Clinical effectiveness of light-curing units of the School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Goias

Abstract

The clinical longevity of the procedures is directly associated to the adequate activation (photopolymerization) of adhesive restorative materials. Objective: To evaluate and compare by allocation the conservation status and power density of the light-curing units available at the School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Goias (FO/FUG) for clinical care. Material and methods: The following information and specific techniques of all light sources existing at FO/UFG, available for clinical care in 2011, were collected: dental/ambulatory clinic where they are located, type of source [device of halogen light and light-emitting diode (LED)], brand, parallelism test (halogen light sources), state of conservation of the light transmitter tip, density of the potency/intensity/irradiance in mW/cm2 and acquisition date. The data obtained were submitted to one-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) and Turkey test for multiple comparisons (P < 0.05). Results: In the second half of 2011, FO/UFG had 20 light sources (04 halogens and 16 LEDs), of which 90% were found in inadequate condition and 55% of those with power density less than 300 mW/cm2. There was no statistically significant difference in the power density between halogen and LED sources tested (P = 0.526). Likewise, no statistical difference was observed between the power density of the light sources (LED) placed at the Clinic II and III (P = 0.479). Also there was no statistically significant difference between the light sources (LED Halogen X) at the Clinic I (P = 0.943). Conclusion:The light sources regardless of the clinic in which they were located presented mostly with inadequate clinical effectiveness in terms of their conservation status and power density.