Absorbent inserts for tooth cavities
AssigneeHealthdent Technology International, Inc.
InventorNathan Y. LI
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An absorbent insert of compressed matrix of absorbent material, including a filler dispersed therein to improve stiffness/rigidity of the insert and controls the absorbency of the compressed absorbent material. The insert is pre-shaped and sized for inserting into a tooth cavity, such as a pulp chamber or a root canal space. The compressed insert expands or swells upon absorbing fluid within the tooth cavity, so as to more completely dry the tooth cavity. The absorbent insert also serves as a substrate of an applicator for medical agent to be applied to a tooth cavity. The absorbent insert is provided (e.g., coated or impregnated) with a medical agent, which medical agent is released into the tooth cavity as the absorbent material absorbs fluid in the tooth cavity.
Claims21
A method of making an absorbent insert for absorbing fluid in a tooth cavity, comprising forming a body that comprises a compressed matrix of absorbent material, which is shaped and sized to allow the body to be inserted into a tooth cavity, wherein the tooth cavity comprises at least one of a root canal and a pulp chamber, and wherein the compressed matrix of absorbent material swells upon absorbing fluid in the tooth cavity.
2-5. (canceled)
A method of making an absorbent insert for absorbing fluid in a root canal, comprising shaping and forming a body in a pre-compressed state by externally comprising matrix of absorbent material, wherein the body is in the pre-compressed state as shaped and formed prior to the insert being inserted into the root canal, wherein the body in the pre-compressed state is without attachment any external supporting material beyond the matrix of absorbent material, wherein the body is shaped and sized to fit into the root canal, wherein the body in the pre-compressed state can be inserted into the root canal, and wherein the compressed matrix of absorbent material swells upon absorbing fluid after the body in the pre-compressed state has been inserted the root canal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.