Thermographic measurement of temperature change during resin composite polymerization in vivo.
OBJECTIVE
To use the technique of infrared thermography for non-invasive monitoring of temperature changes during polymerization of resin composite by measuring the infra-red emission from the surfaces of resin composite restorations during photocuring.


METHODS
In this study 10 patient volunteers had resin composite restorations placed in upper incisor teeth and during photocuring the temperature rise within the composite was measured using the Thermovision 900 infra-red scanning system.


RESULTS
The results demonstrate that the exotherm is almost instantaneous, occurring as soon as the light source is activated and rising to a peak at approximately 30 s before levelling off. The measurements suggest that a maximum temperature increase of 12 degrees C could occur, although this may only be for a short period (< 15 s).


CONCLUSIONS
The range of temperature rise measured in this study (mean 5.4 degree C +/- 2.5 degree C) would suggest that the pulp may be endangered by the temperature rise which occurs during resin composite polymerization in vivo.
Hussey
D L
DL
Division of Restorative Dentistry, School of Clinical Dentistry, Queen's University of Belfast, UK.
Biagioni
P A
PA
Lamey
P J
PJ
D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D003736:Dental Cavity Lining; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent; D017220:Dentin-Bonding Agents / Q000737:chemistry; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements / Q000737:chemistry; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor; D007259:Infrared Rays; D008027:Light; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D019279:Resin Cements; D013696:Temperature; D013817:Thermography; D013997:Time Factors
D003188:Composite Resins; D003764:Dental Materials; D017220:Dentin-Bonding Agents; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; D011108:Polymers; D019279:Resin Cements; C065770:Herculite XR; C067790:Vitrabond