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

ABSTRACT

Introduction: 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.