Intraoral Scanner Probe for Precise Periodontal Pocket Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intraoral scanners face limitations in accurately measuring and imaging hard-to-reach areas within the oral cavity due to field of view constraints and measurement uncertainties, particularly in regions such as between teeth, sub-gingival sections, and periodontal pockets.

Innovation Solution

A laterally extending probe is integrated with the intraoral scanner, equipped with imaging and sensing capabilities, allowing for direct contact with intraoral surfaces to enhance measurement accuracy and provide additional data on properties like tissue stiffness, while also serving as a tool for treatment through channels for fluid delivery or tissue ablation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional intraoral scanner is used, then the device can capture general oral structures, but measurement uncertainty in hard-to-reach areas remains high (greater than 100 µm)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement uncertaintyVSAvoidaccess to hard-to-reach areas

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the scanning function into two specialized components: a conventional scanner for general areas and a probe with lateral imaging sensor for hard-to-reach areas. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the probe providing precise measurements in periodontal pockets and interproximal spaces where the conventional scanner fails.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The probe acts as an intermediary tool that bridges the gap between the conventional scanner and hard-to-reach areas. The probe tip contacts the tissue while the lateral imaging sensor captures images from angles that would otherwise be inaccessible, serving as a mediator that enables measurement in previously unreachable regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If the scanner attempts to image all areas including hard-to-reach regions, then coverage is improved, but field of view constraints and measurement uncertainty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging coverageVSAvoidimaging accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different imaging qualities to different regions: the conventional scanner provides adequate coverage for accessible areas, while the probe with its lateral imaging sensor provides high-quality, high-precision imaging specifically for hard-to-reach areas. Each region receives the appropriate level of imaging quality based on its accessibility and importance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If a probe is added to the scanner, then measurement accuracy in hard-to-reach areas improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The probe is merged with the scanner system, allowing both components to work together as an integrated unit. The probe can be attached to or integrated with the scanner handle, combining the advantages of both conventional scanning and contact probe measurement in a single unified system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The probe is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both imaging capabilities through the lateral sensor and measurement capabilities through the contact tip. This universal design allows a single probe component to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate tools, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If the probe contacts intraoral surfaces directly, then measurement accuracy improves, but the risk of tissue damage or discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface measurement accuracyVSAvoidtissue damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system partially replaces direct mechanical contact with optical imaging. The lateral imaging sensor on the probe captures images of the tissue surface without requiring forceful contact, reducing mechanical stress on the tissue. The contactless optical measurement method substitutes for purely mechanical probing, minimizing tissue damage risk while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4473940B1Dental device with probe

Publication Date: 2026.04.15 DENTLYTEC G P L LTD

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C

AI summary

An intra oral scanner (IOS) including a probe is disclosed. Optionally, the probe is calibrated to measure locations at a higher accuracy than the IOS. For example, the probe may be used to locate points in a 3D map at high precision and/or the points used to increase the precision of location of other points and/or surfaces in the map. In some embodiments, the probe includes a sensor. Optionally, the probe may be used to measure locations that are hard to view with the IOS. For example, the IOS probe combination may be used to produce 3D maps of a recess in a tooth and/or gums and/or a periodontal pocket and/or to traduce a 3D map or periodontal disease. In some embodiments the probe may be used to measure physical properties, for example, the IOS probe combination may be used to produce a 3D image of hardness of mucosa.