Electric welding of metal dental prostheses in patients mouth - using hand tongs which press prostheses together and supply welding current pulse with low voltage

摘要

A pair of tongs is used to press at least two metal parts in the patient's mouth together so they are in contact on a joint surface (I); and an electrode is pressed onto each metal part so the area of each joint surface (II) between the electrodes and the parts is larger than surface (I) at least prior to welding. The two electrodes are then connected to a low voltage DC source to make the weld. The surfaces forming joint (I) are pref. wetted with an electrically conducting substance, esp. a salt soln., prior to welding. The process is used esp. to repair crowns, inlays and bridges. Substantial savings are achieved in time and cost, because it is not necessary to remove the crowns, etc. from the patient's teeth or jaw.