Inventors:
Gregory C. Skinner - Hemet CA
Gaylen J. Cox - Provo UT
International Classification:
A61C 514
Abstract:
A dental absorbency device is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention as including a flat section comprising a single sheet of a highly absorbent material having a contoured elongated shape preferably sized to fit comfortably within a human mouth for the purpose of absorbing moisture, contaminants, blood, saliva, water, and/or other fluids at an operative field. In preferred design, the flat section may be formed having an upper surface, a lower surface, and peripheral edges which are unobstructed to fluid flow so as to provide a means for encouraging the absorption of fluids therethrough. The upper surface is preferably formed having an impervious, non-absorbent coating that resists slippage of the elongated flat section when disposed within the mouth of a patient. Structurally, the upper surface of the flat section includes at least one porous opening for absorbing fluids therethrough, whereas in contrast, the lower surface provides a means for absorbing fluids through its entire external surface area. A collection reservoir is preferably disposed between the upper and lower surfaces of the elongated flat section and functions to provide a means for retaining the collected fluids therein.