Patent Publication Number: US-2017367787-A1

Title: Dental restoration tool

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Disclosure 
     The present disclosure is directed toward a dental restoration apparatus. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Clinical performance of dental composites has been significantly improved over the past decade through modifications in formulation that include the use of more stable polymerization promoters for greater color stability, incorporation of high concentrations of finely ground fillers to produce adequate strength and excellent wear resistance while retaining translucency, the addition of radio pacifying agents for improved diagnostics, and utilization of dentin adhesives. 
     However, there are limitations to the use of composites, especially in posterior teeth. The materials remain very technique-sensitive, due to the extensive contraction which accompanies polymerization and negatively influences marginal sealing. In addition, the materials are generally considered to have inadequate mechanical properties and wear resistance in contact areas to serve as total replacements for amalgams. Efforts are focused on several areas, including the development of non- or minimally-shrinking dental composites containing spiro-orthocarbonates as additives to dimethacrylates or epoxy-base resins, the production of alternative filler materials for ideal wear resistance and aesthetics, and equipment and instruments for working with alternative filler materials. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed to a dental instrument having a first portion with a first end and a second end. A second portion has a first end connected to the first end of the first portion by a connection. The connection is between a protrusion and an indentation, the first end of the first portion having either a protrusion or an indentation. The first end of the second portion has either a protrusion or an indentation corresponding to the first end of the first portion to allow the first portion and the second portion to connect, such that the connection between the first portion is rotationally adjustable relative to the second portion. Each of the first portion and the second portion has a second end one that is either a lobed portion having a lobed tool or a blade portion having a carving edge. The lobed tool has at least one lobe. 
     The present disclosure is further directed to a dental instrument having a body with a first end and a second end. A first portion having a first end is connected to the first end of the body by a first connection. A second portion having a first end is connected to the second end of the body by a second connection. The first connection is between a protrusion and an indentation, the first end of the first portion having either a protrusion or an indentation, and the first end of the body having either a protrusion or an indentation corresponding to the first end of the first portion. This allows the first portion and the body to connect, such that the connection between the first portion is rotationally adjustable relative to the body. The second connection is between a protrusion and an indentation, the first end of the second portion having either a protrusion or an indentation, the second end of the body having either a protrusion or an indentation corresponding to the first end of the second portion to allow the second portion and the body to connect, such that the connection between the second portion is rotationally adjustable relative to the body. Each of the first portion and the second portion has at a second end either a lobed portion having a lobed tool or a blade portion having a carving edge. The lobed tool has at least one lobe. The body further has circuitry connected to at least one button. The circuitry has a timer activated by at least one button to track elapsed time and provide at least one signal after a specific time interval has passed. 
     The foregoing general description of the illustrative implementations and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the teachings of this disclosure, and are not restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a dental instrument, according to one example; 
         FIG. 1B  is a plan view of the dental instrument, according to one example; 
         FIG. 1C  is a side view of the dental instrument, according to one example; 
         FIG. 2A  is a side view of a blade portion and a lobed portion, according to one example; 
         FIG. 2B  is a side view of the blade portion and the lobed portion, according to one example; 
         FIG. 3A  is a side view of a section of the lobed portion, according to one example; 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of a lobed tool, according to one example; 
         FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of the lobed tool in contact with a posterior tooth, according to one example; 
         FIG. 4A  is a side view of a portion of the blade portion, according to one example; 
         FIG. 4B  is a side view of a contoured blade, according to one example; 
         FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of a carving edge of the contoured blade in contact with an anterior tooth, according to one example; 
         FIG. 5A  is a plan view of a three piece dental instrument, according to one example; 
         FIG. 5B  is a side view of the three piece dental instrument, according to one example; 
         FIG. 6A  is a plan view of the three piece dental instrument in an unassembled state; 
         FIG. 6B  is a plan view of the three piece dental instrument in an unassembled state; 
         FIG. 6C  is a front view of the blade portion, according to one example; 
         FIG. 6D  is a front view of the blade portion, according to one example; 
         FIG. 6E  is a front view of the blade portion, according to one example; 
         FIG. 6F  is a front view of the blade portion, according to one example; 
         FIG. 6G  is a front view of the blade portion, according to one example; 
         FIG. 7A  is a side view of a lobed portion of a dental instrument, according to one example; 
         FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of a section of a lobed tool, according to one example; 
         FIG. 7C - FIG. 7E  are each perspective views of the lobed tool in contact with a posterior tooth, according to one example; 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of the dental instrument, according to one example; 
         FIG. 8B  is a plan view of the dental instrument, according to one example; 
         FIG. 8C  is a side view of the dental instrument, according to one example; 
         FIG. 8D  is a perspective view of a contoured blade in contact with an anterior tooth, according to one example; and 
         FIG. 8E  is a perspective view of the contoured blade in contact with an anterior tooth, according to one example. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     In the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Further, as used herein, the words “a”, “an” and the like generally carry a meaning of “one or more”, unless stated otherwise. 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
       FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a dental instrument  101 , according to one example. The dental instrument  101  comprises a blade portion  104  connected to a lobed portion  106 . A first end of the blade portion  104  is removably connected to a first end of the lobed portion  106 . A second end of the blade portion  104  comprises a contoured blade  102  having a carving edge  116  at the distal end, and a stem  118  at a proximal end, the stem  118  connecting the contoured blade  102  to the second end of the blade portion  104 . A second end of the lobed portion  106  comprises a lobed tool  110 , the lobed tool  110  connected to the lobed portion  106  by a curved neck  108 . 
     The lobed tool  110  of the lobed portion  106  may be used to perform dental procedures such as manipulating uncured resin during the filling and shaping of dental cavities. Resin may be a composite. The lobed tool  110  may be formed of an adherent resistant material that functions to decrease adherence interference with uncured resin, such as during withdrawal of the dental instrument  101 , and particularly the lobed tool  110 , away from a tooth receiving dental care. The lobed tool  110  may displace uncured resin in a uniform and predictable way, capable of minutely displacing uncured resin through a protective sheath or emulsion. The lobed tool  110  allows for insertion of uncured resin into and adaptation of uncured resin about a tooth while reducing pullback of uncured resin upon withdrawal of the lobed tool  110  from the site of uncured resin administration. Non-impressive, low-adherence properties allow for micro-manipulation of uncured resin, leaving little or no discernable impression or “footprint” in the uncured resin, saving time and producing more desirable functional and cosmetic end results. (Cosmetic end results are of particular importance with anterior teeth.) Further, particularly for posterior teeth, an ability to more precisely manipulate uncured resin, such as through seamless and ultrathin feathering, may allow for improved accuracy of teeth alignment between teeth of an upper jaw and teeth of a lower jaw. Further, the lobed tool  110  may be coated with a coating, such as Teflon, titanium nitride, or Parylene, for less adherence in use with uncured resins. The lobed tool  110  may be formed of at least one lobe  112  that comprises a surface texture, for example, such as a texture with dimples, concave depressions, convex protrusions to aid with reduced adherence during use with non-stick composites and resins. 
     The contoured blade  102  of the blade portion  104  may be used for removal of excess composite or resin cement from a tooth, for example after a cavity filling procedure. A carving edge  116  of the contoured blade  102  may be used on the curved interproximal surfaces of a tooth, the carving edge  116  may be disposed at an angle with respect to the contoured blade  102  via an ergonomic bend  114 . The contoured blade  102  may be flat, and the carving edge  116  may have a narrow width and a radial curvature that resembles that of a portion of an anterior tooth surface, for scraping excess resin material from a tooth. In one example, the carving edge  116  is under 12 mm in width. In another example, the carving edge  116  is in the range of 8 mm to 12 mm in width, such as to accommodate larger anterior tooth surfaces. In another example, the carving edge  116  is in the range of 3 mm to 8 mm in width, such as to accommodate smaller tooth surfaces of children. In another example, the carving edge  116  is less than  3  mm in width, such as to access less accessible surfaces disposed on posterior teeth. 
     Sharpness of the carving edge  116  may vary depending on the end needed, such as a sharp edge or a thicker edge for chiseling. In one example, the carving edge  116  has a thickness of under 0.25 mm at the leading edge. In another example, the carving edge  116  has a thickness of under 0.45 mm at the leading edge. In another example, the carving edge  116  has a thickness under 0.55 mm at the leading edge. In another example, the carving edge  116  is a blunt surface with a thickness in the range of between 0.55 mm and 1.00 mm at the leading edge, and may be used for removal of a fragment quantity of material on a tooth surface. 
     In one example, the ergonomic bend  114  comprises an angle of substantially 45 degrees with the contoured blade  102 . In another example, the ergonomic bend  114  comprises an angle of 45 to 55 degrees with the contoured blade  102 . In another example, the ergonomic bend  114  may comprise an angle of 46 to 51 degrees with the contoured blade  102 . In another example, the ergonomic bend  114  comprises an angle of 35 to 45 degrees with the contoured blade  102 . In another example, the ergonomic bend may comprise an angle of 37 to 44 degrees with the contoured blade  102 . 
     Further, the dental instrument  101  may include two blade portions  104  disposed at opposite ends to one another where a first blade portion  104  is configured such that the ergonomic bend  114  of the first blade portion  104  is angled for ergonomic use on a first side of a tooth and a second blade portion  104  is configured such that the ergonomic bend  114  of the second blade portion  104  is angled for ergonomic use on a second side of the same tooth. 
     The blade portion  104  and the lobed portion  106  may each further comprise a coating  300  along at least some length of the blade portion  104  or the lobed portion  106 . The coating  300  may comprise natural or artificial flavorants and be activated by fluid, such as human saliva, to provide a sensory impression of food, for example various fruits, candies, and chewing gum, or other substances, when the blade portion  104  or the lobed portion  106  is in a patient&#39;s mouth and comes into contact with human saliva. 
     In one example, the blade portion  104  and the lobed portion  106  may each be disposable after an one-time, single use. In another example, the blade portion  104  and the lobed portion  106  may be disposable after more than one use. In another example, the blade portion  104  and the lobed portion  106  may be reusable. In a case where the blade portion  104  and the lobed portion  106  are reusable, the coating  300  may not be as durable as the blade portion  104  and the lobed portion  106 , such that after a number of uses the blade portion  104  and the lobed portion  106  may no long possess any discernable flavor from the coating  300 . 
       FIG. 1B  is a plan view of the dental instrument  101 , according to one example. In this view the dental instrument  101  comprises the blade portion  104  and the lobed portion  106  as described by  FIG. 1A . 
       FIG. 1C  is a side view of the dental instrument  101 , according to one example. In this view the dental instrument  101  comprises the blade portion  104  and the lobed portion  106  as described by  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B . 
       FIG. 2A  is a side view of the blade portion  104   a  and the lobed portion  106   a  in an unassembled state, according to one example. The first end of the blade portion  104   a  and the first end of the lobed portion  106   a  may be separated to reveal a protrusion  122  disposed on the first end of the blade portion  104   a  and an indentation  124  disposed within the first end of the lobed portion  106   a.  The protrusion  122  has approximately the same corresponding size and profile of the indentation  124 , allowing the protrusion  122  to fit within the indentation  124  and connect the blade portion  104   a  to the lobed portion  106   a  such that the blade portion  104   a  and the lobed portion  106   a  may form a single dental instrument  101  when connected. 
     Each protrusion  122  and corresponding indentation  124  may lock by friction or such that they securely snap together when pressed to form the dental instrument  101 . The protrusion  122  and the indentation  124  may comprise a variety of corresponding shapes, for example cubic or hemispherical shapes. In another example, the protrusion  122  may comprise a threaded screw and the indentation  124  may comprise a threaded cylinder that corresponds to the threaded screw. In another example, the protrusion  122  may comprise a non-threaded, elongated rod and the indentation  124  may comprise a non-threaded cylinder that corresponds to the threaded screw, and at least one of the protrusion  122  and the indentation  124 , and may further comprise a reverse taper in the region where the protrusion  122  is nearly fully inserted into the indentation  124  resulting in an interlock to secure the blade portion  104  to the lobed portion  106 . 
     Each blade portion  104  and lobed portion  106  may be of similar length, for example in the range of 50 mm to 76 mm, resulting in a combined length of the dental instrument  101  being in the range of 100 to 152 mm. In another example, the dental instrument  101  is in the range of 140 mm to 160 mm. Further, the diameter of the blade portion  104  and the lobed portion  106  along the widest section of each may be in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm. In another example, the diameter of the blade portion  104  and the lobed portion  106  along the widest section of each is in the range of 8 mm to 12 mm. 
       FIG. 2B  is a side view of the blade portion  104   b  and the lobed portion  106   b  in an unassembled state, according to one example. The first end of the blade portion  104   b  and the first end of the lobed portion  106   b  may be separated to reveal an indentation  124  disposed within the first end of the blade portion  104   b  and a protrusion  122  disposed on the first end of the lobed portion  106   b.  The protrusion  122  is has approximately the same corresponding size and profile of the indentation  124 , allowing the protrusion  122  to fit within the indentation  124  and connect the lobed portion  106   b  to the blade portion  104   b  such that the blade portion  104   b  and the lobed portion  106   b  may form a single dental instrument  101  when connected. 
       FIG. 3A  is a side view of a section of the lobed portion  106 , according to one example. The portion of the lobed portion  106  includes the second end of the lobed portion  106  comprising the lobed tool  110  and the curved neck  108 . The lobed tool  110  is disposed at the second end of the lobed portion  106  and is connected to the lobed portion  106  by the curved neck  108 . The curved neck  108  is disposed between the lobed tool  110  and the lobed portion  106 . 
       FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the lobed tool  110 , according to one example. The lobed tool  110  comprises at least one lobe  112 , and the at least one lobe  112  may be compressible that that does not adhere to uncured resin. In one example, the lobed tool  110  may have a cruciform shape comprising four lobes  112  ( 112   a - 112   d ) with undulating serrated edges for distributing, compressing, shaping, and manipulating uncured resin. In one example, the lobed tool  110  comprises four lobes  112 . In another example, the lobed tool  110  may comprise three lobes  112 . In another example, the lobed tool  110  may comprise five lobes  112 . The lobed tool  110  is intended to manipulate yet minimize adhesion to uncured resin to fill teeth cavities, and at least a portion of the lobed tool  110  may be formed of a variety of materials such as compressible foam, polymer, or rubber compounds. Further, the lobed tool  110  may be coated or encased, for example with a non-stick coating such as Teflon, titanium nitride, or Parylene to reduce stickiness to uncured resin. 
       FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of the lobed tool  110  in contact with a posterior tooth  400 , according to one example. The lobes  112  of the lobed tool  110  are designed to allow a user to navigate the undulations of surfaces of the posterior tooth  400  to perform dental procedures. 
       FIG. 4A  is a side view of a portion of the blade portion  104 , according to one example. The portion of the blade portion  104  includes the second end of the blade portion  104  comprising the contoured blade  102 . The contoured blade  102  is disposed at the second end of the blade portion  104  and is connected to the blade portion  104  by the stem  118 . The stem  118  is disposed between the contoured blade  102  and the first end of the blade portion  104 , and may be quite thin, for example in the range of 3 mm to 7 mm to maximize maneuverability while providing adequate strength, and have a substantially circular or elliptical cross section. In other examples may comprise a square, pentagonal, or hexagonal cross section. The contoured blade  102  further comprises the ergonomic bend  114  and the carving edge  116 . 
     The blade portion  104  and the lobed portion  106  may be sterilized in an autoclave and may be formed of disposable plastic or reusable metal, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, and the blade portion  104  and the contoured blade  102  may further comprise materials such as tungsten carbide. 
       FIG. 4B  is a side view of the contoured blade  102 , according to one example. A first end of the contoured blade  102  is connected to the stem  118  and a second end of the contoured blade  102  comprises the carving edge  116 . The contoured blade  102  may be a flat plane, with the carving edge  116  disposed at the second end and having a curvature in only one plane. The curvature of the carving edge  116  may have a radius or compound radius approximating that of an anterior tooth  402 , for example in the range of 10 mm to 12 mm. In another example, the radius is in the range of 12 mm to 18 mm. In another example, the radius is in the range of 18 mm to 26 mm. The range of radii of the carving edge  116  allow a user to select the best suited curvature, depending on tooth size, surface, and location within a dental arch. 
       FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of the carving edge  116  of the contoured blade  102  in contact with an anterior tooth  402 , according to one example. The curvature of the carving edge  116  is designed to approximate a curvature of the anterior tooth  402 , allowing an user to scrape the anterior tooth  402  to perform a dental procedure, such as removal of excess resin. Further, the contoured blade  102  comprises the ergonomic bend  114  that may allow more ergonomic access to the anterior tooth  402 . 
       FIG. 5A  is a plan view of a three piece dental instrument  201 , according to one example. The three piece dental instrument  201  comprises an instrument body  220  connected at a first end to a blade portion  204  and connected at a second end to a lobed portion  206 . The instrument body  220  may further comprise a circuitry  244  connected to an energy storage device  246  that provides energy for the instrument body  220  to operate. The circuitry  244  may be further connected to at least one button  240  and/or connected to at least one indicator light  242 , and a display  248 , such as for indicating to a user a resin cure time during a dental procedure. 
     In one example, pressing the button  240   a  may begin a countdown for a first preset amount of time. 
     In another example, pressing the button  240   b  may begin a countdown for a second preset amount of time. 
     In another example, pressing both the button  240   a  and the button  240   b  simultaneously allows an user to adjust a duration of the first or the second time interval, with a change in the first or the second interval during adjustment may be indicated by an audible or a haptic signal or pattern of signals emitted by the circuitry  244  or a visual light signal emitted by the indicator light  242 . For example, audible signals may include singular or a series of chirps, beeps, and buzzing, while haptic signals may include vibration of the instrument body  220 , once or multiple times at various intervals. 
     In another example, light signals may include the indicator light  242  remaining illuminated from the time a button  240   a  or a button  240   b  is depressed until the first or the second preset time interval has passed. 
     In another example, light signals may include the indicator light  242  becoming illuminated once the first or the second preset time interval has passed from the initial depression of the button  240   a  or the button  240   b.    
     In another example, light signals may include the indicator light  242  illuminating multiple times once the first or the second preset time interval has passed from the initial depression of the button  240   a  or the button  240   b.    
     In one example, the blade portion  204  is identical to the blade portion  104   a,  with the exception that the length of the body of the blade portion  204  may be shorter than that of the blade portion  104   a.  The lobed portion  206   a  is identical to the lobed portion  106   a,  with the exception that the length of the body of the lobed portion  206  may be shorter than that of the lobed portion  106   a.    
     In another example, the blade portion  204  is identical to the blade portion  104   b,  with the exception that the length of the blade portion  204  may be shorter than that of the blade portion  104   b,  and the lobed portion  206  is identical to the lobed portion  106   b,  with the exception that the length of the lobed portion  206  may be shorter than that of the lobed portion  106   b.    
     In another example, the instrument body  220  may further comprise a display  248 . The display  248  allows information to be displayed, for example a time or a time interval. An increase or decrease in the time or the time interval may be displayed. Simultaneous depression of both the button  240   a  and the button  240   b  may allow adjustment of the time interval, for example depression of the button  240   a  may increase the time interval while depression of the button  240   b  may decrease the time interval. 
       FIG. 5B  is a side view of the three piece dental instrument  201 , according to one example. In this view the three piece dental instrument  201  comprises an instrument body  220  connected at a first end to a blade portion  204  and connected at a second end to a lobed portion  206 , as described by  FIG. 5A . 
       FIG. 6A  is a plan view of the three piece dental instrument  201  in an unassembled state, according to one example. The body  220   a  further comprises an indentation  124   a  disposed within the first end and an indentation  124   b  disposed within the second end. The indentation  124   a  and the indentation  124   b  may be identical. 
     The blade portion  204   a  further comprises a protrusion  122   a  disposed on a first end of the blade portion  204   a,  and the lobed portion  206   a  further comprises a protrusion  122   b  disposed on a first end of the lobed portion  206   a.  The protrusion  122   a  and the protrusion  122   b  may be identical. The protrusion  122   a  has approximately the same corresponding size and profile of the indentation  124   a,  allowing the protrusion  122   a  to fit within the indentation  124   a  and connect the first end of the blade portion  204   a  to a first end of the body  220   a.  The protrusion  122   b  has approximately the same corresponding size and profile of the indentation  124   b,  allowing the protrusion  122   b  to fit within the indentation  124   b  and connect the first end of the lobed portion  206   a  to a second end of the body  220   a.    
       FIG. 6B  is a plan view of the three piece dental instrument  201  in an unassembled state, according to one example. The body  220   b  further comprises the protrusion  122   a  disposed on the first end and the protrusion  122   b  disposed on the second end, while the blade portion  204   b  further comprises an indentation  124   a  disposed within a first end of the blade portion  204   b,  and the lobed portion  206   b  further comprises an indentation  124   b  disposed within a first end of the lobed portion  206   b.  The protrusion  122   a  and the protrusion  122   b  may be identical. The protrusion  122   a  has approximately the same corresponding size and profile of the indentation  124   a,  allowing the protrusion  122   a  to fit within the indentation  124   a  and connect the first end of the blade portion  204   b  to a first end of the body  220   b.  The protrusion  122   b  has approximately the same corresponding size and profile of the indentation  124   b,  allowing the protrusion  122   b  to fit within the indentation  124   b  and connect the first end of the lobed portion  206   b  to a second end of the body  220   b.    
       FIG. 6C - FIG. 6G  represent connections between the protrusion  122  and the indentation  124 . For example, the blade portion  104   a  comprises the protrusion  122  at the first end to connect the blade portion  104   a  to the first end of the lobed portion  106   a,  the lobed portion  106   a  comprising the indentation  124  disposed within the first end of the lobed portion  106   a.    
     In another example, the protrusion  122  and the indentation  124  connect the blade portion  104   b,  the blade portion  104   b  comprising the indentation  124  disposed within the first end of the blade portion  104   b,  and the first end of the lobed portion  106   b,  the lobed portion  106   b  comprising the protrusion  122  disposed at the first end of the lobed portion  106   b.    
     In another example, the protrusion  122   a  and the indentation  124   a  connect the blade portion  204   a,  the blade portion  204   a  comprising the protrusion  122   a  disposed on the first end of the blade portion  204   a,  and the body  220   a,  the indentation  124   a  disposed within the first end of the body  220   a.  The protrusion  122   b  and the indentation  124   b  connect the lobed portion  206   a,  the lobed portion  206   a  comprising the protrusion  122   b  disposed on the first end of the lobed portion  206   a,  and the body  220   a,  the body  220   a  comprising the indentation  124   b  disposed within the second end of the body  220   a.    
     Further, any protrusion  122  may be connectable to a corresponding indentation  124 , regardless of what portion described the protrusion  122  and the indentation  124  are disposed on or within. In one example, in this way a first instrument body  220  may be connectable to at least one of a blade portion  104 , a lobed portion  106 , a blade portion  204 , a lobed portion  206 , and a second instrument body  220 . 
     In another example, a first blade portion  104  may be connectable to at least one of a second blade portion  104 , a lobed portion  106 , a blade portion  204 , and a lobed portion  206 . 
     In another example, a first blade portion  204  may be connectable to at least one of a second blade portion  204 , a lobed portion  106 , a blade portion  104 , and a lobed portion  206 . 
     The same type of connections between the protrusion  122  and the indentation  124  may also be used to connect a curved neck  108  to a lobed portion  106 , a blade portion  204  to an instrument body  220 , or a lobed portion  206  to an instrument body  220 . While the examples of  FIG. 6C - FIG. 6G  state the use of the blade portion  104 , one having ordinary skill in the art will recognize the same may also apply to any of the lobed portion  106 , the blade portion  204 , the lobed portion  206 , the instrument body  220 . Rotational adjustment may be accomplished by the separation of two portions, such as the blade portion  104  and the lobed portion  106 , rotating the blade portion  104  about its longitudinal axis relative to the lobed portion  106 , and reconnecting the blade portion  104  and the lobed portion  106 . Further, the amounts of rotational adjustment are not limited to the examples of  FIG. 6C - FIG. 6G . 
       FIG. 6C  is a front view of the blade portion  104   c,  according to one example. The blade portion  104   c  comprises a protrusion  122   c  to connect to an indentation  124   c  with corresponding size and profile. The connection between the protrusion  122   c  and the indentation  124   c  may allow adjustment in increments of 180 degrees between the protrusion  122   c  and the corresponding indentation  124   c.    
       FIG. 6D  is a front view of the blade portion  104   d,  according to one example. The blade portion  104   d  comprises a protrusion  122   d  to connect to an indentation  124   d  with corresponding size and profile. The connection between the protrusion  122   d  and the indentation  124   d  may allow adjustment in increments of 180 degrees between the protrusion  122   d  and the corresponding indentation  124   d.    
       FIG. 6E  is a front view of the blade portion  104   e,  according to one example. The blade portion  104   e  comprises a protrusion  122   e  to connect to an indentation  124   e  with corresponding size and profile. The connection between the protrusion  122   e  and the indentation  124   e  may allow adjustment in increments of 90 degrees between the protrusion  122   e  and the corresponding indentation  124   e.    
       FIG. 6F  is a front view of the blade portion  104   f,  according to one example. The blade portion  104   f  comprises a protrusion  122   f  to connect to an indentation  124   f  with corresponding size and profile. The connection between the protrusion  122   f  and the indentation  124   f  may allow adjustment in increments of 45 degrees between the protrusion  122   f  and the corresponding indentation  124   f.    
       FIG. 6G  is a front view of the blade portion  104   g,  according to one example. The blade portion  104   g  comprises a protrusion  122   g  to connect to an indentation  124   g  with corresponding size and profile. The connection between the protrusion  122   g  and the indentation  124   g  may allow adjustment in any rotational increment between the protrusion  122   g  and the indentation  124   g  if the shape of the protrusion  122   g  and the corresponding indentation  124   g  are circular. 
       FIG. 7A  is a side view of a lobed portion  706  of a dental instrument  701 , according to one example. A lobed tool  710  of the lobed portion  706  may be used to perform dental procedures such as manipulating uncured resin during the filling and shaping of dental cavities, as described by that for the dental instrument  101 . However, the shape of the lobed tool  710  is sharper than that of lobed tool  110  for use in applications requiring, for example, greater precision, for filling smaller cavities, or performing procedures on certain buccal, lingual, and marginal grooves. 
       FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of a section of the lobed tool  710 , according to one example. With the exception of its shape, the lobed tool  710  is identical in its construction and purpose to that of lobed tool  110  described by  FIG. 1A . 
       FIG. 7C - FIG. 7E  are each perspective views of the lobed tool  710  in contact with a posterior tooth  401 , according to one example. The lobed tool  710  is designed to allow a user to navigate the undulations of surfaces of the posterior tooth  401  to perform dental procedures. 
       FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of the dental instrument  701 , according to one example. The dental instrument  701  comprises a blade portion  704  connected to the lobed portion  706 . A first end of the blade portion  704  may be removably connected to a first end of the lobed portion  706 . A second end of the blade portion  704  comprises a contoured blade  702  having a carving edge  716  at the distal end, and a stem  718  at a proximal end, the stem  718  connecting the contoured blade  702  to the second end of the blade portion  704 . A second end of the lobed portion  706  comprises the lobed tool  710 , the lobed tool  710  connected to the lobed portion  706  by a curved neck  708 . With the exception of the differences in shape between the lobed tool  110  and the lobed tool  710 , as described by  FIG. 7A , the dental instrument  701  is identical to the dental instrument  101 . 
       FIG. 8B  is a plan view of the dental instrument  701 , according to one example. In this view the dental instrument  701  comprises the blade portion  704  and the lobed portion  706 , the blade portion  704  comprising a contoured blade  702  and an ergonomic bend  714 , and the lobed portion  706  comprising the lobed tool  710 . 
       FIG. 8C  is a side view of the dental instrument  701 , according to one example. In this view the dental instrument  701  comprises the blade portion  704  and the lobed portion  706  as described by  FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B . 
       FIG. 8D  is a perspective view of the contoured blade  702  in contact with an anterior tooth  801 , according to one example. In this view the contoured blade  702  is in contact at an angle with a labial surface of the anterior tooth  801 . 
       FIG. 8E  is a perspective view of the contoured blade  702  in contact with an anterior tooth  801 , according to one example. In this view the contoured blade  702  is in contact with a labial surface of the anterior tooth  801  though at a different angle than from that described by  FIG. 8D , resulting in greater contact between a curvature of the carving edge  716  and the labial surface of the anterior tooth  801 . By varying an angle of contact between the contoured blade  702  and the anterior tooth  801 , more or less of the curvature of the carving edge  716  may be used to adapt to varying tooth morphology. 
     Thus, the foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present application. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present application may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the disclosure of the present application is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting of the scope of the application, as well as other claims. The disclosure, including any readily discernable variants of the teachings herein, define, in part, the scope of the foregoing claim terminology such that no inventive subject matter is dedicated to the public.