Method of mapping internal 3-D structure of dental formations
AssigneeAsch-Klaassen Sonics, Inc.
InventorsHerbert A. Asch, Richard E. Klaassen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Dental formations, including teeth, gums and supporting bone structure within the oral cavity, can be mapped by ultrasonic scanning technique, thus allowing examination and diagnosis of conditions within the intraosseous environment, including hard and soft tissue. The mapping technique can provide highly resolved details of formations, such as teeth and bridges, and their resident defect, including caries and cracks. The mapped data allow for a more precise and accurate diagnosis for the dental patient, and it provides the dentist with a detailed archive for diagnosis.
Claims9
A method of mapping internal structure of dental formations by emitting an ultrasonic pulse to impinge on said structure and recording an ultrasonic response of said impinged formation, said method comprising:
- providing a transducer means positioned to produce an outgoing ultrasonic pulse for impinging directly on said dental formations;
- measuring the ultrasonic response from said dental formation;
- and
- displaying in a representation of said response to depict the internal structure of said dental formation.
An apparatus for mapping internal structure of a dental formation by emitting an ultrasonic pulse impinging on said formation and detecting an ultrasonic response from said apparatus comprising:
- a transducer array for emitting and detecting ultrasonic pulses;
- an articulating means to move said transducer array over and around said dental formation;
- a power source for activating movement of said articulating means;
- an electrical power source for exciting said transducer array;
- an amplification means for enhancing said ultrasonic response;
- and
- a computing for converting said ultrasonic response into an interpretable display.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.