Intrapulpal temperature during direct fabrication of provisional restorations

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Restorative Dentistry

Background:

• Direct fabrication of extracoronal provisional restorations involves potential heat generation.
• Intrapulpal temperature rise is a critical factor in dental pulp vitality.
• Understanding heat transfer from provisional materials is essential for patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the intrapulpal temperature rise associated with different resins and matrices used in direct provisional restorations.
• To compare the exothermic potential of various materials and fabrication techniques.
• To identify factors influencing heat transfer to the pulp during provisionalization.

Main Methods:

• Extracoronal provisional restorations were fabricated on a typodont model using direct techniques.
• Intrapulpal temperature changes were measured using thermocouples.
• Different resin types (including poly(methyl methacrylate)), volumes, and matrix materials (vacuum-formed, impression materials) were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Intrapulpal temperature rise varied significantly, ranging from 0.42°C to 7.21°C.
• Poly(methyl methacrylate) resins produced the highest temperature increases compared to other tested resins.
• Vacuum-formed matrices resulted in greater temperature increases than impression material matrices.

Conclusions:

• Material selection and matrix type significantly influence the exothermic reaction during direct provisional restoration fabrication.
• Clinicians should consider the potential for pulpal heating when choosing resins and matrices for provisional restorations.
• Further research into low-exothermic materials is warranted to enhance patient safety.