Implications of underperforming light energy delivery for posterior composite: insights into delivered radiant exposure, degradation characteristics, and biofilm formation.

Abstract

Poor curing of composites due to incorrect position of a curing unit may trigger a negative pathway of events related to the bacterial growth-stimulating effect of released methacrylate monomers. An increased bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation as a result of incomplete polymerization may contribute to premature failure of posterior composite via secondary caries formation. The objectives of each chapter are: 1) to review the literature concerning the light curing process and implications for failures on posterior composites (chapter 1), 2) to investigate in vitro how the variations on light curing tip placement and irradiance exposure can impact the degree of conversion of conventional 2mm-increment composite and S. mutans biofilm formation (chapter 2). In summary, this set of studies support the importance of proper light curing for an acceptable clinical performance of posterior composites.