Abstract: A method for sterilizing conduits that convey fluid from a main water source to medical instruments, especially dental handpieces includes removing at least the end portions of supply branches of the handpieces from their respective rest positions and placing them in a container. A disinfectant liquid is introduced into each of the supply branches for a predetermined time. The sterilization liquid is drained out of the supply branches by flushing the inside of the supply branches with a sterile fluid supplied through a second branch independent of the main water source.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for orthodontic treatment using elastic repositioning appliances while concurrently providing dental and periodontal therapies. Such therapies are traditionally provided with the use of a variety of accessories and devices which are applied when the repositioning appliance is removed from the patient's mouth. The present invention eliminates the need for such removal and additional devices by incorporating these therapies into the repositioning appliance.

Abstract: A handheld cleaning device includes a cleaning section having discharge and suction ports; and a pump for causing fluid to be discharged through the discharge port of the cleaning section and for simultaneously creating suction at the suction port of the cleaning section.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to disinfecting compositions for dental unit water lines, particularly effective against microbial flora in biofilms which form on the luminal walls of the piping and reservoir components of dental equipment, as well as methods related to the use of such compositions to reduce microbial numbers in water-bearing dental and other equipment and maintain reduced levels on a continuous basis.

Abstract: An intraosseous delivery apparatus having a perforating member that is made of a titanium alloy whose flexibility, wearability and cutting ability is greater than that of conventional hardened stainless steel.

Abstract: A fluid conditioning system is adaptable to condition the water or air used in medical and dental cutting, irrigating, evacuating, cleaning, and drilling operations. The air or water may be conditioned by adding flavor, scent, saline, medications, and disinfectants. In addition to the direct benefits obtained from introduction of these agents, the laser cutting properties may be varied from the selective introduction of the various agents.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the whiting of teeth includes a source of oxidizing gas and a handpiece for delivering the gas to a tooth. A cup attached to the handpiece is provided for receiving the gas and exposing a selected area of the tooth to the gas. The cup includes a resilient edge for sealably the edge for engaging the tooth around the selected area to prevent escape of a gas therepast.

Abstract: An intraosseous delivery apparatus having a drilling member and a sleeve member. The drilling member includes a drill housing, a connecting portion for establishing a connection to a conventional dental drilling apparatus, and a drill extending from the drill housing. The sleeve member includes a sleeve housing, and a hollow sleeve extending from the sleeve housing. The sleeve housing is adapted to be removably engaged with the drill housing such that the drill is inserted into the hollow sleeve. The drill has a length such that when the drill is inserted into the hollow sleeve, a portion of the drill extends beyond the hollow sleeve. As a result, when the drill is used to drill a hole in bone, the drill is inserted deeper into the hole than the hollow sleeve. The hollow sleeve is adapted to be left inserted in the bone when the drill is removed therefrom.

Abstract: An improved structure of tooth flushing machine provided therein with an ozone generator, ozone is mixed with the rinsing water in the machine for cleaning and sterilizing an oral cavity. The machine includes a water supplying portion and a flushing portion; and is provided therein with a water supplying pump and an ozone generator communicating with each other. A water inlet on the water supplying pump is connected with a water storing cup in the water supplying portion, and an water outlet on the pump is connected with a flushing bar on the flushing portion. By way that the water supplying pump draws the water from the water storing cup into the water supplying portion, meantime, the ozone generator sends ozone into the water supplying pump to mix uniformly with the water in the pump, then the water with the ozone is put out of the water outlet into the flushing bar for cleaning, sterilizing the oral cavity to keep cleanliness of the latter.

Abstract: A dental apparatus having a disposable nozzle tip (11) for a three-way syringe device (12) for spraying air or water. The nozzle tip (11) comprises an assembly of two coaxial tubes (20, 21) which can be readily attached/detached from the syringe device (12), such attachment can be effected directly or via an adaptor (26) which allows the nozzle tip (11) to be connected to a number of different devices. The nozzle tip (11) is constructed from a plastics material which facilitates disposability.

Abstract: A dental device includes a removable dental restoration device having at least one sector positionable adjacent an opening of a salivary gland of a human wearer. At least one chamber is provided for storing a material for administration. The chamber has a permeable wall disposed near the sector. The dental device has a tube having one end connected in fluid communication with the chamber and an opening therethrough at a predetermined position in spaced relation from the one end. Shutters are provided to effect a shutting and an opening of the permeable wall and the tube opening. The permeability of the wall permits saliva to enter the chambers to dissolve the administration material, and the concentration gradient in the tube results in a gradual diffusion of the solution into the mouth.

Abstract: A sustained-release matrix for dental application includes either an anti-microbial agent or a colorant that is released from the matrix when the matrix contacts water. The preferred matrices include a water-soluble polymer and a water-insoluble support resin.

Abstract: A dental irrigation device is provided having an irrigation system and a pressurizer. The irrigation system includes a reservoir having a volume of at least approximately eight ounces and an attachment mechanism adapted for positioning the reservoir on a bar of a dental unit. The reservoir has a connector configured for providing an irrigant under pressure to a handpiece adapted for use with dental tools by a surgeon. The irrigant may be pressurized by an external source of compressed air through the connector, for example, or have a pump in communication with the irrigant.

Abstract: A guide sleeve device for use in insertion of a dental injection needle into a perforation in a cortical bone of a dental patient. A holding member includes a finger grip part and a funnel part. The funnel part opening includes a conical portion within the funnel part flared portion and a cylindrical portion within the funnel part cylindrical portion. A guide sleeve includes a flared part and a tubular part and has an opening through it with a conical portion within the guide sleeve flared part and a cylindrical portion within the guide sleeve tubular part. The guide sleeve is within the funnel part opening with the guide sleeve flared part within the conical portion of the funnel part opening and with the guide sleeve tubular part within the cylindrical portion of the funnel part opening. A retainer retains the guide sleeve within the holding member funnel part opening.

Abstract: A method for dental plaque removal intended for consumer use comprises filling the mouth with a physiologically acceptable cleaning solution, solvent, or wash, holding such solution in the mouth under voluntary muscular control, thereafter inserting through the lips an elongate acoustically excitable probe forming, under muscular control, a seal with the lips. The probe is energized and a sonic or ultrasonic cleaning action in the mouth removes incipient plaque deposits from the teeth, without the necessity of visiting each tooth individually with a manual or partially automatic mechanical cleaning implement, such as a toothbrush. In an alternative embodiment, fluid fill is provided through a channel in the probe and filling of the mouth is accomplished following insertion. The method may be used in a more general sense to acoustically clean articles in a flexible portable enclosure by means of a portable probe or tool.

Abstract: A coupling adaptor for use in connecting a delivery tip to an air/water tip of a fluid dispensing apparatus such as a three-way syringe. The coupling adaptor includes a sidewall that extends between a proximal grasping end and an opposing distal coupling end. The sidewall has an interior surface defining a chamber sized so as to enable an air/water tip to be positioned within the chamber. The coupling adaptor may include structure so as to form a compression fit with a delivery tip and/or threaded engagement tip with the delivery tip. The interior surface of the sidewall may be adapted to form a seal with the air/water tip. The coupling adaptor may be formed from a flexible plastic such as polyethylene.

Abstract: This application relates to both a method and a device for the initial and subsequent guidance of drills, hypodermic needles, or pressurized fluids into the cortical plate of human mandibular and maxillary bones. The invention comprises a dedicated channel through a positioning guide device that is optimized for use with an indexing or registration material to achieve a repeatable position for initial drilling and subsequent medication delivery procedures.

Abstract: An oral care device includes an electric motor, an air compressor operated by the motor, and an enclosed container for holding a slurry. A first conduit conducts compressed air from the compressor into the container. The compressed air is at a pressure of between about 20 psi to about 50 psi. A second conduit conducts the slurry and air from the container to an applicator from which the slurry and air is sprayed into the oral cavity of a human. The second conduit is at least about 24 inches in length.

Abstract: A system for whitening, remineralizing, strengthening, reducing hypersensitivity, treating infections with antibiotics or antimicrobials, or otherwise treating a person's teeth including a gel with a therapeutic agent contained therein is disclosed. The gel is supported and carried in a channel formed in the central area of a strip of core material that also functions as a gum protective liner. A release liner may be applied to the top of the combined gel and core and is removed to expose the gel when the system is to be used. Applied to the lower side of the core is a releasable backing layer that supports the gel and core and functions as an applicator for the system.

Abstract: Disposable dental mouthpiece-strip which has been pre-impregnated with dental substance which can either be placed in the mouth by the user or inserted in the mouth by a dentist for oral treatments, such as teeth whitening treatments, fluoride treatments, or medical treatments, such as the application of anasthetic or antimicrobal/antiseptic treatments.

Abstract: A dental syringe assembly has a handpiece connected to air and water lines and a tip for directing air and water flow into a patient's mouth. The tip has an enlarged cap that is detachably engageable with a sleeve structure of a head member of the handpiece. The sleeve structure may be provided in a connection piece that fits within a socket in the head member so that the connection piece can rotate but is retained against removal. A non-return valve may be provided within the head member to prevent return flow of contaminated water.

Abstract: Device for dispensing multi-component compounds, in particular for dental purposes. It is equipped with a timer for indicating one or more times which are relevant to the working of the compound. This timer can be triggered by the start and/or the end of the running of the device.

Abstract: A cartridge type dental injection device capable of easily and quickly mounting or removing a cartridge loaded barrel in or from a socket therein and capable of altering orientations of a viewing window in the barrel and of a cut surface of a needle as desired.

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

Abstract: A fiber tipped dental substance applicator is disclosed. The applicator may include a fluid passageways through which a dental substance may flow fibers at the end of the applicator. The tip may include a flocked smoothing bulb.

Abstract: An instrument for broaching and dilating an incision of soft tissue in a tunnel-like shape, the instrument stretches and supports tissue to allow the insertion and passage materials, and comprises a handle, and one or more arched plate members.

Abstract: A unit for detecting contaminating agents, especially in dental surgeries, comprises detecting-transducing means of a chemical, biochemical or electrical type designed to detect a quantity as a function of a variable to be checked and to provide an electrical signal corresponding to the quantity detected; and means for signaling the quantity, connected to the detecting-transducing means.

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

Abstract: A housing for an oral irrigator having a hand piece includes a base unit having an upper and lower portion, the lower portion engageable with a support surface and having an upper surface defining a recess for receiving the hand piece, and the lower portion defining a peripheral shoulder. The upper portion extends upwardly from the lower portion and defines a top surface, the top surface defining a port and a key structure, the upper portion being positioned inside the peripheral shoulder. A reservoir has a bottom surface defining an aperture and sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom surface to define a cavity having a peripheral rim, the sidewalls in part defining an indentation extending from the bottom surface up to a top end adjacent the peripheral rim at a position interior to the peripheral rim. A top wall extends from the top end of the indentation to the peripheral rim, the top wall forming an overhang.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method which provides for positioning materials which absorb oral fluids in into controlled, direct contact with at least one dental arch of a subject. The method is particularly applicable to treatment of periodontal gum disease where the material is made from a mixture of bicarbonate of soda, psyllium husk fiber and optionally at least one antimicrobial agent, in combination with a moistening agent and optional flavoring.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for catheterized delivery or infusion of medication and anaesthesia are disclosed. The perforating catheter is first used to perforate the periodontal ligament and/or the cortical plate of bone tissue, and is then left in place and used as a catheter for insertion of a hypodermic needle of smaller gauge to deliver medication or anaesthesia to a target area. The perforator is a bevelled needle for drilling into the ligament or bone tissue. For drilling, the device comprises an adaptor which transmits the rotational movement from a dental hand piece to the bevelled needle. A cap is also included for protecting the bevelled needle during storage of the device. The adaptor may have a rod which extends axially into the bevelled needle when the device is assembled for drilling. The rod is used to prevent the debris resulting from drilling from blocking the passage in the bevelled needle.

Abstract: An oral cavity washer with a video scope, has a video scope having image-forming means of forming an image from light from an object, an image pick-up device for converting the light from which the image is formed by the image-forming means into an electric signal, and a first grip portion for being held by an operator; a display for displaying an image picked up by the video scope; and an oral cavity washer having a nozzle for jetting a fluid and a second grip portion for being held by the operator, for washing an oral cavity by jetting the fluid to teeth or gums, wherein the first grip portion and the second grip portion are capable of being made integral with each other.

Abstract: A single dose dental applicator which includes a capsule with a first end and a second is disclosed. Extending outwardly from the first end of the capsule is an elongated nozzle. The end of the nozzle has a tip which is frangible. The second end of the capsule has a flat portion which acts as a handle. A quantity of dental varnish is housed within the capsule. In order to use the applicator, the dentist breaks the tip of the nozzle and inserts the nozzle into the cavity. The dentist then holds the handle and squeezes the capsule, thereby releasing the varnish housed therein. The quantity of varnish housed within the capsule is sufficient to line one tooth. The capsule is then discarded.

Abstract: A nozzle piece for a handpiece of a dental abrasive blasting apparatus comprises a gripping member for connection with a head portion of the handpiece whereby the gripping member has a closed surface with a thusly defined curvature on its upper and underneath visual surfaces that discharge openings of two discharge nozzles of the nozzle piece are located close to a visual plane which by definition includes a longitudinal axis of the handpiece and outside of which are located the crossing points of two supply ducts with a common central axis of the two discharge nozzles, whereby the two supply ducts extend in parallel and inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handpiece for defining an inclined discharge angle of a working jet of the nozzle piece.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of dental caries includes a source of oxidizing gas and a handpiece for delivering the gas to a tooth. A cup attached to the handpiece is provided for receiving the gas and exposing a selected area of the tooth to the gas. The cup includes a resilient edge for sealably the edge for engaging the tooth around the selected area to prevent escape of a gas therepast.

Abstract: Iontophoretic devices for treating dentin hypersensitivity are provided. One device includes a housing, an electric current source, and a replaceable cartridge mounted to or in the housing. The cartridge includes (1) a container containing an iontophoretic solution and (2) an applicator assembly fixed to the container. The assembly has a tip portion that is in electrical and fluid communication with the solution. Also provided is an iontophoretic toothbrush that includes an applicator assembly that has a brush with improved bristles.

Abstract: A dental instrument is configured to be positioned adjacent the teeth and gums of a patient without injuring or causing pain to sensitive teeth or gums. The dental instrument includes: (i) a main body having a proximal end and a distal end, the main body being configured to be grasped by a practitioner; (ii) an elastomeric member coupled to the distal end of the main body such that abutment of the elastomeric member against the teeth or gums of a patient does not injure or cause pain to the teeth or gums; and (iii) a plurality of fibers disposed on the elastomeric member. The fibers can be used to remove air bubbles from impression material, or for a variety of other uses. The instrument may be in the form of an applicator or delivery tip, for example. The instrument can have a non-slip gripping surface.

Abstract: The method of dental scaling of the invention uses a scaler and reservoir system, comprising: a scaler handpiece having a scaling tip, a scaler housing enclosing a scaler valve, a compressor housing enclosing a reservoir valve and a compressor, a reservoir housing having an inner chamber, the scaler housing is supported by the reservoir housing, and the compressor housing is supported by and connected to the scaler housing and the reservoir housing, the scaler handpiece is connected to the scaler housing, vibrates the tip, and scales a tooth in a patient'smooth by positioning the scaling tip adjacent to the tooth. Preferably the dental scaler and reservoir system, comprising: a scaler housing, a scaler valve, a compressor housing, a reservoir valve, a compressor, a reservoir housing having an inner chamber, a handpiece housing having a handpiece valve and a vibrational member. The scaler housing is supported by the reservoir housing. The compressor is connected to compressor conduit.

Abstract: A lighted air/water syringe includes a head mounted on a sleeve via a neck. The sleeve includes an air supply line, a water supply line, and a light tube which are connected to sources of air, water, and light by a supply conduit. The air and water passages are in communication with the air and water lines in the sleeve and extend through the neck to a front of the head. Valves are positioned in the air and water passages to selectively regulate the flow of air and water to the end of the head. The light tube in the sleeve extends through the neck and partially into the head. The head removably receives a probe or nozzle in its end. The probe is made from a light transmitting material, and, when placed in the head, is in light transmitting communication with the light tube. The probe includes air and water passages having entrances in the side of the probe and exits at a forward surface of the prove.

Abstract: A device for delivering medicaments to oral structures contains a flexible backing having a plurality of microstructures protruding from one surface of the backing, and a binder layer containing medicaments disposed on the backing and/or microstructures. Because the device contains microstructures that form obstacles or barrier that minimize the flow of medicaments away from the target oral structure, the medicaments stay at the desired longer thereby being more effective at treating the oral structure. One particularly useful application of the inventive device is for whitening teeth.

Abstract: This invention relates to an oral therapeutic delivery appliance. Using this oral therapeutic delivery appliance medicaments may be delivered to oral soft tissues, where medicaments are easily absorbed. To aide the delivery of medicaments to oral soft tissues the oral therapeutic delivery appliance contains a therapeutic pooling reservoir where the medicaments may be placed. The oral therapeutic delivery appliance may be used to treat or aide in the treatment of various oral maladies such as periodontal disease (i.e., gum disease) as well as treating or aiding the treatment of other physical ailments and systemic diseases (e.g., diabetes and other chronic diseases which require either single, intermittent or constant dosing of medicament).

Abstract: A container and an interpick carried therein. The container is made up of an outer and in inner casing releasably held together. The casings are constricted as an a non-spill device, whereby none of the liquid therein will spill regardless of what position it assumes. An interpick is releasably carried in the container. Sealing elements with at least a predetermined yiedlability are interposed between the interpick and the inner casing and between the casings.

Abstract: A fluid reservoir for an oral hygiene appliance has a floor valve in its floor which opens when the reservoir is placed on the oral hygiene appliance. The fluid reservoir is subdivided into two separate fluid chambers, each with a fluid outlet leading to the floor valve. The fluid outlets can be controlled by a manually operable selector valve in such a way that one fluid outlet is opened and the other is closed alternately.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing assembly that may be used interchangeably to supply fluid for use in dental instrumentation including irrigation, application, and aeration for treating a patient's mouth. The fluid dispensing assembly includes a fluid supply system that conveys fluid by pressurized air, and also includes a handpiece to allow flow between the fluid supply system and the patient's mouth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical or dental-medical apparatus (1), having a delivery line (31) for a liquid and having a screw bushing (17) onto which a container (14) for the liquid can be screwed, the delivery line (31) extending from the interior of the container (14) to the outside and penetrating the screw bushing (17), a compressed gas line (39) penetrating the screw bushing (17) from the outside inwardly, and the compressed gas line (39) being closable and openable by means of a valve (41). In order to simplify the operating effort, the screw bushing (17) is rotatably mounted in a rotary bearing (26) and stands in working connection with a switch cam (44) which, in a rotary position of the screw bushing (17) which is rotated in the screwing-on direction (45), opens the previously closed valve (41).

Abstract: A bacteria killing oral bactericide is applied to a user's teeth. All surfaces of the teeth are covered with the oral bactericide. The oral bactericide is left disposed on the teeth during the sleeping hours during which the oral bactericide both destroys harmful bacteria, plaque-building bacteria, and protects the teeth from any damage which may be caused by harmful bacteria. The oral bactericide is removed by brushing the teeth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tooth coating applicator (10), typically in the form of a strip (11), and a method for applying a dental sealant to a surface of a tooth (T), and specifically to the interproximal surface (S) thereof. The applicator (10) is elongated and is adapted to be typically inserted into an interproximal space (I) defined between a pair of adjacent teeth (T, T′) and to be gradually slid against a dental surface of one of the teeth.

Abstract: A system for whitening, remineralizing, strengthening, reducing hypersensitivity, treating infections with antibiotics or antimicrobials, or otherwise treating a person's teeth including a gel with a therapeutic agent contained therein is disclosed. The gel is supported and carried in a channel formed in the central area of a strip of core material that also functions as a gum protective liner. A release liner may be applied to the top of the combined gel and core and is removed to expose the gel when the system is to be used. Applied to the lower side of the core is a releasable backing layer that supports the gel and core and functions as an applicator for the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capillary tube for dental purposes, in particular for applying small amounts of dental product in the mouth cavity, whereby it comprises a capillary tube (i) comprising (i) a rear end (2) intended to be introduced into a container for adhesive or other dental filling or repair material, (ii) a front application point (4) which is angled with regard to the main direction of the capillary tube, and (iii) an intermediate part (3) comprising a grip and a stop.

Abstract: The invention provides an exemplary modular dental chair system and methods for its use. In one embodiment, a compressor, vacuum pump, water reservoir, waste container and associated fittings, wiring, and plumbing are integrated into a dental chair. The compressor, vacuum pump, water reservoir, and waste container provide the services needed to perform dental procedures. Such a configuration allows the chair to be located and relocated without having to connect to facility centralized air, water, and waste.