WO2018055747A1

WO2018055747A1 - Ultrasonic dental diagnosis device and ultrasonic dental probe

Info

Publication number: WO2018055747A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/078160
Authority: WO
Inventors: 稔道石黒
Original assignee: 本多電子株式会社
Priority date: 2016-09-26
Filing date: 2016-09-26
Publication date: 2018-03-29
Also published as: JPWO2018055747A1; JP6119013B1

Abstract

Provided is an ultrasonic dental diagnosis device that makes it possible to simply and quickly inspect the state of teeth and gums using visual information from a tomographic image without radiation exposure or pain. An ultrasonic probe (3) of an ultrasonic dental diagnosis device (1) is configured so as to include a gel-like sheet (8) and a transducer array (6) formed through the arrangement of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (11). A first surface (12) of the gel-like sheet (8) is joined to the ultrasound emission surface (7) of the transducer array (6) so as to cover the same, and a second surface (13) of the gel-like sheet (8) is disposed so as to be in close contact with an object of inspection (4) during inspection. A controller (20) applies a drive signal to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers (11) in the transducer array (6) and carries out electronic focusing and electronic scanning of the ultrasound such that an ultrasound beam (So) that enters the gel-like sheet (8) from the side of the first surface (12) is focused before reaching the second surface (13) and moves along the direction of the arrangement of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers (11).

Description

Dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and dental ultrasonic probe

The present invention relates to a dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a dental ultrasonic probe for inspecting a tooth condition using ultrasonic waves.

Conventionally, X-ray photography has been widely used to observe and diagnose the condition of teeth. However, since radiation exposure is a problem, it was necessary to avoid repetitive X-ray imaging for each diagnosis.

In addition, in dentistry, periodontal disease is examined in addition to dental caries. Periodontal disease is a disease in which the alveolar bone, which is the foundation supporting the teeth, collapses due to the progress of symptoms and the teeth are lost. Therefore, it is a big problem in keeping teeth healthy. For this reason, the examination of periodontal disease is performed in order to appropriately prevent or treat periodontal disease. The periodontal disease is examined by measuring the depth of the periodontal pocket using a needle-like instrument called a periodontal pocket probe in addition to X-ray photography. In the inspection using the periodontal pocket probe, the tip of the probe is inserted between the tooth and the gum to check the state of the periodontal bone. Therefore, there is a merit that it can be easily inspected without radiation exposure, but there is a demerit that accompanies pain and bleeding.

In contrast, ultrasonic diagnosis is a simple and noninvasive test. In addition, according to the ultrasonic diagnosis in which an image is formed using ultrasonic waves, there is no risk of exposure as in the case of X-ray photography, and repeated inspections are possible. Incidentally, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of irradiating a periodontal pocket with ultrasonic waves and measuring the depth of the periodontal pocket based on the reflected wave signal.

US Sho 2010/121191

However, conventional diagnostic apparatuses that perform ultrasonic diagnosis have been developed mainly for performing image diagnosis of the abdomen and the like. Therefore, an apparatus suitable for tooth inspection (specifically, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus dedicated to dentist that displays and inspects a tomographic image inside a tooth) has not been put into practical use yet. The reason for this is that teeth have a significantly different sound speed than biological tissues such as gums. Therefore, when a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is used, ultrasonic waves are scattered on the tooth surface, and an ultrasonic tomographic image inside the tooth cannot be displayed. For this reason, the practical use of the diagnostic apparatus only for dentist who displays an ultrasonic tomographic image and inspects periodontal disease etc. is desired.

In the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, a hand tool provided with a tip for irradiating ultrasonic waves at the tip is used. Then, with the periodontal pocket filled with a diagnostic fluid, ultrasonic waves are irradiated from the chip, and the depth of the periodontal pocket is measured pinpointed. Since this inspection method does not display a tomographic image, the parts that can be measured by one inspection are limited. For this reason, in order to grasp | ascertain the progress degree of a periodontal disease correctly, it is necessary to perform an ultrasonic measurement in multiple times, and there exists a concern that test | inspection time may become long.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to easily and quickly inspect the state of teeth and gums by visual information from tomographic images without radiation exposure and pain. An object of the present invention is to provide a dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a dental ultrasonic probe that can be used.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 1 propagates ultrasonic waves to a tooth and / or gum as an inspection object, and based on the obtained reflected wave signal, the ultrasonic tomographic image of the inspection object Is a dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for displaying a transducer array having a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged and having an ultrasonic radiation surface on the front surface side, and a second surface located on the first surface and the opposite side thereof. A gel-like sheet having a surface, the first surface being joined so as to cover the ultrasonic radiation surface of the transducer array, and the second surface being closely attached to the inspection object at the time of inspection The ultrasonic beam incident on the gel-like sheet from the first surface side by inputting a drive signal to the dental ultrasonic probe composed of the above and the plurality of ultrasonic transducers in the transducer array However, at a position just before reaching the second surface A dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: control means for performing electronic focusing and electronic scanning of the ultrasonic waves so as to be bundled and moved along an arrangement direction of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers The gist.

Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the dental ultrasonic probe, the first surface of the gel-like sheet is joined to the ultrasonic emission surface on the front side of the transducer array, and the ultrasonic emission is performed by the gel-like sheet. The surface is covered. At the time of inspection, the second surface of the gel-like sheet is placed in close contact with the teeth and / or gums to be inspected. And a drive signal is input into the some ultrasonic transducer | vibrator in a transducer | vibrator array by a control means, and an ultrasonic wave is transmitted / received. At this time, electronic focusing is performed so that the ultrasonic beam incident from the first surface side with respect to the gel-like sheet is focused at a position before reaching the second surface, and the arrangement direction of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers Electronic scanning is performed so as to move along In this case, the ultrasonic beam radiated from the ultrasonic radiation surface of the transducer array is focused before being propagated through the gel sheet and reaching the tooth surface, and then enters the inside from the tooth surface. Go. In this way, since the scattering of the ultrasonic wave on the tooth surface is suppressed, it is possible to visualize the tomographic image inside the tooth by the ultrasonic wave, which has been difficult in the past. Therefore, if the dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention is used, an ultrasonic tomographic image is acquired by a simple operation such as bringing the ultrasonic radiation surface of the transducer array into close contact with the surface of a tooth or gum via a gel sheet. By checking the tomographic image, the state of the teeth and gums can be quickly examined in real time. Furthermore, since ultrasonic waves are used, there is no radiation exposure as in X-ray imaging, and there is no pain as in an examination using a periodontal pocket probe. Further, when the dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention is used, it is not necessary to move from the treatment room to the photographing room or the like as in the case of X-ray photography, and examination can be performed during treatment in the treatment room. For this reason, based on the test result by the dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the tooth can be treated quickly and accurately.

The gist of the invention according to claim 2 is that, in claim 1, the dental ultrasonic probe is further formed with a handle that is formed in a bar shape that can be gripped and has the transducer array at the tip. .

Therefore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the dental ultrasonic probe of the present invention is a toothbrush type probe in which a transducer array is provided at the tip of a rod-shaped handle portion, so that operability is improved. it can. Specifically, the operator holds the handle and inserts the tip side with the transducer array into the oral cavity, and makes sure that the ultrasonic radiation surface is in close contact with the surface to be inspected via the gel-like sheet. Can do.

A third aspect of the present invention is the invention according to the second aspect, wherein a plurality of the connecting portions between the handle portion and the transducer array in the dental ultrasonic probe are based on a longitudinal direction of the handle portion. The gist of the invention is that an angle adjusting mechanism for adjusting the mounting angle of the transducer array with respect to the handle portion is provided in order to change the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers.

Therefore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the angle adjustment mechanism is provided at the connection portion between the handle portion and the transducer array in the dental ultrasonic probe, and the transducer array for the handle portion is provided by the angle adjustment mechanism. The mounting angle is adjusted. As a result, the arrangement direction of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers when the longitudinal direction of the handle portion is used as a reference is changed, so that the ultrasonic radiation surface is securely adhered to the surface of the tooth or gum at a location that is difficult to inspect. It becomes possible. In addition, it is possible to reliably obtain an ultrasonic tomographic image suitable for examination such as a longitudinal section and a transverse section of a tooth.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides the dental ultrasonic probe according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the dental ultrasonic probe is provided so as to face the transducer array and sandwiches the inspection object via the gel-like sheet. The gist of the present invention is to further include a pinching member that can be used.

Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 4, the ultrasonic radiation surface can be reliably adhered to the surface of the inspection object via the gel-like sheet by sandwiching the inspection object by the holding member and the transducer array. Thus, an ultrasonic tomographic image to be examined can be obtained with certainty.

The invention according to claim 5 is the gel-like sheet according to claim 1, wherein the dental ultrasonic probe fixes the transducer array and can sandwich the object to be inspected. The gist of the invention is that it further includes a fixed support body that supports in a deformed state.

Therefore, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the dental ultrasonic probe, the transducer array is fixed by the fixing support, and the gel sheet is deformed and supported by the mouthpiece type. If a dental ultrasonic probe is configured in this way, the ultrasonic radiation surface can be reliably adhered to the surface of a tooth or gum at an arbitrary position via a gel-like sheet, and an ultrasonic tomographic image is reliably obtained. be able to.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is the method according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the pair of transducer arrays are arranged to face each other so that the inspection object can be sandwiched via the gel-like sheet. Is the gist.

Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 6, ultrasonic tomographic images can be acquired simultaneously from the front side and the back side of the teeth by the pair of transducer arrays arranged opposite to each other. For this reason, the state of teeth can be more accurately inspected by checking these tomographic images.

The gist of the invention according to claim 7 is that, in any one of claims 1 to 6, the dimension in the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers in the transducer array is 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less.

Therefore, according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the size of the transducer array is 20 mm or less, the transducer array can be inserted into the oral cavity and the teeth can be inspected reliably. In addition, since the size of the transducer array is 10 mm or more, it is possible to ensure a sufficient inspection range in which an ultrasonic tomographic image can be displayed, and to perform a tooth inspection efficiently.

The invention according to claim 8 is a dental ultrasonic diagnosis in which an ultrasonic wave is propagated to a tooth and / or gum as an inspection object, and an ultrasonic tomographic image of the inspection object is displayed based on the obtained reflected wave signal. A dental ultrasonic probe for use in an apparatus, a transducer array having a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged and having an ultrasonic radiation surface on the front surface side, and a first surface and a second surface located on the opposite side A gel-like sheet that is bonded so as to cover the ultrasonic radiation surface of the transducer array, and the second surface is closely attached to the inspection object at the time of inspection. When the drive signal is input to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers in the transducer array, the ultrasonic beam incident on the gel-like sheet from the first surface side is the second surface. Focusing at a position before reaching The dental ultrasound probe, characterized by being configured to move along the array direction of the number of ultrasonic transducers and the gist thereof.

Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 8, in the dental ultrasonic probe, the first surface of the gel-like sheet is bonded to the ultrasonic emission surface on the front side of the transducer array, and the ultrasonic emission is performed by the gel-like sheet. The surface is covered. At the time of inspection, the second surface of the gel sheet is placed in close contact with the inspection object. Then, drive signals are input to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers in the transducer array. At this time, the ultrasonic beam incident from the first surface side with respect to the gel-like sheet is focused at a position before reaching the second surface, and moves along the arrangement direction of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers. In this case, the ultrasonic beam propagates through the gel sheet and is focused before reaching the tooth surface, and then enters the inside from the tooth surface. This makes it possible to visualize the tomographic image inside the tooth, which has been suppressed in the past. Therefore, if the dental ultrasonic probe of the present invention is used, an ultrasonic tomographic image can be acquired by a simple operation such as bringing the ultrasonic radiation surface of the transducer array into close contact with the surface of a tooth or gum via a gel sheet. By checking the tomographic image, it is possible to quickly inspect the state of teeth and gums in real time. Furthermore, since ultrasonic waves are used, there is no radiation exposure as in X-ray imaging, and there is no pain as in an examination using a periodontal pocket probe. In addition, if the dental ultrasonic probe of the present invention is used, it is not necessary to move from the treatment room to the photographing room or the like as in the case of X-ray photography, and examination can be performed during the treatment of teeth in the treatment room. . For this reason, based on the test result of the dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using the dental ultrasonic probe, the tooth can be treated quickly and accurately.

As described above in detail, according to the inventions of claims 1 to 8, it is possible to easily and quickly inspect the state of teeth and gums by visual information from tomographic images without radiation exposure and pain. it can.

The lineblock diagram showing the schematic structure of the dental ultrasonic diagnostic equipment of a 1st embodiment. The block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of 1st Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the scan position of an ultrasonic wave. Sectional drawing which shows the ultrasonic tomographic image of a tooth | gear and a gum. Sectional drawing which shows the ultrasonic tomographic image of a tooth | gear and a gum. Sectional drawing which shows the ultrasonic tomographic image of a tooth | gear and a gum. Sectional drawing which shows the ultrasonic tomographic image of a tooth | gear and a gum. Sectional drawing which shows the ultrasonic tomographic image of a tooth | gear and a gum. Sectional drawing which shows the ultrasonic tomographic image of a tooth | gear and a gum. Sectional drawing which shows the ultrasonic tomographic image of a tooth. Sectional drawing which shows the longitudinal cross-section of typical tooth | gear. The perspective view which shows the dental ultrasonic probe of 2nd Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the dental ultrasonic probe of 3rd Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the dental ultrasonic probe of 4th Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the dental ultrasonic probe of 5th Embodiment. Sectional drawing in the AA line in the dental ultrasonic probe of FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the dental ultrasonic probe of 6th Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of a dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 2 and a dental ultrasonic probe 3 connected to the apparatus main body 2. The dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 uses the dental ultrasonic probe 3 to propagate ultrasonic waves to the inspection object 4 (teeth and / or gums), and based on the obtained reflected wave signal, the ultrasonic waves of the inspection object 4 are transmitted. Display a tomographic image.

More specifically, the dental ultrasonic probe 3 includes a handle portion 5 formed in a grippable rod shape, a transducer array 6 provided at the tip of the handle portion 5, and an ultrasonic radiation surface 7 of the transducer array 6. And a gel-like sheet 8 to be attached. The dental ultrasonic probe 3 is electrically connected to the apparatus main body 2 via a signal cable 9.

The transducer array 6 according to the present embodiment is a linear transducer array in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 (96 elements in the present embodiment) are linearly arranged. Are scanned linearly. The transducer array 6 has a rectangular box shape and has an ultrasonic radiation surface 7 on the front side. In the transducer array 6, the dimension (length) in the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers 11 is about 16 mm, and the dimension (width) in the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction is about 5 mm.

The gel-like sheet 8 is made of a material that is hydrous and has an acoustic impedance equivalent to that of a human biological tissue, and is a flexible and elastic transparent sheet. That is, the gel-like sheet 8 is a sheet that has high ultrasonic wave propagation efficiency and is used as an acoustic coupler. The gel-like sheet 8 of the present embodiment has a constant thickness of about 5 mm. The gel-like sheet 8 has a first surface 12 and a second surface 13 located on the opposite side, and the first surface 12 is bonded so as to cover the ultrasonic radiation surface 7 of the transducer array 6, and the second surface 13 is arranged in close contact with the inspection object 4 during inspection. The area of the gel sheet 8 is substantially equal to the area of the ultrasonic radiation surface 7 of the transducer array 6, and the entire ultrasonic radiation surface 7 is covered with the gel sheet 8. An acoustic lens 15 is interposed between the ultrasonic radiation surface 7 of the transducer array 6 and the first surface 12 of the gel sheet 8. Further, in the dental ultrasonic probe 3, the second surface 13 of the gel-like sheet 8 exposed to the outside is subjected to processing such as cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization as necessary so that the teeth can be examined cleanly and hygienically. Is given.

Next, the electrical configuration of the dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus main body 2 of the dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a controller 20, a pulse generation circuit 21, a transmission circuit 22, an A / D conversion circuit 23, a reception circuit 24, a signal processing circuit 25, an image. A processing circuit 26, a memory 27, a storage device 28, an input device 29, a display device 30 and the like are provided. The controller 20 as a control means is a computer including a well-known central processing unit (CPU), and executes a control program using the memory 27 to control the entire apparatus centrally. Specifically, the controller 20 performs, for example, control for ultrasonic electronic focusing and scanning, control for displaying an ultrasonic tomographic image, and the like.

The pulse generation circuit 21 operates in response to a control signal from the controller 20, and generates and outputs a pulse signal having a predetermined period. The transmission circuit 22 includes a plurality of delay circuits (not shown) corresponding to the number of elements of the ultrasonic transducer 11 in the ultrasonic probe 3, and each ultrasonic vibration is based on the pulse signal output from the pulse generation circuit 21. A drive pulse (drive signal) delayed according to the child 11 is output. The delay time of each drive pulse is set so that the ultrasonic beam So outputted from the ultrasonic probe 3 is focused at a predetermined irradiation point Po. More specifically, the ultrasonic beam So incident on the gel-like sheet 8 from the first surface 12 side is a position before the second surface 13 (the depth from the second surface 13 is 2 mm from the front, for example). Electronic focusing is performed so as to converge in a range (about 0 to 2 mm). Further, electronic scanning is performed so that the ultrasonic beam So moves along the arrangement direction of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11. In the present embodiment, the focus of the ultrasonic beam So is configured to be set and changed by the input device 29.

The A / D conversion circuit 23 takes in each reflected wave signal (echo signal) received by each ultrasonic transducer 11 in the ultrasonic probe 3 and converts it from an analog signal to a digital signal. The reception circuit 24 includes a delay circuit, a phasing addition circuit, and the like (not shown). In the receiving circuit 24, a delay time considering the reception directivity is added to each reflected wave signal (echo signal) received by each ultrasonic transducer 11, and then phased and added. By this addition, the phase difference of the received signal of each ultrasonic transducer 11 is adjusted.

The signal processing circuit 25 includes a logarithmic conversion circuit, an envelope detection circuit, etc. (not shown). The logarithmic conversion circuit in the signal processing circuit 25 logarithmically converts the reflected wave signal, and the envelope detection circuit detects the envelope of the output signal of the logarithmic conversion circuit.

The image processing circuit 26 performs luminance modulation processing based on the reflected wave signal output from the signal processing circuit 25 and generates image data of the B-mode ultrasonic tomographic image. Specifically, the image processing circuit 26 generates image data with luminance corresponding to the amplitude (signal intensity) of the reflected wave signal. Based on the image data output from the image processing circuit 26, the ultrasonic tomographic image of the inspection object 4 is displayed on the display device 30 in black and white shades.

The input device 29 includes a keyboard 31, a trackball 32, various operation buttons 33, and the like, and is used for inputting requests and instructions from the user. The display device 30 is, for example, a display such as an LCD or a CRT, and is used to display an ultrasonic tomographic image of the inspection object 4 and an input screen for various settings.

The storage device 28 is a magnetic disk device, an optical disk device or the like, and stores a control program and various data in a recording medium. The controller 20 transfers programs and data from the storage device 28 to the memory 27 in accordance with instructions from the input device 29, and executes them sequentially. The program executed by the controller 20 may be a program stored in a storage medium such as a memory card, a flexible disk, or an optical disk, or a program downloaded via a communication medium. Use.

Next, an operation example when inspecting a tooth state using the dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described below.

First, an operator such as a doctor holds the handle 5 of the dental ultrasonic probe 3 in his / her hand and inserts the transducer array 6 and the gel sheet 8 on the probe tip side into the patient's oral cavity. Then, the second surface 13 of the gel sheet 8 is brought into close contact with the surface of the tooth or gum to be inspected 4. Thereafter, the operator operates the operation button 33 (inspection start button) of the input device 29. At this time, the controller 20 determines the button operation, and starts a process for displaying the ultrasonic tomographic image of the inspection object 4.

In this process, the controller 20 operates the pulse generation circuit 21 to start transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe 3. Specifically, the pulse generation circuit 21 operates in response to a control signal output from the controller 20, and a pulse signal having a predetermined cycle is supplied to the transmission circuit 22. In the transmission circuit 22, a drive pulse having a delay time corresponding to each ultrasonic transducer 11 is generated based on the pulse signal and supplied to the ultrasonic probe 3. As a result, each ultrasonic transducer 11 in the transducer array 6 of the ultrasonic probe 3 vibrates and the ultrasonic beam So is irradiated toward the inspection object 4. In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic beam So radiated from the ultrasonic radiation surface 7 of the transducer array 6 is incident from the first surface 12 side of the gel-like sheet 8 and reaches the second surface 13. Focus at Po. That is, the ultrasonic beam So is propagated through the gel-like sheet 8 and is focused before the tooth surface is reached, and then enters the tooth.

Here, a part of the ultrasonic wave propagating through the examination object 4 is a tissue boundary surface (for example, gingiva and tooth surface, gingiva and alveolar bone, enamel and dentin in teeth, cementum and dentin, dentin and pulp) Reflected by the interface such as a cavity) and received by the ultrasonic probe 3. At this time, the reflected wave is converted into an electric signal (reflected wave signal) by each ultrasonic transducer 11 of the ultrasonic probe 3. The reflected wave signal is converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 23 and then input to the signal processing circuit 25 through the reception circuit 24.

The signal processing circuit 25 performs signal processing such as logarithmic conversion and envelope detection, and the processed reflected wave signal is supplied to the image processing circuit 26. The image processing circuit 26 performs image processing for generating image data of an ultrasonic tomographic image based on the reflected wave signal. The controller 20 temporarily stores each image data generated by the image processing circuit 26 in the memory 27.

The controller 20 determines whether or not image data for one frame is stored in the memory 27, and transmits the image data to the display device 30 when the image data for one frame is stored in the memory 27. As a result, the ultrasonic tomographic image of the inspection object 4 is displayed on the display device 30 with black and white shading. Then, the operator checks the state of the teeth by checking the ultrasonic tomographic image, and determines, for example, the degree of progression of periodontal disease. Thereafter, the operator operates an operation button 33 (examination end button) provided on the input device 29, and then takes out the transducer array 6 on the distal end side of the ultrasonic probe 3 from the oral cavity of the patient to the outside. The controller 20 determines the button operation, and ends the process for displaying the ultrasonic tomographic image.

The present inventors confirmed the states of the teeth 4a and gums 4b as the inspection object 4 using the dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic scan positions P1 to P6 are gradually moved upward from the position of the gum 4b corresponding to the lower teeth 4a to acquire an ultrasonic tomographic image. The ultrasonic tomographic images G1 to G6 corresponding to the scan positions P1 to P6 are shown in FIGS.

In the ultrasonic tomographic image G1 in FIG. 4 at the scan position P1 and the ultrasonic tomographic image G2 in FIG. 5 at the scan position P2, the gum 4b and the alveolar bone 4c are displayed. Then, in the ultrasonic tomographic image G3 in FIG. 6 at the scan position P3, the root portion of the tooth 4a begins to appear, and in the ultrasonic tomographic image G4 in FIG. 7 at the scan position P4, the root portion of the tooth 4a becomes thicker. Yes. In addition, the pulp cavity can also be confirmed at the central portion (black portion) of the tooth 4a in the ultrasonic tomographic image G4. Further, in the ultrasonic tomographic image G5 of FIG. 8 at the scan position P5, the portion of the alveolar bone 4c is not visible, and the teeth 4a and gums 4b are displayed. Further, in the ultrasonic tomographic image G6 of FIG. 9 at the scan position P6, the gum 4b is almost invisible and the tooth 4a is displayed.

Furthermore, the present inventors confirmed an ultrasonic tomographic image G7 (see FIG. 10) showing a longitudinal section of the tooth 4a using the extracted tooth 4a. Here, the extracted tooth 4a is placed on a gel-like sheet (not shown) prepared in advance, and the ultrasound is applied with the tooth 4a sandwiched between the gel-like sheet and the gel-like sheet 8 of the ultrasonic probe 3. A tomographic image was taken. FIG. 11 shows a schematic longitudinal section of the tooth 4a. In the ultrasonic tomographic image G7 shown in FIG. 10, the structures of the enamel 34, the cementum 35, the dentin 36, the pulp cavity 37, the dental canal 38 (see FIG. 11) and the like in the tooth 4a could be confirmed.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) In the dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the ultrasonic beam So incident on the gel-like sheet 8 from the first surface 12 side is focused at a position before reaching the second surface 13. Electronic focusing is performed. In this case, the ultrasonic beam So radiated from the ultrasonic radiation surface 7 of the transducer array 6 propagates through the gel-like sheet 8 and is focused before it reaches the surface of the tooth 4a. It enters the inside from the surface. In this way, since the scattering of the ultrasonic wave on the surface of the tooth 4a is suppressed, the tomographic image G7 inside the tooth 4a can be visualized by the ultrasonic wave, which has been difficult in the past. Therefore, if the dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is used, a simple operation such as bringing the ultrasonic radiation surface 7 of the transducer array 6 into close contact with the surfaces of the teeth 4a and gums 4b via the gel sheet 8 is performed. Thus, the ultrasonic tomographic images G1 to G7 can be acquired. Then, by checking these tomographic images G1 to G7, the state of the teeth 4a and gums 4b can be inspected quickly in real time. In addition, the states of the teeth 4a, gums 4b, and alveolar bone 4c (heights of the gums 4b and alveolar bone 4c, etc.) can be confirmed by the ultrasonic tomographic images G1 to G6. For this reason, the depth of the periodontal pocket (depth from the gum 4b to the alveolar bone 4c) can be measured, and the progress of periodontal disease can be easily and reliably inspected. Furthermore, since the tomographic image G7 inside the tooth 4a can be confirmed, in addition to the examination of periodontal disease, the examination of caries can be performed. Furthermore, in the dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, there is no radiation exposure such as X-ray photography, and there is no pain as in an examination using a periodontal pocket probe. Further, when the dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is used, it is not necessary to move from the treatment room to the photographing room or the like as in the case of X-ray photography, and examination can be performed during treatment in the treatment room. For this reason, based on the test result by the dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, the tooth 4a can be treated quickly and accurately.

(2) Since the dental ultrasonic probe 3 of the present embodiment is a toothbrush type probe in which the transducer array 6 is provided at the tip of the rod-shaped handle 5, the operability can be improved. Specifically, the operator holds the handle 5 in his / her hand, inserts the tip side with the transducer array 6 into the oral cavity, and places the ultrasonic radiation surface 7 on the surface of the inspection object 4 via the gel-like sheet 8. It is possible to ensure close contact.

(3) In the dental ultrasonic probe 3 of the present embodiment, the size of the ultrasonic transducers 11 in the arrangement direction of the transducer array 6 is about 16 mm, so the transducer array 6 is inserted into the oral cavity and the teeth 4a and The gum 4b can be inspected reliably. In this case, since the inspection range in which the ultrasonic tomographic images G1 to G7 can be displayed can be sufficiently ensured by ultrasonic electronic scanning, the inspection of the teeth 4a and gums 4b can be performed efficiently.

(4) In the dental ultrasonic probe 3 of the present embodiment, since the gel-like sheet 8 has a constant thickness and is bonded to the ultrasonic radiation surface 7, the ultrasonic beam So is positioned at a position in front of the surface of the tooth 4a. Can be accurately matched, and clear ultrasonic tomographic images G1 to G7 can be obtained.

(5) The transducer array 6 constituting the dental ultrasonic probe 3 of the present embodiment is a linear transducer array in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 are linearly arranged. In this case, since the transducer array 6 of a normal linear ultrasonic probe can be used, the component cost can be kept low. Furthermore, since the area of the gel-like sheet 8 covering the ultrasonic radiation surface 7 of the transducer array 6 is substantially the same as the area of the ultrasonic radiation surface 7, the size of the gel-like sheet 8 may be larger than necessary. In addition, the component cost can be further reduced.
[Second Embodiment]

Next, a second embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the configuration of the dental ultrasonic probe 3A is different from that of the first embodiment, and the configuration of the apparatus main body 2 is the same as that of the first embodiment. . As shown in FIG. 12, in the dental ultrasonic probe 3 </ b> A according to the present embodiment, a connecting portion between the handle portion 5 and the transducer array 6 includes a plurality of portions when the longitudinal direction of the handle portion 5 is used as a reference. In order to change the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers 11, an angle adjustment mechanism 40 for adjusting the mounting angle of the transducer array 6 with respect to the handle 5 is provided. The angle adjustment mechanism 40 rotates the attachment angle of the transducer array 6 with respect to the handle 5 by 90 °, and the direction of the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers 11 is orthogonal to the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the handle 5. It can be changed to. When this dental ultrasonic probe 3A is used, by changing the mounting angle of the transducer array 6, an ultrasonic tomographic image suitable for examination of the longitudinal and transverse sections of the teeth 4a can be easily acquired. . Further, by adjusting the mounting angle of the transducer array 6 according to the examination site such as the front teeth and the back teeth, an ultrasonic tomographic image of the test site can be reliably acquired.
[Third Embodiment]

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the dental ultrasonic probe 3B is different from that of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the dental ultrasonic probe 3 </ b> B of the present embodiment includes a clamping member 42 that is provided so as to be branched at the distal end side of the handle 5 and to face the transducer array 6. Yes. The sandwiching member 42 has a shape bent in a substantially L shape, and a gel-like sheet 43 is fixed to the bent end. The inspection object 4 is sandwiched between the transducer array 6 and the sandwiching member 42 via the

gel sheets

8 and 42. The gel sheet 43 disposed on the holding member 42 side is formed using a thicker and more flexible material than the gel sheet 8 disposed on the transducer array 6 side. In this dental ultrasonic probe 3B, the gel-like sheet 43 on the clamping member 42 side is deformed so that the teeth 4a and gums 4b having different thicknesses can be easily sandwiched. By configuring the dental ultrasonic probe 3B in this way, the ultrasonic radiation surface 7 can be reliably brought into close contact with the surface of the inspection object 4 via the gel sheet 8, and an ultrasonic tomographic image of the inspection object 4 is obtained. Can be definitely obtained.
[Fourth Embodiment]

Next, a fourth embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the dental ultrasonic probe 3C is different from that of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, in the dental ultrasonic probe 3 </ b> C of the present embodiment, a pair of

transducer arrays

6, 6 </ b> A are arranged to face each other so that the inspection object 4 can be sandwiched via the gel sheet 8. Has been. Further, the dental ultrasonic probe 3C according to the present embodiment is provided with a distance adjusting unit capable of adjusting the distance between the pair of

transducer arrays

6 and 6A according to the thickness of the inspection object 4.

Specifically, the dental ultrasonic probe 3C according to the present embodiment includes a clamping member 46 provided so as to branch at the distal end side of the handle portion 5, and one transducer array 6A can move to the clamping member 46. Has been placed. A guide groove 47 is formed in the holding member 46 along the longitudinal direction thereof, and a protrusion 48 fitted to the guide groove 47 is formed at the lower end portion of the transducer array 6A. Furthermore, a through hole 51 having an internal thread 50 formed on the inner surface is formed at the center of the protrusion 48 of the transducer array 6A. Further, in the handle portion 5, a rotation shaft 45 as a space adjustment portion is rotatably supported at a position corresponding to the holding member 46.

A male screw portion 53 is formed at the distal end of the rotary shaft 45, and an operation knob 54 is provided at the proximal end portion. A rotating shaft 45 is inserted into a support hole (not shown) formed below the transducer array 6 in the handle 5, and the rotating shaft 45 is disposed along the guide groove 47. Further, the male screw portion 53 on the distal end side of the rotating shaft 45 is screwed into the female screw portion 50 formed on the projection portion 48 of the transducer array 6A. Note that the operation knob 54 at the base end of the rotating shaft 45 protrudes from the support hole of the handle portion 5. When the operation knob 54 is turned, the rotation shaft 45 rotates and the transducer array 6A moves along the guide groove 47, whereby the distance between the pair of

transducer arrays

6 and 6A is adjusted.

If the dental ultrasonic probe 3C according to the present embodiment is used, the tomographic images can be acquired simultaneously from the front side and the back side of the tooth 4a by the pair of

transducer arrays

6 and 6A arranged opposite to each other. By checking the above, the state of the tooth 4a can be inspected more accurately. In addition, since the interval between the pair of ultrasonic transducers 6 and 6a can be adjusted by rotating the rotation shaft 45 of the interval adjusting unit, inspections having different thicknesses such as front teeth, back teeth, child teeth and adult teeth The object 4 can be reliably sandwiched between the pair of

transducer arrays

6 and 6A. For this reason, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of types of ultrasonic probes having different intervals between the

transducer arrays

6 and 6A, and the cost of parts of the dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can be reduced.
[Fifth Embodiment]

Next, a fifth embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the dental ultrasonic probe 3D is different from that of the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the dental ultrasonic probe 3D of the present embodiment is a mouthpiece type probe. The ultrasonic probe 3D includes a fixed support body 61 that fixes the pair of transducer arrays 6 and supports the gel-like sheet 60 in a deformed state so as to sandwich the inspection object 4 in a mouthpiece shape. . The fixed support 61 is formed with a plurality of fixing holes 62 for fixing the transducer array 6. These fixing holes 62 are formed at intervals corresponding to the tooth width along the tooth arrangement direction. The transducer array 6 is detachably fixed to each fixing hole 62. Then, the pair of transducer arrays 6 are housed and fixed in the respective fixing holes 62 located at positions corresponding to the teeth 4a to be inspected (the front teeth in the present embodiment). The transducer array 6 is arranged in the fixing hole 62 so that the arrangement direction of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 is directed in the vertical direction of the teeth 4a. Furthermore, the gel-like sheet 60 is held on the fixed support 61 in a state of being bent so as to sandwich the inner side surface and the outer side surface of the inspection object 4.

By using the dental ultrasonic probe 3D of the present embodiment, an ultrasonic tomographic image can be simultaneously acquired from the front side and the back side of the tooth 4a by the pair of transducer arrays 6 arranged to face each other. For this reason, the state of the tooth 4a can be more accurately inspected by checking these tomographic images. In the dental ultrasonic probe 3D, the ultrasonic radiation surface 7 can be brought into close contact with the surfaces of the teeth 4a and gums 4b at arbitrary positions via the gel-like sheet 60, and the state of the teeth 4a can be quickly and quickly. It can be surely inspected.
[Sixth Embodiment]

Next, a sixth embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the dental ultrasonic probe 3E is different from that of the fifth embodiment. Although the dental ultrasonic probe 3D of the fifth embodiment is formed in a mouthpiece type capable of sandwiching all the teeth 4a, as shown in FIG. 17, the dental ultrasonic probe 3D of the present embodiment. The ultrasonic probe 3E for use is formed in a mouthpiece type capable of sandwiching the front teeth 4a. The dental ultrasonic probe 3E is provided with a fixed support 73 to which the pair of

transducer arrays

71 and 72 are fixed. And the gel-

like sheets

76 and 77 are joined so that the ultrasonic radiation surfaces 74 and 75 of each vibrator |

oscillator array

71 and 72 may be covered. In the dental ultrasonic probe 3E of the present embodiment, the transducer array 71 arranged on the inner side is matched with the shape of the curved surface (the concave inner surface and the convex outer surface in the dentition) of the inspection object 4. The sound wave emitting surface 74 is curved in a convex shape, and the ultrasonic wave emitting surface 75 of the transducer array 72 disposed on the outside is curved in a concave shape. The

transducer arrays

71 and 72 are arranged such that the arrangement direction of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 is directed in the width direction (dentation direction) of the teeth 4a.

By using the dental ultrasonic probe 3E of the present embodiment, an ultrasonic tomographic image can be simultaneously acquired from the front side and the back side of the front teeth 4a by the pair of

transducer arrays

71 and 72 arranged to face each other. For this reason, the state of the front teeth 4a can be more accurately inspected by checking these tomographic images.

Note that each embodiment of the present invention may be modified as follows.

In the dental ultrasonic probe 3A of the second embodiment, the angle adjustment mechanism 40 is configured to adjust the mounting angle of the transducer array 6 with respect to the handle portion 5, but is not limited thereto. For example, a dental ultrasonic probe is used so that a flexible member is interposed at the connecting portion between the handle 5 and the transducer array 6 and the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers 11 can be finely adjusted by the elasticity of the member. It may be configured.

In the dental ultrasonic probe 3C according to the fourth embodiment, the distance adjustment unit (rotation shaft 45 or the like) for adjusting the distance between the pair of

transducer arrays

6 and 6A is provided. A plurality of types of ultrasonic probes having different intervals may be configured by omitting the part. In the dental ultrasonic probe 3C of the fourth embodiment, the guide groove 47 and the like are formed in the holding member 46 and the interval adjusting unit is configured using the rotation shaft 45. However, a pair of transducer arrays If it is the structure which can adjust the space | interval of 6 and 6A, you may change a space | interval adjustment part suitably. For example, the interval adjusting unit may be configured using a slide mechanism that moves one transducer array 6A, a fixing pin that fixes the position of the transducer array 6A, or the like.

In the dental ultrasonic probe 3D according to the fifth embodiment, the transducer array 6 is arranged so that the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers 11 faces the vertical direction of the teeth 4a, but is orthogonal thereto. The ultrasonic transducers 11 may be arranged so that the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers 11 faces in the width direction (dentation direction) of the teeth 4a to be rotated. In the dental ultrasonic probe 3E according to the sixth embodiment, the

transducer arrays

71 and 72 are arranged so that the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers 11 faces the width direction (dentition direction) of the teeth 4a. However, it may be arranged so that the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers 11 is directed in the vertical direction of the teeth 4a orthogonal thereto.

In the dental ultrasonic probe 3E of the sixth embodiment, the mouthpiece shape is formed so that the front teeth 4a can be sandwiched. However, other portions such as the back teeth can be partially sandwiched. It may be formed in a possible mouthpiece type.

Next, in addition to the technical ideas described in the claims, the technical ideas grasped by the respective embodiments described above are listed below.

(1) The dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising an interval adjusting unit capable of adjusting an interval between the pair of transducer arrays according to a thickness of the inspection object.

(2) The dental ultrasonic wave according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the ultrasonic radiation surface of the transducer array is curved in a concave shape or a convex shape according to a shape of a dentition. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.

(3) The dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the gel-like sheet is a sheet having a certain thickness.

(4) The dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the gel-like sheet has a thickness of 3 mm to 10 mm.

(5) In any one of claims 1 to 7, the thickness of the gel-like sheet is 3 mm or more and 10 mm or less, and the ultrasonic beam incident from the first surface side is from the second surface. A dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by focusing at a depth of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm.

(6) In any one of claims 1 to 7, an acoustic lens is interposed between the ultrasonic radiation surface of the transducer array and the first surface of the gel-like sheet. A featured ultrasonic diagnostic equipment for dental use.

(7) The dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an area of the gel-like sheet is substantially equal to an area of the ultrasonic radiation surface of the transducer array.

(8) The dental ultrasonic diagnosis according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the gel-like sheet is hydrous and has an acoustic impedance equivalent to an acoustic impedance of a human biological tissue. apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Dental ultrasonic

diagnostic apparatus

3, 3A-3E ... Dental ultrasonic probe 4 ... Test object 4a ... Teeth 4b ... Gum 5 ... Handle

part

6, 6A, 71, 72 ...

Vibrator array

7, 74, 75 ...

Ultrasonic radiation surface

8, 60, 76, 77 ... gel-like sheet 12 ... first surface of gel-like sheet 13 ... second surface of gel-like sheet 20 ... controller as control means 40 ... angle adjusting mechanism 42 ... clamping member 61 73 ... Fixed support So ... Ultrasonic beam

Claims

A dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that propagates ultrasonic waves to a tooth and / or gum as an inspection object and displays an ultrasonic tomographic image of the inspection object based on the obtained reflected wave signal,
A transducer array in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged and having an ultrasonic radiation surface on the front side, a first surface and a second surface located on the opposite side, the first surface being the transducer A dental ultrasonic probe configured to include a gel-like sheet that is bonded so as to cover the ultrasonic radiation surface of the array, and the second surface is arranged in close contact with the inspection object during inspection;
A drive signal is input to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers in the transducer array, and the ultrasonic beam incident on the gel-like sheet from the first surface side reaches the second surface. A dental ultrasonic diagnostic comprising: control means for performing electronic focusing and electronic scanning of the ultrasonic waves so as to be focused at a position and moved along an arrangement direction of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers apparatus.
The dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dental ultrasonic probe is further formed with a handle that is formed in a grippable rod shape and has the transducer array at a tip.
The connecting portion between the handle and the transducer array in the dental ultrasonic probe is to change the arrangement direction of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers with respect to the longitudinal direction of the handle. The dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting an attachment angle of the transducer array with respect to a handle.
The dental ultrasonic probe is further provided with a clamping member that is provided so as to face the transducer array and that can clamp the examination object via the gel-like sheet. The dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of 3 above.
The dental ultrasonic probe further includes a fixed support for fixing the transducer array and supporting the gel-like sheet in a deformed state in a mouthpiece shape so as to sandwich the object to be inspected. The dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.
The dental instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a pair of the transducer arrays are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the object to be inspected via the gel sheet. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.
The dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a dimension in the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers in the transducer array is 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less.
A dental ultrasonic probe used in a dental ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for propagating ultrasonic waves to a tooth and / or gum as an inspection object and displaying an ultrasonic tomographic image of the inspection object based on the obtained reflected wave signal There,
A transducer array in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged and having an ultrasonic radiation surface on the front side, a first surface and a second surface located on the opposite side, the first surface being the transducer A gel-like sheet that is bonded so as to cover the ultrasonic radiation surface of the array, and the second surface is in close contact with the inspection object at the time of inspection;
When a drive signal is input to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers in the transducer array, the ultrasonic beam incident on the gel-like sheet from the first surface side reaches the second surface. A dental ultrasonic probe characterized in that it is focused at a position in front and moved along the direction of arrangement of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers.