1. Field of the Invention
In common use in the dental profession are dental props for holding the mouth open during dental procedures. Such devices are sometimes wedge shaped, and are placed near the back of the mouth, between the upper and lower teeth, opposite the side of the mouth which needs to be accessed by the practitioner. Some of these devices are replaced after each use, because of the risk of cross contamination between patients.
Also in widespread use in the dental profession are overhead lights which the practitioner must continually attempt to position in such a way that he or she does not come between the light and the patient, blocking the light from its intended target. Various devices have incorporated a light source in attempts to overcome this problem.
The present invention relates to the incorporation of a light source into a dental prop.
2. Description of the Prior Art
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,167,814; 5,009,595; 5,205,733; and 5,588,836 are examples of dental devices which incorporate wedge shaped dental props similar to that of the present invention. None of these patents seek to provide a light to the mouth.
As shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,182,390; 4,802,851; 4,991,566; 5,152,686; 5,429,120; and 5,462,435; dental devices which incorporate a light source are commonly constructed of several distinct components which must be manufactured separately, and then assembled by hand. The labor required is likely to result in a retail price which makes it unlikely that such devices will be discarded after use with one patient. Further, the design of many such devices requires a size which fills a significant portion of the mouth, and therefore leaves less maneuvering room available to the dental practitioner.