Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A device for and method of determining the thermal sensitivity of teeth and other nerve sensitive tissue is disclosed. The device comprises a portable probe for emitting a stream of pressurized fluid and a temperature controller for controlling the temperature of the emitted fluid. The probe includes cooling means, preferably in the form of a vortex tube for cooling the pressurized fluid and heating means downstream of the cooling means for heating the cooled pressurized fluid. The probe is covered with a replaceable sleeve made of soft, resilient material and having soft, pliable end portion for engaging the surface of the tissue under test. A temperature sensor is disposed within the probe adjacent the end of the probe where the pressurized fluid is emitted for detecting the temperature of the emitted fluid. The temperature sensor and heating means are connected to the temperature controller. Included in the temperature controller is control circuitry for supplying power to the heating means when the temperature of the emitted fluid, as measured by the temperature sensor, is below the temperature selected on a temperature set switch mounted on the temperature controller.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim