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Thermal transfer in extracted incisors during thermal pulp sensitivity testing
Author(s) -
Linsuwat P.,
Palamara J. E.,
Messer H. H.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
international endodontic journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.988
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1365-2591
pISSN - 0143-2885
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2591.2007.01341.x
Subject(s) - thermal , materials science , sensitivity (control systems) , pulp (tooth) , dentistry , composite material , pulp and paper industry , medicine , engineering , physics , thermodynamics , electronic engineering
Aim To measure the temperature distribution within tooth structure during and after application of thermal stimuli used during pulp sensitivity testing. Methodology Extracted intact human maxillary anterior teeth were investigated for temperature changes at the labial enamel, the dentino‐enamel junction (DEJ) and pulpal surface during and after a 5‐s application of six different thermal stimuli: hot water (80 °C), heated gutta‐percha (140 °C), carbon dioxide dry ice (−72 °C), refrigerant spray (−50 °C), ice stick (0 °C) and cold water (2 °C). J‐type thermocouples and heat conduction paste were used to detect temperature changes, together with a data acquisition system (Labview). Data were analysed using analysis of variance, with a confidence level of P < 0.05. Results Temperature change was detected more quickly at the DEJ and pulpal surface with the application of hot water, heated gutta‐percha and refrigerant spray than with carbon dioxide dry ice and ice ( P < 0.05). Cold water and refrigerant spray were in the same range in terms of time to detect temperature change at both the DEJ and pulpal surface. Thermal stimuli with greater temperature difference from tooth temperature created a greater thermal gradient initially, followed by a greater temperature change at the DEJ and the pulpal surface. In this regard, ice and cold water were weaker stimuli than others ( P < 0.05). Conclusions Thermal stimuli used in pulp testing are highly variable in terms of temperature of the stimulus, rate of thermal transfer to the tooth and extent of temperature change within tooth structure. Overall, dry ice and refrigerant spray provide the most consistent stimuli, whereas heated gutta‐percha and hot water were highly variable. Ice was a weak stimulus.