초록 ▼

Enhanced radiographic detection is provided by an endodontic marking instrument having a highly radiopaque elongate member, thereby enabling a dentist to better identify the location of the instrument in a root canal and the length of the root canal. The highly radiopaque, high contrast material of

Enhanced radiographic detection is provided by an endodontic marking instrument having a highly radiopaque elongate member, thereby enabling a dentist to better identify the location of the instrument in a root canal and the length of the root canal. The highly radiopaque, high contrast material of the elongate member is a non-toxic, material such as gold, platinum, palladium, silver, tungsten, and the like. The endodontic marking tools of the present invention are distinctly visible on radiographic images in light of the substantial contrast between the highly radiopaque material and the tooth of the patient.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A radiopaque endodontic tool configured for placement within a root canal for detection by a radiographic instrument, the tool comprising:elongate means for positioning within a root canal of a tooth for radiographic viewing, the elongate means having a distal insertion end; and a proximal end; a

1. A radiopaque endodontic tool configured for placement within a root canal for detection by a radiographic instrument, the tool comprising:elongate means for positioning within a root canal of a tooth for radiographic viewing, the elongate means having a distal insertion end; and a proximal end; and handle means for grasping and moving the elongate means; wherein the elongate means includes a highly radiopaque material that is non-toxic and that includes an element selected from the group consisting of gold, platinum, palladium, silver, and tungsten; wherein the elongate means has a mass x-ray absorption coefficient that is no less than about 1.5; wherein the elongate means has a surface adapted for abrading root canal surfaces; wherein the elongate means has sufficient rigidity and is sufficiently ductile to extend to a desired location within a root canal of a tooth; and wherein the elongate means has a length and outer diameter that enables the elongate means to extend throughout a root canal and to reach an apex of the root canal of a tooth.