Tooth cleaner with calculus detection function
By integrating signal processing, sampling, and feedback modules into the dental scaler, and utilizing ultrasonic transducers to detect periodontal pocket calculus, the problem of the dental scaler's inability to detect it has been solved, improving the detection efficiency and treatment effectiveness of periodontal pocket calculus.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511325226.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-17
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-14
Smart Images

Figure CN120938644A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of periodontal pocket calculus detection technology, and in particular to a dental cleaning machine with calculus detection function. Background Technology
[0002] Ultrasonic scaling technology has been widely used in the field of oral health care. Ultrasonic scaling machines can effectively remove supragingival and subgingival calculus through ultrasonic vibration. However, for the removal of periodontal pocket calculus, medical staff can only rely on experience to scrape the areas where calculus may exist. They cannot determine whether there is residual calculus. The presence of residual calculus will become a breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria and continue to affect oral health.
[0003] Periodontal pocket calculus is encased in the gums, and it is normally difficult to detect with the naked eye. Experienced medical professionals can determine the presence of calculus by observing the health of the gums. After scaling and root planing, it is impossible to determine whether there is any calculus residue. Experienced doctors will gently scrape again with an ultrasonic tool tip and judge whether there is any residual calculus by touch.
[0004] A visual periodontal treatment device has now appeared on the market. It uses a sharp metal head to pry open the gums and expose the tooth roots. A miniature camera on the metal head takes pictures of the periodontal pockets and transmits them to a computer. Medical staff can see if there is tartar in the periodontal pockets. However, this technology is limited by several factors. First, the device is not cheap. Purchasing an expensive device to observe whether there is any tartar residue is not cost-effective for clinics at present. Second, patients will feel uncomfortable when using the device to pry open the gums and may need anesthesia. Anesthetic drugs are controlled drugs, and both the cost and the level of surgery will increase when anesthesia is used. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a dental scaler with calculus detection function, which aims to solve the problem that existing dental scalers cannot perform calculus detection.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a dental scaler with calculus detection function, comprising a main unit, a sampling module, a signal processing module, a feedback module, and an ultrasonic transducer;
[0007] The signal processing module, the sampling module, and the feedback module are all installed inside the host. The ultrasonic transducer is connected to the signal processing module and the sampling module.
[0008] The ultrasonic transducer includes an ultrasonic handle and a working tip, with the working tip mounted on the front end of the ultrasonic handle.
[0009] The working tip has a scale, which is used to determine the depth of dental calculus.
[0010] The sampling module is connected to the output section wire of the ultrasonic handpiece and is used to collect the amplitude or phase of the current / voltage signal at the output end, and transmit it to the signal processing module after filtering and amplification.
[0011] The feedback module uses signal lights and sound feedback.
[0012] This invention discloses a dental scaler with calculus detection function. After selecting the periodontal pocket calculus detection function on the scaler's control panel, in the no-load state, the signal processing module first searches for the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer and drives it at a low power. The sampling module collects the output current signal, converts it into a voltage signal, and amplifies the voltage across the sampling resistor before feeding it back to the signal processing module as an initial signal recorded in the main unit. When the medical staff inserts the ultrasonic transducer into the periodontal pocket and moves it parallel to the teeth, the working tip is obstructed by the gums and calculus. Both forces affect the natural frequency of the ultrasonic transducer. At this time, the main unit still outputs an electrical signal at the no-load frequency. Since the ultrasonic transducer is not operating in a resonant state, the equivalent resistance increases, and the corresponding output current signal weakens. The sampling module collects the reduced voltage signal through the sampling resistor, amplifies it, and inputs it to the main unit of the signal processing module. The main unit compares this signal with the initial signal. If, after excluding gum interference, the change still exceeds a set threshold, calculus residue is detected, and the feedback module sends a signal light or sound to the medical staff. This solves the problem that existing dental cleaning machines cannot detect tartar. Attached Figure Description
[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram provided in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dental cleaning machine with calculus detection function provided by the present invention.
[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of detail A.
[0017] In the diagram: 10-working tip, 20-ultrasound handpiece, 30-sampling module, 40-signal processing module, 50-feedback module, 60-main unit, 70-scale. Detailed Implementation
[0018] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
[0019] Please see Figures 1 to 3 This invention provides a dental scaler with calculus detection function, including a main unit 60, a sampling module 30, a signal processing module 40, a feedback module 50, and an ultrasonic transducer;
[0020] The signal processing module 40, the sampling module 30, and the feedback module 50 are all installed inside the host 60. The ultrasonic transducer is connected to the signal processing module 40 and the sampling module 30.
[0021] Furthermore, the ultrasonic transducer includes an ultrasonic handle 20 and a working tip 10, with the working tip 10 mounted on the front end of the ultrasonic handle 20.
[0022] Furthermore, the working tip 10 has a scale 70, which is used to determine the depth of dental calculus.
[0023] Furthermore, the sampling module 30 is connected to the output section wire of the ultrasonic handpiece 20 to collect the amplitude or phase of the current / voltage signal at the output end, and transmits it to the signal processing module 40 after filtering and amplification.
[0024] Furthermore, the feedback module 50 uses signal lights and sound feedback.
[0025] In this embodiment, after selecting the periodontal pocket calculus detection function on the operation panel of the dental scaler, the signal processing module 40 first searches for the ultrasonic transducer in the no-load state and drives the ultrasonic transducer with a low power. The sampling module 30 collects the output current signal and converts it into a voltage signal. The voltage of the sampling resistor is then amplified and fed back to the signal processing module 40 as an initial signal and recorded in the host 60. When medical staff insert the ultrasonic transducer into the periodontal pocket and move it parallel to the teeth, the working tip 10 is obstructed by the gums and tartar. Both forces affect the natural frequency of the ultrasonic transducer. At this time, the main unit 60 outputs an electrical signal at an unloaded frequency. Since the ultrasonic transducer is not operating in a resonant state, its equivalent resistance increases, and the corresponding output current signal weakens. The sampling module 30 collects the reduced voltage signal through the sampling resistor, amplifies it, and inputs it to the main unit 60 of the signal processing module 40. The main unit 60 compares this signal with the initial signal. If the change still exceeds a set threshold after excluding gum interference, tartar residue is detected, and the feedback module 50 sends a signal light or sound to the medical staff. This solves the problem that existing dental cleaning machines cannot detect tartar.
[0026] Example 1:
[0027] On the control panel of the dental scaler, after selecting the periodontal pocket calculus detection function, in the no-load state, the microcontroller in the signal processing module will first search for the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer composed of the ultrasonic handpiece and the working tip, and drive the working tip with low power. The sampling resistor in the sampling module is connected to the output terminal of the handpiece, collects the output current signal of the handpiece, converts it into a voltage signal, and then calculates and amplifies the voltage of the sampling resistor before feeding it back to the IO port of the microcontroller in the signal processing module for storage, which is recorded in the microcontroller as the initial signal.
[0028] As the medical staff inserts the working tip into the periodontal pocket and moves it parallel to the teeth, the working tip will be obstructed by the gums and tartar. Both of these forces will affect the natural frequency of the ultrasonic transducer. At this time, the microcontroller is still outputting an electrical signal at the no-load frequency. Since the ultrasonic transducer is not working in a resonant state, the equivalent resistance will increase, and the current signal output from the corresponding handle section will weaken. The sampling module collects the reduced voltage signal through the sampling resistor, performs calculations and amplification, and then inputs it to the I / O port of the microcontroller in the signal processing module. The microcontroller will compare this signal with the initial signal. If the change still exceeds the set threshold after excluding the interference from the gums, it is determined that there is tartar residue. Then, it will provide feedback to the medical staff through the feedback module, such as an indicator light or sound.
[0029] The working tip has a scale that can indicate the depth of the calculus. After the calculus is detected, the medical staff steps on the foot pedal, and the microcontroller will operate at a set power to output a vibration of a certain intensity to remove the periodontal pocket calculus. This vibration intensity exceeds the vibration intensity under the previous detection state.
[0030] The ultrasonic transducer includes a handle and a working tip. The working tip is slender and has graduations, which can be used to determine the depth of tartar.
[0031] The sampling module is connected to the output section wire of the ultrasonic transducer to collect the current / voltage signal at the output end, and transmits it to the I / O port of the microcontroller in the signal processing module after filtering and amplification.
[0032] The reference parameters stored in the microcontroller are the amplitudes of the current / voltage signals under no-load conditions. Each startup completes the initial acquisition and storage of parameters in a short time. The parameters acquired after storage are real-time parameters, which are used to compare with the stored parameters. If the parameters exceed the set threshold, the microcontroller will determine that there may be stones and provide feedback to the doctor through the feedback module in the form of signal lights / sound.
[0033] Example 2:
[0034] In this embodiment, the periodontal pocket calculus detection technology can be made into a standalone instrument, rather than being limited to being implemented on an ultrasonic scaler.
[0035] Example 3:
[0036] In this example, the periodontal pocket detection mode can be selected through means other than touch, such as button operation, screen touch operation, foot pedal operation, etc.
[0037] Example 4:
[0038] In this example, in addition to comparing voltage change signals, the sampling signal can also be compared by acquiring the phase of voltage / current. The change in phase difference can be used to determine the magnitude of the resistance experienced by the working tip, thereby determining whether a stone has been encountered.
[0039] Example 5:
[0040] In this example, feedback to the doctor can be provided through means other than indicator lights or sounds, such as on-screen prompts.
[0041] Example 6:
[0042] In this example, you can also use only the periodontal pocket calculus detection function. After detecting calculus, exit the detection mode and select the regular cleaning mode to remove the calculus.
[0043] Beneficial effects:
[0044] This invention adds a periodontal pocket calculus detection system to a dental scaler, assisting medical staff in detecting periodontal pocket calculus. This is more intuitive than the traditional method of relying on touch and experience, and even inexperienced medical staff can perform the procedure. The treatment of periodontal disease is more efficient and thorough. Moreover, this invention has a limited increase in the cost of the dental scaler, but it increases the functionality of the dental scaler, meets the needs of most clinics, and does not affect the patient's dental cleaning experience.
[0045] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of a dental scaler with calculus detection function according to the present invention. It should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the processes of the above embodiments can be implemented, and equivalent changes made in accordance with the claims of the present invention are still within the scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A dental scaler with calculus detection function, characterized in that, It includes a main unit, a sampling module, a signal processing module, a feedback module, and an ultrasonic transducer; The signal processing module, the sampling module, and the feedback module are all installed inside the host. The ultrasonic transducer is connected to the signal processing module and the sampling module.
2. A dental scaler with calculus detection function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic transducer includes an ultrasonic handle and a working tip, with the working tip mounted on the front end of the ultrasonic handle.
3. The dental scaler with calculus detection function as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The working tip has a scale, which is used to determine the depth of tartar.
4. The dental scaler with calculus detection function as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The sampling module is connected to the output section wire of the ultrasonic handpiece and is used to collect the amplitude or phase of the current / voltage signal at the output end. After filtering and amplification, the signal is transmitted to the signal processing module.
5. The dental scaler with calculus detection function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The feedback module uses signal lights and sound feedback.