Key Points
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Direct placement light-activated resin-based composites are increasingly being used as an alternative to dental amalgam.
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One of the factors critical to the success of such restorations is adequate material polymerisation.
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Achieving correct stable light guide positioning for curing becomes more difficult in posterior locations.
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This pilot investigation reports on the influence of operator variability during the simulated curing of a posterior restoration.
Abstract
Objective To test the hypothesis that operator experience influences the efficacy of light curing in a typical posterior intra-oral location. To investigate whether short cure cycles affect performance.
Design A cross-sectional single-centre study designed to assess the efficacy of experienced and inexperienced operators when undertaking simulated intra-oral curing.
Setting An in vitro laboratory based investigation conducted in a dental school during 2001.
Materials and methods A computer-based technique was used to monitor light intensity in a clinical simulation. Dentists and student operators were tested for their ability to cure a posterior restoration effectively. Relative light intensity was assessed against time for each operator and test run.
Results Experienced (qualified) operators produced more effective and consistent cure results than less experienced undergraduate students. Operator performance was not affected by variations in irradiation time.
Conclusions This cross-sectional pilot investigation demonstrates that operator experience is a factor in successful clinical photo-curing of posterior restorations. Stable and accurate light guide positioning are required throughout the entire irradiation cycle to optimise intra-oral cure of light-activated restorations. Further investigations are planned to assess the potential of this novel method of assessment for use as a routine teaching aid in clinical practice.
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Acknowledgements
The assistance of all the individuals who generously volunteered their time to allow this survey to be undertaken is acknowledged.
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Shortall, A., Harrington, E., Patel, H. et al. A pilot investigation of operator variability during intra-oral light curing. Br Dent J 193, 276–280 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4801545
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4801545
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