RESTORATION REMOVAL USING HIGH-SPEED HANDPIECES WITH OR WITHOUT THE FIBER-OPTIC LIGHT

Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in cavity dimension changes associated with the removal of tooth-colored restorations using high-speed handpieces with or without fiber-optic light. Materials and Methods: Five recently graduated dentists (6 months-1 year of professional experience) were assigned to remove 40 Class I composite restorations. Half of the restorations were removed using a high-speed handpiece with fiber-optic light, and the other half with a handpiece without light. Cavity dimensions changes were measured using a periodontal probe and a digital micrometer at nine defined regions of the tooth preparation. Measurements were recorded at two stages: before restoration removal and after removal (with/without fiber-optic light). Analyses were conducted to assess changes in cavity dimensions and the unnecessary removal of sound tissue. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test to compare non-normally distributed data between the two groups, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Restorations removed with high-speed handpieces with fiber-optic light resulted in significantly less unnecessary cavity dimension changes compared to those removed without light (p<0.05). The use of high-speed handpiece with fiberoptic light demonstrated a statistically significant advantage in preserving the cavity integrity (p<0.05). Conclusion: The use of high-speed handpieces with fiberoptic light significantly reduced unnecessary cavity dimension changes compared to those without light, demonstrating their potential to enhance precision and support minimally invasive dentistry.