Patent ID: 6543936
Filing Date: 2003-04-08
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
Apparatus for use in dentistry for producing real time fluoroscopic images, said apparatus comprising:a housing for emitting x-rays or gamma rays for passage through a dental region of a patient; an image receptor assembly comprising a fluoroscopic image receptor positioned to receive the x-rays or gamma rays after passage thereof through the dental region of the patient to produce a visible light image of said dental region, a fiber optic system connected to said image receptor to transmit the light image, a charge coupled device connected to said fiber optic system to produce a high resolution video signal from said light image; a rotatable C-arm assembly for holding said housing and said image receptor assembly; a control panel for controlling and observing operation of the apparatus; three mechanical arms connecting said housing and said control panel; an intraoral image receptor that can be positioned to receive the x-rays or gamma rays after passage thereof through the dental region of the patient; a plastic holder device for positioning said intraoral image receptor; and a monitor for receiving said video signal to display in real time the dental region of the patient.