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In vitro temperature rises during visible-light curing of a lining material and a posterior composite
S R Smail1, C J Patterson, A C McLundie
1Department of Conservative Dentistry, University of Glasgow Dental School, U.K.
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Dental curing lights cause significant temperature increases. While lining materials and posterior composites offer some insulation, the heat generated during polymerization may still pose a risk of thermal injury to the dental pulp.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Biomaterials
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Dental light-cured materials are widely used in restorative procedures.
- Understanding the thermal effects of curing light is crucial for patient safety.
- Pulp tissue is sensitive to temperature changes, and excessive heat can cause irreversible damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the temperature increase from dental curing lights during various polymerization procedures.
- To evaluate the thermal contribution of lining materials and posterior composites.
- To assess the potential for thermal injury to the dental pulp.
Main Methods:
- In vitro experimental setup using a thermocouple for precise temperature measurement.
- Simulated polymerization of a single curing light cycle, lining material, and posterior composite.
- Investigated combinations of these procedures to mimic clinical scenarios.
Main Results:
- Curing light units alone generated substantial temperature rises.
- Light-cured lining materials showed minimal contribution to heat and no significant insulation.
- Posterior composite layers reduced transmitted heat, but residual temperature increases remained a concern.
Conclusions:
- Dental curing lights are the primary source of significant temperature elevation.
- Lining materials offer negligible thermal protection during polymerization.
- The heat transmitted through posterior composites warrants attention to prevent potential pulp thermal injury.