Characteristics of dental materials in the oral cavities of Asian individuals between their 20s and early 40s living temporarily in Japan based on 38 case studies.

Characterization of materials used in dental restorations and fixed prostheses is useful for personal identification. This study investigated the dental treatment trends and use of metal materials among non-Japanese Asian temporary residents and Japanese individuals aged from 20 to 40 years living in a city in Japan. Analysis of 38 participants from different Asian countries showed prominent use of resin fillings, with metal element analysis revealing nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr) or cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloys. Among five Japanese participants of the same age with dental metal treatment scars, resin fillings and silver-palladium-copper-gold (Ag-Pd-Cu-Au) or silver-indium (Ag-In) alloys were observed. This study suggested some regional differences in dental material choices in Asia.