Device for detecting dental caries
First Claim
1. Device for detecting dental caries, having an illumination device which emits radiation at a predetermined wavelength in the spectral range from 360 to 580 nm towards at least one tooth, and having at least one filter which accepts radiation returned by the tooth in a predetermined spectral range above 620 nm, the accepted radiation being evaluated for caries detection, wherein the illumination device has at least one light guide, by means of which the radiation is supplied to the tooth, and wherein a detector is connected after the filter, seen in the direction of the returned radiation, which detector converts the radiation supplied to it into a first electrical signal, and a further filter is provided which accepts radiation returned by the tooth in a further spectral range different from the spectral range of the filter, and the detector converts the filtered radiation into a second electrical signal which is supplied to a quotient-forming element, which forms a quotient from the first signal and the second signal, which quotient serves as a measure of the presence of caries.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A device for detecting dental caries has an illumination device which emits radiation of a pre-determined wavelength towards a tooth. A filter accepts radiation returned by the tooth in a pre-determined spectral range. The accepted radiation is evaluated for caries detection. The illumination device has at least one light guide, by means of which the radiation can be supplied to the tooth. The illumination device emits radiation in the spectral range from 360 to 580 nm. The filter accepts the returned radiation in the spectral range above 620 nm. The device can be used in a flexible manner and enables a low level of caries to be identified.
278 Citations
39 Claims
- 1. Device for detecting dental caries, having an illumination device which emits radiation at a predetermined wavelength in the spectral range from 360 to 580 nm towards at least one tooth, and having at least one filter which accepts radiation returned by the tooth in a predetermined spectral range above 620 nm, the accepted radiation being evaluated for caries detection, wherein the illumination device has at least one light guide, by means of which the radiation is supplied to the tooth, and wherein a detector is connected after the filter, seen in the direction of the returned radiation, which detector converts the radiation supplied to it into a first electrical signal, and a further filter is provided which accepts radiation returned by the tooth in a further spectral range different from the spectral range of the filter, and the detector converts the filtered radiation into a second electrical signal which is supplied to a quotient-forming element, which forms a quotient from the first signal and the second signal, which quotient serves as a measure of the presence of caries.
- 12. Device for detecting dental caries, having an illumination device which emits radiation at a predetermined wavelength in the spectral range from 360 to 580 nm towards at least one tooth, and having at least one filter which accepts radiation returned by the tooth in a predetermined spectral range above 620 nm, the accepted radiation being evaluated for caries detection, wherein the illumination device has at least one light guide, by means of which the radiation is supplied to the tooth, and wherein a detector is connected after the filter, seen in the direction of the returned radiation, which detector converts the radiation supplied to it into a first electrical signal, and a further filter is provided which accepts radiation returned by the tooth in a further spectral range different from the spectral range of the filter, and a further detector converts the filtered radiation into a second electrical signal which is supplied to a quotient-forming element, which forms a quotient from the first signal and the second signal, which quotient serves as a measure of the presence of caries.
-
23. Device for detecting dental caries, having an illumination device which emits radiation at a predetermined wavelength in the spectral range from 360 to 580 nm towards at least one tooth, and having at least one filter which accepts radiation returned by the tooth in a predetermined spectral range above 620 nm, the accepted radiation being evaluated for caries detection, wherein the illumination device has at least one light guide, by means of which the radiation is supplied to the tooth, and wherein the at least one light guide is provided on the side of the illumination device with a separating mirror, the separating surface of which is inclined at an angle of substantially 45°
- from the optical axis of the light guide.
- View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
- 31. Device for detecting dental caries, having an illumination device which emits radiation at a predetermined wavelength in the spectral range from 360 to 580 nm towards at least one tooth, and having at least one filter which accepts radiation returned by the tooth in a predetermined spectral range above 620 nm, the accepted radiation being evaluated for caries detection, wherein the illumination device has at least one light guide, by means of which the radiation is supplied to the tooth, and wherein the light guide is surrounded by an outer light guide which guides the returned radiation.
Specification