Accuracy of the Fluorescence-Aided Identification Technique (FIT) for Detecting Residual Composite Remnants after Trauma Splint Removal—A Laboratory Study

Abstract

Distinguishing composite remnants from tooth structure after trauma splint removal can be challenging. This study aimed to compare the Fluorescence-aided Identification Technique (FIT) with conventional light illumination (CONV) in terms of accuracy and time required for the detection of composite remnants after trauma splint removal. Ten bovine tooth models containing anterior teeth from 12 to 22 with composite remnants after trauma splint removal were used. These models were examined by 10 students and 10 general dentists. Each examiner assessed the 10 models using CONV or FIT three times with an interval of 2 weeks each using a prototype fluorescence-inducing headlamp with a spectral bandwidth of (405 ± 7) nm for FIT and a dental unit lamp for CONV. The examiners charted the location of identified composite remnants, and the procedure time needed for each method was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed with R 3.2.2 software with a significance level of α = 5%. FIT was more accurate and less time-consuming than CONV (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between dentists and students concerning accuracy (CONV: p = 0.26; FIT: p = 0.73). Students performed FIT significantly faster than the dentists (p < 0.001). FIT is a quick and reliable method of identifying composite remnants after trauma splint removal.

Special Issue on New Techniques, Materials and Technologies in Dentistry

“…Distinguishing composite remnants from tooth structure after trauma splint removal can be challenging. Magni et al [14] compared the fluorescence-aided identification technique with conventional light illumination in terms of accuracy and time required for the detection of composite remnants after trauma splint removal.…”

Fluorescence‐aided identification technique using a low‐cost violet flashlight and rotatory instruments for dental trauma splint removal

“…Several methods can remove dental splints and the remaining resin composite on the enamel surface, including the use of multifluted tungsten and diamond burs 10 . The use of violet light is reportedly an important aid in removing orthodontic adhesives from the enamel surface 11–14 . The use of multiplier counter‐angle associated with multifluted burs to remove the remnant resin composite tends to be the most effective method for preserving the structure of healthy enamel during the removal of resin composites 15,16 .…”

“…10 The use of violet light is reportedly an important aid in removing orthodontic adhesives from the enamel surface. [11][12][13][14] The use of multiplier counter-angle associated with multifluted burs to remove the remnant resin composite tends to be the most effective method for preserving the structure of healthy enamel during the removal of resin composites. 15,16 However, without using additional light, this method can still damage the enamel structure, ranging from 0.05 15 to 50 μm.…”

“…15,16 However, without using additional light, this method can still damage the enamel structure, ranging from 0.05 15 to 50 μm. 17 Using a successfully implemented protocol using violet lamp in dark room using special lamps, [11][12][13][14] this study aimed to investigate the effect of the low-cost flashlight compared with violet lighting present in multiwave light curing units (LCU) associated with the use of diamond or multifluted burs on damage to the enamel caused during dental splint removal. The null hypotheses were that light source and bur type would not influence the enamel damage caused after splint removal.…”