Dental repair material

Abstract

The invention is directed to an improved dental composition useful in the repair of cavities, apex repairs, root perforations and root canals. Disclosed is a dental composition and dental composition additive which have improved handling characteristics, for example improved viscosity and setting time. The addition of effective amounts of a modified cellulose and calcium chloride to available dental repair compounds, such as mineral trioxide compound, results in the improved dental composition without affecting the other characteristics of the dental repair compound.

Description

PARENT CASE TEXT [0001] This application claims priority to Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 60 / 693,268, which was filed on Jun. 23, 2005.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The invention is related to dental repair materials. Specifically improved MTA (mineral trioxide aggregate) with improved handling and sealing properties. [0004] 2. Summary of the Related Art [0005] Various compounds have been used as dental fill materials for cavities and root canal therapy. These include Amalgam, Reinforced Zinc Oxide-Eugenol (IRM and Super EBA), Composite Resins and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and Portland Cement, herein after referred to generally as “Dental Repair Compound”. [0006] The attributes generally sought for root-end filling material include the ability to 1) seal the apical portion in three dimensions, 2) be well tolerated by the periradicular tissues with no inflammatory reactions, 3) be non-toxic, 4) not promote, and preferably inhibit...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an improved dental repair composition that has better handling properties, including increased viscosity and shortened setting time. This is achieved by adding a divalent-cationic halogen salt and a polymer thickening agent to dental repair compounds like Portland cement and mineral trioxide aggregate. The concentration ranges for the salt and polymer thickener are relatively broad, but the preferred ranges are between 0.1% and 20% by weight. The patent also describes a compound additive that can be added to the dental repair compound to produce the improved composition. The improved dental repair composition can be used for various dental repairs, such as filling a tooth cavity, treating tooth decay, performing root canal therapy, apicoectomy, and sealing a root perforation. The patent also describes a kit for dental repair that includes a dental repair compound, a compound additive, and instructions on how to mix them.

Problems solved by technology

The most important problem with the classic apexification technique with calcium hydroxide is the duration of therapy, which can last from 3 to 24 months (9; 10).

During this time frame the root canal is susceptible to reinfection due to the difficulty in maintaining a temporary restorative material that adequately seals the access opening.

The root is also at risk to fracture due to the long treatment time required for apical barrier formation.

The repair of perforations can be problematic due to extrusion of the repair filling material, improper hemorrhage control, and the ability of the material to adequately seal the perforation site.

Presently, dental materials, such as e.g., MTA, Portland cement, are difficult to handle due to viscosity and slow setting times. These materials have low viscosity and therefore require special equipment to administer into small or tortuous areas in the patient's mouth.

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