A periodontal endoscope includes an imaging handle having an imaging end that supports a camera sensor and an introducer including an introducer blade such that the introducer blade is selectively rotatable about the camera sensor for engaging gingival tissue in the field of view for any rotational orientation of the introducer blade relative to the camera while illuminated by an optical fiber bundle. An automatic illuminance controller controls an illumination light source at least within each frame as the frame is scanned based on dynamic range of the camera sensor such that high intensity areas of the frame receive a reduced amount of illumination light by reducing the illumination drive signal as compared to low intensity areas of the frame which receive an increased amount of illumination light by increasing the illumination drive signal relative to the high intensity areas.

A device for generating singlet oxygen is provided. The device has elongated posts extending from a surface, the lateral sides of which have particles with a sensitizer that converts triplet oxygen to single oxygen upon exposure to light. An optical fiber conveys light to the sensitizer and a gas supply tube conveys oxygen to the sensitizer. The device is configured to keep the sensitizer from contacting external fluids, such as saliva.

A periodontal pocket depth measuring device comprising: a main body; a probe tabular in shape extending from a side of the main body and the probe is mounted within the main body, the probe comprises a concave structure which is located at the front end of the protruding direction and in the middle of the tabular width direction; a lip extending from the side of the main body along the same protruding direction as the probe, wherein the lip can freely move in parallel to the protruding direction, the lip is slidably mounted into the main body and is located close to the probe; and a measuring portion measuring the depth by measuring the movement in a direction opposite to the lip protruding direction.

Methods for tracking gum line changes by comparing digital 3D models of teeth and gingiva taken at different times. The digital 3D models are segmented to digitally identify the teeth from the gingiva, and the segmented digital 3D models are compared to detect gum line changes by determining differences between them relating to the gum line. Gum line changes can also be estimated by comparing one of the digital 3D models with a 3D model having a predicted original location of the gum line. Gum line change maps can be displayed to show the gum line changes determined through the tracking or estimating of changes. The digital 3D models can also be displayed with periodontal measurements placed upon them.

The present invention provides for devices and methods of treating wounds, including general wounds, gum disease and gingival tissues post scaling/root planning, using a diode laser which generates a beam of light having a wavelength in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum (400 nm-700 nm). Further disclosed are devices and methods capable of stimulating tissue regeneration at the site of a wound.

Loss of light is reduced in an examination for periodontal disease. A plurality of optical fibers are each held by holder so as to be freely movable independently along the direction of the optical axis. Since the optical fibers are each freely movable independently along the direction of the optical axis, light-emitting end faces of the optical fibers can be brought into close contact with a tooth or gum. Light reflected from the tooth and gum can be made to impinge on the optical fibers with reduced loss.

Provided herein are aptamers that bind specifically to the surface proteins of periodontal pathogens. Also provided herein are methods for detecting and treating periodontal disease in a subject. The method comprises detecting bacteria associated with periodontal disease by use of the present aptamers to analyze a sample taken from a gum pocket of a tooth of the subject; and treating the periodontal disease of the subject by administering to the gum pocket of the tooth a bactericide or an anti-microbial phototherapy to eradicate the bacteria associated with periodontal disease.

An intra oral scanner (IOS) including a probe is disclosed. Optionally, the probe is calibrated to measure locations at a higher accuracy than the IOS. For example, the probe may be used to locate points in a 3D map at high precision and/or the points used to increase the precision of location of other points and/or surfaces in the map. In some embodiments, the probe includes a sensor. Optionally, the probe may be used to measure locations that are hard to view with the IOS. For example, the IOS probe combination may be used to produce 3D maps of a recess in a tooth and/or gums and/or a periodontal pocket and/or to traduce a 3D map or periodontal disease. In some embodiments the probe may be used to measure physical properties, for example, the IOS probe combination may be used to produce a 3D image of hardness of mucosa.

A method of collecting dental measurements comprising: receiving optical measurement data of at least a portion of a subject's mouth; contacting a portion of a measuring device to portions of the subject's mouth to collect position measurement data, where the measuring device includes a tracker; and combining the optical measurement data and the position measurement data.

The present invention is directed to the treatment of periodontal disease. An ultrasonic scaler has a prong with measurement markings along tire prong. The dental instrument has an elongated body and a tip that is coupled to or formed contiguous with the elongated body. The scaler simultaneously cleans and provides a depth measurement by inserting the tip of the prong into the periodontal pocket depth of the space between the tooth and gum.