Plaque detection using a stream probe

Abstract

An apparatus (100, 100′) is configured such that passage of a fluid (30) through an open port (136, 2604) of a distal probe tip (112, 112′) enables detection of a substance (116) that may be present on a surface (31, 33), e.g., a surface of a tooth, based on measurement of a signal correlating to a substance at least partially obstructing the passage of fluid (30) through the open port (136, 2604). The apparatus (100, 100′) includes a proximal pump portion (124) and at least one distal probe portion (110) configured to be immersed in another fluid (11), e.g., water in toothpaste foam. A corresponding system (3000) includes one or two such apparatuses (3100, 3200). A method of detecting the presence of a substance on a surface includes probing an interaction zone (17) for at least partial obstruction of flow of the fluid (30) through the distal probe tip (112, 112′). The distal probe tip (112, 112′) may have a structural configuration for preventing blocking of the open port (136, 2604). The distal probe tip (112, 112′) may also have a non-uniform wear profile. The at least one distal probe portion (110) may include two or multiple components to improve performance and reliability.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 740,904 filed on Dec. 21, 2012 entitled “PLAQUE DETECTION USING A STREAM PROBE” and, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 746,361 filed on Dec. 27, 2012 entitled “PLAQUE DETECTION USING A STREAM PROBE”, the entire contents of both applications are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present disclosure relates to apparatuses used for detecting the state of a surface. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a stream probe that is utilized to detect the state of a dental surface.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Caries or periodontal diseases are thought to be infectious diseases caused by bacteria present in dental plaques. Removal of dental plaques is highly important for the health of oral cavities. Dental plaques, however, are not easy to identify by the naked eye. A variety of plaque detection appar...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure includes an apparatus for detecting the presence of a substance on a surface. The apparatus includes a proximal body portion comprising a proximal pump (e.g., syringe) portion and a proximal probe portion and at least one distal probe portion configured to be immersed in a first fluid. The proximal pump portion and the distal probe portion are in fluid communication with one another. The distal probe portion defines a distal tip having an open port to enable the passage of a second fluid (e.g. a gas or a liquid) there through. The apparatus is configured such that passage of the second fluid through the distal tip enables detection of a substance that may be present on the surface based on measurement of a signal correlating to a substance at least partially obstructing the passage of fluid through the open port of the distal tip.

[0014]In one aspect, the distal tip having an open port may be chamfered at an angle such that passage of the second fluid through the distal tip is enabled when the distal tip touches the surface. The angle of the chamfer of the open port may be such that passage of the second fluid through the distal tip is at least partially obstructed when the distal tip touches the surface and a substance at least partially obstructs the passage of fluid through the open port of the distal tip. Other structural configurations for the distal tip of the distal probe portion are contemplated herein for preventing blockage or obstruction of the passage of fluid through the open port of the distal tip. These structural configurations also prevent false positives by ensuring that on a flat surface a flow escapes from the distal tip.

[0021]In yet a another aspect, the distal tip has an open port that may be chamfered at an angle such that the step of causing a second fluid medium to flow through the interior channels and the distal probe tips is enabled when the distal tip touches the surface and the second fluid medium is enabled to flow through the chamfered open port. Other structural configurations for the distal tip of the distal probe portion are contemplated herein for preventing blockage or obstruction of the passage of fluid through the open port of the distal tip. These structural configurations also prevent false positives by ensuring that on a flat surface a flow escapes from the distal tip.

[0025]The present disclosure describes a method of probing a dental surface by recording the outflow properties of a fluid medium through a probe tip. The properties of the fluid outflowing from the probe tip can for example be measured by recording the pressure of the fluid medium as a function of time. The release properties of fluid, including bubbles, from the tip-surface region can characterize the dental surface and / or the viscoelastic properties of dental material present at the probe tip. The fluid, including bubbles, may also improve the plaque removal rate of the tooth brush.

[0035]According to aspects of the present disclosure, the distal tip of the distal probe portion may include a structural configuration having a wear profile which is non-uniform around the circumference of the open port. The non-uniform wear profile ensures that the distal tip maintains its shape to a sufficient extent over a longer period of time. In one aspect of the present disclosure, a structural configuration of the distal tip includes at least two zones with different wear characteristics during brushing. The zones with different wear characteristics are alternatively placed over the circumference of the distal probe portion, e.g., alternating wear characteristics yielding a relatively high wear, low wear, high wear, and low wear.

[0036]According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the distal probe portion of the stream probes of the various embodiments described herein have structural configurations which include two or multiple segments or components to improve performance and reliability.

Problems solved by technology

Dental plaques, however, are not easy to identify by the naked eye.

Specifically, it is known that each area of the eye absorbs different wavelengths of light and, if too much light is absorbed by the eye, the eye may be damaged.

The aforementioned devices, however, are not configured to automatically detect when the plaque detection apparatus are placed inside the mouth.

As a result thereof, potentially harmful radiation that could damage the eyes, or cause uncomfortable glare if exposed to the eyes, may result if proper handling precautions are not followed, e.g., consumer misuse.

Furthermore, this technique is especially suitable to detect old plaque; a distinction between teeth fluorescence and young (1 day old) plaque fluorescence is not made.

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