. The guide instrument is attachable to the spacing device and equipped with a guide bush, guide pins, a slide bush and a mounting portion to ensure that the user is able to carry out a cavity drilling procedure safely and easily.

Abstract: A positioning device is used to place an implant in the proper vertical position within the soft tissue and bone, provide space for subsequent procedures, and create a proper emergence profile for the final restoration. The lower portion of the positioning device has substantially the same outer shape as that of the implant but without external screw threads or other mechanical features for anchoring the implant in the jawbone. After the hole is countersunk, the depth of the hole in the jawbone is increased incrementally and checked with the positioning device for collar engagement and location of the margin within the gum tissue and bone. After the proper vertical position is attained, a special countersink bur may be used to create needed space around the implant margin and provide a proper crown emergence profile.

Abstract: In a shade determination apparatus for porcelain crowns a set of plastic over-tabs in different shades, sizes and specific areas of the tooth, are provided. Based on the specific base shade selected, the set of over-tabs can be tried on to any standard shade guide to achieve a more life-like appearance of the porcelain crown to match the natural teeth surrounding the crowned tooth. Different areas of the tooth such as the cervical and the incisal can be custom stained to match the natural teeth. Along with the different areas of the tooth a practitioner can determine the size of the particular area, i.e. the cervical one-third or the incisal one-half. The over-tabs can be tried on simultaneously, i.e. a cervical one-half shade can be tried on with a incisal one-half shade at the same time, thus determining a better shade match. There are also six “white striation” tabs that can fit over the other tabs at the end to determine a better match of the natural tooth.

Abstract: An platform for use with an instrument during an endodontic procedure. The platform includes a substantially rectangular-shaped body for holding the instrument pierced partly therethrough, a linear measure for establishing the working length of the instrument; and a reservoir for receiving a medicament. The platform may also include a removable marker for staking out distance along the linear measure and a plurality of scoreable stage markings for indicating the particular stage of the endodontic procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthodontic bracket placement device comprising a horizontal bracket engaging means for engaging an orthodontic bracket, and a vertical shaft extending from the horizontal bracket engaging means, the shaft including a plurality of indicia for aligning with the incisal edge of a tooth when the bracket placement device is used to place an orthodontic bracket engaged by the engaging means on the tooth, wherein the horizontal bracket engaging means forms a junction with the vertical shaft that is off-center of the horizontal bracket engaging means. A method is also provided for placing an orthodontic bracket on a tooth using a bracket placement device of the present invention. Kits comprising bracket placement devices of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: An instrument for use in verifying that the distance between two teeth is the minimum adequate distance for the placement of one or two implants. The instrument verifies that marks made with a surgical splint have amongst them the minimum adequate distance, and centers edentulous space for placement of an implant or divides equidistantly the space for the placement of two implants. The instrument has a first rectangular sheet joined to one side of a second, larger rectangular sheet by an extension therebetween. A handle extends from the other side of the second rectangular sheet. The first and second rectangular sheets each have stops that extend from opposing sides of the respective sheets. The stops are adapted to engage teeth for proper positioning of the instrument during use.

Abstract: A dental measurement instrument having a handle and a measuring gauge extending from one end of the handle. In one embodiment, the measuring gauge has at least two calibrated measurement shafts, each shaft bearing a plurality of calibration indicia. The calibration indicia on the two shafts are correlated with each other in a specific predetermined mathematical relationship.

Abstract: A dental measurement device is disclosed that includes a mouthpiece having a bracket attached thereto and extending outward therefrom. A bite registration compound is applied to the mouthpiece and the mouthpiece is positioned in a patient's oral cavity. The bracket extends outward in front of the patient's face. The bracket includes a vertically oriented planar attachment surface to which measurement devices such as planar rulers are readily attached using adhesives or mechanical fasteners. The rulers include reference markings. The rulers are positioned prior to attachment such that the reference markings align with the anterior midline and incisal edge locations of the patient. Such reference positions are then available for later use in fabricating dental restorations. Alternatively, anterior midline and incisal edge locations are identified by application of permanent markings to the rulers.

Abstract: A tooth mobility measuring apparatus of this invention includes an impact mechanism which injects or sucks a fluid to apply an impact to a tooth, a sensor which detects the displacement state of the tooth which is moved by the impact force from the impact mechanism, and a tooth mobility calculation mechanism which calculates the tooth mobility of the tooth on the basis of the output signal from the sensor. The displacement state of the tooth is measured without touching the tooth.

Abstract: A dental-facial measuring instrument provides a possibility to determine an occlusion to make a denture. An improved dental-facial measuring instrument includes the first and second strips coupled by the connector and spring with a slidable strip comprising a horizontal portion and a scale, and wherein the first and second corbels of the slidable strip are appropriately inserted into the first and second slots of the first strip and second strip respectively.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument for root canal treatment is provided having a working portion manipulated by a handle and a connection assembly for attachment with an electronic apex locator. The connection assembly allows the electronic apex locator to be connected to the instrument at or through the coronal end of the handle. Preferably, the connection assembly includes a male/female assembly located within or on the surface the file handle.

Abstract: An accessory for use in aiding an oral surgeon to determine the optimum position and angle for a dental implant to be installed in a bone includes a probe assembly having one or more pairs of probe members pivotally mounted to each other about a pivot axis at their centers. Each pair of probe members is configured and dimensioned such that one end of the pair on one side of the pivot axis serves as a probe end to straddle the bone with their tips contacting the bone at opposed contact points thereon, and the opposite end of the pair on the opposite side of the pivot axis serves as a guide end in which the tips of the probe members are automatically located to indicate the thickness of the bone at the pair of opposed contact points. Also described are a kit including a plurality of such accessories, a tool for manually applying such accessories, and a method of using such accessories for use in determining the optimum position and angle for a dental implant.

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.