[An experimental verification of the thermal changes in the bone tissue during drilling for cavity preparation for an...

The local temperature increase of the bone following drilling procedures has been evaluated. Without any cooling device, and using a standard-speed drill, in few seconds the temperature reaches the necrosis-limit for living tissues (55 Celsius degrees). We compared the effectiveness of the most common cooling methods involving a forced flow of saline reaching the bone through an axial canal in the drill or just applied to the external surfaces of drill and bone with that of a device allowing a 100/1 reduction of the drill speed. With this method cooling was no more necessary and temperature control was quite good, as with cooling methods. We think the speed-reducing device can be recommended as safer, simpler to use and more comfortable for the patient.