JP5678286B2 - OCT device for photographing adjacent tooth surface - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the OCT apparatus for tooth fang adjacent surfaces shooting.

  Caries is a parenchymal defect of the teeth caused by decalcification of the tooth by acid produced by carbohydrates in the oral cavity and is one of the two major diseases of dentistry along with periodontal disease. is there. There are three major parts of touching, the first is the occlusal surface, the second is the cervical region, and the third is the surface where the teeth and teeth are adjacent to each other. Tooth adjacent surface. Among these, since the tooth adjacent surface is very narrow, the cleaning property and the self-cleaning property are low as compared with other tooth surfaces, and the region is likely to become an unclean area, and therefore, it is regarded as a touch-prone region.

  The contact of the adjacent tooth surface is difficult to observe because the patient's own subjective symptoms are scarce in the initial lesion, and it occurs in a narrow part. It is easy to become.

  In a conventional examination of touching the adjacent tooth surface, an adjacent tooth may be opened slightly using an instrument called an interdental opener for visual inspection. However, even if pathologically initial caudal lesions have occurred, it is difficult to find a crust change on the surface by visual inspection, and therefore, it is difficult to find a crust on the adjacent tooth surface.

  Therefore, in order to enable detection of touch inside the teeth, a dental X-ray examination or a wing-type X-ray examination in which a small X-ray film is attached with a wing and then bitten and fixed to emit X-rays. X-ray imaging of the tooth adjacent surface by the method is performed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 describes an X-ray photography holder that enables good positioning for imaging an anterior bite wing. Patent Document 2 describes a receptor positioning device that has a sighting plate that forms a substantially rectangular opening and takes a dental dental wing X-ray photograph of a tooth inside a patient's mouth. In Patent Document 3, image processing that improves the contrast of an object and does not deteriorate the graininess is performed, the sharpness of the dental digital X-ray image is improved, and the X-ray photograph image of the adjacent caries is sharpened. An X-ray image acquisition method is described.

JP 2004-121846 A JP 2005-521510 A JP 2007-029681 A

  However, in X-ray photography, contrast differences do not occur unless about 70% of the dental minerals disappear. Therefore, with these X-ray photography, accurate dental examination of the adjacent tooth surface is difficult, Especially early detection of early lesions is difficult.

The present invention was made in view of the above problems, and allows the examination of the correct tooth abutment surface caries, provide particularly teeth adjacent surfaces photographic OCT apparatus you allow early detection in the early lesions For the purpose.

Further, an OCT apparatus for photographing a tooth adjacent surface according to the present invention includes a light source that emits light, a flexible sheath in which at least a distal end side region is transmissive, and a probe main body disposed in the sheath. And an OCT probe having one end connected to the light source and the other end connected to the probe body, an image display unit for displaying an image of a tooth adjacent surface to be observed, and a lumen The probe body is formed of a smooth concave curve that is recessed inwardly and has a shape that is in close contact with the interdental space when expanded, and the probe body guides light from the light source. The tooth adjacent surface that emits the light guided through the tooth to the tooth adjacent surface to be observed and sweeps the reflected light to the light guide means, and displays an image based on the reflected and scattered light on the image display unit OCT for photography A location, the OCT probe, said rotating means for the probe body is driven to rotate, and a moving means for moving back and forth the probe body in the said sheath, said expansion body interdental embrasure The OCT probe is inserted into the cavity of the inflatable body and fixed, and the probe body is rotated by the rotating means, and the moving means is moved in the fixed sheath. An image of a tooth adjacent surface is taken with an OCT probe by performing at least one of the back and forth movement of the probe body.

  In addition, the probe body changes the direction of the incident light from the light guide means at a right angle and emits the incident light to the observation object, and observes the incident light at an acute angle with respect to the light guide means. The first probe main body and the second probe main body are composed of three types: a second probe main body that emits light to the object, and a third probe main body that emits the incident light toward the observation object with an obtuse angle with respect to the light guide. The probe body or the third probe body can be configured to be used interchangeably.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the sheath has matching oil that fills a space between the sheath and the probe main body.

  In addition, the inflatable body has an inflatable body having a cavity portion and in close contact with the interdental space when expanded, and the OCT probe is inserted into the inflatable body cavity portion and refracted into the inflatable body. It is preferable that an image of a tooth adjacent surface is taken with an OCT probe by injecting an anti-attenuation medium for preventing light attenuation due to a difference in rate so that the expansion body is brought into close contact with the interdental space.

  In the present invention, an OCT probe is inserted into the interdental space, and at least one of rotation and back-and-forth movement is performed, and light from the light source is guided to the OCT probe through the light guiding means to acquire an image of the adjacent tooth surface. Then, the image is displayed on the image display unit.

  According to the present invention, by inserting an OCT probe into the interdental space and performing at least one of rotation and back-and-forth movement, images of adjacent teeth from various directions can be obtained, and Since it is rotated and moved back and forth, the entire tooth adjoining surface can be directly irradiated with light, so that it is possible to accurately photograph the contact of the adjacent tooth surface, and particularly early detection of an initial lesion is possible.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the OCT apparatus for tooth adjacent surface imaging | photography which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining an OCT probe. It is explanatory drawing explaining a tooth adjacent surface touch, Among these, (a) is a photograph figure of a tooth adjacent surface touch, (b) is a schematic diagram of a tooth adjacent surface touch. It is a photograph figure as a comparative example which carries out OCT imaging | photography of the tooth | gear adjacent surface touch from a cheek side surface side, (a) is a photograph figure of a cheek side view, (b) is an OCT photograph figure from a cheek side surface. It is a photograph figure as a comparative example which carries out OCT imaging | photography of the tooth contact surface from the occlusal surface side, (a) is a photograph figure of an occlusal surface view, (b) is an OCT photograph figure from an occlusal surface. It is a photograph figure as a comparative example which carries out OCT imaging | photography of the tooth | gear adjacent surface touch from the tongue side surface side, among them, (a) is a photograph figure of a tongue side view, (b) is an OCT photograph figure from a tongue side surface. It is explanatory drawing explaining the imaging | photography method of the tooth adjacent surface which concerns on this embodiment, (a) is explanatory drawing from a cheek side surface, (b) is explanatory drawing from a tongue side surface, (c) is It is explanatory drawing from an occlusal surface. It is a photograph figure explaining imaging | photography of the tooth adjacent surface which concerns on this embodiment, (a) is a photograph figure explaining an incident direction, (b) demonstrates the position of the cross section corresponding to each incident direction. FIG. It is a tomographic image obtained by rotating the probe main body in imaging of the tooth adjacent surface according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a tomographic image obtained by moving the probe main body forward or backward in photographing the tooth adjacent surface according to the present embodiment, of which (a), (b), (c), and (d) are respectively diagrams. FIG. 8B is a tomographic photograph of the cross section indicated by S ₁ , S ₂ , S ₃ , and S ₄ . It is a figure explaining the OCT probe which concerns on 2nd Embodiment which changes direction of incident light in the direction different from a right angle, Out of which (a) changes the direction to an acute angle with respect to an optical fiber, and injects 2nd. It is explanatory drawing of a probe main body, (b) is explanatory drawing of the 3rd probe main body which inject | emits incident light with an obtuse angle changing with respect to an optical fiber. It is a figure explaining the usage condition of the OCT probe which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, (a) is a usage aspect of the OCT probe which uses a 2nd probe main body, (b) is OCT which uses a 3rd probe main body. This is a usage mode of the probe. It is explanatory drawing which image | photographs a tooth adjacent surface using the expansion body of the shape closely_contact | adhered to an interdental drum-shaped space | gap. It is explanatory drawing which shows a specific example of the cross section of an expansion body. It is explanatory drawing explaining the OCT probe which has a moving means concerning another embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments are for facilitating understanding of the principle of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is as follows. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and other embodiments in which those skilled in the art appropriately replace the configurations of the following embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  An OCT (Optical Coherent Tomography: OCT) apparatus 900 for photographing a tooth adjacent surface according to the present embodiment inserts an OCT probe 140 into an interdental space and performs at least one of rotation and back-and-forth movement. Take a picture of the adjacent tooth surface.

  The OCT apparatus is an apparatus that can measure a tissue in a living body on a micro order with extremely high resolution. In OCT, by using a near-infrared light source that can reach below the body surface, it is possible to measure not only the surface portion of the subject but also the deep portion. Near-infrared rays are not radiation that is harmful to the living body, such as X-rays (X-rays), so that it is possible to strictly inspect a non-invasive subject.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an OCT apparatus 900 for photographing a tooth adjacent surface according to the present embodiment. The tooth adjacent surface imaging OCT apparatus 900 uses a near-infrared light source 110 that oscillates an optical signal in a certain frequency range as a wavelength scanning light source. Since it is a wavelength scanning type OCT, the two-dimensional data collection speed is remarkably fast. The wavelength of the light source 110 is, for example, 700 nm to 2500 nm, and corresponds to the wavelength of near infrared light that enters the living body. The output of the light source 110 is given to an optical fiber 111 as a light guiding means. In the middle portion of the optical fiber 111, a coupling portion 113 is provided for causing another optical fiber 112 to approach and interfere.

  An OCT probe 140 is provided at one end of the optical fiber 112 as a light guide. The OCT probe 140 includes a sheath 150 and a probe main body 131 disposed in the sheath 150. The sheath 150 is permeable at least in the distal end region and is formed of a flexible material. The probe body 131 emits light guided from the optical fiber 112 to the tooth adjacent surface that is the observation target 200, sweeps the reflected light to the optical fiber 112, and displays an image based on the reflected light on an image display unit 125 described later. indicate.

  At the other end of the optical fiber 111, a reference mirror 118 is provided perpendicularly to the optical axis via a collimating lens 117. Here, the optical distance L1 from the coupling portion 113 to the reference mirror 118 and the optical distance L2 from the coupling portion 113 to the surface that is the measurement site of the observation target 200 are set equal. A photodetector 121 is connected to the other end of the optical fiber 112 via a lens 120. The reference mirror 118 interferes with the backscattered light returning from the observation target 200 and generates interference light. The light detector 121 is composed of, for example, a light receiving element or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, and receives the interference light of the reflected light from the reference mirror 118 and the light reflected by the measurement site, thereby electrically generating a beat signal. Get as a signal. Here, the optical fiber 111, the optical fiber 112, the coupling portion 113, the collimating lens 117, the reference mirror 118, and the lens 120 constitute an interference optical meter.

  The output of the photodetector 121 is input to the signal processing unit 123 via the amplifier 122. The signal processing unit 123 obtains a tomographic image signal by performing a Fourier transform on the light reception signal obtained from the interference optical meter. The output from the signal processing unit 123 is given to the image processing unit 124. The image processing unit 124 generates a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image of the observation target 200 based on the output from the signal processing unit 123. The display image generated in this way is displayed by the image display unit 125.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the OCT probe 140. As shown in FIG. 2, the OCT probe 140 includes a sheath 150 and a probe main body 131 disposed in the sheath 150. The probe main body 131 is connected to the end face of the optical fiber 112 in an axially aligned state. The probe main body 131 includes a prism 135, a GRIN lens (refractive index inclined lens) 136, and a connection light guide unit 137 that connects the GRIN lens 136 and the optical fiber 112 in order from the distal end side. The prism 135 is, for example, a right-angle prism, and is arranged so that the emission angle of the light guided by the optical fiber 112 is a right angle. The light deflected at a right angle by the prism 135 passes through the sheath 150 and irradiates the observation target 200 existing outside.

  The OCT probe 140 is provided with a rotating means 160 at the end on the proximal end side of the probe main body 131. The rotating means 160 has an actuator provided with a motor, and the probe main body 131 is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor. The probe main body 131 is configured to be detachable from the actuator, and is rotated by the actuator of the rotating means 160. The rotating means 160 can be driven by a controller (not shown). The rotating means 160 is not limited to the configuration provided at the proximal end of the probe main body 131. For example, the rotating means 160 is provided at the proximal end of the OCT probe 140 and extends from the rotating means 160 to the distal end. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the outgoing optical fiber and the probe main body 131 are rotated.

  Further, the OCT probe 140 is provided with a moving means 171 having a guide rail 171b provided along the longitudinal direction of the sheath 150 and a slider 171a. The slider 171a is provided between the probe main body 131 and the guide rail 171b, supports the probe main body 131, and is movable back and forth along the guide rail 171b. The probe main body 131 can be moved back and forth within the sheath 150 by moving the slider 171a back and forth. The slider 171a can be moved back and forth by a slider cylinder, for example, and can be driven by a controller (not shown). Instead of the slider, it is also possible to provide a roller that supports the probe main body 131 and is movable back and forth along the guide rail 171b. The probe main body 131 is moved in the sheath 150 by moving the roller back and forth. Can be moved back and forth.

  Next, an imaging aspect of a tooth adjacent surface using the tooth adjacent surface imaging OCT apparatus 900 having the above-described configuration will be described.

  3A and 3B are explanatory views for explaining the tooth adjacent surface touch, in which (a) is a photograph of the tooth adjacent surface touch, and (b) is a schematic diagram of the tooth adjacent surface touch. As shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), an interval of about 50 to 80 μm that does not cause food impaction is appropriate between the teeth, and the interval between the adjacent teeth is very large. It is difficult to find a narrow and adjacent tooth contact.

  FIG. 4 is a photographic view as a comparative example in which OCT imaging is performed from the side of the buccal side of the tooth adjacent surface, of which (a) is a photographic view of the buccal side view, and (b) is an OCT photograph from the buccal side. FIG. When OCT imaging is performed from the side of the cheek so as to pass through the solid line shown in FIG. 4A, a tomographic image shown in FIG. 4B is obtained. As shown in the dotted line in FIG. 4B, a slight touch abnormality is shown.

  FIG. 5 is a photographic view as a comparative example for performing OCT imaging of the tooth contact surface from the occlusal surface side, in which (a) is a photographic view of the occlusal surface view, and (b) is from the occlusal surface. It is an OCT photograph figure. When OCT imaging is performed from the occlusal surface so as to pass the solid line shown in FIG. 5A, a tomographic image shown in FIG. 5B is obtained. As shown in the dotted line in FIG. 5B, a slight touch abnormality is shown.

  FIG. 6 is a photographic view as a comparative example in which OCT imaging is performed from the side of the lingual surface of the tooth adjacent surface, of which (a) is a photographic view of the lingual side view, and (b) is a view from the lingual side. It is an OCT photograph figure. When OCT imaging is performed from the side of the tongue so as to pass through the solid line shown in FIG. 6A, a tomographic image shown in FIG. 6B is obtained. As shown in the dotted line in FIG. 6 (b), the abnormal touch findings are hardly understood by OCT imaging from the side of the tongue.

  Next, FIG. 7 is an explanatory view for explaining a method for photographing a tooth adjacent surface according to the present embodiment, in which (a) is an explanatory view from the cheek side, and (b) is an explanatory view from the tongue side. (C) is an explanatory view from the occlusal surface. As shown in FIGS. 7 (a), (b) and (c), the OCT probe 140 is inserted into the upper part or the lower part of the interdental hour space, and the OCT probe 140 is inserted into the interdental hour space. To fix the sheath 150. Since the sheath 150 is flexible, it is easy to insert the OCT probe 140 into the interdental space and it is difficult to damage periodontal tissue in the vicinity of the interdental space. Then, while rotating the probe main body 131 by the rotating means 160, an image of the tooth adjacent surface is taken by the OCT probe 140. Alternatively, the probe body 131 is moved forward or backward by the moving means 171 in the fixed sheath 150 and an image of the tooth adjacent surface is taken by the OCT probe 140. Alternatively, the probe body 131 is moved forward or backward by the moving means 171 in the fixed sheath 150 while the probe body 131 is rotated by the rotating means 160, and an image of the tooth adjacent surface is taken by the OCT probe 140.

  The rotation of the probe body 131 is 360 degrees, but is not limited to this. For example, when the OCT probe 140 is inserted into the upper part of the interdental space, the rotation is 180 degrees downward. For example, when the OCT probe 140 is inserted in the lower part of the interdental space, it can be rotated 180 degrees upward.

  In addition, without fixing the sheath 150 in the interdental space, the probe main body 131 can be moved forward or backward together with the sheath 150 and an image of the adjacent tooth surface can be taken with the OCT probe 140. In such a case, a sheath moving means for moving the sheath 150 is provided without providing the moving means 171 for moving the probe main body 131 back and forth within the sheath 150. In addition, the sheath 150 has a double structure formed by an outer sheath and an inner sheath, the outer sheath is fixed in the interdental space, and the probe body 131 is moved forward or backward together with the inner sheath. It is also possible to take an image of the tooth adjacent surface.

FIG. 8 is a photographic view for explaining photographing of a tooth adjacent surface according to the present embodiment, in which (a) is a photographic view for explaining an incident direction, and (b) is a cross-section corresponding to each incident direction. It is a photograph figure explaining a position. The OCT probe 140 is inserted into the upper part of the interdental space, the sheath 150 is fixed, and an image of the adjacent tooth surface is taken while the probe body 131 is rotated as indicated by an arrow R in FIG. . The position of the cross section in such a case is indicated by R in FIG. Further, the OCT probe 140 is inserted into the upper part of the interdental space, and the sheath 150 is fixed, and the inside of the sheath 150 is indicated by arrows S ₁ , S ₂ , S ₃ , and S ₄ in FIG. The probe main body 131 is moved forward or backward to take an image of the tooth adjacent surface. The position of the cross section in such a case is indicated by S ₁ , S ₂ , S ₃ , and S _{4 in} FIG.

FIG. 9 is a tomographic image obtained by rotating the probe main body 131 in the imaging of the tooth adjacent surface according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the progress of the touch can be clearly confirmed in the tomographic photograph of the cross section indicated by R in FIG. FIG. 10 is a tomographic image obtained by moving the probe main body 131 forward or backward in photographing the tooth adjacent surface according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 10 (a), (b), (c), and (d), the cross-sectional tomographic images indicated by S ₁ , S ₂ , S ₃ , and S ₄ in FIG. Can be clearly confirmed.

  In this way, by inserting the OCT probe 140 into the interdental space and performing at least one of rotation and back-and-forth movement, images of adjacent teeth from various directions can be obtained, Since it is rotated and moved back and forth, the entire tooth adjacent surface can be directly irradiated with light, so that it is possible to photograph a very accurate contact with the tooth adjacent surface. Further, according to the present invention, accurate and clear imaging can be performed not only on the tooth adjacent surface but also on the periodontal tissue in the vicinity of the tooth adjacent surface. Periodontal tissue includes gingiva, alveolar bone, cementum, connective fibers, and periodontal ligament.

  In the above-described embodiment, the rotation of the probe main body 131 is performed by the rotating means 160 in the imaging of the tooth adjacent surface. However, the rotation is not limited to such an embodiment, and the rotation of the probe main body 131 is not performed by humans. Manual operation is also possible. The probe body 131 is moved back and forth by the moving means 171. However, the probe body 131 is not limited to such an embodiment, and the probe body 131 can be moved back and forth by a human hand.

  In the above-described embodiment, the swept source OCT (SS-OCT) is used in the Fourier domain OCT (FD-OCT). However, the present invention is not limited to this method. The format proposed in OCT (SD-OCT) may be used, and the OCT apparatus may be in the format proposed in time domain OCT (TD-OCT).

(Embodiment 2)
In the above-described embodiment, the probe main body 131 emits incident light from the optical fiber while changing the direction to a right angle (first probe main body). However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an OCT probe according to the second embodiment that changes the direction of incident light in a direction different from a right angle, in which (a) changes the direction of incident light at an acute angle with respect to the optical fiber. It is explanatory drawing of the 2nd probe main body 132 inject | emitted, (b) is explanatory drawing of the 3rd probe main body 133 which inject | emits incident light by changing the direction to an obtuse angle with respect to an optical fiber.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, in the second probe body, the prism 235 is configured so that the emission angle of the light guided by the optical fiber 112 is irradiated at an acute angle. In the present embodiment, the irradiation is performed. The angle θ is 60 degrees, for example. Other configurations are the same as those of the first probe main body 131 described above. Further, as shown in FIG. 11B, in the third probe body, the prism 335 is configured so that the emission angle of the light guided by the optical fiber 112 is irradiated at an obtuse angle. The irradiation angle θ is, for example, 130 degrees. Other configurations are the same as those of the first probe main body 131 described above.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a usage mode of the OCT probe according to the second embodiment, in which (a) is a usage mode of the OCT probe using the second probe body, and (b) is a third probe body. This is a usage mode of an OCT probe using In the second embodiment, the probe main body includes three types of the first probe main body 131, the second probe main body 132, or the third probe main body 133, and these first probe main body 131, second probe main body 132, or third The probe main body 133 is used interchangeably. That is, in the normal usage mode, the first probe body 131 is used. Then, as shown in FIG. 12A, when the OCT probe 140 is inserted into the back side of the interdental space and the adjacent tooth surface is imaged from the back side, the second probe main body 132 is used. . As shown in FIG. 12B, the third probe body 133 is used when it is difficult to insert the OCT probe 140 because the lower portion of the interdental drum-shaped gap is narrow. Thereby, even when the lower part of the interdental space is narrow and it is difficult to insert the OCT probe 140, it is possible to accurately photograph the adjacent tooth surface.

(Embodiment 3)
In the first embodiment described above, when the space between the sheath 150 and the probe main body 131 is air, the difference in refractive index between the connecting portions between the prism 135 → air and the air → sheath 150 is different. In some cases, optical connection loss due to the occurrence of the loss occurs. In view of this, in this embodiment, the sheath 150 has matching oil for adjusting the refractive index that fills the space between the sheath 150 and the probe main body 131. The refractive index of the matching oil may be the same as or close to the refractive index of the prism 135, or the same or close to the refractive index of the sheath 150 may be used. In addition, when the refractive index of the prism 135 and the refractive index of the sheath 150 are the same or close to each other, it is possible to use the refractive index.

  It is preferable that the matching oil filled in the sheath 150 has a viscosity sufficient to ensure smooth rotation and back-and-forth movement of the OCT probe 131. By using the matching oil for adjusting the refractive index that fills the space between the sheath 150 and the probe main body 131, it is possible to prevent light connection loss and to photograph a clear tooth adjacent surface.

(Embodiment 4)
In the first embodiment described above, when the space between the sheath 150 and the observation target 200 is air, the refractive index of each connection portion is different between the sheath 150 → air and the air → observation target 200. In some cases, optical connection loss due to the difference may occur. Therefore, in the present embodiment, matching oil for adjusting the refractive index that fills the space between the sheath 150 and the observation target 200 is disposed around the sheath 150. The refractive index of the matching oil can be the same as or close to the refractive index of the sheath 150.

  The matching oil disposed around the sheath 150 is preferably viscous so that it stays in the interdental hour space for a certain period of time, and because it contacts the dental hour space, it may not have any biological harm. is necessary. The type of matching oil disposed around the sheath 150 is not particularly limited, and for example, vegetable oil or the like can be used. By using a matching oil for adjusting the refractive index that fills the space between the sheath 150 and the observation target 200, it is possible to prevent loss of light connection and to capture a clear tooth adjacent surface.

  In addition, it is possible to use the expansion body 300 having the cavity portion 310 and having a shape that closely contacts the interdental space when expanded. FIG. 13 is an explanatory view of photographing a tooth adjacent surface using an expanding body 300 having a shape closely contacting with an interdental space. As shown in FIG. 13, an OCT probe 140 is inserted into the inner cavity 310 of the expansion body 300, and an anti-attenuation medium that prevents light attenuation due to a difference in refractive index is injected into the expansion body 300. Then, the expansion body 300 is brought into close contact with the interdental space, and an image of the adjacent tooth surface is taken with the OCT probe 140. Since the anti-attenuation medium is filled in the expansion body 300, it does not matter whether there is any biological harm or no viscosity. The anti-attenuation medium is not particularly limited. For example, water, physiological saline, vegetable oil, or the like can be used. Thereby, the connection loss of the light resulting from the air in the space between the sheath 150 and the observation target 200 can be prevented, and clear imaging of the adjacent tooth surface becomes possible.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing a specific example of a cross section of the expansion body 300. As shown in FIG. 14, it is preferable that the expanded body 300 is formed with a smooth concave curve in which the cross section when expanded is recessed inward. The interdental space is formed by a smooth convex curve that protrudes to the outside. By having such a cross-sectional shape, the interdental space has a shape that can easily adhere to the interdental space when the expansion body 300 expands. Become.

(Embodiment 5)
In the first embodiment described above, the moving means 171 for moving the probe main body 131 back and forth within the sheath 150 includes the slider 171a and the guide rail 171b provided inside the sheath 150. However, the moving means for moving the probe main body 131 back and forth within the sheath 150 is not limited to such an embodiment.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an OCT probe having a moving unit according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the end of the probe main body 131 on the proximal end side is provided with a telescopic moving means 172 composed of a multistage rod. When the moving means 172 extends, the probe main body 131 moves to the distal end side in the sheath 150, and when the moving means 172 contracts, the probe main body 131 moves to the proximal end side in the sheath 150. As shown in FIG. 15, the moving means 172 may be attached to the rotating means 160 located at the proximal end of the probe main body 131, or directly to the proximal end of the probe main body 131. It is also possible to attach. The moving means 172 may be formed of a string-like member without being configured as an expandable / contractible multi-stage rod structure, and the string-like member may be wound up by a reel or the like. It should be noted that 172 can exist at the center of probe rotation. According to such a configuration, the probe main body 131 cannot be moved to the distal end side within the sheath 150, but the probe main body 131 can be moved to the proximal end side within the sheath 150 with a simple configuration.

  Since it is possible to detect the contact between adjacent teeth at an early stage, it can be used advantageously in the fields of dental diagnosis and treatment.

110: Light source 111, 112: Optical fiber 113: Coupling unit 117: Collimating lens 118: Reference mirror 120: Lens 121: Photo detector 122: Amplifier 123: Signal processing unit 124: Image processing unit 125: Image display unit 131: Probe Body (first probe body)
132: Second probe main body 133: Third probe main body 135: Prism 136: GRIN lens 137: Connection light guide 140: OCT probe 150: Sheath 160: Rotating means 171: Moving means 171a: Slider 171b: Guide rail 200: Observation Object 300: Expansion body 310: Lumen portion 900: OCT apparatus for photographing adjacent tooth surface

Claims (4)

A light source that emits light;
An OCT probe having a flexible sheath having at least a distal side region permeable, and a probe body disposed in the sheath;
A light guide means having one end connected to the light source and the other end connected to the probe body;
An image display unit for displaying an image of a tooth adjacent surface to be observed ;
An inflatable body having a hollow portion and formed in a smooth concave curve recessed inward when inflated, and having an intimate contact with the interdental space when inflated ,
The probe main body emits light guided from the light source through the light guide means to the tooth adjacent surface to be observed, sweeps the reflected light to the light guide means, and an image based on the reflected and scattered light An OCT apparatus for photographing a tooth adjacent surface, which is displayed on the image display unit,
The OCT probe has rotating means for rotationally driving the probe main body, and moving means for moving the probe main body back and forth within the sheath,
The expansion body is disposed so as to be in close contact with the interdental space, and the OCT probe is inserted and fixed in the cavity portion of the expansion body , and the probe body is rotated and fixed by the rotating means. An OCT apparatus for imaging a tooth adjacent surface, wherein an image of the tooth adjacent surface is imaged by an OCT probe by performing at least one of the movement of the probe main body by the moving means in the sheath. The probe main body is a first probe main body that emits incident light from the light guiding means at a right angle to the observation target;
A second probe body that changes the direction of the incident light at an acute angle with respect to the light guide means and emits the incident light to an observation target;
The incident light consists of three types: a third probe body that changes the direction to an obtuse angle with respect to the light guide means and emits the incident light to an observation target;
The first probe body, a second probe body, or a third tooth adjacent surface imaging OCT apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configured so that the probe body interchangeably used. Within the sheath, tooth adjacent surfaces photographic OCT apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it has a matching oil filling the space between the probe body and the sheath. Inside the front Symbol inflation body, by injecting the damping prevention medium to prevent the attenuation of light due to the difference in refractive index, the expansion body image of the tooth adjacent surfaces in close contact to the interdental embrasure in OCT probe The OCT apparatus for photographing a tooth adjacent surface according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein photographing is performed.