Rotary gingival cord packer
OwnerLon Latiolalsinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A dental apparatus usable to place cord beneath a gum line and related methods of use are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a handle having one or more rotary members attached thereto. In operation, the edge of a rotary member is placed in contact with a cord surrounding a tooth, and the edge is rolled along the length of the cord, such that contact between the edge and the cord causes the rotary member to rotate, while the other portions of the apparatus are moved laterally during use. The cord is thereby placed beneath the gum line while contact between the apparatus and surrounding teeth and gums is minimized.
Claims28
A dental apparatus for placing cord beneath a gum line, the dental apparatus comprising:
- a handle member;
- and
- a rotary member in communication with the handle member, wherein the rotary member is sized for entry within an oral space.
A method for placing gingival cord beneath a gum line, the method comprising the steps of:
- contacting an edge of a rotary member with a gingival cord;
- and
- rolling the edge along the gingival cord, wherein contact between the edge and the gingival cord causes the rotary member to rotate while placing the gingival cord beneath the gum line.
An interchangeable dental implement attachable to a handle for placing cord beneath a gum line, the implement comprising:
- an attachment member comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to engage the handle;
- and
- a rotary member attached to the second end, wherein the rotary member is sized for entry within an oral space.
A cord for retraction of gingival tissue from a tooth, the cord comprising an elongate core having a generally wedge-shaped cross section adapted for penetration between a tooth surface and a region of gingival tissue, wherein the elongate core is formed from a laterally flexible generally non-compressible material, and a second material disposed about the elongate core.
A method for placing gingival cord beneath a gum line, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a gingival retraction cord, wherein the gingival retraction cord comprises a generally wedge-shaped cross section comprising a broad end and a narrow end adapted for penetration between a tooth surface and a region of gingival tissue;
- placing the gingival retraction cord around a tooth with the narrow end adjacent to the tooth and a surrounding region of gingival tissue;
- and
- applying a force to the broad end of the gingival retraction cord thereby causing the narrow end to penetrate between the region of gingival tissue and the tooth and retract the gingival tissue from the tooth.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.