Before and after - proactive curing light testing
January 11, 2022
Dr. Joshua Austin, DDS

Clinical Case: Ensuring Efficiency and High-quality Results with Proactive Curing Light Testing

Using 3M™ Elipar™ DeepCure-S LED Curing Light.

About the Case

The patient came in with primary decay on the distal of tooth #12 with occlusal groove involvement. The curing light, 3M™ Elipar™ DeepCure-S LED Curing Light, was tested using a Bluelight CheckUp Radiometer and was found to have an irradiance of 1084 mW/cm2. This pre-testing guarantees efficient adhesive and composite polymerization and a high-quality restorative procedure. After isolation with a rubber dam, the caries was removed, and the cavity was prepared. Then, the adhesive protocol was realized using 3M™ Scotchbond™ Universal Plus Adhesive and the tooth was restored with 3M™ Filtek™ One Bulk Fill Restorative, Shade A2. Once occlusion was adjusted, the restoration was polished using a medium grit 3M™ SofLex™ Contouring and Polishing Disc followed by the 3M™ SofLex™ Diamond Polishing System. The beige pre-polishing spiral was used on a wet surface, followed by the pink polishing spiral.

Curing light tested

The 3M™ Elipar™ DeepCure-S LED Curing Light was tested with a Bluelight CheckUp Radiometer, finding an irradiance of 1084 mW/cm2.

Initial situation

The initial situation showed the primary decay on the distal of tooth #12 with occlusal groove involvement.

Cavity is prepared

After isolation with a rubber dam, the caries was removed, and the cavity was prepared.

Acid etch gel applied

37% phosphoric acid etch gel was applied to the enamel using the selective-etch technique, left on for 15 seconds, then rinsed with water.

Adhesive rubbed in

After etching for 15 seconds, rinsing, and drying, 3M™ Scotchbond™ Universal Plus Adhesive was rubbed in for 20 seconds, then air-dried and light-cured with the 3M™ Elipar™ DeepCure-S LED Curing Light.

Bulk fill composite applied

A full increment of 3M™ Filtek™ One Bulk Fill Restorative, Shade A2 was applied and sculpted into place with a thin plastic instrument.

Light-cured

Using a three-point method, each side of the restoration (occlusal, buccal, and lingual) was light-cured for 10 seconds.

X-ray

The x-ray showed a perfectly adapted restoration.

Final result

Final result.

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