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Does a black light lens aid in composite removal?
Kelly R Teer1, Annabel C Kisling1, Daranee Tantbirojn2
1College of Dentistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
Summary
A black light lens did not significantly improve composite restoration removal for experienced dentists. However, it helped less-experienced operators conserve tooth structure and reduce removal time.
Area of Science:
- Restorative Dentistry
- Dental Materials Science
Background:
- Composite restoration replacement is common in dental practice.
- Removing composite restorations can lead to unavoidable loss of natural tooth structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of a black light lens as a visual aid during composite restoration removal.
- To compare tooth structure loss, residual composite, and removal time between operators of varying experience levels.
Main Methods:
- Extracted molars were restored with composite and subjected to thermocycling.
- Restorations were removed by faculty and student dentists with or without a black light lens.
- Quantification of lost tooth structure and residual composite using digital scans.
Main Results:
- The black light lens did not significantly impact tooth structure loss or residual composite.
- Operator experience significantly influenced operating times and tooth structure loss.
- Less-experienced operators using the black light lens showed reduced tooth structure loss and improved operating times.
Conclusions:
- Black light lenses did not offer significant benefits for experienced operators in conserving tooth structure or reducing removal time.
- Less-experienced operators demonstrated advantages in tooth structure conservation and time efficiency when using a black light lens.
