NCJ Number
222353
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 53 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2008 Pages: 408-411
Date Published
March 2008
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This research quantitatively assessed the fluorescence properties of modern restorative dental resins in order to predict their behavior during inspection with ultraviolet light (UV) illumination, and it also sought to demonstrate the practical use of UV in dental inspection with examples of how different materials fluoresce.
Abstract
The study showed that quantitative fluorescence spectrophotometry revealed the intensity and fluorescence wavelengths of 15 dental resins when illuminated by wavelengths in the UV region. The resins exhibited different brightness and color. Although some resins did not fluoresce significantly, the use of UV radiation produced sufficient contrast to show that there was a foreign material present on the tooth surface. Difficulties were encountered when the fluorescent intensity of the resin matched that of the tooth surface under illumination by a single wavelength; however, reinspection with a second wavelength always resolved the issue of the presence of a particular material. This report strongly recommends the use of UV illumination as an inspection tool. The speed of inspection with a light source is especially appropriate when many dentitions are to be screened. The forensic odontologist should be aware of the qualities of the materials used in modern dental work and the fact that nonuniform fluorescence characteristics should be anticipated during inspection for resins. Quantitative measurements were obtained for optical emission wavelength and intensity for 15 modern resins using a spectrophotometer. The maximum fluorescence intensity for each resin was recorded along with the wavelength at which the maximum fluorescence occurred for each excitation wavelength. 2 tables, 7 figures, and 8 references