Abstract: The present invention relates to dental endosteal implants with devices to aid in the placement of the implant, and procedures for placing the implant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a handheld dental instrument which automatically regulates the pressure at which the working end of the instrument engages a person's teeth or gums. The instrument includes a probe that is spring biased into a set position. The bias of the probe is predetermined, and is designed to yield to a preset minimum force. The deformation of the instrument's spring bias keeps the force of the instrument consistent against any object. This consistent pressure assures that the instrument will work in the same manner, and give the same results, time after time. Additionally, the consistency of the instrument will result in more accurate results and increase in the dentist's confidence while using the instrument.

Abstract: Implant cavities are drilled in the jaw of a patient by first forming a template from a plastic cast of an impression of the jaw regions after it has been prepared as for parallel-crown preparation and the template is provided with parallel bores in which slide sleeves guiding the drill bit of the drill can be received.

Abstract: An endodontic device in the form of a platform adapted to be mounted on a dentist's finger. A foam insert holder mounted on the platform is adapted to receive a removable foam insert for holding a plurality of root canal instruments. An open-ended slot formed in the platform is adapted to receive one of the instruments. Scale indicia is provided on the platform adjacent to the slot to permit adjustment of the working length of the instrument in the slot to guide the dentist in using the instrument during a root canal procedure. The platform also is formed having a plurality of instrument receiving holes to permit curving of the instrument where desired. The platform further has a plurality of finger-operated indexing plates having indicia to permit the dentist to assign a separate indication of the working length in each root canal being worked on.

Abstract: A staple which is compressively affixed to the mandibular jaw with lag screws, a drill guide apparatus having a plane guide and drilling barrel for proper alignment of the staple and a method for proper implantation of the staple. The staple is provided with a plurality of parallel transosteal pins which are mounted on a mounting axis which extends in a direction parallel to the axis of compression. The plane guide has a curvilinear aperture to extend around the jaw bone for forming a planar mating surface on the bone with a grinding tool. The drilling barrel accepts a plurality of removable sleeves for guiding drill bits of different sizes. A cap nut is self-threaded on to a smooth portion of the transosteal pin. The smooth portion of the transosteal pin is provided to reduce irritation to the gingiva and facilitate adhesion of a bioceramic or biocompatable polymer material.

Abstract: A dental bur includes a shank adapted to be held by a dental drill and an abrasive portion. The lowermost abrasive portion at the free end of the bur is of a different color from the remaining abrasive portion. As a result, a dentist can observe the colored section to determine the depth of the bur tip under the gum line. Preferably, the bur is formed by coloring the corresponding section of the substrate from which the bur is made and then coating the entire working surface of the bur (colored and uncolored) with diamond chips.

Abstract: Selection of a proper drill bit for preparing a tooth to receive a crown or a bridge is accomplished through the use of a kit which includes a measuring guide and a template showing the profiles of various drill bits. The measuring guide and template are adapted to cooperate with the conventional X-ray. The X-ray is placed behind the measuring guide and oriented with the axis of the tooth perpendicular to a scale which is printed on the measuring guide. The measuring guide is otherwise transparent. By holding the X-ray and measuring guide up to light, a safe margin around the pulp chamber can be identified by the lines of the scale. Next, the drill template is placed in the measuring guide and manipulated until a drill bit profile is located which will maintain the safe margin around the pulp chamber and yet not cut into adjacent teeth. The method is taught together with a kit for practicing the method. The kit includes a selection of drill bits, the drill bit template, and measuring guide.

Abstract: A method and device for reconstruction of teeth in an upper jaw wherein anterior guidance of the natural state is achieved even when front teeth are missing through the scanning of the contour curve of a tooth in the sagittal plane and the transferring by copying of the curve to each tooth to be reconstructed.

Abstract: A series of instruments for use in cleaning and shaping the root canal of a tooth is disclosed. The instruments are files having increasing tapers on sequentially-used files, with all of the files having the same, or nearly the same, small diameter at the tip of the cutting surface. The files create an increasingly tapered aperture in the root canal, which is exactly sized to admit a selected one of a set of variable taper filling materials available for filling a prepared root canal. Each file also has a safe edge to eliminate perforating the root canal, a rounded tip to eliminate ledging, and a handle shaped to provide a tactile reference to the orientation of the safe edge.

Abstract: In dental surgery when a tooth is to be crowned, the tooth has to be prepared by cutting a taper. It has been found that for the successful mounting of a crown the taper must be much more exactly prepared than is possible using currently available equipment. The present invention allows the initial position of the axis of a cutter to be related by means of electronic "spirit levels" to a selected axis. Deviation from this axis by more than a predetermined amount is indicated by light sources which can be seen regardless of the position of a handpiece holding the cutter. By means of a code these light sources indicate how the dentist must move the cutter to return to the correct axis.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying dental wax, simulating natural gingiva, to denture models uses controlled temperature and pressure to maintain the wax at constant viscosity and flow rate. Placement of the flow nozzle to fill recesses in the model where the simulated gum tissue should be, can be manual or microprocessor program controlled in combination with a micropositioner.

Abstract: In the visual measurement system for reading the occulusal clearance between the pulpal cavity wall and the opposing tooth, a thermoplastic material for occulusal registration is cast in a pulpal cavity wall at the time of the primary preparation of a cavity or abutment, and is put into occulusal closure engagement with the opposing tooth to register the opposing tooth surface thereon, the material being capable of being softened and formed at a temperature slightly higher than the internal temperature of the oral cavity and being of slight transparency. A specially designed explorer for thickness mesurement is then inserted into the required regions on the prepared surface covered with the material, thereby to produce indentations which are of various sizes and shapes similar to those of the head of the explorer, and which has its width coincident with the indented depth, and the sizes of the indentations are visually observed to read the clearance between the pulpal cavity wall and the opposing tooth.

Abstract: An adjustable mandrel for grasping and supporting a workpiece such as a dental retention device. The mandrel includes a stationary jaw having a body portion with a dependent grasping leg, and a movable jaw also having a body portion with a depending grasping leg. The two grasping legs are arranged to each other. A captured screw member is rotatably secured to the body portion of the stationary jaw with the body portion of the movable jaw threadingly receiving the screw member therethrough. A pair of guide rails maintain a parallel relationship between the stationary and movable jaws. As the screw member is rotated, the movable jaw moves into and out of engagement with the stationary jaw to grasp a workpiece with the grasping legs, where either external or internal surfaces of the workpiece can be grasped.

Abstract: Apparatus includes a mandible alignment device and a jaw pattern jig to prepare a one-piece metal dental implant for insertion into a patient's mouth. The alignment device has a central scissors member with a rear positioned thumb wheel controlling the longitudinal spread of the scissors blades. A front portion of a longitudinal angle adjustment member mounted over the scissors holds an anterior foot portion of a dental implant. A rod integral with the end of each scissors blade supports a housing holding a ramus member portion of a dental implant. After a pattern is determined by the alignment device, it is locked into the jaw pattern jig and the one-piece metal dental implant is bent to shape to substitute for the anterior foot and ramus members removed from the alignment device.

Abstract: An instrument and method for establishing those relationships and modifications required for making and properly fitting a removable partial denture suitable for dual paths of insertion and removal. The instrument includes a platform having a surface for supporting a dental model and, alongside that surface, at least one guide track. An upstanding base is supported upon the track for movement therealong and is equipped with an extendable and rotatable head. The head carries a pivot shaft that is parallel with the plane of the support surface and that may be adjusted longitudinally along, and rotated about, its longitudinal axis. In use, such axis is aligned with that point on an abutment tooth of the model that is to serve as the intended point of rotation for insertion and removal of a partial denture. A transverse bar is carried by the shaft and is equipped at its end with a blade parallel with the axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A measuring device for use in model surgery in connection with the surgical treatment of the teeth and jaws, commonly referred to as orthognathic surgery. The trial surgery is performed on a plaster dental model which has been correctly mounted on a dental articulator, and in which the Frankfort Horizontal plane or axis orbital plane is utilized. In addition, a model block to which the dental model is affixed is placed on a model platform provided with a caliper, such as an electronic digital caliper, precisely mounted relative to the base of the platform so that measurements of the dental models are made which are free from error due to positioning relative to the base line, as well as due to parallax.

Abstract: An improved device for measuring an inclination angle of the tapered surface of a plaster die duplicated from the prepared tooth in the field of restorative dentistry is disclosed. The device is used also for scraping operation for the was pattern. It includes a turnable tool holding plate which is turnably held in a slot formed on the lower part of a core so as to turn about a support shaft. A rotary ring with its lower end face cut to a predetermined inclination angle, for instance, 7 degrees is rotatably fitted onto the core in such a manner that the lower inclined face comes in contact with the upper faces of wing-shaped lateral projections of the tool holding plate with a transversely extending shaft disposed therebetween. The transversely extending shaft is inserted through the tool holding plate at the same inclination angle as that of the lower inclined end face of the rotary ring so that its axis intersects with the axis of the support shaft.

Abstract: A vibratory endodontic device is described for mechanical preparation of dental radicular canals, i.e., root canals, prior to their obturation. The device includes a housing, a vibratory drive means supported within the housing to minimize the transfer of vibration to the housing, an endodontic file connected to the drive means for vibratory movement and stop means operatively connected to the housing and substantially isolated from the mechanical vibrations created by the vibratory drive means. Additionally, fluid transport means are provided for maintaining a continuous flow of irrigation fluid along the endodontic file. Various assemblies for retaining the endodontic files on the operative end of the vibrating device are also described.

Abstract: A mechanically adjustable articulator for mounting poured dental casts used in the fabrication of dentures without the use of mounting plaster, the articulator having central locating pins for entering drilled apertures in the base of the casts, and further having adjustable retaining screws which enter drilled apertures in the perimeter of the casts to retain the casts in fixed position after which the casts may be adjusted to any desired relationship with each other; and a method for drilling and mounting the casts, including a drill jig useful for such purpose.

Abstract: A transparent occlusal guide and a wedge-shaped cusp ridge locator are used in transferring the crest line of the lower record base to establish a precise line for the setting of the lingual cusps of the upper posterior teeth during the setup stage of full denture fabrication.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the depth of a periodontal pocket cavity including a probe needle, a needle holder and a handle, has a hinge construction whereby the needle with the needle holder is pivotable relative to the handle against the action of a bias spring which has a flat spring characteristic within the restricted pivoting range of the hinge.

Abstract: Apparatus for the determination and the digital display of the position in the tooth canal of a root treating device, comprises a saliva suction device in circuit with the root treating device to sense the variation of the impedance between the gum and the root treating device. That impedance varies inversely as the depth of the root treating device; and so the variations in impedance are amplified and converted into DC voltage levels which are applied to a series of light displays in such a way that one light display will be most brightly illuminated while its neighbors will be less brightly illuminated, the comparative illuminations of the adjacent light displays giving a quick visual indication of the position of the root treating device in the tooth canal. An audible signal can also be provided.

Abstract: An endodontic test file for use in root canal therapy for quickly and accurately measuring the length between the crown occlusal surface and the apex of the root canal without the necessity of x-rays. The test file has a smooth tapered shank with calibrations etched along the shank, a convenient handle on the larger end of the shank and at the narrow end, a sharp screw tip having a total screw length of only approximately 0.5 mm. In operation the test file is inserted into the previously prepared coronal cavity and is screwed through the root canal until rotation of the screw tip no longer advances the test file through the canal. At this point, the tip has passed through the apex and into the infected soft periodontal ligament. The etched shaft calibrations then indicate the precise tooth length.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/JP78/00026 Sec. 371 Date July 17, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date July 16, 1979 PCT Filed Nov. 15, 1978 PCT Pub. No. WO79/00300 PCT Pub. Date May 31, 1979A boring needle device for treatment of a dental root canal has a boring needle useful upon treating a dental root canal. The needle can be adjusted, without resort to any special adjustment expedient, to a boring effective needle length which is corresponding to a depth of the canal preliminarily determined by separate means. The needle is secured at the proximal end to a grip member which is caused to stepwisely minutely slide relative to a sleeve member whereby a length of the needle projecting from the sleeve member can be finely adjusted by a determined minute distance.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and instrument for fabricating a first dental restorative having a predetermined standard occlusal contact relationship with an opposing second dental restorative and for fabricating a pattern for such first restorative.

Abstract: A base portion has an upper surface on which are formed slots for receiving root canal fillers. The slots are graduated whereby the length of each root canal filler can be adjusted easily. The base portion is provided with a cover plate for pressing and fixing the root canal fillers placed in the slots, the cover plate having a flat, inner pressing surface and being pivotably attached to one side of the base portion.

Abstract: A dental mirror includes at its handle end a depressed surface having indicia markings thereon for measuring endodontic file or reamer depths.

Abstract: A dowel pin holder having an elongate base horizontally positionable within a dental impression. A guide for installation of the base is temporarily positionable above the specific tooth impression and guides the inserted base into precise position above the tooth impression. A dowel pin holder is positionable along the elongate base as is a slidable indicator for the dowel pin holder.

Abstract: A dental hand engine for driving a reamer for widening root canals, which is characterized in the provision of a control device which electrically senses the time when a forward end of the reamer reaches a radical apex for automatically stopping the engine and consequently the reamer.

Abstract: A force-controlled periodontal probe is disclosed, the probe having a scale-marked shaft slidably carried by an alignment sleeve at the head end of the instrument and urged into a normally extended condition by a thin leaf spring. Measurements of gingival sulcus depths are taken when the force applied by the periodontist to the handle of the instrument and the resistance to further penetration by the tip portion of the shaft have caused the shaft to shift into an indicated displaced position. In that position the spring exerts a predetermined and accurately reproducible probing force.

Abstract: A dental instrument for preparing a tooth for receiving a crown in an area not visible to the dentist which includes a guide member disposed adjacent to the cutting instrument and is freely rotatable relative to the cutting instrument. The guide surrounds the cutting instrument and includes at its lower end a shield that prevents the cutting instrument from contacting the surrounding gum. The guide limits the horizontal depth of cut and vertical depth of cut into the tooth during the tooth preparation.

Abstract: Endodontic files extend freely through openings in a gauge plate supported through a central threaded opening by an elongated, rotatable screw extending upwardly from a base. A post extends upwardly from the base and slidably engages the gauge plate to prevent rotation of the plate while allowing it to move vertically relative to the base upon rotation of the screw, whereby to afford adjustment of the vertical distance between the base and gauge plate to correspond with the depth of radicular pulp to be removed from the root canal of a tooth. Depth stoppers on the files are adjusted along the length of the files to bring them into abutment with the upper surface of the gauge plate, thereby establishing the depth to which the files are to penetrate the root canal. A cover fits removably over the gauge plate and base to retain the files on the gauge plate during transport and to accommodate autoclaving and sterile storage.

Abstract: A milling device for cutting a circular arcuate slot in a human jawbone, which slot is adapted to receive an endossal implant for mounting a denture. The device has a circular sawblade mounted in a housing comprising two parts. One part is adapted to slide into the other and carries the rotatably mounted sawblade. The other part serves as a guide to control the direction and distance the blade moves with respect to the bone being cut, thereby providing an accurately dimensioned slot for receiving the implant.

Abstract: A post broken off from a cap previously retained in human bony structure, such as a human tooth, is removed from a hole in the tooth within which the post has been retained, as by cement. The removal is effected by a hollow rotary drill having tooth cutters surrounding the post, said drill while rotating being urged into the hole until the cutters have released the post from the surrounding cement. Preferably an adjustable stop is provided within the drill to abut the outer end of the post when the cutters have reached the inner end thereof, to prevent damage to the root structure beyond the inner end of the post. The inner diameter of the drill closely fits the outer diameter of the post so that it acts as a guide for the cutters as they are urged into the hole within which the post is retained.

Abstract: A jig for the cutting of proximal boxes or outline forms in dentistry employs a guide table and paralleling arm. The guide table is located over the teeth by the clamping action of a pair of depending retentive arms which engage the embrasure area between adjacent teeth. The paralleling arm, which receives the dental burr, is swingable over the guide table and the latter and the arms in turn are provided with guide surfaces for determining the location and attitude of the buccal, lingual, axial and cervical walls of a proximal box.