Dental demineralization detection, methods and systems

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 9901256
APP PUB NO 20150010878A1
SERIAL NO

14372388

Stats

ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

Importance

Loading Importance Indicators... loading....

Abstract

See full text

Methods and systems for detecting early stage dental caries and decays are provided. In particular, in an embodiment, laser-induced autofluorescence (AF) from multiple excitation wavelengths is obtained and analyzed. Endogenous fluorophores residing in the enamel naturally fluoresce when illuminated by wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet into the visible spectrum. The relative intensities of the AF emission changes between different excitation wavelengths when the enamel changes from healthy to demineralized. By taking a ratio of AF emission spectra integrals between different excitation wavelengths, a standard is created wherein changes in AF ratios within a tooth are quantified and serve as indicators of early stage enamel demineralization. The techniques described herein may be used in conjunction with a scanning fiber endoscope (SFE) to provide a reliable, safe and low-cost means for identifying dental caries or decays.

Loading the Abstract Image... loading....

First Claim

See full text

Family

Loading Family data... loading....

Patent Owner(s)

  • UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

International Classification(s)

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Berg, Joel Bellevue, US 13 137
Johnston, Richard S Sammamish, US 70 4678
Lee, Cameron M Seattle, US 9 722
Melville, Charles D Camano Island, US 63 4116
Nelson, Leonard Seattle, US 17 143
Seibel, Eric J Seattle, US 68 7862
Zhang, Liang Seattle, US 626 3116

Cited Art Landscape

Load Citation

Patent Citation Ranking

Forward Cite Landscape

Load Citation

Maintenance Fees

Fee Large entity fee small entity fee micro entity fee due date
7.5 Year Payment $3600.00 $1800.00 $900.00 Aug 27, 2025
11.5 Year Payment $7400.00 $3700.00 $1850.00 Aug 27, 2029
Fee Large entity fee small entity fee micro entity fee
Surcharge - 7.5 year - Late payment within 6 months $160.00 $80.00 $40.00
Surcharge - 11.5 year - Late payment within 6 months $160.00 $80.00 $40.00
Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unavoidable $700.00 $350.00 $175.00
Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unintentional $1,640.00 $820.00 $410.00