WO1989012428A1

WO1989012428A1 - Dental agent applicator

Info

Publication number: WO1989012428A1
Application number: PCT/US1989/002844
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dan E. Fischer
Original assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
Priority date: 1988-06-22
Filing date: 1989-06-22
Publication date: 1989-12-28
Also published as: AU3849389A

Abstract

An apparatus for applying dental agents to tooth surfaces. The apparatus includes a syringe-type dispenser (12) for holding a quantity of dental agent and an applicator tip (14) having adjustable bristles (28) at one end. The applicator tip is curved to accomodate access to tooth surfaces undergoing restorative dental procedures. The bristles (28) are in communication with the syringe-type dispenser (12), thereby allowing the dental agent to be continuously applied to the tooth surfaces without the need to stop the procedure and rewet the applicator in a dental agent source. The syringe-type applicator permits accurate control of the amount of dental agent applied to the tooth surface. In this way, the tooth surface receives neither an excessive nor an insufficient amount of the dental agent. Moreover, the bristles (12) may be pushed in to permit the dental agent to be precisely applied to a very small tooth surface, such as pits and fissures, or pulled out to permit the bristles (14) to fan out for application of the dental agent to larger tooth surfaces.

Description

DENTAL AGENT APPLICATOR

BACKGROUND

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus for apply¬ ing dental agents to tooth surfaces. More particularly, the present invention allows a dentist to quickly and precisely apply a proper quantity of dental agent to tooth surfaces which have been prepared to receive the dental agent. The present invention is ideally suited for apply¬ ing dental bonding agents, pit and fissure sealants, and other similar dental agents to tooth surfaces.

3. The Prior Art

Numerous dental agents play an important role in dental restorative techniques. For example, bonding agents are applied to tooth surfaces in order to firmly attach a restoration to the tooth. When the restoration is a composite resin restoration, the composition of the bonding agent is usually that of the matrix of the composite resin.

Before applying a bonding agent, the enamel around a cavity preparation is etched with acid. Acid etching of enamel creates micro-irregularities on the enamel surface. The resin in the bonding agent is usually diluted with monomers so that it has a low viscosity which can readily penetrate into the microscopic irregularities and undercuts produced by the acid etching. The bonding agent is then polymerized. It is believed that when the composite restorative resin is inserted into the cavity, it will polymerize to the bonding agent present on the cavity surface. In this way, better adaptation to the enamel walls of the cavity is achieved with improved mechanical retention of the restoration.

Various devices have been used in the art for applying dental bonding agents to tooth surfaces. One device used to apply dental bonding agents is a small porous sponge or swabbing material. In practice, a quantity of bonding agent is applied to a transfer pad. A sponge is then grasped with forceps and dipped into the bonding agent. The wetted sponge is then rubbed across the tooth surface in order to apply the bonding agent.

The small sponges are disposable to prevent cross- contamination. However, the sponges do not permit accurate application of the bonding agent. Frequently, the bonding agent is applied to surrounding surfaces which do not need treatment. Moreover, the rubbing action required to apply the bonding agent necessarily damages the fragile crystal- line surface structure of the tooth formed during acid etching. Once the crystalline surface structure of the tooth is damaged, its bondability is reduced.

Another existing device for applying bonding agent to tooth surfaces is a small disposable brush tip. Like the sponge, the brush tip must be held with forceps or some other holding device. The brush tip is then dipped into a quantity of bonding agent placed on a transfer pad.

Like the sponge, the brush tip is disposable. In addition, the brush tip does not damage the fragile crys- talline structure of the tooth surface produced by acid etching. However, like the sponge, the brush tip must constantly be rewetted by the bonding agent during the dental procedure. Moreover, the disposable brush tips used in the art usually have long bristles which do not form a fine tip. As a result, the bonding agent is often inadver¬ tently applied to surrounding tooth surfaces.

Yet another device for applying bonding agents to tooth surfaces is a very fine paint brush. Such a brush can apply the bonding agent to tooth surfaces with preci- sion and detail.

Despite its advantages, a paint brush must also be repeatedly dipped into a quantity of bonding agent during the procedure. In addition, a paint brush is difficult to properly sterilize and is usually nondisposable, thereby making it difficult for the dentist to maintain an aseptic environment. With the ever-increasing threat of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome -("AIDS") in society, use of a nondisposable applicator which is also difficult to ^"steril¬ ize has become unacceptable. Further, in each of the known devices for applying bonding agents to tooth surfaces, a quantity of bonding agent is placed on a transfer pad so that the device can be rewetted during the surgical procedure. Such a technique is not only wasteful, but it exposes the bonding agent to light, air, and airborne contaminants.

Moreover, time is often of the essence in applying bonding agents to tooth surfaces. As a result, it is important for bonding agents to be applied quickly and accurately. Thus, the need to constantly rewet the bonding agent applicator during the procedure is not only ineffi¬ cient, but may reduce the effectiveness of the resulting bond between the restoration and the tooth surface.

BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to resolve a number of the problems which have been experienced in the art, as iden¬ tified above. More importantly, the apparatus of this invention constitutes an important advancement in the art of dental bonding agent applicators, as evidenced by the following objects and advantages realized by the invention over the prior art.

One object of the present invention is to provide apparatus and methods of applying dental agents to tooth surfaces which permit continuous application of the dental agent without the need to stop the dental procedure and rewet the applicator in a dental agent source.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide apparatus and methods of applying dental agents to tooth surfaces which permit accurate application of the bonding agent to the precise tooth area that needs treat¬ ment.

An additional important object of the present inven¬ tion is to provide an apparatus for applying dental agents to tooth surfaces which may be disinfected and which is disposable, thereby enabling the dentist to maintain an aseptic environment.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide apparatus and methods of applying dental agents to tooth surfaces which permit the dental agent to be applied directly to the teeth from a sterile source not exposed to air, light, and airborne contaminants.

A further important object of the present invention is to provide apparatus and methods of applying dental agents to tooth surfaces which does not require the use of a transfer pad.

Yet another important object of the present invention is to provide apparatus and methods of applying dental agents to tooth surfaces which give the dentist greater control over the flow of the dental agent to the tooth surface.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide apparatus and methods of applying dental agents to tooth surfaces which allow the dentist to apply the dental agent to small precise tooth locations.

A further important object of the present invention is to provide apparatus and methods of applying dental agents to tooth surfaces which allow the dentist to evenly apply the dental agent to broad tooth surfaces. Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description which follows, or may be learned by the practice of the invention.

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for applying dental agents to tooth surfaces. The apparatus includes a syringe- ype dispenser for holding a quantity of dental agent and a removable applicator tip having short bristles at one end. The applicator tip is curved to accommodate access to tooth surfaces undergoing restorative dental procedures. The short bristles are in communication with the syringe-type dispenser, thereby allowing the dental agent to be continuously applied to the tooth surfaces without the need to stop the dental procedure and rewet the applicator in a dental agent source.

The dental agent remains in a sterile receptacle until applied directly to the tooth surface. In this way, the dental agent is not exposed to light, air, and airborne contaminants. In addition, there is no need for a transfer pad.

The syringe-type applicator permits accurate control over the amount of dental agent applied to the tooth surface. Thus, the tooth surface receives neither an excessive nor an insufficient amount of the bonding agent. Moreover, the short bristles permit the dental agent to be applied to the tooth surface without damaging the fragile crystalline structure which may have been formed during acid etching.

The bristles within the novel brush-tipped applicator of the present invention may be pulled out or pushed into the applicator tip. This unique feature provides the important advantage of allowing the dentist to accurately apply the dental agent to small precise tooth locations when the bristles are pushed into the applicator tip. When the bristles are pulled out, the dentist is able to evenly ^a ly the dental agent to broad tooth surfaces. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to more fully understand the manner in which the above-recited advantages and objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the inven¬ tion will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, the presently preferred embodiments and the presently understood best mode of the invention will be described with additional detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of one presently preferred embodiment within the scope of the present invention with a cut-away portion illustrating the plunger assembly within the syringe barrel;

Figure 2 is a side view of the syringe barrel and plunger portion of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 with the applicator tip being replaced with a cap; and

Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the applicator tip element of the present invention with a cut¬ away portion illustrating the brush tip feature of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout. Referring first to Figure 1, one presently preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention is illustrated and generally designated 10.

Dental agent applicator 10 includes a syringe barrel 12 and applicator tip 14. Syringe barrel 12 is generally cylindrical in shape and is adapted for holding a quantity of dental agent 16.

In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figure 1, applicator tip 14 is removable. Affixed to the lower end of syringe barrel 12 is a female luer-lock coupling 18. Removable applicator tip 14 is secured to syringe barrel 12 through coupling 18. Other means may be used to couple the applicator tip to the syringe barrel. For example, a screw fit or press-fit coupling mechanism is suitable. In another embodiment within the scope of the present invention, applicator tip 14 is permanently secured to the syringe barrel. The applicator tip may be integrally molded as part of the syringe barrel or it may snap on irreversibly to the syringe barrel. In such an embodiment, the syringe barrel could be configured to hold only a sufficient quantity of dental agent for a single applica¬ tion. Thereafter, the device would be discarded.

Longitudinally slidable within syringe barrel 12 is plunger 20. Plunger 20 has at its proximal end a thumb disk 22 and at its distal end a plunger head 24. Plunger head 24 is constructed out of a resilient material such that its outer edge is contiguous with the inner wall of the syringe barrel 12. In addition, plunger head 24 is preferably constructed of a material which is non-reactive with dental agent 16.

At the proximal end of syringe barrel 12 are a pair of finger wings 26. Although conventional syringes function by placing two fingers on the finger wings 26 and depress¬ ing thumb disk 22 with the thumb, the present invention is preferably used by placing the fingers and thumb around syringe barrel 12 and depressing thumb disk 22 by the palm of the hand. This unique method of use gives the dentist greater control in applying the dental agent. Plunger 20 longitudinally enters syringe barrel 12. As a result, plunger head 24 presses against dental agent 16 causing the dental agent to flow out of syringe barrel 12 and through the removable applicator tip 14.

At the distal end of the removable applicator tip are a plurality of bristles 28 which form a brush. The brist- les are preferably constructed of soft fibers which allow -li¬

the bonding agent to be applied to the tooth surfaces without damaging the fragile crystalline structure formed by acid etching the surface or other similar preparative techniques. Soft nylon is one suitable material for constructing the bristles.

As shown in Figure 3, the bristles 28 are tightly packed in the distal end of the applicator tip 14. The bristles are preferably held in place due to friction among the bristles and with the inner wall of applicator tip 14. How tight bristles 28 fit within applicator tip 14 is a function of the bristle count and bristle diameter. The larger the bristle diameter, the fewer bristles will fit within applicator tip 14. The bristles should be packed just tight enough to allow dental bonding agent to flow between the bristles, but not so loosely that the bristles flow out applicator tip 14 along with the bonding agent.

Bristle size affects the flow of dental agent 16 between packed bristles. If the bristles have a large diameter, then voids exist between packed bristles through which the dental agent can flow. On the other hand, if the bristles have a small diameter, then very small voids exist between the packed bristles significantly limiting the available space through which the dental agent can flow. Thus, the larger the bristles, the easier it is to flow dental agent between packed bristles. In one currently preferred embodiment within the scope of the present invention, the bristle diameter is in the range from about 0.002 inches to about 0.005 inches, and preferably in the range from about 0.0025 inches to about 0.003 inches. In another embodiment within the scope of the present invention, bristles 28 are held in place by slightly crimping applicator tip 14. In order to crimp the ap¬ plicator tip, it is preferably constructed of a crimpable material, such as metal. The bristles extend beyond the distal end of applica¬ tor tip 14 a distance in the range from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. The bristles extend within applicator tip 14 a distance sufficient to engage the inner wall of the ap¬ plicator tip and hold them in place. In one preferred embodiment within the scope of the present invention, the bristles extend a distance in the range from about 5 mm to about 10 mm within the applicator tip.

The bristles form a small point at the distal end, thereby permitting accurate application of the dental agent to the tooth surface. In this way, the exact quantity of dental agent may be applied to the precise tooth surface that needs treatment and not to surrounding surfaces. The removable applicator tip is curved to facilitate applica¬ tion of the dental agent to hard-to-reach tooth surfaces. In one embodiment of the present invention, the distance bristles 28 which extend beyond the distal end of applicator tip 14 may be manually adjusted by the dentist by either pushing the bristles further in or pulling them further out. Adjusting the length of the bristles gives the dentist even greater control in applying the dental agent. By pushing the bristles further within applicator tip 14, the dentist has more pinpoint control in applying the dental agent. By pulling the bristles further out from the applicator tip, the dentist can cause the bristles to fan out and accurately coat a larger tooth surface.

For example, when applying a dental bonding agent, it may be beneficial to grasp the bristles and lengthen the fibers in order to "soften" the bristles and allow them to fan out and evenly cover a larger area of the tooth with each stroke.

When a pit and fissure sealant is applied, it is advantageous to slide the bristles into the applicator tip, thereby shortening the bristle length from the tip and leaving only about 1 mm to about 2 mm of the bristle exposed. This has a stiffening effect on the bristles. Resin flows from the syringe through the brush tip and directly into the interfiber spaces of the brush. The chance for air bubbles is virtually eliminated. Smaller, more precise and desired quantities can be delivered to fissures than if large droplets are carried to the fissures on conventional dental instruments or dip-type brushes.

In addition, Figure 3 illustrates a male luer-lock fitting 30 on the applicator tip. The male luer-lock itting is designed to engage female luer-lock coupling 18. Should coupling 18 be constructed in a press-fit or screw- fit embodiment, then fitting 30 should be a corresponding press-fit or screw-fit embodiment so that the applicator tip may be removably attached to syringe barrel 12.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the applicator tip may be removed and replaced with a cap 32. In one embodiment of the invention, the syringe barrel may be marketed pre- filled with dental agent and capped with cap 32. Alterna¬ tively, the syringe barrel 12 may be filled with the dental agent by removing cap 32 and drawing the desired amount into the barrel.

In use, cap 32 is removed and replaced with applicator tip 14. After the dental agent is applied to the tooth surface, the applicator tip is removed and discarded. Cap 32 is then replaced, and the syringe barrel is stored until dental agent is needed in the future. If used properly, the syringe barrel should still be clean; never¬ theless, the syringe barrel may be disinfected, if neces¬ sary.

Dental agent applicator 10 is constructed of easy to disinfect materials. The syringe barrel, plunger, cou- pling, and applicator tip are preferably constructed of rigid plastic, though other suitable construction materials such as glass or metal may be used. It is also important that the syringe barrel, plunger, coupling, and applicator tip be constructed of a material which will not react with dental agent 16. In addition, the dental agent should not adhere to the construction material.

Because many dental agents which could be suitably used within the scope of the present invention are often light sensitive, the dental agent applicator is generally constructed of an opaque material. Thus, the syringe barrel, applicator tip, plunger, and coupling are preferab¬ ly constructed of black plastic. Different colored plastic may be used to identify the type of dental agent within the syringe barrel. Alternatively, printing or other identify¬ ing markings on the syringe barrel may be used to identify the type of dental agent. In addition, markings on the outer surface of the syringe barrel or plunger may be used to identify the volume of dental agent used or remaining. The plunger within the syringe barrel permits con¬ trolled dispensing of the dental agent to the tooth sur¬ face. It will be appreciated that other means may be used to control the dispensing of the bonding agent. For example, the dental agent applicator may be adapted for capsule use or for squeeze-bulb use. Many dental agents may be applied to tooth surfaces using the apparatus within the scope of the present inven¬ tion. Typical dental agents include dental bonding agents and sealants, such as dentin and pit and fissure sealants. These dental agents need to be precisely applied to speci¬ fic tooth surfaces in a very thin layer. Suitable dental agents should preferably have a viscosity low enough to flow through the small spaces between bristles 28, but not so low that the dental agent runs freely out the apparatus. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides apparatus and methods for applying dental agents to tooth surfaces which permit continuous application of the dental agent without the need to stop the dental procedure and rewet the applicator in a bonding agent source.

Additionally, it will be appreciated that the present invention further provides apparatus and methods for applying dental agents to tooth surfaces which permit accurate application of the dental agent to the precise tooth area that needs^* treatment.

Likewise, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides an apparatus for applying dental agents to tooth surfaces which may be disinfected and which is disposable, thereby enabling the dentist to maintain an aseptic environment. In addition, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides apparatus and methods for applying dental agents to tooth surfaces which permit the dental agent to be applied directly to the teeth from a sterile source not exposed to air, light, and airborne contami¬ nants. As a result, the present invention does not require the use of a transfer pad.

It will also be appreciated that the present invention provides apparatus and methods of applying dental agents to tooth surfaces which give the dentist greater control over the flow of bonding agent to the tooth surface. In this way, a proper amount of dental agent is applied to the tooth surface, not an excessive or insufficient amount.

Additionally it will be appreciated that the present invention provides apparatus and methods of applying dental agents to tooth surfaces which allow the dentist to apply the dental agent to small precise tooth locations.

It will also be appreciated that the present invention provides apparatus and methods of applying dental agents to tooth surfaces which allow the dentist to evenly apply the dental agent to broad tooth surfaces.

The present invention may be embodied in other speci¬ fic forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the forego¬ ing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:

Claims

1. An apparatus for controlled application of a dental agent to a predetermined tooth surface, comprising: reservoir means for holding a quantity of dental agent, said reservoir means being constructed of a chemically inert material with respect to the dental agent; means for applying the dental agent to a desired location on the tooth surface, the proximal end of the applying means being in communication with the reser- voir means such that the dental agent is applied onto the predetermined tooth surface by the distal end of the applying means, said applying means being general¬ ly tubular in shape and curved to facilitate applica¬ tion of the dental agent to the tooth surface; brush means secured within the applying means such that a portion of the brush means extends suffi¬ ciently beyond the distal end of the applying means in order to provide for precise application of the dental agent to the predetermined tooth surface; and means for controlled dispensing of the dental agent from the reservoir means to the distal end of the applying means in order to control the flow of the agent onto the predetermined tooth surface. 2. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 1, wherein the applying means is removably attached to the reservoir means.

3. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 1, wherein the reservoir means comprises a syringe barrel and the controlled dis¬ pensing means comprises a plunger located within the syringe barrel for controlling the flow of the dental agent.

4. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 1, wherein the brush means comprises a plurality of bristles secured within the distal end of the applying means, said bristles extending a distance from the distal end of the applying means in the range from about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

5. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth^* surface as defined in claim 1, wherein the brush means comprises a plurality of bristles secured within the distal end of the applying means, the distance said brist¬ les extend from the distal end of the applying means being adjustable. 6. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 1, wherein the bristles are constructed of soft nylon having a diameter in the range from about 0.002 inches to about 0.005 inches.

7. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 1, wherein the dental agent comprises a dental sealant.

8. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 1, wherein the dental agent comprises a pit and fissure sealant.

9. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 1, wherein the dental agent comprises a dentin sealant.

10. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 1, wherein the dental agent comprises a dental bonding agent.

11. An apparatus for controlled application of a dental agent to a predetermined tooth surface comprising:

a reservoir for holding a quantity of dental agent, said reservoir being constructed of a chemical¬ ly inert material with respect to the dental agent, and said reservoir being sufficiently opaque to prevent light-initiated activation of the dental agen ; a generally tubular-shaped member for applying the dental agent to a tooth surface, the proximal end of said tubular member being removably secured to and in communication with the reservoir such that the dental agent flows through the tubular member from the proximal end of the tubular member to the distal end of the tubular member, said tubular member being curved to facilitate application of the dental agent to the tooth surface; brush means secured within the distal end of the tubular member so as to substantially fill at least a portion of the interior of the tubular member, said brush means permitting flow of the dental agent therebetween, at least a portion of said brush means extending sufficiently beyond the distal end of the tubular member in order to provide for precise ap- plication of the dental agent to the predetermined tooth surface; and means for controlled dispensing of the dental agent, said dispensing means being capable of con- trolling the flow rate of the agent from the reser¬ voir onto the predetermined tooth surface.

12. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 11, wherein the tubular member is threadably attached to the reservoir.

13. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 11, wherein the tubular member is attached to the reservoir with a luer-lock.

14. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 11, wherein the tubular member is permanently secured to the reservoir.

15. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 11, wherein the reservoir comprises a syringe barrel and wherein the controlled dispensing means comprises a plunger located within the syringe barrel for controlling the flow of the dental agent. 16. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 15, wherein the brush means comprises a plurality of bristles secured within the distal end of the tubular member, said bristles extending a distance from the distal end of the tubular member in the range from about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

17. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 15, wherein the brush means comprises a plurality of bristles secured within the distal end of the tubular member, the distance said brist¬ les extend from the distal end of the tubular member being adjustable.

18. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 16, wherein the bristles are constructed of soft nylon having a diameter in the range from about 0.002 inches to about 0.005 inches.

19. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 11, wherein the dental agent comprises a dental sealant. 20. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 11, wherein the dental agent comprises a pit and fissure sealant.

21. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 11, wherein the dental agent comprises a dentin sealant.

22. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 11, wherein the dental agent comprises a dental bonding agent.

23. An apparatus for controlled application of a dental agent to a predetermined tooth surface comprising: a reservoir for holding a quantity of dental agent, said reservoir being constructed of a chemical- ly inert material with respect to the dental agent, and said reservoir being configured to prevent initia¬ tion of reaction with respect to the dental agent prior to application on the predetermined tooth surface; a generally tubular-shaped member for applying the dental agent to a tooth surface, the proximal end of said tubular member being in communication with the reservoir such that the dental agent flows through the tubular member from the proximal end of the tubular member to the distal end of the tubular member, said tubular member being curved to facilitate application of the dental agent to the tooth surface; a brush, comprising a plurality of bristles secured within the distal end of the tubular member so as to substantially fill at least a portion of the interior of the tubular member, said brush permitting flow of the dental agent therebetween, at least a portion of said brush means extending sufficiently beyond the distal end of the tubular member in order to provide for precise application of the dental agent to the predetermined tooth surface; and means for controlled dispensing the dental agent, said dispensing means being capable of controlling the flow rate of the dental agent from the reservoir onto the predetermined tooth surface.

24. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 23, wherein the plurality of bristles are packed within the distal end of the tubular member such that friction between the bristles and the tubular member secures the bristles in place.

25. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 23, wherein the bristles are constructed of soft nylon having a diameter in the range from about 0.002 inches to about 0.005 inches.

26. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 23, wherein the tubular member is removably attached to the reservoir.

27. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 26, wherein the tubular member is attached to the reservoir with a luer-lock.

28. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 23, wherein the distance the bristles extend from the distal end of the tubular member is adjustable.

29. An applicator tip for controlled application of a dental agent to a predetermined tooth surface, compris¬ ing: a generally tubular-shaped member for applying dental agent to a tooth surface, the proximal end of said tubular member being configured to be removably attached to a syringe barrel holding a quantity of dental agent, said tubular member being curved to facilitate precise application of the dental agent to the predetermined tooth surface, and said tubular member being constructed of a chemically inert mater¬ ial with respect to the dental agent, and said tubular member being configured to prevent initiation of reaction with respect to the dental agent prior to application on the predetermined tooth surface; and a brush, comprising a plurality of bristles adjustably secured within the distal end of the tubular member, said brush permitting flow of the dental agent therebetween, at least a portion of said brush extending sufficiently beyond the distal end of the tubular member in order to provide for precise application of the dental agent to the predetermined tooth surface. -S O-

SO. An apparatus for controlled application of a dental agent to a predetermined tooth surface, comprising:

a hollow barrel for holding a quantity of dental agent, said barrel being constructed of a chemically inert material with respect to the dental agent, and said reservoir being configured to prevent initiation of reaction with respect to the dental agent prior to application on the predetermined tooth surface; a generally tubular-shaped member for applying dental agent to a tooth surface, the proximal end of said tubular member being removably secured to and in communication with the reservoir such that the dental agent flows through the tubular member from the proximal end of the tubular member to the distal end of the tubular member, said tubular member being curved to facilitate precise application of the dental agent to the predetermined tooth surface; a brush, comprising a plurality of bristles secured within the distal end of the tubular member, said brush permitting flow of the dental agent there¬ between, at least a portion of said brush extending sufficiently beyond the distal end of the tubular member in order to provide for precise application of the dental agent to the predetermined tooth surface and wherein the distance the bristles extend form the distal end of the tubular member being adjustable; and a plunger, having a plunger head longi¬ tudinally movable within the barrel, said plunger being capable of controlling the flow rate of the dental agent from the barrel and onto the predet¬ ermined tooth surface.

31. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 30, wherein the plurality of bristles are packed within the distal end of the tubular member such that friction between the bristles and the tubular member secures the bristles in place.

32. An apparatus for applying a dental agent to a tooth surface as defined in claim 30, wherein the bristles are constructed of soft nylon having a diameter in the range from about 0.002 inches to about 0.005 inches.