Abstract: A canal instrument intended to be mounted on the head of a vibrating handpiece and allowing the application in the dental canal of filling paste by applying successive layers in order either to produce a complete filling or to produce a thin layer on the walls of the canal with a view toward lubrication or blocking-out of the spaces which can be left free by condensed gutta-percha points, including a handle (1) of known type for its fastening to the vibrating handpiece and a blade (2) provided over a part of its length, starting from its distal end, with one or more helicoid grooves whose edges (3) are rounded in order to prevent any cutting effect, and therefore reaming the root canal.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method and device used in applying gutta percha to a carrier which will later be used in filling and sealing an interior of a tooth after a root canal has been performed on the tooth. The method consists of inserting a gutta percha filled cannula into the barrel cavity of a syringe-type device, heating the cannula in order to increase the plasticity of the gutta percha, inserting a carrier into the cannula at the dispensing end of the syringe-type device and pushing a plunger of the syringe-type device downward in order to push the carrier, which is now coated with the gutta percha previously contained in the cannula, out of the dispensing end of the cannula. The gutta percha coated carrier is then ready for use in the root canal.An alternate embodiment of the syringe-type device employs a modified plunger to accommodate an alternate cannula which is provided with its own dispensing cannula plunger.

Abstract: An endodontic procedure is disclosed which involves extirpating a root canal of a tooth, and then inserting a machine driven compactor which is coated with alpha phase gutta percha into the extirpated canal. The compactor is then rotated at a relatively high speed and so that the alpha phase gutta percha is plasticized solely by the frictional heat generated by the rotating compactor. The plasticized gutta percha is thrown radially outwardly, and pushed downwardly, so as to fill all of the voids of the canal, and the compactor is then withdrawn and the gutta percha cools and solidifies. A crown may be then fitted to the tooth above the gutta percha in the conventional manner.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a filling nozzle having a conical part so that it can fit in a leaktight manner on to a burred aperture in a tooth to be filled. The nozzle has a suction tube and a first annular channel connected to the suction tube and coming out into the dental cavity in order to create a vacuum therein. A second central channel serves to bring a filling paste from a reservoir to the dental cavity. The cross-section of flow of the first channel is several times smaller than that of the second channel, so that the paste travels much more slowly in the first channel than in the second, under the effect of the partial vacuum in the dental cavity.

Abstract: Material having improved characteristics for filling endodontically prepared root canals is obtained by heat treating gutta percha based material at a temperature in the range of 210.degree. F. to 310.degree. F. for a period of two to twenty-four hours, the time being decreased as the temperature is increased.

Abstract: A prefilled disposable apparatus is provided for placing thermoplastic filling material including gutta percha in an endodontically prepared root canal. A hollow carrier has a distal end and a proximal end and has a cylindrical carrier bore defined therethrough. A plug of thermoplastic filling material is contained in the carrier bore. A displacing shaft is received in the proximal end of the carrier bore for displacing the thermoplastic filling material from the distal end of the carrier bore into the endodontically prepared root canal.

Abstract: A composition for endodontically treating a root canal is provided. The composition uses a thermoset resin based material adapted for insertion into the root canal of a dental patient and an adhesive material suitable for maintaining the polymer based material in the root canal. Either one or both of the thermoset resin based material and the adhesive material is conductive. As a result, the dental practitioner is able to determine where the apex of the root canal is located by means of measuring the conductance between the thermoset resin based material and the oral mucosa and periodontal ligament. This facilitates the filling of the root canal with the polymer based material.

Abstract: An appliance (20) for use in conjunction with the obturation of prepared root canals employing a rigid carrier member (23) coated with a thermoplastic material (29) comprises an instrument (40) having a barrel (41), a movable plunger (43), and an orifice (48), and a quantity of the thermoplastic material (29) within the barrel. The orifice has a diameter greater than the distal end (30) of the rigid member, the member being insertable through the orifice and into the thermoplastic material whereby upon extrusion of a quantity of the thermoplastic material from the barrel, the rigid member is provided carrying a coating of thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A dental irrigating and aspirating instrument utilizes a cannula with a reduced diameter extended member shaped to occlude the apical foramen while conducting irrigating fluid into the apical terminations of root canal preparations. The extended member also serves to occlude the apical foramen while conducting fluid and debris out of the apical regions during aspiration. The extended member can be shaped with a cutting surface to prepare a base for the root canal preparation and root canal filling. Use and fabrication of the instrument for irrigation and aspiration of the fullest depths of the gingival sulci and periodontal pockets in periodontic practice is also described. A handpiece is described that retains the instrument allowing manipulation of the instrument and control of fluids to and from the instrument.

Abstract: A syringe useful for washing root canals wherein the syringe is configured and arranged with a two-position valve which, in a first position, supplies the syringe with hydrogen perioxide and, in the second position, supplies the syringe with sodium peroxide. In a selected embodiment, the valve has a single outlet port and first and second inlet ports connected to a hydrogen peroxide and sodium peroxide supply, respectively. The outlet port is connected to the inlet ports by a rotatable obturator having first and second slanted grooves having first and second ducts, respectively, at opposite ends thereof. In a first rotatable position of the obturator, the first groove is aligned with the first inlet port, and the first duct is aligned with the outlet port. In a second rotatable position of the obturator, the second groove is aligned with the second inlet port, and the second duct is aligned with the outlet port.

Abstract: A device for filling and sealing root canals of teeth is disclosed. The device comprises an adaptable liner having a coating of a root canal sealer or bonding material on its external surface which seals the root canal when the liner is expanded or inflated.

Abstract: An apparatus for scaling of teeth and lavage of the gingival sulcus is provided. The apparatus comprises a base unit which contains reservoirs for the medicaments used in the lavage procedure, and a handpiece connected to the base unit by a conduit, which contains an insert for scaling of teeth. Switches on the base unit and a footswitch make it possible for the practitioner to use the apparatus for scaling only, lavage only, or for simultaneous lavage and scaling.

Abstract: An improved obturator body for use in filling an endodontically prepared root canal formed of an elongated slender body of plastic material having a proximal end and a distal end, the body having a short length handle portion at the proximal end and a shaft portion extending from the handle portion to the distal end, the shaft portion being dimensioned to be received in an endodontically prepared root and having a texture surface adapted to receive filler material thereon and a plurality of integral spaced apart length indicators formed on the exterior surface of the shaft portion for indicating the length of the shaft to the distal end. In one preferred arrangement, the body shaft portion has canal filler material, such as gutta-percha, formed thereon.

Abstract: An appliance for use in filling an endodontically prepared root canal being in the form of an elongated shaft having a distal end portion of diameter dimensioned to be received in a root canal and with a spiral thread thereon and having, at the opposite end, a shank portion, filler material formed on the shaft distal end portion, the shaft shank portion being receivable in the chuck of a dental tool having means to rotate the shaft, the shaft distal end portion having the filler material thereon being insertable in a root canal and adapted to be rotated by a dental tool to auger the filler material off of the shaft distal end portion and into the root canal, the shaft being removed from the root canal as the filler material is augured into the canal.

Abstract: A method of obturating an extirpated root canal utilizes two types of filler material, one type of which is in the form of a gutta-percha point and the other type of which is a thermoplasticized gutta-percha having a melting temperature of about 15.degree. to 20.degree. C. less than the melting temperature of the gutta-percha point. The steps of the method include the introducing of an initial amount of thermoplasticized gutta-percha in a heated and softened condition into the root canal so that the initial amount fills the bottom of the canal. A gutta-percha point is then positioned within the root canal and another amount of thermoplasticized gutta-percha is introduced in a heated and softened condition into the canal. The thermoplasticized gutta-percha is then manipulated into contact with the portion of the gutta-percha point positioned within the root canal so that the gutta-percha point is fed into and compacted within the root canal with the thermoplasticized gutta-percha.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying gutta-percha to a shank-like carrier with which the gutta-percha is introduced into an extirpated root canal utilizes an elongated hollow barrel for holding an amount of gutta-percha and a plunger fitted within the barrel for sliding movement along the length of the barrel. The barrel is provided with a discharge opening at one end thereof into which one end of the shank-like carrier may be inserted. Upon heating the gutta-percha contained within the apparatus to a softened condition, inserting one end of the shank-like carrrier through the discharge opening, and then using the plunger toward the discharge end of the barrel to dispense gutta-percha therefrom while withdrawing the carrier from the discharge opening, the surface of the carrier is coated with the gutta-percha.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for carrying out devitalizations and root canal treatments in teeth by means of the use of liquid chemical substances comprises the following steps: putting the pulp chamber and the relevant root canals under vacuum by means of a vacuum vessel; and selectively feeding, in succession, into the pulp chamber and the root canals liquid chemical substances, which are contained inside respective containers under atmospheric pressure; the substances are then drawn into said vacuum vessel. The so treated tooth is then sealed by sucking a sealing paste-like substance into it.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument having a rotatable shank and a working portion which extends along at least a portion of the length of the shank to a tip includes two continuous helical flutes which spiral along the length of the working portion. Each of the helical flutes has a shoulder which generally faces in the same direction along the length of the working portion as the shoulder of the other flute and which has a helical angle which is different from the helical angle of the shoulder of the other flute. In one embodiment, the instrument includes shoulders which generally face in the direction along the working portion toward the tip and is well-suited for thermomechanically condensing gutta-percha in a root canal of a tooth and for cutting dentinal chips from the wall of an extirpated root canal and transporting the cut chips to the terminus of the root canal system.

Abstract: An implantable device for supplying liquid to the oral cavity comprises a liquid container having means for keeping the liquid under pressure, a tube, one end of which being connected to the container, said tube consisting of a material which is suitable for subcutaneous location in the human body, and an lead-through bushing connected to the other end of said tube, said bushing consisting of or being coated with a biocompatible material for being implanted into a jaw bone, and comprising a nozzle opening provided with a filter.

Abstract: The connection piece (2), which can be fitted in a sealed manner on an opening in the pulp chamber of a tooth, comprises a liquid injector (24) and a discharge duct (25) which lead into the pulp chamber. A vacuum pump (5) is connected to the discharge duct (25) so as to produce bubbles in the liquid inside the tooth. A pressure pump (3) connected to a liquid reservoir conveys the said liquid to the injector (24) so as to produce, by means of impulsion of the said bubbles, a cavitation in the liquid inside the tooth, owing to the action of the pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilizing a root canal in which the apparatus contains an light source for generating bactericidal ultraviolet rays and an optical fiber coupled to the light source for transmitting the ultraviolet rays to and emitting the rays from an emitting end of the optical fiber placed in the root canal. Also included in a fiber protecting pipe that both protects the fiber and allows the fiber to be easily guided into the root canal. A flexible tube disposed over the emitting end of the root canal protects the exposed end of the optical fiber. Also, an arrangement of two optical fibers allows various shaped fiber protecting pipes to be used and a hand held coupling device couples two optical fibers.

Abstract: An oral irrigator for lavaging all of the gingival crevice including the interdental area of the gums, provided with a tip at the end of a probe for separating the gum part known as the gingival collar from the facial or linqual and interproximal sides of the tooth and having a steady flow of antimicrobial fluid expelled from a zone surrounding said tip. Also shown is such an oral irrigator in combination with a tap water, pressure operated, germicidal-containing container forcing germicidal fluid through said oral irrigator tip, and with a tap water syphon delivery system.

Abstract: A process for devitalization for a tooth in which, after drilling of a small hole through the crown into the pulp cavity, an inert paste is injected under pressure into the pulp cavity and into the root-canal causing a desiccation of the pulp tissues and the devitalization of the tooth.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a condenser instrument for thermomechanically condensing a thermoplastic material, such as gutta percha, in the extirpated root canal of a tooth through rotation of the instrument is disclosed. The condenser instrument includes a shank having a tapered working portion along part of its length. The working portion includes a single, continuous helical flute defining a continuously helical shoulder having a negative rake angle. The shoulder is generally directed downwardly toward the tip end of the shank. A wide land is formed at the periphery of the shoulder. In a second embodiment, a remover instrument for removing a thermoplastic material, such as gutta percha, from a previously obturated root canal of a tooth through rotation of the remover instrument is disclosed. The remover instrument includes a shank having a tapered working portion along part of its length.

Abstract: An improved appliance for use in applying filler material, such as gutta-percha or the like, to an endodontically prepared root canal of a tooth in the form of an elongated shaft of material having high biological tolerance, the shaft having a handle portion at the proximal end portion, the shaft distal end portion having a surface configuration adaptable to retain filler material formed thereon and being positionable in a root canal, the shaft distal and proximal portion being severable from each other whereby the distal portion and filler material therein remain in the root canal. In the preferred arrangement the shaft distal portion surface is defined by a spiral groove.

Abstract: A dental instrument adapted to be used as a dental compactor for condensing a thermoplastic material in the extirpated root canal of a tooth. The dental compactor instrument is formed with a tapered shank or working portion having at least two helical flutes defining at least two continuous helical shoulders. A helical peripheral land extends between adjacent helical flutes at the periphery of the shank. The shoulders have a neutral rake angle at the periphery of the shank.

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 readily manipulatable fastening for a dental endodontic file and tip assembly for operation by ultrasonic vibrations. The fastening is compatible with a wide range of handpieces of different domestic and foreign manufacturers of dental instruments, and may be used interchangeably with ultrasonically operated scaling tips of various shapes and configurations, also catheters and other dental cleaning and scraping tools. A simple and rugged two-part unit consisting of a flow-through tip fastened to the outlet end of the vibratory stack and a completely enclosed housing for the outer end of the tip, other than a single small aperture therein, preferably bored at a small obtuse angle to the longitudinal axis of the tip for the shank of the file, permits a rapidly executed secure fastening or release of the shank from between the end of the tip and the internal end wall of the housing.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in endodontic treatment include providing a one-way valve in the root canal system of a tooth undergoing endodontic therapy by which pressure which may build-up in the root canal system due to the production of purulence or gases from necrosing and/or infected tissue is vented from the root canal system and by which unobstructed drainage of the tooth is permitted, while at the same time food debris and foreign matter are prevented from entering and/or becoming packed within the root canal system thereby eliminating the possibility of the canal system becoming plugged and/or reducing introduction of bacteria into the root canal system. A method is disclosed for fitting a tooth with a one-way valve in a simple yet stable manner.

Abstract: A tool for use in applying filler material, such as gutta-percha or the like, to an endodontically prepared root canal of a tooth in the form of an elongated shaft of material having high biological tolerance, the shaft having a handle portion at the proximal end, the shaft being adaptable to receive filler material formed thereon formed into a conical configuration so that the shaft having the filler material thereon may be positioned in the root canal and the shaft thereafter severed by applying force to the handle portion to retain the portion of the shaft and the filler material within the root canal.

Abstract: A dental materials dispenser is disclosed with an actuator operated by an electronically controlled motor. The dispenser may be used in conjunction with a disposable cartridge removably mountable in the dispenser. The cartridge includes a hollow needle comprising an integral heating element along its length. An electronic controller regulates the speed and direction of the motor and the current delivered to the heating element.

Abstract: An endodontic syringe for injecting thermoplastic material, such as gutta percha into a root canal cavity. The syringe includes a drive motor and mechanism for reversible axial translation of a plunger, a removable gutta percha cartridge and needle, and a heating element surrounding the cartridge to heat the gutta percha to a fluid condition. Forward movement of the plunger, against a piston within the cartridge, ejects gutta percha for the cartridge and needle. Reverse movement of the plunger returns it to its starting position, at which the used cartridge can be removed and replaced.The cartridge and needle are of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A tool holder preferably for an ultrasonic endodontic apparatus includes an eccentric member in the holder to secure the butt end of a tool thereon by a camming action during limited rotation of a cam member. The tool holder also includes an irrigating fluid passage located proximate to, but remote from, a tool-receiving bore in the tool holder to direct irrigating fluid onto the tool. An eccentric cam is mounted in a cross-bore within the tool holder, located relative to a tool-receiving bore having a predetermined longitudinal depth, so that a camming action of the eccentric cam longitudinally seats the tool deep in the bore while securing it there by the cam upon limited rotational motion of the cam. The cam includes tool pads for receiving mating surfaces of a bifurcated wrench.

Abstract: An endodontic irrigating instrument comprises a handpiece having an internal liquid passage therethrough extending from a liquid inlet formed in the proximal end of the handpiece to a liquid ejection nozzle provided at the distal end. The handpiece incorporates a suction or vacuum pump of the airjet or ejector type which comprises an air nozzle connected by a passage with an air inlet formed also in the proximal end of the handpiece. The vacuum chamber of the suction pump is connected by a separate internal passage in the handpiece with an aspiration needle provided adjacent to the liquid ejection nozzle. The proximal end of the handpiece is designed to be fitted with a coupling joint attached to a multiple-channel flexible hose which is conventionally used to supply compressed air and pressurized water from a dental unit to conventional air-driven dental turbine tools. Thus, the endodontic irrigating instrument can be used interchangeably with existing turbine tools.

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: A dental materials dispenser is disclosed with an actuator operated by an electronically controlled motor. The dispenser may be used in conjunction with a disposable cartridge removably mountable in the dispenser. The cartridge includes a hollow needle comprising an integral heating element along its length. An electronic controller regulates the speed and direction of the motor and the current delivered to the heating element.

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: An ultrasonic endodontic dental handpiece has an elongated housing supporting a coil connected for establishing an alternating magnetic field, the housing having a cooling fluid inlet at one end and being open at the other for receiving and supporting a removable insert. The insert includes an elongated hollow body having one end adapted to be insertably mounted in the open end of the housing in fluid communication with the interior of the handpiece, and an elongated tool support assembly telescopingly received in the body. The tool support assembly includes an elongated shaft member having a vibrator rigidly mounted on one end in position to be vibrated by the electromagnetic field and a seal located between the body and shank outboard of the housing to prevent the flow of cooling liquid through the body past the seal.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument for emplacing, heating and condensing a sealing plug in a dental root canal comprises an elongated shank having a heat softenable and deformable root canal sealing plug, desirably formed substantially of gutta percha, detachably affixed to one end of the shank. Elongated retractable conductive means, such as a heat conducting wire, extends longitudinally in the shank and has one end terminating in the plug for detachable affixing the plug to the shank and for causing heating and softening of the plug, the conductive means being slidable in the shank for withdrawing the one end from the plug to enable the shank to be used in condensing the heat softened plug within the dental root canal.

Abstract: An instrument particularly adapted for thermomechanically condensing a thermoplastic material such as gutta percha in the root canal of a tooth through the rotative action of the instrument is disclosed. The instrument comprises an elongated member including a shank at one end and a working portion at its other end. The working portion is tapered along at least part of its length. The working portion includes at least two oppositely disposed, continuous helical flutes formed in at least a portion of the tapered length of the shank defining at least two oppositely disposed helical shoulders. The shoulders face away from the shank and make an angle with the longitudinal axis of the working portion of from about 90.degree. to 80.degree. and each of the continuous spiraled flutes make from about 1.0 to 3.5 spirals per millimeter along the longitudinal axis of the working portion of the instrument.

Abstract: Dental root canal-treating appliance usable for cleaning pulp cavity and/or for application of medicine in the treatment of the root canal, the appliance being in the form of a slender rod of the diameter larger than 0.3 mm and of the length about 30 mm with appropriate numbers of continuous slits or conduits for absorption of liquid and/or blood in the canal and/or for retention of the medicine, at least one end of the rod, over the length less than about 2 mm from the tip, a thinner end section of the diameter about 0.25 mm being formed so that a shoulder is formed, the shoulder acts as an engagement-edge or stop-edge against the bottom of the canal and apical foramen in the diseased teeth.

Abstract: For the production of a core for a root-filled prepared tooth the root canal (11) of the prepared tooth (10) is filled with an impression material (27) which is injected at the bottom of the root canal to successively fill the root canal from the bottom thereof and outwardly under expulsion of air therefrom. The injection is carried out with the aid of an injection needle (23) with an injection syringe cylinder (24) with piston (25) attached thereto, the cylinder being filled with said impression material and the injection needle serving as reinforcing element for the impression material, permitting extraction of the cast from the root canal after the impression material has set.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental tool for obturating stripped root canals, comprising an elongated rod-like body having a shank or handle and a working portion with radially outwardly extending shoulders or flutes facing away from the shank and making an angle with the longitudinal axis of the body of about 90.degree. or less. The diameter of the shoulders or flutes may be progressively diminished from adjacent the shank toward the end of the working portion to provide a taper, and in another embodiment the shoulders are continuous and spiraled. In use, the tool may be linearly and angularly reciprocally mounted in a power operator, and may be heated for softening the obturating materials, such a gutta-percha. The reciprocation of the tool, particularly the linear reciprocation, forces the shoulders into compressive contact with the softened material and, when adequate density is attained, backs out of the root canal naturally through reverse action without specific operator effort.

Abstract: The invention is an improved endodontic apparatus device for holding instruments, particularly endodontic drill files that are energized and vibrated by ultrasonic means. The invention also provides for the flow-through of solutions during debriding and irrigating of root canals. The invention consists of a hollow tube-like means for conducting solution and directing it in the axial direction of the endodontic drill file; the hollow tube-like means incorporates a special holding means at the outboard end thereof for mounting the drill file in a position so that ultrasonic waves can be transmitted to the drill file to cause it to vibrate in a manner that improves debriding of the root canals. The special holding means at the end of the hollow tube-like means retains the drill file in a firm position to receive the transmitted ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: The invention is an improved endodontic apparatus attachment for holding instruments, particularly endodontic drill files that are energized and vibrated by ultrasonic means. The invention also provides for the flow-through of solutions during debriding and irrigating of root canals. The invention consists of a hollow tube-like means for conducting solution and directing it in the axial direction of the endodontic drill file. The hollow tube-like means incorporates a special holding means therein for mounting the drill file in such a position so that ultrasonic waves can be transmitted to the drill file to cause it to vibrate in a manner that improves debriding of the root canal.

Abstract: An electrically heated endodontic syringe for injecting thermoplastic material, such as gutta percha, into a root canal cavity includes a syringe barrel for holding a supply of thermoplastic material, a heater body threadedly attached at one end to the syringe barrel and an injection needle threadedly secured to the other end of the heater body by means of a hub. A manual plunger is provided in the syringe barrel for ejecting thermoplastic material from the barrel through the heater body, hub and needle into the root canal cavity. The barrel and plunger are made of materials having a low coefficient thermal conductivity of less than about 20 Btu/(hr)(ft.sup.2) (F..degree./ft) and a thermally insulating washer is positioned between the barrel and the heater body to minimize heat transfer to the barrel. The heater body, hub and needle are made of materials having a high coefficient of thermal conductivity of at least about 200 Btu/(hr) (ft.sup.2) (.degree.F./ft) to maximize heat flow to the needle.

Abstract: A root canal irrigation means for treating decayed teeth including a liquid vessel filled with water, antiseptic solution or some other kind of liquid, a pumping means for pumping the liquid from the liquid vessel under pressure, and a discharge needle shaped like an injection needle coupled to the outlet of the pumping means and which feeds the liquid under pressure to a dental focus when the pumping means is operated. The pumping means comprises a reciprocating pump which is coupled to the outlet of the liquid vessel.

Abstract: A dental instrument adapted to be used as a dental compactor for condensing a thermoplastic material in the extirpated root canal of a tooth. The dental compactor instrument is formed with a tapered shank or working portion having at least two helical flutes defining at least two continuous helical shoulders. A helical peripheral land extends between adjacent helical flutes at the periphery of the shank. The shoulders have a neutral rake angle at the periphery of the shank.