The effect of waveguide on AE characteristics from tooth restored with composite resin

Abstract

The purpose of this in vitro study was to verify the effectiveness of an acoustic emission (AE) non-destructive analysis protocol for the marginal disintegration states of dental composite restorations. AE signals were detected using a direct sensor attachment method to analyze the parameters accurately. For comparison between direct attachment and wave guide methods, the AE characteristics from tooth/composite resin interface were evaluated. The substrate materials for composite restoration were PMMA, stainless steel and a human tooth. The number of AE hits detected was significantly dependent on the contraction stress behaviors and the substrate kinds. For direct attachment of sensor, most AE hits were observed in the initial curing period with high contraction rate. In comparison to the case of the direct sensor attachment, the waveguide attachment significantly changed the AE data, leading to a decrease in the number of hits and the amplitudes and to an increase in the durations however AE amplitude distributions were similar to the case for direct attachment of sensor on the substrate. Compensation for the attenuation loss of AE data could be used for offering some equivalency to the direct sensor measurements. Through the experiments, the AE behaviors with the waveguide could be used for a nondestructive evaluation of the marginal disintegrative fracture of dental restoration. Copyright © (2012) Asian-Australasian Association for Composite Materials (AACM).