Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed in which a diagnostic probe is configured for performing diagnostic measurements and/or therapeutic interventions and for measuring the local surface profile of a local surface region an object. Various example embodiments are described in which the surface profile of the local surface region, when compared to the surface profile of an extended surface region, is employed to provide guidance for positioning and/or orienting the probe when performing a diagnostic measurement. The surface profile within the local surface region may be employed to generate feedback for repeating a previous diagnostic measurement, such that the repeat measurement is performed at the previous location on the object. In other embodiments, surface profile detection is employed to control the positional and/or orientational probe alignment during an iterative tissue removal method in which successive tissue layers are removed when the presence of a pathology is confirmed via a diagnostic measurement.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed in which a diagnostic probe is configured for performing diagnostic measurements and/or therapeutic interventions and for measuring the local surface profile of a local surface region an object. Various example embodiments are described in which the surface profile of the local surface region, when compared to the surface profile of an extended surface region, is employed to provide guidance for positioning and/or orienting the probe when performing a diagnostic measurement. The surface profile within the local surface region may be employed to generate feedback for repeating a previous diagnostic measurement, such that the repeat measurement is performed at the previous location on the object. In other embodiments, surface profile detection is employed to control the positional and/or orientational probe alignment during an iterative tissue removal method in which successive tissue layers are removed when the presence of a pathology is confirmed via a diagnostic measurement.

Abstract: The present disclosure provided example methods for estimating the rate of use of a consumable that is employed during the treatment of a medical condition, where rate of use is estimated based on a pre-determined correlation between diagnostic measurements and use of the consumable. In one example embodiment, the estimated rate of use, as determined using the correlation and diagnostic data, may be compared with a measured rate of use, such as a rate of supply of the consumable. These rates of use may be compared in order to estimate whether or not the consumable is being used as expected based on the diagnostic data.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for performing photothermal measurements on a object. The apparatus, which may be provided as a handpiece, houses optical components including a laser, an infrared detector, a dichroic beamsplitter, and focusing and beam directing optics for the delivery of a laser beam to, and the collection of photothermal radiation from, a measured object. Some of the optical components may be provided on an optical bench that is directly attached to a thermally conductive tip portion for the passive heat sinking of internal optical components. The apparatus may further include a sampling optical element and a photodetector for the detection of luminescence, and a camera for obtaining an image of the object during a diagnostic procedure. The apparatus may be employed for the scanning of a tooth to determine an oral health status of the tooth.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for performing photothermal measurements on a object. The apparatus, which may be provided as a handpiece, houses optical components including a laser, an infrared detector, a dichroic beamsplitter, and focusing and beam directing optics for the delivery of a laser beam to, and the collection of photothermal radiation from, a measured object. Some of the optical components may be provided on an optical bench that is directly attached to a thermally conductive tip portion for the passive heat sinking of internal optical components. The apparatus may further include a sampling optical element and a photodetector for the detection of luminescence, and a camera for obtaining an image of the object during a diagnostic procedure. The apparatus may be employed for the scanning of a tooth to determine an oral health status of the tooth.

Abstract: A method is provided for analyzing and displaying an oral health status of a tooth or an entire dentition based on a measurement with a diagnostic device. Diagnostic data pertaining to a selected tooth, tooth surface, section of tooth surface or numbers of teeth in a mouth is recorded from an oral health diagnostic device, optionally along with an image of the particular tooth or tooth surface examined. The diagnostic data is processed and compared with reference data to determine an oral health status of the tooth. The oral health status of the tooth is then displayed on an odontogram shown in a user interface. The user interface may also provide reports comparing changes in the measured data and/or images along with the therapies used, thereby enabling the measurement and tracking of outcomes from various therapies over time.