Original scientific paper

Light Intensity of Curing Units in Dental Offices in Zagreb, Croatia

Danijela Matošević orcid.org/0000-0003-3104-5749 ; Department of Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Vlatko Pandurić ; Department of Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Bernard Janković orcid.org/0000-0002-8934-4314 ; Department of Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Alena Knežević ; Department of Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Eva Klarić ; Department of Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Zrinka Tarle ; Department of Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Objective: Photopolymerization unit is an essential part of every dental office. The intensity of light curing units gradually decreases with time and can lead to poor polymerization, which cannot be detected clinically immediately after illumination. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the intensity of light curing units in dental offices in Zagreb satisfies minimum operational requirements. Materials and methods: The light intensity of 111 curing units was measured using radiometer (Bluephase® meter, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein). Six measurements were taken for each unit, three at the beginning of illumination and the other three at 35-40 seconds from the beginning. Data were also collected about the type of curing unit, manufacturer, age, frequency of use and the existence of integrated radiometer. Results: Light intensity lower than 300 mW/cm2 had 34% of curing units and 44% lower than 400 mW/cm2. The average light intensity of the remaining curing units was 675.3 mW/cm2. This study included photopolymerization units used in Zagreb which were five years old on average. Conclusion: Though the average light intensity of curing units in Zagreb fulfill the general requirements for efficient polymerization of composite resin materials, the fact that more than one third of curing units are ineffective should alert dentists to regularly monitor their appliances.

Keywords

Curing Lights, Dental; Polymerization; Photoinitiators, Dental; Light-Curing Dental Adhesives; Composite Dental Resins

Hrčak ID:

65634

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/65634

Publication date:

15.3.2011.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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