Thermal irritation of teeth during dental treatment procedures

• Published in: Restorative dentistry & endodontics Vol. 38; no. 3; pp. 105 - 112
• Main Authors: Kwon, Su-Jung, Park, Yoon-Jung, Jun, Sang-Ho, Ahn, Jin-Soo, Lee, In-Bog, Cho, Byeong-Hoon, Son, Ho-Hyun, Seo, Deog-Gyu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) The Korean Academy of Conservative Dentistry 01.08.2013; Korean Academy of Conservative Dentistry; 대한치과보존학회
• Subjects: Review; 치의학; Thermal irritation; Tooth preparation; Root canal obturation; Light curing; Ultrasonic
• ISSN: 2234-7658; 2234-7666
• DOI: 10.5395/rde.2013.38.3.105

While it is reasonably well known that certain dental procedures increase the temperature of the tooth's surface, of greater interest is their potential damaging effect on the pulp and tooth-supporting tissues. Previous studies have investigated the responses of the pulp, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone to thermal irritation and the temperature at which thermal damage is initiated. There are also many in vitro studies that have measured the temperature increase of the pulp and tooth-supporting tissues during restorative and endodontic procedures. This review article provides an overview of studies measuring temperature increases in tooth structures during several restorative and endodontic procedures, and proposes clinical guidelines for reducing potential thermal hazards to the pulp and supporting tissues.