Real-time pulp temperature change at different tooth sites during fabrication of temporary resin crowns

To record the pulp temperature at different tooth sites during fabrication of two different temporary crown systems.

Two temporary crown systems were investigated; a conventional direct fabricated and a preformed thermoplastic resin system. Extracted caries-free human teeth (incisor, premolar and molar) were prepared for full coverage ceramic restoration with roots sectioned below the cemento-enamel junction. Thermocouple wires were secured at the surface of crown material, the cut dentine and inside the pulp cavity. Provisional crowns (n = 10/group) from each system were formed prior to placement in a water bath of 37 °C to simulate pulpal temperature. Temperatures were recorded using a K-type thermocouple data logger to collect the mean and peak temperature during crown fabrication. Statistical analysis was carried out on all tested groups and heat flow was calculated.

For direct fabricated crowns, the mean rise in pulpal temperature recorded was 0.1 °C with the mean temperature range of 37.3 °C-37.8 °C. For the preformed thermoplastic crowns, the mean rise in pulpal temperature recorded was 37.3 °C-45.1 °C. The increase in temperature was significantly higher (6.5 °C for the incisor group, 7.5 °C for the premolar group, and 6.7 °C for the molar group). For both crown systems, the temperature difference between the three different sites; pulp, crown and tooth surface showed a statistical difference (P < 0.01).

The direct fabrication system showed minimal temperature changes within the teeth, while the preformed thermoplastic fabrication system showed larger temperature change in the teeth.