Scanning electron microscopic study of visible light curing effects on the oral mucous membrane

ABSTRACT

The present investigation was undertaken on rats to demonstrate the structural changes that took place after the exposure of the gingiva to a dental visible light curing unit. Sixteen rats were irradiated and four were considered as controls. The mandibular right first molar was exposed to radiation for 40 seconds. The animals were classified into four groups [4 experimental and 1 control] and were sacrificed immediately, 2 days, 4 days and 2 weeks after exposure. Specimens were processed for ultrastructural and light microscopic investigations. The results indicate that emission from dental light curing units can affect the oral mucous membrane and may reduce its functional abilities