Intraoral 3D Volumetric Imaging for Radiation-Free Tooth Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental imaging methods, such as X-rays and CBCT, rely on ionizing radiation and struggle to accurately visualize soft tissues and internal tooth structures like enamel and dentin, limiting their effectiveness in diagnosing conditions like caries and cracks.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing non-ionizing radiation-based intraoral scanning systems that generate 3D volumetric models incorporating surface and internal tooth structures, enabling detailed visualization and tracking of regions of interest, and allowing for pseudo-x-ray image generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ionizing radiation (X-rays, CBCT) is used to image internal tooth structures, then imaging depth and internal structure visibility are improved, but patient exposure to harmful radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ionizing radiation-based imaging systems with a non-ionizing optical imaging system. Specifically, it uses near-infrared light sources and optical detectors to image internal tooth structures, substituting the mechanical/electromagnetic radiation-based X-ray and CBCT systems with an optical-based system that avoids harmful radiation exposure while maintaining imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the imaging radiation from ionizing X-ray frequencies to non-ionizing near-infrared frequencies. This parameter change allows the system to penetrate tooth structures sufficiently for imaging while eliminating the harmful effects associated with ionizing radiation, thus resolving the contradiction between imaging depth and radiation safety.
2Measurement precision
If conventional X-ray imaging is used, then internal structures can be visualized, but soft tissues and low-density features (plaque, soft calculus) cannot be easily detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the imaging wavelength to near-infrared, which has different interaction properties with dental tissues compared to X-rays. This wavelength parameter change enables the detection of soft tissues and low-density features like plaque and soft calculus that are invisible to conventional X-ray imaging, while still providing internal structure visualization.
3Measurement precision
If multiple imaging modalities are used to achieve comprehensive dental imaging, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device complexity and procedure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal intraoral scanning system that performs multiple imaging functions using a single device. The system simultaneously captures surface topography, subsurface structures, and soft tissue information through multi-wavelength optical imaging, eliminating the need for multiple separate imaging modalities and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges surface scanning and internal structure imaging into a single integrated optical imaging process. By combining multiple wavelengths and detection methods within one system, it achieves comprehensive dental imaging without requiring separate X-ray, CBCT, and surface scanner devices, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
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
Provides accurate, radiation-free imaging of dental structures, facilitating improved diagnosis and treatment planning by enhancing the visibility of internal tooth features and enabling tracking of changes over time.
Implementation Method 1
it would be beneficial to provide methods and apparatuses, including devices and systems, such as intraoral scanning systems, that may be used to model a subject's tooth or teeth and include both external (surface) and internal (within the enamel and dentin) structures and composition using non-ionizing radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for taking, using and displaying three-dimensional (3D) volumetric models of a patient's dental arch. A 3D volumetric model may include surface (e.g., color) information as well as information on internal structure, such as near-infrared (near-IR) transparency values for internal structures including enamel and dentin.