Thermographic-Infrared Changes During Surgical Osteotomy Influenced by the Motor Type, System, and Diameter

Thermographic-infrared changes during osteotomy surgery depend on the type of motor used, size, and system of the dental implant. This study undertakes the evaluation of these thermal variations for successful optimization of dependent surgical procedures while aiming toward reduced thermal damage to the bone tissue.

An in vitro comparative study was conducted to assess the thermographic-infrared changes during surgical osteotomy influenced by the motor type, diameter, and dental implant system. The Checklist for Reporting in vitro Studies (CRIS) guidelines were adopted to report the findings. Bones with fractures, structural damage, or anomalies were omitted. The bones were stored at -20°C, then thawed, cleaned, disinfected, and calibrated. The implant motors (Coxo, W&H, Dentflex, and Baby Driller) were calibrated for equal performance. Standardized drilling procedures were followed using initial, pilot, second, and final drills. A Fluke TiS55+ thermographic camera recorded temperature changes every 10 s, being maintained at 30 cm.

ANOVA analysis revealed significant differences in temperature variations between the implant systems and drill types (p = 0.001). The Coxo and Dentflex motors showed higher mean temperatures (26.57 and 27.65°C, respectively) compared to the W&H and Baby Driller (24.45 and 24.65°C, respectively). Regression analysis indicated that baseline (β = -0.67, p  < 0.01), pilot drill (β = 0.37, p  < 0.01), and second drill temperatures (β = 0.80, p  < 0.01) significantly influenced the final drilling temperature. However, the implant system (p = 0.39) was not a significant predictor of the final temperature.

The motor type and implant system have a major effect on the thermal changes that occur during surgical osteotomies. Clinicians should administer motor types and implant systems to minimize thermal damage to the bone; thus, the performance in dental implant surgeries can be improved. Therein, we have patient safety and longevity of dental implants.