Measurement of temperature generated by visible-light-cure lamps in an in vitro model

The dental pulp is vulnerable to cavity preparation and restoration procedures. This vulnerability may be a result of the temperature rise generated by those procedures. When visible-light-cure lamps are used to place composite restorations, they cause the temperature in the pulp to rise. This study measured the temperature rise recorded when six visible-light-cure lamps were tested for 20- and 60-second exposure times. They were also tested in conjunction with an air current passed along the face of the lens in order to lower the temperature. Analysis of the data indicates that the lamps do cause a temperature rise within the pulp chamber--a higher rise the longer the lamp is used. Dentin thickness is important, and air lowers the temperature generated.