DE29704274U1 - Detector lamp for caries diagnosis - Google Patents

Description

Utility model application byJ Q3. (33.^ j

Applicant: Dipl.-Ing. H.-P. Rebcfo, *Stelirstr.'5*8*«t8565 Sleiirfurt

Description Detector lamp for caries diagnostics

Detectors of this type are not currently used in dental practice.

To diagnose caries, the practicing dentist examines the patient's teeth, usually under surface lighting and with the help of tactile instruments, for structural defects and/or color differences. Discoloration of the enamel and fissures often make a reliable diagnosis difficult.

In cases of doubt, expensive X-ray technology, which is not always problem-free for the patient, is increasingly being used to reliably diagnose carious damage.

It is considered absolutely undisputed in science that any radiation exposure should be kept to a minimum.

X-ray examinations as part of dental care could be dispensed with in many cases if comparable diagnostic reliability could be achieved using other devices.

The detector according to claim 1 fulfils this requirement by enabling a quick, simple and safe method for detecting caries in all stages which is not stressful for the patient and which is also cost-effective because the equipment required is minimal.

Particularly in comparison with the traditional method of superficial caries examination described above, caries diagnostics with the detector according to claim 1 offers a much more reliable status assessment and thus a more effective early detection of cariogenic defects.

Even the smallest discolorations within the tooth enamel, which are connected to the tooth surface via almost invisible channels, e.g. in problem areas (interdental spaces), can be reliably detected and clarified using a differential diagnosis using a special light source and a suitable beam guide that not only illuminates the tooth superficially, but also shines high-contrast light through the tooth enamel and pulp.

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Utility model application by! Q3.Q

Applicant: Dipl.-Ing. H.-P. Reb^,*Ste!irstr. ^# 5*8*«l«565 Steiirfurt

Description (continued)

The constructional details of an embodiment of the detector are set out in claim 2 and shown schematically in the drawing attached as ANNEX.

The upper part of the detector lamp [3] is designed to be bent for better handling and serves to accommodate an optical lens [2] and the light guide [4].

In the area of the light exit point, an edge structure [1] made of elastically deformable material (e.g. silicone rubber or others) surrounds the lens.

With this elastic collar, the detector lamp is placed on the tooth to be examined and thus adapts optimally to grooves and curvatures, i.e. with (almost) no radiation and reflection losses.

The structural relocation of the light source [5], which heats up more or less strongly during operation, into the handle (see below) ensures that the patient does not experience any discomfort when the detector is placed on the tooth being examined due to the heat being applied.

The lower part [6] is designed as a round, ergonomically shaped handle; it contains the light source mentioned, the battery [7] and an electronic charging circuit for monitoring the battery charge [8].

The electrical energy required for charging the battery is supplied by a separate charging station [10], into which the detector, surrounded by an insulating housing, is inserted with a recess in the floor.

By inserting it into the charging station, the secondary winding [9] is electromagnetically coupled to the primary winding of the charging station, which in turn is connected to the mains voltage.

A more detailed explanation of the principle of energy supply will be omitted here, as it is a known process and does not fall under the above-mentioned protection claims. The explanation of component-specific and circuit-related details will also be omitted.

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Claims (2)

Utility model application dated 03.03.1997 Applicant: Dipl.-Ing. H.-P. Reboll, Stehrstr. 58, 48565 Steinfurt Protection claims 1. Detector lamp for caries diagnostics, characterized, - that high-contrast light of high luminance can be emitted directly into the tooth suspected of caries that is to be examined by means of a suitable structure and special shape of the detector; 2. Detector lamp according to claim 1, characterized, - that the upper part of the detector lamp [3] is cranked and the lower part [6] is designed as an ergonomically shaped handle; - that an optical lens [2] is located at the light exit point, which is surrounded by easily deformable material [1]; - that a light guide [4] is used to guide the light from the light source [5] to the light exit point; - that the detector is designed for mains-independent operation with a rechargeable battery [7] and that the charging process is monitored by an electronic charging circuit [8]; - that the device has an integrated secondary winding [9] for external energy supply and is inserted into a special charging station [10] with a mains connection for charging;