Abstract:
A device and method is presented for enhancing the shape, mass, and strength of alveolar and intramembranous bone, primarily in areas of bony deficit. In one embodiment, the device is made up of a hollow body which forms a housing to contain a drive train and provide a surface for attaching mounting elements. A worm gear activating element which meshes with a threaded lead screw acts as the drive train. A carrier is coupled by threads to the lead screw. As the worm gear is turned, the lead screw rotates and causes the carrier to move along the axis of rotation of the lead screw. In this embodiment, the soft tissue in a region of tooth loss is reflected to expose the atrophic bone site. A piece of bone harvested from the exposed area or other bone attractant material is attached to the carrier. The soft tissue is adapted over the carrier and sutured, and the assembly is attached to available dental structures. After initiation of biological bridging between the harvested bone and the host bone, the drive train is activated to move the carrier. Newly formed bone grows in the path of motion of the carrier between the harvested bone and the underlying bone.
Abstract:
A medical/dental apparatus utilizing the properties of shape memory materials to variably control the spatial relationship between two or more elements having portions which are proximately disposed and overlapping relative to one another. Another portion of each element is connectable to part of a patient's body.
Abstract:
The present invention is an instrument (10) which includes a tubular section (12) having a wall (13) made of a material exhibiting superelastic characteristics and a delivery tube (14) having a bore (15) through which the tubular section (12) passes. The instrument (10) may be adapted for use in medical/dental and non-medical procedures. The superelastic character of the wall material is used in combination with the delivery tube (14) to alternately restrict the shape of the wall (13) and allow it to change to its unconstrained shape. Thus, the wall (13) can be sufficiently deformed to permit the tubular section (12) to pass in and out of and through the delivery tube (14) while at the same time enabling the tubular section (12) to have a shape when extended outside of the delivery tube (14) that is sufficiently bent or curved to be suitable for performing a desired function, for example a medical or dental procedure inside a patient's body. In this way, the delivery tube (14) enables the tubular section (12) to reach the site of the procedure through more narrow insertion paths, and in the case of medical/dental applications, with less trauma to the surrounding tissue along the insertion path. Because it can be inserted through more narrow pathways, the tubular section (12) can be delivered to more remote and harder to reach locations.
Abstract:
The present invention is a prosthesis (10) for replacing a body part which includes a first element (16) adapted to receive at least a portion of a second element (18) in an operative manner. The present prosthesis (10) also includes a variable locking ring (20) made of a shape memory material having a transformation temperature range ("TTR"). The locking ring (20) is used to allow insertion of the second element (18) into the first (16) at least at temperatures below the TTR and to lock the elements (16, 18) together at least at temperatures above the TTR. With it at a temperature below its TTR, the locking ring (20) is positioned between the two elements (16, 18). With it so positioned, the locking ring (20) is adapted to interlock the elements (16, 18) together at temperatures above its TTR by at least attempting to change its shape.
Abstract:
Coil springs for use in orthodontic appliances which are made from wire of a beta-phase titanium alloy wound into a plurality of turns forming a coil having an outside diameter in the range of about 0.040 inches (1.016 mm) to about 0.075 inches (1.905 mm). These coil springs may be designed for use in tension as well as compression for a number of orthodontic applications.
Abstract:
Method for fracturing the interface between dental structures that have been secured together. The device comprises an ultrasonic tool for providing bi-directional movement of a preferred amplitude and frequency. The tool is applied against one of the dental structures at an acute angle with respect to a plane in which the interface between the dental structures lies.