Advanced Raman Imaging for Early Caries Detection

Introduction

This full-scale Raman imaging technology offers a powerful tool for detecting early-stage dental caries before visible symptoms arise. By using Raman spectroscopy, the system provides precise, non-invasive imaging of tooth structure, identifying areas of decay at the molecular level. For dental professionals and healthcare providers, this technology represents a breakthrough in preventive dentistry, enabling early diagnosis and treatment of cavities, reducing the need for more invasive procedures down the line, and improving overall patient care.

The Challenge: Detecting Dental Decay at an Early Stage

Dental caries (cavities) are one of the most common oral health problems worldwide, often going undetected until significant damage has been done to the tooth. Traditional methods of diagnosing caries, such as visual inspections and X-rays, may not detect early decay, leaving patients vulnerable to more extensive dental procedures. As patient demand grows for less invasive, more accurate diagnostic tools, dental care providers need advanced technology that offers earlier detection and more precise insights into tooth health.

Raman Imaging for Accurate, Non-Invasive Diagnosis

This Raman imaging technology solves these issues by using advanced spectroscopy to detect early-stage caries with high precision. The imaging system provides detailed, real-time images of tooth composition, allowing dental professionals to identify decay before it reaches the advanced stages that require fillings or root canals. The non-invasive nature of the technology makes it ideal for routine dental exams, offering patients a more comfortable and proactive approach to maintaining oral health. Early detection enables timely intervention, which can prevent the progression of decay and preserve the natural structure of the tooth.

Key Benefits for Dental and Healthcare Providers

For dental offices and clinics, this advanced Raman imaging technology offers a competitive advantage by enabling earlier, more accurate caries detection. It enhances the level of care provided to patients, ensuring that cavities are identified and treated in their earliest stages. Dental equipment manufacturers and diagnostic tool providers can integrate this technology into their product lines, offering cutting-edge solutions that align with the increasing demand for non-invasive, high-precision diagnostics in oral healthcare.

Investing in Cutting-Edge Dental Diagnostics

Licensing this advanced Raman imaging technology for caries detection allows your company to lead the way in dental innovation. By offering a system that improves early diagnosis, reduces invasive treatments, and enhances patient care, you position your business at the forefront of preventive dentistry. This technology represents a valuable investment for companies committed to improving oral health outcomes and delivering state-of-the-art diagnostic solutions.

An improved hyperspectral Raman imaging system and device that obtains full scale Raman images from a sample surface in seconds, wherein the dichromic mirror is located between the objective lens and sample surface. The laser is delivered to the sample surface and the Raman image is collected and transmitted through optic fiber to a camera after filtration. By delivering the laser to the sample without going through the objective lens, a high-power laser can safely illuminate the full field of view of the objective lens, allowing for safe Raman imaging within seconds. This fast and safe Raman imaging system can be used for, among other applications, the early detection of dental caries in practical settings.

I claim:

1. An improved Raman imaging system for obtaining images from a sample surface in seconds comprising:

a. a laser;
b. a 2-D camera;
c. A band-pass filter;
d. a plurality of lenses;
e. a sample surface;
f. and a dichroic mirror, wherein the dichroic mirror is placed between an objective lens and the sample surface, further wherein the laser is delivered to the sample surface without going through the objective lens.
2. The Raman imaging system of claim 1 wherein a probe is connected to the laser and 2-D camera via optical fiber, further wherein the probe delivers Raman images to the camera through optical fiber.
3. The system of claim 1 further comprising an edge pass filter.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the objective lens is an imaging lens.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the objective lens is a collimating lens.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the objective lens is an achromatic lens.
7. A device for obtaining Raman images from a sample surface comprising: a. a probe connected to a laser and a 2-D camera via optical fiber, wherein the probe delivers Raman images to the camera through optical fiber; b. a band-pass filter; c. a plurality of lenses; d. a sample surface; and e. a dichroic mirror, wherein the dichroic mirror is placed between an objective lens and the sample surface, wherein the laser is delivered to the sample surface without going through the objective lens.
8. The probe of claim 7 wherein the probe is handheld.

9. An improved method of obtaining Raman images of a sample surface comprising:

a. emitting light from a laser through a dichroic mirror placed between the objective lens and the sample surface;
b. reflecting and delivering the light to a sample surface;
c. transmitting the signal from the sample surface and through a narrow band-pass filter and the dichroic mirror;
d. collecting the sample from an objective lens to a 2-D camera; and
e. focusing the scattering light via an objective lens, wherein the laser is delivered to the sample surface without going through the objective lens.

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Title

Full scale Raman imaging for early caries detection

Inventor(s)

Shan Yang

Assignee(s)

Jackson State University

Patent #

10876972

Patent Date

December 29, 2020

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