Patent ID: 7302287
Filing Date: 2007-11-27
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of detecting inflammation of an epithelium layer in the oral region comprising: (a) shining light on the epithelium layer to be analyzed from at least two sources, wherein each source shines said light on the epithelium layer at an angle relative to a normal, wherein: (b) detecting an intensity of light that is reflected back from the epithelium layer from each source with a detector; (c) determining the ratio between the at least two intensities of light reflected back from the epithelium layer; (d) comparing the ratio of the intensities versus source to detector separation to determine breakpoints, wherein the breakpoints comprise the location of the boundary between the stroma and the epithelium layers; and (e) analyzing the location of said boundary to detect inflammation of the epithelium layer.