Measuring heat from blue versus red dental curing lights during restorations

In Vivo Temperature Changes Caused by Exposure to Short- and Long-wavelengths

This trial will see if red dental curing light causes less heat and less post-operative sensitivity than the standard blue light for people receiving restorative dental procedures.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 50 (estimated)
• Ages: 21 Years to 35 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Florida (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Gainesville, Florida)
• Trial ID: NCT06418958 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study compares temperature rise in tooth and gingival tissues during simulated restorative procedures using standard blue light and investigational red light curing devices. Participants who meet dental health criteria (ASA I, fully erupted premolars without caries or restorations) will have temperature sensors placed during routine restorative-like light exposures. Investigators will record intra-tooth and gingival temperature changes and follow participants for post-operative sensitivity rates. Results will compare heat generation and patient-reported sensitivity between the two wavelengths to test whether red light produces less thermal and symptomatic injury.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults (ASA I) with fully erupted premolars that have no caries or existing restorations and no signs of pulp or periapical disease.

Not a fit: Patients with active caries, existing restorations, signs of pulpitis, periapical lesions, planned root canal treatment, or immature tooth anatomy are unlikely to benefit from this procedure.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could lower the risk of heat-related gum or pulp injury and reduce post-operative sensitivity during dental restorations.

How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and some clinical work suggest long-wavelength red light is less damaging and may reduce inflammation, but no in vivo data exist specifically for restorative dental curing procedures.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* ASA I classification
* Fully erupted pre-molar(s);
* Absence of caries;
* Absence of restoration.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Radiographic constriction of the pulp chamber;
* Absence of apical closure;
* Formation of pulp stones or diffuse calcification at the pulp chamber;
* Presence of active carious lesions;
* Diagnosed reversible or irreversible pulpitis;
* Existing periapical lesion;
* Existing or planned root canal treatment.

Where this trial is running

Gainesville, Florida

• University of Florida College of Dentistry Dental Clinical Research Unit — Gainesville, Florida, United States (Recruiting)

Conditions Post-operative Pain