title: Effect of radiant heat on conventional glass ionomer cements during setting by using a blue light diode laser system (445 nm).
abstract: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of radiant heat on surface hardness of three conventional glass ionomer cements (GICs) by using a blue diode laser system (445 nm) and a light-emitting diode (LED) unit. Additionally, the safety of the laser treatment was evaluated. Thirty disk-shaped specimens were prepared of each tested GIC (Equia Fil, Ketac Universal Aplicap and Riva Self Cure). The experimental groups (n = 10) of the study were as follows: group 1 was the control group of the study; in group 2, the specimens were irradiated for 60 s at the top surface using a LED light-curing unit; and in group 3, the specimens were irradiated for 60 s at the top surface using a blue light diode laser system (445 nm). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests at a level of significance of a = 0.05. Radiant heat treatments, with both laser and LED devices, increased surface hardness (p < 0.05) but in different extent. Blue diode laser treatment was seemed to be more effective compared to LED treatment. There were no alterations in surface morphology or chemical composition after laser treatment. The tested radiant heat treatment with a blue diode laser may be advantageous for the longevity of GIC restorations. The safety of the use of blue diode laser for this application was confirmed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Operative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece. ddiondent@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Dimitrios
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dionysopoulos
authors.affiliation: Department of Operative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Kosmas
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tolidis
authors.affiliation: Department of Operative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Dimitrios
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Strakas
authors.affiliation: Department of Operative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Paris
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gerasimou
authors.affiliation: Department of Operative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Thrasyvoulos
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sfeikos
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry, Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Norbert
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gutknecht
mesh_terms: D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements / Q000737:chemistry*; D006244:Hardness; D006358:Hot Temperature; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor; D008422:Materials Testing; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
chemical_list: D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements
keywords: Blue diode laser; Glass ionomer cements; Radiant heat; Surface hardness; Surface morphology