Delivery system for dentinal/enamel adhesive materials

Abstract

A delivery system for dispensing liquid dental materials is provided which enables a dentist or dental technician to efficiently store and safely apply materials such as etchants and adhesives through use of a modified syringe assembly. The liquid dental material for application to a tooth surface and a protective gas bubble are carried within a carpule assembly which includes a plunger extending rearwardly from a glass carpule. A needle preferably having a blunt application tip is mounted in fluidic communication with the liquid and passes through the liquid delivery end of the carpule. The carpule is sealed to prevent the entry of air therein or the inadvertent expression of liquid therefrom and is adapted for use with a series of disposable needles. In one embodiment, the invention is provided with a syringe barrel and an application needle is removably mounted thereon. The needle is provided with a long, rearwardly extending tubular portion for penetrating a sealing membrane on the carpule and communicating with the liquid dental material. The plunger is engaged with the carpule so that the carpule may be withdrawn from the syringe barrel by pulling on the plunger without pulling air into the carpule. Alternatively, the carpule may be provided with a check-valve adapted to receive a needle thereon so that air is prevented from entering the carpule and eliminating the need for a syringe barrel.