Abstract: An improved endoscopic system for visualizing subgingival dental procedures. The device comprises a dilator projection incorporated into or onto the body of a dental instrument utilized to remove plaque and calculus from subgingival tooth surfaces. The projection preferably comprises a thin, flat shield portion having an arcuate shank portion extending therefrom. In use, the shield portion of the dilator projection is operative to dilate or spread the gingiva away from the adjacent tooth surfaces upon which the dental instrument is utilized to remove plaque and calculus. Formed within the shank portion of the dilator projection is at least one lumen for receiving an endoscopic viewing apparatus, that receives and transmits an optical image from the interior of the gingival sulcus or periodontal pocket to an image displaying device positioned outside the patient's body. Additional lumens may be formed within the shank portion of the dilator projection for the infusion of fluid or suction/aspiration.

Abstract: A gas sterilizable endoscope has a cannula having proximal and distal ends and a fiber optic imaging bundle disposed within the cannula. A first attachment, e.g., a first thermally curable epoxy bond, is formed at the proximal end of the cannula so as to attach the fiber optic imaging bundle to the cannula at the proximal end thereof. A second attachment, e.g., a second thermally curable epoxy bond, is formed at the distal end of the cannula so as to similarly attach the fiber optic imaging bundle to the cannula at the distal end thereof. A bow is formed in the fiber optic imaging bundle such that tensile stress formation in the fiber optic imaging bundle resulting from thermal expansion of the cannula during gas sterilization is mitigated.