Dental demineralization detection, methods and systems

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 9901256
APP PUB NO 20150010878A1
SERIAL NO

14372388

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Abstract

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Methods and systems for detecting early stage dental caries and decays are provided. In particular, in an embodiment, laser-induced autofluorescence (AF) from multiple excitation wavelengths is obtained and analyzed. Endogenous fluorophores residing in the enamel naturally fluoresce when illuminated by wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet into the visible spectrum. The relative intensities of the AF emission changes between different excitation wavelengths when the enamel changes from healthy to demineralized. By taking a ratio of AF emission spectra integrals between different excitation wavelengths, a standard is created wherein changes in AF ratios within a tooth are quantified and serve as indicators of early stage enamel demineralization. The techniques described herein may be used in conjunction with a scanning fiber endoscope (SFE) to provide a reliable, safe and low-cost means for identifying dental caries or decays.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON THROUGH ITS CENTER FOR COMMERCIALIZATION4311 11TH AVENUE NE SUITE 500 SEATTLE WA 98105

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Berg, Joel Bellevue, US 13 148
Johnston, Richard S Sammamish, US 70 4994
Lee, Cameron M Seattle, US 9 776
Melville, Charles D Camano Island, US 63 4283
Nelson, Leonard Seattle, US 18 153
Seibel, Eric J Seattle, US 72 8578
Zhang, Liang Seattle, US 689 3734

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