Dental Curing Lights

Question 1

What is the # of photons per second emitted by light source per unit area of curing tip and its units?

Answer 1

Irradiance, Unit: mW/cm^2

Question 2

Irradiance x Time = ?

Answer 2

Energy Density, unit: J/cm^2

Question 3

Most common photo-absorbing material?

Answer 3

Camphorquinone (CQ)

Question 4

What is the maximum sensitivity for camphorquinone?

Answer 4

Blue range (465 nm) He mentioned that it could show up on exam as a little different wavelength, but will be close to 465 nm

Question 5

How long does it take to adequately cure a composite?

Answer 5

Depends on:
How hard you scrub tuck,
energy density (irradiance of light x Time),
Distance from composite,
collimation of light
wavelength (emitted and absorbed)
composite type

Question 6

Reciprocity:

_____ irradiance ______ time

Answer 6

increase, decrease

also works inversely

Question 7

In what situations would we need to increase curing time?

Answer 7

Lower irradiances (LED, Halogen),
microfill composites,
darker shades,
flowable composites,
greater distances, 
poor collimation,

Question 8

In what situations could we decrease curing time?

Answer 8

Higher irradiances (plasma arc),
hybrid composites,
lighter shades,
close distance,
good collimation