Temperature rise during photo-polymerization under ceramic restorations.
Dimitrios Dionysopoulos1, Constantinos Papadopoulos, Pantelis Kouros
1Department of Operative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece, Tel: +302310999579; Fax: +302310999599;
Oral Health and Dental Management
|January 7, 2014
Summary
This study measured temperature increases from different light-curing units under ceramic restorations. All tested units produced a temperature rise below the threshold for pulpal damage, indicating safety for dental procedures.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Light-curing units are essential for dental restorations, but they generate heat during polymerization.
- Understanding heat generation beneath ceramic restorations is crucial for preventing pulpal damage.
- Various light-curing technologies (QTH, LED) may induce different temperature increases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the temperature rise induced by different light-curing units (QTH and LED) during photo-polymerization.
- To evaluate the temperature increase beneath ceramic restorations of standardized thickness.
Main Methods:
- Three light-curing units (Elipar 2500 QTH, Translux Power Blue LED, Excelled 1400 LED) were tested.
- Ceramic specimens (CEREC Blocks, 2.5 mm thick) and dentin discs (1 mm thick) were prepared.
- A 0.5 mm luting cement layer was placed between ceramic and dentin; temperature was measured using a thermocouple and data logger during 20-second light curing.
Main Results:
- The Translux Power Blue LED unit induced a lower temperature rise compared to the other two units.
- No statistically significant difference in temperature rise was found between the Elipar 2500 QTH and Excelled 1400 LED units.
- All tested light-curing units generated a temperature increase below 5.5°C, the established limit for pulpal damage.
Conclusions:
- While light-curing unit type can influence temperature rise under ceramic restorations, the effect appears minimal.
- The observed temperature increases are unlikely to pose a clinical risk to the dental pulp.
- Further research may explore long-term effects and variations in clinical conditions.
