Patent ID: 6391281
Filing Date: 2002-05-21
Classification: A61K

Abstract:
A method of topically applying a fluorescent agent to a cut tooth or restoration surface of an existing aesthetic restoration comprising the steps of:a) topically applying a composition consisting essentially of a fluorescing agent to a cut tooth or restoration surface in an effective amount to provide detection of emitted radiation; b) irradiating the cut tooth or restoration surface with a light source emitting a wavelength in the visible spectrum of about 380 to about 700 nm; and c) visually or instrumentally identifying the fluorescing agent by observing emitted fluorescence at a wavelength of lower energy than the excitation energy to distinguish between dentin and existing aesthetic restoration material and/or enamel on the cut tooth or restoration surface, wherein the fluorescing agent bonds or binds to dentin in preference to enamel or to the aesthetic restoration material.