Influence of changes of tooth temperature on reflex and central activity evoked by stimulation of tooth pulp...

The importance of the temperature of the dentine was studied in teeth prepared for electrical stimulation. During experiments with the mouth open, the temperature of teeth covered by cement was normal. The digastric EMG and the brainstem--evoked response following electrical stimulation of the tooth pulp as well as the threshold for eliciting a jaw-opening response remained constant throughout prolonged experiments. However, heat produced by the cement used to fixate the tooth electrodes could have damaged the tooth if the dentine temperature had exceeded 45 degrees C. A careful preparation of the tooth pulp by repeated application of thin layers of cement allowed an adequate preparation without damage to tooth pulp afferents.