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 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.

Keywords

• composite detection
• fluorescence-aided identification technique
• titanium trauma splint (TTS) removal