New aerosol-decreasing dental handpiece functions sufficiently decrease pulp temperature: An in vitro study.

PURPOSE

To assess the changes in intrapulpal temperature between electric high-speed handpieces of different coolant functions ('Water Jet' and 'Water Spray'), coolant port designs (1- and 4-port), suction use, and bur and tooth types using an experimental in vitro setup.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-four extracted anterior and posterior teeth were collected. A total of 18 groove cuts (n = 18/coolant port spray design, bur and tooth type group) and 12 groove cuts (n = 12/tooth type and suction use) were completed, with a total of 264 groove cuts. Real-time temperature and duration were recorded at 1-s intervals throughout the preparation process using a thermocouple and digital data logger setup (GFX Data Logger Series and EL USB-TC; Lascar Electronics Inc., USA), and the data retrieved using EasyLog Software (EasyLog USB; Lascar Electronics Inc., USA). Statistical analysis was performed (SPSS V.27) for the change in temperature using the analysis of variance and post hoc analysis.

RESULTS

The majority of the specimen cuts, regardless of tooth (anterior or posterior) and bur (diamond or carbide) types, handpiece coolant port design, and suction use showed an overall decreasing trend in intrapulpal temperature. No cuts caused a mean temperature change that reached the critical temperature of 42.5°C or resulted in an overall increase in intrapulpal temperature when the 60-s duration was completed.

CONCLUSIONS

The tested electric handpieces efficiently reduced intrapulpal temperature, with the majority displaying a decreasing trend. A greater decrease in intrapulpal temperature was observed in canines compared to premolars; carbide burs compared to diamond; and with no suction preparations compared to when suction was used.