Dental matrix band seal in combination with a matrix band

Abstract

A coated matrix band or coated separating strip for use in dentistry eliminates capillary action between a tooth and the matrix band due to the coating while the tooth is being filled, while at least one aperture in the matrix band assists with removal of the matrix band from the tooth, after the filling is complete. The improvement in the coated matrix band or coated separating strip is a coating applied to the surface thereof in order to minimize the ingress of fluid between the tooth and the device as the tooth is being filled. At least one aperture therein assists with the removal from the tooth after the filling is complete.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application incorporates by reference U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 238,295 as originally filed on Oct. 23, 2002, by the same inventors.[0002] This invention relates to a matrix band and more particularly to a dental matrix band seal in combination with a matrix band or a separation strip for use by a dentist to provide a framework for applying cavity filling material to a tooth; which minimizes, if not eliminates, capillary action which causes at least one body fluid to flow into the area between the matrix band and the tooth being filled and does not adhere to the cavity filling material. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] A matrix band is a common tool used in dentistry. Typically, the matrix band is a thin, flexible piece of material. Generally speaking, the matrix band is metallic in nature. A dentist will position the band around a tooth to be filled. The band is then tightened around the tooth, with a clamping device, i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] Among the many objectives of this invention is the provision of a dental matrix band seal in combination with a matrix band, the matrix band being coated with a suitable polymer, which at least minimizes the ingress of fluid between the matrix band and the tooth, by creating a seal which keeps the surface of the tooth dry during the filling process.

[0022] Also, a further objective of this invention is the provision of a dental matrix band seal in combination with a matrix band, which eliminates the ingress of fluid due to capillary action or other means.

[0023] Still a further objective of the is invention is the provision of a separating strip with a flexible coating, which eliminates the ingress of fluid due to capillary action or other means.

[0024] These and other objectives of the invention (which other objectives become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings as a whole) are met by providing a dental matrix band seal in combination with a matrix band for use in dentistry, wherein the matrix band has a polymer coating or a soft metal applied to an etched surface, which reduces or eliminates capillary action between a tooth and the matrix band, while at least one aperture in the matrix band assists with removal of the matrix band from the tooth.

Problems solved by technology

Although the matrix band is a common and long-used dental implement, problems do exist with the currently used technology.

Firstly, capillary action between the matrix band and the tooth causes at least one body fluid, to dampen or contaminate the surface of the tooth being filled.

This is extremely undesirable since the presence of an undesirable fluid in the area interferes with the adhesion of the cavity filling material to the tooth, and causes deterioration of the cavity filling material.

Typically, body fluids do interfere with this work.

Another difficulty with a matrix band of the prior art is the tendency of the bands to adhere to the cavity filling material.

This adherence may make the matrix band difficult to remove from the tooth, when the filling process is complete, and may require the dentist to exert extra force on the patient's mouth in order to remove that matrix band.

A difficult removal of the matrix band may well be uncomfortable for the patient, and weaken the bond between the cavity filling material and the tooth.

Without a good bonding between filling material and the tooth, the dental procedure is ineffective.

Still another difficulty of currently utilized matrix bands is the flat surface of the bands, which contain no indentations where a dental instrument can be used to grasp the band to assist in removing the band after the cavity has been filled.

This makes the removal of the band more difficult.

However, this gold-plated matrix band does not completely solve or eliminate the ingress of fluid, which causes an undesired body fluid flow into the desired work area.

While it is not desired to be bound by any particular theory, the capillary action is believed to occur because the solid gold or gold alloy matrix band, as well as the gold-plated matrix band is not soft enough to form a seal with the tooth, thereby failing to eliminate the ingress of fluid due to capillary action.

Also, the separating strip suffers from problems caused by the presence of body fluids present because of capillary action or other sources between the separating strip and the tooth.

Although the separating strip is formed from a plastic strip, it is not flexible enough to form a seal tight enough to eliminate the fluid.

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