To evaluate the in Vitro behavior of a passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) microchip implanted in human molars subjected to compression forces and high temperatures to determine their resistance and performance with forensic identification purposes.
Method:
In Vitro experimental study to evaluate the physical behavior of a passive RFID microchip (VeriChip™) implanted in 20 human molars through resin restoration (Filtek P90™ Silorane 3M-ESPE®) in class I occlusal cavities and class V vestibular cavities, to determine the clinical and technical possibilities of the implant, the viability to withstand compression forces and high temperatures resistance. The specimens were observed through digital photography, stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.
Result:
Through the ANOVA test, it was found that the teeth on which a microchip was implanted show great resistance to compressive forces. It was also evident that teeth with microchips implanted in Class V cavities are more resistant than those implanted in Class I cavities. Moreover, the passive RFID microchips have capacity to withstand high temperatures maintaining their macrostructural integrity, but they were observed cohesive and adhesive fractures that disrupt the mechanisms of adhesion between the dental tissues, the composite material and the microchip, and impairs its correct operation beyond 300°C.
Conclusion: Although microchip dimensions are big, requiring a sufficiently large cavity, from the biomechanical point of view it is plausible to implant a microchip in a Class V cavity employing restoration material based on resin for forensic purposes of human identification. Passive RFID microchips resist the action of high temperatures without altering their macrostructure, however they only operated up to 300°C, which eventually may contribute to the processes of forensic identification in case of burned, charred and incinerated bodies.