LED Illuminator for Dental Instrument Wavelength Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental clinicians face challenges in distinguishing between tooth-colored fillings and natural tooth structure during removal procedures, as well as in detecting caries and plaque, due to similarities in optical properties, leading to potential over-removal of healthy tooth tissue and incomplete removal of decayed areas, which can result in pulp damage and bacterial retention.
Innovation Solution
A dental instrument or coupling with a light-emitting diode (LED) illuminator capable of emitting light at various selectable wavelengths, including UVA, visible blue, and red, to facilitate fluorescence-based differentiation between healthy and decayed tooth structures, and to identify plaque and calculus, integrated with dental instruments like drills and scalers, allowing for more precise removal and visualization during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If tooth-colored filling materials are used to restore teeth, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the ability to distinguish between filling material and natural tooth structure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes fluorescence properties that cause different materials to emit different colors under specific wavelengths of light. Tooth-colored fillings, natural tooth structure, caries, and plaque all exhibit distinct fluorescence signatures when exposed to blue or ultraviolet light, enabling visual differentiation through color changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the illumination parameter from standard visible light to specific wavelengths (blue light around 450-480nm or ultraviolet light) that excite fluorescence. This parameter change reveals previously invisible fluorescent properties of different dental materials, allowing clinicians to distinguish between fillings, healthy tooth structure, caries, and plaque.
2Illumination intensity
If tooth-colored fillings are used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but the risk of over-removal of healthy tooth tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescence inspection is performed before the filling removal procedure begins. This preliminary action allows the clinician to map the boundaries of the filling material and identify healthy tooth structure in advance, creating a visual guide that prevents accidental removal of sound tooth tissue during the subsequent drilling or scaling procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescence imaging provides real-time visual feedback during the filling removal process. As the clinician removes material, the fluorescence signal continuously indicates whether the remaining tissue is healthy (maintaining normal fluorescence) or filling material (showing abnormal fluorescence), allowing precise control and immediate correction if healthy tissue is at risk.
3Illumination intensity
If tooth-colored fillings are used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but the detection of caries and plaque deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the fact that caries and plaque have different fluorescence properties than healthy tooth structure and filling materials. When exposed to blue or ultraviolet light, caries and plaque emit distinct fluorescent colors or intensities, creating visual contrast that makes them easily detectable despite the presence of tooth-colored fillings that match the natural tooth shade.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for illumination and dental procedures, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluorescence illumination source, optical filters, and dental treatment instruments into a single integrated device. The housing contains both the light source for fluorescence excitation and the dental instrument (drill, scaler, or polisher), with optical filters positioned to allow fluorescence detection while blocking the excitation wavelength. This merging eliminates the need for separate illumination devices and simplifies the clinical workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions: it provides fluorescence illumination for detection, acts as a dental drill or scaler for treatment, and includes optical filtering for image enhancement. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate instruments, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.
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
Enables precise identification and removal of tooth-colored fillings, caries, and plaque, reducing the risk of damaging healthy tooth tissue and improving the efficiency of dental procedures by providing real-time fluorescence visualization, thus enhancing the accuracy and safety of dental treatments.
Implementation Method 1
A dental instrument or coupling with a light-emitting diode (LED) illuminator capable of emitting light at various selectable wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
facilitate fluorescence-based differentiation between healthy and decayed tooth structures
Data Source
AI summary
A dental instrument, or a coupling connectable to the dental instrument, comprises an illuminator having a plurality of light emitting diodes that are each capable of emitting light at a selected wavelength in a range 260 to 880 nm. White or near white light emitting diodes may also be included together with a switch. Fluorescence-based diagnosis can be assisted by the use of a single dye or mixture of dyes. Light of about 400-540 nm wavelength may be used to distinguish composite, porcelain or other tooth coloured filling materials from normal tooth structures. Light of about 260-450 nm wavelength may be used to identify dental caries, calculus and/or dental plaque. Light of about 350-500 nm wavelength may be used to cure dental composite. Typically, the dental instrument is, or comprises, a drill, de-scaler, or other instruments such as for cleaning, examination or diagnosis of dental conditions.