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In vitro changes in pulpal temperature during light exposure at different pulpal fluid flows
Cristiane Maucoski1, Juliana Anany Gonzales Guarneri1,2, Richard Bengt Price3
1Department of Dental Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University, 5981 University Ave, Halifax, NS, B3H 3J5, Canada.
Odontology
|October 5, 2025
Summary
Higher pulp fluid flow rates significantly reduced pulp temperature (PT) increases during light-curing. Different high-powered light-curing units (LCUs) and modes produced varying temperature rises, linked to radiant exposure.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Pulp temperature increase during light-curing is a clinical concern.
- Optimizing light-curing unit (LCU) parameters is crucial for minimizing thermal effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of varying pulp fluid flow rates on pulp temperature (PT) rise.
- To compare the thermal effects of different high-powered LCUs and exposure modes.
Main Methods:
- In vitro evaluation of three LCUs (Bluephase PowerCure, PinkWave, Valo X) in Class II cavities.
- Measurement of PT using a thermocouple at simulated pulp fluid flow rates (0.026, 0.2, 1 mL/min).
- Analysis of spectral radiant power, irradiance, and radiant exposure for each LCU and mode.
Main Results:
- Pulp fluid flow rate of 1 mL/min significantly reduced PT compared to lower rates (0.026 and 0.2 mL/min).
- LCUs and exposure modes generated different temperature increases (ΔT).
- Higher radiant exposure and spectral radiant power correlated with increased PT rise; PinkWave-10s produced the highest ΔT, while PowerCure-3s and PinkWave-3s produced the lowest.
Conclusions:
- Increased pulp fluid flow can mitigate thermal stress during light-curing.
- LCU selection and mode settings significantly influence the risk of pulp thermal damage.
- Further research should investigate clinical implications of these findings.
