U.S. patent application number 16/416896 was filed with the patent office on 2020-09-10 for radiometry systems and methods for dental applications.
This patent application is currently assigned to AdDent, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is AdDent, Inc.. Invention is credited to Joshua Friedman.
Application Number | 20200281705 16/416896 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004081200 |
Filed Date | 2020-09-10 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200281705 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Friedman; Joshua |
September 10, 2020 |
RADIOMETRY SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DENTAL APPLICATIONS
Abstract
The present disclosure describes systems and methods for
radiometry in dental applications. The disclosed systems include a
radiometer, a dental curing light, a composite material reader
module, and a restoration data storage device, where one or more of
the radiometer, dental curing light, composite material reader
module, and restoration data storage device include one or more
communication modules that enable wireless communication between
one or more of the radiometer, curing light, composite material
reader module, and restoration data storage device. In some
preferred embodiments, the radiometer includes at least one
communication module and the curing light includes at least one
communication module. In such embodiments, the communication
modules may be used to transmit information between the radiometer
and the curing light, and between one or more of the radiometer and
curing light and one or more of the composite material reader
module and restoration data storage device.
Inventors: |
Friedman; Joshua;
(Ridgefield, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AdDent, Inc. |
Danbury |
CT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AdDent, Inc.
Danbury
CT
|
Family ID: |
1000004081200 |
Appl. No.: |
16/416896 |
Filed: |
May 20, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62815879 |
Mar 8, 2019 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 19/003 20130101;
A61C 19/04 20130101; A61B 90/06 20160201 |
International
Class: |
A61C 13/15 20060101
A61C013/15; A61C 19/04 20060101 A61C019/04 |
Claims
1. A radiometry system for use in dental applications comprising:
a. a radiometer comprising a detector cell, a microprocessor, a
memory module, and a first set of one or more communication
modules; b. a curing light that is used to generate light and that
includes a second set of one or more communication modules; c. a
composite material reader module that includes a third set of one
or more communication modules; and d. a restoration data storage
device that includes a fourth set of one or more communication
modules; wherein the microprocessor is configured to record
information for storage on the memory module; wherein the intensity
of the light generated by the curing light is not controlled by the
radiometer; and wherein the radiometer is programmed to determine
the change in a rate of cure of a light-curable composite material
and thereby determine whether an optimum cure time has been reached
for the light-curable composite material.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the first set of one or more
communications modules, the second set of one or more communication
modules, the third set of one or more communication modules, and
the fourth set of one or more communication modules are configured
to transmit and receive information to and from the radiometer, the
curing light, the composite material reader module, and the
restoration data storage device.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the third set of one or more
communication modules is configured to transmit a first set of
information obtained from a package or container that contains a
light-curable composite material.
4-18. (canceled)
19. A method of curing a light-curable composite material used in a
dental restoration comprising using the system of claim 1.
20. A method of curing a light-curable composite material used in a
dental restoration comprising using the system of claim 1.
21. The system of claim 3 wherein the radiometer is programmed to
send a signal to the curing light when the optimum cure time has
been reached and the curing light is programmed to automatically
turn off immediately upon receipt of said signal.
22. The system of claim 21 wherein the composite material reader
module includes a component that is configured to obtain the first
set of information from a package or container that contains a
composite material.
23. The system of claim 22 wherein the composite material reader
module includes a component that is selected from the group
consisting of a bar code reader, a QR code reader, and an NFC tag
reader.
24. The system of claim 22 wherein the composite material reader
module includes at least one optical scanner.
25. The system of claim 22 wherein the first, second, third, and
fourth sets of one or more communication modules are each selected
from the group consisting of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ZigBee
modules.
26-30. (canceled)
31. A radiometry system for use in dental applications comprising:
a. a radiometer comprising a detector cell, a microprocessor, and a
memory module; b. a curing light that is used to generate light; c.
a composite material reader module; and d. a restoration data
storage device; wherein each of the radiometer, curing light,
composite material reader module, and restoration data storage
device is configured to wirelessly transmit or receive information
via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or ZigBee; wherein the microprocessor is
configured to record information for storage on the memory module;
wherein the intensity of the light generated by the curing light is
not controlled by the radiometer; and wherein the radiometer is
programmed to determine the change in a rate of cure of a
light-curable composite material and thereby determine whether an
optimum cure time has been reached for the light-curable composite
material.
32. The system of claim 31 wherein the information includes a first
set of information obtained from a package or container that
contains a light-curable composite material.
33. The system of claim 32 wherein the radiometer is programmed to
send a signal to the curing light when the optimum cure time has
been reached and the curing light is programmed to automatically
turn off immediately upon receipt of said signal.
34. The system of claim 33 wherein the composite material reader
module includes a component that is configured to obtain the first
set of information from a package or container that contains a
composite material.
35. The system of claim 34 wherein the composite material reader
module includes a component that is selected from the group
consisting of a bar code reader, a QR code reader, and an NFC tag
reader.
36. The system of claim 34 wherein the composite material reader
module includes at least one optical scanner.
37. The system of claim 34, wherein the composite material reader
module determines and wirelessly transmits the first set of
information, and wherein the first set of information includes one
or more of: a. a depth of the restoration; and b. a curing
time.
38. The system of claim 37, wherein the composite material reader
module determines and wirelessly transmits the first set of
information, and wherein the first set of information further
includes one or more of: c. a type of material; d. a manufacturer
of the material; e. a serial number of the material; f. a lot code
number of the material; g. a use-by date or expiration date of the
material; and h. specification information for the material.
39. The system of claim 38 wherein the restoration data storage
device is configured to obtain a second set of information, wherein
the second set of information includes one or more of: i. a name of
a patient; and j. a date of placement of a restoration.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/815,879, filed on Mar. 8, 2019, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by
reference.
BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present disclosure relates to radiometers and curing
lights for use in dental applications.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] Dental curing lights have been used for over three decades
to polymerize composite materials for use as dental fillings. A
dental clinician places an unpolymerized composite material in a
patient's mouth and configures it according to clinical needs, and
then subsequently rapidly polymerizes the material using the curing
light so that it becomes a rigid dental filling. The basic types of
dental curing light sources are tungsten halogen, light-emitting
diode (LED), plasma arc, and laser.
[0004] The use of a radiometer in combination with a curing light
allows a dental clinician to measure the light output of the curing
light. A number of factors determine the degree of polymerization,
including (1) the intensity of the curing light, (2) the depth of
the restoration, (3) the shade of the composite material, (4) the
type of filler and the chemistry of the composite material, (5) the
age of the material, and (6) the wavelength of the light applied
for curing.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 7,175,436 to Friedman ("the '436 patent")
discloses a radiometer and a method for providing an indication of
the amount of time needed to cause a light-curable dental resin
composite material to optimally polymerize in response to the
application of light from any light-curing source during the
preparation of a dental restoration. However, the '436 patent does
not include a component for communication between the radiometer
and curing light used therewith or a method for electronically
tracking information regarding the restorative material used to
treat a specific patient.
[0006] Thus there remains a need for a dental radiometry system
that includes a component for communication between a radiometer
and a curing light used therewith and that allows electronic
transmission of information related to the restorative material
used in a given restoration.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present disclosure describes systems and methods for
radiometry in dental applications. The disclosed systems comprise a
radiometer, a dental curing light, a composite material reader
module, and a restoration data storage device, where one or more of
the radiometer, dental curing light, composite material reader
module, and restoration data storage device comprise one or more
communication modules that enable wireless communication between
one or more of the radiometer, curing light, composite material
reader module, and restoration data storage device. The one or more
communication modules may comprise one or more Bluetooth, Wi-Fi,
ZigBee, or other radio frequency-based modules. In alternative
embodiments, the one or more communication modules may comprise one
or more infrared or other optically-based modules. In some
preferred embodiments, the radiometer comprises at least one
communication module and the curing light also comprises at least
one communication module. In such embodiments, the communication
modules may be used to transmit information between the radiometer
and the curing light, and between one or more of the radiometer and
curing light and one or more of the composite material reader
module and restoration data storage device. In some embodiments,
additional communication modules may also act to relay signals
between other communication modules, such as to extend the range of
communication, or to convert transmissions between different
formats, such as Wi-Fi to Bluetooth or ZigBee to infrared.
[0008] In some embodiments, the disclosed systems may further
comprise a composite material reader module. The composite material
reader module may comprise a bar code reader, QR code reader, NFC
tag reader, or any other similar device. The composite material
reader module may allow a user to obtain information from a package
or container of a composite material that is labeled with a
readable code, chip, mark, or tag such as by a bar code, QR code,
or NFC tag. In some alternative embodiments, the composite material
reader module may compromise an image scanner that can detect text
or images to obtain information from a label associated with a
package or container of a composite material.
[0009] In some embodiments, the disclosed systems may further
comprise a restoration data storage device. In some embodiments,
the restoration data storage device may comprise a computer
configured to receive information from the radiometer. The
restoration data storage device may preferably comprise one or more
communication modules that are configured to wirelessly communicate
with at least the communication module of the radiometer. The
restoration data storage device communication modules may comprise
one or more Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, or other radio
frequency-based modules. In alternative embodiments, the one or
more restoration data storage device communication modules may
comprise one or more radio frequency, infrared, or other
optically-based modules.
[0010] Methods of using the disclosed systems to optimally cure a
light-curable composite material are also disclosed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the
disclosed systems.
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the
radiometer used in the disclosed systems.
[0013] FIG. 3a shows a housing assembly of an embodiment of the
radiometer used in the disclosed systems, wherein a sample holder
for holding a test sample of light-curable material is shown
separated from the radiometer adjacent to a light guide for a
standard light source.
[0014] FIG. 3b shows a view of the sample holder shown in FIG.
3a.
[0015] FIG. 3c shows another view of the sample holder shown in
FIG. 3a.
[0016] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the radiometer and curing
light used in the disclosed systems.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] The present disclosure describes systems and methods for
radiometry in dental applications. The disclosed systems comprise a
radiometer, a dental curing light, a composite material reader
module, and a restoration data storage device, where one or more of
the radiometer, dental curing light, composite material reader
module, and restoration data storage device comprise one or more
communication modules that enable wireless communication between
one or more of the radiometer, curing light, composite material
reader module, and restoration data storage device. The one or more
communication modules may comprise one or more Bluetooth, Wi-Fi,
ZigBee, or other radio frequency-based modules. In alternative
embodiments, the one or more communication modules may comprise one
or more infrared or other optically-based modules. In some
preferred embodiments, the radiometer comprises at least one
communication module and the curing light also comprises at least
one communication module. In such embodiments, the communication
modules may be used to transmit information between the radiometer
and the curing light, and between one or more of the radiometer and
curing light and one or more of the composite material reader
module and restoration data storage device. In some embodiments,
additional communication modules may also act to relay signals
between other communication modules, such as to extend the range of
communication, or to convert transmissions between different
formats, such as Wi-Fi to Bluetooth or ZigBee to infrared.
[0018] In some embodiments, the radiometer may further comprise a
microprocessor and a memory module, where the microprocessor is
configured to record information for storage on the memory module.
In such embodiments, the one or more communication modules of the
radiometer are preferably configured to obtain information stored
on the memory module and wirelessly transmit said information.
[0019] In some embodiments, the disclosed systems may further
comprise a composite material reader module. The composite material
reader module may comprise a bar code reader, QR code reader, NFC
tag reader, or any other similar device. The composite material
reader module may allow a user to obtain information from a package
or container of a composite material that is labeled with a
readable code, chip, mark, or tag such as by a bar code, QR code,
or NFC tag. In some alternative embodiments, the composite material
reader module may compromise an image scanner that can detect text
or images to obtain information from a label associated with a
package or container of a composite material.
[0020] In some embodiments, the disclosed systems may further
comprise a restoration data storage device. In some embodiments,
the restoration data storage device may comprise a computer
configured to receive information from the radiometer. The
restoration data storage device may preferably comprise one or more
communication modules that are configured to wirelessly communicate
with at least the communication module that is attached to the
radiometer. The restoration data storage device communication
modules may comprise one or more Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, or other
radio frequency-based modules. In alternative embodiments, the one
or more restoration data storage device communication modules may
comprise one or more infrared or other optically-based modules.
[0021] Methods of using the disclosed systems to optimally cure a
light-curable composite material are also disclosed herein.
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the
disclosed systems. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 comprises a
radiometer 100, a curing light 110, a composite material reader
module 120, and a computer 130, where each component comprises one
or more communication modules (not shown) configured to transmit
information between the components. A package of composite material
125 may have information stored on a readable code, chip, mark, or
tag such as a bar code, QR code, or NFC tag. The composite material
reader module 120 is configured to obtain information from the
package of composite material 125 and is also configured to
transmit information to the radiometer 100. The radiometer 100 is
configured to transmit information to the curing light 110 and to
the computer 130. The computer 130 may optionally store information
received from the radiometer 100 in a patient records database
135.
Radiometer
[0023] In some preferred embodiments, the disclosed systems may
comprise a radiometer disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,175,436 to
Friedman ("the '436 patent") or a similar radiometer that includes
additional features or removes features as needed for optimum use
in the disclosed systems. An embodiment of the radiometer 200 is
shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4.
[0024] FIG. 2 represents a block diagram of the internal electronic
components of the radiometer 200. Accordingly, the radiometer 200
comprises a detector cell 201 for providing either an output
voltage or a change in electrical resistance in direct response to
the degree of light exposure. The detector cell 201 may comprise a
light sensor such as a silicon, CMOS, or selenium detector cell or
another light sensor. In addition, the radiometer 200 further
comprises a microcontroller (microprocessor) 202, a battery 203, a
display 204, an on/off function switch 205, and a mode switch 206.
The display 204 may preferably be an LCD display. The mode switch
206 may be used to toggle between different modes of use of the
radiometer 200. In some embodiments, the radiometer may be used in
an "Optical Conversion" mode, a "Power" mode, an "Energy" mode, or
a "Calibration" mode. When Optical Conversion mode is selected, the
display 204 may provide a time display output that indicates the
shortest exposure time to provide optimal composite cure for a
sample of uncured composite using any type of light source.
[0025] FIG. 3a shows a housing assembly of an embodiment of the
radiometer used in the disclosed systems, wherein a sample holder
for holding a test sample of light-curable material is shown
separated from the radiometer adjacent to a light guide for a
standard light source. FIGS. 3b and 3c show views of the sample
holder shown in FIG. 3a.
[0026] In Optical Conversion mode, a light curing source (not
shown) with a light guide 211 may be used to cure a sample of an
uncured light-curable composite material 225 as described below. A
sample of uncured light-curable composite material 225 is placed in
a sample holder 226 of appropriate thickness for a given
restoration. The sample holder 226 may have a thickness that
corresponds to a typical required depth of a dental restoration,
and thus by varying the thickness of the sample holder 226, the
thickness of the sample 225 may be adjusted. The sample 225 is held
by a grip detail 227, as shown in FIG. 3c, and is inserted along a
groove or track 208, as shown in FIG. 3a, so that the sample sits
directly over the detector window 207 of the light sensor. The
light guide 211 is placed over the sample aligned with the detector
window 207 so that light may be transmitted through the sample 225.
Optical Conversion mode is then selected using the mode switch 206.
The display 204 displays the time needed to maximally cure the
composite, i.e., curing will be stopped when the display shows a
time corresponding to the exposure duration needed to achieve the
composite cure for the sample composite that represents a time when
the sample is cured in accordance with the algorithm used in
programming the microcontroller 202. The microcontroller 202 may be
programmed using an algorithm such as the algorithm disclosed in
the '436 patent. The extent of curing of the composite material may
be 80-99.5% of the maximum possible cure value. For most composite
resin materials, the extent of composite cure will plateau at
45-70% of the maximum cure value (100%) for the material. The
sampling rate used by the microcontroller 202 may preferably be
less than or equal to 0.1 Hz.
[0027] In Power mode, the radiometer 200 measures the curing light
output intensity. The intensity may preferably be displayed in
W/cm.sup.2 or mW/cm.sup.2. The display 204 may preferably be
programmed to update the displayed output intensity as long as the
mode switch 206 is activated. The mode switch 206 may, for example,
be activated when a push button is depressed. When the mode switch
206 is deactivated, such as by releasing a push button, the
radiometer will continue to measure the curing light output
intensity but the display will correspond only to the peak
measurements. This mode of using a radiometer is also termed
"irradiance" in various references.
[0028] In Energy mode, the accumulated energy delivered to a
composite material may be measured. The measurement may preferably
be displayed in J or mJ. Activating the mode switch 206 may reset
the measurement.
[0029] In Calibration mode, the radiometer may be calibrated using
a standard light source and a calibration filter that has the same
or nearly the same optical transmission characteristics as a fully
cured dental composite material. The calibration filter may
preferably comprise a polymer material. The exposure time displayed
may then be compared using the calibration filter and the light
unit being tested. The microcontroller may be programmed to adjust
the offset if a given sequence of switches is activated
simultaneously or serially.
[0030] The on/off function switch 205 may be used to turn on the
radiometer 200. In some embodiments, the radiometer 200 may be
programmed to automatically turn off or enter a low power state if
it is unused for a specified period of time.
[0031] The display 204 may display real-time light intensity (power
density), accumulated light energy delivered, or recommended
exposure time depending on the mode of operation. The display 204
may preferably be an LCD display.
[0032] In some embodiments, the light sensor may be a solid-state
photo detector.
[0033] The radiometer may preferably be battery-operated.
[0034] FIG. 3b shows a view of the sample holder 226 shown in FIG.
3a, including the grip detail 227.
[0035] FIG. 3c shows another view of the sample holder 226 shown in
FIG. 3a, including the grip detail 227 and the sample 225 loaded
therein.
[0036] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a radiometer 300 and curing
light 310 used in the disclosed systems. A clinician inserts a
sample of composite material into a sample holder 326. In some
embodiments, the sample holder 326 may preferably have a depth of
2, 4, or 6 mm to accommodate dental restorations of various desired
depths. The sample holder 326 is inserted into an optical reader
port 307 of the radiometer 300. Using the same curing light and
composite material to be used in the restoration procedure, the
clinician polymerizes the sample composite material. As
polymerization occurs, the minimum optimal cure time is determined
by the radiometer as described in the '436 patent. The time is
displayed on the display 304. The communication module 309 enables
transmission of the optimal cure time information from the
radiometer to the curing light, and transmission of this and other
information between the radiometer and other components of the
system. The communication module 309 preferably includes an
on-board memory module with sufficient memory to store the
information that will be transmitted from the radiometer to other
components of the system. In some embodiments, the radiometer may
be programmed to send a signal to the curing light when the optimum
cure time has been reached and the curing light may be programmed
to automatically turn off immediately upon receipt of said
signal.
Curing Light
[0037] The disclosed systems further comprise a dental curing
light. The dental curing light may be used to cure a light-curable
composite material. The curing light may preferably comprise a
light guide. The curing light comprises at least one communication
module that allows transmission of information from the radiometer
to the curing light.
[0038] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a curing light 310 used in the
disclosed systems, including a communication module 312. The
communication module may be configured to receive information from
the radiometer regarding the optimum cure time for the composite
material being used in a given restoration. In some embodiments,
the curing light may be programmed to automatically turn off once
the optimum cure time has been reached.
[0039] In some embodiments, the radiometer may be programmed to
send a signal to the curing light when the optimum cure time has
been reached, and the curing light may be programmed to
automatically turn off immediately upon receipt of said signal.
Communication Modules
[0040] One or more components of the disclosed systems, namely the
radiometer, curing light, composite material reader module, and
restoration data storage device, comprise one or more communication
modules that enable wireless communication between the radiometer,
curing light, composite material reader module, and restoration
data storage device. The one or more communication modules may
comprise one or more Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, or other radio
frequency-based modules. In alternative embodiments, the one or
more communication modules may comprise one or more infrared or
other optically-based modules. Each of the one or more
communication modules preferably includes an on-board memory module
with sufficient memory to store the information that may be
transmitted between the communication module and other
communication modules or other components of the system, including
both information that will be transmitted by the communication
module and information that will be received by the communication
module. In some preferred embodiments, the radiometer comprises at
least one communication module and the curing light also comprises
at least one communication module. In such embodiments, the
communication modules may be used to transmit information between
the radiometer and the curing light, and between one or more of the
radiometer and curing light and one or more of the composite
material reader module and restoration data storage device
described below. In some embodiments, additional communication
modules may also act to relay signals between other communication
modules, such as to extend the range of communication, or to
convert transmissions between different formats, such as Wi-Fi to
Bluetooth or ZigBee to infrared.
[0041] In some embodiments, the minimum amount of time required to
optimally cure an uncured light-curable composite material may be
wirelessly transmitted from the radiometer to the curing light
using the communication modules of the radiometer and curing light
respectively. The curing light may preferably be configured to
automatically turn off at the time at which the light-curable
composite material in use has been optimally cured. In other
embodiments, a visual or audio signal, such as a flickering LED or
a musical chime, may be used to indicate when the light-curable
composite material in use has been optimally cured. The optimal
curing time may be determined by the change in the rate of cure,
which depends on factors such as (1) the intensity of the curing
light, (2) the depth of the restoration, (3) the shade of the
composite material, (4) the type of filler and the chemistry of the
composite material, (5) the age of the material, and (6) the
wavelength of the light applied for curing.
Composite Material Reader Module
[0042] In some embodiments, the disclosed systems may further
comprise a composite material reader module. The composite material
reader module may comprise a bar code reader, QR code reader, NFC
tag reader, or any other similar device. The composite material
reader module may allow a user to obtain information from a package
or container of a light-curable composite material that is labeled
with a readable code, chip, mark, or tag such as by a bar code, QR
code, or NFC tag. In some alternative embodiments, the composite
material reader module may compromise an image scanner that can
detect text or images to obtain information from a label associated
with a specific package or container of a composite material.
[0043] In some embodiments, information that may be provided on the
readable code, chip, mark, or tag of a package or container of a
light-curable composite material may include the type of material,
manufacturer, serial number, lot code number, use-by date or
expiration date, and specification information for the material
such as the shade of the material and other relevant
information.
[0044] The composite material reader module may preferably comprise
one or more communication modules. The one or more composite
material reader module communication modules may comprise one or
more Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, or other radio frequency-based
modules. In alternative embodiments, the one or more composite
material reader module communication modules may comprise one or
more infrared or other optically-based modules in some embodiments,
the one or more composite material reader module communication
modules may transmit data to the radiometer. In alternate
embodiments, the one or more composite material reader module
communication modules may transmit data directly to the restoration
data storage device described below.
[0045] Information transmitted from the one or more composite
material reader module communication modules to the one or more
radiometer communication modules or restoration data storage device
communication modules described below may include the type of
material, manufacturer, serial number, lot code number, use-by date
or expiration date, and specification information for the material
such as the shade of the material and other relevant
information.
[0046] In some embodiments, the composite material reader module
may preferably be a digital scanner.
Restoration Data Storage Device
[0047] The disclosed systems may further comprise a restoration
data storage device. In some embodiments, the restoration data
storage device may comprise a computer configured to receive data
from the radiometer. The restoration data storage device may
preferably comprise one or more communication modules that are
configured to wirelessly communicate with at least the
communication module of the radiometer. The one or more restoration
data storage device communication modules may comprise one or more
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, or other radio frequency-based modules.
In alternative embodiments, the one or more restoration data
storage device communication modules may comprise one or more
infrared or other optically-based modules.
[0048] Information transmitted from the one or more radiometer
communication modules to the one or more restoration data storage
device communication modules may include the depth of the
restoration and the curing time.
[0049] Information transmitted from the one or more composite
material reader module communication modules to the one or more
restoration data storage device communication modules may include
the type of material, manufacturer, serial number, lot code number,
use-by date or expiration date, and specification information for
the material such as the shade of the material and other relevant
information. In some embodiments, this information may be
transmitted from the one or more composite material reader module
communication modules to the one or more radiometer communication
modules and then from the one or more radiometer communication
modules to the one or more restoration data storage device
communication modules. In alternate embodiments, this information
may be transmitted directly from the one or more composite material
reader module communication modules to the one or more restoration
data storage device communication modules.
[0050] Additional information recorded by the restoration data
storage device may include the name of the patient and the date of
placement of the restoration.
Advantages of Using Disclosed Systems
[0051] Wireless transmission of data using the disclosed systems
provides numerous advantages for clinicians performing dental
restorations. Wireless transmission of data reduces or eliminates
the possibility of human error in recording the appropriate curing
time or other relevant information. It allows dental clinicians to
focus on patient treatment rather than data recordation. In
addition, in the event of a future issue with a dental restoration
such as breakage, discoloration, unusual wear, or an allergic
reaction, a dental clinician would be able to access specific
details regarding the restoration, including the type of material
used, that would inform decisions regarding resolution of the
issue. Moreover, by providing manufacturers of composite materials
with information regarding the specific successes and failures of
specific restorations, manufacturers will be better informed and
able to reach more accurate and specific conclusions regarding
issues such as whether a particular lot of material was defective
or whether a particular use-by date is appropriate for a given
composite material. In addition, a manufacturer would be able to
communicate information regarding a defective batch or lot of
material and clinicians would be able to identify necessary
remedial measures on a patient-by-patient basis.
[0052] Wireless transmission of data using the disclosed systems
may also be used to allow a computer to update and adapt a
radiometer, a curing light, or a composite material reader module
to operate within the disclosed systems. For example, a firmware
upgrade may be pushed out by a computer. As another example, a
computer may send instructions to a curing light restricting
operation of the curing light to prevent a user from damaging a
selected composite material. As yet another example, the curing
light output may be monitored or controlled using a handheld
computer, such as a smartphone or tablet.
[0053] The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is
provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the
invention disclosed herein. Various modifications to these
embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art,
and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other
embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the
disclosure. The examples are intended to be merely illustrative and
are not intended to limit or otherwise restrict the invention.
Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the
embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope
consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed
herein.
[0054] All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by
reference.
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