Cold Testing Through Full-Coverage Restorations

Abstract

Endodontic diagnosis often requires thermal testing through porcelain fused-to-metal (PFM) and all-ceramic restorations. The purpose of this study was to measure and compare the temperature change during thermal testing by three commonly used methods occurring at the pulp-dentin junction (PDJ) of nonrestored teeth and teeth restored with full coverage restorations made of PFM, all-porcelain, or gold. The methods used to produce a thermal change were (a) an ice stick, (b) 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (TFE), and (c) carbon dioxide snow. A thermocouple measured temperature changes occurring at the PDJ in 10 extracted premolars when thermal tested by each method over a period of 30 seconds. Temperature reduction was also measured for the same samples restored with full gold crowns, PFM, and Empress crowns. Results showed intact premolars and those restored with PFM or all-ceramic restorations to respond similarly to thermal testing. In these teeth, TFE produced a significantly greater temperature decrease than carbon dioxide snow between 10 and 25 seconds (p < 0.05). In conclusion, application of TFE on a saturated #2 cotton pellet was the most effective method for producing a temperature reduction at the PDJ of intact teeth and those restored with gold, PFM, and all-porcelain when testing for less than 15 seconds.