Aim: To compare and assess the level of infection control provided by a cling film against a sleeve and their impact on the light intensity level of dental light-emitting diode (LED) light-curing units (LCUs). Materials and methods: A sleeve and a cling film of proprietary brands were compared on their reduction of light output and bacterial colonies on agar plates. Including a control group, 120 samples of analog radiometer readings were obtained. A total of 90 samples, including 10 each for positive and negative controls, were obtained in a laboratory setting via swabbing of light-guiding tips placed intraorally. These swabbings were inoculated on 5% sheep blood agar in a biological cabinet and cultured for 48 hours at 37°C; the inoculated surfaces were photographed and analyzed for area of coverage by bacterial colonies. The data obtained were subjected to ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: There is neither statistically significant reduction in output nor difference in output between either barriers (p > 0.05). There is statistically significant reduction in bacterial colonies on the inoculated surface by both barriers compared to no barrier (p < 0.01), but there is no statistically significant difference between the two barriers (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Both barriers do not significantly affect light output and are equally efficacious as cross-contamination barriers, and the choice lies with the operator. Clinical significance: Use of barriers is very important to prevent cross-infection control. The results of our study help the clinician select appropriate measures to prevent cross infection while using LCUs across the patients.
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