Dental optical coherence domain reflectometry explorer

Patent · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2001

OSTI ID:873518

Everett, Matthew J ^[1]; Sathyam, Ujwal S ^[1]; Da Silva, Luiz B ^[2]

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1. Livermore, CA
2. Pleasanton, CA

A hand-held, fiber optic based dental device with optical coherence domain reflectometry (OCDR) sensing capabilities provides a profile of optical scattering as a function of depth in the tissue at the point where the tip of the dental explorer touches the tissue. This system provides information on the internal structure of the dental tissue, which is then used to detect caries and periodontal disease. A series of profiles of optical scattering or tissue microstructure are generated by moving the explorer across the tooth or other tissue. The profiles are combined to form a cross-sectional, or optical coherence tomography (OCT), image.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: Regents of University of California (Oakland, CA)
• Patent Number(s): US 6179611
• OSTI ID: 873518
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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optical
coherence
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reflectometry
explorer
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ocdr
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depth
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tip
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internal
structure
detect
caries
periodontal
disease
series
profiles
microstructure
generated
moving
tooth
combined
form
cross-sectional
tomography
oct
image
optical coherence
domain reflectometry
fiber optic
provides information
optical scattering
periodontal disease
coherence domain
sensing capabilities
optic based
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