Can the Use of a Warm-Air Stream for Solvent Evaporation Lead to a Dangerous Temperature Increase During Dentin Hybridization?

PURPOSE

To analyze the effect of a warm-air stream for solvent evaporation on the temperature rise in the pulp chamber during dentin hybridization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dentin disks with thicknesses of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mm were obtained from extracted human molars. A model tooth was set up with the dentin disks between a molar with an exposed pulp chamber and a crown with an occlusal preparation. A K-type thermocouple connected to a digital thermometer was placed in the molar root until it entered the pulp chamber and made contact with the dentin disks. After 10 s of adhesive application, solvent evaporation was performed for 10, 20, 30, and 40 s and the increase in temperature was monitored for 200 s after the warm-air stream began.

RESULTS

The temperature increase was significantly influenced by the thickness of the dentin disks (0.5 mm = 1.0 mm > 1.5 mm). With respect to the duration of the warm-air stream, the temperature increase was as follows: 10 s < 20 s < 30 s < 40 s (p < 0.05). The highest temperature was found after 40 s with dentin disks that were 0.5 mm (16.6°C) and 1.0 mm (15.8°C) thick, whereas the lowest temperature increase occurred after 10 s with a dentin disk that was 1.5 mm thick (4.1°C) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The temperature in the pulp chamber was strongly influenced by the dentin thickness and the duration of the warm-air stream. Thinner dentin and a longer duration of the warm-air stream both lead to a greater temperature increase in the pulp chamber.