Endodontic Patents (Class 433/81)
  • Patent number: 8403664
    Abstract: A dental obturation system, which is configured such that a power terminal unit is installed between a rotary unit and a cartridge unit such that a heating unit can heat a filling material and a needle member, mounted to the front end of a main body having a battery therein, can be rotated while applying the heated filling material to a root canal, so that an operator can easily and conveniently administer dental treatment without changing his/her posture or the orientation of the main body according to the location of a decayed tooth of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: DXM Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Du-Rok Jung, Kyoung-Soo Shin
  • Patent number: 8398397
    Abstract: Injection needle devices for administering a local anesthetic into tough, dense ligamentary tissue surrounding a tooth. The injection needle is a two-part needle that includes a proximal needle portion formed of metal, ceramic or rigid plastic and a distal needle portion formed of ceramic or hardened metal. The distal penetrating needle portion has an exposed length not more than about 8 mm, and an maximum outside diameter of about 25 gauge. At the transition between the proximal needle portion and the distal needle portion there can be an abrupt stop surface for limiting penetration through tissue. Alternatively, the proximal needle portion can have a tapered surface that permits penetration of the tapered surface into tissue. The injection needle device is designed to minimize pain and prevent buckling of the distal needle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan E. Fischer
  • Patent number: 8388345
    Abstract: An endodontic activator is provided to facilitate the removal of pulp tissue, the smear layer, bacteria and related irritants from a root canal system. The activator is a sonically driven activator made from a strong, flexible, non-metallic, and non-cutting material. The activator can be smooth, flocked or brush-like. The activator comprises a snap-on coupler which is adapted to attach the tool to a driver without the use of tools. The activator can be provided with fluid passages which allow for irrigating reagents to be delivered into or vacuumed from the root canal space during endodontic procedures. By inducing sonic vibrations in the activator, hydrodynamic phenomena are induced in the solution in the root canal to enhance deep lateral cleaning of the root canal system of the tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Clifford J. Ruddle
  • Patent number: 8328552
    Abstract: An endodontic tool is provided to facilitate the removal of the smear layer and to enhance deep lateral cleaning of a root canal system. The tool is comprised of a sonic or ultrasonically driven activator which is made from a strong, flexible, non-metallic, and non-cutting material. The activator can be smooth. A snap-on coupler is adapted to attach the tool to a driver via a snap on action and without the use of tools. The driver will vibrate, sonically or ultrasonically, the flexible activator within a root canal of a tooth. The tool can be provided with fluid passages which allow for irrigating reagents to be delivered through the activator and into the root canal space during endodontic procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Endo Inventions LLC
    Inventors: Clifford J. Ruddle, Robert H. Sharp
  • Patent number: 8317514
    Abstract: Device for difficult intervention in a closed enclosure, including a duct, a first end of which is intended to penetrate within the chamber, the duct being furthermore connected: to a pressure reduction device, the function of which is to lower the pressure within the enclosure; to an outlet duct for extracting the sucked-up material; and to a duct connected to a device for suddenly relieving the pressure and to an opening in the device for bringing the end of the duct into contact with the external air when the pressure within the enclosure reaches a value below a certain threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: David Weill
  • Publication number: 20120276497
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for root canal treatments are provided. In some embodiments, an aiming element may be used to position a high-velocity liquid jet near a desired location in the tooth. Embodiments of the aiming element may include an interrupter that deflects or impedes the liquid jet when it is not desirable for the jet to propagate from the aiming element. Embodiments of the aiming element may include an elongated member that permits passage of the liquid jet through a channel. The elongated member may include one or more openings, for example, on sides and/or ends of the member. Some root canal cleaning techniques include one or more applications of the liquid jet followed by application of a disinfectant such as, for example, an aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: SONENDO, INC.
    Inventors: Morteza Gharib, Joshua Adams, Bjarne Bergheim, Adam E. Piotrowski, Michele Pham, Oleg Goushcha
  • Publication number: 20120237893
    Abstract: Examples of apparatus, methods, and compositions for endodontic treatments are described. The apparatus can include a fluid platform configured to substantially retain fluid in a tooth chamber during treatment. The fluid platform can help maintain fluid circulation in the tooth chamber as fluid flows into and out of the tooth chamber. The apparatus can also include a pressure wave generator configured to generate acoustic waves that can be used for cleaning root canals and tooth surfaces in the tooth chamber. Examples of pressure wave generators include a liquid jet, an electromagnetic energy delivery device, and an ultrasonic device. The fluid can include antiseptic or antibacterial solutions to assist in tooth cleaning. The fluid may be degassed to have a reduced dissolved gas content (compared to non-degassed fluids used in endodontic treatments), which may improve the effectiveness of the pressure wave generation or the cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: SONENDO, INC.
    Inventors: Bjarne Bergheim, Mehrzad Khakpour, Michele Pham, Morteza Gharib, Richard S. Tebbs
  • Patent number: 8235719
    Abstract: An endodontic tool is provided to facilitate the removal of the smear layer and to enhance deep lateral cleaning of a root canal system. The tool includes a sonic driven activator which is made from a strong, flexible, non-metallic, and non-cutting material. The activator can be smooth. A snap-on coupler is adapted to attach the tool to a driver via a snap on action and without the use of tools. The driver will vibrate, sonically or ultrasonically, the flexible activator within a root canal of a tooth. The tool can be provided with fluid passages which allow for irrigating reagents to be delivered through the activator and into the root canal space during endodontic procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Endo Inventions, LLC
    Inventors: Clifford J. Ruddle, Robert H. Sharp
  • Patent number: 8221117
    Abstract: An endodontic probe is used to perform disinfection procedures on target tissues within root canal passages and tubules. The endodontic probe can include an electromagnetic radiation emitting fiber optic tip having a distal end and a radiation emitting region disposed proximally of the distal end. According to one aspect, the endodontic probe can include a porous structure that encompasses a region of the fiber optic tip excluding the radiation emitting region and that is loaded with biologically-active particles, cleaning particles, biologically-active agents, or cleaning agents for delivery from the porous structure onto the target tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: BIOLASE, Inc.
    Inventors: Ioana M. Rizoiu, Jeffrey W. Jones, Peter Chueh
  • Patent number: 8215958
    Abstract: The invention is a dental irrigator for delivering irrigant solution from an irrigation solution reservoir to the site of a dental procedure. The irrigator comprises: a hollow dental tool modified by the addition of one or more curved blades either formed directly on the neck of the tool or on a sleeve attached coaxially to the neck, one or more inlets associated with each of the curved blades, a housing that provides a watertight volume surrounding the inlets while allowing the tool to be freely moved with respect to the housing, and a supply hose, which conducts the irrigant solution at relatively low pressure from the reservoir to the housing. When the dental tool is attached to the distal end of a dental hand-piece and the hand-piece is activated causing the tool to move, irrigation solution enters the hollow interior of the neck of the tool and, as a result of the forces created by the motion of the curved blades, is delivered at relatively high pressure to the site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Redent-Nova Ltd.
    Inventor: Refael Hof
  • Publication number: 20120148979
    Abstract: An endodontic tool is provided to facilitate the removal of the smear layer and to enhance deep lateral cleaning of a root canal system. The tool is comprised of a sonic or ultrasonically driven activator which is made from a strong, flexible, non-metallic, and non-cutting material. The activator can be smooth. A snap-on coupler is adapted to attach the tool to a driver via a snap on action and without the use of tools. The driver will vibrate, sonically or ultrasonically, the flexible activator within a root canal of a tooth. The tool can be provided with fluid passages which allow for irrigating reagents to be delivered through the activator and into the root canal space during endodontic procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: ENDO INVENTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Clifford J. Ruddle, Robert H. Sharp
  • Patent number: 8128401
    Abstract: A cannula assembly is removably mountable to a syringe body having a pair of side-by-side chambers; there being an opening into each chamber at a bottom of the syringe. The cannula assembly includes a connector and a dual lumen assembly extending from the connector. The dual lumen assembly includes a pair of tubes defining two fluid paths. The connector includes fluid paths which, when the cannula assembly is mounted to the syringe, place the fluid path of one of the tubes in fluid communication with one of the syringe body chambers and the fluid path of the other of the dual lumen tubes in fluid communication with the other of the syringe body chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventors: Clifford J. Ruddle, Stephen Barker
  • Publication number: 20120040306
    Abstract: An ultrasonic liquefaction endodontic system having a graspable hand piece includes a contra-angle tip assembly that has an insert and an internal fluid flow passageway. A portion of the fluid flow passageway passes through a C-shaped receiver located at the end of the receiver so that an ultrasonic frequency may pass directly to the fluid flowing through the passageway. The fluid flow passageway may be an injection tube and the tubular body portion of the tip assembly may be injection molded around the injection tube and the insert. A supply tube, which is held in position by tube guides connected to the hand piece, provides a source of flushing fluid with and without pulsed pressure. The fluid pressure pulses may have an ultrasonic energy superimposed thereon as the fluid is forced into a root canal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Douglas B. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120003605
    Abstract: An endodontic diagnostic instrument includes a handle configured for receiving a clamp or retainer which engages and clamps an applicator, which may be made of open-celled foam and which is saturated with a coolant or refrigerant. By utilizing the instrument, a doctor may place or selectively position the applicator against a tooth or multiple teeth to determine the tooth which generates pain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: James B. Johnsen, Hal J. Oien
  • Patent number: 8075309
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for intra-oral delivery of drugs. One method embodiment includes providing a dental device with one or more reservoirs, supplying at least one of the reservoirs with the one or more substances, and fluidly releasing the one or more substances from at least one reservoir into an oral structure at different preselected doses at different predetermined time periods and in a predetermined sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chunhua Li, Wenda C. Carlyle, Philippe De Smedt, Amir Abolfathi, Eric E. Kuo, Robert E. Tricca, Jennifer C. Chen, Benjamin M. Wu
  • Patent number: 8062035
    Abstract: A canal anchoring post formed by a single composite material comprising at least an organic matrix, particles and fibers. The particles and fibers are distributed in the organic matrix with respective volume proportions varying progressively and radially from the central longitudinal axis to the periphery of said post. In addition, the respective variations of the volume proportions of particles and fibers are opposite and the sum of the volume proportions of particles and fibers is radially constant from the central longitudinal axis to the periphery of said post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventors: Yannick Le Guay, Bruno Clunet-Coste
  • Patent number: 8047841
    Abstract: The application of a dental material to a site in the oral cavity includes the application of vibrational energy and heat to the dental material in order to substantially impart a preselected or desired viscosity to the dental material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Dentsply International, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven R. Jefferies
  • Publication number: 20110217669
    Abstract: Dental obturators are used in the preparation of root canals in teeth. The subject obturators are so constructed that they bind at a particular distance into the canal, thereby precluding possible damage at the end of the canal. The obturator is used for positioning of a sealing material placed on a carrier portion of the obturator into the root canal. Disclosed are a variety of structural configurations on a tapered surface of the carrier portion is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: L. Stephen Buchanan
  • Patent number: 8002544
    Abstract: An endodontic probe is used to perform disinfection procedures on target tissues within root canal passages and tubules. The endodontic probe can include an electromagnetic radiation emitting fiber optic tip having a distal end and a radiation emitting region disposed proximally of the distal end. According to one aspect, the endodontic probe can include a porous structure that encompasses a region of the fiber optic tip excluding the radiation emitting region and that is loaded with biologically-active particles, cleaning particles, biologically-active agents, or cleaning agents for delivery from the porous structure onto the target tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Biolase Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ioana M. Rizoiu, Peter Chueh, Jeffrey W. Jones, Dmitri Boutoussov
  • Publication number: 20110189630
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for injecting a filling material in the fluid phase into a canal space, the said device comprising an adaptor, an automatic mixer connected to the said adaptor, an intra-oral injection tip fitted at the upper end of the said automatic mixer, and is characterized in that the said injection tip is a tube the distal end of which has an outside diameter smaller than or equal to 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Stéphen Koubi
  • Publication number: 20110151401
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention include compositions, materials, and methods that provide a single component tooth root sealer. The single component tooth root sealer can be designed to moisture cure at temperatures found within the human mouth. Examples of the single component tooth root sealer can include silicone compositions, such as condensation silicones of the alkoxy, acetoxy, and oxime type. Further examples of the single component tooth root sealer can include UV/visible light-initiators, antimicrobial agents, and radio-opaque compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: CAO GROUP, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven D. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20110143305
    Abstract: A medical or dental treatment device for dispensing a medium having a base part with a power supply unit and an electrical or electronic control device and at least one delivery part that can be connected detachably to the base part via a coupling device and which has a sound source, such as an ultrasound source, and a delivery device for dispensing the medium from the delivery part. In addition, at least one active part, which can be connected detachably to the base part via the coupling device, may also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Hannes Wagner, Walter Schuh
  • Publication number: 20110129793
    Abstract: An endodontic file, or a series of endodontic files, and an endodontic obturator or series of obturators, and methods of manufacturing same. Regarding the endodontic files, they may include a file body extending from a tip region to a shank region, at least one helical flute extending from the tip region towards the shank region. Each helical flute may have an up-sharp cutting edge without a land. For one such set of endodontic files, there is included at least a first and a second file, each one of the files having a tip and a shank, the first file having a tip size that is substantially the same as a tip size of the second file, wherein the first file has a different taper configuration relative to the taper configuration of the second file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Charles J. Goodis
  • Patent number: 7946849
    Abstract: Endodontic fibers including a biocompatible polymer vehicle permeable to medicaments, or combinations of medicaments, and method of using such endodontic fibers are described. Such fibers can be used, for example, in a method for the local delivery and sustained release of medicaments to intracanal treatment sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Forsyth Dental Infirmary for Children
    Inventors: Mario Abdennour, Philip Stashenko, Michele Scrime, Jack Gilad, Max Goodson
  • Publication number: 20110117517
    Abstract: Systems and methods for using a liquid jet apparatus for dental treatments are disclosed. In one implementation, the liquid jet apparatus may include a handpiece configured to deliver a high velocity liquid jet to a desired location in the mouth of a patient. The handpiece may include a positioning member having a channel through or along which the jet can propagate. The positioning member may have a distal end portion configured to be at least partially disposed in a pulp cavity, canal space, or opening in the tooth under treatment. During operation, the jet may impact an impingement surface of the distal end portion of the positioning member and be deflected as a spray through one or more openings in the distal end portion. The liquid jet apparatus may be used for root canal treatments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: DENTATEK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bjarne Bergheim, Morteza Gharib, Mehrzad Khakpour, Michele Pham, Richard S. Tebbs
  • Publication number: 20110111365
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for root canal treatments are provided. In some embodiments, an aiming element may be used to position a high-velocity liquid jet near a desired location in the tooth. Embodiments of the aiming element may include an interrupter that deflects or impedes the liquid jet when it is not desirable for the jet to propagate from the aiming element. Embodiments of the aiming element may include an elongated member that permits passage of the liquid jet through a channel. The elongated member may include one or more openings, for example, on sides and/or ends of the member. Some root canal cleaning techniques include one or more applications of the liquid jet followed by application of a disinfectant such as, for example, an aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: DENTATEK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Morteza Gharib, Bjarne Bergehim, Adam E. Piotrowski, Michele Pham, Oleg Goushcha
  • Patent number: 7891977
    Abstract: An apparatus is described, for endodontic treatment, whereby the operations for complete removal of connective, vascular and nervous tissues in the pulp cavity and in the root canals can be automatically carried out by chemical and pharmacological disintegration and by employing suitable enzymatic solutions such as trypsin at various degrees of dilution. The use of positive-displacement pumps guarantees that precise quantities of the chemical substances are used in the stages of emptying, disinfection, washing, drying and final filling of the root canals and of the pulp cavity. Temperature control of the fluids in circulation ensures that reaction times of the chemical substances used can be repeated at each cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Helvodont Limited
    Inventor: Ermete Riva
  • Publication number: 20110020763
    Abstract: During root canal procedures, pulp may be removed from a tooth without disturbing the dentin by directing pulses of a heated liquid onto the pulp at particular temperatures and pressures to liquefy or gellify the pulp. The liquefied or gellified material is then aspirated away using the methods and apparatuses described herein. In some embodiments the heated liquid also functions to kill bacteria that may be present within the tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Mark S. ANDREW, Luis A. Davila
  • Publication number: 20100330526
    Abstract: A filling material pin (1) is provided made from a flexible material and is used for filling a root canal (6) of a tooth. The flexible material is memory material, which expands upon heating to the tooth or body temperature in the form of a volume change. The exterior of the filling material pin (1) is profiled at least across the length thereof that is effective in the use position such that regions having both larger and smaller cross-sections alternate in the axial direction, which can be achieved in a particularly useful and simple manner by a helical, threaded, or worm shape of the profiling, which simultaneously pushes an added cement or filling material more effectively and deeper into the canal (6) upon rotating the filling material pin (1) inserted into the root canal (6), thus allowing air contained therein to escape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicants: Adolf Pfaff
    Inventors: Adolf Pfaff, Karl-Friedrich Reichenbach
  • Patent number: 7833016
    Abstract: In various embodiments of a method for filling root canal spaces, the root canal spaces are cleaned and irrigated, for example, by any suitable endodontic procedure, and the irrigating liquid is not removed from the canal spaces prior to filling. In some embodiments, a hydrophobic filler material is introduced into the root canal spaces while they are filled with liquid. As the canal spaces are filled, the hydrophobic filler material displaces the liquid and drives it out of the canal spaces, towards the crown of the tooth, where it can be removed. The hydrophobic filler material may comprise magnetically responsive particles having a hydrophobic surface coating that are compacted into the root canal spaces by application of a magnetic force field. In other embodiments, hydrophilic filler material in a flowable phase is introduced into the canal spaces where it partly displaces and partly absorbs the irrigating liquid before solidifying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Dentatek Corporation
    Inventors: Morteza Gharib, Erik Hars
  • Publication number: 20100279251
    Abstract: A flexible or adjustable housing for a surgical needle and a needle assembly that includes the housing. Adjustment of the length of the housing allows the needle to accommodate tooth canals of varying lengths, while providing the requisite support for the needle, without needing to adjust the actual length of the needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Gary J. Pond
  • Publication number: 20100233648
    Abstract: An endodontic instrument and method for making same is provided. A rod of superelastic material is set into a shaped configuration to form an instrument, such that the instrument may be inserted into a root canal in a configuration different than the shaped configuration and revert towards its shaped configuration during the endodontic procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: John McSpadden, Mark S. Ferber
  • Publication number: 20100190133
    Abstract: An irrigation and aspiration device comprises a probe and an aspiration sleeve that ensheathes the probe. The aspiration sleeve prevents the insertion of the probe beyond a desired distance, thereby preventing perforation of the apex of a root canal or wound, and also aspirates any excess irrigation solution and free debris. The device can be used for endodontic and periodontal procedures, penetrating or tract wound irrigation, open or superficial non-penetrating wound irrigation, and irrigation during specialty surgeries in endoscopic, ophthalmology, gynecology, orthopedic surgery, and other specialty surgeries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel L. Martinez
  • Patent number: 7748979
    Abstract: A device and system for use in a root canal treatment, the device having a probe member and a handpiece for holding the elongate probe member, the probe member having an elongate distal portion capable of being accommodated in a root canal, said probe member comprising: at least one treatment channel having a distal opening in said elongate distal portion, said at least one treatment channel being configured for enabling operation of a suitable root canal treatment tool via said distal opening; at least one illumination channel comprising a first light guide having a first proximal end configured for optical coupling to a light source system, and a second distal end in said distal portion for illuminating internal regions of the root canal during operation of said device; at least one light collection channel comprising a second light guide having a first proximal end configured for optical coupling to an imaging system, and a second distal end located in said distal portion for collecting and transmitting li
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Sialo-Lite Ltd.
    Inventor: Oded Nahlieli
  • Publication number: 20100167232
    Abstract: An endodontic obturator is provided having a carrier that is fabricated of a material capable of being molded into very fine dimensions and also being easily removable from the root canal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Ajit Karmaker
  • Publication number: 20100150985
    Abstract: Dental implants and endodontic instruments are coated with an antimicrobial peptide-based coating. Methods of coating the dental implants and endodontic instruments with the antimicrobial peptide-based coating are disclosed together with treating a subject with the coated dental implant and endodontic instruments to prevent or lessen bacterial infections in the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: George Just, Kenneth J. Polk
  • Publication number: 20100143861
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring a tooth may include sensing acoustic energy propagating from regions (such as a root canal system) in and/or near a tooth. The apparatus and methods may be used with root canal cleaning treatments to determine the efficacy of the treatment and/or to reduce risk of post-treatment complications. An acoustic source (e.g., an acoustic transducer and/or a high-speed liquid jet) may be used to transmit energy into a tooth and/or regions near a tooth. An acoustic receiver may be used to detect acoustic signatures of acoustic events (e.g., acoustic echoes and/or acoustic cavitation) occurring in the tooth. The acoustic signatures may be used, for example, to determine the progress of a root canal cleaning treatment and/or the presence or movement of material toward a periapical region of the tooth. Apparatus and methods for monitoring a tooth may include detecting impact of a first jet on a tooth and actuating a second jet in response to detection of the impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: DENTATEK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Morteza Gharib, Joshua Adams, Bjarne Bergheim, Adam E. Piotrowski
  • Publication number: 20100143862
    Abstract: Provided is a needle unit for endodontic treatment, including a needle bent at predetermined angle; a needle unit body where the needle is rotatably mounted; and an inserter for pressing the needle to fix the needle to the needle unit body. The present invention provides an optimal needle for efficiently realizing a needle unit for endodontic treatment. To be specific, the needle unit can be easily used by an operator because a needle bent at a predetermined angle is rotatably mounted on a needle unit body. Also, a diffuser portion is provided at a proximal end of the needle and pressed by an inserter so that the needle is fixed at a constant pressure. Hence, the needle is not fixed too loosely or too tightly to an extent that much force is required to rotate the needle, so that the operator can easily rotate the needle in a desired direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: In-Whan Lee
  • Publication number: 20100124730
    Abstract: Endodontic ozone apparatus for the treatment of root canals includes the source of ozone, an aqueous medium, and a system for ozonating the aqueous medium. A syringe includes a needle insertable into the root canal and a plunger may be utilized for charging the syringe with ozonated aqueous medium. An ozone sensor, which may be an ink, is utilized for determining the ozone content in the aqueous medium before introduction of same into the root canal of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventor: JURGEN H. SCHEMMER
  • Publication number: 20100124728
    Abstract: A device and method of forming a gutta-percha tooth canal obturation. The device includes an amount of gutta-percha that is supported by a thermally conductive core. The core and the gutta-percha are both positioned within a root canal. In canal heating of the core heats the gutta-percha proximate an application point thereby improving the ability to compact the gutta-percha to the shape of the root canal and achieve three dimensional obturation preventing reinfection of the canal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventor: Harmeet Walia
  • Patent number: 7669332
    Abstract: An endodontic reamer and a method for manufacturing endodontic reamers and files, more specifically an endodontic reamer having a cylindrical shaft and a working portion extending forward from a removed end of the shaft. The working portion includes, typically, a pair of wedged shaped projecting sections that extend beyond the diameter of the shaft. Forward from the wedge shaped sections is a nose, typically non-cutting nose, that has a diameter of about equal to diameter of the shaft. There are typically two (2) wedge shaped sections projecting outward opposite one another. Applicant also provides a novel method for manufacturing an endodontic reamer, which consists of using a two piece mold and placing a wire blank between the mold, followed by forcing the mold together, under compression, against the wire blank, to deform the blank into the shape of the mold parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Discus Dental, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Senia, Stuart Minica, E. Steve Senia, William L. Wildey, Gene Rimmer, Ed D. Moore
  • Publication number: 20100047735
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide for automated, cyclic delivery and evacuation of a treatment or irrigation solution from a tooth root pulp chamber and pulp canals. A manifold has a base member sized and configured to rest on a crown of an instrumented tooth and a top member sized and configured to couple with the base member to define an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. The distal end of a needle is passed through an opening between the inlet and outlet chambers and extended distally beyond the base member into a pulp canal. The proximal end of the needle includes an opening in fluid communication with the inlet chamber. A solution is transferred from a fluid supply source to the inlet chamber and through the needle into the pulp chamber and pulp canals. The spent solution is evacuated from the pulp chamber and pulp canals through the outlet chamber. The system further includes additional devices, such as a light source, an electrical source, a heat source, for increasing the efficacy of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Gary J. Pond
  • Patent number: 7665991
    Abstract: An endodontic obturator for filling an endodontically prepared root canal of a tooth. The endodontic obturator includes an elongated shaft of having a proximate portion and a distal portion. The proximate portion has a handle portion connected thereto or is suitable for being releasably connected to a handle portion. A layer of filler material is coated about the shaft. The filler material has a low operating temperature at which it becomes plasticized or partially molten. The filler material in the layer disposed close to the distal end can have a higher viscosity at the operating temperate than the filler material close to the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: CMS Dental ApS
    Inventor: Jimmie Kert
  • Publication number: 20100028830
    Abstract: The invention is a dental irrigator for delivering irrigant solution from an irrigation solution reservoir to the site of a dental procedure. The irrigator comprises: a hollow dental tool modified by the addition of one or more curved blades either formed directly on the neck of the tool or on a sleeve attached coaxially to the neck, one or more inlets associated with each of the curved blades, a housing that provides a watertight volume surrounding the inlets while allowing the tool to be freely moved with respect to the housing, and a supply hose, which conducts the irrigant solution at relatively low pressure from the reservoir to the housing. When the dental tool is attached to the distal end of a dental hand-piece and the hand-piece is activated causing the tool to move, irrigation solution enters the hollow interior of the neck of the tool and, as a result of the forces created by the motion of the curved blades, is delivered at relatively high pressure to the site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: REDENT-NOVA LTD.
    Inventor: Refael Hof
  • Publication number: 20090258324
    Abstract: A nozzle for insertion into a tooth root canal, which can be inserted into the depths of the root canal, which enables a sufficient amount of fluid to be allowed to flow through it per unit time, and which can be easily produced, and a device for treating a tooth root canal, provided with the nozzle. A treating device (1) has an injection device (10) and a discharge device (20). The injection device (10) has a treatment liquid receiving container (14) and also has a supply nozzle (11) communicating with the treatment liquid receiving container (14) through a supply tube (13). The discharge device (20) has a suction nozzle (21) inserted from one end into a tooth root canal (610), a discharge tube (22) connected to the other end of the suction nozzle (21), a discharge pump (23) provided in the middle of the discharge tube (22), and a waste liquid receiving container (24) communicating with the suction nozzle (21) through the discharge pump (23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Takatomo Yoshioka, Yasue Fukumoto, Hideaki Suda, Toshiharu Hanzaka, Toshimitsu Nogami
  • Publication number: 20090220909
    Abstract: The invention relates to an obturation device (1) for blocking an apical foramen of a root canal of a tooth by means of an obturation plugging mass. The obturation device (1) has a carrier (5), wherein the obturation plugging mass is arranged in slidingly displaceable manner, and has an applicator (6), by means of which the obturation plug (4) comprising obturation plugging mass is applied in the apical foramen. The applicator (6) has a housing (7) with a pushing mechanism (8), which mechanism is arranged to be brought into engagement with the carrier (5) and pushes the obturation plugging mass from the carrier (5) into the apical foramen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: COLTENE/WHALEDENT GMBH & CO KG
    Inventors: Barbara Müller, Werner Mannschedel
  • Publication number: 20090208899
    Abstract: A bypass device and kit for delivering a fluid to a dental area for use with a dental handpiece. The device comprises a fluid reservoir, a length of hollow tubing that will be attached externally to the handpiece, and a nosepiece connected to the tubing. Fluid is delivered to the dental area through the nosepiece, independently of the dental handpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Gary J. Pond, John Baeten
  • Publication number: 20090170052
    Abstract: A dental apparatus for irrigating root canals of teeth comprises a device (1) with an elongated flexible feeder (12) or a flexible pipe introducing a cleansing and/or medical fluid into the root canals of teeth. The device (1) introducing the cleansing and/or medical fluid is moveably inserted in a chamber (5) formed in a head (4) having an angled narrowing (6) with a bush-shaped ending (8) fitted with a duct (13) and connected with the chamber (5) and used to insert the elongated flexible feeder (12). The head (4) is provided with a suction duct (9) connected to the duct (13) near its outlet and carrying at vacuum the cleansing and/or medical fluid flowing out from the root canal to outside of an oral cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 1, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Roman Borczyk
  • Patent number: 7549861
    Abstract: A combined irrigator-vacuum device includes a pump assembly mountable over a syringe or device body. The device body has a dividing wall which divides the body into a clean chamber and a waste chamber. Openings are formed at the bottom of the body to provide an inlet into said waste chamber and an outlet from said clean chamber. The pump assembly includes a housing and a compressible cover defining a pump chamber. A vacuum valve and an irrigation valve are positioned within the pump chamber above the syringe waste chamber and clean chamber, respectively. The pump is operable such that compression of the cover causes irrigant fluid to be ejected from the clean chamber and release of the cover causes used irrigant to be vacuumed into the waste chamber. The device can be selectively switchable between an irrigation-vacuum mode, an irrigation-only mode and a vacuum-only mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventors: Clifford J. Ruddle, Stephen Barker
  • Publication number: 20090111068
    Abstract: An irrigation and aspiration device comprises a probe and an aspiration sleeve that ensheathes the probe. The aspiration sleeve prevents the insertion of the probe beyond a desired distance, thereby preventing perforation of the apex of a root canal or wound, and also aspirates any excess irrigation solution and free debris. The device can be used for endodontic and periodontal procedures, penetrating or tract wound irrigation, open or superficial non-penetrating wound irrigation, and irrigation during specialty surgeries in endoscopic, opthalmology, gynecology, orthopedic surgery, and other specialty surgeries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel L. Martinez