Dual-Wavelength Tooth Probe for Pulp Thickness Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental practices lack a non-invasive and efficient method to detect the presence and distance to the dental pulp, relying heavily on experience and X-ray imaging, which is limited and exposes patients to radiation, leading to unintended pulp exposure and increased treatment costs.
Innovation Solution
A handheld dental probe using dual or triple wavelength illumination (e.g., green and red LEDs) to measure light reflection and scattering, analyzing intensity maps to estimate the thickness of rigid tooth material covering the pulp, providing real-time pulp proximity warnings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-ray imaging is used to detect pulp proximity, then measurement capability is improved, but treatment time increases and harmful radiation is utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces X-ray imaging (electromagnetic radiation-based system) with optical illumination and camera-based imaging. The system uses visible or near-infrared light sources to illuminate the tooth and captures reflected light images, substituting the mechanical/electromagnetic X-ray system with an optical system that provides real-time imaging without ionizing radiation, thereby reducing treatment time and eliminating radiation hazards while maintaining pulp proximity detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or image of the tooth structure by capturing reflected light patterns with a camera. Instead of using physical X-ray penetration to visualize internal structures, the system generates a visual representation (copy) of the tooth anatomy through surface light reflection patterns, allowing pulp proximity assessment without the time-consuming and harmful X-ray process
2Measurement precision
If X-ray imaging is used to detect pulp proximity, then measurement capability is improved, but harmful ionizing radiation is utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces X-ray imaging (electromagnetic radiation-based system) with optical illumination and camera-based imaging. The system uses visible or near-infrared light sources to illuminate the tooth and captures reflected light images, substituting the mechanical/electromagnetic X-ray system with an optical system that provides real-time imaging without ionizing radiation, thereby reducing treatment time and eliminating radiation hazards while maintaining pulp proximity detection capability
3Reliability
If stepwise excavation is used to reduce pulp exposure failure rate, then pulp exposure failure rate is reduced, but treatment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary assessment of pulp proximity before excavation begins by capturing images at multiple stages (before, during, and after excavation). The system allows the dentist to evaluate the remaining dentine thickness in real-time and make informed decisions about excavation depth, preventing unintended pulp exposure without requiring multiple appointment stepwise excavation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where images captured during excavation are analyzed to provide real-time information about remaining dentine thickness and pulp proximity. This feedback loop allows the dentist to adjust excavation depth dynamically, preventing pulp exposure and eliminating the need for complex stepwise excavation protocols with multiple follow-up appointments
4Ease of operation
If dentist relies on experience and visual appearance to detect pulp proximity, then treatment simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an optical copy or image of the tooth structure by capturing reflected light patterns with a camera. Instead of using physical X-ray penetration to visualize internal structures, the system generates a visual representation (copy) of the tooth anatomy through surface light reflection patterns, allowing pulp proximity assessment without the time-consuming and harmful X-ray process
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 accurate and non-invasive detection of pulp proximity, reducing unintended exposure and treatment costs by integrating with existing dental tools, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
measure the intensity of light reflected and scattered from the tooth
Implementation Method 2
measure the intensity of light reflected and scattered from the tooth
Implementation Method 3
the blood in the dental pulp can then absorb or reflect the light. In some cases, the absorption and/or reflection is dependent on the wavelength of the light
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A device for estimating the thickness of rigid material in a tooth covering the pulp of the tooth. The device comprises a light source arrangement configured to emit light at a first wavelength and light at a second wavelength onto the tooth and a sensor arrangement for measuring the intensity of light reflected and scattered from the tooth corresponding to the first and second wavelengths. The device also comprises a processor configured to receive a first intensity map corresponding to the first wavelength and a second intensity map corresponding to the second wavelength from the sensor arrangement, analyze the first intensity map and the second intensity map to asses the amount of light reflected and scattered from the tooth corresponding to the first wavelength and the second wavelength and estimate an indication of thickness for the rigid material covering the pulp of the tooth based on the analysis.