Endodontic instruments are used to clean and enlarge the endodontic cavity space (ECS), also known as the root canal system, of a human tooth. This document describes novel endodontic instruments that are radially compressible, and methods for their use.

A dental handpiece comprises an outer sleeve (1), a tool-holding socket (2) for holding a treatment tool (3) arranged in the handpiece, wherein the tool-holding socket (2) has a central axis about which the tool-holding socket (2) can be rotated and/or oscillated and wherein the tool-holding socket (2) is arranged to be driven by a driveshaft of the handpiece driven by a motor (10) housed in the outer sleeve (1). At least one Peltier element (5) is received in the handpiece in thermal contact with the tool-holding socket (2), the Peltier element (5) having a cool face in thermal contact with the tool-holding socket (2) to cool a treatment tool (3) held therein when the tool (3) is driven in rotation or oscillation.

A dental handpiece comprises an outer sleeve (1), a tool-holding socket (2) for holding a treatment tool (3) arranged in the handpiece, wherein the tool-holding socket (2) has a central axis about which the tool-holding socket (2) can be rotated and/or oscillated and wherein the tool-holding socket (2) is arranged to be driven by a driveshaft of the handpiece driven by a motor (10) housed in the outer sleeve (1). At least one Peltier element (5) is received in the handpiece in thermal contact with the tool-holding socket (2), the Peltier element (5) having a cool face in thermal contact with the tool-holding socket (2) to cool a treatment tool (3) held therein when the tool (3) is driven in rotation or oscillation.

Various aspects are directed to dental extraction and dental extraction devices. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments herein, a dental extraction apparatus includes an engagement component that extracts teeth from patients' mouths by engaging with and applying a torque to a tooth. An input torque component translates received input torque to the engagement component. A torque controller operates with the input torque component and the engagement component to limit the applied torque, relative to input torque provided via the input torque component.

Various aspects are directed to dental extraction and dental extraction devices. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments herein, a dental extraction apparatus includes an engagement component that extracts teeth from patients' mouths by engaging with and applying a torque to a tooth. An input torque component translates received input torque to the engagement component. A torque controller operates with the input torque component and the engagement component to limit the applied torque, relative to input torque provided via the input torque component.

Actuator for a personal care appliance comprising a housing, a spindle, a tangential actuator portion, an axial actuator portion, and a controller. The tangential actuator portion comprises a first magnet and pole assembly having a first sequence of individual grouped magnet segments spaced apart within the housing in a first radial orientation and polarity order, and a first pole assembly of pole members in a first radial configuration about the spindle, a second magnet and pole assembly having a second sequence of individual grouped magnet segments spaced apart within the housing in a second radial orientation and polarity order, and a second pole assembly of pole members in a second radial configuration about the spindle, and an electromagnetic coil disposed about the spindle in-between the first and second magnet and pole assemblies. The tangential actuator portion rotationally displaces the spindle with respect to the housing about a principal axis.

The invention provides a unitary cordless dental drive apparatus with a cantilever arm extending outward and positioned to allow a dental nose cone to be connected. An activating switch is located at the free end of the cantilever arm in a position that is convenient for manipulation by a user. In a second embodiment, the switch is in the form of a contactor mounted below the cantilever arm to contact the nose cone when pressed. In a third embodiment, a foot pedal connected to a wireless transmitter is provided to send a signal to a receiver located within the handpiece for activating the handpiece.

The invention provides a unitary cordless dental drive apparatus with a cantilever arm extending outward and positioned to allow a dental nose cone to be connected. An activating switch is located at the free end of the cantilever arm in a position that is convenient for manipulation by a user. In a second embodiment, the switch is in the form of a contactor mounted below the cantilever arm to contact the nose cone when pressed. In a third embodiment, a foot pedal connected to a wireless transmitter is provided to send a signal to a receiver located within the handpiece for activating the handpiece.

A system for driving an electric handpiece in response to a pneumatic control signal may provide for fast interchange of handpieces, self-calibration and wide dynamic range of operation with precise speed control. The system may be incorporated into virtually any dental treatment center using traditional pneumatic drive handpieces, and a conversion kit may facilitate such conversion. The system may provide not only for controlling the speed and torque of a tool coupled to an electric drive handpiece responsive to a pneumatic control signal, it may also provide for coupling cooling air and treatment media, such as air and/or water to the handpiece. Coupling of a handpiece to an operating base of the system, including coupling of media lines and electrical connections may be made with a simple press and twist action using quick connection structure.

A system for driving an electric handpiece in response to a pneumatic control signal may provide for fast interchange of handpieces, self-calibration and wide dynamic range of operation with precise speed control. The system may be incorporated into virtually any dental treatment center using traditional pneumatic drive handpieces, and a conversion kit may facilitate such conversion. The system may provide not only for controlling the speed and torque of a tool coupled to an electric drive handpiece responsive to a pneumatic control signal, it may also provide for coupling cooling air and treatment media, such as air and/or water to the handpiece. Coupling of a handpiece to an operating base of the system, including coupling of media lines and electrical connections may be made with a simple press and twist action using quick connection structure.