Laser photopolymerization of dental materials with potential endodontic applications.

Photopolymerizing resins were exposed to three different wavelengths of light emanating from the argon laser. It was determined that the most efficient wavelengths for photopolymerization of camphorquinone-activated resins were at 477 and 488 nm. The 514.5-nm wavelength was relatively ineffective in activating polymerization. Four camphorquinone-activated resins were placed in the root canals of teeth and tested for polymerization depth using a 488-nm wavelength laser beam coupled to an optical fiber 200 microns in diameter. In regard to polymerization depth, these materials ranked as follows: Genesis greater than Prisma-Fil greater than Prisma Microfine greater than Prisma VLC Dycal. Alterations in the positions of the optical fiber and the surface of the resin in the canal made only minor differences in polymerization depth of the samples. The results indicate that an argon laser coupled to an optical fiber could become a useful modality in endodontic therapy.