In vitro study of heat production during power reduction of equine mandibular teeth.
OBJECTIVE
To measure the amount of heat generated during 3 methods of equine dental reduction with power instruments.


METHODS
In vitro study.


METHODS
30 premolar and molar teeth removed from mandibles of 8 equine heads collected at an abbatoir.


METHODS
38-gauge copper-constantan thermocouples were inserted into the lingual side of each tooth 15 mm (proximal) and 25 mm (distal) from the occlusal surface, at a depth of 5 mm, which placed the tip close to the pulp chamber. Group-NC1 (n = 10) teeth were ground for 1 minute without coolant, group-NC2 (10) teeth were ground for 2 minutes without coolant, and group-C2 (10) teeth were ground for 2 minutes with water for coolant.


RESULTS
Mean temperature increase was 1.2 degrees C at the distal thermocouple and 6.6 degrees C at the proximal thermocouple for group-NC1 teeth, 4.1 degrees C at the distal thermocouple and 24.3 degrees C at the proximal thermocouple for group-NC2 teeth, and 0.8 degrees C at the distal thermocouple and -0.1 degrees C at the proximal thermocouple for group-C2 teeth.


CONCLUSIONS
In general, an increase of 5 degrees C in human teeth is considered the maximum increase before there is permanent damage to tooth pulp. In group-NC2 teeth, temperature increased above this limit by several degrees, whereas in group-C2 teeth, there was little or no temperature increase. Our results suggest that major reduction of equine teeth by use of power instruments causes thermal changes that may cause irreversible pulp damage unless water cooling is used.
Allen
Martin L
ML
Firethorn Equine Services, 5701 Lancaster-Circleville Rd, Lancaster, OH 43130, USA.
Baker
Gordon J
GJ
Freeman
David E
DE
Holmes
Kenneth R
KR
Marretta
Sandra Manfra
SM
Scoggins
R Dean
RD
Constable
Peter
P
D000003:Abattoirs; D000818:Animals; D001641:Bicuspid; D003762:Dental Instruments / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D003777:Dental Prophylaxis / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000502:physiology*; D003790:Dental Pulp Necrosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D003813:Dentistry / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D006736:Horses / Q000601:surgery*; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008963:Molar; D013814:Thermal Conductivity; D013997:Time Factors; D014070:Tooth / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery