Effect of composite temperature on in vitro intrapulpal temperature rise.
OBJECTIVE
To measure in vitro intrapulpal temperature when placing and restoring with either room-temperature or pre-heated (54 and 60 degrees C) composite.


METHODS
A K-type thermocouple was placed in the pulpal chamber of an extracted, human bifurcated upper premolar which had a Class V preparation (1 mm remaining dentin thickness) on the facial surface. Tooth roots were immersed in a thermostatically controlled water bath and perfused with water at 1.25 microl/min to simulate physiological circulation in the pulp chamber. The thermocouple was connected to an analog-to-digital converter. The preparation was filled using composite either at room-temperature, or pre-heated to 54 or 60 degrees C with a commercial compule heater (Calset), using standard clinical procedures by one person while continuously monitoring intrapulpal temperature (n=5). Temperature rise over baseline values were determined at various stages during the restoration process: composite placement, contouring, prior to light-curing, and immediately after light-curing (20s, Optilux 501). At each measurement interval, intrapulpal temperature values were compared using ANOVA and the Tukey-Kramer post hoc test (alpha=0.05).


RESULTS
Significant differences were found in intrapulpal temperature when comparing pre-heated and room-temperature composite treatments with respect to baseline among the stages of the restorative process. However, the extent of this increase with heated composite was only 0.8 degrees C. A 5 degrees C intrapulpal temperature rise was seen for all groups during photopolymerization.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of pre-heated composite only mildly increased intrapulpal temperature values when compared to composite delivered at room-temperature in an in vitro test environment. The largest temperature change occurred with application of the curing light.
Daronch
Márcia
M
Department of Dental Materials, University of São Paulo, School of Dentistry, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. daronchny@yahoo.com
Rueggeberg
Frederick A
FA
Hall
George
G
De Goes
Mario F
MF
D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000737:chemistry*; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000379:methods*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000737:chemistry*
D000180:Acrylic Resins; C029012:Composite Dental Resin; D003188:Composite Resins; D011140:Polyurethanes