Quiz 1: Dental Curing Lights

Question 1

What is the definition of energy density?

– What are the units for it?

Answer 1

– Irradiance x time

J/cm2

Question 2

What is the definition of irradiance (radiant exitance)

– What are the units?

Answer 2

• • Increases energy density
• • mW/cm2
• • # of photons per second emitted by a light source per unit area of curing tip

Question 3

Camphorquinone (CQ) is known as what kind of most common material?

• • What type of sensitivity?
• • What kind of colored range does it absorb? (# nm)

Answer 3

• • photo-absorbing material
• • Maximum sensitivity
• • Blue range (465 mm)

Question 4

How long does it take to adequately cure a composite?

1) What is it dependent on?

Answer 4

Depends

1) Depends on energy density : Irradiance of light x time
2) Distance from composite
3) Collimation of light
4) Wavelengths: emitted and absorbed
5) Composite type

Question 5

So, how long should I cure my composite?!

Answer 5

Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance.

Question 6

In curing composites:
When should you increase the curing time:
- What kind of irradiances (Higher or lower) ? List two
- What kind of composites? (list 2)
- What kind of shades?
- Distance (greater or lesser)
- Collimation (poor or good)

Answer 6

Increase curing time:

• lower irradiances
  - LED
  - Halogen
• microfill composites
• flowable composites
• darker shades
• greater distances
• poor collimation

Question 7

In curing composite:
When should you decrease the curing time:
- What kind of irradiances (Higher or lower) ? List one
- What kind of composites?
- What kind of shades?
- Distance (greater or lesser)
- Collimation (poor or good)

Answer 7

Decrease curing time:

• higher irradiances
  - Plasma arc
• hybrid composites
• lighter shades
• close distance
• good collimation

Question 8

Define reciprocity:

Answer 8

reciprocity is the inverse relationship between the intensity and duration of light that determines the reaction of light-sensitive material.
Increase irradiance = Decrease time
Decrease irradiance = Increase time