Postoperative sensitivity in Class V composite restorations: Comparing soft start vs. constant curing modes of LED

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Clinical Dentistry

Background:

• Polymerization shrinkage in dental composites causes marginal stress, leading to microleakage, secondary caries, and postoperative sensitivity.
• Light-emitting diode (LED) curing offers various modes, including constant and soft start, with claims that soft start reduces shrinkage and sensitivity.
• Understanding the impact of different LED curing modes is crucial for minimizing adverse effects in dental restorations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare postoperative sensitivity in Class V composite restorations.
• To evaluate the efficacy of soft start versus constant LED curing modes.

Main Methods:

• Class V cavities were prepared and restored with composite Z 100 (3M-ESPE) using an incremental technique.
• Each 2 mm increment was cured using either soft start or constant LED light.
• Postoperative sensitivity was assessed in all patients at day 2.

Main Results:

• Out of 124 restorations, only three exhibited postoperative sensitivity (mild, moderate, severe).
• No correlation was found between sensitivity and tooth type.
• No statistically significant difference in postoperative sensitivity was observed between constant and soft start curing groups.

Conclusions:

• Restorations using the soft start LED curing technique did not demonstrate significant changes in postoperative sensitivity compared to the constant curing technique.
• The findings suggest that the choice between soft start and constant LED curing may not significantly impact immediate postoperative sensitivity in Class V composite restorations.