Curing light burns
Thomas J Spranley1, Mark Winkler, John Dagate
1Department of Comprehensive Dentistry and Biomaterials, Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in New Orleans, USA.
General Dentistry
|July 12, 2012
Summary
Light-emitting diode (LED) curing lights can generate significant heat, contrary to popular belief. This heat poses a risk of soft tissue damage during dental procedures.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Dental Materials Science
Background:
- Dental curing lights are essential for polymerizing light-curable resins.
- Light-emitting diode (LED) technology is widely adopted for its efficiency and longevity.
- Previous assumptions suggested LED curing lights produce minimal heat.
Observation:
- This study investigated the thermal output of a specific LED curing light device.
- Temperature changes in the vicinity of the curing light were monitored.
- The potential for heat accumulation and transfer was assessed.
Findings:
- The LED curing light generated a measurable and potentially significant amount of heat.
- The thermal output exceeded levels typically considered 'cool' or negligible.
- Similar LED curing light designs are likely to exhibit comparable thermal properties.
Implications:
- The heat generated by LED curing lights may cause thermal damage to oral soft tissues.
- Clinicians should be aware of the thermal potential of these devices.
- Further research is warranted to quantify heat transfer and develop mitigation strategies.
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