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 in fixed spatial relationship with each other, 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: Apparatus for measuring a surface geometry of hard tissue covered by a layer of soft tissue, including a plurality of elements each having a tip adapted to penetrate said soft tissue and not substantially penetrate said hard tissue; a frame supporting movement of said elements, each along a path, such that a plurality of said tips, when positioned along the paths, define a surface; and at least one position sensor which generates a signal indicative of a tip position of at least one of said elements.

Abstract: A method for measuring the acoustic damping capacity of a material or structure, such as a layered honeycomb structure, comprises tapping the honeycomb structure with a tapping rod. The tapping action imparts mechanical energy to the honeycomb structure. The method further comprises measuring, for a time interval, energy reflected from the honeycomb structure as a result of the tapping. The method further comprises creating a time-energy profile based on the energy reflected from the honeycomb structure during the time interval. The method further comprises evaluating the time-energy profile to determine the acoustic damping capacity of the honeycomb structure.

Abstract: At an initial office visit, the dentist makes an impression of the portion of the mouth in which the tooth is located, with upper and lower occlusal surfaces at or below the gum line. After preparation of a crown, the dentist presses the surface contour tool against the biting surface of the tooth to determine the depth settings for at least one burr in a surface tool that will remove the upper surface of the tooth and create a working surface for the material removal device. The dentist inserts at least one burr with the proper length in this tool so that when the tool is lowered onto the tooth, a flat surface will be created. The flat surface tool and the center hole drilling burr are operated with a device that locks onto the tooth and ensures that the top surface of the tooth will be perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the tooth. The dentist inserts the guide pin of the material removal device in the center hole or onto a disk post and begins to remove material from the side of the tooth.

Abstract: A method for measuring the acoustic damping capacity of a material or structure, such as a layered honeycomb structure, comprises tapping the honeycomb structure with a tapping rod. The tapping action imparts mechanical energy to the honeycomb structure. The method further comprises measuring, for a time interval, energy reflected from the honeycomb structure as a result of the tapping. The method further comprises creating a time-energy profile based on the energy reflected from the honeycomb structure during the time interval. The method further comprises evaluating the time-energy profile to determine the acoustic damping capacity of the honeycomb structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for alignment of dental implants in which an implant in provided with a generally axial bore and a plurality of angled templates, each adapted for operative inter-connection with the bore of the implant. Each template includes a locator lug adapted for inter-engagement with the axial bore of the implant, each lug having a circular cross-section.

Abstract: A tooth inclination apparatus for allowing assessment of the angle of inclination of an incisor tooth or cast thereof includes a plane element providing a flat datum surface for resting against e.g. the upper molars in the maxillary plane. From the underside of the plane element projects a protractor portion with a graduated angular scale which measures the angular deviation of an indicator pin pivoted to the plane member and moved to contact the tooth whose inclination is being measured. Other mechanical or electro-optic devices may be used to determine the inclination of the incisor relative to the datum surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the stability of a tooth in the gum or an implant in the body is constructed to include a holder for holding a test object to be examined, an impact device disposed at one side of the holder for striking the test object, causing the test object to produce vibrations, and sensor means disposed at one side of the holder for detecting the vibrations produced by the test object upon the striking of the impact device against the test object.

Abstract: An adjustable drilling guide, removably mountable to a patient's teeth, having a guide block with at least one stent for guiding a dental drill is disclosed. In a first embodiment, the guide block has a plurality of guide holes disposed at differing angles which may receive a stent for precise drilling at the selected angle. If minor variations need be made, the stent may be moved to a second or third of the guide holes to adjust the angle. In a second embodiment, three distinct stents are formed directly in the guide block allowing for drilling at up to three different angles. A third embodiment has a stent which is pivotable about a pivot point within the guide block, allowing drilling at any angle within the arc of the pivot. The guide block may be fitted to a model of the patient's teeth prior to installation into the mouth to ensure proper fit.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a dental instrument and the use of this dental instrument to measure deposits and other imperfections on a tooth surface. The dental instrument has an elongated portion and on at least one end a general curvature portion. The general curvature portion will have the general curvature of a posterior tooth or an anterior tooth. Preferably it also will be marked with measured segments. By placing the general curvature portion against a tooth a deposit or imperfection on a tooth can be measured. In a preferred embodiment the dental instrument will have a general curvature portion in each end; the general curvature on one end being for posterior teeth and the general curvature on the other end being for anterior teeth. When measuring plaque and related deposits a dye solution can be used to make the deposit more visible.

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 method for measuring the acoustic damping capacity of a material or structure, such as a layered honeycomb structure, comprises tapping the honeycomb structure with a tapping rod. The tapping action imparts mechanical energy to the honeycomb structure. The method further comprises measuring, for a time interval, energy reflected from the honeycomb structure as a result of the tapping. The method further comprises creating a time-energy profile based on the energy reflected from the honeycomb structure during the time interval. The method further comprises evaluating the time-energy profile to determine the acoustic damping capacity of the honeycomb structure.

Abstract: The specification and drawing figures describe and show an implant placement system that includes one or more graphic representations of a proposed dental implant site, and a device for determining bone and soft tissue data at the proposed dental implant site (“site”). A model is formed of the site for portraying dental implant site data. A variety of tools are sued to determine the size and angulations of the dental implant. After cutting the model, additional tools are used for drawing a graphic on the model. A pin, formable material and an implant guide are provided to transfer the placement information to the site. A drill is use to form a channel for the implant device.

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: A system of temporary stabilizing implants are provided at specifically determined locations in a patient's jawbone for positioning and temporarily stabilizing a dental surgical template at a specifically determined orientation with respect to the jawbone. The template is used to arrange and create osteotomies at sites where permanent dental implants will be located. The template is removably and replaceably positioned with respect to the temporary stabilizing implants by the use of components provided in the template that engage the temporary stabilizing implants, such that the template may be used over a prolonged time period as necessary. Once the dental surgical template is no longer needed, the temporary stabilizing implants are preferably removed.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a handle; a pair of opposed gripping members, each member comprising a gripping surface, each gripping surface comprising a forward edge; and a gripping member position and orientation indicator (GMPOI) positioned between the handle and the forward edges. A method of coupling an orthodontic bracket to a tooth comprising: providing a bracket holder comprising a gripping member position and orientation indicator (GMPOI); utilizing the bracket holder to grip a bracket and to place the bracket on a tooth; while viewing the position and orientation of the GMPOI relative to the tooth on which the bracket is being mounted, rotating and/or moving the bracket holder so as to set the orientation and position of the bracket; subsequently causing the bracket holder to release the bracket; inserting a portion of the bracket holder into the bracket; and rotating the bracket holder so as to rotate the bracket.

Abstract: A marginal ridge attachment plate slides onto the center tab of a height gauge to provide more accurate orthodontic bracket placement. In use, vertically-extending legs on the attachment plate rest on mesial and distal marginal ridges of the tooth. The plate is shaped so that while the legs rest directly on the marginal ridges, a cut-out portion between the legs avoids contact and interference from the inward-facing slopes of the tooth cusps. Therefore, correct bracket height is measured with reference to the marginal ridges of the tooth rather than the tooth cusp.

Abstract: This invention is a method and an apparatus to assist in accurate placement of teeth and jaws of a patient during orthognathic surgery. An indicator member when independently inserted into the slot of the teeth indexing member assists in designing and making osteotomies relative to the reference planes.

Abstract: For non-contact and non-destructive measurement of surfaces of cast models of a tooth in restorative dentistry, a coherent-radar device, whose measurement direction is brought generally into alignment with the insertion or placement direction for the dental restoration is used, with the help of a real-time video image, which is recorded either in the insertion or placement direction. The sample holder is a commercially available magnetic tilting table. A light source can be used, which has a narrow bandwidth of about 3-40 nanometers.

Abstract: A tooth reduction measuring tool comprises a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end defining a handle. A flexible loop extends from the distal end and defines an opening. The loop has a thickness from the range about 1 mm to about 2 mm, and the opening a size large enough to be placed around a tooth. The loop is adapted to be positioned relative to a pair of opposing teeth, one of which has been reduced. In this way, the pair of opposing teeth are within the opening, and the loop may be pulled by the shaft into a gap between the opposing teeth to permit evaluation of the size of the gap based on the thickness of the loop.

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 method for measuring the acoustic damping capacity of a material or structure, such as a layered honeycomb structure, comprises tapping the honeycomb structure with a tapping rod. The tapping action imparts mechanical energy to the honeycomb structure. The method further comprises measuring, for a time interval, energy reflected from the honeycomb structure as a result of the tapping. The method further comprises creating a time-energy profile based on the energy reflected from the honeycomb structure during the time interval. The method further comprises evaluating the time-energy profile to determine the acoustic damping capacity of the honeycomb structure.

Abstract: A gauge for measuring and/or marking teeth or models of teeth for the determination of the placement of attachments for orthodontic braces. The gauge has a first arm with a gauge element with a longitudinal extension portion lying on a first axis and a vertical extension portion extending generally perpendicularly from the first axis of the longitudinal extension portion. The gauge has a second arm which has a pointer or marking element at an end thereof, the pointer element having a tip which is spaced apart from the longitudinal extension portion of the first arm, the first and second arm being connected together to maintain the spaced apart relationship between the tip of marking element and the longitudinal extension portion with the vertical extension portion extending towards the pointer or marking element. The invention also provides a gauge element for converting a bow divider into a gauge for measuring and/or marking teeth for the determination of the placement of attachments for orthodontic braces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to assist in accurate placement of teeth and jaws at orthognathic surgery. A recording of reference planes used prior to surgery to plan desired changes to an original position of teeth and jaws of a patient is made with a teeth indexing member. The teeth indexing member has a horizontal slot and scribe lines indicating the orientation of the reference planes. During surgery, the recording of the reference planes is transferred to the patient by positioning the teeth indexing member onto the patient's teeth. A swivel member is attached to the patient's head by a cranial structure. A port in the swivel member is oriented to the reference planes by inserting a coupling member into the horizontal slot of the teeth indexing member and into the port of the swivel member, aligning the coupling member to the scribe lines on the teeth indexing member, and securing the oriented swivel member in place. The port thereby records the reference planes.

Abstract: A tooth reduction measuring system comprises a holding tool having a proximal end and a distal end. A flexible loop extends from the distal end and defines an opening. The loop has a thickness from the range about 1 mm to about 2 mm, and the opening a size large enough to be placed around a tooth. The loop is adapted to be positioned relative to a pair of opposing teeth, one of which has been reduced. In this way, the pair of opposing teeth are within the opening, and the loop may be pulled by the shaft into a gap between the opposing teeth to permit evaluation of the size of the gap based on the thickness of the loop.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthodontic bracket placement device comprising a horizontal bracket engaging element for engaging an orthodontic bracket; and a vertical shaft extending from the horizontal bracket engaging element, 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 element on the tooth. A method is also provided for placing an orthodontic bracket on a tooth comprising placing the orthodontic bracket on the tooth at a particular vertical position on the tooth using a bracket placement device by engaging a horizontal bracket engaging element of the device with a bracket and aligning one of a plurality of indicia on the bracket placement device with the incisal edge of the tooth; and adhering the orthodontic bracket to the tooth. Kits comprising bracket placement devices of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to selection of individual patient archwires by examining the patients inner arch rather than the patients teeth. In particular, a method of archwire selection comprises (a) obtaining a representation of a patient's inner arch curve (a “PIAC”); (b) selecting an archwire shape based at least partially on the PIAC representation; (c) making an initial selection of an archwire size based at least partially on the PIAC representation; (d) selecting a final archwire size after considering something other than the PIAC representation; and (e) selecting an archwire to be used based on the selected archwire shape and selected final archwire size. Using the PIAC rather than the occlusal or labial and buccal surfaces of the teeth for archwire shape selection promotes shaping the teeth to the shape of the jaw bone and gives consistent facial esthetics plus better retention of the treatment correction.

Abstract: A tooth inclination apparatus (10) for allowing assessment of the angle of inclination of an incisor tooth or cast thereof comprises a plane element providing a flat datum surface (14) for resting against e.g. the upper molars in the maxillary plane. From the underside of the plane element projects a protractor portion (18) with a graduated angular scale (24) which measures the angular deviation of an indicator pin (22) pivoted to the plane member at (20) and moved to contact the tooth whose inclination is being measured. Other mechanical or electro-optic devices may be used to determine the inclination of the incisor relative to the datum surface.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient having a malocclusion between the upper and lower mandibles, and obtaining optimum relative positioning of the mandibles. The treatment is useful in correcting respiratory conditions such as sleep apnea, and in prosthodontics and implantology. The method comprises measuring the malocclusion and determining the variation of the malocclusion from an optimal line occlusal contact, then mounting a dental appliance on one or both of the upper and lower mandibles and providing points of engagement on the exposed surface of the appliance to engage the other mandible as it is moved towards the closed position against the one mandible, to thereby reposition the mandibles in a direction toward line occlusion. After one or more periods of use of the appliance, the appliance is modified until the mandibles achieve line occlusion.

Abstract: A tooth reduction measuring tool comprises a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end defining a handle. A flexible loop extends from the distal end and defines an opening. The loop has a thickness from the range about 1 mm to about 2 mm, and the opening a size large enough to be placed around a tooth. The loop is adapted to be positioned relative to a pair of opposing teeth, one of which has been reduced. In this way, the pair of opposing teeth are within the opening, and the loop may be pulled by the shaft into a gap between the opposing teeth to permit evaluation of the size of the gap based on the thickness of the loop.

Abstract: A post-shaped element for determining the spatial position 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 tissue structures surrounding it, can be introduced with a receiving section (26A) into an adapted receiving recess (10) in the implant (1) or in the artificial indentation, be affixed therein to be torsion resistant and able to again be removed there-from. 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 artificial indentation.

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: The invention includes a method and apparatus to guide a dental drill to drill a bore into which a dental implant may be inserted at a particular axis. The dentist first takes an impression of a selected patient's dental arch. The cast dental arch is then formed from the impression. A dental professional then determines the desired location of the desired axis. A proxy implant having a proxy axis is placed in the cast dental arch with the proxy axis co-incident with the desired location of the desired axis. A stent is then formed of the tooth crowns from the cast dental arch. The stent has incorporated into it a locating barrel. A drill head with a drill alignment arm is provided to the dentist for fixation to a dental drill hand piece. The kit of parts provided to the dentist includes the stent with its incorporated locating barrel. The drill alignment arm provided to the dentist for attachment to the drill head and a plurality of drills.

Abstract: An adjustable drilling guide, removably mountable to a patient's teeth, having a guide block with at least one stent for guiding a dental drill is disclosed. In a first embodiment, the guide block has a plurality of guide holes disposed at differing angles which may receive a stent for precise drilling at the selected angle. If minor variations need be made, the stent may be moved to a second or third of the guide holes to adjust the angle. In a second embodiment, three distinct stents are formed directly in the guide block allowing for drilling at up to three different angles. A third embodiment has a stent which is pivotable about a pivot point within the guide block, allowing drilling at any angle within the arc of the pivot. The guide block may be fitted to a model of the patient's teeth prior to installation into the mouth to ensure proper fit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental instrument, in particular a dentist's hand tool for precisely determining and setting the lengths of dental cutting tools.

Abstract: An instrument is connected to a driving-in tool or drilling tool for elements on or in the form of an implant or drill for dentine. The tool includes an electric motor, the torque of which can be sensed, and which can be controlled by a control unit. A display unit is arranged so as to partly or fully display a curve representing the driving-in function performed. A tightening function is determined by a scale based on the slope of the curve, wherein a flatter slope represents a lower quality function and a steeper slope represents a higher quality function. A frictional resistance which exists for an element during the driving-in of the element can be determined in order to allow secure locking (preload) of the element by tension in the material of the element. A torque-time curve can be used assess the bone quality of bone being implanted or drilled.

Abstract: A radiographic bitewing for determining the depth for a dental implant comprising a patient bite portion and an extension portion, wherein said bite portion is adapted for placement between a patient's upper row of teeth and lower row of teeth, and wherein said extension portion is aligned in a substantially perpendicular position relative to said bite portion and comprises at least one radio-opaque calibration template, wherein said calibration template comprises a first vertical bar having a first dimension, a second vertical bar having a second dimension, a third vertical bar having a third dimension, and a fourth vertical bar having a fourth dimension.

Abstract: A radiographic guide being comprised of a first material and a second radio-opaque material, and further comprises a top and bottom surfaces having grooves providing for a means of securing said guide in a stable position in a patient's bite path, and wherein said second material may comprise a calibration template, wherein said template comprises four calibration means of varying height and being disposed of within said first material. The calibration template of said radiographic guide may be displayed in a panoramic x-ray film and may further provide for a self-contained calibration system for determining the actual distance from a patient's gum line to a nerve or sinus of a patient from a distorted distance from said patient's gum line to a nerve or sinus depicted in said panoramic x-ray film.

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: At an initial office visit, the dentist makes an impression of the portion of the mouth in which the tooth is located, with upper and lower occusal surfaces at or below the gum line. After preparation of a crown, the dentist presses the surface contour tool against the biting surface of the tooth to determine the depth settings for at least one burr in a surface tool that will remove the upper surface of the tooth and create a working surface for the material removal device. The dentist inserts at least one burr with the proper length in this tool so that when the tool is lowered onto the tooth, a flat surface will be created. The flat surface tool and the center hole drilling burr are operated with a device that locks onto the tooth and ensures that the top surface of the tooth will be perpendicular to the central line of the tooth. The dentist inserts the guide pin of the material removal device in the center hole and begins to remove material from the side of the tooth.

Abstract: A paste formulation for dental use, a paste injector, and a system for detecting paste filling are disclosed. The paste formulation includes electric conductive material. The present invention also discloses the system for detecting paste filling comprising a paste injector (1) containing electric conductive paste (D) and an electric conductive member for electrically connecting the electric conductive paste (D) to an external electrode, a current detector (101) for detecting the current flowing through the electric conductive paste (D) reserved in the container portion (1), and a current display device (105) for indicating the current flowing through the electronic conductive paste (D).

Abstract: A dental implant for anchoring in a bone structure comprising a head intended to support a dental prosthesis and a threaded root of cylindrical substance, in which the threaded root has an internal cavity and a lateral orifice through which this internal cavity opens out on the external lateral face of the root.

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: An orthodontic bracket positioning system comprises a plate having a bridge. The plate is defined by a first side portion and a second side portion to form a hollow therebetween. The first and second side portions are connected to each other by the bridge and an outer edge line of the plate contains therein the bridge, the first and second side portions. First and second connectors each have a front end and a rear end to become rotatably engaged to each other between the front and rear ends thereof. The first and second connector front ends are rotatably connected to the first and second side portions An actuator is engaged to said each rear end of the first and second connectors to control a relative rotation of the first and second connectors so as to subsequently either widen or narrow the hollow.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for diagnosing a tooth-size discrepancy and recommending an ideal arch size based on the size of an individual patient's teeth. The computerized system includes a central processing unit, a first storage device, a second storage device, a dynamic memory device, and input/output devices. The input devices include a computerized caliper for measuring the mesiodistal width of teeth and directly inputting the measurements into the computerized system. The computerized system and method determine the existence of a tooth-size discrepancy, the necessary anatomical correction, at least one tooth responsible for the tooth-size discrepancy, and a recommended arch wire size.

Abstract: The disclosed waxing guide is in the form of a thin flat element having a central line formed thereon. The guide is placed beneath the dental cast with the central line centered between maxillary central incisors on the dental cast. Lines spaced outwardly from the central line indicate the apparent width of the central incisor, the adjacent lateral incisor, and the adjacent canine tooth and first bicuspid, when viewed from the front. Each of the spaces has the same ratio of 1:1.618 with the adjacent spaces.

Abstract: An interproximal gauge (36) includes a plurality of blades (38), each having a key portion (40) and a handle (42) adjoining the key portion (40). The key portion (40) exhibits a predetermined thickness which is different for different ones of the blades (38) and is configured for placement in an interproximal gap (24) between adjacent teeth (26). The handle (42) includes notches (42) having numerical values representing the predetermined thickness of a particular one of the blades (38). Successive ones of the blades (38) are placed in the interproximal gap (24) and one of the blades (38) is selected having a predetermined thickness that is substantially equivalent to a width (28) of gap (24). The notches (42) are interpreted to determine the width (28) of the gap (24).

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe (10) for measuring the depth of detachment between a tooth (30) and the tooth's supporting tissue includes a probe head (12) having an ultrasonic transducer (35). An incident acoustic wave pulse (50) is transmitted through a coupling medium at a critical angle of incidence for refraction at the interface between the coupling medium and the tooth surface (29, 31) to effect modal conversion to a surface acoustic wave pulse along the surface of the tooth (30). The critical angle of incidence is established by means of an angular setting of the ultrasonic transducer (35) in the probe head (12), a combination of the aforementioned angular setting with the ability to rock the probe head (12) to find the critical angle of incidence, and/or a phased array implementation. The disclosure also includes an algorithm for determining the depth of detachment based on the time lapse between transmission and detection of the reflection of the acoustic wave pulses.

Abstract: A centrally rotating periodontal probe for measuring the depth of gingival pockets or sulci, including a handle having a handle-engaging end and a head end, wherein the head end includes a tubular shank rotatably shank rotatably supporting an axle having a substantially planar blunt end.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for visually grouping and organizing endodontic files for expeditious selection and use during a root canal procedure. The method calls for marking reference points for each root canal on the crown of the tooth to be treated, using distinguishing colors or other visually perceptible characteristics. The reference points so color coded correspond to colors marked on a file holder, so that a dental practitioner can quickly and accurately select a file from an array of prepared files, wherein the selected file is appropriate for a tooth being addressed at any one point during the procedure. Files associated with any one root canal are held in a portion of the file holder bearing a distinctive color, and thus can be readily identified as being associated with one another. Marking the tooth with a similar color enables the several files prepared for any one root canal to be quickly associated with the correct root canal.