Generated heat at implant site during gradual and single-drill protocols among Indian patients

Excessive heat generation during bone drilling for dental implant placement is a known risk factor for bone necrosis and delayed healing. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate the maximum change in temperature during and after preparation of the implant site for an implant diameter of 4.2 using gradual drilling and single drilling protocols. Hence, 26 artificial bone blocks with d1 density were divided into two groups where the group I had 13 sites prepared using a single drill and for group II bone blocks, 13 implant sites were prepared with the gradual drill protocol using 5 drills. The drill was done at room temperature with 1500 rpm using constant saline irrigation of 50ml/min. The maximum change in temperature was assessed using an intraoral camera. The data collected were statistically evaluated and results were formulated. Data shows that temperature change was significantly higher in group II where a gradual drill protocol was done compared to group I with a single drill protocol for placing the dental implant of diameter 4.2.Considering its limitations, the present in-vitro assessment concludes that a single drill protocol for preparing an osteotomy site for placing a dental implant of diameter 4.2 generates lesser heat than conventional gradual drilling protocols.