Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM: A light-curing unit (LCU) is an important factor in restorative dental treatment, and its light intensity output (LIO) must be monitored regularly by using a radiometer. Thus, this cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate and measure the LIO values produced by assessed LCUs using two brands of radiometers, relative to the number of years in dental clinical services, tip condition, and the presence of periodic maintenance.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Light-curing units were collected from selected dental clinics in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. Then, LCU data included clinical dental age (<1 year, between 1 and 3, and >3 years). The nozzle condition was visually checked for contamination, damaged nozzles, and the presence of debris. To record LIO, two brands of digital radiometers, namely, Woodpecker and Ivoclar, were used. In addition, LIO values were categorized into three subgroups, <700, between 700 and 1000, and >1000 mW/cm², and labeled as adequate, sufficient, and both adequate and sufficient LIO, respectively. Each LCU was assessed three times at 1-minute intervals. Descriptive statistics of parameters were assessed and recorded using SPSS. One-way ANOVA, along with dependent and independent t-tests, was used to evaluate significant differences among and between groups, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS: A total of 112 LCUs were surveyed. With regard to tip conditions for either Woodpecker or Ivoclar radiometers across all radiant power categories, no statistically significant differences in LIO values were found. The highest mean difference in LIO values between the two radiometers was recorded in the 700-1000 mW/cm² category. No statistically significant differences in LIO values were found across age-groups for either radiometer (all p-values > 0.05), except for the Ivoclar radiometer in the >1000 mW/cm² category, which showed a significant difference (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: All assessed LCUs provided adequate LIO, with only a slight effect observed due to age. However, their LIO tends to decrease over time, highlighting the need for routine inspection to maintain the required output levels.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Daily monitoring of the clinical performance of LCU and their LIO will result in proper composite resin restorations and prolonged clinical durability. How to cite this article: Alwadai GS, Abogazalah NN, Alamoudi NA, et al. The Performance of Light-curing Units Used in Different Clinics at Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2025;26(8):784-790.