RETRACTOR FOR PROTECTING THE TONGUE AND CHEEK DURING DENTAL TREATMENT

摘要

Disclosed is a simple instrument that can be easily used by a dentist during dental treatment in a dental clinic or in an operating room under general anaesthetic. The instrument helps to protect the tongue and cheek and provides a dry, hygienic, light-reflecting surgical site in the mouth to reduce time and effort and facilitate treatment of the upper and lower teeth. This instrument differs considerably from all of the conventional means used. It comprises two isolating pads, one (a) for the tongue and the other (b) for the cheek, which are characterised in that they are flexible and have tapered edges, the two pads connected by a flexible, pliable strap (c) having tapered edges. Each pad consists of a plurality of layers: the first layer (1), which is in contact with the oral tissues, is a thin cotton layer that facilitates adhesion to the tissues and absorption of saliva and liquid; the second layer (2) is a fast-absorbing material that absorbs saliva and liquid and converts it into gel; the third layer (3) is a supporting layer made of flexible reinforced plastic for supporting and stabilising the pad; and the final layer (4), which is in contact with the teeth, is a white, liquid-isolating, smooth, flexible, reinforced sheet.