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Method and apparatus for apical detection with complex impedance measurement

  • US 5,759,159 A
  • Filed: 09/25/1996
  • Issued: 06/02/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/25/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An apical detection apparatus, comprising:

  • a first electrode, the first electrode including a conductive probe shaped for penetrating a root canal of a tooth;

    a second electrode configured to electrically contact a patient'"'"'s body;

    a phase detector coupled to the first and second electrodes, the phase detector being operative to detect a phase of a complex impedance having a real component and a reactive component;

    a user interface coupled to the phase detector to provide an indication to a user of a parameter that is a function of the detected phase;

    an electronic controller coupled to the phase detector, the controller being operative to produce a signal indicating location of the probe at an apex of the root canal as a function of the detected phase; and

    an amplitude detector operative to detect the magnitude of the complex impedance, wherein the controller is operative to produce the signal indicating location of the probe at an apex of the root canal as a function of both the detected phase and the magnitude.

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