Comparison of the temperature changes in pulp using monophasic light-emitting diode curing unit at different exposure times: An in vivo study.

INTRODUCTION

This in vivo study evaluated the temperature changes in the pulp chamber at different exposure times using a monophasic light-emitting diode curing unit.

METHODS

Forty-five patients (aged 13-25 years) requiring extraction of maxillary first premolars for orthodontic reasons were included in the study. After access opening, the temperature rise was recorded when exposed to monophasic light-emitting diode curing light (Elipar 3M ESPE; Pymble, New South Wales, Australia) at 5, 10, 15, and 20 seconds with K-type thermocouple probe. Teeth were atraumatically extracted on the same day. The results were analyzed with an analysis of variance and the Bonferroni test.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase of 2.1°C ± 0.5°C of pulpal temperature in the maxillary first premolar tooth during exposure to a light curing unit from baseline to 20 seconds. The mean baseline temperature was 35.7°C ± 0.52°C. The highest mean temperature was recorded at 20 seconds (37.8°C ± 0.57°C), and the lowest mean temperature was recorded at 5 seconds (36.1°C ± 0.61°C). There were significant differences among each group (P <0.001) with a mean increase in pulpal temperature from baseline to exposure mode of 5, 10, 15, and 20 seconds.

CONCLUSIONS

The study results reveal a statistically significant increase in pulpal temperature with a monophasic curing light, which can be used for up to 20 seconds without causing any detrimental effects on the pulp.