Patent ID: 7367804
Filing Date: 2008-05-06
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
1. An endodontic instrument extractor tool for removing a broken endodontic instrument that has become lodged within a root canal of a tooth, comprising: an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, at least the distal end of the elongate shaft being insertable into root canal of a tooth, the elongate shaft having a length so that the proximal end extends outside the tooth when the distal end is positioned within a root canal of a tooth; and gripping means formed of a shape memory material, disposed at the distal end of the elongate shaft, for gripping a portion of a broken endodontic instrument that has become lodged within a root canal of a tooth by causing the gripping means to shrink around at least a portion of the broken endodontic instrument in response to application of heat energy to the gripping means.