Abstract: The present invention discloses a selective and a non-selective method and means of treating microbial diseases in local infections. The novel method comprising the step of emitting a beam of a blue light towards the tissue to be treated, wherein the beam is having a wavelength from 400 to 550 nanometers and further wherein the temperature of said tissue is not exceeding about 42° C. along the procedure or immediately after it so that a selective phototoxic effect is exerted. A cost effective device for selectively or non-selectively exerting phototoxic effect by emitting a beam of blue light towards a tissue to be treated is also provided useful, especially for dental application.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a selective and a non-selective method and means of treating microbial diseases in local infections. The novel method comprising the step of emitting a beam of a blue light towards the tissue to be treated, wherein the beam is having a wavelength from 400 to 550 nanometers and further wherein the temperature of said tissue is not exceeding about 42° C. along the procedure or immediately after it so that a selective phototoxic effect is exerted. A cost effective device for selectively or non-selectively exerting phototoxic effect by emitting a beam of blue light towards a tissue to be treated is also provided useful, especially for dental application.

Abstract: A device and method for the detection of smooth surface lesions such as caries and tooth crown surface cracks on a tooth crown surface, the device having an ultrasonic surface wave transmitter/receiver comprising a focused ultrasonic surface waves along a tooth crown surface. Surface lesions encountered by the ultrasonic surface waves produce ultrasonic surface wave reflections which are receivable at the generator/receiver, thus enabling the presence of the lesion, and particularly small lesions, to be detected. The ultrasonic surface wave generator/receiver may comprise a focused transducer, having a focusing element integral therewith or separate therefrom, operatively connected to a wedge-like coupler. Longitudinal ultrasonic waves generated by the transducers are at least partially focused by the focusing element and then imparted onto the tooth surface by the coupler which has a contact surface in contact with the tooth surface being tested.

Abstract: This invention is a device and method for the detection of smooth surface lesions such as caries and tooth crown surface cracks on a tooth crown surface, the device having an ultrasonic surface wave transmitter/receiver (20) capable of transmitting ultrasonic surface waves along a tooth crown surface. Surface lesions encountered by the ultrasonic surface waves produce ultrasonic surface wave reflections which are receivable at the generator/receiver, thus enabling the presence of the lesion to be detected. The ultrasonic surface wave generator/receiver may comprise a transducer operatively connected to a wedge-like coupler (30). Longitudinal ultrasonic waves generated by the transducer are imparted onto the tooth surface by the coupler which has a contact surface in contact with the tooth surface being tested. The coupler also enables ultrasonic surface wave reflections to be received by the transducer.

Abstract: A device for the detection of smooth surface lesions of dental caries on a tooth crown surface, having an ultrasonic transducer for transmitting ultrasonic waves and receiving ultrasonic wave reflections produced by lesions present on the surface, and an interface operatively connected to the transducer. The interface has a contact surface forming an angle .alpha. with a longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic transducer, where .alpha. is substantially different from 90.degree.. When the contact surface is in at least partial contact with a tooth crown surface at the longitudinal axis, ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic transducer are imparted by the interface onto the tooth crown surface as surface ultrasonic waves which migrate along the tooth crown surface. Any lesions present on the tooth crown surface are then identifiable as surface ultrasonic wave reflections produced thereat.