Heat Generation Changes with Electrically Heated Pluggers after Multiple Autoclave Cycles at Different Operating...

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Electrically heated pluggers are essential for warm obturation techniques in endodontics.
• Sterilization protocols and operating temperatures can influence instrument performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of repeated sterilization cycles and varying operating temperatures on the heat generation of electrically heated pluggers.
• To assess the influence of plugger taper size on heat transfer after sterilization.

Main Methods:

• Fifty pluggers underwent 150 sterilization cycles at 132°C for 25 minutes.
• Pluggers were tested at operating temperatures of 200°C (Autoclave200) and 400°C (Autoclave400).
• Heat generation was measured using T-type thermocouples at multiple intervals; statistical analysis included unpaired t tests.

Main Results:

• After 50 cycles, 0.04 taper pluggers in Autoclave200 failed to reach 60°C.
• Increased time to reach 60°C and decreased maximum temperature change were observed with more cycles and higher temperatures.
• Significant reductions in heat transfer occurred, particularly in the Autoclave400 group.

Conclusions:

• Multiple autoclave cycles and high operating temperatures diminish the heat transfer efficiency of electrically heated pluggers.
• Reduced heat output may compromise the effectiveness of warm obturation techniques.
• Instrument longevity and performance under clinical sterilization conditions require further consideration.