DENTAL SCALER DEPTH MEASUREMENT DEVICE FOR USE IN THE TREATMENT OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. A hand-held ultrasonic dental apparatus for Inserting into an oral cavity to transmit ultrasonic energy from the radiating head to the teeth for cleaning, said apparatus comprising: A. a vibrating member including: 1. a body member; 2. a prong coupled to said body member; (a) said prong having defining a radiating surface disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said vibrating member, (b) a measurement means on said radiating surface for simultaneously measuring periodontal pocket depth and periodontal tooth attachment level.

2. The dental apparatus according to claim 1, where in said means for measurement is a series of etchings marks formed on the prong at a predetermined space apart from one another.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a view of the present ultrasonic scaler with measurement markings on the distal region of the prong.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a view of the prong of the invention being used to take a depth measurement between two teeth along a gumline.

[0016] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific term so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] FIG.. 1 is a preferred embodiment of the invention depicting the ultrasonic scaler 10 with a handle 11 and an elongated prong 12. The prong 12 has a plurality of measurement markings 14 formed on the tip at a predetermined distance apart. The markings 14 serve as a means for depth measurement in the pocket between tooth and gum.

[0018] The prong 12 shown is the preferred embodiment, with etched measurement lines formed in the manufacturing of the prong 12. In an embodiment not shown, markings can in different color for measuring the pocket depth.

[0019] In FIG. 2. a gumline 88 with teeth 84 and 86 are depicted undergoing treatment. The scaler markings 14 are shown in use for a user to visually accurately measure the depth of the pocket area between the teeth 84 and 86. FIG. 2 show's the prong 12 in a pocket area between two teeth 84, 86.

[0020] In conclusion, the present invention in using the aforementioned structure has assuredly achieved anticipated effectiveness, moreover, contents of the present invention have not been publicly disclosed prior to this application and novelty, advancement and industrial practicability of the present invention clearly comply with essential elements as required for a new patent application. Accordingly, a new patent application is proposed herein.

[0021] It is of course to be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention and that a wide variety of modifications thereto may be effected by persons skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.