Comparison of Human and Porcine Natural Tooth Fluorescence—A Scoping Study to Inform Research on Dental Materials and Forensic Dentistry

Objectives

Understanding human tooth structure fluorescence aids clinical and forensic dentistry, enabling tissue/material differentiation and the creation of esthetic restorative materials. Material manufacturers seek to replicate natural tooth fluorescence, necessitating the development of novel techniques to detect them. Procuring human teeth for research is challenging due to ethical and infection control standards, prompting a search for alternative models.

Material and Methods

This study compares visible light-induced fluorescence of porcine and human teeth to assess the value of porcine teeth as human analogs. Using a pulsed laser, an optimal fluorescence-inducing wavelength was determined, followed by comparing fluorescence spectra between species.

Results

Luminescence sensitivity and lifetimes were comparable between species, but spectral geometry differed.

Conclusion

Porcine teeth, commonly used for dental material investigations, may not be suitable for dental fluorescence studies due to spectral differences. Accurately mimicking human tooth fluorescence remains complex. Further research is needed to develop reliable alternatives for dental fluorescence investigations that will advance clinical and forensic dentistry.