In Vitro Infrared Thermographic Assessment of Root Surface Temperature Rises During Thermafil Retreatment Using System B

Abstract

The purpose of this in vitro study was to measure the temperature rise on the outer root surface during retreatment of Thermafil using the System B HeatSource. Twenty extracted human maxillary premolars were filled with Thermafil with plastic carriers and divided into two groups of 10 teeth each. In group 1, Thermafil obturators were retrieved using System B HeatSource fitted with a medium plugger at a temperature of 225 degrees C. The plugger was placed first on the buccal, then on the lingual of the plastic carrier for 5 s each. This melted the gutta-percha and softened the plastic carrier. In group 2, Thermafil obturators were retrieved in the same manner except that the heated plugger was placed for 8 s. The temperature changes on the outer root surfaces were recorded using a thermal imaging camera. Thermafil retreatment in vitro using a System B HeatSource causes temperature rises ranging from 26.7 degrees C to 46.0 degrees C. This finding could possibly have implications for creating injury of the periodontal tissues.