Optical detection of dental caries
US7577284B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 21, 2006 |
| Grant date | Aug 18, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 14, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/0088
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for caries detection uses an image capture device (30, 32) to obtain fluorescence image data from the tooth (20) by illuminating the tooth to excite fluorescent emission. A first enhanced image of the tooth is then obtained by illuminating the tooth at a first incident angle, obtaining a back-scattered reflectance image data from the tooth tissue, and combining the back-scattered reflectance image data with the fluorescence image data. A second enhanced image of the tooth is then obtained by illuminating the tooth at a second incident angle, obtaining a back-scattered reflectance image data from the tooth tissue, and combining the back-scattered reflectance image data with the fluorescence image data. The first and second enhanced images are then analyzed to select and display the best-contrast image. This method provides high contrast images for carious regions (58) on all tooth surfaces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.