| abstract |
A bite block system for maintaining the mouth of the patient in an open position during a dental procedure. In one embodiment, the bite block includes a plastically deformable material on at least a surface thereof for making an impression of the patient's teeth. Such customized bite blocks provide greater safety and comfort. In another aspect, a tongue suppressing bite block system includes a bite block and a tongue suppressor adjustably attached thereto so that the tongue suppressor can be adjusted horizontally or vertically relative to the bite block to account for variations in the size of patient's mouths, teeth and tongues. In another aspect of the invention, an anatomical tongue suppressor is provided for use with a bite block. The anatomical tongue suppressor wraps around the side and underneath the tongue in order to cradle it in a more comfortable and secure fashion when in use with a bite block. The anatomical tongue suppressor may optionally include a saliva aspiration port that permits the aspiration of saliva through one or more lumens within the tongue suppressor. |