Abstract: A modular some vibration buffer system includes an adapter assembly that can be attached to a sonic vibration device. The adapter assembly includes a body with apertures and a plate with arms that are received in the apertures of the body to couple the plate to the body. A cleaning tool is secured between the body and the plate to couple the cleaning tool to the adapter assembly. The sonic vibration device is operable to vibrate the cleaning tool via the adapter assembly. The system also includes additional adapter assemblies and cleaning tools with different characteristics that are attachable to the sonic vibration device in a modular nature for different cleaning or buffering applications.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing an intracellular bacterial infection, comprising contacting the cell(s) which are infected with an antibacterial agent and a photosensitizing agent and irradiating the cell(s) with light of a wavelength effective to activate the photosensitizing agent, wherein the antibacterial agent is released into the cytosol of the cell(s) and kills, damages or prevents the replication of bacteria in said cell(s) is described. Related uses, and compositions, products and kits for the same are further described.

Abstract: A gauge system for measuring underbite and overbite in ruminants includes a set of elongated generally S-shaped underbite gauge members and an underbite-overbite gauge member of unitary construction, each having an elongated handle portion configured to be gripped in the hand of a user, a first curved portion formed at one end of the handle portion and a second curved portion formed at the opposed end thereof, extending in vertically opposed relation to one another. The first and second curved portions of the underbite gauges and the first curved portion of the underbite-overbite gauge terminate in an underbite measuring tip of different thicknesses for measuring an underbite condition. The second curved portion of the underbite-overbite gauge has a flat rectangular overbite measuring tip that extends forward a distance from the second curved portion and is provided with a metric scale for measuring an overbite condition.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis for cattle, and method for mounting it, that includes mounting fastening members in the animals incisor, away from the central nerve and towards in the inner side of the incisor. Tying the incisors individually with surgical wire and to a support plate with through holes to immobilize the relative movement of the incisor with respect to each other. A malleable metallic overdenture is then mounted over the teeth and metallic infrastructure conforming to the incisors to define a conforming overdenture. An adhesive bonding agent is used to mount the overdenture to the incisors and the anchorage structure with retention fastening members that transversally pass through the overdenture and between the incisors to further secure the overdenture to the cured boding agent.

Abstract: A windowed muzzle has left and right side sections, a lower section, an upper section and a rear section. A left window is in the left side section and a similarly configured right window is in the right side section. A left flap is configured and sized to cover the left window and a similarly configured right flap is configured and sided to cover the right window. A securement assembly selectively retains each flap in a raised orientation above the window or in a lowered orientation covering the window. A brushing assembly has a flexible strap coupled to the lower section. The brushing assembly includes a toothbrush removably coupled to the flexible strap.

Abstract: The invention proposes a kit and formulations for biomimetic deposition of apatite on teeth from a partially elastic shaped body comprising an envelope, whereby the shaped body a) comprises at least one mineralization matrix containing a gel that comprises water-soluble phosphates or phosphates that can be hydrolysed to form water-soluble phosphate ions and has a pH value of 2 to 8, optionally fluorides, and b) the at least one or a second mineralization matrix comprises a second gel having a pH value of 3.5 to 14 comprising calcium ions or compounds releasing calcium ions. Moreover, the method for producing the formulation and the use thereof for the deposition of apatite, in particular of needle-shaped fluorapatite crystallites, is claimed. Using the formulations according to the invention, it is feasible to deposit more than or equal to 1 ?m apatite, in particular fluorapatite, on tooth surfaces in order to seal or brighten porous tooth surfaces.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis for cattle, and method for mounting it, that includes mounting fastening members in the animals incisor, away from the central nerve and towards in the inner side of the incisor. Tying the incisors individually with surgical wire and to a support plate with through holes to immobilize the relative movement of the incisor with respect to each other. A malleable metallic overdenture is then mounted over the teeth and metallic infrastructure conforming to the incisors to define a conforming overdenture. An adhesive bonding agent is used to mount the overdenture to the incisors and the anchorage structure with retention fastening members that transversally pass through the overdenture and between the incisors to further secure the overdenture to the cured boding agent.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a dental implant which enables the formation of a functional periodontal tissue around the implant after the implantation of the implant. The dental implant according to the present invention is characterized in that a cell mass originated from a tooth germ tissue or a periodontal ligament tissue is placed on the surface of the implant and the surface of the implant on which the cell mass is to be placed is the whole or a part of a surface that is surrounded by an alveolar bone of a recipient during the implantation of the implant.

Abstract: An animal dental cleaning device for cleaning the teeth of a domesticated or non-domesticated animal while the animal is participating in a pulling game with another animal or person, such as tug-of-war, is provided. Methods for cleaning teeth of animals using an animal dental cleaning device while the animal is participating in a pulling game with another animal or person are also provided.

Abstract: A removable intraoral device is useful for longitudinal in vivo biofilm research. The device is adapted to allow it to be retained in the oral cavity long enough for biofilm to form and to affect the oral mucosa. The device is readily removable to facilitate longitudinal observations. The device is biostable. The device does not interfere with the animal's daily activities such as eating and drinking. The device can be fabricated and maintained at low cost.

Abstract: Accordingly, embodiments of the presently described system and method include an equine dentistry burr with a head having a first end and a second end. Some embodiments also include a shank fixably connected to the first end of the head, and wherein the shank is configured to connect the equine dentistry burr to a handpiece assembly. Further embodiments also include a floating guard coupled to at least one of the cylindrical head and the shank, and configured to rotate independently of the cylindrical head and the shank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the concurrent treatment of multiple oral diseases and defects while promoting general oral hygiene utilizing electricity are provided for non-human animals. Electrodes are used to deliver an electrical current to the gingival tissues of a mouth in order to achieve a number of therapeutic, prophylactic, and regenerative benefits. These benefits include killing oral microbes, increasing oral vasodilation, reducing oral biofilm, improving oral blood circulation, reversing oral bone resorption, promoting oral osteogenesis, treating gum recession, and fostering gingival regeneration. Other benefits include the treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral malodor, and other systemic diseases correlated with oral pathogens.

Abstract: New chewing-actuated teeth cleaning techniques are provided. In some aspects of the invention, a CleanChew™ is provided, which may comprise bite-actuated tooth- and gum-brushing protrusions and other features, tooth-guiding channels and variable openings with spacers, which openings and spacers may enable the variable bite-actuated release and application of a dentifrice for bite-actuated scrubbing. In further aspects, internal springs and the tension of surrounding material drive bite actuation of protrusions. In other aspects, movable bite-actuated and/or motor-actuated members conform an elastomeric/flexible outer layer with additional sub-features and aid in teeth and oral cleaning In other aspects, intermediate antechambers, and/or interstitial fluid, gel or other medium, aide in enabling re-sealing an inner chamber following penetration of the CleanChew.

Abstract: A first aspect of the invention is related to a method for treating a subject's tooth that needs regeneration of dental enamel tissue and/or ameloblast cells. This method includes exposing at least a portion of crown, root canal or periapical tissue of the tooth and administering an enamel material in an amount sufficient to promote the regeneration of dental enamel tissue and/or ameloblast cells such that at least a portion of the exposed crown, root canal or periapical tissue is in contact with the enamel material. The invention is also related to a kits, compositions, and devices which can be used for the purposes of the present invention.

Abstract: A hand-held canine dental cleaning tool is provided having a hand-held base adapted to be held in a person's hand and a vibrating unit disposed within the base. A scaling head is disposed at a distal end of the base and in communication with the vibrating unit. When the vibrating unit vibrates, the scaling head oscillates in a manner adapted to remove calculus from canine teeth when applied thereto. The scaling head is preferably curved, e.g., substantially in the shape of a shepherd's hook and/or angled or substantially L-shaped, and preferably includes a flattened shovel-like tip or very dull tapered tip. Preferred oscillations of the scaling head are in the range of 2-10 mm at approximately 5000-10,000 Hz. The scaling head is preferably interchangeable with a toothbrush head and/or a polishing head, one or more of which include a mucous membrane massager on the obverse side.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis for bovine animals with fully or partially worn down teeth. For bovine animals with partially worn down teeth, the prosthesis is a laminar plate of a rigid material, bent forwards, with an upward fold having a sawn edge along its front curve connected to a lower laminate of the same shape and size, from which a tongue projects downwards into the central front zone, at the end of which two small laminates are folded, and in the rear, a tongue projects behind, and divides into two, thereby creating a fold towards the front and encompassing two wires in the transverse direction, the ends of which are housed in the front laminates. For bovine animals with fully worn down teeth, the laminar plates have a downwardly inclined fold along the entire front curve thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides oral engagement assemblies and methods of using the oral engagement assemblies. In a general aspect, the oral engagement assembly includes a mouthpiece comprising a handle and a support attached to the handle. A diagnostic receptacle is insertable into the mouth-piece to form the oral engagement assembly. One or more diagnostic sensors can be fixedly or releasably inserted into the diagnostic receptacle. The invention also provides kits useful for making the oral engagement assemblies and using such oral engagement assemblies for diagnosing a condition or disease in the animal.

Abstract: A windowed muzzle has left and right side sections, a lower section, an upper section and a rear section. A left window is in the left side section and a similarly configured right window is in the right side section. A left flap is configured and sized to cover the left window and a similarly configured right flap is configured and sided to cover the right window. A securement assembly selectively retains each flap in a raised orientation above the window or in a lowered orientation covering the window.

Abstract: A micro-motor hand piece solves the problem of a lack of directly focused light in a patient's oral cavity when polishing a patient's teeth or performing dentistry. The source of illumination is built directly into the nose of the micro-motor hand piece to flood the area around the working tip of the micro-motor hand piece with light. The light is automatically focused in the area in which the Veterinarian or Technician is working, without casting any shadows in the area undergoing the procedure. The light can be from, for example, three light emitting diodes (LEDs), or some other light source, such as a fiber optic light source, incorporated directly into the nose of the micro motor hand piece.

Abstract: A light is built directly into a scaler hand piece and adds little or no additional bulk or weight thereto. The light allows a Veterinarian or Technician to directly illuminate an area to be worked, with the hand piece providing a bright, clear source of light with no shadows. The light can be emitted from a light tube disposed along a scaler insert device, providing emission of light near the tip of the scaler insert. The light can be easily placed directly into a patient's oral cavity. With the light built into the scaler, it does not add any additional bulk and the scaler hand piece and light source can be easily directed to the area that requires work. The light source, being mounted directly into the scaler hand piece, is more cost efficient compared to purchasing a separate external light source to be affixed to the scaler hand piece.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for restoring the alveolar bone of a mammal with a missing tooth. The present invention provides a method for restoring the alveolar bone in a mammal with a missing tooth comprising a step of transplanting a regenerated tooth unit to the said missing site. The regenerated tooth unit is characterized in that it has a periodontal tissue portion in addition to a tooth crown portion.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a regenerated tooth unit comprising a step of disposing and culturing a regenerated tooth germ inside a spacer in vivo in the body of a mammal is provided, wherein said spacer is configured so as to enable prevention of said regenerated tooth germ being extended to more than the maximum tolerance; and configured such that the regenerated tooth germ disposed inside is communicatable with the exterior of the spacer.

Abstract: The device allows for an opening to be procured on either or both sides at one time on a muzzle that is at the same time being used to hold the mouth of the animal closed. The opening will allow the health professional such as a veterinarian to observe the oral cavity of the animal while being protected from the dogs biting teeth, the oral cavity which is an important aspect of the health of the animal can be assessed. The utility will allow for the shutting and opening of the sides through flaps by the use of Velcro®, snaps, twist tops, zippers, buttons, and mechanical movement such as one tube over another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a standard dental prosthesis for bovine animals with fully or partially worn down teeth. For bovine animals with partially worn down teeth, the prosthesis is a laminar plate consisting of a rigid material, bent forwards (1), with an upward fold having a sawn edge along its front curve (27) that is connected to a lower laminate of the same shape and size, from which a tongue (8) projects downwards into the central front zone, at the end of which two small laminates (10) are folded, and in the rear part, a tongue (12) projects behind, and divides into two (13), thereby creating a fold towards the front (14) and encompassing two wires in the transverse direction (16), the ends of which are housed in the front laminates (10). For bovine animals with fully worn down teeth, the laminar plates (1) and (3) have a downwardly inclined fold along the entire front curve (37) thereof.

Abstract: A removable intraoral device is useful for longitudinal in vivo biofilm research. The device is adapted to allow it to be retained in the oral cavity long enough for biofilm to form and to affect the oral mucosa. The device is readily removable to facilitate longitudinal observations. The device is biostable. The device does not interfere with the animal's daily activities such as eating and drinking. The device can be fabricated and maintained at low cost.

Abstract: A toothbrush for a pet dog is disclosed, in which a groove is longitudinally formed in a center of a head in a direction of a handle, and a cushion material is provided in a surrounding surface, a lower surface and the groove. When a pet dog bites a toothbrush with teeth during a tooth brushing, it is possible to prevent teeth from fracture while preventing a lot of pain occurring when teeth collide with a hard toothbrush. Toothbrush hairs planted in a head are shaped depending on a tooth shape of a pet dog, so it is possible to reliably brush off plague attached on the upper side of a cervical ridge of premolars and molars of a pet dog without applying over stimulation on the gum.

Abstract: An apparatus for grinding the teeth of horses is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tool body. A drive shaft is disposed inside of the tool body. A drive mechanism is connected to one end of the drive shaft. A grinding member is connected to the other end of the drive shaft. The grinding member can pivot through a range of angles relative to the drive shaft.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes the use of calcium-based bone graft material in patients with, for example, congenital alveolar clefts. Calcium-based bone graft material facilitates the primary alveolar cleft repair in relation to the secondary grafting. Calcium bone graft materials in secondary alveolar cleft grafting may also be facilitated.

Abstract: This invention provides quality and safe chemically-curing type GIC that solves all the disadvantages of light-curing type GIC, and has mechanical strength not lower but higher than that of light-curing type GIC and, in addition to this, the original features and advantages of GIC. The chemically-curing type glass ionomer cement according to the present invention includes porous and particulate hydroxy apatite that has a means diameter of not less than 0.6 ?m and less than 100 ?m and a large specific surface, and is added and mixed into the glass ionomer cement.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of regenerating tooth pulp in a mammal is provided. The method comprises removing at least a portion the existing tooth pulp of a mammal and adding amelogenin protein to the existing tooth pulp of the mammal to regenerate tooth pulp in a mammal. In another embodiment, a method of treating necrotic tooth pulp of a mammal is provided. The method comprises providing at least one necrotic tooth pulp of a mammal with an amelogenin protein. In yet another embodiment, a kit for regenerating tooth pulp in a mammal is provided. The kit comprises an adequate amount of amelogenin protein for regenerating tooth pulp in a mammal and instructions for applying the amelogenin protein to at least one tooth pulp of the mammal.

Abstract: A device and method for tooth and gum cleaning in pets with a novel pen delivery and tooth gel.

Abstract: This document discloses, among other things, an apparatus for preventing closure of an animal mouth. A harness is fitted around the neck and the lower jaw of the animal and maintains an intraoral piece at a position in the back of the mouth. It also includes a method for holding the animal's jaw open.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides electrochemical dispensing apparatus and methods. According to the principles of the invention, a microelectronic electrochemical dispenser is used to cause the release of one or more selected chemical substance from a stored chemical compound. The release is controlled using a timer or sensor apparatus in a controlling device, preferably an ASIC.

Abstract: A method for designing a connector between a first and a second element of a dental restoration, such as a connector between coping and coping, or coping and pontic, or pontic and pontic of a bridge, which is characterized by the steps of computing a (first) model of the first element and a (second) model of the second element, defining a connecting straight line between the first model and the second model, computing edge curves (?0, ?4) on the first model and the second model, whereby the edge curves are defined by origins of surface normal vectors of the models, which satisfy boundary conditions relative to the connecting line, computing offset curves (?1, ?3) on the first model and the second model from the first edge curves, and connecting the first edge curves and the offset curves of the first model and of the second model and computing the connector on the basis of the course of the connection between the curves.

Abstract: One embodiment includes an apparatus for retracting an animal tongue that includes a handle that is elongate and that includes a proximal portion and a distal portion and a tongue receiving cup coupled to the distal portion of the handle, the tongue receiving cup being generally concave and sized such that a first side of the tongue receiving cup extends over a first side of the tongue, a second side opposite the first side extends over a second side of the tongue that is opposite the first side of the tongue, a dorsal portion of the cup extends along the dorsal portion of the tongue and a posterior extending tip extends at least partially along the back of the tongue, the first side, second side, and posterior extending tip defining a tongue receiving cavity of the tongue receiving cup.

Abstract: A gingival contour probe comprising a shaft portion and an elongated tip portion attached at a proximal end thereof to the shaft portion, the tip portion being non-planarly bent and/or curved and carrying markings, the number and scale of which are indicative of measured lengths; the probe being adapted at least by the number and/or scale of the markings for use in convenient gingival margin measurement of a tooth in a conscious non-human animal. A method for quantifying dental plaque in a conscious non-human animal comprising (a) aligning the tip portion of such a gingival contour probe with a gingival margin of a tooth in the animal; (b) by reference to the markings on the tip portion of the probe, measuring the length of the margin and the length of plaque deposit if any at the margin; and (c) calculating a plaque score for the tooth by comparing the length of plaque deposit with the length of the margin.

Abstract: An arrangement that may be used in combination with selected tools having a tooth cutting surface for the care and maintenance such as removing a selected portion of the exposed surface of equine teeth. The selected tool in communication with a source of powered motion and mounted in and supported by a hand piece which is guided into the mouth of the horse. The cutting surface of the powered tool is partially guarded so as to protect fleshy portions of the horse's mouth from being engaged by the cutting surface. The hand piece provides for quick on and off attachment of a selected cutting surface for maintenance of a preselected portion of teeth within the same hand piece or another hand piece sized to ease access to the next selected portion of the horse's mouth. The selected hand piece arrangement may further incorporate a vacuum channel whereby the tooth dust and debris created by the powered cutting surface removing a portion of tooth is sucked out of the mouth of the horse.

Abstract: An apparatus for grinding the teeth of horses is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tool body. A drive shaft is disposed inside of the tool body. A drive mechanism is connected to one end of the drive shaft. A grinding member is connected to the other end of the drive shaft. The grinding member can pivot through a range of angles relative to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A rotary float includes an elongated tubular arm with a drive shaft rotatably mounted therethrough. The forward end of the drive shaft is connected to a collet shaft within an extension tube, and transmits rotational force from the drive shaft to the collet shaft. A bit is mounted on the forward end of the collet shaft, for grinding a surface adjacent the forward end of the extension tube. A cap with an opening therein, is frictionally engaged on the extension tube over the bit, to permit floating of an animal's teeth through the opening, while protecting the animal from the remainder of the bit.

Abstract: A variable tool (1) for use in veterinary procedures is provided. The tool (1) includes a handle (5) having first and second ends (7, 8), the first end (7) engageable with a drive means. A shaft (10) having first and second ends (12, 13), the first end (12) of the shaft (10) being mounted within the handle (5) and, in use, rotatable by the drive means. A housing (15) is secured to the second end (8) of the handle (5) and having a free end (27) extending towards the second end (13) of the shaft (10). A burr portion (20) is relaesably engageable with and extending away from the second end (13) of the shaft (10). A connection means (35) is adapted to releasably connect the burr portion (20) to the second end (13) of the shaft (10) such that the burr portion (20) is removable from the shaft (10) without removal of the housing (15) from the handle (5).

Abstract: A rotary float includes an elongated tubular arm with a drive shaft rotatably mounted therethrough. A drive unit is coupled to a rearward end of the shaft to rotate the shaft. A swivel on the forward end of the drive shaft connects the drive shaft to a collet shaft within an extension tube, and transmits rotational force from the drive shaft to the collet shaft. The extension tube is connected to the arm at a knuckle joint, which permits the extension tube to pivot about the forward end of the arm. A bit is mounted on the forward end of the collet shaft, for grinding a surface adjacent the forward end of the extension tube.

Abstract: A variable tool (1) for use in veterinary procedures is provided. The tool (1) includes a handle (5) having first and second ends (7, 8), the first end (7) engageable with a drive means. A shaft (10) having first and second ends (12, 13), the first end (12) of the shaft (10) being mounted within the handle (5) and, in use, rotatable by the drive means. A housing (15) is secured to the second end (8) of the handle (5) and having a free end (27) extending towards the second end (13) of the shaft (10). A burr portion (20) is relaesably engageable with and extending away from the second end (13) of the shaft (10). A connection means (35) is adapted to releasably connect the burr portion (20) to the second end (13) of the shaft (10) such that the burr portion (20) is removable from the shaft (10) without removal of the housing (15) from the handle (5).

Abstract: A disposable tongue plaque removing device which prevents the user of the device from having a triggering effect of the user's vomiting reflex and to reduce incompatibility (negative sensation) to the user, but allows the user to remove tongue plaque from as far back of the oral cavity reaching the deepest part of the tongue.

Abstract: An equine dental tool utilizing a sheath which encloses a rotatable shaft. The shaft terminates in an abrading element which is employed to grind the teeth of a horse or other ungulate. A rotating cable powered by a motor connects to the one end of the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A powered rotational toothbrush for cleaning the teeth of a dog. The toothbrush includes a battery powered handle having a rotational output shaft coupled to a cylindrical brush. The handle includes a button for initiating the rotation of the brush. A method of using the toothbrush includes rotating the brush while the dog bites down onto it.

Abstract: A toothbrush for pets and animals, which easily conforms to compound and complex shapes of an animal's teeth, and which cleans substantially all surfaces of an animal's tooth at the same time, during brushing. The toothbrush is capable of being used with minimum visibility of the animal's teeth, as the animal may not always be cooperative during the teeth brushing process. The toothbrush is durable, long lasting, easy to manufacture, light weight, inexpensive, safe to use, attractive, sturdy, and of simple construction.

Abstract: A bone implant for fixing a fixing stud of a dental prosthesis into a bone, the implant being a non-expandable or an expandable implant comprising a tubular body and an intermediate mounting member removably mounted into the body, the intermediate member receiving the fixing stud and being capable of being removed from the body even after a long time of the implantation of the implant, thus permitting the removal of the stud from the implant in the event the stud is broken within the implant.

Abstract: A dental appliance or apparatus for grinding the teeth of equine patients includes a variable speed motor and an elongated tube leading from the motor to a head member that mounts an annular disk-shaped grinding wheel that has a planar grinding surface thereon. The head member also mounts a cup-shaped guard member that has a skirt portion extending beyond the grinding surface of the grinding wheel so as to protect the tongue and mucosa of the patient during the grinding operation. The elongated tube permits the grinding wheel to be inserted into the horse's mouth to bring it into close proximity to teeth needing to be ground and the grinding wheel can be easily oriented relative to the teeth to be ground since it can be rotated through several angles relative to the motor to reach both upper and lower sets of teeth. A drive shaft couples the grinding wheel to the motor, is contained within the elongated tube, and is connected to the motor through a clutch assembly.

Abstract: After immobilizing a bovine, a harness is placed about the head of the bovine to serve as an anchor for a gag. Opposed ends of the gag are secured to the harness to retain the gag across the edentulous gap to maintain the jaws held apart and to restrain movement of the tongue. The anterior mandibular incisors are cleaned and ground into a harmonious plane. After etching the ground incisors, a bonding polymer mixture is injected into the inner proximals and additional bonding polymer mixture is placed within a mold for encapsulating the incisors. Upon positioning the mold upon the incisors, excess bonding polymer mixture is forced out intermediate the gumline and the edges of the mold. After the bonding polymer mixture has cured, the gag and harness are removed and the bovine is released. If the mold is not to become a part of the overdenture, it is removed after the bonding polymer mixture has cured.

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).