Comparactivestudy of laser, LED and conventional lamp in the polymerization process of dental composite resin

Author(s)

Cristina Kurachi

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Carlos.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC/BT)
• Defense date: 2000-04-03

Examining board members

Vanderlei Salvador Bagnato; Carlos de Paula Eduardo; Sizenando de Toledo Porto Neto

• Advisor: Vanderlei Salvador Bagnato

Abstract

The restorations based on composite resin have great application in modem dentistry. The composite polymerization is obtained by a photoactivation process. The final properties of materials are connected with the cure process. The development of photopolymerization procedures and devices is important to improve the cure efficiency and its quality. In this work, two light sources, argon laser and blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs), were studied and compared to a conventional cure lamp. In the PTT (Power-Time-Temperature) diagram it were established safe working parameters to argon laser application, in order to avoid pulpal damage. The microhardness was used to quantify mechanical properties. The observation of VHN as a function of the depth in the material, allowed us to determine the operational parameters where argon laser produces similar properties compared with the conventional lamp. The microleakage observed in class V restorations cured by laser or conventional lamp was investigated and the result did not show statistical difference when the two light sources were compared. Using the devices based on LEDs it was possible to study the cure process and establish the operational parameters when this alternative light source is considered for use in composite resin cure. (AU)