ULTRASONIC METHODS AND DEVICES FOR DENTAL TREATMENT

摘要

Devices and methods for ultrasonic dental treatment are described, wherein the devices and methods can comprise a flexible array of cooperative ultrasound transducers. The array can contain individual ultrasonic transducers that can perform both functions of emitting and sensing. The transducers can have the ability to interchange their functions from emitting to sensing. The transducers can cooperate in providing an ultrasound treatment and each transducer can be independently controlled by an external source controller. An ultrasound system is provided comprising: an ultrasound transducer sensor array operable to emit or sense ultrasound, wherein the timing and intensity of emission may be controlled by an electronic controller based on a feedback signal from the sensors. In addition the ultrasound system can also have the ability to sense coupling to a treatment tissue. This ability to sense proper coupling can improve the efficacy of the treatment.

主权项

1. A system for use in emitting ultrasound to a dental area, the system comprising:
an intra-oral dental attachment for providing ultrasound emissions to the dental area; the dental attachment comprising at least one flexible array of cooperative ultrasound transducers for emitting ultrasound and sensing at least one stimulus; and controlling means for controlling the ultrasound emissions, the controlling means being in communication with the dental attachment; wherein the at least one flexible array of ultrasound transducers comprises individual transducers which can be independently controlled by the controlling means to emit ultrasound as desired; and wherein the at least one flexible array of ultrasound transducers comprises individual transducers which can be independently controlled by the controlling means to sense at least one stimulus and provide feedback as desired.