Abstract: A dental syringe covering, shield or prophylactic comprised of a thin, tear-resistant, but deformable material which is sterile and disposable for covering the exposed nozzle surfaces of different types of dental syringes providing a covering which will significantly reduce and/or prevent the spread of diseases which may be transmitted by or through contact with human body fluids and tissues during dental procedures.

Abstract: A device for scaling sordes and tartars on the surface of teeth at the gum pocket having improved construction, in which there are provided a hand-piece for an ejection nozzle; a compressor for feeding pressurized air to the ejection nozzle at one end of the hand-piece; a conduit pipe for transporting the compressed air; a water sump; and a conduit for leading water from the water sump to the ejection nozzle, the compressed air being ejected from the ejecting nozzle of the hand-piece under a pressure of from 1 to 2 kg/cm.sup.2 and in an ejecting quantity of from 6 to 9 l /min., and water being ejected together with the pressurized jet air in an ejecting quantity of from 10 to 30 cc/min. in the form of a spray jet.

Abstract: A system for the removal of plaque and other unwanted debris from the teeth of a user includes a toothbrush having a handle, a distal head, and a multiplicity of bristles. Each bristle includes a shaft having a base associated with a surface of the head, the shaft extending away from the surface and terminating in a proximal end disposed in relation to proximal ends of other shafts for mutual engagement with teeth surfaces of a user. The multiplicity of bristles define between themselves a multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow pathways. The surface of the head defines an orifice surrounded by the bases of the bristles. A conduit has a distal end terminating in the orifice.

Abstract: A dental spray handpiece consisting of a gripping sleeve having a detachable media inlet connecting piece at one end thereof and a media discharge arrangement at its other end, media conduits extending from the media inlet connecting piece to the media discharge arrangement and discharging outwardly therefrom, thereby the media connecting piece possesses connectors for media constituted of air and water. The gripping sleeve which in its dimensions and its configuration forms a uniform basic member, is equippable as a spray handpiece with an electrical current circuit and an electrical power consumer, as well as a spray handpiece without a power consumer.

Abstract: An oral drug retaining device includes a receptacle for receiving and holding a polymer matrix impregnated with a pharmacologic agent. The receptacle is formed by a cooperating basket and frame. The basket and frame include a hinge at one side and a latch pin at the opposite side to allow the receptacle to be selectively opened and closed to replace the polymer matrix as desired. Cooperating male and female connectors are provided to allow the receptacle to be releasably mounted to a tooth of a patient. One of these connectors is adapted for mounting to a tooth while the other is attached to the frame of the receptacle.

Abstract: A dental spray handpiece, consisting of a gripping sleeve having a media inlet connection at one end thereof and a media discharge at the other end thereof, in which the media conduits are arranged leading from the media inlet connection to the media discharge. A cannula for passing on the media exiting from the media discharge is detachably mounted on the end of the gripping sleeve towards the media discharge, which incorporates passageways for passing on media from the media discharge, and which have outlet orifices discharging into the open at the free end of the cannula, and wherein the spray handpiece further includes a light-emitting element for illuminating the region of the outlet orifices.

Abstract: A dental spray handpiece, consisting of a gripping sleeve having a media inlet connection at one end thereof and a media discharge at the other end. In the sleeve there are arranged two media conduits extending from the media inlet connection to the media discharge and discharging outwardly therefrom, of which one conduit is connected to a source of air and the other to a source of water, each of the two media conduits having associated therewith a respective electrical heating device with an associated heating current circuit for the heating of the medium.

Abstract: This invention relates to a surgical or dental instrument capable of illuminating, washing with liquid, washing with sprayed liquid, drying with air, and aspirating. The instrument incorporates a hollow body comprising means for connecting it to a suction tube, means for fitting thereto a removable cannula, means for supplying fluids which will be conveyed to the end of the cannula, and a supply of electrical current for illuminating a bulb. The hollow body contains a sleeve traversed by an axial bore whose diameter is equal to the inner diameter of the cannula. The sleeve includes, a housing in which is placed a bulb which emits light in the direction of the cannula. The cannula is shaped and positioned for the light generated by the bulb to be conveyed in the sleeve then in the cannula, whose wall performs the role of light conductor. The cannula further includes conduits for conveying fluids. The cannula and the hollow body are shaped so that the cannula may pivot on itself in the hollow body.

Abstract: A device for irrigating the teeth and bucal tissues comprises a flexible laminar adaptor for placement between the lips and teeth. The adaptor is provided with irrigation nozzles connected to a water supply, and an outlet connected to a drain. The entire mouth is irrigated, as the teeth are not enclosed.

Abstract: A tooth-anchored beneficial agent delivery device comprising an anchor-member that is semipermanently attached to a tooth, such as by an adhesive, bonding or a tooth-encircling band, and one or more agent-carrying cartridges that are removably connected to the anchor member such as by a ball-and-socket mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a sheath for protecting a dental syringe and for preventing residual cross-contamination between successive patients. Means are provided for preventing contaminants from being drawn back into the syringe after application has ceased.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for rotation of the nozzle of a dental syringe wherein that syringe is used to direct and deliver various agents including air and water. This method for rotation is facilitated by placement of an easily grasped component on the above mentioned nozzle. That easily grasped component is designed for use by the hand holding and operating that syringe while allowing that operating hand to remain in an operating position. The above mentioned component is fabricated separately from the above mentioned nozzle and subsequently attached to that otherwise functionally and aesthetically complete nozzle either temporarily or permanently. The present invention therefore provides for unilateral control over the direction, in relation to the handle of the syringe, of the agents as those agents exit that syringe.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a tubular member that is adapted to be attached to the working end of a dental handpiece and is used to contain and direct material dispensed from the handpiece in order to reduce the amount of airborne particles emitted into the atmosphere by the handpiece and to accurately direct the dispensed material to the desired area. The apparatus is adapted to provide a reference point for the practitioner in establishing the optimum working distance of the handpiece from a particular working area in the mouth when the handpiece is used. An improved dental handpiece using the apparatus of the invention and a method of using the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A medical laser handpiece comprising a grip body, a semiconductor laser generator disposed in the grip body and an irradiation nozzle which is detachably cross-connected to the head of the grip body at an angle and includes a laser light transmitting means from the semiconductor laser generator. With this laser handpiece, an operator can accurately and easily treat even relatively small and complicated shaped teeth and periodontal sections in the mouth. In addition to a structure capable of irradiating laser lioght and a structure capable of cooling the semiconductor generator, this invention also includes a structure capable of jetting air, water and a mist of air and water, and a structure capable of reducing irradiation loss of laser light.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device includes a supply of liquid, a pump for propelling the to a point of use. A housing defines a cavity within which the pump is seated and which also includes an inlet and an outlet. The pump is of a kind having a hollow body with a chamber defined in a first portion, a piston disposed for reciprocation in that chamber and a motor to drive the piston and thereby the pump. A second portion of the body is coupled to an outlet. A third portion of the body is coupled to an inlet. A first check valve is at least effectively disposed in a third portion of the body and poled to pass liquid only from the inlet to the chamber. A second check valve is at least effectively disposed in the second portion of the body and is poled to pass liquid only from the chamber to the outlet.

Abstract: The process involves the application of heated water, above 40.degree. C., to the teeth with simultaneous rotary brushing to remove plaque. The apparatus is a turbine power unit adapted to be connected to the heated water faucet and adapted to sit in the sink. A heated water exhaust conduit from the unit and a flexible power shaft lead to a handpiece which has a rotary brush driven by the shaft and a nozzle connected to the conduit and directed at the brush.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for effecting delivery of a chemical solution useful in the softening of tooth caries and/or plaque in a patient's mouth utilizes a reciprocating piston-type pump having flow and pressure regulation for injecting a pulsating jet stream of the solution at a controlled rate and pressure, in combination with a separate heater device adjacent an applicator maintaining the temperature of the solution at or near body temperature as it is delivered to the mouth.

Abstract: To permit more effective viewing during dental surgery of diagnosis, a retractor or probe assembly includes: (1) a cylindrical stainless steel handle about 14 centimeters long and 7 millimeters in diameter to which a mirror may be mounted; and (2) a 15 millimeter long retractor or probe extending at right angles to the handle with openings in it for the passage of light and an opening near the retractor or probe for water and air. One end of the handle opposite to the retractor or probe receives an air hose, a water hose and a fiber optic bundle connected to a dental light source to supply air, water and/or light to the retractor or probe end of the handle.

Abstract: A device for use in oral and dental hygiene wherein an oral irrigator is provided for connection to a conventional syringe or the like for applying fluid under pressure to the irrigator. The irrigator has a downwardly tapered tip with one or more longitudinally formed channels fluidly connected to the fluid supply syringe, with the remaining circumference of the irrigator tip capable of holding away the gum tissue, whereby irrigating fluid under pressure is applied into the base of a periodontal pocket for cleansing purposes with the channels also providing an exit for the fluid and debris to prevent undue pressure build-up.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved delivery system for a dental treatment solution. More particularly, the apparatus disclosed includes a housing defining a well, a reservoir container for the dental treatment solution, and a pump for delivery of the solution to a hand piece. The pump includes an electrically energizable prime mover such as a motor or solenoid, a heater, and a control for the overall system. The control for the system provides a timing arrangement which is actuated upon placement of the reservoir container within the housing well, and which disables the system upon completion of the timing cycle. This feature, coupled with the employment of a visual signal, provides a dental professional with an indication of the strength or useful life of the dental treatment solution. Also disclosed are novel constructions for the pump and the heater, along with a novel design for the reservoir container.

Abstract: A device for and method of determining the thermal sensitivity of teeth and other nerve sensitive tissue is disclosed. The device comprises a portable probe for emitting a stream of pressurized fluid and a temperature controller for controlling the temperature of the emitted fluid. The probe includes cooling means, preferably in the form of a vortex tube for cooling the pressurized fluid and heating means downstream of the cooling means for heating the cooled pressurized fluid. The probe is covered with a replaceable sleeve made of soft, resilient material and having soft, pliable end portion for engaging the surface of the tissue under test. A temperature sensor is disposed within the probe adjacent the end of the probe where the pressurized fluid is emitted for detecting the temperature of the emitted fluid. The temperature sensor and heating means are connected to the temperature controller.

Abstract: In a method and a tooth brush for removing plaque from teeth and gums, the mixture of ozone with air of a predetermined ozone concentration is fed into the oral cavity through tubular bristles, provided on the surface of the tooth brush, from a source of the ozone-air mixture. The ozone-air mixture is distributed simultaneously with a dentifrice containing solid particles through which undesired high ozone concentration at spots outside a target spot in the oral cavity is neutralized.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser having a handle portion supporting at least three spaced-apart, flexible prongs or tines that meet at a pyramidal apex to form a fluid-containing cradle. The cradle holds a precise amount of fluid therein by surface tension between the prongs and the fluid. The small cradle pocket formed at the apex of these prongs has a capillary channel disposed ahead of it, which terminates at the tip of the prongs. When the tip of the prongs are contacted to a body surface in question and slightly flexed, fluid will flow from the cradle through the capillary channel to this surface.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for effecting delivery of a chemical solution useful in the softening of tooth caries and/or plaque in a patient's mouth utilizes a reciprocating piston-type pump having flow and pressure regulation for injecting a pulsating jet stream of the solution at a controlled rate and pressure, in combination with a separate heater device adjacent an applicator maintaining the temperature of the solution at or near body temperature as it is delivered to the mouth.

Abstract: A method for local delivery of chemotherapeutic agent (12) to a localized site in the mouth is disclosed. The method of delivery includes displacement or reflection of gingival tissues (20) from the tooth, in the area to be treated, to facilitate access to the periodontal lesion (16). A biodegradable, time-release microsphere (10) capsulating the chemotherapeutic agent is next positioned in the lesion (16). Accordingly, localized delivery of chemotherapeutic agent (12) continuously over a predetermined period of time is provided.

Abstract: An oral hygiene apparatus for facilitating the accomplishment of an oral hygiene program. The apparatus includes liquid injection ports and a suction opening which are located proximate the bristles provided on the apparatus with the liquid injection ports being coupled to a remote source of liquid under pressure and the suction opening being coupled to a remote source of negative static pressure. The injected liquid in conjunction with a conventional brushing action will dislodge foreign matter in the oral cavity and the injected liquid along with the dislodged matter are evacuated from the oral cavity via the suction port of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a jet tip on the handle of an oral hygiene appliance. The jet of the jet tip has an opening in which a slidable core piece is displaceable, which core piece exposes only the output openings for a multiple stream in one of its two extreme positions in the jet and only a single output opening for a single stream in its other extreme position. Advantageously, when the core piece moves from one extreme position to the other, contaminants or calcium deposits are automatically and mechanically removed from the outlet opening or outlet openings which is or are not exposed. The core piece can be positively mounted in the jet and be movable by pressure or tension force exerted by a spring and be thereby automatically locked into its two extreme positions.

Abstract: Implant (1) comprising an anchoring part having one or more fixing means (2) as well as a prosthesis part adapted to fix a dental prosthesis, which implant is provided with a cavity (4) extending from the prosthesis part into the anchoring part, the wall of the anchoring part is perforated at one or more spots (5) and the prosthesis part is provided with a removable closing means (3) for the cavity; when the implant is implanted the cavity of the implant may contain a medicine for protecting the implant against pathogenic bacteria etc.

Abstract: A mechanism, such as a motor driving a pump, creates a pulsating fluid flow. A sensor senses an operating condition of the system and provides a signal representative of the condition. A controller responsive to the signal controls the pulsating fluid flow mechanism in a predetermined manner in accordance with the condition sensed. In one aspect the sensor is a pressure transducer which senses when a throttle valve on a lavage head shuts off or turns on the fluid flow and provides a signal to a controller which shuts off or turns on the motor. In another aspect the sensor is a thermistor which senses the temperature of the motor and provides a signal for controlling the power input to the motor to compensate for the effect of temperature on the performance of the motor.

Abstract: Liquid admixing means for a dental oral water-injection system are provided for introducing an additive liquid from a reservoir through an additive tube into a water conduit in the water-injection system wherein a valve in the additive tube can be opened and closed remotely by manually operable means.

Abstract: A hand-held appliance for mouth and tooth care with a grip portion having a manipulating element that is designed as a sliding switch and that is capable of being shifted in an axial direction. A push button is guided on inclined surfaces in the interior of the shell of the grip portion and reaches through a slot in the shell as well as through a cutout in the manipulating element. In the interior of the grip portion the push button rests on a pinch tube via a ball. The provision of the inclined surfaces results in the push button increasingly moving into the grip portion and increasingly squeezing off a pinch tube when the manipulating element is pushed forward. Independently thereof, the push button is at any given moment capable of being moved into the grip portion far enough to interrupt the water flow.

Abstract: A dental handpiece, having provided at one end thereof at least one outlet opening for the discharge of a streaming medium. The outlet opening has a light-emitting element associated therewith. As a consequence thereof, by means of one and the same handpiece there can also be implemented the function of the illuminating of the treating location.

Abstract: In a mouth- and tooth-spray apparatus, the energy supply to an electric motor in the apparatus base is supplies by means of a rechargeable battery of an electric toothbrush. For this purpose, the electric toothbrush is to be inserted into a toothbrush receiver of the apparatus base, exactly as into a conventional charging device.By means of this design, the mouth- and toothspray apparatus requires no high voltage power supply connections. Instead, it is exclusively operated with low voltage.

Abstract: Mirror apparatus for examining body cavities such as the mouth including a handle having inner and outer end portions, valve apparatus connected to the outer end portion of the handle and a syringe tip connected to the outer end portion of the valve apparatus. A detachable elongated body cavity member for insertion into a body cavity is provided that can be placed on or removed from the syringe tip as is a detachable mirror assembly that can be placed on or removed from the outer end portion of the body cavity member. The body cavity member has an elongated fiber optic member that can be connected to the end of a flexible fiber optic bundle so that light can be projected onto the mirror surface. The valve apparatus has manual push buttons that permit the delivery of air, water or a spray of air and water to the mirror surface for cleaning the surface. Both the body cavity member and the mirror assembly are made from materials that permit them to be subjected to thermal sterilization.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dental spray handpiece for agents such as air and water having a nozzle member with a discharge orifice at one end and a connecting element at the other end and a housing forming a grip piece for the dental handpiece containing an arrangement for controlling flow of the agents and a connection to a supply hose with the nozzle and having a coacting element forming a rotary joint characterized by the nozzle member having a light conductor extending from the discharge orifice up to the rotary joint and a light source being provided in the vicinity of the rotary joint and in optical communication with the other end of the light conductor so that light is conducted through the nozzle and projected out of the nozzle adjacent to the discharge opening.

Abstract: An anti-splash device for attachment to a dental tool that delivers an aqueous fluid from a nozzle, which comprises an inverted U-shaped member having a base and integral, opposed legs depending therefrom, one of said legs having a bore extending therethrough and operable to secure said member to the nozzle of said dental tool, said bore providing access to the space between said opposed legs.

Abstract: A dental instrument for applying powdered polymers has a reservoir for the powdered polymer that is pressurized at least while the polymer is being applied and communicates with a polymer nozzle through a line for conveying the powdered polymer, which contains a polymer-blocking mechanism. A line for conveying liquid monomer connects a liquid-monomer container, which is also pressurized, with a liquid-monomer nozzle. The release of liquid monomer is controlled by another blocking mechanism. The nozzles are positioned at an interval while being aimed at the same operating area.

Abstract: Collected bacteria in a deep periodontal pocket may be treated without the need for periodontal surgery by introducing a delivery instrument into the pocket through its open end, and then delivering a bactericidal solution to the bottom of the pocket through the delivery instrument. The delivery instrument comprises a capillary tube formed with an elbow at a predetermined distance from its distal end and adapted at its proximal end for detachable connection to a grip member and duct means communicating with a source of therapeutic fluid, the flow of which is controlled by the user.

Abstract: In a mouth and tooth spray apparatus, a handle is mounted in a mounting such that the handle can be pivoted out of an upright position about an axis into a horizontal position parallel to the long wall of the appliance base of the mouth and tooth spray apparatus. This design makes it possible to push the water container, as a cover, over the appliance base from the narrow side of the appliance base.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing device features a hand held tool having at least three fluid supporting prongs. The prongs are arranged in pyramidal fashion to form a fluid containing cradle at the apex. An exact amount of fluid is held in the cradle by surface tension forces. When the prongs are flexed, the surface tension forces are disrupted causing a discharge of the fluid to an exact area of a body surface.

Abstract: A dental apparatus for applying fluid to the teeth and gums includes as one of its principle components a U-shaped flexible, rubber-like tray having side walls and a bottom wall which define a channel into which the teeth and gums can extend. Attached to the inside perimeter of the side walls near the upper edge of the tray is a flexible, elastic tube. One end of the elastic tube is sealed. The other end of the elastic tube extends through the side wall at the front of the tray and is open for connection to a source of pressurized fluid for inflating the elastic tube. Attached to the bottom wall and communicating with the channel are conduit tubes. A method using the above apparatus to apply a fluid, such as an anesthetic, to the teeth and gums is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention comprises a syringe for extrusion of a semi-plastic mass, or a mass having a paste-like consistency. In a preferred embodiment, the syringe is so-designed to permit mixing of two components of a plasticizable mixture within the syringe barrel. The bore of the syringe barrel is flared to facilitate extrusion of the plastic mass therefrom. The parts of the syringe ready for use are packaged in a one-piece tray which serves not only for shipping and storing of the syringe, which may be preloaded with one of the components of the plasticizable mixture, together with the associated syringe parts, but which also serves, when opened for use, as a convenient tray for handling the syringe while mixing the two components of the plasticizable mixture prior to extrusion.

Abstract: A pair of U-shaped dentition trays are joined by a bendable bridging member that is reinforced by molded portions that function to maintain the trays biased apart and in tooth contact in a person's mouth.

Abstract: A dental method and apparatus for swiftly performing gingival retraction and conditioning in which a mass of moldable coherent plastic, preferably thixotropic, is lightly pressure molded both into and around the gingival trough of a prepared tooth to apply substantially balanced forces around the gingival flap which maintain the gingival trough without distortion. The moldable mass is rendered hydrosorbent at least on its surface by intimately bonded absorbent fiber, enabling it to absorb all the liquids and debris which would normally preclude the material from flowing into the trough. To effect a slight enlargement of the trough and to prevent prolapse in the case of very narrow troughs a preliminary bead of flowable thixotropic material can be injected into the trough to transmit light lateral outward pressure on the flap when pressed into the trough by the moldable absorbent mass.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dental spray hand piece which has a valve for controlling the flow of an agent through an agent line that extends through the hand piece to a spray nozzle and an arrangement for preventing dripping of the agent from an end of the nozzle when the valve stops flow of the agent through the line, characterized by the arrangement for preventing dripping including a hose section of elastic material being positioned between the valve and the nozzle, a thrust piece for acting on the hose section in an arrangement for moving the thrust piece from a position engaging the hose section and a second position partially deforming the hose section from an enlarged cross-section to a cross-section of the flow through the valve. Thus, when the valve stops flow the hose section resumes its enlarged cross-section which causes a suction to draw fluid in the line between the valve and the end of the nozzle inward from the end of the nozzle.

Abstract: In a dental syringe, compressed air is caused to flow through a passage tube provided in the body of the syringe while whirling, thus resulting in a whirling air flow which is in turn caused to flow toward a nozzle and, in the course of the flowing movement, is heated due to friction between the air flow and the inner wall of the passage tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing medicinal fluids into a living body without puncturing the skin. This is done through a root canal of a tooth. A valve device is inserted in the tooth crown and connects to a reservoir of medicinal fluid in the mouth. Pressure on the reservoir will cause fluid to pass from the reservoir through the valve device and root canal into the body tissue.

Abstract: This invention relates to an endoscope for endonasal surgery for which different optical systems are required. With this invention it is possible to exchange an optical system and/or a matching flushing and suction shaft as desired while still utilizing the same endoscope shaft handle and without requiring the interchange of the complete endoscope including its handle. To accommodate this function, the handle including flushing and suction passages can be mated with interchangeable flushing and suction shafts and a desired optical system. Such shafts and optical system are releasably connected to the endoscope handle.

Abstract: A periodontal lavage syringe is provided for self home use by an unskilled patient in the treatment of periodontal disease by irrigation of periodontal pockets or other soft tissue spaces. The syringe may have a single liquid retaining barrel or preferably multiple barrels, each of which contains a dispensible plunger and each of which is filled with a different treatment fluid. The bores communicate with a single liquid outlet to which is attached a flexible needle or tube terminating in a nozzle which is preferably elastomeric. The nozzle is conical in shape, having a pointed tip which enables easy insertion of the nozzle into the periodontal pocket, and tapered walls, the increasing diameter of which limits the depth of insertion of the nozzle within the pocket.

Abstract: The following specification discloses an oral hygienic spraying device. The oral hygienic spraying device comprises a material that can be used for oral hygiene disposed within a pump container or pressurized metal bottle having a spring actuated valve that allows for release of the pressurized hygienic material in the form of a spray or mist. The spray or mist is released when the pump or valve is depressed, through a scrubbing cup. The scrubbing cup has a plurality of radially disposed members within the cup for purposes of abrading and scrubbing residue such as plaque, food materials, and the foreign substances from the teeth and gums of a user. The scrubbing cup can be formed as part of the top or head of the oral spraying device so that it sits over the exit from the valve, or it can be separately attached to a valve connection fixture.