Abstract:
An intracavity modulated pulsed laser and methods of using the same. In one preferred form, an intracavity modulated pulsed laser comprises an amplification medium, a pulsed pumping source, a beam modulator, and two mirrors, one totally reflective and one partially reflective for generating at least one laser output burst comprising a plurality of sub-pulses having variably controllable peak powers. In another preferred form, a non-linear crystal is utilized to double the frequency of each laser output burst. In still another preferred form, a fluorescence feedback control circuit is utilized to control the beam modulator.
Abstract:
A system of treating teeth or associated tooth structure using an abrasive-laden fluid stream provides fluid at high pressure to a manifold with selectively operable valves to deliver fluid at a selected pressure to a mixer for the fluid and abrasive and delivery to a device for application to a patient's mouth. Priming air at low pressure pressurizes the mixer. An alternate air path bypasses the mixer. A selective control delivers a stream of fluid or fluid and abrasive to the tooth or tooth structure. Upon termination of treatment, pure air is diverted through a purge line to purge the system of abrasive. A vacuum is selectively operable to remove abrasive and debris from the mouth during and after the abrasive treatment. The abrasive delivery device includes a hand-held nozzle having ports operable by the fingers for control. The vacuum includes a rigid, disposable collection chamber for sterile disposal of the abrasive and debris and has a common filter for the purge circuit and for removal of abrasive and debris from the mouth. Connection to the dental office suction system or a water powered venturi provides suction. Pressure regulation and relief insures instantaneous change from one pressure level to the next.
Abstract:
A dental laser assembly is disclosed for use in eradicating carious lesions in teeth, the treatment of sensitive teeth, as well as the removal of soft tissue, the incising of the frenum, opurculum, anestesia of the tooth, etching enamel for restorations or orthodontic appliance fixation, the welding of fixed prosthesis, removal of bacterial flora periodontal pockets, removal and/or vaporization of healthy or necrotic pulp, the vertical and/or horizontal condensation of gutta percha or any other root canal sealant, the cauterization of blood vessels in the oral cavity, vaporizing bone tissue, removing tartar, apical fusion of foramina, enlarging and shaping root canal, removing carbon from surface of teeth, removal of enamel, bleaching teeth, etching dentin, separating orthodontic brackets, merging hydroxyapatite to bone and enamel, amalgam removal and undercutting of carious and/or healthy dentin and/or cementum. The laser assembly includes a housing having a cavity in which a pulsed laser in contained. The laser is excited so that the laser emits a laser beam along a predetermined axis that is in line with a fiber optic delivery system and at a pulse rate of one to 10,000 pulses per second and an average power variable from one tenth to 50 watts. A handpiece is dimensioned to be inserted into a human mouth while an optical fiber optically connects the laser output to the handpiece. The laser assembly also includes a continuous output aiming laser which, upon activation, provides a continuous laser aiming beam coaxial to the treatment beam. Both beams are then introduced into a fiber optic delivery system.
Abstract:
Improvements are provided for a dental air abrasive system of the type which utilizes a compressed gas or air which creates a gas stream. Abrasive particles are introduced into the gas stream and expelled out through one end of a nozzle whereupon the abrasive laden gas stream impinges upon the target, i.e. tooth amalgam, composites, stain and/or tooth dental filling materials. The improvements include the use of two or more hoppers each containing different sized abrasive particles, which are selectively fed, either together or independently of each other, into the gas stream. Different sized abrasive particles are provided in each hopper for cutting different types of tooth structures. Other improvements include the use of fluorescent and/or colored abrasive particles to facilitate the aiming process, a laser beam, strobe, white light or other illuminating means for aiming the abrasive stream and/or illuminating the target area as well as a disposable nozzle for hygienic reasons. Other improvements include the use of a vacuum evacuation system to minimize dusting of the abrasive particles, as well as a dam removably positioned within the patient's mouth which reflects the abrasive particles back towards the evacuation system. Still other improvements include the use of a microvalve adjacent the nozzle which, when closed, terminates gas flow through the fluid passageway in order to further minimize dusting of the abrasive particles.
Abstract:
A combination air abrasive system and laser system are provided for dental applications. The air abrasive system creates an abrasive material laden gas flow and then directs this gas flow towards a target site in the patient's mouth. The air abrasive system also includes a vacuum system which creates an air flow to remove the abrasive material after impingement on the target site. The abrasive material is filtered from the air flow and the resulting clean air is then used to create a positive pressure within the housing for the dental laser system to prevent the entry of debris and other contaminants within the laser system. Additionally, the clean air flow is used to clean the lens system for the laser. Also, the air abrasive system and laser system include a common control system and may also utilize a common aiming and illumination mechanism. Further, the combination unit has a common light source that not only illuminates the target area, but can be used as a curing light for dental materials, which light source may or may not be a laser. Further, the combination unit has a single common footswitch that allows the performance of more than one task.
Abstract:
A system of treating teeth or associated tooth structure uses abrasive-laden fluid stream. The system provides air at high pressure to a manifold with selectively operable valves delivers fluid at a selected pressure to a device for mixing the fluid with abrasive and delivers the air/abrasive mix to a hand-held device for application of an abrasive-laden stream to a tooth or associated tooth structure. Priming air at a relatively low pressure pressurizes the air/abrasive device. A flow path for pure air bypasses the air/abrasive device. A selective control allows for optional delivery of a stream of air or air and abrasive to the tooth or associated tooth structure. Upon termination of a treatment, the pure air is diverted through a purge line to purge the system downstream from the abrasive device of abrasive particles. A vacuum removes abrasive particles and debris from the region of the mouth of the patient during and after the abrasive treatment operation. The abrasive delivery device includes a hand-held nozzle having fluid ports operable by the fingers of the operator to control the instrument. The vacuum includes a rigid, disposable collection chamber for sterile disposal of the abrasive material and debris. Pressure regulating and relief means insure instantaneous change from one pressure level to the next.
Abstract:
A system of treating teeth or associated tooth structure by the use of abrasive-laden fluid stream provides fluid at high pressure to a manifold with selectively operable valves delivers fluid at a selected pressure to a device for mixing the fluid with abrasive and delivers the air/abrasive mix to a hand-held device for application of an abrasive-laden stream to a tooth or associated tooth structure. Priming air at a relatively low pressure pressurizes the air abrasive device. A flow path for pure air bypasses the air/abrasive device. A selective control allows the operator to deliver a stream of air or air and abrasive to the tooth or associated tooth structure as desired. Preferably the fluid pressure is controlled by a manually-operable servo valve system. Upon termination of a treatment with the air abrasive mix, the pure air is diverted through a purge line to purge the system downstream from the abrasive device of excess abrasive particles. A vacuum system is selectively operable to remove abrasive particles and debris from the region of the mouth of the patient during and after the abrasive treatment operation. The abrasive delivery device may include a hand-held and manipulatable nozzle device having fluid ports operable by the fingers of the operator to control various functions of the instrument. The vacuum system includes a rigid, disposable collection chamber for sterile disposal of the abrasive material and debris and may include a common filter for the purge circuit and the system for removal of abrasive particles and debris from the patient's mouth. Connection to the existing suction system in the dental office or use of a water powered venturi to provide suction is also disclosed. Pressure regulating and relief means insure instantaneous change from one pressure level to the next.
Abstract:
Treating teeth or associated tooth structure by the use of an abrasive-laden fluid stream which provides fluid at high pressure to a manifold with selectively operable valves, delivers fluid at a selected pressure to a mixer for fluid and abrasive and delivers the mix to a handpiece for application of abrasive-laden air to a tooth or tooth structure. Low pressure priming air pressurizes the air abrasive device. A path for pure air bypasses the air/abrasive device. A control allows for delivery of air or air and abrasive as desired. Fluid pressure is controlled by a manually-operable servo system. Following treatment with the air/abrasive, a purge line purges the system downstream from the abrasive device of excess abrasive particles. A vacuum removes abrasive particles and debris from the patient's mouth. The abrasive delivery device may include a hand-held nozzle having fluid ports operable by the fingers of the operator to control system functions. The vacuum includes a ridge, disposable collection chamber for sterile disposal of abrasive and debris and may include a common filter for the purge circuit and the system for removal of abrasive particles and debris. Connection to the existing suction system in the dental office or use of a water powered venturi to provide suction is disclosed. Pressure regulating and relief means insure instantaneous change of pressure levels.
Abstract:
An intracavity modulated pulsed laser and methods of using the same. In one preferred form, an intracavity modulated pulsed laser comprises an amplification medium, a pulsed pumping source, a beam modulator, and two mirrors, one totally reflective and one partially reflective for generating at least one laser output burst comprising a plurality of sub-pulses having variably controllable peak powers. In another preferred form, a non-linear crystal is utilized to double the frequency of each laser output burst. In still another preferred form, a fluorescence feedback control circuit is utilized to control the beam modulator.