Patent ID: 7993138
Filing Date: 2011-08-09
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
1. An electronic device for locating the apex of a root canal within a tooth of a dental patient comprising a display component having a display screen for indicating attainment of the apex, at least a first and a second electrical lead connected to the display component, the first electrical lead for placement within the root canal or in electrical contact to an electrically conductive tool placed within the root canal and the second electrical lead for establishing a ground on a conductive portion of the dental patient, one or more mounting structures for placing the display in a location adjacent the patients head, attached to adjacent instrumentation, or attached to the dental practitioner's hand or arm such that the display image is readily visible by the dental practitioner during the apex locating procedure, the improvement comprising a carrier for the first and second leads, said carrier comprising a lead caddy removeably connectable to the display component, the first and second electrical leads mounted on the removeable lead caddy, said lead caddy including means for removeably mounting one or more sensing tools thereto, the caddy also including first and second electrical connectors mateable with first and second electrical connectors on the display component such that when the removeable lead caddy is properly attached to the display component an electrically conductive path is provided between patient contact ends of the leads and electronic components within the display component.