Patent ID: 8292834
Filing Date: 2012-10-23
Classification: A61B,A61C,A61N,C12M,C12N

Abstract:
1. A device comprising: a miniaturized ultrasound transducer operable to generate ultrasound energy; a miniaturized biocompatible transducer housing for carrying the ultrasound transducer; a miniaturized extra-oral transducer positioning element operable to position the ultrasound transducer proximate to an application area to which the generated ultrasound energy is to be applied for ultrasound dental treatment, jaw joint treatment, or stimulation of jaw growth; a miniaturized intra-oral ultrasound sensor operable to sense the ultrasound energy generated by the ultrasound transducer, and to provide a feedback signal to a miniaturized intra-oral controller disposed in the transducer housing and operatively coupled to the ultrasound transducer, the controller being operable to control an intensity of the ultrasound energy generated by the ultrasound transducer; a miniaturized intra-oral biocompatible sensor housing for carrying the ultrasound sensor; a miniaturized intra-oral tooth-root sensor positioning element operable to position the ultrasound sensor adjacent and along a length of a tooth root and gum tissue, the tooth-root sensor positioning element operable to position the ultrasound sensor in a manner which separates the ultrasound sensor from the transducer with cheek tissue or cheek tissue and the tooth root and gum tissue, to which the generated ultrasound energy is to be applied for ultrasound dental treatment; wherein the extra-oral transducer positioning element comprises a releasable mounting portion configured for temporarily mounting the transducer housing to skin covering a jaw joint or cheek; and wherein the sensor positioning element comprises a releasable mounting portion configured for temporarily mounting the sensor housing to a tooth or other intra-oral structure.