A handy and non-invasive microanalysis method for dental restoration materials

Objectives:For treatment of dental metal allergy patients, the examination of the elementary analysis for dental restoration materials is indispensable. Since the most of the private dental clinic does not have the instrument for such analysis, this examination rarely performed in clinical situation. This research introduces a handy and practical method for the elementary analysis examination in daily dental clinic. Methods:Micro metal dust was obtained by polishing surface of restorative metal material with unused silicone point (SUPER-SNAP, SHOFU, Japan). Then the metal dust on silicone point was rubbed to adhesive tape, and this tape is covered with polyethylene film. The amount of metal dust material was less than 20 µ grams. Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (EDX-900, SHIMADZU, Japan) was used to perform the elementary analysis of the metal dust on the polyethylene film. Five kinds of dental metal alloy materials, these have known ingredient, were examined with this methods. Results of elementary analysis were compared with the product specification from the manufacturers. Same technique was also performed for three dental metal restorations of an adult female volunteer with in vivo condition. Results:The results of elemental analysis for five alloy materials exhibited exact correspondence with the product specification. Three metal samples, these were obtained from intra-oral restoration, were also available for elemental analysis. Conclusions:The most advantage of this method is to enable a sample extraction without any invasive effect for restoration subjects. Since metal sample in a polyethylene film is easy to mail for the inspection institutes and handy for preservation, this method can be used in general dental clinics.