Thermographic analysis of the effect of composite type, layering method, and curing light on the temperature rise of photo-cured composites in tooth cavities

Real-time thermographic analysis demonstrated that the composite type and layering method did not influence the temperature rise at the pulpal side of dentin during composite restoration of an occlusal preparation in a tooth. The amount and initial rate of temperature increase was most affected by the radiant exposure of the light curing unit. Within the limitations of this in vitro study, when irradiation time is constant, a curing light with higher radiant power can induce relatively high thermal transfer, thereby increasing the risk of pulpal damage.