Blue Light or Dental Curing Light
Have you ever wondered, what’s that blue light tool the dentist uses? You will usually see the blue light if you are getting a filling or tooth reformation. So, what does it do? Is it dangerous?
It’s Purpose
A Dental Curing Light emits a bright concentrated blue light. This light tool is used to set or cure fillings and sealants quickly and effectively. In just a few seconds, it hardens dental work in place. There are two different types of Dental Curing Lights, halogen, and LED. Both were commonly used, but today most dentist use LED curing lights as they stay cool while being just as effective. Too much heat can be a danger around the soft tissues in the mouth.
Resin Fillings
To repair a cavity in a tooth, your dentist first prepares the surface of the small hole to make it clean and to create a bondable texture. They do this with a small drill designed for this purpose. Filings made of resin, coat the cleaned-out tooth cavity and can be shaped to match the bite pattern of the individual. The goal is to closely match the original shape of the tooth before it decayed. The dentist shapes the soft resin with instruments and usually askes you to bite down to help shape it as well. The dentist works quickly as the resin naturally hardens. This hardening process is sped up using the Dental Curing Light. With the help of this light, the resin fully cures within 20–60 seconds. Therefore, before you leave the chair, your tooth is all ready to go, and able to withstand the pressures of regular chewing.
Is the Blue Light Dangerous?
Dental Curing Lights are completely safe. There is no radiation, and although concentrated, the blue light is not a laser or strong enough to hurt your teeth or gums. Because it’s super bright, the dentist will probably make you wear a form of eye protection. This is only to prevent possible eye strain if you stare into the light too long. The same uncomfortable feeling would come from staring into the sun excessively. The blue light used by dentists is not able to burn your eyes like a welder’s “arc flash” being much less intense. In the past, halogen curing lights potentially could get too hot for soft tissues, but LED’s have fixed that situation.
One Cool Light
The blue Dental Curing Light is one cool light. You can leave the dental clinic with a tooth repaired and ready for action. The awesome effects of this tool come with no downside, as it is completely safe for the patient and the dentist. If you have any questions regarding Dental Curing tools or anything else. Call Erbsville Dental, Waterloo. (519)-342-1166
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Accordingly, always seek the advice of your Dentist or other healthcare providers regarding a dental condition or treatment.
