title: Retrospective dosimetry using OSL of tooth enamel and dental repair materials irradiated under wet and dry conditions.
abstract: Following a radiological or nuclear emergency event, there is a need for quick and reliable dose estimations of potentially exposed people. In situations where dosimeters are not readily available, the dose estimations must be carried out using alternative methods. In the present study, the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) properties of tooth enamel and different dental repair materials have been examined. Specimens of the materials were exposed to gamma and beta radiation in different types of liquid environments to mimic the actual irradiation situation in the mouth. Measurements were taken using a Risø TL/OSL reader, and irradiations were made using a (90)Sr/(90)Y source and a linear accelerator (6 MV photons). Results show that the OSL signal from tooth enamel decreases substantially when the enamel is kept in a wet environment. Thus, tooth enamel is not reliable for retrospective dose assessment without further studies of the phenomenon. Dental repair materials, on the other hand, do not exhibit the same effect when exposed to liquids. In addition, dose-response and fading measurements of the dental repair materials show promising results, making these materials highly interesting for retrospective dosimetry. The minimum detectable dose for the dental repair materials has been estimated to be 20-185 mGy.
authors.affiliation: Medical Radiation Physics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital Malmö, 205 02, Malmö, Sweden, therese.geber@med.lu.se.
authors.forename: Therése
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Geber-Bergstrand
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bernhardsson
authors.forename: Sören
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mattsson
authors.forename: Christopher L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Rääf
mesh_terms: D001610:Beta Particles; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000737:chemistry*; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D005720:Gamma Rays; D006801:Humans; D008163:Luminescent Measurements; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011874:Radiometry / Q000379:methods*; D012463:Saliva; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D003764:Dental Materials; D014867:Water