Intrapulpal temperature variation during bleaching with various activation mechanisms

Area of Science:

• Dental materials science
• Biomaterials
• Endodontics

Background:

• Dental bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide is a common aesthetic procedure.
• Light activation is used to accelerate the bleaching process.
• Understanding intrapulpal temperature changes is crucial to prevent pulp damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate intrapulpal temperature variations during dental bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide.
• To compare the effects of different light activation sources (halogen, LED, Nd:YAG laser) on temperature rise.

Main Methods:

• 48 human teeth specimens were divided into four groups: control (no light), halogen light, LED light, and Nd:YAG laser.
• Intrapulpal temperatures were recorded using a digital thermometer at four time points.
• Statistical analysis included Dunnet's test, ANOVA, and Tukey's test (α=0.05).

Main Results:

• Nd:YAG laser activation resulted in the highest mean intrapulpal temperature (4.325°C ± 1.09) and maximum temperature variation (MTV) (6.9°C).
• Halogen light activation showed significantly higher temperatures (1.800°C ± 0.68) and MTV (2.9°C) compared to the control (0.617°C ± 0.41 and 1.5°C).
• LED light activation yielded temperature increases (0.975°C ± 0.51) and MTV (1.7°C) not statistically different from the control group.

Conclusions:

• Nd:YAG laser activation significantly increases intrapulpal temperature during bleaching.
• LED light activation does not significantly elevate intrapulpal temperature compared to non-activated bleaching.
• Careful selection of light activation sources is necessary to minimize potential pulpal risks during dental bleaching.