Abstract: An amalgam carrier and dispenser constructed in a manner such that its effective life is at least about five times greater than that of conventional instruments. The amalgam carrier and dispenser includes a handle, a plunger element affixed to the handle having a plunger portion, and an open ended sleeve element having an internal bore formed therein in which the plunger portion is slideably located. According to the invention, the plunger portion has a terminal end region, preferably in the form of a tip portion, which is formed of a hard metallic material while the clearance between the plunger portion and the internal sleeve element bore is smaller relative to clearances provided in conventional instruments. By these provisions, the effects of abrasion of the surfaces of the plunger and associated components which would otherwise be caused by the action of the amalgam on these components is significantly reduced relative to conventional instruments.

Abstract: A gun-like instrument for making dental impressions, comprising an outer air nozzle and an inner nozzle for impression material within the outer nozzle, the inner nozzle projecting beyond the tip of the outer nozzle so that any tendency of the impression material to plug the outer nozzle is eliminated. The air emanating from the outer nozzle first removes debris from the operative area, and then causes the impression material to impinge on the tooth in such a way as to form an accurate impression. The instrument includes a hand grip having a finger operable trigger forwardly thereof for discharging impression material from the inner nozzle, a valve for discharging air from the air nozzle, and thumb operable valve actuators on opposite sides of the instrument for opening the air valve. With this construction, the fingers can be used to control the discharge of impression material, while the thumb is used to control the discharge of air independently.

Abstract: Dental impressions are formed without retraction of the gingival tissue by injecting impression material from a syringe having a flexible tubular member positioned over the prepared tooth. The tubular member has a diameter corresponding to the size of the tooth and a tip contoured to the approximate shape of the gingival margin. The tubular member is initially positioned with the contoured tip extending into the gingival sulcus. As the impression material is injected around the tooth the tubular member is slowly withdrawn so that the tooth is fully covered with impression material extending completely into the gingival crevice. A full arch impression tray is then positioned within the mouth of the patient and the impression material allowed to harden.

Abstract: A combination amalgam condenser and carrier apparatus employs a base assembly which accommodates a rod. The rod is employed in both a carrier and a condenser position and is located within a plunger member and retained therein by means of a securing member which is positioned between two prongs formed at the end of a lever member. The lever member is pivotally mounted with respect to the handle and by moving the lever, one can operate the apparatus in a condenser position where the rod protrudes from the plunger and in a carrier position where the rod is located within the plunger. The lever member has a clip mechanism which coacts with a latch mechanism located on a carrier base assembly; which base assembly is integrally formed with the rod. The clip mechanism as coacting with the latch provides a locking action defining a condenser position when the lever is pivoted towards the handle.

Abstract: A container construction for receiving substances adapted to combine with each other for producing viscous medical and dental medical preparations, especially amalgams, which includes: a chamber for receiving a flowable substance which after elimination of a separating wall element is adapted to be conveyed into a mixing chamber preferably containing a pulverous substance. From this mixing chamber the mixed preparation can be pressed out, e.g. by means of a piston. The mixing chamber is at least within the region of its discharging end formed by a bendable discharging tube which is surrounded by a rigid protective sleeve.

Abstract: A manual extruder for accurately and precisely extruding composite resin type material which includes an elongated tubular barrel having a readily detachable nozzle tip and an associated plunger for extruding the material to be dispensed from the nozzle tip. A pistol grip shaped handle is connected to the barrel and to which there is pivotally connected an actuating lever bearing on the plunger whereby the lever can be squeezed relative to the handle to provide the necessary mechanical advantage on the plunger for extruding the material with the use of one hand.

Abstract: A side loading dental impression gun designed to accommodate rapid loading into the tubular barrel of the gun of a fast setting dental impression material. A syringe-like gun is formed with a relatively large door-like opening in the side of the barrel adjacent the discharge end of the gun to provide a relatively large opening through which a charge of a semi-fluent fast setting dental impression material can be introduced rapidly into the barrel. Various forms of door-latching or closing devices are disclosed for quickly conditioning the gun for dispensing the impression material with a minimum delay, thus preventing initial setting of the material within the gun.