Abstract: Embodiments provide the capability to determine a digital 3D model of a patient's teeth obtains projection images acquired by scanning a negative impression of the patient's teeth using a computed tomographic imaging apparatus, where the impression includes a radio-opaque transfer element for a dental implant or crown post. One exemplary method reconstructs, from the projection images, an air volume model within the reconstructed volume and bounded by a transition surface defined according to the negative impression. A transfer element volume model of the transfer element is defined, segmented from the air volume model and from the transition surface. A combined digital 3D model of the patient's teeth is formed according to the air volume model and transfer element volume model. At least a portion of the combined digital 3D model of the teeth is displayed.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of a method for dynamically assisting a practitioner in preparing a dental bone grafting operation, the method comprising:—providing an image representing a 3D volume of a portion of a jaw member where bone grafting is to be carried out;—adding to the image a representation of a 3D virtual object representing dental bone graft material;—estimating a value of a geometric characteristic relating to the bone graft material to be used, as a function of geometric characteristics of the represented 3D virtual object;—enabling a user to modify the representation of the 3D virtual object; and—upon modification of the representation of the 3D virtual object, updating the estimated value of the geometric characteristic, according to the modification of the representation of the 3D virtual object, the estimated value assisting the practitioner in determining the dental bone graft material needed.

Abstract: An exemplary optical apparatus has an OCT imaging apparatus with a first light source for low coherence light of wavelengths above a threshold wavelength and a signal detector that obtains an interference signal between low coherence light from the sample and low coherence light reflected from a reference. A surface contour imaging apparatus has a second light source that emits one or more wavelengths of surface illumination below the threshold wavelength, a camera to acquire images from illumination reflected from the sample. The exemplary optical apparatus and/or exemplary methods for using the same can provide reduced errors in generating a dental 3D surface mesh.

Abstract: Exemplary method and/or apparatus embodiments for intraoral imaging modify the gums of a patient with indicia, spaced apart over a region of interest. Optical images for surface contour, spanning the region of interest, are acquired, with reflectance images of the region of interest that include the indicia. Exemplary method and/or apparatus embodiments form patch mesh images from the surface contour images, wherein each patch mesh image characterizes the surface contour of a partial portion of the region of interest. The patch mesh images are combined to form a mesh representative of the region of interest according to the plurality of reflectance images of the indicia. The mesh representative of the region of interest can be displayed, stored, or transmitted.

Abstract: An exemplary optical apparatus has an OCT imaging apparatus with a first light source for low coherence light of wavelengths above a threshold wavelength and a signal detector that obtains an interference signal between low coherence light from the sample and low coherence light reflected from a reference. A surface contour imaging apparatus has a second light source that emits one or more wavelengths of surface illumination below the threshold wavelength, a camera to acquire images from illumination reflected from the sample. The exemplary optical apparatus and/or exemplary methods for using the same can provide reduced errors in generating a dental 3D surface mesh.

Abstract: Embodiments provide the capability to determine a digital 3D model of a patient's teeth obtains projection images acquired by scanning a negative impression of the patient's teeth using a computed tomographic imaging apparatus, where the impression includes a radio-opaque transfer element for a dental implant or crown post. One exemplary method reconstructs, from the projection images, an air volume model within the reconstructed volume and bounded by a transition surface defined according to the negative impression. A transfer element volume model of the transfer element is defined, segmented from the air volume model and from the transition surface. A combined digital 3D model of the patient's teeth is formed according to the air volume model and transfer element volume model. At least a portion of the combined digital 3D model of the teeth is displayed.