In vitro effects of high irradiance delivered by laser and polywave light-curing units on the simulated pulp temperature rise and mechanical properties of bulk-fill resin composites

Dental light-curing units (LCUs) are used every day in most dental offices. If this LCU is misused, this dental work can fail prematurely causing pain, post-operative sensitivity, pulpal death, and economic hardship. In Canada, dental curing lights are Class 1 medical devices, and Health Canada does not test dental curing lights before they are used on patients. However, LCUs can easily cause soft tissue burns or retinal damage if used incorrectly. In the past 15 years, dental LCUs have become more and more powerful and offer shorter and shorter curing times (previous curing times were 60 s, now they are as short as 1 s), but the success of such short exposure times is questionable.
There is no information published on this recently introduced Monet laser LCU, only manufacturer’s claims. This project will evaluate if the light emitted from the Monet laser-based LCU can effectively cure plastic-like restorative materials (resin composites) without causing any risk due to the heat. Extracted molars with deep cavities will be connected to a device that simulates pulpal fluid flow inside the tooth.

Faculty Supervisor:

Richard Price

Student:

Partner:

Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Education; Technology

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: