In vitro intracanal temperatures produced during warm lateral condensation of Gutta-percha

In vitro intracanal temperatures produced during the war lateral condensation of gutta-percha were measured using a computerized recording system that allowed repeated obturations of a root canal model. The obturations were performed using a Touch 'n Heat unit. Temperatures were recorded to an accuracy of a hundredth degree centigrade by 16 intracanal themocouples connected to the computerized measurement system. The highest intracanal temperature recorded was 114.51 degrees C at a power setting of 6, while the mean intracanal temperature increase above the average room temperature ranged from 8.18 to 65.05 degrees C. In addition, the spreader was not uniformly heated to the same temperature throughout its entire length. The hottest point on the spreader was located 5 mm from the tip.