Laser and curing light induced in vitro pulpal temperature changes.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to compare in vitro pulp chamber temperature changes induced by conventional curing light and argon laser under common conditions.


BACKGROUND
Previous in vitro studies have shown that impacting the surface of teeth with either an argon laser or conventional curing light causes pulp temperature increases of various degrees.


METHODS
The sample tooth had a class V composite restoration placed with 2.48-mm distance from the surface of the composite to a Thermister Thermometer. The thermometer was inserted into the cutaway pulp chamber to measure the temperature increase from stabilized room temperature, which was caused by exposure to argon laser or conventional curing light.


RESULTS
Temperature increases for the argon laser for the recommended curing time were 3 degrees F or less. The longer the exposure times for either method of curing, the higher the temperature increased.


CONCLUSIONS
At recommended curing times, in vitro pulp chamber temperature increases from laser units were significantly lower than those of the conventional curing lights.
Powell
G L
GL
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA. DentalEd@hsc.utah.edu
Anderson
J R
JR
Blankenau
R J
RJ
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001128:Argon; D001831:Body Temperature; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000293:injuries / Q000502:physiology*; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000502:physiology*; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008027:Light / Q000009:adverse effects; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry
D003188:Composite Resins; D011108:Polymers; D001128:Argon