Abstract: A method of locating a dental implant includes a locator rod. The locator rod is threaded on one end to form a threaded end and modified on the other end to form a driving end. The threaded end is screwed into a threaded hole in the dental implant. The thread of the threaded end must mate with the threaded hole in the dental implant. Preferably, a gripping surface is formed on the driving end. The gripping surface allows the locator rod to be threaded into the dental implant with the grasp of fingers. The driving end of the locator rod may be shaped to receive a hand tool such as a ratchet to rotate thereof. Once the locator rod is threaded into the dental implant, an abutment, impression coping, or any other dental item may be slid over the locator rod. The dental item is rotated relative to the dental implant until a projection seats into a cavity. The locator rod is removed from the dental implant and the dental item is secured to the dental implant with a fastener.

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: A gauge serving as a jig to adjust exposed length of endodontic files with respect to respective encircling resilient stops which prevent overpenetration into a root canal of a patient. The gauge has a body bearing four parallel, coplanar tracks for slidably receiving an equal number of slides. Each slide has a plurality of spaced apart steps enabling endodontic files to be adjusted to differing operating lengths, and a thumbscrew which secures the slide in place within its track. The thumbscrews are arranged to establish a two discrete levels of friction, the first enabling fine adjustment and the second locking the slide in place. A retaining barrier formed in the body has a plurality of openings for each track, thereby being able to receive and make multiple adjustments to several files when the latter are placed against any one slide. Measurement indicia are optionally borne near one or more tracks, for setting the slides to correspond to radiographic lengths of a patient's root canals.

Abstract: An instrument has a sheet which has a centered perforation joined by an extension to another larger sheet which has two perforations and, from the larger sheet, an extension joining it to handle for a process verifying space between teeth.

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: An instrument for the placement of cylindrical or screwed dental implants has a lower portion and an upper portion having a diameter greater than a diameter of the lower portion with three horizontal extensions of respectively different lengths. In a lower third of the upper portion, an axial concavity is at an outer end of a longest of the extensions.

Abstract: A device fitted to the external auditory canal for the purpose of reproducibly engaging the head for orientation and stabilization for dental or radiographic (commonly known as ‘cephalometric’) recording and for placing a radiographic marker in the canal.

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: In general, the invention consists of an indicator means for indicating the usage of an endodontic instrument by providing a visual indication of the number of sterilizations of the instrument. The indicator includes a modified “stop” or “washer” which is used with each endodontic instrument. The “stop” includes a dye compatible base which is impregnated with a diffusible dye composition. The base is made of a dye compatible material which enables the diffusible dye to migrate or diffuse as a result of a specific number of sterilizations at a specific temperature from an interior portion in the base where the dye is not visible to an exterior position where the dye is visible. Since the “stop” is also sterilized along with the instrument, the “stop” will change color after a specified number of sterilizations of the instrument has occurred.

Abstract: Color measuring systems and methods such as for determining the color or other characteristics of teeth are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics are spaced apart from a central source fiber optic and receive light reflected from the surface of the object/tooth being measured. Light from the perimeter fiber optics pass to a variety of filters. The system utilizes the perimeter receiver fiber optics to determine information regarding the height and angle of the probe with respect to the object/tooth being measured. Under processor control, the color measurement may be made at a predetermined height and angle. Various color spectral photometer arrangements are disclosed. Translucency, fluorescence and/or surface texture data also may be obtained. Audio feedback may be provided to guide operator use of the system. The probe may have a removable or shielded tip for contamination prevention. A method of producing dental prostheses based on measured data also is disclosed.

Abstract: Monson spherical plate has an arch chart drawn thereon for preparing an arch wire. A maxillary dental arch curve and a mandibular dental arch curve are drawn on concave and convex surfaces of a Monson spherical plate and an arch wire afforded with a Monson curve is prepared along this arch curve. It is possible to inhibit Christensen phenomenon and changes in the curve of occlusion and to smooth muscle movements around the mandible. An arch wire having a curve corresponding to the curve of occlusion can be prepared using the Monson spherical plate.

Abstract: Flexible probing elements (4.1, . . . , 4.6) with different diameters are guided into an interdental space for determining a proximal allowance of the interdental space. The proximal allowance is determined according to the parameter values that correspond to the probing element that just barely fits through the interdental space. The probing elements (4.1, . . . , 4.6) can be realized on a probing tip (3) with a diameter that changes continuously or in a stepwise manner. The determination of the proximal allowance makes possible for an adviser to determine in an exact and reproducible manner the optimum interdental brush for the user.

Abstract: A tool for measuring the oral cavity. The tool includes a first measuring member having a first leg portion and a dial portion with graduations provided thereon and a second measuring member having a second leg portion and a pointer. The pointer moves across the dial upon pivotal movement of measuring members such that the pointer designates one of the graduations to indicate the spacing between the leg portions. Second graduations provided on one of the measuring members are indicative of a second measured value. The tool also includes a support member positionable in the oral cavity of a patient with the patient biting down on the upper and lower bite surfaces of the support. The support includes an opening shaped to slidably receive and support the first leg portion and a slot offset from the opening. The slot is shaped to slidably receive the second leg portion as the second measuring member is pivoted relative to the first measuring member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handpiece (1) in particular for medical or dental purposes, having a connection device (3) for a tool (4) which is arranged in the forward end region of the hand piece (1), and having a settable stop device (6) for limiting the penetration depth of the tool (4), which stop device has a stop part (7), which is adjustable in a guide (8) longitudinally of the penetration depth of the tool (4) and is secured in the respective adjusted position by means of a clamping force (11). For the purpose of more ready setting of the stop part the clamping force (11) is elastic and on the one hand is so great that it secures the stop part (7) against displacing forces effective in functional operation, and on the other hand is only so large that the stop part (7) can be manually displaced, and in that the stop part (7) is of a hard elastically bendable material and sits in the guide (8) bowed so far that its return bending force (11a) gives rise to the clamping force (11).

Abstract: The present invention provides a fixture or tooling for securely holding an impression tray or study cast on a stage of an X-Y-Z scanning machine to permit accurate scanning of the impression tray, or the study cast, by the scanner of the scanning machine. In one embodiment, the fixture includes a pivoting clamp member that clamps a handle member on the tray or study cast. In a second embodiment, the fixture includes a block slidably disposed thereon for clamping an impression tray or a study cast in a clamping section. A registration fixture utilizing a pair of locking fixtures to simultaneously hold the study casts of the upper and lower sets of teeth to permit registration of the study casts is also provided.

Abstract: A color coded elastomeric ring is fit onto a dental instrument. The elastomeric ring includes axial and circumferential formations for increased traction of a dental practitioner's finger to manipulate the instrument. Advantageously, two elastomeric rings are provided, one at each end of the instrument. Each elastomeric ring preferably has an outside profile with a decreasing diameter toward the adjacent end of the instrument. The ring is located adjacent to a receiving port for a tool insert or point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for determining the correct lengths of standardized components of a dental implant system in situ in the oral cavity. The device comprises an elongate gauge body being provided with circumferential dark bands located at predetermined distances from each other and having predetermined widths, the areas between said darker bands having a pronouncedly lighter color, each boundary line between lighter and darker bands corresponding to one specific, standardized component.

Abstract: An orthodontic force measuring apparatus includes a dental replica which includes a first tooth replica and a second tooth replica. The first tooth replica is moveable relative to the second tooth replica. The apparatus also includes an orthodontic appliance secured to both the first tooth replica and the second tooth replica of the dental replica. The apparatus further includes a force measuring device operatively coupled to the first tooth replica. The force measuring device is configured so as to measure force exerted on the first tooth replica by the orthodontic appliance. A method of measuring orthodontic force is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring quantitatively the energy damping capacity of a specimen. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tip of the polymer sleeve of the handpiece of the system is placed directly against the specimen to be tested. The alignment of the handpiece is aided by the polymer tip which maintained the handpiece approximately orthogonal to the specimen surface and a level indicator for aiding the user to keep the handpiece approximately horizontal. Upon the pressing of a finger switch on the handpiece, a magnetic coil within the handpiece propels a tapping rod strikes the specimen multiple times per cycle creating stress waves that traveled through the tapping rod. Vibrations are attenuated by the polymer sleeve so as to not disturb the sensitive measurements. An accelerometer within the handpiece coupled with the tapping rod measures signals corresponding to the resulting stress waves.

Abstract: An one-piece dental probe made of light condensing fluorescent plastic comprising a handle, a distal portion and a measuring needle for measuring and exploring blind gum pockets is provided. The measuring needle has at least one visible measurement gradation for measuring the depth of the blind pocket. Light collected at the distal end of the probe is reflected through the probe and illuminates the vicinity of the blind pocket, thus enabling accurate measurement of the depth of the blind pocket in low-light conditions. The tip of the measuring needle may be hemispherical, and form an annular ledge around the needle for probing the existence and location of tartar and other foreign matters in the blind pocket.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apical position detection apparatus for accurately detecting the fact that a measuring electrode arrives at the apical position. The apparatus has a first current value measuring means for measuring a first frequency value by supplying a first frequency signal between the measuring electrode and the oral electrode, a second current value measuring means for measuring a second frequency value by supplying a second frequency signal between the measuring electrode and the oral electrode, arithmetic means for obtaining logarithmically converted calculation value by using a first measurement signal and a second measurement signal, and position signal formation means for obtaining an apical position detecting signal by addition or subtraction of the first measurement signal and the arithmetic value.

Abstract: A tool for measuring the oral cavity. The tool includes a first measuring member having a first leg portion and a dial portion with graduations provided thereon and a second measuring member having a second leg portion and a pointer. The pointer moves across the dial upon pivotal movement of measuring members such that the pointer designates one of the graduations to indicate the spacing between the leg portions. Second graduations provided on one of the measuring members are indicative of a second measured value. The tool also includes a support member positionable in the oral cavity of a patient with the patient biting down on the upper and lower bite surfaces of the support. The support includes an opening shaped to slidably receive and support the first leg portion and a slot offset from the opening. The slot is shaped to slidably receive the second leg portion as the second measuring member is pivoted relative to the first measuring member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for determining the correct lengths of standardized components of a dental implant system in situ in the oral cavity. The device comprises an elongate gauge body being provided with circumferential dark bands located at predetermined distances from each other and having predetermined widths, the areas between said darker bands having a pronouncedly lighter color, each boundary line between lighter and darker bands corresponding to one specific, standardized component.

Abstract: A periodontal probe having blade-shaped head for use in measuring the depth of gingival pockets of a patient's teeth more comfortably and accurately.

Abstract: In a device with an elongate housing for examining the gums of a patient, with the housing having a connecting area for connecting a replaceable, movable exploratory tip and with mechanical and/or electronic detection elements provided in the housing for detecting and converting the movements of the exploratory tip. The invention proposes that the detection elements be designed to be liquid-tight and/or liquid-resistant, and surrounded by a potting compound inside the housing.

Abstract: An anchor for a prosthetic superstructure which can be connected with an implant includes a mounting part having threads engageable with the implant and a connecting piece supported on the mounting part for connecting with an anchor head for a dental prosthesis, the mounting part including a partial spherical space which accommodates the connection piece. The partial spherical space has a partial spherical wall, the mounting part further including a threaded pasage and a threaded member threaded in the threaded passage and fixing the connecting piece on the mounting part in an aligned disposition.

Abstract: The periodontal pocket measurement apparatus of the present invention comprises a main handpiece unit provided with a cover member for covering the front end portion thereof, an operation member mounted at the front end of the cover member and being slidable in the longitudinal direction of the cover member, a flexible sleeve attached to the operation member and projecting from the front end of the cover member, and a probe attached to the cover member, passing through the sleeve and being exposable at its tip from the tip of the sleeve, being characterized in that the main handpiece unit is provided with energizing means for pushing a movable portion including the operation member and the sleeve toward the front end.

Abstract: This invention consists of a method and apparatus which establish specific central and vertical dimensions and positions for patterns for the making of dentures which will provide a natural occlusion upon replacement of natural teeth.

Abstract: A method of detecting periodontal disease involves attaching a vibration detector to the tooth, causing the tooth to vibrate by means of striking the tooth with a hammer, and then picking up signals corresponding to of the vibration of the tooth for processing by a dynamic signal analyzer and a microprocessor using Fourier analysis. The location of the natural frequency of the tooth is determined based on the lowest point in the image mode and the point of contraflexure in the real mode.

Abstract: A dental probe that directly measures pH level and temperature of gum pockets and other diseased parts of the oral cavity is provided. The dental probe has a handle and a needle with a pH sensor and a temperature sensor in the needle tip. The handle permits the dentist to manipulate the needle tip to examine a diseased spot in the mouth, where both pH levels and temperature can be analyzed. The rear part of the handle has a light receptor which remains outside the oral cavity when the needle tip is inserted in the diseased part, creating a path for light through the needle part. The dental probe is attached to a dental diagnosis device that enables processing and readout of pH levels and temperature.

Abstract: A medical or dental drill bit with one or more colored bands to indicate the drilling depth. The colored bands include groove portions filled with a color material. The invention also relates to a method of making such a drill bit.

Abstract: An instrument and method to measure the position of the occlusal plane of the mouth with reference to the structural features of the cranium. The instrument includes a vertical face bow, positioned on the nasal bridge and the forward edge of the base of the chin. The device employs light beams to make measurements of the patient's occlusal plane and the nose-to-chin distances. The device utilizes an internal processor to make the necessary calculations, provides direct numerical readouts, is battery powered and self-calibrating. The entire device is sealed to permit cold sterilization by liquids.

Abstract: A methods and apparatus is disclosed herein that confirms the accuracy of dental casts. The device has four adjustable arms terminating in rests. The rests are slightly concave to receive methylmethacrylate. The arms are adjustable to mate rests with selected points or cusp tips on the model. In use, the set screw is loosened to allow a friction fit adjustment of the four arms. Once the four arms are adjusted so that the rests are aligned over desired cusp tips a locking screw is tightened. The arms are held immobilized. Methylmethacrylate is now added to the concave portion of rests. While this acrylic is still soft it is returned in the same location on model to register the imprint of the preselected cusp tips. The verifier can now be utilized to verify accuracy of another clone model by placing in similar manner on second cast. The verifier should come to rest on the second model exactly as it did on the original.

Abstract: A fiber optic periodontal endoscope includes a lens and light housing assly attached to a handle end tip containing fiber optic bundles transmitting light from the source to illuminate the probe tip. The returning image traveling back through the handle along the fiber optic bundle is reflected off a mirror toward the magnification lens housed in a portion of the assembly which is at right angles to the light housing portion. The probe has two rotating joints, one between the tip and handle and the other between the assembly and handle to enable rotation of the lens for ease of viewing and additional rotation of the probe tip to allow for illumination and visualization at the side of the tip.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a handpiece having a root canal length measurement function, wherein a signal circuit, which is specifically provided for sending measurement signals from a root canal length measurement circuit to a measurement probe mounted on a head provided at the tip of the handpiece, is incorporated in the handpiece, and the signal circuit is electrically connected to the measurement probe via a contact piece in the vicinity of the measurement probe. Therefore, it is not necessary to connect the signal circuit for measurement by way of the outside of the handpiece. In addition, this structure improves the operability of the handpiece because there is no lead wire for connection. Furthermore, this structure eliminates the troublesome task of externally connecting lead wires to the head of the handpiece, which would otherwise be required at each treatment time.

Abstract: A dental positioning guide has two pins connected to a hub section. The pins may be rotated to a plurality of angular positions.

Abstract: The quantitatively and objectively present invention provides an apparatus for evaluating the contact pressure distribution in a temporomandibular joint. Specifically, the mandible and cranium are converted to two-dimensional rigid body element models by use of positional data of their contact line acquired from an image input device to compose a rigid body spring model, where only vertical springs resisting in vertical direction to the contact line are assumed in temporomandibular joint portion and vertical springs resisting in vertical direction as well as shear spring resisting in the direction parallel to the contact line are assumed in the teeth portion. An external force converted from an assumed elevation myodynamia is exerted on this model, and based on the theory of a rigid body spring model, stresses at each of the springs are calculated to represent contact pressures due to reaction forces against the external force mentioned above.

Abstract: A precision instrumentation platform carrying a tool, such as a scanner or drill, on a computer-controlled robotic arm is controlled by a robotic type positioning system. The scanner of the platform makes a three dimensional tomographic type scan of the area being diagnosed and a computer image is formed. A drill, or other treatment modality of the instrumentation platform, is controlled to treat the affected area. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, computer-controlled hydraulic pumps control vertical movement and rotation of the robotic arm and the instrumentation platform. These pumps adjust fluid volummes in various chambers to position the platform either for the purpose of making the scan or performing the treatment. As fluid volummes change, pistons move, and the platform follows a computer-directed path. Positional sensors, along with connecting torque systems and control systems create a multi-loop servo-system that guides the platform.

Abstract: A method and an indicating device for determining a location of a hole to be used as an attachment point for a fixture or fixture part on an area of the human body are disclosed. The indicating device comprises a bearing part which is adapted to be received in an existing hole and a protruding part interconnected with the bearing part and extending above the existing hole when the bearing part is inserted into the existing hole. At least one indicating part is interconnected with the protruding part and has a free end extending away from the existing hole, where a location of the new hole to be used as an attachment point is established at a position substantially adjacent to an exterior surface of the free end of the indicating part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser for marker disks which limit the depth of penetration of root-canal preparatory instruments or the like. The dispenser is composed of a box assembly composed of base 1 and cover 2. The space between the base 1 and cover 2 at least in part evinces a height approximately equal to the thickness of the marker disks. A guide 8 is provided to select the marker disks and to place a marker disk at a specified site. In the zone of this site are present a puncture aperture 7 in the base 1 and an opening 6 in the cover 2. The opening 6 in the cover 2 is at least large enough to pass a marker disk 4. The box assembly composed of base 1 and cover 2 is arranged in an insertion case 5 of such design that for the inserted state of the box assembly, said insertion case will close the aperture 6 in the cover 2.

Abstract: Provided are materials and methods for predicting whether a molar tooth will remain impacted or will erupt based upon anatomical measurements of the position of the teeth in relation to the ascending ramus of the mandible.

Abstract: Measuring apparatus and method for measuring the mobility of an object, such as a tooth, having a longitudinal axis, that is disposed in a securing medium. The apparatus includes an outer and an inner housing. The outer housing partially defines a cavity and has first and second cavity wall portions which face the cavity and position the outer housing with respect to the securing medium. The inner housing is disposed within the cavity and partially defines a chamber that receives the object. The inner housing is adapted for relative movement with respect to the outer housing. The inner housing has first and second chamber wall portions facing the chamber and first and second object contact members for engaging opposing surfaces of the object. First and second compression springs are positioned between and in contact with respective chamber wall portions and object contact members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical drill made of metal, for instance made of surgical grade stainless steel or carbon steel, intended for use when implanting cylindrical implants into bone tissue, preferably dental implants made of titanium. The body (3) of the drill (1) is coated by a thin layer of titanium nitride (TiN). The layer of titanium nitride is brightly colored and circumferential bands (8, 9, 10, 11) having a darker color have been etched around the envelope surface of the body (3) of the drill, said bands (8, 9, 10, 11) being located at predetermined distances from each other and having predetermined widths.

Abstract: This invention relates to a periodontal structure mapping system employing a dental handpiece containing first and second acoustic sensors for locating the Cemento-Enamel Junction (CEJ) and measuring the differential depth between the CEJ and the bottom of the periodontal pocket. Measurements are taken at multiple locations on each tooth of a patient, observed, analyzed by an optical analysis subsystem, and archived by a data storage system for subsequent study and comparison with previous and subsequent measurements. Ultrasonic transducers for the first and second acoustic sensors are contained within the handpiece and in connection with a control computer. Pressurized water is provided for the depth measurement sensor and a linearly movable probe sensor serves as the sensor for the CEJ finder. The linear movement of the CEJ sensor is obtained by a control computer actuated by the prober.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided an instrument for measuring the tightness between a first and a second contiguous bodies, the first body being movable with relation to the second body, comprising: (a) a substantially incompressible insertion element of predetermined thickness for insertion between the first and second bodies; (b) a holder for holding the insertion element to enable the insertion element to be forcibly inserted between the first and second bodies, thereby displacing the first body with relation to the second body, thereby providing a predetermined forced distance between the first and second bodies; and (c) a sensor for sensing the insertion force applied when inserting the insertion element between the first and second bodies along a predetermined path of insertion.

Abstract: A periodontal examination data recording and recall method and apparatus. The periodontal examination method includes obtaining an automated periodontal examination data recording and recall apparatus having at least one pre-programmed mode of operation whereby periodontal examination data is entered in a predetermined sequence, performing the periodontal examination and collecting the periodontal examination data, entering the periodontal examination data into the periodontal examination apparatus, the periodontal examination data obtained through the periodontal examination performed in a predetermined sequence, and storing the periodontal examination data for future use, including review and display. The periodontal examination apparatus includes a keypad input device, an LCD, a main controller, an attachment device for securing the apparatus to the examiner's arm or other portion of the armamentarium, and is provided with at least one automatic input sequence.

Abstract: A depth-marking system for use in connection with forming holes for receiving implants in a jawbone. The implants have a nominal length less than an actual length. At least one band marking is arranged on a tool for forming or measuring the implant holes. The at least one band marking includes a first line that indicates the actual hole depth, the actual depth including any lower cone-shaped portion of the hole. The at least one band marking also includes a second line above the first line that indicates a position of an uppermost of a unit arranged on the implant when the implant is in a final position in the hole and the unit is arranged in a final position on the implant.

Abstract: A periodontal probe tip 14 is made of strong flexible plastic with thermochromatic plastic ingredient and litmus test paper band, Probe tip 14 is an indicator for measuring the depth of periodontal pocket and for sensing gum temperature increasing and sensing acidity around tooth, Probe tip 14 will show color change to indicate gum disease and tooth decay initiating the disease process, People will have time to interrupt the disease process and on to better oral health.

Abstract: A temperature gauge for drills of the type having a head to which a drill bur having a throughbore extending to its drill bur tip is removably mounted includes a temperature sensor receivable in the drill bur throughbore for sensing and measuring the temperature at the drill bur tip and a thermometer coupled to the temperature sensor for displaying the temperature at the drill bur tip. A method of measuring the temperature of the drill site is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for determining the correct lengths of standardized components of a dental implant system in situ in the oral cavity. The device comprises an elongate gauge body (1, 2) being provided with circumferential dark bands (10, 18, 19, 20, 21) located at predetermined distances from each other and having predetermined widths, the areas between said darker bands having a pronouncedly lighter colour, each boundary line between lighter and darker bands corresponding to one specific, standardized component.