Apical position locator
US8388340B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 21, 2005 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 26, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C19/042
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and system are disclosed for detecting an apical position depending on the change in the impedance between a first electrode inserted into the root canal of the tooth of a patient and a second external electrode applied to a body surface of the patient. According to some embodiments, a regulated current such as an alternating current having a substantially constant amplitude is supplied between the two electrodes, and this current serves as a measurement signal. Alternatively or additionally, the frequency of the time varying (e.g. alternating) current is at least 50 KHZ, and/or at most about 300 KHZ. In some embodiments, the presently disclosed device includes a processing unit which determines a capacitance-governed function when the first electrode is in the apical region, and which determined a function at least moderately governed by resistance when the electrode is in the dental neck region. Optionally, the first electrode inserted into the root canal is a dental file or reamer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.