Abstract:
A laser device is disclosed that directs light to a tooth and analyzes scattered light reflected from the tooth. The device measures a time delay between excitation and reflections of light. Reflected light is analyzed to determine a presence and extent of dental caries on the tooth.
Abstract:
A fluid conditioning system is adapted to condition the fluid used in medical and dental cutting, irrigating, evacuating, cleaning, and drilling operations. The fluid may be conditioned by adding flavors, antiseptics and/or tooth whitening agents such as peroxide, medications, and pigments. In addition to the direct benefits obtained from introduction of these agents, the laser cutting properties may be varied from the selective introduction of the various agents.
Abstract:
A laser handpiece is described that connects to a laser base unit. The laser handpiece receives laser energy and ancillary inputs from a connector that connects to the laser base unit. A handpiece tip on the laser handpiece directs laser energy to a target surface.
Abstract:
An illumination device is described containing optical fibers that transmit electromagnetic energy from a source to a target. Additional optical fibers return reflected electromagnetic energy from the target. High-level electromagnetic energy can be used for cutting, reforming, or treating a surface. Low-level electromagnetic energy illuminates the surface.
Abstract:
A fluid conditioning system is adapted to condition the fluid used in medical and dental cutting, irrigating, evacuating, cleaning, and drilling operations. The fluid may be conditioned by adding flavors, antiseptics and/or tooth whitening agents such as peroxide, medications, and pigments. In addition to the direct benefits obtained from introduction of these agents, the laser cutting properties may be varied from the selective introduction of the various agents.
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 (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 apparatus having an excitation source that includes at least one laser diode and also having a handpiece with a disposable, bendable tip cannula i s 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:
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.