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US 2007/0184402 A1Published application
Caries detection using real-time imaging and multiple excitation frequencies
OwnerDmitri Boutoussov, Ioana Rizoiuinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A laser device is disclosed that directs light to a tooth and analyzes scattered light reflected from the tooth. The device measures a time delay between excitation and reflections of light. Reflected light is analyzed to determine a presence and extent of dental caries on the tooth.
Claims23
A method of detecting dental caries, comprising:
- directing at least one excitation pulse of laser energy toward a surface of a tooth;
- receiving at least one corresponding return pulse of fluorescent radiation responsive to the electromagnetic energy;
- and
- determining at least one time delay between the at least one excitation pulse and the at least one corresponding returned pulse.
1 more element
An apparatus for detecting dental caries, comprising:
- an electromagnetic energy device capable of generating at least one excitation pulse of electromagnetic energy;
- a delivery system capable of directing the at least one excitation pulse toward a surface of a tooth;
- a detector capable of receiving at least one return pulse of fluorescent radiation corresponding to the at least one excitation pulse;
- and
- a controller capable of measuring a time delay between the transmitting of the at least one excitation pulse and the receiving of the at least one return pulse.
2 more elements
An apparatus capable of detecting dental caries, comprising:
- an electromagnetic energy device capable of directing electromagnetic energy to a surface of a tooth;
- a detector capable of receiving reflected electromagnetic radiation from the tooth according to the electromagnetic energy;
- and
- a controller capable of measuring a time delay according to the electromagnetic energy and the reflected electromagnetic radiation.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.