An examination probe used in an apparatus for examining the depth of a periodontal pocket includes a light-emitting portion and a gripping portion. The light-emitting portion includes a crystal deflecting element, which deflects, in a specific direction, measuring light split off from low-interference light, and an f- lens for rendering parallel the measuring light that has been deflected. Measuring light that has been rendered parallel such as a measuring light beam is emitted from an opening of the light-emitting portion and irradiates a gum or tooth of a subject. An optical tomographic image of the gum or tooth is generated from interference signals obtained based on reflected light, allowing the depth of a periodontal pocket to be determined. The light-emitting portion protrudes further than the gripping portion does in the direction of emission of the measuring light such as the measuring light beam.

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.

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.

In a panoramic imaging apparatus, a panoramic image is displayed on a monitor. The panoramic image is an image in which an overall dentition is in optimal focus, or an image in which a region of interest that is a portion of the image of the overall dentition is in optimal focus. Both images are reconstructed from frame data that has been collected by an initial first scan. Feature points of one or more teeth and a supporting portion that supports the tooth in the dentition in the panoramic image displayed on the monitor are designated. A length based on the positions of the designated feature points is measured in the panoramic image. The degree of loss in alveolar bone that supports the tooth is analyzed based on the measured length. The analysis information is provided to a dentist as check information regarding periodontal disease.

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.

A laser and a minimally invasive dental surgical procedure using the laser to stimulate periodontal tissue formation.

A gingival pocket measurement device for facile and accurate measurement of a depth of a gingival pocket includes a rod, which in turn comprises first and second segments that extend from first and second ends of the rod, respectively. The second segment is tapered between the second end and a junction of the first and second segments so that the second end is circumferentially smaller than the junction. The bands of a plurality of bands are attached to the second segment at 1.0 mm increments from the second end. Each band extends circumferentially around the rod and has a respective color so that the plurality of bands comprises bands of variety of colors. The first end is selectively attachable to an elongate shaft, enabling a user to insert the rod into a gingival pocket to measure its depth by observing a respective band that is not covered by a gum.

The sample attachment level (M) of each tooth is measured in a plurality of tooth samples taken per tooth type from a plurality of teeth extracted as unconservable teeth. A lost periodontal membrane area (S.sub.L) is calculated based on the sample attachment level (M) and a total periodontal membrane area (S). A bite force coefficient (B) different according only to each tooth type, which reflects the bite force of each tooth, is found. The relation between the bite force coefficient (B) and a lost periodontal membrane area (S.sub.LB) at the time of loss of each tooth is statistically processed for each tooth type, and a linear equation showing the relation between the bite force coefficient (B) and the lost periodontal membrane area (S.sub.LB) at the time of loss of each tooth is prepared by use of the presence of a linear relation between both parameters.

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.

At least one embodiment of an ultrasonic periodontal probe, the ultrasonic periodontal probe comprising a grip portion having a longitudinal axis, a support member comprising a part having a longitudinal axis different from the longitudinal axis of the grip portion, and an ultrasonic device fastened to the grip portion via the support member, wherein the ultrasonic device is configured for emitting ultrasound signals within at least two emitting cones and for receiving corresponding echoed ultrasound signals, the at least two emitting cones extending in opposite directions with regard to a plane comprising the longitudinal axis of the grip portion.