What is the Blue Light Your Dentist Uses?
Have you ever had a cavity? Hopefully you haven’t, but chances are you’ve had at least one. Maybe you’ve seen a strange-looking instrument emitting a blue light while sitting in the dentist’s chair. What is this blue light and what does it do? Is it dangerous?
Let’s demystify the dental curing light.
What is a Dental Curing Light?
The blue light we often see dentists use is called a dental curing light. It’s used to set fillings and sealants in a matter of seconds. Halogen and LED are the two different types of curing lights, and both have been used by dentists.
The majority of dentists today use LED curing lights because they don’t overheat like halogen lights do. Halogen lights produce immense heat, which could potentially hurt the pulp of the tooth or the soft tissues in the mouth.
How Does a Curing Light Work?
When you have a cavity, your dentist removes tooth decay with a drill and prepares the tooth for a dental filling. The filling material, called resin, is generally soft and can be molded by biting down or by manipulating it with instruments.
When the resin is exposed to the curing light, the material hardens and becomes strong enough for normal chewing. Resin can take anywhere from 20–60 seconds to harden using the dental curing light.
The process is simple:
- Dentist removes decay and cleans the tooth
- Applies soft resin to the cavity
- Uses the blue curing light to harden the resin
- Shapes and polishes the filling
Is It Dangerous?
Since it’s not a laser, the dental curing light is not dangerous to your teeth and gums. Since it is very bright, it can strain your eyes if you look at it too long—similar to how your eyes strain if you look at the sun for too long. Dentists and assistants know not to look at the light for long periods.
Why Use a Curing Light?
The curing light makes the filling process quick and reliable. Without it, fillings would take much longer to harden and might not set properly. Modern LED curing lights have made the process even faster and more comfortable.
Your Filling is in Good Hands
If you need a filling, the blue curing light your dentist uses is a safe, effective tool that ensures your restoration is strong and long-lasting.
If you have concerns about cavities or need a filling, schedule an appointment with Greenspoint Dental today. We use the latest technology to provide you with excellent care.