Abstract: A bite block and method of using the same in an animal's mouth. The bite block includes a gripping region, a bite receiving region and a transition region therebetween. A person's middle finger is inserted through an aperture defined in the gripping region. The person's index finger rests in an indentation in a top of the gripping region above the aperture. A lingual plate on the bite receiving region is elliptically-shaped and has a concave end wall that rests against the animal's tongue. Upper and lower troughs are located between the bite receiving and transition regions to receive maxillary and mandibular teeth, respectively, therein. The lingual plate is transversely-oriented relative to the bite block's longitudinal axis. The lingual plate is generally elliptical in shape when the bite block is viewed from a second end, being wider than tall, and includes a concave end face that is seated against the tongue.

Abstract: The intraoral radiotherapy stent includes a hollow tube having opposed first and second open ends. First and second discs are provided, each having opposed inner and outer faces. A first shaft is secured centrally to the inner face of the first disc and extends axially therefrom. The first shaft is adjustably received within the hollow tube through the first open end thereof. A second shaft is secured centrally to the inner face of the second disc and extends axially therefrom. The second shaft is adjustably received within the hollow tube through the second open end thereof. First and second lip retractors are mounted on the hollow tube for holding the patient's mount open during a radiotherapy procedure or the like, and a tongue depressor is also mounted on the hollow tube to depress the patient's tongue and minimize tongue movement during radiotherapy or the like.

Abstract: A surgical retractor comprises at least one blade including a first arm and a second arm spaced apart from the first arm. The at least one blade further including a member being disposed with the arms to support at least one surgical instrument in a selected orientation relative to a surgical site. Surgical systems, instruments, constructs, implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A dental bite block device includes a front wall, a flat lateral sidewall, and a concave lateral sidewall that define a longitudinal channel that extends through the device. The lateral sidewalls are connected by a crossbar, and the channel can be filled with polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) dental impression putty. When the device is positioned in the patient's mouth, the flat lateral sidewall faces the right inner check of the patient, the patient's tongue rests against the concave lateral sidewall, and the patient's upper and lower teeth rest open on the front wall. Once the PVS putty sets, it forms a solid half cylinder-shaped member that includes impressions of a plurality of the patient's upper and lower teeth, which assist to maintain the device in place. The front wall and concave sidewall further include an opening that defines a clip for a saliva ejector.

Abstract: An oral dilator includes a first body, a second body, a rotary member, and a positioning member. The first body includes a housing and a first duckbilled element. The second body includes a second duckbilled element corresponding to the first duckbilled element. The rotary member drives the second body to rotate. The positioning member is on the first body and selectively locks or unlocks the relative position between the first duckbilled element and the second duckbilled element when the second duckbilled element is driven to rotate by the rotary member.

Abstract: An adjustable drill depth guide includes a first sleeve, a second sleeve and a stop member. The first sleeve includes a longitudinal axis and defines a helical slot disposed about the longitudinal axis. The second sleeve is concentrically arranged relative to the first sleeve and is axially adjustable relative to the first sleeve for adjusting a length of the adjustable drill depth guide. The stop member extends radially from the second sleeve and is disposed in the helical slot. The stop member is selectively received at various positions along the helical slot to positively locate the second sleeve relative to the first sleeve in the axial direction.

Abstract: A surgical tool lifts an overlying layer of skin away from underlying bone to prepare the bone to accommodate a convex element of an implantable device. The tool includes a lifting shell for insertion between the skin and the bone so as to lift the skin away from bone. A tool base supports the lifting shell and is supported by the bone. A drill template opening in the tool base provides access for preparing the bone to accommodate the convex element.

Abstract: A new medical tube guiding device, the device including a first patient engaging portion configured to engage a zone of an upper jaw of the patient and a second patient engaging portion configured to engage a zone of a lower jaw of the patient. The first and second patient engaging zones are biased apart to provide a working gap between them. The invention also provides for a guide means for a medical tube that is supportable on one or both of the patient engaging portions and locatable relative to the patient engaging portions to guide the medical tube through the working gap into a mouth of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an illuminated dental prop for holding a patient's mouth open during dental procedures. The illuminated dental prop is completely disposed within the patient's mouth during use and includes a body portion and a lighting assembly that is selectively detachable from the body to allow for intense sterilization of the components after use. Under certain embodiments of the invention, the body portion and/or the lighting assembly will be disposable after a single use.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an adjustable bite block for positioning within a person's mouth and maintaining the mouth in an open position. The adjustable bite block comprising at least one band of curved material comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions configured to be coupled to one another so as to define a closed loop with an opening defined therethrough, wherein the first and second portions are further configured to be selectively adjusted relative to one another so as to adjust a radial dimension of the loop, and wherein the band is configured to be positioned within the person's mouth such that at least a portion of the loop maintains the person's mouth in an open position. Embodiments of the adjustable bite block may use snap tabs spaced along the band or a ratchet mechanism for adjustment of the radial dimension.

Abstract: An improved dental prop that is formed of a slim, cylindrical configuration for bilateral access with voided areas on either end for the purpose of aiding in the comfort of the patient by allowing the patient's jaw to relax during lengthy dental procedures, while effectively articulating the mouth in an open position. The prop contains a safety line eyelet, perpendicular to the center of the cylindrical body, thereby allowing a dentist an extra precautionary step toward the safety of the patient in the case of ingestion or aspiration.

Abstract: The invention refers to a tool permitting resolution of the present difficulties when operating in the buccal cavity and introducing other devices, in addition to requiring the prior mounting of the laryngeal mask system on the components of said introducing tool and requiring the assistance of an auxiliary person to stabilize the head of the patient. The tool acts firstly as a mouth-opening tool and secondly as a tool to facilitate the introduction of the laryngeal mask, and comprises an upper or palantine intraoral portion, a lower or lingual intraoral portion, a mechanism of separation of the two intraoral portions, a self-locking mechanism of the lower portion and an unlocking mechanism of the aforesaid self-locking mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a safe surgical mouth gag (MG) having a substantially planar frame larger than the maximal mouth aperture which is defined by at least two cross members, i.e., a longitudinal maxillary cross member and a mandibular cross member and by at least one rod connecting said maxillary and said mandibular cross members; and modules maneuverably interconnected to the same. The modules are selected from a tongue blade approximately perpendicular to the frames' plane, which is vertically displaceable with respect to said mandibular cross member; a retaining member within which said tongue blade shaft is slidably displaceable; retraction elements for urging the cheeks away from the oral cavity; abutment members for contacting the upper teeth or upper maxilla; and at least one light auxiliary located adjacent to oral cavity, adapted to illuminate the same effectively.

Abstract: An endoscopic bite block system for increasing the speed and efficiency of an endoscopic procedure. The endoscopic bite block system includes a base member including a central opening and at least one tube attachment, a channel member latitudinally extending from an outer edge of the central opening and a strap member removably attached to the base member, wherein the strap member removably attaches the base member to the mouth of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a safe surgical mouth gag (MG) comprising a substantially planar frame larger than the maximal mouth aperture which is defined by at least two cross members, i.e., a longitudinal maxillary cross member and a mandibular cross member and by at least one rod connecting said maxillary and said mandibular cross members; and modules maneuverably interconnected to the same. Said modules are selected from a tongue blade approximately perpendicular to said frames' plane, which is vertically displaceable with respect to said mandibular cross member; a retaining member within which said tongue blade shaft is slidably displaceable; retraction elements for urging the cheeks away from the oral cavity; abutment members for contacting the upper teeth or upper maxilla; and at least one light auxiliary located adjacent to oral cavity, adapted to illuminate the same effectively.

Abstract: A tongue stabilizer includes a tongue-engaging plate that is held on a laryngoscope blade by pressure sensitive adhesive, with a foam strip in-between to compensate for any irregularities between the tongue-engaging plate and the laryngoscope blade. The tongue-engaging plate is cup shape to cradle the tongue to prevent the tongue from interfering with the visibility and process of intubation. A protective strip can be used to cover the adhesive.

Abstract: A combined mouth retracting and saliva ejecting device has a forward suction portion, a right cheek retractor portion, a left cheek retractor portion, and a rearward suction portion, the device being configured to be placed within the mouth of a dental patient. The device is constructed of a single piece of rigid, but resilient, tubular material, the material having an elastomeric memory. The device is tubular and has a cylindrical or other shape cross section and can be constructed of material so as to be either disposable or nondisposable, the nondisposable version being capable of heat or chemical sterilization. The device can be made in almost any size to accommodate the wide variety of patients that it may be used with, including children.

Abstract: A retractor is configured to increase the oral aperture of an individual and thereby assist in visualization of the vocal cords (and other features of the individual's mouth and throat) to facilitate intubation. The retractor generally comprises a mouthpiece configured to grasp a soft tissue of the individual's mouth (e.g., at the corner of the mouth), an anchor component configured to removeably attach to the head of the individual (e.g., via the individual's ear canal), and a collapsable member coupled between the mouthpiece and the anchor component, wherein the collapsable member is configured to pull the mouthpiece toward the anchor such that the lips of the individual are retracted.

Abstract: A dental retractor comprising a substantially U-shaped strip and an elongated handle. The U-shaped strip has a top edge and a bottom edge. Each of the top and bottom edges forms a substantially U-shape, wherein the U-shape formed by the bottom edge is smaller than the U-shape formed by the top edge. The elongated handle has a distal end of the handle attached to the U-shaped strip at a substantially trough point of the U-shaped strip.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a patient's mouth in an open position during a medical procedure is provided. The device includes a cylindrical body configured to be received in the patient's mouth. A flange extending from an edge of the body is configured to engage the face of the patient, and preferably, the device includes a retainer for retaining the body in the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a patient's mouth in an open position during a medical procedure is provided. The device includes a cylindrical body configured to be received in the patient's mouth. A flange extending from an edge of the body is configured to engage the face of the patient, and preferably, the device includes a retainer for retaining the body in the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A bite block system for maintaining the mouth of the patient in an open position during a dental procedure. In one embodiment, the bite block includes a plastically deformable material on at least a surface thereof for making an impression of the patient's teeth. Such customized bite blocks provide greater safety and comfort. In another aspect, a tongue suppressing bite block system includes a bite block and a tongue suppressor adjustably attached thereto so that the tongue suppressor can be adjusted horizontally or vertically relative to the bite block to account for variations in the size of patient's mouths, teeth and tongues. In another aspect of the invention, an anatomical tongue suppressor is provided for use with a bite block. The anatomical tongue suppressor wraps around the side and underneath the tongue in order to cradle it in a more comfortable and secure fashion when in use with a bite block.

Abstract: An intra-oral cavity device for preventing contact between upper and lower teeth of an anesthetized patient. The device includes an elongate pillow that when gripped between the teeth of a patient, prevents contact between the teeth and/or gums and thereby prevents damage to the teeth and/or gums. The pillow may be made of a fibrous, porous and/or absorbent material. The device is adapted for single use and thus disposal after use by a patient. A method of the use of performing surgery using such a device is also provided.

Abstract: A dental apparatus for maintaining the mouth of a patient in an open position during a dental procedure. The apparatus includes a bite block that is inserted into the patient's mouth between the upper and lower teeth on either side of a patient's mouth. Disposed in operable relation to the bite block is a tongue suppressor for confinement of the patient's tongue within a desired location, such as the bottom cavity, of the patient's mouth. The tongue suppressor includes a retention arm that extends across the tongue laterally away from the bite block. The bite block includes features, such as a plurality of slots or paired recesses, that allow for a portion of the tongue suppressor, such as the retention arm, retention prongs or an adjustment peg to be selectively inserted and retracted relative to the bite block to provide for lateral adjustment of the tongue suppressor relative to the bite block.

Abstract: An absorbent core is contained within a generally wedge shaped shell. The core is constructed of cotton or other known absorbent material. The shell is constructed of a material which is rigid enough to hold a mouth of a patient in an open position when the bite block is inserted within the mouth, for example, foamed polystyrene. The shell has a first side and a second side, which are generally triangular shaped and opposite each other. The shell further includes a third side and a fourth side, which are generally rectangular, and which each span between the first and second sides of the shell. Each of the third and fourth sides include alternating peaks and valleys, for providing a gripping surface for the teeth of the patient. The first and second sides each contain an elongated side aperture therein. The core spans completely between the first and second sides at the side apertures. An end aperture is provided at the apex of the shell. The core spans completely to the end aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intrabuccal stretcher having essentially a supporting bar and a pushing part formed at each distal end of the supporting bar; the pushing parts having such a thickness and such a roundish shape as are suitable for pushing internal sides of buccae; the supporting bar being bent symmetrically with respect to the vertical axis; the pushing parts being extended outward from the distal ends of the supporting bar; wherein the pushing par-n are inserted into an oral cavity with the supporting bar remaining partly outside the oral cavity to push and simulate internal sides of the buccae.

Abstract: An oral cavity spreading apparatus according to the present invention comprises a pair of mouth corner hooks capable of being inserted into the oral cavity to spread the corners of the mouth, wing portions protruding individually outward from the mouth corner hooks and capable of spreading the inner part of the oral cavity, and a substantially U-shaped spring arm portion connecting the mouth corner hooks, the mouth corner hooks being adapted to be pressed toward each other against the urging force of the spring arm portion so that the respective end portions of the mouth corner hooks engage each other and the wing portions are steadily rotated inward and toward each other around the point of engagement between the end portions as a pivot as the mouth corner hooks are inserted into the oral cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying suction adjacent to a tooth for removing saliva from the operative area that includes a bow member for extending about a portion of a tooth of a patient that is substantially U-shaped with a central axis. The bow member includes a transverse portion that extends transverse to the central axis of the bow member and a pair of side portions each being for extending adjacent to lateral surfaces of the tooth. The side portions extend substantially parallel to the central axis, with each of the side portions having a root end connected to the transverse portion and a free end opposite the root end. The side portions of the bow member are resiliently flexible to permit spreading of the side portions. A pair of suction pads are each positionable adjacent to one of the lateral sides of the tooth and mountable adjacent to a lower surface of one of the side portions of the bow member.

Abstract: A dental apparatus for maintaining the mouth of a patient in an open position during a dental procedure. The apparatus having a bite block that is inserted into the patient's mouth between the upper and lower molars on either side of a patient's mouth. Disposed in operable relation to the bite block is a tongue suppressor for retaining the tongue of a patient in the bottom cavity of the mouth. The tongue suppressor having a retaining arm that extends across the tongue away from the bite block. Opposite the bite block on the retaining arm is a flange that extends downward toward the bottom of the mouth. The retaining arm and the flange retain the patient's tongue in the bottom cavity of the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A speculum (200) for large animals (100) includes an elongated member (20) that extends into the animal's mouth and terminates in a pliable mouthpiece (18) that rests between the animal's molars (110) and (120), or (130) and (140). An outer portion (20) that extends alongside the animal's cheek terminates in a handle (30) which may be held by hand or attached to a halter (52).

Abstract: A dental appliance is made up of an elongated body having a substantially longitudinal axis with opposite end portions making up substantially flat surfaces extending laterally the axis for being engaged by teeth or endentulous areas of the upper and lower jaws of a patient. A circular opening is provided with in this middle region of the elongated body to allow the tube of a saliva and debris ejector to be positioned slidably therein, and within the mouth of a patient when the apparatus is being used. The elongated body is narrower between the flat surfaces of the bite pads for maximizing the visual field of a mouth to the person performing a dental procedure. The elongated body is deformable to ensure stable engagement between the teeth or endentulous region of the upper and lower jaws of a patient and the corresponding flat surface making up the bite pads of the elongated body.

Abstract: A device for endoscopic examinations and operations includes a frame on which one or more of holding, connecting and receiving elements for locking and/or spreading instruments, lighting devices, liquid and/or gas suction devices, examination and/or surgical instruments may be arranged and detachably secured, as may also tongue and labial commissure retaining spatulas, palatal plates, lighting and receiving members for other devices and/or instruments.

Abstract: The dental device includes a buccal member and a lingual member disposable on one side of a patient's mouth for isolating the buccal and lingual sides of the patient's mandibular teeth, respectively. The buccal member is generally curved to follow an outer contour of the patient's mandibular arch for deflecting the patient's cheek from the buccal side of the mandibular teeth. The lingual member is configured to corral a side of the patient's tongue and has a neck portion in a region where the lingual member attaches to the buccal member, the neck portion being configured to rest on the patient's mandibular teeth. The distal ends of the buccal and lingual members are spaced apart to permit independent movement therebetween. In one embodiment, the device includes a prop stem releasably attachable to the patient's maxillary teeth for propping open the patient's mouth.

Abstract: This invention relates to tongue deflectors which attach to saliva ejectors. The tongue deflector of this invention is formed of a flattened body with sufficient height to extend from the floor of the mouth to the top of tooth surfaces, so that the body may extend along the inner sides of the teeth to separate contact between the tongue and at least some of the teeth. A plurality of slotted cuts are provided through the body of the device to form a plurality of straps which may be pulled or pushed away from the body. The saliva ejector stem is passed through the strap so the saliva ejector tip nests in the tongue deflector body, and the tongue deflector attaches to the saliva ejector tip.

Abstract: A hygiene implement handle formed of a compressible material includes an aperture for receiving a hygiene implement. Alternatively, a mouth prop handle apparatus has a handle and mouth prop formed integrally to one another of a compressible material. A rigid core is positioned within the compressible material. A mouth prop having a wedge shape can also be formed of the compressible material. The compressible material can be a foam material. The mouth prop handle and hygiene implement handle are disposable and can be advantageously used for special needs patients.

Abstract: A lock device for holding "open" position of a person's mandible (lower) jaw bone, for facilitating medical treatments such as emergency intubation and other procedures, dental work, etc., particularly on a patient who is either unconscious or for some other reason is not cooperative.A pair of force lugs, carried on support-beam members, are for imposing a force oppositely against a person's mandible teeth set and upper or skull (maxilla) teeth set. The beam members are pivotally interconnected; and have an extension arm outwardly and rearwardly extending from the outer end, being a retroflex member which in use of the device extends generally horizontally and rearwardly along the person's cheek, providing ease of manual grasping and other advantages.

Abstract: A dental wedge for propping open the mount of a patient to facilitate oral examination and treatment has an elongate portion which in use, is inserted between the jaws of a patient. The wedge further has a pair of oppositely directed flanges extended laterally from the elongate portion at or near the distal end of the latter. The flanges serve to limit insertion of the elongate portion into the mouth of the patient. The elongate portion is hollow to enable insertion of a finger of the person carrying out examination and treatment.

Abstract: A mandibular retractor which is inserted intraorally has a retractor blade shaped to retract the cutaneous region laterally away from the mandible. The retracting blade also has an aperture which allows surgical instruments to be inserted through an incision in the cutaneous region, through the aperture, and to the mandible. The retractor allows a surgeon to retract with one hand and view the surgical site by looking down in to the mouth. The surgeon's other hand is free to operate surgical instruments such as a drill or screwdriver.

Abstract: A new and improved adjustable mouth prop for holding a dental patient's mouth open during performance of a dental procedure in a manner which is safe and comfortable for the patient and convenient for the dentist is disclosed. The adjustable mouth prop comprises a threaded shaft formed of rigid material suitable for sterilization, the shaft having an enlarged head formed on one end thereof. Upper and lower arms formed of rigid material suitable for sterilization are mounted on the threaded shaft and project outwardly from the threaded shaft. The distal end of the arms have integral elongated concave jaw support members extending laterally thereacross. The jaw support members are engagable with the patient's teeth such that the teeth are removedly retained irrespective of the angles of the arms. The adjustable mouth prop further includes adjustable locking member whereby the user may lock the arm members at a selected angular position relative to each other to prop open the patient's mouth.