Dental X-Ray Diagnostic Installation

The invention relates to a dental x-ray diagnostic installation containing a housing comprising an applicator capable of introduction into the mouth of a patient, and manifesting an exit window from which x-radiation emitted by an anode can issue and expose an x-ray film applied externally of the patient's mouth.

The preparation of dental film radiographs with an x-ray diagnostic installation of this type has hitherto proceeded in such a manner that the x-ray film is applied at a region of the face of the patient, at which a dental or jaw radiograph is to be provided, and is then manually held securely in place by the patient until completion of the radiograph. A radiographic technique such as this has as a consequence an increased radiation burden on the hand of the patient; additionally, due to incorrect or insufficient pressure-contacting of the film, radiographs can result which are erroneous or which cannot be diagnostically interpreted.

It is the object of the invention to eliminate these disadvantages; i.e., to provide a solution by which a radiation burden on the hands holding the film during the radiograph can be avoided, and which results in radiographs of a consistently uniform good quality.

In accordance with the invention, the object set forth is achieved by virtue of the fact that an apparatus for holding the x-ray film in a defined position relative to the applicator and the patient's mouth is provided. The advantage of this solution is that the radiographs can be effected without the aid of the patient, and that a reproduceable position of the x-ray film in relation to the x-ray tube is provided.

Advantageous further developments and embodiments of the invention are contained in the sub-claims. Two sample embodiments of the invention shall be explained in further detail in the following on the basis of the accompanying sheets of drawings; and other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from this detailed disclosure and from the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a somewhat diagrammatic perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the present invention in operative association with dental x-ray apparatus and a support for the patient's head;

FIG. 2 is a somewhat diagrammatic plan view of a support part of the embodiment of FIG. 1, but shown in the non-applied state;

FIG. 3 is a partial somewhat diagrammatic side elevational view of a second embodiment of the invention, the x-ray applicator being broken away and shown in section, and illustrating on an enlarged scale details applicable to both of the embodiments; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a pocket for holding the x-ray film and illustrates side notches therein capable of detachable coupling with the support part of FIG. 2, but specifically illustrating a construction in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3.

In the x-ray diagnostic installation illustrated in FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 designates the housing of an x-ray apparatus in the interior of which an x-ray tube and the necessary associated parts, such as high voltage transformer, etc., are arranged. From the frontal end of housing 1, an applicator 2 projects which is introduced into the mouth of a patient. The patient's head 3 rests against a support 4 which is mounted in an articulated fashion to an examination chair which is not further designated. Reference numeral 5 denotes a film pocket in which an x-ray film 6 which is to be exposed is inserted. The film (here for a radiograph of the lower jaw) can be supported in the pocket without as well as with a layer protecting against exposure. In the first instance, it is necessary to insert the film into the pocket in a dark room. The film pocket 5 contains at its upper end, centrically disposed, a part 7 constructed in the shape of a loop which is placed over applicator 2 (which may have a constant diameter cylindrical surface without grooves; or may have the configuration shown at 20, 22, 23 in FIG. 3). In this way, a satisfactorily precise position of the film pocket--and hence of the film supported in the latter--is provided in relation to the x-ray tube; a lateral slipping out of place as well as an upward slipping out of place, but especially a downward slipping out of place is thereby prevented. In an upper jaw radiograph such as is illustrated in FIG. 3 the loop prevents an upward movement of the pocket and hence of the film relative to applicator 2.

Reference numeral 8 designates a holding part detachably arranged over film pocket 5 and which is detachably secured to the head support 4 by cooperating means such as a button 9 secured to the support 4 and multiple apertures or other adjustable connecting means along an elastic holding band 13. The elastic force can be varied for example through the arrangement of several holes along the length of holding band 13.

FIG. 2 illustrates the support part 8 in a plan view and in the non-applied state. In the non-applied state, support part 8 consists of a normally planar but flexible synthetic (or plastic) plate 10 with outwardly bent ends 11 which are mounted in angles 12 consisting of a more rigid material than plate 10. The ends of holding bands 13 are also secured in angles 12. Legs 14 of angles 12 point away from the patient's head in the applied state; namely, they are approximately radially directed (see FIG. 1). By this means, a good fit (or emplacement) of the exterior sections of the film pocket 5 and hence of the film 6 is achieved. Reference numeral 15 denotes fungiform-constructed buttons which are snapped into correspondingly constructed, non-illustrated recesses in the film pocket 5. One of the recesses is expediently constructed in the form of a longitudinal groove, (such as indicated at 24 in FIG. 4) in order, in this manner, to compensate relative movements between the film pocket 5 and synthetic plate 10 during emplacement of the film pocket on the patient's mouth. Through the described manner of mounting, a defined allocation of the support parts for the film pocket or the film, respectively, is provided. Hence, in connection with loop 7, a satisfactorily precise and reproduceable position of the film inserted in the film pocket in relation to the x-ray tube is achieved. Part 7 may be permanently secured at its periphery to pocket 5 and may have an inner diameter conforming to the outside diameter of applicator 2 (or with an applicator configuration as shown in FIG. 3, the part 7 may be of stretchable material so as to fit snugly in recess 23). Part 7 may also be constructed in the form of a hook or in the form of an open ring and may be fastened to applicator 2 (for example at the annular groove 23, FIG. 3) by means of a hooking or clasping effect (see portion 25, FIG. 4).

FIG. 3 illustrates the x-ray diagnostic installation in longitudinal section with an applied film for radiographs of the upper jaw, or of adjacent regions. The internal construction of the applicator is recognizable from the illustration and is also applicable to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.

Applicator 2, which is inserted in the patient's mouth, encloses an anode 16 which is surrounded by a lead cap 17 with the exception of the desired angular range .alpha.. A synthetic tube 18 provides an outer enclosing surface. The x-rays produced at anode 16 issue over a field of conical configuration from the exit window, delimited as indicated by the angle .alpha.. Synthetic tube 18, together with lead cap 17, is rotatable about an axis 19, such that panoramic radiographs can be made of the upper jaw (FIG. 3) as well as of the lower jaw (FIG. 1). Reference numeral 20 denotes a so-called biting block which contains a first annular groove 22 in which the teeth 21 to be reproduced are placed. The purpose of the biting block is to raise the teeth beyond the dead radiation angle .beta. such that they will always be completely reproduced on the film in the x-ray photograph. The biting block is constructed in the form of a cylindrical sleeve and is dimensioned in its structural height such that the emplacement surface engaged by the teeth 21 lies outside the boundary angle .beta..

Biting block 20 is provided at a spacial interval a (equal to 15 to 20 mm) with a second annular groove 23 into which marginal parts 25 of pocket 5 engage is a clasp-like manner (or said marginal parts may engage in groove 23 by virtue of being constructed in the manner of a complete ring 7, FIG. 1, or in the form of a slit or notched open ring). Marginal parts 25, in this fashion, hold the film in a defined position in relation to the teeth 21 as well as in relation to the applicator. FIG. 4, which illustrates film pocket 5 with the inserted film 6 in plan view, allows a good recognition of the marginal parts 25 formed e.g. by a punching-out operation. Reference numeral 24 designates slots arranged on both sides of the pocket into which the button-shaped holding parts 15 (FIG. 2) of the holding band 8 are snapped when the pocket with the film inserted therein is to be secured to the head of the patient.

For different penetration depths of the applicator (necessary in the case of adults or children), two lengths can be determined for the biting block. The one length can amount to e.g. 30 mm; the other, to 50 mm.

Instead of a fixation of the x-ray film, or of the pocket accommodating the film, on the applicator it is also possible to provide a fixation on the housing 1; for example, by means of a support mounting which is preferably pivotably supported on the latter.

It will be apparent that many modifications and variations may be effected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts and teachings of the present invention.