Anatomically Contoured Dental Pad

Abstract

An anatomically contoured dental pad constructed from an absorbent material configured to have an anatomically contoured profile. In some embodiments of the present invention the contour may have a profile or cross-section substantially similar to at least one of an hourglass and/or peanut shape, a capital “L” shape, or a capital “C” shape. Such a contoured profile beneficially aligns with the anatomical structures found in the mouth, such as the patient's tongue and/or gum line.

Claims

1. An anatomically contoured dental pad comprising: a dental pad having a contoured cross-sectional profile, the dental pad comprising an absorbent material.

2. The anatomically contoured dental pad of independent claim 1, wherein: the absorbent material is cotton wool.

3. The anatomically contoured dental pad of independent claim 1, wherein: the absorbent material is quilted cotton.

4. The anatomically contoured dental pad of independent claim 1, wherein: the absorbent material is gauze.

5. The anatomically contoured dental pad of independent claim 1, wherein: the absorbent material is an acrylate polymer.

6. The anatomically contoured dental pad of independent claim 1, wherein: the contoured cross-sectional profile in substantially hourglass shaped.

7. The anatomically contoured dental pad of independent claim 1, wherein: the contoured cross-sectional profile in substantially similar to a capital letter “C”.

8. The anatomically contoured dental pad of independent claim 1, wherein: the contoured cross-sectional profile in substantially similar to a capital letter “L”.

9. The anatomically contoured dental pad of independent claim 1, further comprising: a stiffener.

10. The anatomically contoured dental pad of claim 9, wherein: the stiffener comprises a cellulose-based material.

11. The anatomically contoured dental pad of claim 10, wherein: the cellulose-base material is at least one of a cardboard and a paper.

12. The anatomically contoured dental pad of claim 9, wherein: the stiffener comprises a food-safe semirigid plastic.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

[0008] FIG. 1A illustrates a view of an embodiment of an anatomically contoured dental pad.

[0009] FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an anatomically contoured dental pad.

[0010] FIG. 1C illustrates an embodiment of an anatomically contoured dental pad placed in a patient's mouth.

[0011] FIG. 2A illustrates a view of an alternative embodiment of an anatomically contoured dental pad.

[0012] FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an anatomically contoured dental pad.

[0013] FIG. 2C illustrates an alternative embodiment of an anatomically contoured dental pad placed in a patient's mouth.

[0014] FIG. 3A illustrates a view of a further embodiment of an anatomically contoured dental pad.

[0015] FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of an anatomically contoured dental pad.

[0016] FIG. 3C illustrates a further embodiment of an anatomically contoured dental pad placed in a patient's mouth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Some embodiments of the present invention are described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the scope of the invention is not intended to be defined by the description itself. The claimed subject matter may be embodied as to include different features, elements, components, steps, or combinations of steps, similar to those described herein, and in combination with other existing or future technologies. Moreover, although the term “step” might be used to connote different elements of the methods employed, this term should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except the order of individual steps is explicitly described or required.

[0018] The present invention is directed to an absorbent dental pad for use in dentistry. Some embodiments of the present invention may be constructed from an absorbent material configured to have an anatomically contoured profile. In some embodiments of the present invention the contour may have a profile or cross-section substantially similar to an hourglass and/or peanut shape. Such a contoured profile beneficially aligns with the anatomical structures found in the mouth, such as the patient's tongue and/or gum line.

[0019] With reference to FIG. 1A, a view of an embodiment of an anatomically contoured dental pad 100 is given. The present invention may be constructed of any absorbent material which exhibits sufficient wicking action as to prevent the collection of moisture or saliva. One having skill in the art will recognize that suitable absorbent material may include, but are not limited to, cotton wool, quilted cotton, gauze, as well as acrylate polymers, such as sodium polyacrylate water-soluble thickeners and the superabsorbent polymer (SAP).

[0020] FIG. 1B provides a cross-sectional view 200 of an embodiment of an anatomically contoured dental pad. As depicted herein, the cross-sectional profile of dental pad 204 can be seen to be shaped substantially like an hourglass.

[0021] FIG. 10 provides an embodiment of an anatomically contoured dental pad placed in a patient's mouth. As depicted, dental pad 300 is positioned between the patient's tongue 304 and the patient's teeth 308. The contoured profile of dental pad 300 allow it to fit comfortably in the patient's mouth without becoming displaced, while the increased size of dental pad 300, relative to traditional cotton rolls, decreases the likelihood of choking. Embodiments of the present invention may be produced in various sizes as to better fit different size mouths.

[0022] With reference to FIG. 2A, a view of an alternative embodiment of an anatomically contoured dental pad 400 is provided. FIG. 2B provides a cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of an anatomically contoured dental pad 404, having an interior side 405, and an exterior side 406. As depicted in FIG. 2B, the cross-sectional view of such embodiments may have a contour similar to a capital letter “L”. With continued reference to FIG. 2A, the interior side of the dental pad 408 may be constructed to include a further lengthwise concave contour along the length of the dental pad 404. As used herein, the term “lengthwise” refers to the dimension spanning from the front end of the pad 412 to the back end of the pad 416. Such an additional contour may provide for better fit of the pad, for example, along the patient's tongue, leading to additional comfort for the patient and a lower likelihood of the pad becoming displaced.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present invention, dental pad may include a stiffener to maintain its contour. Such stiffeners may include, but are not limited to, cellulose-based materials, such as paper or cardboard, or food-safe, semirigid plastics.

[0024] FIG. 2C illustrates the alternative embodiment of an anatomically contoured dental pad placed in a patient's mouth. As depicted, dental pad 500 is positioned between the patient's tongue 504 and the patient's teeth 508.

[0025] With reference to FIG. 3A, a view of an alternative embodiment of an anatomically contoured dental pad 600 is provided. FIG. 3B provides a cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of an anatomically contoured dental pad 604, having an interior side 605, and an exterior side 606. As depicted in FIG. 3B, the cross-sectional view of such embodiments may have a contour similar to a capital letter “C”. With continued reference to FIG. 3A, the interior side of the dental pad 608 may be constructed to include a further lengthwise concave contour along the length of the dental pad 604, similar to that discussed with reference to FIG. 2A.

[0026] FIG. 3C illustrates the alternative embodiment of an anatomically contoured dental pad placed in a patient's mouth. As depicted, dental pad 700 is positioned between the patient's tongue 704 and the patient's teeth 708.

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention have been described, as required by statute, to be illustrative, but should not be interpreted to be restrictive. One having skill in the art will recognize that many different arrangements of the various components depicted are possible without departing from the scope of the claims below, as well as arrangements including components not explicitly shown.

[0028] One having skill in the art will understand that certain combinations and/or sub-combinations of elements and features are of utility and may be employed without reference to other combinations and/or sub-combinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.