Dental Plaque Detection Using Fluorescence Distance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting dental plaque in the oral cavity are prone to inaccuracies due to fluctuations caused by the distance between the radiation source and the surface being examined, leading to unreliable plaque value readings.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that uses a fluorescent agent bound to plaque, with incident radiation and optical collectors to determine average plaque values before and after cleaning, compensating for distance variations to provide a consistent plaque value measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If fluorescence measurement is used to detect plaque, then plaque detection capability is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to distance fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors fluorescence signal intensity and uses this feedback to adjust the radiation source intensity or detector sensitivity, compensating for distance variations and maintaining accurate plaque measurements regardless of probe positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as radiation source intensity or integration time based on detected distance or signal strength, allowing accurate plaque measurement across varying distances by dynamically adjusting measurement parameters
2Illumination intensity
If the radiation source and detector are positioned closer to the surface, then fluorescence signal strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates flexible or adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the radiation source and detector to dynamically adapt to different tooth surfaces and contours, maintaining optimal signal strength without requiring complex fixed positioning structures
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses multi-functional components such as LEDs that provide both radiation and structural support, or integrated probe designs that combine radiation source, detector, and positioning elements into unified components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining signal strength
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures accurate and consistent detection and removal of plaque by accounting for distance, providing a reliable assessment of plaque presence on oral cavity surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescent agent capable of binding to plaque on the surface of the at least one tooth, with incident radiation of a wavelength effective to provide a fluorescent emission when contacted with the fluorescent agent on the surface of the at least one tooth
Data Source
AI summary
A method of cleaning an oral cavity, the method including positioning a device suitable for detecting and removing plaque from a surface of the oral cavity within the oral cavity, cleaning and irradiating the surface of a tooth in the oral cavity, the tooth having applied thereto a fluorescent agent, with incident radiation of a wavelength effective to provide a fluorescent emission when contacted with the fluorescent agent on the tooth, collecting at least a portion of the fluorescent emission over a first time period, determining a first average fluorescent emission value (APV1), collecting at least a portion of the fluorescent emission over a second time period, determining a second average plaque value (APV2); and comparing the APV1 to the APV2.