Ultrasonic dental tool having a light source

Abstract

An ultrasonic dental insert having at least one light source. A first transducer generates ultrasonic vibrations. A connecting body has a proximal end and a distal end having a tip attached thereto. The proximal end is attached to the first transducer so as to receive the ultrasonic vibrations therefrom and to transmit the ultrasonic vibrations toward the tip attached to the distal end. A second transducer is disposed substantially proximate to the connecting body for generating a voltage signal in response to movement of a portion of the connecting body according to the ultrasonic vibrations. A magnetic material including a source of a magnetic field is present in close proximity to the insert. At least one light source substantially proximate to the tip is connected to and receives the voltage signal from the second transducer to generate light. The ultrasonic dental insert may be inserted into a handpiece for providing electromagnetic energy to the first transducer to generate the ultrasonic vibrations.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 654,306, filed Feb. 17, 2005, entitled “Ultrasonic Dental Tool having a Light Source”, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is related to ultrasonic dental tools, and more particularly to an ultrasonic dental tool having a light source. BACKGROUND [0003] Dental practitioners use ultrasonic dental tools (instruments) for dental treatments and procedures, such as scaling, periodontal treatments, root canal therapy, and the like. An ultrasonic dental tool typically includes a handpiece coupled at one end (i.e., a proximal end) to an electrical energy source and a fluid source via a cable. The cable includes a hose to provide a fluid (e.g., water), and conductors to provide electrical energy. [0004] The other end (i.e., a distal end) of the handpiece has an opening intended to receive...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0026] In one aspect of the present invention, a voltage regulating device may be employed to modulate the electrical energy input into the at least one light source to minimize input voltage fluctuations to the light source. In one aspect, the voltage regulating device may include a zener diode for clamping the input voltage at a specific value to minimize fluctuations.

Problems solved by technology

Since a patient's mouth is a small space in which to work, it is often difficult to see well into all regions of the mouth under the best of conditions.

When a dental practitioner can not see clearly in the field of work, it is more likely that painful slips can occur.

The often sharp implements, vibrating at ultrasonic frequencies, may do considerable harm to soft tissue (such as gum tissue) resulting in bleeding and pain.

The large and focused lamp that hangs over the field of work while the dental practitioner uses ultrasonic dental tools in the patient's mouth often becomes obscured when the dental practitioner leans closely toward the patient to work in confined spaces within the mouth.

The suddenly darker field is more difficult in which to work accurately.

Small slips and injuries can result.

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