[Determination of the acoustical properties of enamel, dentin and alveolar bone]

An ultrasonic method for periodontal diagnosis has been developed by the authors. A fundamental part of this work is the evaluation of the acoustical properties of the hard tissues: enamel, dentine and alveolar bone. Using an adapted measuring device, in combination with a computer-controlled signal acquisition and analysing system, acoustical parameters (velocity, impedance and frequency-dependent attenuation) are determined. The knowledge of these parameters is a prerequisite for a correct interpretation of A-mode and B-mode images, representing parts of the oral/facial aspect of a periodontium.