In vitro pulp chamber temperature rise during composite resin polymerization with different curing lights

The damaging effect of temperature increase on the pulp tissue during restorative treatment has been a matter of concern in dentistry for many years. Aesthetic restorative dentistry relies on polymerization of light-activated resin composites which can cause damaging effects to the dental pulp as a result of temperature rise caused by both the exothermic reaction process and the energy absorbed during irradiation. This in vitro study was carried out to measure the increase in pulp chamber temperature induced during composite resin-polymerization with various light curing units in three different and common clinical situations (Veneer, Class II, Class III) and the clinical implications of the results. Measurement of pulp temperature changes during polymerization was performed with a Al-Cr Thermocouple positioned at the pulp-dentin junction. Mean values were calculated from six measurements with each light curing unit.