Electronic video dental camera

Abstract

Abstract An electronic video dental camera is provided which overcomes the disadvantages of both prior art dental mirrors, endoscopes, and video endoscopes. The electronic video dental camera is readily manipulated by dentists who are familiar with the manipulation of dental mirrors. Such an electronic video dental camera includes a handle to be held the user, and a camera head located at the distal end of the handle, with the camera head being formed at an angle to the handle, as in prior art dental mirrors. One embodiment includes provision for the flow of a selected fluid in order to defog and/or clean the camera lens. In one embodiment, the camera head includes light sources for illuminating the area to be viewed. In one embodiment, the handle of the dental camera includes means for transporting all appropriate signals and fluids to and from the camera head, and, if desired, valves and switching means located on the handle for controlling such communication to the camera head. One embodiment includes a dental camera head which allows a number of attachments to be used, such as a telephoto lens, wide angle lens, relay lens, and transillumination devices. In an alternative embodiment, the dental camera is attached to another dental instrument, such as a dentist's drill, thereby allowing video monitoring of the task being performed. In another embodiment, the dental camera is formed as an integral part of the dental instrument.

Inventors

• 👤 David H. Cooper
• 👤 Charles S. Bush

Bibliographic Details