Development of Computerized Automatic EPMA System for the Evaluation of Dental Metals

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Preceding the final clinical test, various basic evaluation tests are being performed on dental metals regarding biological and chemical factors which are especially important among the other criteria. Since 1985, observation and analysis by EPMA have been performed in our research, on the metals used in immersion tests or subcutaneous implant tests, and restorations removed from oral environment, to study the changes in their surface condition or quantity of the constituent elements. As a result, basic idea of the fine changes in dental metals which have gone through basic evaluation tests or long terms of intra-oral usage, is becoming clear. The next step was to periodically evaluate the changes in the intra-oral restorations fabricated by different standardized alloys. Observation and analysis of the specimen is performed at the same site before and after the tests for comparison, and thus, accurate reproduction of the analyzing area is essential. Furthermore, due to increase in number of the specimen, much efficient analysis was being required. Since the former EPMA system did not meet our expectations, automatic quantitative analysis system was developed in this project to improve the accuracy and efficiency for observation and analysis. This is a system which enables the computer to memorize a large number of analyzing areas by coordinate memory device. It is connected to the stage control unit which already has been programmed for automatic analysis. Moreover, analyzing accuracy was much improved by the development of light sensed encoder, direct current motor, and the program that eliminates backlash during its gear operation. Consequently, even under high magnification (>5000X), it showed an excellent reproduction in recalling the analysis area from the memorized coordinates, and much higher analysis efficiency was achieved. (Reported in the 55th Stomatological Society Annual Meeting)