A Comparative evaluation of pulp chamber temperature rise associated with polishing of light cured composite restorations using 2 different polishing systems

Abstract

Composite resin is presently used primarily as a direct esthetic restorative material. The esthetics of these tooth-coloured restorations is heavily dependent on surface finish Polishing of composite resin can produce potentially injurious temperature rise within the pulp chamber. This study was conducted to compare and evaluate the pulp chamber temperature rise associated with the polishing of light cured composite veneer restorations using 2 different polishing systems (Astropol, Shofu- Snap kit). 40 extracted maxillary central incisors were used in this study. They were randomly divided into 4 groups-Groups 1, II (Dry Continuous, Intermittent respectively) and Groups III, IV (Wet, Continuous, Intermittent respectively). Groups I, II were polished with the Shofu System and Groups Ill, IV were polished using Astropo System. The temperature rise was recorded within each group and the remaining dentin thickness (RDT) was measured after sectioning of the teeth. The results indicated: There were significant differences in the temperature rise between the dry and the wet systems. The correlation of the temperature rise and the remaining dentin thickness was significant for the dry, intermittent group and was dependent on application time of the disks. Remaining dentin thickness is an important factor in regulating the magnitude of temperature rise during polishing of restorations.