Abstract:
An endodontic probe is used to perform disinfection procedures on target tissues within root canal passages and tubules. The endodontic probe can include an electromagnetic radiation emitting fiber optic tip having a distal end and a radiation emitting region disposed proximally of the distal end. According to one aspect, the endodontic probe can include a porous structure that encompasses a region of the fiber optic tip excluding the radiation emitting region and that is loaded with biologically-active particles, cleaning particles, biologically-active agents, or cleaning agents for delivery from the porous structure onto the target tissues. Another aspect can include provision of the endodontic probe with an adjustable channel-depth indicator, which encompasses a region of the fiber optic tip besides the radiation emitting region and which is movable in proximal and distal directions along a surface of the fiber optic tip to facilitate the provision of depth-of-insertion information to users of the endodontic probe.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of Prov. App. 60/995,759, filed on Sep. 28, 2007 (Docket BI8053PR), Prov. App. 60/994,891, filed on Sep. 21, 2007 (Docket BI8052PR), Prov. App. 60/994,723, filed on Sep. 20, 2007 (Docket BI8051PR), and Prov. App. 60/994,571, filed on Sep. 19, 2007 (Docket BI8050PR), the contents of all which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 12/142,656, filed on Jun. 19, 2008 (Docket BI8087P), U.S. application Ser. No. 11/800,184, filed on May 3, 2007 (Docket BI9827CIP2), Prov. App. 12/020,455, filed on Jan. 25, 2008 (Docket BI9827CIP), and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/033,441, filed on Jan. 10, 2005 (Docket BI9827P), the entire contents of all which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to electromagnetic radiation procedural devices and, more particularly, to the use of electromagnetic radiation devices in medical applications. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    A primary causative agent in pulpal and periapical pathosis is inadequate bacteria control. Research has shown that the absence of infection before obturation of a tooth undergoing endodontic treatment can result in a higher success rate, thus indicating the control or elimination of such intracanal pathogens to be advantageous to the generation of a favorable outcome for a given procedure. 
         [0006]    The prior art has encompassed various endodontic treatments directed to the attenuation of bacterial counts and adverse symptoms from the root canal system, many being implemented in a relatively nonsurgical or low impact fashion. Typically, clinical endodontic procedures have relied on mechanical instrumentation, mechanical intracanal irrigants, and medicaments to disinfect the root canal system. 
         [0007]    Prior-art instrumentation techniques involving hand and/or rotary instruments, as well as ultrasonic and sonic devices, have brought about some success in reducing bacterial loads in infected canals. While such instrumentation techniques of the prior art have not been altogether ineffective, they do tend to fall short of the goal of total or near total disinfection of the root canal system. 
         [0008]    In the category of irrigants, agents such as sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine have been implemented in root canal disinfecting treatments with some degree of success. Such agents have been found to be capable, for example, of providing relatively useful antimicrobial effects in certain instances. Here, too, infection of the root canal and adjacent dentin may persist, however, following such applications, owing perhaps to an inability of these agents to reach all the infecting microorganisms. 
         [0009]    Regarding the third mentioned category, of medicaments, the use of intracanal medications, such as calcium hydroxide, has typically been ineffective in the context of short-term applications. That is, longer term applications have frequently been indicated as a consequence, for example, of such agents failing to adequately address and eliminate endodontic infections by way of only a few applications. Consequently, such applications in the prior-art have typically required multiple applications, which in turn have required multiple patient visits. These multiple visits, while potentially increasing a rate of effective treatments in connection with medicaments such as calcium hydroxide, can increase treatment time and reduce patient compliance, thus increasing the risk of treatment failure. 
         [0010]    Lasers, such as mid-infrared lasers including the Erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandiumgallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser, have been used in root canal procedures involving cleaning, shaping and enlarging of the root canal, as well as in osseous, apical and periodontal surgical procedures. The Er,Cr:YSGG laser is known to be capable of removing calcified hard tissues by emitting a beam of infrared energy at 2.78 μm in combination with an emitted water spray. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    A laser having a high absorption for one or more predetermined fluids, which are disposed either around or adjacent to a target tissue or disposed within the target tissue, is implemented to achieve intra-passage or intracanal disinfection. The fluid can comprise water in typical applications, and the target tissue can comprise soft tissue such as that of a root canal wall in exemplary implementations of the invention. The laser can be operated to clean or disinfect tissue within the root canal in one mode in which an external source applies fluid to or in a vicinity of the target tissue or in another mode in which external fluid is not applied, the latter mode being capable of potentiating an effect of absorption of the laser energy or greater absorption of the laser energy by fluids within bacteria on or in the target tissue. In accordance with another feature of the present invention, radially emitting laser tips are used in the implementation of cleaning and disinfecting procedures of root canals. The radially emitting or side firing effects provided by these laser tips can facilitate, among other things, better coverage of the root canal walls in certain instances as compared, for example, to conventional, forward firing tips. Consequently, a probability that the emitted laser energy will enter dentinal tubules of the root canal can be augmented, thus increasing a disinfecting potential or efficacy of the system, whereby disinfection or cleaning of portions of dentinal tubules disposed at relatively large distances from the canal can be achieved or achieved more efficiently (e.g., during a smaller time window) or more reliably (e.g., yielding results with greater reproducibility). 
         [0012]    According to one aspect of the present invention, an endodontic probe is used to perform disinfection of target tissues within root canal passages and tubules. The endodontic probe can comprise an electromagnetic radiation emitting fiber optic tip having a distal end and a radiation emitting region disposed proximally of the distal end, and can further comprise a porous structure which encompasses a region of the fiber optic tip excluding the radiation emitting region and/or which comprises a material that is transparent to a wavelength of energy carried by the electromagnetic radiation emitting fiber optic tip. The porous structure can be loaded with biologically-active particles, cleaning particles, biologically-active agents, and/or cleaning agents that are structured to be delivered from the porous structure onto the target tissues. 
         [0013]    Another feature of the present invention includes an endodontic probe for performing disinfection of target tissues within root canal passages and tubules, the endodontic probe comprising (a) an electromagnetic radiation emitting fiber optic tip having a distal end and a radiation emitting region disposed proximally of the distal end and (b) an adjustable channel-depth indicator encompassing a region of the fiber optic tip besides the radiation emitting region. The adjustable channel-depth indicator can be configured to be movable in proximal and distal directions along a surface of the fiber optic tip to provide, for example, depth-of-insertion information to a user of the endodontic probe. 
         [0014]    While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC 112, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112. 
         [0015]    Any feature or combination of features described or referenced herein are included within the scope of the present invention provided that the features included in any such combination are not mutually inconsistent as will be apparent from the context, this specification, and the knowledge of one skilled in the art. In addition, any feature or combination of features may be specifically excluded from any embodiment of the present invention. For purposes of summarizing the present invention, certain aspects, advantages and novel features of the present invention are described. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such aspects, advantages or features will be embodied in any particular implementation of the present invention. Additional advantages and aspects of the present invention are apparent in the following detailed description and claims that follow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0016]      FIGS. 1A-1E  are side-elevational and perspective views depicting various features of a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 2A-2E  are side-elevational and perspective views of various features of a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 3A-3D  provides cross-sectional views of sponges, sheaths, cannulas, and tips in accordance with implementations of the present invention; and 
           [0019]      FIGS. 4A-4D  depict disposable prophy angle implementations in accordance with the present invention, in which a light source is located within (e.g., centrally within) the flexible cup. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    Reference is made to Prov. App. 60/961,113, which contains an article entitled The antimicrobial efficacy of the erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet laser with radial emitting tips on root canal dentin walls infected with  Enterococcus faecalis . The devices and methods disclosed and referenced herein are intended to relate to and build upon devices and methods disclosed, and referenced, in that article, in part or in whole, in any combination or permutation, with or without modification, as would be understood by one skilled in the art to be possible in view of this disclosure to be feasible or modifiable to be feasible. 
         [0021]    Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or similar reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts. It should be noted that the drawings are in simplified form and are not presumed, automatically, to be to precise scale in all embodiments. That is, they are intended to be examples of implementations of various aspects of the present invention and, according to certain but not all embodiments, to be to-scale. While, according to certain implementations, the structures depicted in these figures are to be interpreted to be to scale, in other implementations the same structures should not. In certain aspects of the invention, use of the same reference designator numbers in the drawings and the following description is intended to refer to similar or analogous, but not necessarily the same, components and elements. According to other aspects, use of the same reference designator numbers in these drawings and the following description is intended to be interpreted as referring to the same or substantially the same, and/or functionally the same, components and elements. In reference to the disclosure herein, for purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such as, top, bottom, left, right, up, down, over, above, below, beneath, rear, and front, are used with respect to the accompanying drawings. Such directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. 
         [0022]    Although the disclosure herein refers to certain illustrated embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example and not by way of limitation. The intent accompanying this disclosure is to discuss exemplary embodiments with the following detailed description being construed to cover all modifications, alternatives, and equivalents of the embodiments as may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It is to be understood and appreciated that the process steps and structures described herein do not cover a complete architecture or process, and only so much of the commonly practiced features and steps are included herein as are necessary to provide an understanding of the present invention. The present invention has applicability in the field of laser devices in general. For illustrative purposes, however, the following description pertains to a medical laser device and a method of operating the medical laser device to perform surgical functions. 
         [0023]    The invention disclosed and referenced herein relates to electromagnetic energy and/or sound wave emitting devices, such as fiber optic and ultrasonic probes, for treating tissue (e.g., necrotic and/or inflamed tissue) and removing deposits (e.g. plaque and/or calculus) and stains, from surfaces (e.g., hard and soft tissue surfaces). The fiber optic devices and probes may additionally and/or alternatively be used to treat tissues (e.g., hard tissues) and, in certain implementations, to treat surfaces that have lost connective tissue and/or bone responsible for attachment or that have been affected by bacteria, decalcified and/or that require fluoride uptake. 
         [0024]    The tissues may comprise, for example, tooth root surfaces, which, for example, may be covered with calculus deposits, plaque and/or various types of stains. Furthermore, the tissues may comprise, for example, surfaces which have been decalcified and/or which require fluoride uptake. Other examples include channels, openings or tissues that have been affected by deposits of plaque, and calcified tissues. The following disclosure elucidates exemplary embodiments that relate to fiber optic and sound emitting probes and devices in accordance with the present invention and that are operative to remove and treat tissue such as surfaces of soft tissue, teeth and tooth roots covered by calcified deposits (e.g., calculus) and plaque or various types of stains as well as surfaces that lack attachment or have been decalcified or require fluoride uptake. 
         [0025]    The energy source may comprise, for example, (1) a laser with or without a water spray or (2) a laser with or without a water spray in combination with a sonic and/or ultrasonic energy emitting source. In typical embodiments, source specifications may be implemented, as follows: sonic/ultrasonic frequencies or frequency ranges can be within, range, or contain ranges of or within, for example, 10 kHz-50 kHz and 20 kHz-25 kHz; and laser wavelengths or wavelength ranges can be, range, or range within, for example, about 2.789 μm, about 2.94 μm, about 2.69 μm, and/or can be within or range from or within about 2.1 μm to about 3 μm. Fiber lasers can be in the near IR region and Q-switched at kHz frequencies of operation. 
         [0026]    Laser wavelengths for photo-biostimulation can take any one or more values or ranges within the following exemplary limits: about 630 nm-700 nm, about 700 nm-850 nm and about 900-980 nm. Photo-biostimulation implementations may include steps and structures, in whole or in part, in any permutation or combination, as will occur, to the extent not mutually exclusive to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the included and referenced disclosures, including those of application Ser. No. 12/204,638, filed on Sep. 4, 2008 (Docket BI8047P) and application Ser. No. 11/447,605, filed on Jun. 5, 2006 (Docket BI9846P), the entire contents of both which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0027]    The laser source or sources can also comprise a wavelength that can be run at KHz frequencies to generate vibrations which may help to dislocate, for example, calcified deposits and/or plaque. 
         [0028]    Applications can include removal of calculus deposits, plaque and stains from tooth enamel, tooth root surfaces and tooth cementum; preparation of a smoother enamel or root surface after the removal of calculus deposits; and treatment of a root surface to facilitate precipitation of an amelogenics hydrophobic constituent such as an enamel matrix derivative (e.g., an EMD having a clinical concentration of about 5 mg/ml-50 mg/ml) with or without propylene glycol alginate (PGA). The EMD can be implemented to dissolve in PGA at an acidic pH (with the laser thus being used to dehydrate the tissue surface in order to facilitate deposition of the EMD product). With photo-biostimulation, a source (e.g., a laser or a laser and an ultrasonic source) can be used to induce tissue regeneration for formation of a new attachment comprising new cementum, periodontal ligament (fibroblasts) and/or bone, and to facilitate reduction of bacterial endotoxins. 
         [0029]    Energy densities or energy density ranges can be within, contain ranges within, or comprise ranges of about 0.014 J/cm 2 -250 J/cm 2 , about 10-50 J/cm 2  and/or about 75-120 J/cm 2  (e.g., for mid IR laser+water spray implementations). Frequencies of operation for the laser can be or vary between 5-500 Hz or 5-100 Hz, as well as combination frequencies. Pulse durations, having one or more values or ranges from or within 30-300 μs, or combinations of pulses having such durations, may be implemented. 
         [0030]    Tips or bundles of tips with or without a dispenser for bio-fluid (e.g. in gel and/or liquid form, with different viscosities) may be implemented. Exemplary viscosities may range, for example, from about 70,000 centipoise to about 120,000 centipoise. Components or agents of the biofluids, powder, gel or liquid may comprise any part of the items described or referenced in (a) U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,521, and/or (b) document or application that references U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,521. 
         [0031]    When a bio-fluid or bio-fluids are implemented, the bio-fluid or bio-fluids may be characterized as follows: the fluid(s) may comprise one or more medicated fluids and/or gels (e.g., EDTA ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA) 0.01-0.1%, or 0.05%, EMD+PGA 5-50 mg/ml, fluoride (sodium fluoride, etc) X %, potassium nitrate Y %) or an aqueous type fluid that can be used to supplement or replace the water spray. 
         [0032]    The currently described embodiments are provided by way of examples, and the present invention is not limited to these examples. Multiple variations and modification to the disclosed embodiments will occur, to the extent not mutually exclusive, to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the included disclosure. Additionally, other combinations, omissions, substitutions and modifications will be apparent to the skilled artisan in view of that described and referenced herein (and/or described or referenced in any of the referenced items). 
         [0033]    Any feature or combination of features described and referenced herein (and/or described or referenced in any of the referenced items) are included within the scope of the present invention provided that the features included in any such combination are not mutually inconsistent as will be apparent from the context, this specification, and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, any of the herein described and/or referenced (e.g., described or referenced herein and/or described or referenced in any of the referenced items) lasers and laser components, including handpiece apparatus (e.g., tips and/or target surface contacting structures and/or methods, and/or items used with, on, inside or in conjunction with the tips and target contacting structures), and any particulars or features thereof, or other features, including method steps and techniques, may be used with any other structure and/or process described or referenced herein (and/or described or referenced in any of the referenced items), in whole or in part, in any combination or permutation. 
         [0034]    In addition, any feature or combination of features may be specifically excluded from any embodiment of the present invention. For purposes of summarizing the present invention, certain aspects, advantages and novel features of the present invention are described. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such aspects, advantages or features will be embodied in any particular implementation of the present invention. The intent of this disclosure, while discussing exemplary embodiments, is that the included and/or referenced (e.g., described or referenced herein and/or described or referenced in any of the referenced items) structures and/or steps be construed to cover all modifications, alternatives, and equivalents of the embodiments as may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0035]    The following illustrations represent conceptual prototypes of sponge/sheath dispensing mechanisms according to the present invention, which mechanisms can be used to hold and position components (e.g., fluids), or components/agents as defined below, in proximity to an output fiber optic tip, or a probe, for dispensing, for example, of the components (e.g., biofluids or biopowders, as disclosed herein) or components/agents during a procedure such as a treatment procedure on tissue. The sponges and sheaths can be formed, for example, in a compact (e.g., low profile) fashion for providing minimally invasive access to the surgical site of tissue (e.g., a canal, pocket, such as a periodontal pocket, or other formation of tissue). 
         [0036]    The sponges can be formed, for example, according to process steps and/or structures as implemented, in whole or in part, in products elucidated and/or referenced in connection with the “K-Sponge” name or brand, such as owned by Katena Products, Inc., of Denville, N.J., the entire set of products and relevant contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0037]    Components, such as one or more of the fluids, biofluids and biopowders disclosed herein, and/or any sub-components or agents thereof (“components/agents”), may be applied to the sponge in one or more of a powder, liquid and/or intermediate (e.g., gel or part powder/liquid) state, for subsequent release on or near a treatment site. The components/agents may be added in liquid or semi-liquid form before the sponge is formed into a compressed or low-profile shape (using, for example, any one or more parts of the above-referenced K-Sponge technology), followed by, for example, drying (e.g., dehydrating) and compressing of the sponge. 
         [0038]    Alternatively, and/or additionally, components/agents may be added in a powder, solid, semi-solid, suspended solid, dissolved or distributed solid, gel and/or powder/liquid form before, during and/or after the sponge is formed into a compressed or low-profile shape (using, for example, any one or more parts of the above-referenced K-Sponge technology). In an implementation wherein one or more components/agents are added after the sponge has been formed into a compressed or low-profile shape, the sponge may be contacted with the component(s)/agent(s) by way of (1) dipping of the sponge into a component/agent containing solution, (2) dripping of a liquid containing the component/agent onto the sponge, or touching of the sponge with a powder of or containing the component/agent so that the component/agent attaches to a surface of and/or an interior of the sponge. 
         [0039]    The sponges may take various shapes to be effective. These shapes can be, but are not limited to rectangular, point-end, and round-end shapes. Once placed into contact with, for example, fluid in the mouth, the sponge can be configured to expand and allow the release of biofluids or biopowders to the target site to aid the procedure. 
         [0040]    The sheaths can be formed, for example, of a silicon type sheet of material. In other embodiments, the sheaths may be formed, in whole or in part, of, for example, gelatin and/or cellulose (e.g., alpha-cellulose). Moreover, the sheaths of the present invention may alternatively or additionally be formed, in whole or in part, of any one or more of the materials, structures, compositions or distributions of compositions, shapes, components/agents and/or steps used to make/use the sponges as described or referenced herein. 
         [0041]    The architecture of each sheath may comprise, for example: (a) a construction with one or more pores or perforations disposed anywhere along a length thereof and/or (b) a construction without pores and an opening at a distal end thereof. Either or both of the (a) and (b) constructions can be configured for dispensing the components/agents (e.g., biofluids, biopowders and/or other material) as, for example, described and depicted herein. Once pressed into contact with, for example, tissue, the sheath may release biofluids or biopowders to the target site to aid the procedure. 
         [0042]    Furthermore, components/agents may be disposed (e.g., selectively disposed) on or in only parts of the sponge or sheath, such as on and/or in one or more of: selected (e.g., partial) area(s), selected volume(s), a single side, selected pores, other surface features or indentations, all pores or other surface features or indentations, and combinations thereof. 
         [0043]    Combination embodiments comprising hybrid sponge/sheath implementations, such as a sheath made of a sponge-like material, may also be implemented. As another example of a modification, rather than or in addition to a sponge or a sheath of sponge-like material, and/or in any embodiment described herein, an external surface of the sponge and/or sheath can be formed with surface irregularities (e.g., features) to hold components/agents (e.g., bioflulids or biopowders), such as, for example, bristles. 
         [0044]    Another application for the same sponge and/or sheath (without biofluids or biopowders) is the use of removing material from the tissue site. The sponge and/or sheath can absorb and collect dislodged materials (e.g., calculus deposits and/or removed tissue, dislodged or removed by way of, for example, the probe, fiber, other implement to which the sponge is affixed) from the site instead of using suction or other methods of removing the debris from the target. 
         [0045]    Any of the implementations described or referenced herein may be loaded with a component/agent (e.g., biofluid or biopowder) that, for example, (1) softens a component or agent on a surface of the target (e.g., a calculus deposit, and/or with such softening agent being, e.g., propylene glycol alginate (PGA)—whereby, for example, EMD dissolves in PGA at acidic pH (and/or, for example, a laser may be used to dehydrate tissue surface in order to facilitate the deposition of the EMD product)); (2) cleans the target (e.g., root) surface (e.g., an acidic component and/or etching agent, e.g., EDTA); and/or (3) medicaments such as anesthetizing agents, growth promoters, etc. 
         [0046]    With reference to  FIGS. 4A-4D , other embodiments can be fiber bundles with non cylindrical (e.g., non truncated) distal ends (e.g., angled, beveled, double-beveled, etc. distal ends) to provide different energy outputs with varying characteristics. For such bundled embodiments one or more components/agents (e.g., a viscous component(s)) may be disposed in one or more of a central area or lumen and a peripheral area(s) of the optical fibers, and/or may be disposed or dispersed between two or more of the optical fibers. While the cross-section an one or more of  FIGS. 4A-4D  shows a circular cross-sectional area wherein the body of each fiber bundle resemble an envelope (i.e., shape) of a cylinder, other cross-sectional shapes are also possible, such as rectangular shape or other shapes. 
         [0047]    In other embodiments, the cross-sections may correspond to flat or blade configurations of fiber bundles. Thus, as an example of a “thin blade” fiber bundle configuration, a cross section may comprise a single, straight (or, alternatively, arched) row formed by five circles (i.e., “ooooo”) corresponding to a fiber bundle formed of five fiber optics and having a flat (or, alternatively, arched) cross-sectional shape (rather than the illustrated circular cross-sectional shape). As another example, which may be used as an alternative to the mentioned “thin blade” fiber bundle, a “double-thickness blade” construction may include a fiber bundle configuration, a cross section of which comprises a single, straight (or, alternatively, arched) row formed by two rows of five circles (i.e., “ooooo”) each corresponding to a fiber bundle formed to be five fiber optics wide and two fiber optics thick and having a flat (or, alternatively, arched) cross-sectional shape (rather than the illustrated circular cross-sectional shape). As another example, a “triple-thickness blade” construction may include a fiber bundle configuration, a cross section of which comprises a single, straight (or, alternatively, arched) row formed by three rows of five circles (i.e., “ooooo”) each corresponding to a fiber bundle formed to be five fiber optics wide and three fiber optics thick and having a flat (or, alternatively, arched) cross-sectional shape. 
         [0048]    Rather than the number of “five” (or other number of) fiber optics, other implementations may comprise other numbers such as ten, fifteen, twenty, or more fiber optics. Additionally, as another alternative to the number of “five” (or other number of) fiber optics, other implementations may comprise a continuous compartment such as that symbolized, for example, by “====” (c.f.,  FIG. 3A ) rather than “ooooo” (e.g., the equivalent of an infinite number of fiber optics, or an interior formed between two planar, e.g., straight or arched, surfaces). The light transmitting centers or compartments (e.g., of the fiber optic or continuous compartment) may be hollow or solid, and may be bordered by one or more of a skin, jacket or outer wall (e.g., reflective or, alternatively, transmissive to a wavelength or the wavelength of radiation). 
         [0049]    In still other embodiments, the cross-sections may correspond to oval or circular (e.g., with cross-sectional areas that do not change in the distal direction, or that decrease in the distal direction such as in  FIGS. 3A and 3D , or that increase in the distal direction such as in  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B and  4 C) configurations of fiber bundles. As an example, a cross section may comprise a single, closed row formed by about six circles (i.e., “oooooo”) corresponding to a fiber bundle formed of six fiber optics and having an oval or circular cross-sectional shape. Other examples may comprise any fewer or, typically, greater number of circles, such as ten, twenty, or more. Other examples, which may be used as an alternative to any mentioned single-row implementation of an oval or circular shape, can comprise, for example, a double-row or triple-row of fiber optics (“oooooo”) each corresponding to a fiber bundle formed to be six fiber optics wide and two, or three, fiber optics thick. 
         [0050]    Additionally, as an alternative to the mentioned “six” (or other number of) fiber optics, other implementations may comprise a continuous compartment such as that symbolized, for example, by “====” rather than “oooooo” (e.g., the equivalent of an infinite number of fiber optics, or an interior formed between two planar, e.g., straight or arched, surfaces). The light transmitting centers or compartments (e.g., of the fiber optic or continuous compartment) may be hollow or solid, and may be bordered by one or more of a skin, jacket or outer wall (e.g., reflective or, alternatively, transmissive to a wavelength or the wavelength of radiation). For instance, the structure defining the prophy cup of  FIG. 4A  may be transparent to a wavelength(s) of radiation (e.g., laser or LLLT energy) emitted from the device. The light transmitting centers or compartments may be hollow or solid. 
         [0051]    According to certain implementations, the skin, jacket or outer wall may comprise a construction as elucidated in  FIG. 3B  and/or may comprise (e.g., consist of) a sponge or sheath as described herein. In one implementation, the light-transmitting center is bordered with a sponge or sheath (e.g., a wall or a membrane that is: flexible, rigid, fabric, removable, permanently attached, porous, perforated e.g. as in  FIG. 3B , nonporous, nonperforated, and/or of the same or different material as the tip) over one of its two planar/arched boundaries. 
         [0052]    In another implementation, the light-transmitting center is bordered with a sponge or sheath (e.g., a wall or a membrane that is: flexible, rigid, fabric, removable, permanently attached, porous, perforated e.g. as in  FIG. 3B , nonporous, nonperforated, and/or of the same or different material as the tip) over both of its planar/arched boundaries. In yet another implementation, all or substantially all of the light-transmitting center is surrounded with sponge or sheath (e.g., a wall or membrane that is: flexible, rigid, fabric, removable, permanently attached, porous, perforated e.g. as in  FIG. 3B , nonporous, nonperforated, and/or of the same or different material as the tip). The wall(s) or membrane(s) may correspond to a shape encompassing part or all of any fiber optic described or referenced herein (e.g., cf.  FIGS. 3A-3D ). Furthermore, the wall(s) or membrane(s) may comprise, take the form, resemble, or serve as a prophy cup as depicted in  FIGS. 4A-4D . 
         [0053]    Additionally, any of the compartments may comprise structure for carrying any type of fluid described or referenced herein as an alternative to or in addition to a gel or paste as described, for example, in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The “dispensing cannula” language of  FIG. 3A  is intended to encompass, or be defined by, one or more of the above mentioned sponges or sheaths, so that, for example, the interior of the cannula may correspond to the above mentioned transmitting centers or compartments. Furthermore, the structures of  FIGS. 3C and 3D  in any number, permutation, or combination, can be interpreted, or formed as, as any one or more of the herein described or referenced optics, tips, fibers, fiber optics, fiber bundles; and/or may have transmitting centers or compartments. 
         [0054]    Any one or more of the herein described or referenced optics, tips, fibers, fiber optics, and/or fiber bundles may comprise shapes, surfaces, structures and/or functions as described or referenced in one or more of the documents referenced herein, including, application Ser. No. 11/033,043 filed Jan. 10, 2005 (Docket BI9830P); application Ser. No. 09/714,497 filed Nov. 15, 2000 (Docket BI9100CIP); application Ser. No. 11/800,184 (Docket BI9827CIP2), Int. App. PCT/US08/52106 (Docket BI9827CIPPCT); and application Ser. No. 11/033,441 (Docket BI9827P). 
         [0055]    Lumens of any of the structures herein described or referenced may be provided with any one or more of the structures and/or arrangements as disclosed, referenced, or taught by any one or more of the documents referenced herein, including, application Ser. No. 11/033,043 filed Jan. 10, 2005 (Docket BI9830P); application Ser. No. 09/714,497 filed Nov. 15, 2000 (Docket BI9100CIP); application Ser. No. 11/800,184 (Docket BI9827CIP2), Int. App. PCT/US08/52106 (Docket BI9827CIPPCT); and application Ser. No. 11/033,441 (Docket BI9827P). For instance, the area inside of the prophy cup of  FIG. 4A  may correspond to the distal end of, for example, any of  FIGS. 9   b ,  10   b ,  11   b  or  11   c  of application Ser. No. 11/033,043; or the area inside of the prophy cup of  FIG. 4A  may correspond to the distal end of, for example, any of FIG. 4 or 5 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,741,247. 
         [0056]    Furthermore, any embodiment described or referenced may comprise one or more of the fiber optics (e.g., of a give fiber bundle) having a shape other than that of a regular, conventional, cylindrically-shaped fiber optic end (i.e., a truncated fiber end corresponding or identical to the shape of a cylinder). For example, one or more of the fiber optics may comprise a planar, beveled output end of any orientation and/or may comprise an output end that may be wholly or partially spherical, rounded, jagged, chiseled or otherwise shaped for altering a light-intensity output distribution thereof, as compared to a truncated fiber end. 
         [0057]    Use of side-firing tips can increase the probability that the emitted laser radiation will enter dentinal tubules and have an effect on bacteria (e.g., to attenuate or eliminate endodontic infection) that are some distance from the canal. Distal ends or regions of the fiber output tips (e.g., side-firing tips and/or tips formed of sapphire or quartz) can be formed with jackets or without jackets such as disclosed, for example, in the herein referenced patents and patent applications. 
         [0058]    In another implementation, a user can dip the fiber or bundled fiber construction into a component or medicament (e.g., any bioflulid or biopowder as described herein), before use thereof. Any of such constructions may be implemented as a single fiber, as well, as distinguished from a fiber bundle. Also, the “sheath” may be embodied, in addition and/or as an alternative to any of the implementations described herein, as a side cannula as elucidated in the bottom center cross-sectional schematic provided in one or more of  FIGS. 4C and 4D  (e.g., for holding/dispensing components (e.g., biofluids or biopowders) along length thereof); thus, a single or an additional cannula or cannulas can be provided on the side each with a single output at its distal end and/or with one or more output apertures along a length thereof, alone or in addition to, for example, a central cannula-type (e.g., lumen) structure for holding/dispensing components (e.g., biofluids or biopowders) along length thereof. 
         [0059]    According to certain implementations, laser radiation is output from a power or treatment fiber (e.g., forming or within a probe), and is directed, for example, into fluid (e.g., an air and/or water spray or an atomized distribution of fluid particles from a water connection and/or a spray connection near an output end of the handpiece) that is emitted from a fluid output of a handpiece above a target surface (e.g., one or more of tooth, bone, cartilage and soft tissue). The fluid output may comprise a plurality of fluid outputs, concentrically arranged around a power fiber, as described in, for example, application Ser. No. 11/042,824 and Prov. App. 60/601,415. The power or treatment fiber may be coupled to an electromagnetic radiation source comprising, for example, one or more of a wavelength within a range from about 2.69 to about 2.80 microns and a wavelength of about 2.94 microns. In certain implementations the power fiber may be coupled to one or more of a diode, an Er:YAG laser, an Er:YSGG laser, an Er, Cr:YSGG laser and a CTE:YAG laser, and in particular instances may be coupled to one of an Er, Cr:YSGG solid state laser having a wavelength of about 2.789 microns and an Er:YAG solid state laser having a wavelength of about 2.940 microns. An apparatus including corresponding structure for directing electromagnetic radiation into an atomized distribution of fluid particles above a target surface is disclosed, for example, in the below-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,741,247, which describes the impartation of laser radiation into fluid particles to thereby apply disruptive forces to the target surface. 
         [0060]    According to exemplary embodiments, operation in one or more of a gaseous and a liquid environment (e.g., within a channel or canal) can comprise a laser (e.g., an Er, Cr:YSGG solid state laser) having: a repetition rate of about 10 or 20 Hz or, in other implementations (e.g., for one or more of a relatively larger channel and a more calcified or stubborn target) about 30 to 50 Hz; and an energy per pulse from about 2 to 60 mJ, or in other embodiments (e.g., for one or more of a relatively larger channel and a more calcified or stubborn target) greater than 60 mJ such as levels up to about 150 mJ or 200 mJ. The higher frequencies are believed potentially to enhance an efficiency or efficacy of one or more of enlargement and shaping, root canal debridement and cleaning, pulp extirpation, pulpotomy for root canal therapy, sulcular debridement, and others. For exemplary channel transverse-widths (e.g., diameters) greater than 25 microns, such as those ranging from about 250 to 450, or 600, microns, probe or fiber diameters may range from about 10 to 450 microns, or from about 25 to 300 microns. 
         [0061]    For channels comprising one or more of a relatively large diameter (e.g., about 400 or 450 to about 600, or more, microns) and a more calcified or stubborn target, probe or fiber diameters may range from about 300 to 400, or 500, or 600, or more, microns. An example may comprise a 200 to 300 micron fiber, outputting radiation at about 60 mJ/pulse and 50 Hz, in a 250 to 600 micron wide canal. Probe or fiber output regions may comprise, for example, one or more of the structures and functions as disclosed in, for example, any of Prov. App. 61/012,446 (Docket BI8063PR), Prov. App. 60/995,759 (Docket BI8053PR), Prov. App. 60/961,113 (Docket BI8038PR), application Ser. No. 11/800,184 (Docket BI9827CIP2), Int. App. PCT/US08/52106 (Docket BI9827CIPPCT), application Ser. No. 11/330,388 (Docket BI9914P), application Ser. No. 11/033,441 (Docket BI9827P), and U.S. Pat. No. 7,270,657 (Docket BI9546P). As an example, the outputting distal end of a probe or fiber may comprise a conical shape having a full angle of about 45 to 60 degrees and/or may comprise one or more beveled surfaces. 
         [0062]    By way of the disclosure herein, a laser has been described that can output electromagnetic radiation useful to diagnose, monitor and/or affect a target surface. In the case of procedures using fiber optic tip radiation, a probe can include one or more power or treatment fibers for transmitting treatment radiation to a target surface for treating (e.g., ablating) a dental structure, such as within a canal. In any of the embodiments described herein, the light for illumination and/or diagnostics may be transmitted simultaneously with, or intermittently with or separate from, transmission of the treatment radiation and/or of the fluid from the fluid output or outputs. 
         [0063]    Corresponding or related structure and methods described in the following patents assigned to BIOLASE Technology, Inc., are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, wherein such incorporation includes corresponding or related structure (and modifications thereof) in the following patents which may be, in whole or in part, (i) operable with, (ii) modified by one skilled in the art to be operable with, and/or (iii) implemented/used with or in combination with, any part(s) of the present invention according to this disclosure, that of the patents or below applications, and the knowledge and judgment of one skilled in the art. 
         [0064]    Such patents include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. No. 7,356,208 entitled Fiber detector apparatus and related methods; U.S. Pat. No. 7,320,594 entitled Fluid and laser system; U.S. Pat. No. 7,303,397 entitled Caries detection using timing differentials between excitation and return pulses; U.S. Pat. No. 7,292,759 entitled Contra-angle rotating handpiece having tactile-feedback tip ferrule; U.S. Pat. No. 7,290,940 entitled Fiber tip detector apparatus and related methods; U.S. Pat. No. 7,288,086 entitled High-efficiency, side-pumped diode laser system; U.S. Pat. No. 7,270,657 entitled Radiation emitting apparatus with spatially controllable output energy distributions; U.S. Pat. No. 7,261,558 entitled Electromagnetic radiation emitting toothbrush and dentifrice system; U.S. Pat. No. 7,194,180 entitled Fiber detector apparatus and related methods; U.S. Pat. No. 7,187,822 entitled Fiber tip fluid output device; U.S. Pat. No. 7,144,249 entitled Device for dental care and whitening; U.S. Pat. No. 7,108,693 entitled Electromagnetic energy distributions for electromagnetically induced mechanical cutting; U.S. Pat. No. 7,068,912 entitled Fiber detector apparatus and related methods; U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,658 entitled Radiation emitting apparatus with spatially controllable output energy distributions; U.S. Pat. No. 6,829,427 entitled Fiber detector apparatus and related methods; U.S. Pat. No. 6,821,272 entitled Electromagnetic energy distributions for electromagnetically induced cutting; U.S. Pat. No. 6,744,790 entitled Device for reduction of thermal lensing; U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,685 entitled Tissue remover and method; U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,451 entitled Electromagnetic radiation emitting toothbrush and dentifrice system; U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,447 entitled Device for dental care and whitening; U.S. Pat. No. 6,610,053 entitled Methods of using atomized particles for electromagnetically induced cutting; U.S. Pat. No. 6,567,582 entitled Fiber tip fluid output device; U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,803 entitled Fluid conditioning system; U.S. Pat. No. 6,544,256 entitled Electromagnetically induced cutting with atomized fluid particles for dermatological applications; U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,775 entitled Light-activated hair treatment and removal device; U.S. Pat. No. 6,389,193 entitled Rotating handpiece; U.S. Pat. No. 6,350,123 entitled Fluid conditioning system; U.S. Pat. No. 6,288,499 entitled Electromagnetic energy distributions for electromagnetically induced mechanical cutting; U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,597 entitled Tissue remover and method; U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,567 entitled Material remover and method; U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,367 entitled Dental and medical procedures employing laser radiation; U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,037 entitled User programmable combination of atomized particles for electromagnetically induced cutting; U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,521 entitled Fluid conditioning system; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,741,247 entitled Atomized fluid particles for electromagnetically induced cutting. 
         [0065]    Also, the above disclosure and referenced items, and that described on the referenced pages, are intended to be operable or modifiable to be operable, in whole or in part, with corresponding or related structure and methods, in whole or in part, described in the following published applications and items referenced therein, which applications are listed as follows: App. Pub. 20080125677 entitled Methods for treating hyperopia and presbyopia via laser tunneling; App. Pub. 20080125676 entitled Methods for treating hyperopia and presbyopia via laser tunneling; App. Pub. 20080097418 entitled Methods for treating eye conditions; App. Pub. 20080097417 entitled Methods for treating eye conditions; App. Pub. 20080097416 entitled Methods for treating eye conditions; App. Pub. 20080070185 entitled Caries detection using timing differentials between excitation and return pulses; App. Pub. 20080065057 entitled High-efficiency, side-pumped diode laser system; App. Pub. 20080065055 entitled Methods for treating eye conditions; App. Pub. 20080065054 entitled Methods for treating hyperopia and presbyopia via laser tunneling; App. Pub. 20080065053 entitled Methods for treating eye conditions; App. Pub. 20080033411 entitled High efficiency electromagnetic laser energy cutting device; App. Pub. 20080033409 entitled Methods for treating eye conditions; App. Pub. 20080033407 entitled Methods for treating eye conditions; App. Pub. 20080025675 entitled Fiber tip detector apparatus and related methods; App. Pub. 20080025672 entitled Contra-angle rotating handpiece having tactile-feedback tip ferrule; App. Pub. 20080025671 entitled Contra-angle rotating handpiece having tactile-feedback tip ferrule; App. Pub. 20070298369 entitled Electromagnetic radiation emitting toothbrush and dentifrice system; App. Pub. 20070263975 entitled Modified-output fiber optic tips; App. Pub. 20070258693 entitled Fiber detector apparatus and related methods; App. Pub. 20070208404 entitled Tissue treatment device and method; App. Pub. 20070208328 entitled Contra-angel rotating handpiece having tactile-feedback tip ferrule; App. Pub. 20070190482 entitled Fluid conditioning system; App. Pub. 20070184402 entitled Caries detection using real-time imaging and multiple excitation frequencies; App. Pub. 20070104419 entitled Fiber tip fluid output device; App. Pub. 20070060917 entitled High-efficiency, side-pumped diode laser system; App. Pub. 20070059660 entitled Device for dental care and whitening; App. Pub. 20070054236 entitled Device for dental care and whitening; App. Pub. 20070054235 entitled Device for dental care and whitening; App. Pub. 20070054233 entitled Device for dental care and whitening; App. Pub. 20070042315 entitled Visual feedback implements for electromagnetic energy output devices; App. Pub. 20070014517 entitled Electromagnetic energy emitting device with increased spot size; App. Pub. 20070014322 entitled Electromagnetic energy distributions for electromagnetically induced mechanical cutting; App. Pub. 20070009856 entitled Device having activated textured surfaces for treating oral tissue; App. Pub. 20070003604 entitled Tissue coverings bearing customized tissue images; App. Pub. 20060281042 entitled Electromagnetic radiation emitting toothbrush and dentifrice system; App. Pub. 20060275016 entitled Contra-angle rotating handpiece having tactile-feedback tip ferrule; App. Pub. 20060241574 entitled Electromagnetic energy distributions for electromagnetically induced disruptive cutting; App. Pub. 20060240381 entitled Fluid conditioning system; App. Pub. 20060210228 entitled Fiber detector apparatus and related methods; App. Pub. 20060204203 entitled Radiation emitting apparatus with spatially controllable output energy distributions; App. Pub. 20060142743 entitled Medical laser having controlled-temperature and sterilized fluid output; App. Pub. 20060099548 entitled Caries detection using timing differentials between excitation and return pulses; App. Pub. 20060043903 entitled Electromagnetic energy distributions for electromagnetically induced mechanical cutting; App. Pub. 20050283143 entitled Tissue remover and method; App. Pub. 20050281887 entitled Fluid conditioning system; App. Pub. 20050281530 entitled Modified-output fiber optic tips; App. Pub. 20040106082 entitled Device for dental care and whitening; App. Pub. 20040092925 entitled Methods of using atomized particles for electromagnetically induced cutting; App. Pub. 20040091834 entitled Electromagnetic radiation emitting toothbrush and dentifrice system; App. Pub. 20040068256 entitled Tissue remover and method; App. Pub. 20030228094 entitled Fiber tip fluid output device; App. Pub. 20020149324 entitled Electromagnetic energy distributions for electromagnetically induced mechanical cutting; and App. Pub. 20020014855 entitled entitled Electromagnetic energy distributions for electromagnetically induced mechanical cutting. 
         [0066]    All of the contents of the preceding published applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
         [0067]    The above-described embodiments have been provided by way of example, and the present invention is not limited to these examples. Multiple variations and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will occur, to the extent not mutually exclusive, to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the foregoing description. Additionally, other combinations, omissions, substitutions and modifications will be apparent to the skilled artisan in view of the disclosure herein. As iterated above, any feature or combination of features described and referenced herein are included within the scope of the present invention provided that the features included in any such combination are not mutually inconsistent as will be apparent from the context, this specification, and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, any of the radiation outputs (e.g., lasers), any of the fluid outputs (e.g., water outputs), and any conditioning agents, particles, agents, etc., and particulars or features thereof, or other features, including method steps and techniques, may be used with any other structure(s) and process described or referenced herein, in whole or in part, in any combination or permutation as a non-equivalent, separate, non-interchangeable aspect of this invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited by the disclosed embodiments, but is to be defined by such embodiments and by reference to the following claims.