Abstract: An intraoral optical probe is provided that includes a distal elongate optical waveguide for interrogating dental tissue. In some example embodiments, the elongate optical waveguide has dimensions suitable for the insertion of the waveguide into an exposed root canal. According to various example embodiments, the elongate optical waveguide, when inserted into an internal region of a tooth, can direct incident optical radiation from the intraoral optical probe directly onto an inner surface, such as an internal surface of a root canal, such that status of the root canal can be interrogated directly. The intraoral optical probe may be employed to provide intraoperative feedback regarding internal dental tissue, such as interoperative feedback pertaining to the interior of the root canal during an endodontic procedure, location of secondary or lateral root canals, location of the apex or tip of the root canal system and or detection of the pulp chamber roof or floor.

Abstract: An intraoral optical probe is provided that includes a distal elongate optical waveguide for interrogating dental tissue. In some example embodiments, the elongate optical waveguide has dimensions suitable for the insertion of the waveguide into an exposed root canal. According to various example embodiments, the elongate optical waveguide, when inserted into an internal region of a tooth, can direct incident optical radiation from the intraoral optical probe directly onto an inner surface, such as an internal surface of a root canal, such that status of the root canal can be interrogated directly. The intraoral optical probe may be employed to provide intraoperative feedback regarding internal dental tissue, such as interoperative feedback pertaining to the interior of the root canal during an endodontic procedure, location of secondary or lateral root canals, location of the apex or tip of the root canal system and or detection of the pulp chamber roof or floor.

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: Systems and methods for improved thermophotonic imaging are provided in which both amplitude and phase image information is obtained with a high signal to noise ratio and depth-resolved capabilities. Image data obtained from an imaging camera is dynamically averaged and subsequently processed to extract amplitude and/or phase image data. The system may be configured for a wide range of imaging modalities, including single frequency modulation (thermophotonic lock-in imaging), Thermal-Wave Radar imaging or Thermophotonic Radar imaging involving chirp modulation, and Binary Phase Coded Modulation. Such imaging modalities may find application in many diverse areas, including non-destructive testing and biomedical diagnostic imaging including the imaging of teeth and monitoring changes in the tooth over time which are due to pathology such as dental caries or erosion.

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 detection system is provided for the measurement of in-vitro dental samples. The detection system includes an optical detection module that is configured for the detection of optical signals that are emitted in response to the absorption of an incident optical beam, and a control and processing unit that is configured for processing the detected optical signals and generating an image. The system also includes a sample holder may be removed and subsequently replaced without requiring recalibration of the system. In some embodiments, the optical detection module is configured for combined measurement of photothermal radiation and luminescence in response to the absorption of the incident optical beam.

Abstract: A detection system is provided for the measurement of in-vitro dental samples. The detection system includes an optical detection module that is configured for the detection of optical signals that are emitted in response to the absorption of an incident optical beam, and a control and processing unit that is configured for processing the detected optical signals and generating an image. The system also includes a sample holder may be removed and subsequently replaced without requiring recalibration of the system. In some embodiments, the optical detection module is configured for combined measurement of photothermal radiation and luminescence in response to the absorption of the incident optical beam.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved thermophotonic imaging are provided in which both amplitude and phase image information is obtained with a high signal to noise ratio and depth-resolved capabilities. Image data obtained from an imaging camera is dynamically averaged and subsequently processed to extract amplitude and/or phase image data. The system may be configured for a wide range of imaging modalities, including single frequency modulation (thermophotonic lock-in imaging), Thermal-Wave Radar imaging or Thermophotonic Radar imaging involving chirp modulation, and Binary Phase Coded Modulation. Such imaging modalities may find application in many diverse areas, including non-destructive testing and biomedical diagnostic imaging including the imaging of teeth and monitoring changes in the tooth over time which are due to pathology such as dental caries or erosion.

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.

Abstract: A method of oral health risk assessment is provided in which diagnostic data from an oral health detection device and patient risk factor data is processed to provide a integrated risk measure relating to a patient's dental health. The patient risk factor data preferably includes risk factor data such as pathological risk factors, protective risk factors, historical factors, self care factors, behavioral factors, and extrinsic factors. The integrated risk assessment and patient data is preferably provided to a remote server for access by various authorized stakeholders.

Abstract: There is provided a high-spatial-resolution dynamic diagnostic instrument which can provide simultaneous measurements of laser-induced frequency-domain infrared photothermal radiometric and alternating-current (ac) modulated luminescence signals from defects, demineralization, remineralization and caries in teeth intraorally. The emphasis is on the abilities of this instrument to approach important problems such as the detection, diagnosis and ongoing monitoring of carious lesions and or defects on the occlusal pits and fissures, smooth surfaces and interproximal areas between teeth which normally go undetected by x-ray radiographs or visual examination. The instrument is also able to detect early areas of demineralized tooth and or areas of remineralized tooth as well as defects along the margins of restorations. This capability of inspecting a local spot can be extended to a modulated imaging of sub-surface of target tooth by using a multi-array infrared camera.

Abstract: A method of oral health risk assessment is provided in which diagnostic data from an oral health detection device and patient risk factor data is processed to provide a integrated risk measure relating to a patient's dental health. The patient risk factor data preferably includes risk factor data such as pathological risk factors, protective risk factors, historical factors, self care factors, behavioral factors, and extrinsic factors. The integrated risk assessment and patient data is preferably provided to a remote server for access by various authorized stakeholders.

Abstract: There is provided a high-spatial-resolution dynamic diagnostic instrument which can provide simultaneous measurements of laser-induced frequency-domain infrared photothermal radiometric and alternating-current (ac) modulated luminescence signals from defects, demineralization, remineralization and caries in teeth intraorally. The emphasis is on the abilities of this instrument to approach important problems such as the detection, diagnosis and ongoing monitoring of carious lesions and or defects on the occlusal pits and fissures, smooth surfaces and interproximal areas between teeth which normally go undetected by x-ray radiographs or visual examination. The instrument is also able to detect early areas of demineralized tooth and or areas of remineralized tooth as well as defects along the margins of restorations. This capability of inspecting a local spot can be extended to a modulated imaging of sub-surface of target tooth by using a multi-array infrared camera.

Abstract: A free-standing device for the testing of ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) instruments, and for training doctors in using such instruments, includes circuits to generate electrical wave forms which simulate the EEG (electroencephalograph) detectable brain waves, EMG (electromyograph) muscle activity and heart beats of a patient undergoing ECT. In one embodiment the ECT output leads of the ECT instrument are plugged into the device, the training doctor selects the ECT current and the device generates response EEG and EMG waveforms. It also measures the current and displays its measurement as a test of the accuracy of the stimulus selection controls of the ECT instrument.

Abstract: In non-convulsive magnetic stimulation therapy a patient is treated with magnetic pulses from a coil placed proximate the patient's head as a treatment of certain neurologic and psychiatric disorders. A set of EEG (electroencephalograph) electrodes on the patient's scalp are switched on during pauses in the electrical pulse train to the coil. If epilepsy-like brain wave spikes and/or sharp waves are detected by the EEG, a warning is given, treatment is halted and an anti-convulsive medicine may be administered.

Abstract: An oral protector, especially for use by patients during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) consists of a flat unitary member which is preferably stamped from a flat sheet of material. The protector is elastic and formed of a closed-cell material, such as polyurethane plastic resin or artificial rubber. It has an elongated, generally elliptical shaped central opening which acts as an air passage.

Abstract: In medical convulsive therapy (CV), comprising electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and magnetoconvulsive therapy (MCT), a computer system is used to analyze the effectiveness of the treatment. In one embodiment the effectiveness is determined by measuring the physiological effects on the heart (ECG) muscles (EMG) and brain (EEG).