DENTAL SCALER SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract: The method of dental scaling of the invention uses a scaler and reservoir system, comprising: a scaler handpiece having a scaling tip, a scaler housing enclosing a scaler valve, a compressor housing enclosing a reservoir valve and a compressor, a reservoir housing having an inner chamber, the scaler housing is supported by the reservoir housing, and the compressor housing is supported by and connected to the scaler housing and the reservoir housing, the scaler handpiece is connected to the scaler housing, vibrates the tip, and scales a tooth in a patient's mouth by positioning the scaling tip adjacent to the tooth.

Description: DENTAL SCALER SYSTEM AND METHOD This is a continuation-in-part of provisional patent application Serial Number 60/156,000 filed September 28,1999 (case PCD-7232-PRO) incorporated herein by reference m its entirety. The invention relates to dental sealers and methods of scaling teeth. More specifically the invention provides an improved dental sealer and method of scaling teeth. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Schuman et al disclose a dental sealer and reservoir system in US Patent USSN 08/723,199 status: allowed, issue fee paid: Case CAV- 7222A (Dentsply). Prior art dental sealer and reservoir systems do not support a dental sealer on a reservoir and connect it to a compressor system, as is provided by the present mvention. Prior art dental sealer and reservoir systems do not provide a dental sealer, which is operable both with and without a reservoir, as is provided by the present invention. The prior art does not provide a dental sealer and reservoir system, having a sealer housing enclosing a sealer valve, a compressor housmg enclosing a reservoir valve and a compressor, a reservoir housmg having an inner chamber, wherein the sealer housing is supported by the reservoir housing, and the compressor housmg is supported by and connected to the sealer housing and the reservoir housing. The prior art does not provide a method of using a dental sealer system, comprising: providing a first sealer conduit and a dental sealer system compnsing a sealer system compπsing a sealer housing enclosing a second sealer conduit, and sealer valve, the first sealer conduit not being connected in fluid flow communication with the sealer valve, providing a handpiece system compπsing sealer tip and a handpiece housing enclosing a handpiece conduit and handpiece valve, connecting the handpiece conduit in fluid flow communication to the first sealer conduit, conveying a first fluid through the first sealer conduit, sealer valve, and handpiece valve to the sealer tip, connecting the handpiece conduit in fluid flow communication to the second sealer conduit, and conveying a second fluid through the second sealer conduit, and handpiece valve to the sealer tip. Nor does the prior art provide a method of using a dental sealer system, comprising providing a dental sealer system comprising a sealer system, a compressor system and a handpiece system. The sealer system comprising a sealer housing enclosing a sealer conduit, and sealer valve. The compressor system compπses a reservoir and a compressor housing enclosing a compressor and a compressor conduit The reservoir comprising a container enclosing reservoir fluid in a container chamber. The handpiece system comprising sealer tip and a handpiece housing enclosing a handpiece conduit and handpiece valve. The handpiece conduit is connected in fluid flow communication to compressor conduit. At least a portion of the reservoir fluid is conveyed through the compressor conduit, sealer valve, and handpiece valve to the sealer tip. The handpiece conduit is connected in fluid flow communication to the sealer conduit and water conveyed through the sealer conduit, and handpiece valve to the sealer tip When the handpiece conduit is connected m fluid flow communication to the compressor conduit, the compressor housmg is connected to the sealer housing and the reservoir housing, the sealer handpiece is supported by the reservoir housing. When the handpiece conduit is connected in fluid flow communication to the sealer conduit, the sealer housing is supported by a substantially horizontal surface. The problems of the pπor art are overcome by the present invention. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION s an o jec o e nven o e a en a sea er an reservoir system supporting a dental sealer on a reservoir and connect it to a compressor system. It is an object of the invention to provide a dental sealer and reservoir systems providing a dental sealer which is operable both with and without a reservoir. It is an object of the invention to provide a dental sealer and reservoir system, havmg a sealer housmg enclosing a sealer valve, a compressor housing enclosing a reservoir valve and a compressor, a reservoir housmg having an inner chamber, wherein the sealer housing is supported by the reservoir housing, and the compressor housing is supported by and connected to the sealer housing and the reservoir housing. It is an object of the invention to provide a method of dental scaling of the mvention uses a sealer and reservoir system, comprising: a sealer handpiece having a scaling tip, a sealer housing enclosing a sealer valve, a compressor housing enclosing a reservoir valve and a compressor, a reservoir housing having an inner chamber, the sealer housing is supported by the reservoir housmg, and the compressor housing is supported by and connected to the sealer housmg and the reservoir housing, the sealer handpiece is connected to the sealer housmg, vibrates the tip, and scales a tooth in a patient's tooth by positioning the scaling tip adjacent to the tooth. It is an object of the invention to provide a method of using a dental sealer system, comprising: providing a first sealer conduit and a dental sealer system compπsing a sealer system comprising a sealer housing enclosing a second sealer conduit, and sealer valve, the first sealer conduit not being connected m fluid , sys em comprising sealer tip and a handpiece housing enclosing a handpiece conduit and handpiece valve, connecting the handpiece conduit in fluid flow communication to the first sealer conduit, conveying a first fluid through the first sealer conduit, sealer valve, and handpiece valve to the sealer tip, connecting the handpiece conduit in fluid flow communication to the second sealer conduit, and conveying a second fluid through the second sealer conduit, and handpiece valve to the sealer tip. It is an object of the invention to provide a method of using a dental sealer system, comprising providing a dental sealer system compπsing a sealer system, a compressor system and a handpiece system. The sealer system compπsing a sealer housing enclosing a sealer conduit, and sealer valve. The compressor system comprises a reservoir and a compressor housing enclosing a compressor and a compressor conduit. The reservoir comprising a container enclosing reservoir fluid m a container chamber. The handpiece system comprising sealer tip and a handpiece housing enclosing a handpiece conduit and handpiece valve. The handpiece conduit is connected in fluid flow communication to compressor conduit. At least a portion of the reservoir fluid is conveyed through the compressor conduit, sealer valve, and handpiece valve to the sealer tip. The handpiece conduit is connected m fluid flow communication to the sealer conduit and water conveyed through the sealer conduit, and handpiece valve to the sealer tip. FIGURE 1 is a frontal perspective view of a dental sealer and reservoir system in accordance with the invention. FIGURE 2 is a rear perspective view of a dental sealer and reservoir system in accordance with the invention. FIGURE 3A is a bottom perspective view of a dental sealer and reservoir system in accordance with the invention. FIGURE 3 is a frontal perspective view of the compressor housing and reservoir housing of the dental sealer and reservoir system in accordance with the invention shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. FIGURE 4 is a frontal perspective view of the dental sealer of the dental sealer and reservoir system in accordance with the invention shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. FIGURE 5 is a rear perspective view of the dental sealer the dental sealer and reservoir system in accordance with the invention shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. FIGURE 6 is a bottom perspective view of the dental sealer of the dental sealer and reservoir system in accordance with the invention shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. FIGURE 7 is a frontal perspective view of the compressor housing of the dental sealer and reservoir system in accordance with the invention shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. s per pec v v w e compressor sys em o e en a sealer and reservoir system in accordance with the invention shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. FIGURE 9 is a top perspective view of the sealer control system of the dental sealer and reservoir system in accordance with the invention shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of a handpiece housing for use with the dental sealer and reservoir system in accordance with the invention shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. FIGURE 10A is a cross-sectional side view of a handpiece, conduit and connector for use with the dental sealer and reservoir system in accordance with the invention shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. FIGURE 1 OB is a side view of an insert for a handpiece for use with the dental sealer and reservoir system in accordance with the invention shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. FIGURE 11 is a cross-sectional side view of a handpiece housing for use with the dental sealer and reservoir system in accordance with the invention shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. FIGURE 12 is an end view of the handpiece housing shown in FIGURE 11. FIGURE 13 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the handpiece housing shown in FIGURE 11. s a sc ema ic iagram o e use o e enta sea er system in accordance with the invention shown in FIGURES 4 through 6. FIGURE 15 is a schematic diagram of the dental sealer and reservoir system in accordance with the invention shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. FIGURE 16 is a schematic diagram circuitry for the dental sealer and reservoir system in accordance with the invention shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a method of dental scaling of the invention uses a sealer and reservoir system, comprising: a sealer handpiece having a scaling tip, a sealer housing enclosing a sealer valve, a compressor housing enclosing a reservoir valve and a compressor, a reservoir housing havmg an inner chamber, the sealer housing is supported by the reservoir housing, and the compressor housing is supported by and connected to the sealer housmg and the reservoir housing, the sealer handpiece is connected to the sealer housing, vibrates the tip, and scales a tooth in a patient's tooth by positioning the scaling tip adjacent to the tooth. The invention provides a dental sealer and reservoir system, comprising: a sealer housing, a sealer valve, a compressor housing, a reservoir valve, a compressor, a reservoir housing havmg an inner chamber, a handpiece housmg having a handpiece valve and a vibrating member. The sealer housing is supported by the reservoir housing. The compressor is connected to compressor conduit. The compressor conduit is connected to the inner chamber of the reservoir housing thereby providing fluid flow communication between the compressor and the inner chamber of the reservoir housing. The inner chamber of the reservoir housing is reservoir valve thereby providing m fluid flow communication between the inner chamber and the reservoir valve. The reservoir valve is connected to handpiece conduit. The handpiece conduit is connected to the handpiece valve thereby providing fluid flow communication between the reservoir valve and the handpiece valve. The invention provides a method of using a dental sealer system, comprising: providing a first sealer conduit and a dental sealer system comprising a sealer system comprising a sealer housing enclosing a second sealer conduit, and sealer valve, the first sealer conduit not being connected in fluid flow communication with the sealer valve, providing a handpiece system compπsing sealer tip and a handpiece housing enclosing a handpiece conduit and handpiece valve, connecting the handpiece conduit in fluid flow communication to the first sealer conduit, conveying a first fluid through the first sealer conduit, sealer valve, and handpiece valve to the sealer tip, connecting the handpiece conduit in fluid flow communication to the second sealer conduit, and conveying a second fluid through the second sealer conduit, and handpiece valve to the sealer tip. The invention provides a method of using a dental sealer system, comprising providing a dental sealer system compπsing a sealer system, a compressor system and a handpiece system. The sealer system comprising a sealer housmg enclosing a sealer conduit, and sealer valve. The compressor system comprises a reservoir and a compressor housing enclosing a compressor and a compressor conduit. The reservoir comprising a container enclosing reservoir fluid m a container chamber The handpiece system comprising sealer tip and a handpiece housing enclosing a handpiece conduit and handpiece valve. The handpiece conduit is connected in fluid flow communication to compressor conduit. , sealer valve, and handpiece valve to the sealer tip The handpiece conduit is connected in fluid flow communication to the sealer conduit and water conveyed through the sealer conduit, and handpiece valve to the sealer tip When the handpiece conduit is connected in fluid flow communication to the compressor conduit, the compressor housing is connected to the sealer housing and the reservoir housmg, and the sealer handpiece is supported by the reservoir housing. When the handpiece conduit is connected m fluid flow communication to the sealer conduit, the sealer housing is supported by a substantially horizontal surface. The invention provides a method of using a dental sealer system, comprising: providing a sealer system, and a compressor system. The sealer system comprises a sealer housing enclosing an electrical dental sealer circuit connected by an electrical conductor an electrical sealer connector, sealer conduit connected to a sealer valve. The compressor system compπses a reservoir and a compressor housing enclosing an electrical compressor connector connected by an electπcal conductor to a compressor and a compressor conduit connected to the reservoir. The reservoir comprises a container enclosing reservoir fluid in a container chamber. The electrical dental sealer circuit produces ultrasonic oscilatmg current while the electrical compressor connector and the electrical sealer connector are connected, the sealer housing is supported by the reservoir and the compressor conduit is m fluid flow communication with a handpiece. The electπcal dental sealer circuit produces ultrasonic oscilatmg cuπent while the electrical compressor connector and the electrical sealer connector are disconnected, the sealer housing and the compressor housing are separated and the sealer conduit is in fluid flow communication with a handpiece. The mvention is now described with more particular reference to FIGURES 1 through 16. Dental sealer and reservoir system 10, includes sealer housmg 12, compressor housing 16 and reservoir housing 14. Sealer housing 12 and compressor housmg 16 are preferably made of molded rigid polymeric plastic, such as polypropylene. Sealer housing basel2B is preferably made of aluminum. The upper face of sealer housing 12 has handpiece holding groove 11G and power indicator light I IP. Reservoir cap 12C is connected by threads to reservoir fill opening connector 13 of reservoir housing front portion 14R which extends beyond sealer housing 12. Sealer handpiece 18 is connected by flexible conduit 20 to compressor housmg 16. Between uses handpiece 18 is supported by groove. Front feet 24 and 26 and rear 24R and 26R are connected to reservoir housing 14. Power control knob 22 is connected through sealer housing 12 to switch 112 of sealer circuit 114 shown in FIGURE 16. When the compressor is in use, compressor housing 16 is connected by handpiece cord connector 16H to handpiece connector 20C, by an electπcal foot switch cord connector 16F to a foot switch, and by an electrical power cord connector 16P to an electrical power outlet With more particular reference to FIGURES 1 through 9 is seen compressor housing 16 has a one sixth turn connector 32 and reservoir housing 14 has a one sixth turn connector 34. When dental sealer and reservoir system 10 is in assembled position one sixth tarn connector 34 engages one sixth turn connector 32. Sealer housing 12 has snap fit catch 38. Snap fit connector 38C connected catch 38 to the sealer housing 12. Reservoir housing 14 is preferably made of molded rigid polymeπc plastic, such as polypropylene, and has snap fit connector 40. When dental sealer and reservoir system 10 is in assembled position snap fit connector 40 engages snap ca c . en en a sea er an reservoir sys em is m assembled position inner compressor control connector 44 engages and provides electrical connection to outer compressor control connector 46. When dental sealer and reservoir system 10 is in assembled position compressor control connector flange 44F extends mto compressor control connector recess wall 44R. Front feet 24S and 26S and rear 24RS and 26RS are connected to sealer housing basel2B. When dental sealer and reservoir system 10 is m assembled position conduit connector 67 fits into recess 67R. When the sealer is being used without the compressor sealer housing 12 is connected by handpiece cord connector 12H to handpiece connector 20C, by an electrical foot switch cord connector 12F to a foot switch, and by an electrical power cord connector 12P to a power outlet. With more particular reference to FIGURES 10 through 13 is seen pollisher handpiece 118 having valve 154 and conduit connector 170. Connector 170 has arm 172 and is enclosed by rotatable handpiece cap 174. Handpiece cap 174 is rotatably connected to handpiece body 176. Handpiece cap 174 has ribs 178. Connector 170 is adjusted by rotating handpiece cap 174. Arm 172 fits into a groove 173 in cap 174 and turns connector 170 as handpiece cap 174 is rotated. Connector 170 is connected to tube 170T. Ultrasonic scaling insert 180 is positioned into the insert chamber enclosed by insert channel wall 182 and within coil 18C. Coil 18C is connected by electrical conductor 18E to pin 18P. Electrical conductor is connected to pin 18P. Connector 170 and electrical conductor 18E extend through conduit 20 to handpiece connector 20C. 18E Ultrasonic scaling tip 184 is connected to insert 180. more par cu ar re erence o s seen an opera ona dental sealer system using dental sealer 11. Conduit 66 is connected through conduit connector 67 to source of pressurized fluid 64 The pressurized fluid is for example liquid water at 23°C and from about 15 to about 60 psig. Dental sealer 11 is operated to convey fluid from source of pressurized fluid 64 through conduit 66, valve 50, conduit 52, valve 54 conduit 55 to tooth T. In use the flow of fluid through conduit 55 is adjustable from about 5 ml per mmute to about 55 ml per mmute. In use tip 184 is vibrated at a frequency of about 23,500 to about 26,500 Hz. Handpiece 18 is connected to dental sealer 11 through flexible conduit 20. Dental sealer 11 is then operated to convey fluid from source of pressurized fluid 64 through conduit 66, valve 50, conduit 52, valve 154 to tooth T. Dental sealer and reservoir system 10 is operated to convey fluid as shown in FIGURE 15. Dental sealer and reservoir system 10 is operated to convey fluid from a chamber enclosed by reservoir 14 through connector opening 57C, conduit 57, valve 56, conduit 58, valve 54 conduit 55 to tooth T. Compressed air from compressor 60 is coveyed through conduit 62 and connector opening 62C into the space above the fluid in reservoir 14 to raise the pressure above the fluid preferably to from about 15 to about 20 psig. When valve 56, and valve 54 are open compressed air in the space above the fluid in reservoir 14 forces the fluid from reservoir 14 through conduit 57, valve 56, conduit 58, valve 54 conduit 55 to tooth T. Optionally, conduit 62 is vented to the atmosphere through push button pressure relief valve 62V. In use the flow of fluid through conduit 55 is adjustable from about 5 ml per mmute to about 55 ml per mmute. In use tip 184 is vibrated at a solenoid valves. With more particular reference to FIGURE 16 is seen circuitry 114 for the dental sealer system 11. Circuitry 114 is for example a system for continuous control of tip vibration disclosed by Jovanovic et al in U. S. Patent 5,754,016 incoφorated herein by reference in its entirety. In use circuitry 1 14 generates a current oscillating at an ultrasonic frequency and this current is conducted by electrical conductors to coil enclosed within handpiece housing 18. Thus, dental sealer and reservoir system 10 compπses a sealer housing 12, a sealer valve, a compressor housing 16, a reservoir valve, a compressor, a reservoir housing 14 havmg an inner chamber, a handpiece housing 18 having a handpiece valve and a vibrational member. The sealer housing 12 is supported by the reservoir housing 14. The compressor is connected to compressor conduit. The compressor conduit is connected to the inner chamber of the reservoir housmg thereby providing fluid flow communication between the compressor and the inner chamber of the reservoir housing. The inner chamber of the reservoir housing is connected to reservoir conduit. The reservoir conduit is connected to the reservoir valve thereby providing in fluid flow communication between the inner chamber and the reservoir valve. The reservoir valve is connected to handpiece conduit. The handpiece conduit is connected to the handpiece valve thereby providing fluid flow communication between the reservoir valve and the handpiece valve. The reservoir container 14 is shaped to be easily wiped clean. All cords and tubmg are easily removed from the unit. Preferably, an external switching power supply is utilized to give an output of 30 volts of direct current (DC) with an input voltage of 90-264 volts alternating current (VAC), 47-63 Hz Preferably, a disposable mime filter is provided on the lavage inlet hose. A lavage flow control valve is provided in the handpiece. The handpiece rest groove 11G is integral to the top housing to ensure ease of cleaning. Preferably, the on off control is combined with the rotary power control for ease of use Power indicator light I IP is preferably a green LED and located below the power control to indicate DC power on. Preferably, all unit heat-generatmg components are isolated from the lavage path to reduce handpiece heat generation. The lavage minimum input pressure is preferably 15 psig. This allows adequate lavage flow through the unit in areas with low water pressure. Compressor housing 16 and reservoir 14 are adapted for use with sealer housing 12, all lines are removed from sealer housing 12. Reservoir 14 and sealer housing 12 are snapped together. The foot control, and handpiece connections are made in the back of compressor housing 16. All electrical connections are made via inner compressor control connector 44 (for example an interconnect board connector) and outer compressor control connector 46 (for example a mating receptacle) supported by sealer housing 12. The lavage passes through valve 50, which preferably is an integral solenoid and pressure regulator. The output pressure is preferably set to 15 ± 1 psig. This is to maintain consistent lavage output with varying input pressure. The solenoid is downstream of the regulator. Flow run on is minimized when the footswitch is depressed and released. An integral phase lock loop system is preferably used to ensure peak performance for a multitude of different 25 kHz scaling inserts. A voltage sensing circuit is preferably used to reduce the effects load and line variations that may be seen at the output of the switching power supply. When compressor housing 16 and reservoir 14 are used with sealer 12, the footswitch, power supply, water mlet hose and handpiece hose are removed from the unit. The sealer 12 is preferably connected to compressor housing 16 and reservoir 14 They are connected, for example, by plugging compressor control connector 44 ( for example a rear PCB edge card connector) from compressor housmg 16 mto the (PCD edge) card receptacle 46 of sealer housing 12 Sealer housing 12 is snapped together with the compressor housing 16 and reservoir 14. Perferably the retaining mechanism is a plastic latch and strike. The catch 38 is connected to the sealer base 12B by catch connector 38C The footswitch, power supply and handpiece are connected to their respective locations on the rear of compressor housing 16 Power, footswitch and handpiece connections are preferably made via the PCB edge card connection. A small diaphragm air compressor is preferably utilized to pressurize the reservoir chamber in reservoir container 14 to 15-19 psig This provides pressure to propel the lavage liquid from reservoir 14 A lavage outlet 57C is located on the bottom of one end of one sixth turn connector 32 adjacent to and enclosed by an opening wall on the end of reservoir container 14 opposite from cap 12C. This preferably is connected to an isolation solenoid valve. The output of this solenoid valve is then preferably connected to the handpiece receptacle lavage port. This gives the benefit of the fluid path only passing through the reservoir container 14. Utilizing all autoclavble components preferably enables the entire unit is autoclaved. Preferably, the reservoir container 14 holds a volume of 450-500 ml of liquid such as sterile water. The reservoir container 14 is mated to the rear dispenser with a 60° turn. The front feet are integral to the reservoir container 14. An 0-rmg between the container 14 and the rear support create the seal. Preferably, the reservoir container 14 is steam autoclavable In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention is provided a dental sealer system, comprising: a sealer comprising a sealer housing enclosing a sea er con ui an sea er va ve an a an piece compπ ing a an piece ousing enclosing a handpiece valve and a handpiece conduit, the handpiece valve is connected in fluid flow communication through the sealer conduit and the handpiece conduit to the sealer valve. Preferably, the handpiece further comprises a scaling tip, and the handpiece valve is connected in fluid flow communication to the scaling tip. In accordance with a prefeπed embodiment of the invention is provided a method of using a dental sealer system, comprising: providing a second sealer conduit and a dental sealer system comprising a sealer system comprising a sealer housmg enclosing a first sealer conduit, and sealer valve. The second sealer conduit not is connected m fluid flow communication with the sealer valve. A handpiece system is provided compnsing sealer tip and a handpiece housmg enclosing a handpiece conduit and handpiece valve. The handpiece conduit is connected in fluid flow communication to the sealer conduit. A first fluid is conveyed through the first sealer conduit, sealer valve, and handpiece valve to the sealer tip. A second fluid is conveyed through the second sealer conduit, and handpiece valve to the sealer tip, and the tip is positioned adjacent to a tooth in a patient's mouth to scale the tooth. Preferably, the method further comprises providing a compressor comprising a compressor housing enclosing a reservoir valve and an air compressor, and a reservoir comprising a reservoir housing having a reservoir inner chamber, the reservoir valve is connected m fluid flow communication to the sealer conduit and to the reservoir inner chamber. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention is provided a method of using a dental sealer system, comprising: providing a dental sealer connected to a tip and a reservoir containing a first liquid, ultrasomcally moving the tip while conveying at least a portion of the first liquid to the tip, and u raso ca y moving e ip w i e conveying a eas a po ion o a secon iqui o the tip. Preferably, first liquid is pressurized m the reservoir by pressurized air conveyed to the reservoir from a compressor enclosed m a compressor housing and the compressor housing is connected to the compressor housing Preferably, the second liquid is water conveyed to the dental sealer system by a water distribution conduit system connecting a plurality of locations. In accordance with a prefeπed embodiment of the invention is provided a method of using a dental sealer system, comprising: providing a first sealer conduit and a dental sealer system comprising a sealer system comprising a sealer housing enclosing a second sealer conduit, and sealer valve. The first sealer conduit is not connected in fluid flow communication with the sealer valve. A handpiece system is provided comprising sealer tip and a handpiece housing enclosing a handpiece conduit and handpiece valve, connecting the handpiece conduit m fluid flow communication to the first sealer conduit. A first fluid is conveyed through the first sealer conduit, sealer valve, and handpiece valve to the sealer tip. The handpiece conduit is connected in fluid flow communication to the second sealer conduit, and a second fluid is conveyed through the second sealer conduit, and handpiece valve to the sealer tip. Preferably, the dental sealer system further compπsing positioning the tip adjacent to a tooth in a patient's mouth and scaling the tooth. Preferably, the method of using a dental sealer system further comprising providing a compressor system comprising a compressor housmg enclosing a reservoir valve and an air compressor, and a reservoir system comprising a reservoir housing havmg a reservoir inner chamber, the reservoir valve being connected in fluid flow communication to the second sealer conduit and to the reservoir inner chamber. Preferably, the reservoir housing is releasably connected to the sealer housing through a releasable connectors, whereby lifting the sealer housing lifts and , eservoir housing is releasably connected to the compressor housing through a rotatable connector, whereby lifting the compressor housing lifts and supports the the reservoir housing through the rotatable connector. Preferably, the reservoir housmg has at least two reservoir housing feet and the sealer housing has at least two sealer housing feet, and the reservoir housing feet are supported by a substantially horizontal surface and the sealer housmg feet are supported by the reservoir housing. In accordance with a prefeπed embodiment of the invention is provided a method of using a dental sealer system, comprising providing a dental sealer system comprising a sealer system, a compressor system and a handpiece system The sealer system comprising a sealer housing enclosing a sealer conduit, and sealer valve. The compressor system comprising a reservoir and a compressor housing enclosing a compressor and a compressor conduit the reservoir comprising a container enclosing reservoir fluid in a container chamber. The handpiece system compπsing sealer tip and a handpiece housing enclosing a handpiece conduit and handpiece valve. The handpiece conduit is connected in fluid flow communication to compressor conduit. At least a portion of the reservoir fluid is conveyed through the compressor conduit, sealer valve, and handpiece valve to the sealer tip. The handpiece conduit is connected in fluid flow communication to the sealer conduit and water conveyed through the sealer conduit, and handpiece valve to the sealer tip. Preferably, the method of using a dental sealer system further comprises positioning the tip adjacent to a tooth in a patient's mouth and scaling the tooth. Preferably, when the handpiece conduit is connected in fluid flow communication to the compressor conduit, the compressor housing is connected to the sealer housing and the reservoir housing, and the sealer handpiece is supported by the reservoir housing. Preferably, when the handpiece conduit is connected in fluid flow communication to the sealer conduit, the sealer housmg is supported by a substantially hoπzonal surface. In accordance with a prefeπed embodiment of the invention is provided a method of using a dental sealer system, comprising: providing a sealer system, and a compressor system. The sealer system comprises a sealer housing enclosing an electπcal dental sealer circuit connected by an electrical conductor an electrical sealer connector, sealer conduit connected to a sealer valve The compressor system comprises a reservoir and a compressor housing enclosing an electπcal compressor connector connected by an electrical conductor to a compressor and a compressor conduit connected to the reservoir. The reservoir comprises a container enclosing reservoir fluid in a container chamber. The electπcal dental sealer circuit produces ultrasonic oscilatmg cuπent while the electπcal compressor connector and the electrical sealer connector are connected, the sealer housing is supported by the reservoir and the compressor conduit is m fluid flow communication with a handpiece. The electrical dental sealer circuit produces ultrasonic oscilatmg cuπent while the electrical compressor connector and the electrical sealer connector are disconnected, the sealer housmg and the compressor housing are separated and the sealer conduit is in fluid flow communication with a handpiece. Preferably, the sealer housing encloses a the sealer conduit. Preferably, the method further comprises providing a handpiece system comprises a sealer tip and a handpiece housing enclosing a handpiece conduit and handpiece valve, connecting the handpiece conduit m fluid flow communication to the sealer conduit, conveying water through the sealer conduit, and handpiece valve to the sealer tip, connecting the handpiece conduit in fluid flow communication to compressor conduit, and conveying at least a portion of thereservoir fluid through the compressor conduit, sealer valve, and handpiece valve to thescaler tip. It should be understood that while the present invention has been described in considerable detail with respect to certain specific embodiments thereof, it should not be considered limited to such embodiments but may be used in other ways without departure from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Claims: What is claimed is: 1. A dental sealer and reservoir system, comprising a sealer housing enclosing a sealer valve, a compressor housing enclosing a reservoir valve and a compressor, a reservoir housing having an inner chamber, said sealer housmg being supported by said reservoir housing, and said compressor housing being supported by and connected to said sealer housing and said reservoir housing 2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a handpiece housing having a handpiece valve and a vibrational member. 3. The system of claim 2 wherein said compressor is connected to compressor conduit, said compressor conduit being connected to said inner chamber of said reservoir housing thereby providing fluid flow communication between said compressor and said inner chamber of said reservoir housing, said inner chamber of said reservoir housmg being connected to reservoir conduit, said reservoir conduit being connected to said reservoir valve thereby providing in fluid flow communication between said inner chamber and said reservoir valve, said reservoir valve being connected to a handpiece conduit, said handpiece conduit being connected to said handpiece valve thereby providing fluid flow communication between said reservoir valve and said handpiece valve. 4. A dental sealer and reservoir system, comprising: a sealer housing, a sealer valve, a compressor housing, a reservoir valve, a compressor, a reservoir housing having an inner chamber, a handpiece housing having a handpiece valve and a vibrational member, said sealer housing being supported by said reservoir housing, said compressor being connected to compressor conduit, said compressor conduit being connected to said inner chamber of said reservoir housing thereby providing fluid flow communication between said compressor and said inner chamber of said reservoir housmg, said inner chamber of said reservoir housing being connected to reservoir conduit, said reservoir conduit being connected to said reservoir valve thereby providing in fluid flow communication between said inner chamber and said reservoir valve, said reservoir valve being connected to handpiece conduit, said handpiece conduit being connected to said handpiece valve thereby providing fluid flow communication between said reservoir valve and said handpiece valve. 5. A method of dental scaling comprising: providing a sealer and reservoir system, comprising: a sealer handpiece having a scaling tip, a sealer housing enclosing a sealer valve, a compressor housing enclosing a reservoir valve and a compressor, a reservoir housing having an inner chamber, said sealer housing being supported by said reservoir housing, and said compressor housing being supported by and connected to said sealer housing and said reservoir housing, said sealer handpiece being connected to said sealer housing, vibrating said tip, and scaling a tooth in a patient's mooth by positioning said scaling tip adjacent to said tooth. 6. A dental sealer and reservoir system, comprising: a sealer comprising a sealer housing enclosing a sealer conduit, and an air compressor, and a reservoir comprising a reservoir housing having a reservoir inner chamber, said reservoir valve being connected in fluid flow communication to said sealer conduit and to said reservoir inner chamber 7 The dental sealer and reservoir system of claim 6 wherein said sealer housing is supported by said reservoir housing and said compressor housing. 8. The dental sealer and reservoir system of claim 6 further comprising a handpiece housmg enclosing a handpiece valve and a handpiece conduit. 9. The dental sealer and reservoir system of claim 7 further comprising a handpiece housing enclosing a handpiece valve and a handpiece conduit. 10. A dental sealer system, comprising: a sealer comprising a sealer housing enclosing a sealer conduit and sealer valve and a handpiece compπsing a handpiece housing enclosing a handpiece valve and a handpiece conduit, said handpiece valve being connected in fluid flow communication through said sealer conduit and said handpiece conduit to said sealer valve. 11. The dental sealer of claim 10 wherein said handpiece further comprises a scaling tip, and said handpiece valve is connected in fluid flow communication to said scaling tip. 12. A method of using a dental sealer system, comprising: prising a sealer system comprising a sealer housing enclosing a second sealer conduit, and sealer valve, said first sealer conduit not being connected in fluid flow communication with said sealer valve, providing a handpiece system comprising sealer tip and a handpiece housing enclosing a handpiece conduit and handpiece valve, connecting said handpiece conduit in fluid flow communication to said first sealer conduit, conveying a first fluid through said first sealer conduit, sealer valve, and handpiece valve to said sealer tip, connecting said handpiece conduit in fluid flow communication to said second sealer conduit, and conveying a second fluid through said second sealer conduit, and handpiece valve to said sealer tip. 13. The method of using a dental sealer system of claim 12 further comprising positioning said tip adjacent to a tooth in a patient's mouth and scaling said tooth. 14. The method of using a dental sealer system of claim 12 further comprising providing a compressor system comprising a compressor housing enclosing a reservoir valve and an air compressor, and a reservoir system compnsing a reservoir housing having a reservoir inner chamber, said reservoir valve being connected in fluid flow communication to said second sealer conduit and to said reservoir inner chamber. reservoir housmg is releasably connected to said sealer housing through a releasable connectors, whereby lifting said sealer housing lifts and supports said said reservoir housing through said releasable connectors. 16. The method of using a dental sealer system of claim 14 wherein said reservoir housing is releasably connected to said compressor housing through a rotatable connector, whereby lifting said compressor housmg lifts and supports said said reservoir housing through said rotatable connector. 17. The method of using a dental sealer system of claim 14 wherein said reservoir housing has at least two reservoir housing feet and said sealer housing has at least two sealer housing feet, and said reservoir housing feet are supported by a substantially horizontal surface and said sealer housing feet are supported by said reservoir housmg. 18. A method of using a dental sealer system, compπsing: providing a dental sealer connected to a tip and a reservoir containing a first liquid, ultrasomcally moving said tip while conveying at least a portion of said first liquid to said tip, and ultrasomcally moving said tip while conveying at least a portion of a second liquid to said tip. 19. The method of claim 18 wherein said first liquid is pressurized in said reservoir by pressurized air conveyed to said reservoir from a compressor enclosed m a compressor housing and said compressor housing is connected to said compressor housing. 20. The method of claim 18 wherein said second liquid is water conveyed to said dental sealer system by a water distribution conduit system connecting a plurality of locations. 21. A method of using a dental sealer system, comprising providing a dental sealer system comprising a sealer system, a compressor system and a handpiece system, said sealer system comprising a sealer housing enclosing a sealer conduit, and sealer valve, said compressor system comprising a reservoir and a compressor housing enclosing a compressor and a compressor conduit, said reservoir comprising a container enclosing reservoir fluid m a container chamber, said handpiece system comprising sealer tip and a handpiece housing enclosing a handpiece conduit and handpiece valve, connecting said handpiece conduit in fluid flow communication to compressor conduit, conveying at least a portion of said reservoir fluid through said compressor conduit, sealer valve, and handpiece valve to said sealer tip, connecting said handpiece conduit m fluid flow communication to said sealer conduit, and conveying water through said sealer conduit, and handpiece valve to said sealer tip. 22. The method of using a dental sealer system of claim 21 further compπsing positioning said tip adjacent to a tooth in a patient's mouth and scaling said tooth. 23. The method of using a dental sealer system of claim 21 wherein when said handpiece conduit is connected in fluid flow communication to said compressor conduit, said compressor housing is connected to said sealer housing and said reservoir housing, and said sealer handpiece is supported by said reservoir housmg. 24 The method of using a dental sealer system of claim 21 wherein when said handpiece conduit is connected in fluid flow communication to said sealer conduit, said sealer housmg is supported by a substantially hoπzonal surface. 25. A method of using a dental sealer system, comprising: providing a sealer system, and a compressor system, said sealer system comprising a sealer housing enclosing an electπcal dental sealer circuit connected by an electrical conductor an electrical sealer connector, sealer conduit connected to a sealer valve, said compressor system comprising a reservoir and a compressor housing enclosing an electrical compressor connector connected by an electrical conductor to a compressor and a compressor conduit connected to said reservoir, said reservoir comprising a container enclosing reservoir fluid in a container chamber, and connecting said electπcal compressor connector to said electrical sealer connector. 26. The method of using a dental sealer system of claim 21 wherein said sealer housing encloses a said sealer conduit, and further comprising providing a handpiece system comprising a sealer tip and a handpiece housing enclosing a handpiece conduit and handpiece valve, sealer conduit, conveying water through said sealer conduit, and handpiece valve to said sealer tip, connecting said handpiece conduit m fluid flow communication to compressor conduit, and conveying at least a portion of said reservoir fluid through said compressor conduit, sealer valve, and handpiece valve to said sealer tip.

Inventors: LINT KEVIN K, POLLOCK DAVID P, RUSSELL KENT D, WOOLSEY BRYAN M, LINT, KEVIN, K., POLLOCK, DAVID, P., RUSSELL, KENT, D., WOOLSEY, BRYAN, M.
Applicants: DENTSPLY INT INC, DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC.
Application year: 2000
Main classification: A61C1
IPC codes: A61C1, A61C3, A61C17