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

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.