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

Resumo

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.