Camphorquinone Use in Dental Applications

Camphorquinone is a compound that is commonly used in dentistry as a photoinitiator in dental resin materials. It plays a crucial role in the polymerization process of dental composites, which are tooth-colored materials used for filling cavities and restoring damaged teeth.

Here are some key uses of camphorquinone in dentistry:

Photoinitiator: Camphorquinone is a photoinitiator that initiates the polymerization reaction of dental resins when exposed to light of a specific wavelength. When combined with a suitable amine co-initiator, it absorbs light energy and generates free radicals that initiate the polymerization of the resin, leading to the hardening or curing of the dental composite.

Dental composites: Dental composites are tooth-colored materials used to fill cavities and restore damaged teeth. Camphorquinone is added to the resin matrix of these composites to enable them to cure quickly and effectively when exposed to curing lights commonly used in dental offices. It ensures the proper hardening and setting of the composite material, resulting in a durable and long-lasting dental restoration.

Light-cured dental materials: Camphorquinone is primarily used in light-cured dental materials, where it responds to the specific wavelength of curing lights commonly used in dentistry. These lights emit blue light in the range of 430-480 nm, which activates camphorquinone, leading to the initiation of polymerization and subsequent hardening of the dental composite.

Shade matching: Camphorquinone is often incorporated into dental composites in varying concentrations to achieve different shades and translucencies. By adjusting the amount of camphorquinone in the resin formulation, dental professionals can customize the color of the composite material to match the natural tooth color of the patient, ensuring aesthetic outcomes.

It’s worth noting that camphorquinone is typically used in combination with other photoinitiators and co-initiators to optimize the polymerization process and improve the physical properties of dental composites. Additionally, dental professionals follow specific guidelines and protocols to ensure proper handling and usage of camphorquinone-containing materials during dental procedures.

For over 35 years, Hampford Research has been a manufacturer of high purity camphorquinone.  For more information, please visit our website at https://hampfordresearch.com/dental-solutions.