Caries detection using real-time imaging and multiple excitation frequencies
First Claim
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1. 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.
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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.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method of detecting dental caries, comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 21)
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7. An apparatus for detecting dental caries, comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 22)
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14. An apparatus capable of detecting dental caries, comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23)
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Specification