Root surface temperature rises during root canal obturation, in vitro, by the continuous wave of condensation technique using System B HeatSource

Abstract

This in vitro study evaluated increases in root surface temperature during the continuous wave of condensation technique using a System B HeatSource. Forty-five extracted human teeth (15 maxillary central incisors, 15 mandibular central incisors, and 15 maxillary canines) were used. After root canal cleaning and shaping, the teeth were filled with the continuous wave of condensation technique using a System B HeatSource. Temperature changes on the whole mesial and vestibular outer surfaces of the roots were measured using an infrared thermal imaging camera. The results of this in vitro study showed that the use of the continuous wave of condensation technique to fill the maxillary central incisors and maxillary canines produced temperature rises below the critical level. In the mandibular central incisors the use of a System B HeatSource resulted in elevation of the root surface temperature by more than 10 degrees C. The continuous wave of condensation technique using the System B HeatSource produces temperature changes on the outer root surfaces, which, in the case of teeth with relatively thin dentinal walls, can reach relatively high values.