Plaque removal and differentiation of tooth and gum
US9333060B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 2010 |
| Grant date | May 10, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 6, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C17/024
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of tooth treatment includes sensing a surface condition of tooth or gum and controlling ejection of a fluid jet against the tooth based on the sensed condition. The fluid may be a liquid and may be carried in a self-contained reservoir in a handle of a fluid ejection device. The liquid can be a cleansing solution and may contain cleaning particles. The ejection can be controlled to clean teeth at high pressure and to reduce pressure applied to gum, for example, to clean plaque. In some embodiments, the method may be used to remove soft tooth. The method may further include automatically scanning the fluid jet relative to a handle of an injection device. In an embodiment, the fluid is ejected by means of a fluid ejector comprising a stationary magnet assembly providing a magnetic field and a coil assembly, slidably disposed with respect to the magnet assembly, the coil assembly driving ejection of the fluid jet. Sensing the surface condition can include measuring a response of tissue to a mechanical perturbation and may include sensing an acoustic signal reflected from tissue. The mechanical perturbation can include applied force and the measured response can include deform…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.