In vitro temperature rises during visible-light curing of a lining material and a posterior composite

The aim of this study was to measure the rise in temperature during: (i) a single cycle of a curing light unit, (ii) the polymerization of a layer of light-cured lining material, and (iii) the polymerization of a light-cured posterior composite material, and also during combinations of these individual procedures. Experimental work was undertaken in vitro and measurements were made using a thermocouple placed centrally in an insulated PTFE well. Large temperature rises occurred with the use of the curing light alone. The lining material itself did not contribute significantly to the rise in temperature during curing, nor did it provide thermal insulation from the output temperature emitted by the light guide. The presence of a layer of posterior composite reduced the temperature transmitted from the light but the residual temperature rise transmitted was still of such a magnitude as to cause concern regarding possible thermal injury to the pulp.