Abstract:
Output optical energy pulses including relatively high energy magnitudes (62, 68) and steep slope at the beginning (64,66 ) of each pulse are disclosed. As a result of the relatively high energy magnitudes which lead each pulse, the leading edge of each pulse includes a relatively steep slope. This slope is preferably greater than or equal to 5. Additionally, the full-width half-max value of the output optical energy distributions are between .025 and 250 microseconds and, more preferably, are about 50-70 microseconds. A flashlamp is used to drive the laser system, and a current is used to drive the flashlamp. A flashlamp current generating circuit includes a solid core inductor which has an inductance of about 50 microhenries and a capacitor which has a capacitance of about 50 microfarads. The output optical energy pulses cut target surfaces by interacting with fluid that is located above, on and/or in the target surface. Methods are disclosed for therapeutically treating tissue with pulses of electromagnetic energy.
Abstract:
An endodontic probe is used to perform disinfection procedures on target tissues within root canal passages and tubules. The endodontic probe can include an electromagnetic radiation emitting fiber optic tip having a distal end and a radiation emitting region disposed proximally of the distal end. According to one aspect, the endodontic probe can include a porous structure that encompasses a region of the fiber optic tip excluding the radiation emitting region and that is loaded with biologically active particles, cleaning particles, biologically-active agents, or cleaning agents for delivery from the porous structure onto the target tissues. Another aspect can include provision of the endodontic probe with an adjustable channel-depth indicator, which encompasses a region of the fiber optic tip besides the radiation emitting region and which is movable in proximal and distal directions along a surface of the fiber optic tip to facilitate the provision of depth-of-insertion information.
Abstract:
An apparatus having an excitation source that includes at least one laser diode and also having a handpiece with a disposable, bendable tip cannula is disclosed.
Abstract:
Mouthpieces having activated textured surfaces that can be implemented using repetitive movement mechanisms and energy (e.g., electromagnetic radiation) emitting sources are disclosed. The mouthpieces may be used to provide detection, treatment and management of conditions including tooth discoloration and periodontal disease. Implementations can include a low-profile mouthpiece or a mouthpiece covering only front sides of the upper and lower teeth. Other combinations may include full-mouth implementations suitable for simultaneously covering part or all of a patient's upper and lower rows of teeth. The activated textured surfaces may include a surface topography consisting of bristles.
Abstract:
An electromagnetically induced cutting mechanism provides accurate cutting operations on hard or soil tissues The electromagnetically induced cutter is adapted to interact with atomized fluid particles A tissue emover comprises an aspiration cannula (1 12) housing a fluid (136) and energy (159) guide for conducting electromagnetically induced cutting forces to the site within a patient's body for aspiration of hard or soft tissue The cannula (1 12) is provided with a cannula distal end The proximal end of the cannula is provided with fluid flow connection ot an aspiration source Separated hard or soft tissue and find are aspirated through the cannula distal end and the canula by an aspiration source at the proximal end of the cannula Methods for suing such a cutter lor hard or so It tissue are also disclosed
Abstract:
A device for imparting therapeutic doses to living tissue is disclosed. The device includes a planar carrier including or structured to adjustably accommodate a multitude of electrodes. Positions of the electrodes may be altered by a user during a treatment procedure involving the impartation of therapeutic doses to the living tissue.
Abstract:
Output optical energy pulses including relatively high energy magnitudes at the beginning of each pulse are disclosed. As a result of the relatively high energy magnitudes which lead each pulse, the leading edge of each pulse includes a relatively large slope. This slope is preferably greater than or equal to 5. Additionally, the full-width half-max value of the output optical energy distributions are between .025 and 250 microseconds and, more preferably, are about 70 microseconds. A flashlamp (41) is used to drive the laser system, and a current is used to drive the flashlamp. A flashlamp current generating circuit (30) includes a solid core inductor (39) which has an inductance of 50 microhenries and a capacitor (35) which has a capacitance of 50 microfarads.
Abstract:
Outputs of a plurality of electromagnetic energy emitting devices are merged to create merged electromagnetic energy. The merged electromagnetic energy illuminates a target with a spot size larger than a spot size obtained with a single electromagnetic energy emitting device.
Abstract:
An apparatus having an excitation source that includes at least one laser diode and also having a handpiece with a disposable, bendable tip cannula is disclosed.