Abstract: A medication injection method and related device with a hollow drill bit for delivery of anesthetic or other medication through the hollow drill bit are disclosed. The device preferably includes a hollow drill bit, a disposable fluid dispenser, a handpiece, a handle, and a foot control pedal. The device can deliver anesthetic or other medication before, during and/or after drilling of a tooth or bone structure without removing the drill bit. The invention relates to an intraosseous and/or hard tissue drug delivery system that combines perforating and drug delivering functions in one device and one operation.

Abstract: A device useful for delivering a predetermined treatment agent using a non-adhesive carrier for controlled regional release where the relationship between pore size, molecular weight, concentration and the like are predetermined to achieve specific predetermined time and quantity of release. The device includes a mouthguard shaped for extended contact with a substantial portion of the users mouth, such as all of the teeth and gums, for example, so as to provide treatment to a major region of the mouth as opposed to specific topical points of treatment. The mouthguard is held in position by properly fitting it to the patient, such as by softening and molding in situ. The portion of the mouthguard that is in direct contact with the region of treatment is formed from a polymeric material having a network of porous cavities that are sized to incorporate the treatment agent and release that agent over a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method for removing biofilm from the interior surface of a conduit and for preventing biofilm from forming on the interior surface as a result of flow of an aqueous liquid through the conduit. This method includes the step of contacting the aqueous liquid with an oxygen solution in an amount sufficient to remove biofilm from and prevent the formation of biofilm on the interior surface of the conduit. A preferred oxygen solution comprises about 0.2% by weight of stabilized electrolytes of oxygen.

Abstract: A dental air-water syringe includes a handle and a tip as well as a device for purifying water flowing through the tip. In one embodiment of the invention, the water purifying device is contained within a housing of the tip and optionally includes a number of iodide beads disposed along the length of the housing. In another embodiment of the invention, the device is detachably connected to the tip, and the tip and the device have outer diameters that are approximately equal.

Abstract: A dental syringe tip handpiece assembly includes a clear, plastic syringe tip mounted in an adaptor for connection to the handpiece. On the interior of the adaptor at a location adjacent the end of the syringe tip, a source of light, preferably a fiberoptic ringlight, is provided. Light from the light source will be transmitted down the length of the syringe tip and emitted from the end thereof. By positioning the end of the syringe tip in the patient's oral cavity, the dentist can provide illumination in the oral cavity so that various dental functions can be more easily and accurately performed. The source of light may also be a light bulb positioned at the rear of the adaptor. The adaptor is made from clear, or at least translucent, material so that light from the light bulb will be transmitted through the adaptor and then into the syringe tip. A special handpiece body formed of a handpiece inner unit and an outer cover is provided to receive the adaptor and syringe tip assembly.

Abstract: A dental tray of the present invention includes a body made from a generally fluid impervious material (preferably a closed cell foam) having a bottom and side walls to define an arched channel sized and shaped to fit over a patient's teeth. A deformable, arched gasket is fixed to the body along an upper edge of the body wall. The gasket extends inwardly from the tray body wall and defines an arched slot. The gasket inner edge contacts and seals against the patient's gums and teeth when the tray is applied to the patient's teeth to substantially prevent compounds from leaking from the sides or back of the tray during use of the tray. Preferably, two identical trays are connected together by a connector. The connector is adhered to the base of the trays, generally at a front of the trays. The connector is folded over upon itself when the two trays are inserted in a patient's mouth and define a handle. The handle extends through the patient's lips from a position generally between the patient's teeth.

Abstract: A dental instrument (10) has a handle (12) having a handle front (12F) and a handle rear (12R). The handle (12) further has a handle grip (12A). The dental instrument (10) further has a probe (14) which is securely attached to and extending frontwardly from the handle front (12F). The probe (14) functions to measure periodontal pockets. The probe (14) has a probe first shaft (14A) which is securely connected at a rear distal end to a front distal end of the handle front (12F). The probe first shaft (14A) is in an approximately parallel configuration to a longitudinal axis of the handle (12). The probe (14) further has a probe second shaft (14B) which is securely connected at a rear distal end at an upward obtuse angle to a front distal end of the probe first shaft (14A). The probe (14) still further has a probe point (14C) which is securely connected at a rear distal end at an approximate perpendicular downward angle to a front distal end of the probe second shaft (14B).

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary devices and methods which are useful in treating an oral cavity. In one exemplary embodiment, a nozzle is provided which is adapted for attachment to a hand piece of a dental tool. The nozzle comprises an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The proximal end is adapted for attachment to the hand piece while the distal end is flared to facilitate manipulation of a body part.

Abstract: A dental syringe tip handpiece assembly includes a clear, plastic syringe tip mounted in an adaptor for connection to the handpiece. On the interior of the adaptor at a location adjacent the end of the syringe tip, a source of light, preferably a fiberoptic ringlight, is provided. Light from the light source will be transmitted down the length of the syringe tip and emitted from the end thereof. By positioning the end of the syringe tip in the patient's oral cavity, the dentist can provide illumination in the oral cavity so that various dental functions can be more easily and accurately performed. The source of light may also be a light bulb positioned at the rear of the adaptor. The adaptor is made from clear, or at least translucent, material so that light from the light bulb will be transmitted through the adaptor and then into the syringe tip. A special handpiece body formed of a handpiece inner unit and an outer cover is provided to receive the adaptor and syringe tip assembly.

Abstract: A dental device for the treatment of dental arches and periodontal tissue addressing the drawbacks of the prior art, comprising a prefabricated dental appliance composed of a non-porous polymeric material having a trough for immersing the teeth of the dental arch, the dental appliance being adaptable to fit a range of variously sized dental arches, and a premeasured amount of bleaching and/or other dental agent, which may be predispensed within the trough of the disposable dental appliance. The dental appliance of the present invention may be packaged to enclose individual or multiple units. The predispensed dental agent may be predispensed within the packaged appliances, or be sealed in the trough of the dental appliance. Alternatively, the predetermined amount of dental agent may be packaged in a separate container located adjacent to the trough orifice so that the dental agent is capable of being directly expelled into the trough of dental appliance when the seal is opened.

Abstract: A dental adhesive delivery system provides a single usage amount of dental adhesive in a non-resealable container for use in treating a single patient. The packaged amount of adhesive may include up to the amount required to treat all of the teeth needing treatment of not more than a single patient, for example in the range of approximately 0.05 to 1.0 ml. The packaged amount may include a dose only large enough for the treatment of a single tooth or for the application of a single restoration, for example, in an amount of about 0.1 ml. The adhesive is one that includes a volatile solvent or other liquid carrier, such as, for example, water or an organic liquid such as acetone or alcohol. In the preferred embodiment, an alcohol based adhesive is provided having a filler of approximately 25% by weight.

Abstract: A dental syringe is disclosed wherein finger actuated shutoff valves control air and water flows to a discharge nozzle. The shutoff valves are constructed with a groove into which the media inlet barb is inserted for retention. All O-rings are retained below the surface of the syringe head. The discharge nozzle is constructed with a retaining groove and retained with a snap ring.

Abstract: The present invention discloses high viscosity sustained release dental compositions, such as tooth bleaching or fluoride compositions, for treating tooth surfaces. For maximum results, an improved dental tray having reservoirs for holding the dental composition adjacent the desired tooth surfaces is preferably used in combination with the sustained release dental composition. The sustained release dental compositions include a high carboxypolymethylene concentration which results in very high viscosity. The high level of carboxypolymethylene makes dilution of the dental compositions from saliva difficult and time consuming so that the compositions stay within the tray reservoirs, thereby providing sustained release. The concentrated carboxypolymethylene adds a unique tackiness to the dental composition which helps retain and seal the soft tray material against the patient's teeth.

Abstract: A reservoir system for delivering an active agent into an oral cavity over an extended delivery period includes a pair of containers, which each have a hollow interior space for containing the active agent and at least one opening for dispensing the active agent, and a flexible plastic appliance for securing the containers within the oral cavity at a desired location. The containers are located within chambers formed in opposite sides of the appliance. The container includes a molded plastic body having a size and shape suitable for comfortably retaining the container within the oral cavity for the extended delivery time. The body is generally oval and cabochon-shaped to comfortably fit in the vestibule between the teeth/gums and cheek of the patient. The appliance is custom molded to closely fit the patient. The reservoir system can further include a foraminous medium for directly holding and dispensing an active agent at a desired treatment location within the oral cavity.

Abstract: A system for disinfecting the water lines of a dental unit is provided with first and second unidirectional check valves. Water at a first pressure is normally supplied to the water lines of the dental unit through the first check valve. A reservoir of liquid disinfectant can be pressurized at a second pressure higher than the first pressure by the air compressor already equipping the dental unit to supply disinfectant to the water lines of the dental unit through the second check valve. Liquid disinfectant is prevented from reaching the water supply line by the first check valve. In the same manner, when the reservoir is not pressurized, the second check valve prevents water from the water supply line from reaching the disinfectant.

Abstract: A periodontal pocket cleaning device is provided which has a very excellent effect for the prevention of periodontal diseases, which is least liable to cause injury to the periodontal pocket, which can be used at any place without limiting the place of its use, which is able to obtain a stabilized atomized jet without being influenced by the height position of the handy probe, and which is available at a low cost. The periodontal cleaning device includes a handy probe provided with an air-jet ejection mechanism, an air pump for producing compressed air, and an air-feeding tube for feeding the compressed air from the air pump to the handy probe. The handy probe is provided with a liquid storage tank for storing liquid agent such as water or liquid chemicals therein. The jet-out pressure of the compressed air to be ejected from the nozzle of the handy probe is set in a range of from 0.05 to 0.08 kg/cm.sup.2. The jet-out quanity of the compressed air is set in a range of from 2 to 30 l/min.

Abstract: A flexible duplex dental tray such that the upper and the lower teeth can be placed in the upper and the lower dental troughs of the flexible duplex dental tray, respectively. The duplex dental tray is made of an elastic material and is has a radius of curvature less than the dentition of the patient such that the tension created by extending the duplex dental tray when it is worn provides additional support for holding the duplex dental tray in place, in addition to pressure for maintaining contact of tooth bleaching materials contained therein.

Abstract: The improvement of a dental syringe includes the addition of a fluid control block. The fluid control block includes a barrel portion having a first connector for attachment to a syringe handle and a second connector for attachment to a delivery nozzle. The barrel portion defines an air flow passage and a separate water flow passage. A dial is rotatably mounted to the barrel portion and defines a plurality of differently sized flow orifices alignable one-at-a-time with one of the flow passages. Each of the flow orifices allows a predetermined level of fluid flow through the flow passage when aligned with the flow passage. The improved dental syringe can be employed to assess abfraction forces acting upon teeth, to assess the success or failure of an occlusal adjustment procedure, and to reduce splatter.

Abstract: An oral irrigator (1), with a stirrup-shaped nozzle holder (2) which encloses the teeth on both sides via two branches (3), is described. Nozzle openings (23 to 26) are arranged on the inner side of the branches (3) and are oriented at an acute angle (.beta.) to the axis of rotation (4) towards the open end (18) of the nozzle holder (2), in order to direct the nozzle jets (32), in the direction of the root (37), onto the lateral surfaces of the teeth (33).

Abstract: A dental apparatus, including an instrument having an optical fiber for delivering UV light, an optical viewing fiber and an irregular surface located on the exterior surface at the distal end of the instrument to provide tactile feedback. The instrument preferably additionally comprises an irrigation channel, a suction channel, and abrasives on the distal end of the device. Other aspects of the invention include inventive dental procedures, facilitated by the apparatus, including the cleaning of teeth, periodontic and endodontic procedures, and bleaching discolored teeth.

Abstract: A method of introducing a substance into a mouth, including flowing water into contact with a composite and then into the mouth, the composite including a substance that is released from the composite when water contacts the composite, the substance being released from the composite when contacted with the flowing water and carried by the flowing water into the mouth.

Abstract: A syringe tip for use with a dental tool having a hand-piece for delivering air and water to a discharge end of the hand-piece. The syringe tip is releasably engageable with the discharge end of the hand piece and has an intake end and a discharge end. The tip has a fluid passageway defined at least in part by the tube having an intake port adjacent the intake end of the tube for fluid communication with the fluid conduit of the hand-piece and a discharge port adjacent the discharge end of the tube for pressurized delivery of the fluid to the mouth of a patient. The intake end of the tube is shaped to avoid blockage of the fluid conduits by the tube. The tip further comprises a viscous liquid within and occluding the fluid passageway for being discharged from the discharge port into the mouth of the patient when the fluid is delivered to the mouth of the patient via the hand-piece and fluid passageway.

Abstract: A mucosal applicator for topical anesthetics comprising a delivery member for retaining and delivering the anesthetic to the mucosal tissue, an adhesive which adheres the delivery member to the tissue, and a retention member connected to the delivery member which provides a biasing force against the delivery member to further secure the delivery member in position when the device is inserted into the patient's mouth.

Abstract: An oral irrigator syringe bulb having an elastic compressible bulb, which may be filled with irrigation fluid, and a rigid nozzle having a base portion which may be sealingly fitted to the bulb. The nozzle has a lumen along the longitudinal axis thereof, and the lumen has a fluid outlet at its upper part to which suitable irrigation means can be attached. The nozzle also has an elongate non-kinking flexible dip tube which reaches into the lumen, the free end of the dip tube being provided with a weight, whereby when the nozzle is fitted onto the bulb the free end of the dip tube extends into the bulb and is submerged in the irrigation fluid at any spatial position in which the bulb is held.

Abstract: A point of use microfiltration device suitable for filtering the cooling water and cooling air supplies to a turbine driven dental handset is a multicompartmental device containing microporous filtration membranes effective to remove particulate matter, particularly microbes, thus protecting the patient from the risk of infection. The device contains passages providing for unrestricted turbine supply and return air, and may be provided with a light path suitable for use with fiber optic light supplies. The device is advantageously constructed to mate with standard multilumen and hand-piece end fittings, and may be disposed of after a single use.

Abstract: A toothbrush connectable to a pressurized source of water for expelling a stream of pulsating water from the brush head thereof is provided. The toothbrush, includes: a body having a conduit therein in fluid communication between a water inlet and a plurality of holes formed in the brush head of the body, a flexible hose having a first end connected to the water inlet and a second end connectable to a pressurized source of water and a pulsatile mechanism in operational connection with the conduit for transforming the flow of water therethrough the conduit into a pulsating stream of water expelled from the holes.

Abstract: A dental tip comprises a proximal end portion connected to a drive source and a distal end portion adapted to act on a region to be subjected to dental treatment. The distal and proximal end portions are formed of a composite-material molded product which includes a plastic base material and an inorganic filler or/and an organic filler compounded therewith. This tip can produce the same treatment effect as a conventional one without damaging teeth or prostheses in dental treatment, and can be manufactured with ease. Thus, the tip is low-priced and disposable.

Abstract: A hand held blow gun is designed to help dental lab technology wash, rinse, and dry a prosthesis using one hand. High pressure air (100 p.s.i.) is needed to clean the work piece. Next a wash and finally an air dry process is needed. The vapor blaster is a one piece hand held device having a single thumb actuated lever to progressively depress first an air valve and then a water valve. The invention is powered by a high pressure gas source connected to a high pressure regulator. The high pressure regulator is connected to the hand held blow gun and to a second low pressure regulator connected to the remote second water bottle. An optional second water bottle is shown to select a cleaning solution cycle with T switches.

Abstract: A filter is provided for a dental device of the type including a hand-held working portion which utilizes air and water and a utility supply portion which supplies air and water to the hand-held working portion through respective air and water conduits therein. The filter comprises a filter body defining an air opening therethrough and a water opening therethrough. The air and water openings are respectively positioned for alignment with corresponding air and water openings of at least one of a hand-held working portion and a utility supply portion. The filter body has a filter medium for filtering air and water passing through the respective air and water openings thereof.

Abstract: A filter and one-way valve for protecting a dental patient from contamination by bacteria that may be picked up by water flowing through a supply line and to prevent cross contamination of patients from the reflux of fluid from inside a patient's mouth. Several different embodiments of the invention are disclosed, including a filter/one-way valve (38) that combines a filter (42) with a one-way valve (46) in an integral assembly. This assembly is installed in a water line (34) supplying water to an air/water syringe (20), or other dental instrument, such as a dental hand piece (160), or an ultrasonic scalar. Alternatively, a separate filter is installed in the water (and/or air) line upstream of the dental instrument, and a one-way valve (140) is installed between the head of the dental instrument and a tip through which water is injected into the mouth of a patient.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a bleaching agent in the form of a bleaching gel composition to the teeth of a user for purposes of whitening or brightening the teeth. The applicator is in the form of an arch or so-called "tray". The applicator is formed of a flexible and bendable plastic, such as a vinyl plastic, so as to be capable of being partially molded to conform to the teeth configuration of a user. A spacer or insert is located in the tray and contacts the front surfaces of the teeth when inserted on the teeth. The spacer is spaced slightly rearwardly from the front surface of the arch-shaped tray to create a reservoir when the tray is effectively molded to conform to the configuration of the user's teeth. The user of the applicator inserts the applicator into his or her mouth after heating the application and the insert and which causes the plastic to become somewhat moldable.

Abstract: A dental cleaning device (1) is provided with a mouthpiece (6) and with a grip member (4) having a fluid channel (83, 76, 75, 67, 69, 70, 71, 93, 94) and having a fluid-flow control device (61) which is adjustable an actuating member (8), which is movable between different actuating positions to change the amount of fluid supplied to the mouthpiece (6) through the fluid channel (83, 76, 75, 67, 69, 70, 71, 93, 94), the grip member (4) is provided with activatable parts (83, 76, 75, 67, 72, 73, 74, 32, 94) for temporarily increasing the amount of fluid supplied to the mouthpiece (6) while the instantaneous actuating position of the actuating member (8) for the fluid-flow control device (61) is maintained.

Abstract: An oral irragating device comprising three zones with pressurised water: having a jet, of individual character, and changeable, which can be screwed to a two-part stem which water is delivered to from a small flexible tube fitted directly to a tap with a suitable connection using a clamp and pressure screw to adjust to the tap opening, thereby avoiding leaks. A flexible strip can secure this mechanism to the tap. The tap connection may be a bowl pressed onto the tap.

Abstract: A dental syringe for delivering three discrete fluids, such as water, medicine, and air. The syringe includes a housing having a plurality of fluid intake passageways and an exhaust passageway, and wherein the fluid intake passageways are connected in fluid flowing relation relative to the exhaust passageway, and a plurality of selectively controllable valves are borne by the housing and operable to meter fluid flow from the individual intake passageways.

Abstract: Dental treatment instrument adaptable to a pulsed liquid generator constituted by a handpiece comprising a compressible tube (13) at least one section of which is accessible to a compression element (20), said compressible tube establishing fluid communication between an irrigation liquid feed and an irrigation liquid outlet (3) which is either an irrigation catheter (10), or an attachment system (15, 17), of such a catheter and dental treatment apparatus provided with such an instrument.

Abstract: A shower mounted hygiene dispenser for discharging a stream of water or a mixture of water and hygienic fluid for oral irrigation, the dispenser having a conduit housing connectable to a domestic water source. A dispenser assembly contains a collapsible bag of hygienic fluid which selectively discharges the hygienic fluid into the conduit housing in response to differential pressure exerted upon the bag to provide a mixture of water and hygienic fluid. An applicator assembly comprising a hose and a nozzle assembly delivers either pressurized water or a mixture of water and hygienic fluid for personal hygiene usage, such as for oral irrigation. A pressure regulating valve regulates the water pressure through the conduit housing.

Abstract: Oral compositions for the local administration of a therapeutic agent to a periodontal pocket of a patient for alleviating dental disease comprise a plurality of dry, discrete microparticles each of which comprise an effective amount of at least one therapeutic agent dispersed in a matrix comprising a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer. Apparatus and methods are also provided for the dispensing of the dry microparticles to the periodontal pocket whereby they become tacky and adhere to the involved tissue so as to induce long term therapeutic benefits.

Abstract: A dental-jet device (1) is provided comprising a grip member (4) and at least one mouthpiece having a tubular part (8) and a nozzle head (7) mounted on the tubular part (8) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (15) and sealed relative to the tubular part (8) by a seal (21 ), which nozzle head has at least one central jet orifice (16) and a plurality of peripheral jet orifices (17), the tubular part (8) has a single tubular-part outlet (23) which communicates with its fluid channel (9) and which is off-centered from the axis of rotation (15), and the nozzle head (17) has only two nozzle-head inlets (24, 25), which are off-centered from the axis of rotation (15) and which are sealed from one another by means of a second seal (26) acting between the tubular part (8) and the nozzle head (7), one nozzle-head inlet (24) connecting the tubular-part outlet (23) to the central-jet orifice (16) in the central-jet position and the other nozzle-head inlet (25) connecting the tubular-part outlet (23) to the per

Abstract: A delivery system for a liquid oral hygiene preparation suitable for tooth whitening, tooth cleansing and the treatment of. The delivery system includes an elongate barrel shaped body. A supply of the hygiene preparation saturates a fibrous wadding carried in a hollow chamber of the body. At an end of the body, an applicator formed of felt or synthetic fibers is seated. The applicator includes a broad tip and a stem wick which is received in the wadding and draws the preparation to the tip by capillary action. The preparation is applied to tooth surfaces, oral lesions, and the like by pressing the tip against the surface to receive the preparation and, where appropriate, wiping the tip along the surface. In an alternate embodiment, ball applicator is provided and the hygienic preparation may be carried in the chamber without the wadding.

Abstract: An interproximal toothbrush and method for cleaning, irrigating and medicating a sub-gingival region with the same are disclosed. The interproximal toothbrush has outer and inner V-shaped portions having outer and inner working surfaces which form intersections at the distal ends from the spines, and bristles extending from the intersections which clean the deeper portions of the sub-gingival region between the teeth and gum. At least one aperture may be provided in at least one of the working surfaces such that irrigation fluid or a medicating, antibacterial or other cleaning agent may be dispensed from the aperture and be guided by the bristles to the sub-gingival region.

Abstract: A device composed of a non-porous polymeric material having a trough for immersing the teeth of the dental arch, the dental appliance being adaptable to fit a range of variously sized dental arches, which may further include a buffer region, and method for applying bleaching, antioxidant, and other dental and medicinal agents to the dental arches and periodontal tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for treating a tooth with an active agent such as a tooth whitening agent comprising a stint having an internal region defined by an internal surface. A plurality of indentations are formed in the internal surface for retaining the active agent to maintain the active agent in contact with the tooth when the stint is applied upon the tooth. The stint is molded from a sheet of plastic material with the indentations being formed by an abrading process such as abrasive blasting or the like.

Abstract: An expanding dental wedge structure to be used in association with dental matrix bands as used for placing dental restorative materials. The pre-expansion shape in cross section is roughly triangular with the dimensions of the triangle decreasing along the length ending in a pointed manner (FIG. 1). The wedge (FIG. 1) is to be inserted into the area between teeth, one of which is carrying a matrix band. After insertion, the wedge is exposed to moisture causing pronounced expansion (FIG. 2), which through equal pressure on the tooth surfaces and gingival tissues involved does: (a) press the matrix tightly against the tooth sealing out moisture contamination, (b) absorb moisture, drying the surgical field, and (c) decreases blood flow and subsequent bacterial and vital transmission.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a bleaching agent in the form of a bleaching gel composition to the teeth of a user for purposes of whitening or brightening the teeth. The applicator is in the form of an arch or so-called "tray". The applicator is formed of a flexible and bendable plastic, such as a vinyl plastic, so as to be capable of being partially molded to conform to the teeth configuration of a user. A spacer or insert is located in the tray and contacts the front surfaces of the teeth when inserted on the teeth. The spacer is spaced slightly rearwardly from the front surface of the arch-shaped tray to create a reservoir when the tray is effectively molded to conform to the configuration of the user's teeth. The user of the applicator inserts the applicator into his or her mouth after heating the applicator and the insert and which causes the plastic to become somewhat moldable.

Abstract: A dental hygiene device has a brush assembly and a control unit. The brush assembly has a handle with suction and irrigation conduits passing therethrough. A brush head has two or more parallel rows of bristles. Suction and irrigation ports are positioned between the rows and coupled to the suction and irrigation conduits. Suction and irrigation tubes are coupled to the suction and irrigation conduits. The control unit has an irrigation outlet coupled to the irrigation tube and an irrigation pump, and a supply reservoir coupled to the irrigation pump. The supply reservoir contains a dental hygiene solution that is pumped from the supply reservoir through the irrigation outlet into the irrigation tube. The irrigation tube transmits the solution to the irrigation conduit and then to the irrigation port, where it is expelled. A suction inlet is coupled to the suction tube, and a suction pump is coupled to the suction inlet.

Abstract: An oral irrigator syringe bulb having an elastic compressible bulb, which may be filled with irrigation fluid, and a rigid nozzle having a base portion which may be sealingly fitted to the bulb. The nozzle has a lumen along the longitudinal axis thereof, and the lumen has a fluid outlet at its upper part to which suitable irrigation means can be attached. The nozzle also has an elongate non-kinking flexible dip tube which reaches into the lumen, the free end of the dip tube being provided with a weight, whereby when the nozzle is fitted onto the bulb the free end of the dip tube extends into the bulb and is submerged in the irrigation fluid at any spatial position in which the bulb is held.

Abstract: A combination air and water microfiltration device suitable for mounting on a dental syringe handset contains microporous membrane air and water filters which prevent particulate and bacterial contamination of the air and water streams applied to a dental patient's oral cavity during dental procedures. The small pore size of the microporous membrane allows filtration of infectious agents while maintaining adequate flow rates.

Abstract: The improvement of a dental syringe includes the addition of a fluid control block. The fluid control block includes a barrel portion having a first connector for attachment to a syringe handle and a second connector for attachment to a delivery nozzle. The barrel portion defines a flow passage. A dial is rotatably mounted to the barrel portion and defines a plurality of differently sized flow orifices alignable one-at-a-time with the flow passage. Each of the flow orifices allows a predetermined level of fluid flow through the flow passage when aligned with the flow passage. The improved dental syringe can be employed to assess abfraction forces acting upon teeth, to assess the success or failure of an occlusal adjustment procedure, and to reduce splatter.

Abstract: A one-piece dental wedge comprised of a rigid core and an elastic outer component. Both the core and the outer component are comprised of biocompatible materials. The core may be comprised of a plastic, like a polymethyl methacrylate resin, wood, metal, or the like. The elastic outer component is comprised of an elastomer of either the gel or non-gel type.

Abstract: An oral therapeutic apparatus and a method of using the oral device for treating a patient undergoing a chemotherapy treatment are disclosed wherein the oral device is formed to be insertable within the patient's mouth and receive a circulated cooling medium to continuously and uniformly cool the patient's oral tissues including the gums, cheeks, tongue, roof and base of the mouth, to prevent the oral tissues from absorbing the chemotherapy agent to thereby prevent inflammation and oral sores.