JPH08233758A - Initial caries detector - Google Patents
Initial caries detectorInfo
- Publication number
- JPH08233758A JPH08233758A JP6163995A JP6163995A JPH08233758A JP H08233758 A JPH08233758 A JP H08233758A JP 6163995 A JP6163995 A JP 6163995A JP 6163995 A JP6163995 A JP 6163995A JP H08233758 A JPH08233758 A JP H08233758A
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- tooth
- caries
- initial caries
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/0059—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence
- A61B5/0082—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence adapted for particular medical purposes
- A61B5/0088—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence adapted for particular medical purposes for oral or dental tissue
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Dentistry (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Audiology, Speech & Language Pathology (AREA)
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Investigating Or Analyzing Materials Using Thermal Means (AREA)
- Dental Tools And Instruments Or Auxiliary Dental Instruments (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【産業上の利用分野】本発明は、外部からは脱灰の程度
を確認しにくい初期う蝕を簡便かつ短時間で正確に、し
かも安全かつ衛生的に検出することができる初期う蝕検
出装置に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an initial caries detecting device capable of easily, accurately and safely and sanitarily detecting early caries in which it is difficult to confirm the degree of decalcification from the outside. Regarding
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術及び発明が解決しようとする課題】歯の喪
失原因の約５０％以上はう蝕に起因することから、歯の
喪失を予防する点で、う蝕予防は極めて重要な意義があ
る。しかし、一般にう蝕予防は難しい面がある。その理
由の一つとして、一般的にう蝕は、まず歯の表面下で脱
灰が進行して肉眼では見えない状態で悪化し、自覚症状
や肉眼で感知された時には既に保存治療が必要となる程
悪化してしまうという点である。2. Description of the Related Art Since about 50% or more of the causes of tooth loss are caused by dental caries, prevention of dental caries is extremely important in preventing tooth loss. . However, caries prevention is generally difficult. One of the reasons for this is that caries generally worsen in a state where decalcification progresses under the surface of the teeth and is invisible to the naked eye, and conservative treatment is already required when subjective symptoms or when detected by the naked eye. The point is that it gets worse.
【０００３】そこで、う蝕予防において重要なことは、
歯の表面下で脱灰が進行したごく初期の状態でこれを検
知し、う蝕の進行を食い止める適切な措置を施すことで
ある。このような初期段階では、仮に保存治療が必要と
なった場合でも、う蝕としては小さなものであるので、
簡単な治療で済む（大きな保存充填ほど二次う蝕のリス
クが高くなる。）という利点がある。Therefore, what is important in preventing dental caries is
To detect demineralization under the surface of the tooth at an early stage and take appropriate measures to stop the progress of caries. At such an early stage, even if conservative treatment is needed, caries are small, so
It has the advantage that simple treatment is required (the larger the preservative filling, the higher the risk of secondary caries).
【０００４】更に最近では、フッ化物の適応により、初
期う蝕をある程度、元の健全な歯質に回復できることも
示唆されており、益々初期う蝕の検出は、う蝕予防ある
いは歯牙の喪失予防にとって価値の高い技術となる。More recently, it has been suggested that the initial dental caries can be restored to the original healthy dentin to some extent by the adaptation of fluoride, and the detection of the early dental caries is more and more effective for the prevention of dental caries or the loss of teeth. It is a valuable technology for
【０００５】一方、う蝕の検出は、従来から深針とデン
タルミラーを用い、実質欠損を伴ったう蝕を視覚的に感
知する視診が主流であるが、この方法では、初期う蝕に
関してその脱灰の程度を再現性良く、かつ客観的に評価
することは困難である。On the other hand, the mainstream of caries detection has conventionally been visual inspection using a deep needle and a dental mirror to visually detect caries accompanied by a substantial defect. It is difficult to objectively evaluate the degree of decalcification with good reproducibility.
【０００６】更に、機械的に検診する方法の一つとし
て、レントゲン（エックス線）を用いる方法があるが、
この方法でも初期う蝕の検出は一般的に困難であること
が知られている。また、歯牙の電気抵抗値を測定するこ
とによって、う蝕の程度を知る方法が以前より知られて
いるが、この方法は、測定部位、乾燥条件、測定時間な
どの測定の仕方による値のバラツキが大きく、実用的に
はまだ問題が残されており、広く普及するには至ってい
ない。[0006] Further, as one of the methods of mechanical examination, there is a method using X-ray.
It is known that even with this method, it is generally difficult to detect early caries. Also, a method of knowing the degree of caries by measuring the electric resistance value of the tooth has been known for a long time, but this method has variations in the value depending on the measurement method such as the measurement site, drying conditions, and measurement time. However, there are still problems in practical use, and it has not been widely spread.
【０００７】また、初期う蝕の検出方法に関して、最近
これらの機械的検出法に加えて、例えば下記に示すよう
な種々の方法が試みられ始めた（Ｂ．Ａ．Ｍａｎｓｓｏ
ｎ，Ｊ．Ｊ．ｔｅｎ Ｂｏｓｃｈ：Ａｄｖａｎｃｅｓ
ｉｎ Ｍｅｔｈｏｄｓ ｆｏｒ Ｄｉａｇｎｏｓｉｎｇ
Ｃｏｒｏｎａｌ Ｃａｒｉｅｓ−Ａ Ｒｅｖｉｅｗ，
Ａｄｖａｎｃｅ ｉｎ Ｄｅｎｔａｌ Ｒｅｓｅａｒｃ
ｈ ７（２）：７０：７９，１９９３）。 （イ）強力な可視光線を歯牙に照射し、光の透過性の差
を利用し、う蝕を影として検出する方法、（ロ）歯牙に
レーザー又は紫外線を照射し、歯牙からの蛍光放射量の
差を利用して、健全歯質と脱灰歯質とを区別する方法、
（ハ）脱灰歯質の表面が白く観察されることから、健全
歯質と脱灰歯質とを光散乱法で区別する方法、（ニ）歯
牙に色素を染み込ませ、歯質結晶間の空隙度の差、即ち
染色度の差を利用して、健全歯質と脱灰歯質を区別する
方法、（ホ）健全歯質と脱灰歯質とのミネラル密度の違
いによる超音波の伝搬性の差を利用し、両者を区別する
方法。Regarding the method of detecting initial caries, recently, in addition to these mechanical detection methods, various methods as shown below have begun to be tried (BA Mansso).
n, J. J. ten Bosch: Advances
in Methods for Diagnostic
Coronal Carriers-A Review,
Advance in Dental Research
h 7 (2): 70: 79, 1993). (A) A method of irradiating a tooth with strong visible light and using the difference in light transmission to detect caries as a shadow, (b) Irradiating a tooth with a laser or ultraviolet rays, and emitting fluorescence from the tooth. To distinguish between healthy and demineralized dentin using the difference between
(C) Since the surface of the demineralized tooth substance is observed to be white, a method of distinguishing between the healthy tooth substance and the demineralized tooth substance by a light scattering method, (d) the tooth is impregnated with a pigment, A method for distinguishing between healthy and demineralized dentin by using the difference in porosity, that is, the difference in staining degree, (e) Propagation of ultrasonic waves due to the difference in mineral density between healthy dentin and demineralized dentin A method to distinguish between the two by utilizing the difference in sex.
【０００８】これら方法は、それぞれに一長一短があ
り、将来の実用的可能性は残されているが、解決すべき
問題点もかなり残されている。前述の例に呼応して、そ
の問題点や課題を列挙すると以下の通りである。 （イ）象牙質に届くほどのかなり大きな初期う蝕で、し
かも隣接面う蝕に限られ、充填物がある場合や咬合面の
場合は不適応と言われている。 （ロ）レーザーや紫外線の照射、あるいは蛍光の検出に
大きな装置が必要となること、また脱灰歯質以外（例え
ば形成異常の歯質）からも蛍光が発せられることもあ
り、この区別が課題となっている。 （ハ）脱灰歯質以外に白くなる形成異常歯の場合、ある
いは乱反射の大きい咬合面の場合では不適応となる。 （ニ）使用する色素やその溶媒の安定性、あるいは安全
性が確保されなければならない。 （ホ）比較的小さな初期う蝕の場合は、これを検知でき
ず、また複雑な面を持つ咬合面では、ノイズが大きすぎ
診断の誤差が懸念される上、装置の小型化が困難であ
る。Each of these methods has advantages and disadvantages, and there are practical possibilities in the future, but there are still considerable problems to be solved. The problems and issues are listed below in response to the above-mentioned example. (B) It is said that the initial caries are large enough to reach the dentin, and the caries are limited to the adjacent caries. (B) A large device is required for laser or ultraviolet irradiation or fluorescence detection, and fluorescence may be emitted from other than demineralized dentin (for example, dysplastic dentin). Has become. (C) In addition to demineralized dentine, malformed teeth that become white or occlusal surfaces with large irregular reflections are maladaptive. (D) The stability or safety of the dye used and its solvent must be ensured. (E) In the case of a relatively small initial caries, this cannot be detected, and in an occlusal surface having a complicated surface, noise is too large and a diagnostic error may occur, and it is difficult to downsize the device. .
【０００９】なお、特開平５−３３７１４２号公報に
は、特定波長の光線を歯に照射して歯の成分を励起さ
せ、励起した物質から放出される放出光を計測し、健全
歯とう蝕歯とで、放出光のスペクトルが異なり、その差
を利用して、う蝕歯を検出することが開示されている。
この場合、励起波長（照射光）は、３６０μｍ〜５８０
μｍであり、フィルターを通して６２０μｍ以上の波長
の放出光を計測するものであり、この方法は上記（ロ）
と同等のものであり、同様の問題点を有する。In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 5-337142, a tooth is irradiated with a light beam having a specific wavelength to excite the tooth component, and the emitted light emitted from the excited substance is measured to determine whether the tooth is a healthy tooth or a carious tooth. Discloses that emitted light has different spectra and the difference is used to detect carious teeth.
In this case, the excitation wavelength (irradiation light) is 360 μm to 580
μm, which measures the emitted light with a wavelength of 620 μm or more through a filter.
And has the same problem.
【００１０】従って、初期う蝕の簡便かつ的確な検出方
法、検出装置の開発が望まれる。Therefore, it is desired to develop a simple and accurate detection method and detection device for initial caries.
【００１１】本発明は上記事情に鑑みなされたもので、
初期う蝕を簡便かつ短時間で正確に、しかも安全かつ衛
生的に検出することができる初期う蝕検出装置を提供す
ることを目的とする。The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances.
An object of the present invention is to provide an initial caries detecting device capable of detecting an initial caries easily, accurately in a short time, safely, and hygienically.
【００１２】[0012]
【課題を解決するための手段】本発明は、上記目的を達
成するため、被験歯からの輻射赤外線を感知する赤外線
カメラと、赤外線カメラで発生した上記輻射赤外線によ
る電気信号を熱的映像化する画像処理装置と、上記熱的
映像を映し出すテレビモニター及び上記熱的映像を電磁
気的に記録再現する記録再現装置のいずれか一方又は双
方とを具備することを特徴とする初期う蝕検出装置を提
供する。この場合、この装置には、所定温度の乾燥空気
を被験歯に吹き付ける手段及び所定温度の液体を被験歯
に滴下もしくは浸透させる手段のいずれか一方又は双方
を付設することができる。In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention thermally images an infrared camera for detecting radiant infrared rays from a test tooth and an electric signal generated by the radiant infrared rays generated by the infrared camera. An initial caries detecting device comprising an image processing device, a television monitor for displaying the thermal image, and / or a recording / reproducing device for electromagnetically recording / reproducing the thermal image. To do. In this case, the device may be provided with either one or both of a unit for blowing dry air at a predetermined temperature onto the test tooth and a unit for dropping or permeating a liquid at the predetermined temperature into the test tooth.
【００１３】[0013]
【作用】即ち、本発明者は、上記目的を達成するため鋭
意検討を重ねた結果、上述した方法で初期う蝕の脱灰部
分に存在する水分量に基づく健全部位との熱的挙動の差
を利用して測定することにより、初期う蝕を簡便かつ短
時間に、しかも安全かつ衛生的に検出できること、更
に、上記検出方法により初期う蝕を検出するには、赤外
線熱検知に用いられる上記の如き装置を用いることが有
効であり、またこの場合、健全歯質と初期う蝕状態にあ
る歯質との間で熱的差異を強調させることができる手段
を与えることが更に有効であることを見い出したもので
ある。That is, the present inventor has conducted extensive studies in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, and as a result, the difference in the thermal behavior between the sound part and the healthy part based on the amount of water present in the decalcified part of the initial caries by the above-mentioned method. By using the above, it is possible to detect the initial caries easily and in a short time, and safely and hygienically. Furthermore, in order to detect the initial caries by the above detection method, the above-mentioned infrared heat detection is used. It is effective to use such a device as described above, and in this case, it is more effective to provide a means capable of emphasizing a thermal difference between a healthy tooth substance and a tooth substance in an initial caries state. I found out.
【００１４】更に詳述すると、初期う蝕の検出精度を上
げるには、ミネラルの損失に見合った変化を正しく捕
え、しかも、ヒトの口腔に適用するものであることから
安全でなければならない。本発明者は、このような観点
から検討を進めた結果、本発明に到達したものである。
即ち、健全エナメル質には２〜３％の空隙が存在し、そ
こに１〜２％の水分が含まれているが、初期う蝕の状態
にある脱灰部位では、ミネラルが消失して空隙度が高く
なる。その空隙を水が占めるようになり、脱灰の程度に
よって数１０％程度又はそれ以上の水分が含まれるよう
になる。その増加した水分（消失したミネラル分に相
当）は、健全歯質と脱灰歯質との間での熱的差異が大き
くなったことを意味する。つまり、初期う蝕部位に存在
する水分が多い程、周りの健全部位との熱的挙動の差が
大きくなる。この熱的差異を量的にしかも非破壊的にま
た非接触的に計測するため、赤外線熱エネルギーに着目
したもので、一般に赤外線熱エネルギーとそこからの輻
射温度との間には次の関係が存在し、赤外線熱エネルギ
ーを計測することによって、検査部位の温度を知ること
ができる。本発明は、この温度差を初期う蝕の検知手段
とする。More specifically, in order to improve the detection accuracy of the initial caries, it is necessary to correctly capture the changes commensurate with the loss of minerals and to apply it to the human oral cavity, so it must be safe. The present inventor has arrived at the present invention as a result of further studies from such a viewpoint.
That is, the healthy enamel has 2-3% voids and contains 1-2% water, but at the decalcification site in the initial caries state, minerals disappear and voids are present. The degree increases. Water will occupy the voids, and depending on the degree of decalcification, water content of several tens% or more will be contained. The increased water content (corresponding to the lost mineral content) means that the thermal difference between the healthy dentin and the demineralized dentin was increased. That is, as the amount of water present in the initial caries part increases, the difference in thermal behavior from the surrounding healthy part increases. In order to measure this thermal difference quantitatively, non-destructively, and in a non-contact manner, we focused on infrared thermal energy.In general, the following relationship exists between infrared thermal energy and radiation temperature from it. By being present and measuring infrared thermal energy, the temperature of the inspection site can be known. In the present invention, this temperature difference is used as a means for detecting initial caries.
【００１５】Ｗ＝ａ×ｂ×Ｔ （但し、Ｗは赤外線熱エネルギー、Ｔは物質（試料）の
絶対温度、ａは放射率（≦１）、ｂはステファン・ボル
ツマン定数である。）W = a × b × T (where W is infrared thermal energy, T is the absolute temperature of the substance (sample), a is the emissivity (≦ 1), and b is the Stefan-Boltzmann constant.)
【００１６】従って、被験歯からの輻射赤外線を赤外線
カメラに導く光ファイバーと、輻射赤外線を感知する赤
外線カメラと、赤外線カメラで発生した電気信号を熱的
映像として構成することのできる画像処理本体と、熱的
映像を映し出すテレビモニター及び／又は熱的映像を電
磁気的に記録再現する装置とを用い、健全歯質と初期う
蝕状態にある歯質との熱的差異を赤外線熱輻射として検
知することによって、初期う蝕を検出することができ
る。Therefore, an optical fiber for guiding the infrared rays emitted from the test tooth to the infrared camera, an infrared camera for detecting the infrared rays, and an image processing main body capable of forming an electric signal generated by the infrared camera as a thermal image. Using a TV monitor that displays a thermal image and / or a device that electromagnetically records and reproduces the thermal image, to detect the thermal difference between the sound tooth substance and the tooth substance in the initial caries state as infrared heat radiation. The initial caries can be detected by.
【００１７】またこの場合、所定温度の乾燥空気を被験
歯に吹き付ける手段及び所定温度の液体を被験歯に滴下
もしくは浸透させる手段のいずれか一方又は双方を付設
し、水と歯質ミネラルとの比熱や熱伝導性の差、あるい
は水の蒸発熱量の差など、健全歯質と初期う蝕状態にあ
る歯質との間で熱的差異を強調する手段を利用すること
により、初期う蝕の検出がより明瞭、確実に行われる。Further, in this case, one or both of a means for spraying dry air of a predetermined temperature on the test tooth and a means for dropping or permeating a liquid of a predetermined temperature on the test tooth are provided, and the specific heat of water and dentin mineral is Detection of early caries by using a method that emphasizes the thermal difference between the healthy tooth and the tooth in the initial caries state, such as the difference in heat conductivity, the difference in heat conductivity, or the difference in the amount of heat of evaporation of water Is performed more clearly and surely.
【００１８】このように、本発明は、脱灰により失われ
た初期う蝕の脱灰部位の増加した水分に基づく熱的差異
を健全部位と比較して計測しているので、水分含量とミ
ネラルの損失量との対応性が高く正確であり、また、う
蝕を赤外線熱エネルギーとして非破壊的かつ非接触的に
検出できるので、人体に対する安全性や衛生面で他の既
存の方法より有利であり、更に初期う蝕の頻度が高い咬
合面での検出も可能である。また、本発明によれば、初
期う蝕部位を画像として視覚化できる。As described above, according to the present invention, since the thermal difference based on the increased water content in the decalcified site of the initial caries lost by decalcification is measured in comparison with the healthy site, the water content and the mineral content are measured. It is highly compatible with the amount of loss of caries and can detect caries as infrared heat energy in a non-destructive and non-contact manner, which is advantageous over other existing methods in terms of safety and hygiene for the human body. It is also possible to detect on the occlusal surface where the initial caries frequency is high. Further, according to the present invention, the initial caries site can be visualized as an image.
【００１９】[0019]
【実施例】以下、本発明の一実施例につき図１を参照し
て説明すると、図中１は被験歯２からの輻射赤外線を感
知する赤外線カメラである。３は赤外線カメラで発生し
た上記輻射赤外線による電気信号を熱的映像として構築
する画像処理装置である。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. 1. Reference numeral 1 in the drawing denotes an infrared camera for detecting infrared radiation emitted from a test tooth 2. Reference numeral 3 is an image processing device for constructing an electric signal by the radiant infrared rays generated by the infrared camera as a thermal image.
【００２０】なお、比較的小さな対象である初期う蝕の
程度を（半）定量的に検出するため上記カメラ１の赤外
線検出端に被験歯２まで伸びる光ファイバーケーブルを
取り付けてもよい。このケーブルの太さは、歯の大きさ
よりも小さく、しかも十分な光量を確保するため１ｍｍ
以上が好ましい。また、ケーブルは常に衛生的に使用さ
れなければならず、実用的観点からすれば少なくとも口
腔内環境に触れる部分は消毒が可能（消毒薬品に対して
耐薬品性、熱滅菌操作に対して熱耐性）であることが好
ましい。An optical fiber cable extending to the test tooth 2 may be attached to the infrared detection end of the camera 1 in order to quantitatively (semi-) quantify the degree of initial caries, which is a relatively small object. The thickness of this cable is smaller than the size of the teeth, and 1mm in order to secure a sufficient amount of light.
The above is preferable. In addition, the cable must always be used hygienically, and from a practical point of view, at least the part that comes into contact with the oral environment can be disinfected (chemical resistance to disinfectant chemicals, heat resistance to heat sterilization operation). ) Is preferable.
【００２１】なお、図中４はコンピュータである。更に
５は上記熱的映像を映し出すテレビモニター、６は上記
熱的映像を電磁気的に記録再現する記録再現装置であ
り、初期う蝕を検出するための上記検出装置の原理及び
構成は、基本的には既存の赤外線熱検知法と同様であ
る。Reference numeral 4 in the figure is a computer. Further, 5 is a television monitor for displaying the thermal image, 6 is a recording / reproducing device for electromagnetically recording and reproducing the thermal image, and the principle and configuration of the detecting device for detecting initial caries are basically Is similar to the existing infrared heat detection method.
【００２２】上記装置を用いて初期う蝕を検出する場合
は、被験歯の輻射赤外線をケーブルを介してカメラ１で
感知させ、これを画像処理装置３で画像解析し、その結
果を温度分布としてテレビモニター５に映像として映し
出す。In the case of detecting the initial caries using the above apparatus, the radiant infrared rays of the test tooth are detected by the camera 1 through the cable, the image is analyzed by the image processing apparatus 3, and the result is taken as the temperature distribution. It is displayed as an image on the TV monitor 5.
【００２３】なお、計測の際には、初期う蝕の内部に存
在する水分のみを正しく計測するため、計測部位に相当
する歯の表面上の余分な水分（例えば唾液、プラーク、
食物残渣由来の水分）、及び光と歯表面上の異物との干
渉を除くため、汚れも十分除去しておくべきである。ま
た逆に、計測部位の過剰な乾燥も避けるべきである。In the measurement, since only the water present inside the initial caries is correctly measured, excess water (eg saliva, plaque, etc.) on the tooth surface corresponding to the measurement site is measured.
Stain should be thoroughly removed in order to eliminate the interference between light and the foreign matter on the tooth surface, which is derived from food residue). On the contrary, excessive drying of the measurement area should be avoided.
【００２４】この計測に当っては、所定温度の乾燥空気
を被験歯に吹き付ける手段、所定温度の液体を被験歯に
滴下もしくは浸透させる手段などの補助的手段７を用い
て、初期う蝕部位と周りの健全歯質（以下、計測部位と
いう）との間で熱的な差を強調させ、より鮮明な温度分
布画像を得ることが好ましい。それらの例を次に列挙す
る。 冷気（０〜３７℃）又は暖気（３７〜１００℃）の乾
燥空気を一定の条件で測定部位に吹き付け、その熱的変
化を経時的に記録する。 一定温度の（溶）液状の物質（例えば、氷水や温水、
あるいはグリセリンやソルビトールなどの揮発しにくい
もの）を計測部位に滴下して、そこの熱的変化を経時的
に記録する。 上記の条件下において、冷気（０〜３７℃）又は暖
気（３７〜１００℃）の乾燥空気を一定の条件で測定部
位に吹き付け、その熱的変化を経時的に記録する。 一定温度の非水溶性の液状の物質（例えば、食用油や
シリコン油など）を計測部位に滴下して、そこの熱的変
化を経時的に記録する。 計測部位に揮発性液体（例えば、エタノール、酢酸エ
チル）を浸透させ、初期う蝕病巣中の水分と置換させた
後、そのまま、あるいはと同様な方法で熱的変化を経
時的に記録する。 一定温度の探針の先端から計測部位に熱供給し、そこ
の熱的変化を経時的に記録する。In this measurement, auxiliary means 7 such as a means for spraying dry air of a predetermined temperature onto the test tooth and a means of dropping or permeating a liquid of a predetermined temperature onto the test tooth are used as the initial caries site. It is preferable to obtain a clearer temperature distribution image by emphasizing a thermal difference between the surrounding healthy tooth substance (hereinafter, referred to as a measurement site). Examples of these are listed below. Dry air of cold air (0 to 37 ° C.) or warm air (37 to 100 ° C.) is blown to the measurement site under constant conditions, and its thermal change is recorded with time. (Melt) liquid substance at a constant temperature (for example, ice water or warm water,
Alternatively, volatile substances such as glycerin and sorbitol) are dropped onto the measurement site, and the thermal changes there are recorded over time. Under the above conditions, cold (0 to 37 ° C.) or warm (37 to 100 ° C.) dry air is blown to the measurement site under certain conditions, and the thermal change thereof is recorded over time. A non-water-soluble liquid substance (for example, edible oil, silicone oil, etc.) at a constant temperature is dropped onto the measurement site, and the thermal change there is recorded over time. A volatile liquid (for example, ethanol or ethyl acetate) is infiltrated into the measurement site to replace the water in the initial caries lesion, and then the thermal change is recorded over time as it is or in the same manner. Heat is supplied from the tip of the probe at a constant temperature to the measurement site, and the thermal changes there are recorded over time.
【００２５】ここで、本発明において対象となる初期う
蝕は、歯面はほぼ健全に保たれている様に見えるが、そ
の歯の表面下に脱灰を認めるもの、あるいは大きな実質
欠損を伴っていないが、小さなう窩を伴ったう蝕などで
ある。臨床的には、Ｃ0からＣ1レベルに相当する脱灰歯
質である。Here, in the initial caries targeted in the present invention, the tooth surface seems to be kept almost healthy, but demineralization is observed under the surface of the tooth, or there is a large substantial defect. However, it is caries with small caries. Clinically, it is a demineralized dentin corresponding to C 0 to C 1 levels.
【００２６】次に、実験例により本発明の初期う蝕検出
の具体例を示す。 〔実験例〕 〈初期う蝕サンプルについて赤外線熱エネルギー計測に
よる温度分布の測定〉温度分布測定用として、初期う蝕
（エナメル質ホワイトスポット）の程度の異なる３つの
ヒト第二臼歯を用いた。即ち肉眼的に判断して健全と思
われる歯、軽度の初期う蝕を有した歯、やや進行した初
期う蝕を有した歯を充分清掃した後、歯冠部を空気中に
残し、歯根部のみを約３０℃の水浴槽に固定した。測定
系の温度が平衡状態に達した後、次の条件で図１に示し
た構成の赤外線熱エネルギー計測機（日本アビオニクス
社製、ＴＶＳ−８１００、感知温度差０．０３℃）を用
いて、咬合面の温度分布を測定した。また温度分布の様
子は自動的にカラー表示し、一瞥してその様子が把握で
きるようにした。 （イ）そのままの状態で測定。 （ロ）一定温度の空気を吹き付けて測定。 （ハ）エタノールをサンプルの表面に滴下し、余剰のエ
タノールを濾紙にて吸い取ったあと測定。 （ニ）エタノールをサンプルの表面に滴下し、余剰のエ
タノールを濾紙にて吸い取ったあと、一定温度の空気を
吹き付けて測定。 測定の結果、いずれの方法でも上記３つの歯において明
瞭な温度を認めた。特にエタノールを用いた場合、３つ
の歯における差は明瞭であった。事例として、（ハ）に
ついての結果を示す。Next, specific examples of the initial caries detection of the present invention will be shown by experimental examples. [Experimental example] <Measurement of temperature distribution of initial caries sample by infrared thermal energy measurement> Three human second molars having different degrees of initial caries (enamel white spots) were used for temperature distribution measurement. That is, teeth that appear to be healthy as judged by the naked eye, teeth that have mild initial caries, and teeth that have slightly advanced initial caries are thoroughly cleaned, and then the crown part is left in the air to remove the root part. The chisel was fixed in a water bath at about 30 ° C. After the temperature of the measurement system reaches an equilibrium state, an infrared thermal energy measuring device (TVS-8100, manufactured by Japan Avionics Co., Ltd., sensing temperature difference 0.03 ° C.) having the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is used under the following conditions: The temperature distribution on the occlusal surface was measured. In addition, the state of the temperature distribution is automatically displayed in color so that you can grasp the state at a glance. (A) Measure as it is. (B) Measured by blowing air at a constant temperature. (C) Ethanol was dropped on the surface of the sample, and excess ethanol was absorbed by filter paper, and then measured. (D) Ethanol was dropped on the surface of the sample, excess ethanol was absorbed by filter paper, and then air at a constant temperature was blown to measure. As a result of the measurement, a clear temperature was recognized in the above three teeth by any method. Especially when ethanol was used, the difference in the three teeth was clear. As a case, the results for (C) are shown.
【００２７】[0027]
【表１】 [Table 1]
【００２８】[0028]
【発明の効果】本発明の初期う蝕検出装置は、従来困難
とされてきた初期う蝕を人体に有害な影響を及ぼすこと
なく、簡便にしかも短時間で正確に検出することが可能
であり、それ故、う蝕予防剤の予防効果が客観的に評価
可能になるなど、う蝕予防に関連した様々な施策の推進
がより実効の上げられる形で期待でき、ひいては歯を喪
失するリスクの軽減にも寄与し得る。The initial caries detecting device of the present invention is capable of simply and accurately detecting initial caries, which has hitherto been difficult, without adversely affecting the human body. , Therefore, it can be expected that promotion of various measures related to caries prevention can be more effectively promoted such that the preventive effect of caries preventive agents can be objectively evaluated, and thus the risk of tooth loss is expected. It can also contribute to mitigation.
【図１】本発明の一実施例を示す概念図である。FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.
１ 赤外線カメラ ２ 被験歯 ３ 画像処理装置 ４ コンピュータ ５ テレビモニター ６ 記録再現装置 ７ 補助的手段 1 infrared camera 2 test tooth 3 image processing device 4 computer 5 television monitor 6 recording / reproducing device 7 auxiliary means
Claims (3)
線カメラ（１）と、赤外線カメラ（１）で発生した上記
輻射赤外線による電気信号を熱的映像化する画像処理装
置（３）と、上記熱的映像を映し出すテレビモニター
（６）及び上記熱的映像を電磁気的に記録再現する記録
再現装置（７）のいずれか一方又は双方とを具備するこ
とを特徴とする初期う蝕検出装置。1. An infrared camera (1) for detecting radiant infrared rays from a test tooth, an image processing device (3) for thermally visualizing an electric signal generated by the radiant infrared rays generated by the infrared camera (1), An initial caries detection device comprising a television monitor (6) for displaying a thermal image and / or a recording / reproducing device (7) for electromagnetically recording and reproducing the thermal image.
の間で熱的な差を強調させる手段を備えた請求項１記載
の装置。2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising means for emphasizing a thermal difference between the initial caries site and the healthy site around it.
る手段及び所定温度の液体を被験歯に滴下もしくは浸透
させる手段のいずれか一方又は双方を備えた請求項２記
載の装置。3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising one or both of a unit for blowing dry air at a predetermined temperature onto the test tooth and a unit for dropping or permeating a liquid at the predetermined temperature into the test tooth.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP6163995A JPH08233758A (en) | 1995-02-24 | 1995-02-24 | Initial caries detector |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP6163995A JPH08233758A (en) | 1995-02-24 | 1995-02-24 | Initial caries detector |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH08233758A true JPH08233758A (en) | 1996-09-13 |
Family
ID=13176989
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP6163995A Pending JPH08233758A (en) | 1995-02-24 | 1995-02-24 | Initial caries detector |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH08233758A (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2352512A (en) * | 1999-07-23 | 2001-01-31 | Toshiba Res Europ Ltd | A radiation probe and dectecting tooth decay |
| US9119548B2 (en) | 2011-04-21 | 2015-09-01 | Numed Sp Z O.O. | Device and method for secondary dental caries diagnosis |
| CN107941750A (en) * | 2017-11-23 | 2018-04-20 | 北京古三智能科技有限公司 | A kind of dental hard tissue's imaging method realized using 800nm near infrared diodes laser |
| CN113577314A (en) * | 2021-08-20 | 2021-11-02 | 南京市口腔医院 | Composite cone beam CT enhanced contrast medium and preparation method thereof |
-
1995
- 1995-02-24 JP JP6163995A patent/JPH08233758A/en active Pending
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2352512A (en) * | 1999-07-23 | 2001-01-31 | Toshiba Res Europ Ltd | A radiation probe and dectecting tooth decay |
| GB2352512B (en) * | 1999-07-23 | 2002-03-13 | Toshiba Res Europ Ltd | A radiation probe and detecting tooth decay |
| US8027709B2 (en) | 1999-07-23 | 2011-09-27 | Teraview Limited | Radiation probe and detecting tooth decay |
| US9119548B2 (en) | 2011-04-21 | 2015-09-01 | Numed Sp Z O.O. | Device and method for secondary dental caries diagnosis |
| CN107941750A (en) * | 2017-11-23 | 2018-04-20 | 北京古三智能科技有限公司 | A kind of dental hard tissue's imaging method realized using 800nm near infrared diodes laser |
| CN113577314A (en) * | 2021-08-20 | 2021-11-02 | 南京市口腔医院 | Composite cone beam CT enhanced contrast medium and preparation method thereof |
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