Endodontic devices

Abstract

A device for measuring the length of a root canal of a subject is provided. The device includes a flexible sheath slidable over a dental handpiece head. The sheath includes electrically conducting wires for connecting to an apex locator. Also provided is a device for measuring root canal length that includes an endodontic file having a metallic element at the file end far from the end inserted into a root canal. The modified file provides a region in the metallic element for electronic attachment to an apex locator such that the rubber stopper may be moved along the entire file surface without interference.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for measuring length of a root canal comprising:
 an endodontic file having a proximal end and a distal end;   wherein the proximal end of the file comprises a metallic element and the distal end is insertable into the root canal; and   wherein the metallic element is configured to accept a first end of a wire, wherein a second end of the wire is connected to an apex locator.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the file is detachably connected to the apex locator. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the metallic element comprises a knob. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first end of the wire comprises a connector element for attaching to the metallic element. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the connector element is a clip of the apex locator. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a slidable rubber stopper. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the rubber stopper may be moved freely along the length of the file. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal end comprises plastic. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the metallic element is exposed within an opening in the plastic.