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Pulp Chamber Heating: An In Vitro Study Evaluating Different Light Sources and Resin Composite Layers.
Lígia Maria Lima Andreatta1, Adilson Yoshio Furuse1, Anuradha Prakki2
1Department of Operative Dentistry, Endodotics and Dental Materials, Bauru Dental School, USP - Universidade de São Paulo, Bauru, SP, Brazil.
Brazilian Dental Journal
|December 17, 2016
Summary
Dental light curing generates heat, with high irradiance LEDs causing the most pulp chamber temperature increase. Heat buildup is highest with the initial adhesive and composite layers, decreasing with subsequent layers.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Restorative Dentistry
Background:
- Light-activation of dental adhesives and composites is crucial for successful restorations.
- Understanding heat generation during light curing is vital for preventing pulp damage.
- Different light sources and curing protocols may influence thermal effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate pulp chamber temperature variations during light-activation of dental materials.
- To compare the thermal effects of different light sources (QTH, LED low irradiance, LED high irradiance).
- To assess the impact of resin composite layering on temperature changes.
Main Methods:
- In vitro study using bovine incisors with standardized cavity preparations and dentin thickness.
- Temperature measurement within the pulp chamber every 10 seconds during 40-second light activation.
- Evaluation of an adhesive system (SBMP) and three consecutive 1-mm layers of resin composite (Z250) with three different light sources.
Main Results:
- Exothermic warming observed in resin composite increments (Z250), but not in the adhesive (SBMP).
- High irradiance LED resulted in the highest average temperature (42.7±1.56 °C), followed by QTH (40.6±0.67 °C) and low irradiance LED (37.8±0.12 °C).
- Temperature increases were highest during initial light activation; subsequent composite layers dissipated heat, reducing thermal rise.
Conclusions:
- Light source, irradiation time, and resin composite thickness significantly influence pulp chamber temperature.
- High irradiance LEDs and longer irradiation times increase the risk of thermal stress on the pulp.
- The layering technique of resin composite can mitigate heat accumulation during light curing.
