JP2012501212A - Dental X-ray treatment positioning device - Google Patents

Abstract

  The assembly 11 of the dental bite block 20 and the sensor holder 21 has a bite block 20 configured to be detachably fixed to the sensor holder 21 (31). Fixing surfaces 30 and 31 are provided between the bite block 20 and the sensor holder 21 so that the sensor holder 21 is detachably fixed to the bite block 20. An alternative guide arm 100 has two or more attachment sites 101a, 101b for releasably securing the sensor holders 102, 103, 104 to the guide arm 100.

Description

  The present invention is a sensor holder device and aiming ring having a bite block (bite blocker) attached to a guide arm for use during a dental x-ray procedure. More particularly, the present invention is a modular bite block sensor holder assembly having a sensor support or guide arm so that a given sensor can be used with a bite block for various x-ray procedures. To do. An improved aiming ring for use in dental x-ray procedures is also provided. Various designs of sensor holders can be removably secured to two or more locations on the support arm to facilitate multiple dental x-ray procedures.

  Dental radiographs use an x-ray examination unit that often includes an x-ray cone or tube that is positioned and aligned close to the patient to take an x-ray of a particular tooth. Created. Dental X-ray sensors including films, charge coupled devices, phosphor imaging plates, etc. are substantially flat or have a plate-like configuration and standardized dimensions so that the sensor can be placed in the oral cavity. There are many cases.

  The sensor is placed in the patient's mouth and held in place close to the tooth or teeth to be examined. X-rays are directed through the target tooth and then through the sensor. It has been found that proper orientation of the sensor is required to eliminate distortion and improper focusing.

  Sensor carriers with “bite blocks” have been developed to ensure the proper orientation of the sensor. These devices often have a plate that holds the sensor and another plate that the patient chews to position the device and the sensor it carries. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,473,026 shows a byte block.

  In many cases, different sensors are used depending on the area of the oral cavity being examined. This can include, for example, endo (endo), posterior, anterior, left, right, upper and lower bites, etc. Known bite blocks and sensor holders are individually designed and manufactured for different types of sensors. The dimensions of the sensor and holder affect the degree of reliable positioning of the sensor within the holder.

  A dental professional may have many X-ray sensors of various sizes and shapes, and thus many sensor holders as well. Dental professionals are often faced with using different sensors or sets of sensors, holders and bite blocks depending on the particular x-ray procedure used. Replacing the sensor, sensor holder and bite block takes time even if it works.

  Accordingly, there is a need for sensor holder / bite block assemblies or devices that accommodate X-ray sensors of various sizes and shapes. It has also been found that an aiming ring corresponding to two or more sized or shaped dental x-ray collimators is needed.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a dental X-ray bite block.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a bite block having an X-ray sensor holder.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a bite block sensor holder assembly that can be used to hold various sensors of various shapes or sizes.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular bite block that is removably connected to a sensor holder.

  These and other objects and advantages of the present invention over existing technical forms, which will become apparent in view of the following specification, are achieved by the means described and claimed below.

  In general, a dental bite block sensor holder assembly includes a bite block configured to be removably secured to a sensor holder. Fixing means are provided between the bite block and the sensor holder so that the sensor holder is removably fixed to the bite block.

  Preferred forms of the subject dental bite block sensor holder assembly are shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and are considered sufficient to fully disclose the invention. Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary assemblies, which are not intended to be exhaustive of the various forms and modifications that may embody the invention, which are limited only by the scope of the appended claims ( measured), but not limited by the details of this specification.

1 is a perspective exploded view of a bite block sensor holder assembly embodying the concepts of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a bite block sensor holder assembly that also embodies the concepts of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective exploded view of another alternative embodiment of a bite block sensor holder assembly that also embodies the concepts of the present invention. 2 is an alternative embodiment of the sensor holder portion of the present invention shown in FIG. 4 is an alternative embodiment of an aiming ring and bite block assembly according to the present invention. 4 is an alternative embodiment of an aiming ring and bite block assembly according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a sensor folder assembly according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a top view of the assembly of FIG. 7. FIG. 8 is an end view of the assembly of FIG. 7. 4 is an alternative embodiment of an aiming ring and bite block assembly according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is a top view of the assembly of FIG. 10. FIG. 11 is an end view of the assembly of FIG. 10. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the assembly as shown in FIG. 7, and shows an assembly having a configuration different from that of FIG. 7. FIG. 14 is a top view of the assembly of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is an end view of the assembly of FIG. 14. FIG. 6 is a view of a support or guide arm according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the aiming ring secured thereto.

  An X-ray sensor and positioning device according to the present invention is indicated generally at 10 in the accompanying drawings. The assembly 10 is preferably configured to have a conventional dental x-ray support or guide arm 12. An exemplary guide arm and its use with a bite block for taking dental x-rays is shown in US Pat. No. 3,473,026, which is hereby incorporated by reference with respect to the disclosure of the guide arm and bite block. ). As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the guide arm 12 can be configured to be fixable to the X-ray tube collimator and positioning ring 13 in a conventional manner. Such rings are also shown, for example, in US Pat. No. 3,473,026, and US Design Patent No. 237,016, which are incorporated by reference with respect to the disclosure of such rings. .

  The aiming ring 13a of FIG. 5 shows a plurality of regularly spaced opposing steps 13b that receive and align a collimator (not shown). One set of such stages is known in the art (see, eg, US Design Patent No. 237,016). One embodiment of the present invention uses two sets of stages 13b to allow alignment of two or more sized collimators. Preferably, one set of steps 13b is arranged “concentrically” within another set of steps 13b, but the two sets of steps 13b may be offset if desired. Since the groove 14 can be provided in the outer diameter of the aiming ring 13a, an X-ray tube head (not shown) can be completely enclosed regardless of what X-ray sensor is held by the positioning device 10. Can be matched.

  A bite block and sensor holder assembly 11 is provided as part of the apparatus 10 and includes a bite block 20 and a sensor holder 21 (FIG. 1). The byte block 20 is substantially configured to be used in a specific x-ray procedure. For example, the byte block 20 of FIG. 1 is a useful configuration for internal X-rays. Bite block 20a (FIG. 2) is suitable for use in biting wing X-ray imaging, and FIG. 3 shows a bite block 20b useful in front or rear X-ray imaging. Each bite block 20, 20a and 20b serves the same function of providing an area to be clamped between the patient's teeth. However, given the specific X-ray requirements, different shaped bite blocks are required. The present invention is illustrated herein with reference to the byte block 20 of FIG. 1 for purposes of this description (unless otherwise noted), and the present invention is described in terms of byte blocks 20a, 20b, or indeed any conventional byte. It is understood that the block shape or size is equally useful without limitation.

  A sensor holder 21 is detachably attached to the bite block 20. Dental professionals use one size and shape sensor, whether it is X-ray film for various X-rays (internal, front, back, bite, etc.), CCD or phosphor plate technology There is a high possibility of doing. Prior to the present invention, it was standard practice for dental professionals to have various bite block / sensor holders integrally formed together. According to the present invention, the sensor holder 21 and the bite block 20 are not integrally formed and are detachably fixed. Furthermore, the structure (described and exemplified below) for attaching the sensor holder 21 to the bite block 20 is the same regardless of the shape of a given bite block 20, 20a or 20b. Thus, it will be appreciated that a single sensor holder can be used to attach to different bite blocks 20, 20a or 20b. This is referred to as a “modular” design for purposes of this description. It will also be appreciated that the bite block can be used with sensor holders of different sizes and shapes. Again, this specification illustrates the present invention with respect to a single sensor holder 21.

  The sensor holder 21 must be provided with attachment means corresponding to the attachment means carried by the bite block 20 in order to be detachably fixed to the bite block 20. By providing the bite block 20 with the same attachment means as other bite blocks, eg, bite blocks 20a and 20b, the same sensor 21 can be attached to any bite block 20, 20a or 20b, or actually the same attachment means Can be detachably fixed to an arbitrary bite block carrying the.

  Any attachment means between the sensor holder 21 and the bite block 20 is within the scope of the present invention, the only criteria being that the two components are held firmly against each other, and these components Is removable. Again, this aspect is referred to as “modular” in design. A preferred attachment means is a complex profile or tab 30 carried by the sensor holder 21 and an at least partly corresponding slot 31 carried by the bite block 20. It will be understood that it is still within the scope of the present invention that the bite block 20 can be easily configured to carry a complex profile 30 and that the sensor holder 21 can carry a slot 31. Is done. The present invention is illustrated using a sensor 21 that carries a complex profile 30.

  By “complex profile” is meant a plurality of surfaces, eg surfaces 30a-30f (FIG. 1), each at some angle relative to at least one other surface. Complex profiles or tabs 30 and corresponding slots 31 may be circular and still fall within the definition of “complex profile”. The surfaces 30a to 30f of the complex shape member 30 are not necessarily linear, and may be curved or even circular like the surface 30g. “Slot” means a number of surfaces, such as surface 31a, configured to receive at least one surface of a complex profile 30, such as surface 30c.

  Preferably, the slot 31 receives a complex profile 30 such that the plurality of surfaces 30a-30f physically engages or contacts at least some other portion of the slot 31 and bite block 20. Configured. By properly configuring the actual dimensions of these components, the sensor 21 can be held securely against the bite block 20. The fitting between the complicated shape member 30 and the slot 31 may be a friction fitting. It will be appreciated that a complex profile 30 is received in the slot 31 to secure the sensor 21 to the bite block 20. To disconnect or remove the sensor 21 from the bite block 20, simply slide the complex profile 30 out of the slot 31.

  An alternative embodiment of slot 31 is shown as slot 40 by way of example in FIG. The slot 40 itself is also a “complex shape” in which the shape and size of the complicated shape 30 substantially correspond to the shape and size.

  It should also be appreciated that the complex profile 30 can be configured with a plurality of arms 50 and 51 each carrying a respective complex profile 30. In the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, the sensor 21 has two arms 50 and 51, and it is understood that any number of arms are within the scope of the invention. It should also be appreciated that any means for removably securing the sensor 21 to the bite block 20 is within the scope of the present invention. This can include, without limitation, bolts, screws, nuts, locking mechanisms, etc., all within the scope of the present invention and referred to as “modular”.

  The sensor holder 21 is configured to receive one or more sensors. For example, in the sensor 21 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a rear support body 60 and clip arms 61 and 62 are used. A sensor (not shown) can be fixed in the sensor 21. Since any sensor holder of any configuration is within the scope of the present invention, and such sensor holder is conventional in the art, any particular sensor holder or bit block is However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this.

  For example, FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the sensor holder 21a. The sensor holder 21 a includes a rear support body 60 similar to the rear support body 60 of the sensor 21. However, instead of the clip arms 61 and 62 of the sensor 21, the sensor 21 a is provided with a lower clip arm 71 that is substantially opposed to the upper clip arm 70. A conventional sensor (also not shown) is supported between the clip arms 70, 71 and the rear support 60. In other respects, the sensor 21a is substantially similar to the modular design of the sensor 21.

  FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the bite block 80. A groove 81 is provided on the bite surface 82 of the bite wing 80 to assist the user in positioning a sensor (not shown) held by the block 80. Groove 81 helps align with such a sensor. It will also be appreciated that the block 80 is generally thin in design and can increase patient comfort compared to conventional bite blocks.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the guide arm 100 can be provided with a plurality of attachment sites 101a and 101b for a given sensor holder 102, 103 and 104 (FIGS. 7-16). In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the attachment site 101a or 101b includes one or more pins 110 that can be physically received within corresponding openings 120 of a given sensor holder 102-104. it can. In a preferred embodiment, the pin is held in a given opening 120 by a friction fit, which can be done by a user removing the sensor retainers 102-104 from within the opening 120, if desired. Can be overcome. As will be appreciated, the size and shape of the pin 110 and the opening 120 can vary, and other means of securing the sensor holders 102-104 to the portions 101a, 101b or the guide arm 100 can be used, It may still be within the scope of the present invention. By providing a plurality of attachment parts 101a and 101b, a plurality of dental X-ray images can be taken using the same components. For example, images of the front, rear, and bite wings can be taken. It is advantageous for the user that all such images can be taken by using one guide arm 100. By using one guide arm 100, the cleaning and cost required to benefit the dental professional is reduced. Fewer components are required for a given x-ray procedure, reducing the chance of spreading infectious diseases and bacteria between patients. It will be further appreciated that various components of various assemblies can be provided in kit form, allowing an expert to take different x-ray images using a single guide arm and other components. Will be done.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the various components are color coded or provided with other indicia (not shown) to indicate which sensor holder is used for a given x-ray procedure. Can do. The pins 110 at a given site 101a or 101b can be so color coded to indicate which of the sensor holders 102-104 is used for the desired procedure.

  In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a guide ring 130 having a plurality of journals 140 for receiving the guide arm 100 therein, preferably by a friction fit, is provided. The journal 140 is also color-coded or other indicia (not shown), which journal is used for a given x-ray procedure, as well as other color-coded components as described above. Can be shown.

  Based on the foregoing disclosure, at this point it should be clear that the above-described objectives are met by the use of the modular bite block sensor holder assembly and guide arm described herein. Accordingly, any modifications clearly fall within the scope of the claimed invention, and thus the selection of particular component elements or parts departs from the spirit of the invention disclosed and described herein. It should be understood that decisions can be made without. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to include all modifications and variations that may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (18)

  A kit used for a dental imaging procedure to align a receiver holder and a collimator while taking an image of a patient's dentition, comprising a support arm and a plurality of receiver holders, At least two of the receiver holders are used to take images of different portions of the patient's dentition, the support arm comprises at least a first attachment pin and a second attachment pin, the plurality Each of the receivers has a pin receiving opening for receiving at least one of the mounting pins, wherein one of the at least two of the receiver holders is in the first opening of the receiver holder. Removably secured to the support arm by receiving a mounting pin, and the other of the at least two of the receiver holders is forward in the opening of the receiver holder. To be fixed removably to the support arm by accepting second mounting pin kit.   The kit of claim 1, wherein the plurality of receiver holders include at least one of the holders for taking images of anterior, posterior and bite wings of the patient's dental arch.   The kit of claim 1, wherein the support arm comprises a first mounting pin mating pin.   The kit of claim 1, wherein the support arm comprises a second mounting pin mating pin.   The kit of claim 1, wherein the support arm comprises a bar having a plurality of bends, the bar having at least one flat dimension.   The kit of claim 5, wherein at least one of the mounting pins is in the flat region.   The support arm includes at least a first bent portion and a second bent portion, and the bar has a first length formed adjacent to a first bent elbow, and the first bent portion. An elbow is formed adjacent to the second length, the second length is formed adjacent to the second bent elbow, and the second bent elbow is formed adjacent to the third length. The kit according to claim 6, wherein:   The kit according to claim 7, wherein the first mounting pin is fixed to the first length, and the second mounting pin is fixed to the third length.   The kit according to claim 1, wherein the first pin or the second pin is marked together with a complementary receiver holder of the receiver holders.   The kit of claim 1, further comprising a collimator ring.   The kit of claim 10, wherein the collimator ring comprises a collimator positioning ring and a support arm receiving socket.   The kit according to claim 11, wherein the collimator ring has a circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, trapezoidal or triangular shape.   13. The kit of claim 12, wherein the collimator ring comprises a plurality of the support arm receiving sockets so that the collimator can be aligned in one of a plurality of positions as well. A method for taking a dental image of a patient's dentition,
A method comprising the steps of providing a support arm having a plurality of receiver holder attachment points, each of the attachment points comprising a step of preparing a preselected dental image to be taken.   The method of claim 14, further comprising removably securing an image receiver holder to one of the attachment points of the support arm.   The method of claim 15, wherein each of the attachment points comprises at least one attachment pin configured to be received within a complementary shaped opening in at least one of the receiver holders.   The method of claim 16, wherein the support arm comprises at least two of the attachment pins at at least one of the attachment points, and the receiver holder has at least two complementary openings.   The support arm comprises at least two sets of pins, wherein at least one of the receiver holders is removably secured to one of the at least two sets of pins, at least of the receiver holders. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein one other can be removably secured to the other of the at least two sets of pins.