Influence of different light sources on microleakage of class V composite resin restorations

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three different curing units on microleakage of class V composite restorations. Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surfaces of 45 extracted premolar teeth. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups of 15 each. A conventional halogen curing unit (Hilux 350), a high intensity halogen curing unit (Optilux 501) and plasma arc curing unit (Power Pac) were used to polymerize composite resin (Vitalesence). After restoration, the teeth were thermocycled for 100 cycles between 5 degrees and 55 degrees C using a dwell time of 30 s and exposed to a dye. Results showed that there was no significant difference among three different curing units (P > 0.05), however the microleakage at the dentin margins was greater than the enamel margins (P < 0.05).

Plasma arc curing or fast halogen units cure composite materials at a faster rate than conventional curing units because of the high light intensity. High intensity halogen curing units and plasma arc curing units might be useful alternatives in composite polymerization. Therefore, these units are suggested for clinical use to save chair side time.