Effects of blue diode laser (445 nm) and LED (430–480 nm) radiant heat treatments on dental glass ionomer restoratives

Abstract

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of two radiant heat treatments on water sorption, solubility and surface roughness of three conventional glass ionomer cements by using a blue diode laser (445nm) and a light emitting diode (LED) unit (430–480nm). Thirty disk-shaped specimens were prepared for each tested GIC (Equia Fil, Ketac Universal Aplicap and Riva Self Cure). The experimental groups (n=10) of the study were as follows: Group 1 was the control group, in Group 2 the specimens were irradiated for 60s at the top surface using a LED light-curing unit and in Group 3 the specimens were irradiated for 60s at the top surface using a blue light diode laser. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests at a level of significance of a=0.05. Radiant heat treatments with both laser and LED devices significantly decreased water sorption and solubility (p<0.05) of most of the tested GICs. Blue diode laser treatment was seemed to be more effective compared to LED treatment for some of the tested materials. There were no changes in surface roughness of the GICs after the treatments (p>0.05). Among the tested materials there were differences in water sorption and solubility (p<0.05) but not in surface roughness (p>0.05). The use of the blue diode laser for this radiant heat treatment was harmless for the surface of the tested GICs and may be advantageous for the longevity of their restorations.