[Extraoral post-curing of composite inlays]

Using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) a post-curing effect of 3.8% could be observed. In accordance with these data a heat-induced polymerization of photocured composites of up to about 3% was found by FMIR infrared spectroscopy. In a single case the additional degree of cure was 15%. After heat treatment the degree of conversion in areas deeper than 50 microns was 75% to 79%. In the outer layer the content of unconverted double bonds could not be reduced by heat treatment. The degree of conversion here was 54% to 72%. Thus, the effect of this post-curing procedure is limited to the bulk material.