Infrared thermographic evaluation of root surface during warm vertical compaction technique

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Warm vertical compaction is a common endodontic technique.
• Controlling root surface temperature is vital to prevent thermal injury.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of heat setting, plugger size, and dentin thickness on root surface temperature during warm vertical compaction.
• To identify factors influencing thermal changes in root dentin.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 96 mandibular premolars and 72 incisors.
• Tested plugger sizes (small, medium, large) and heat settings (180-250°C).
• Recorded root surface temperature using an infrared thermal camera and analyzed with multiple-linear regression.

Main Results:

• Larger pluggers significantly increased temperature at 200°C and 220°C.
• Thin dentin showed higher temperature increases at 220°C and 250°C.
• No significant interaction between 250°C and plugger size was found.

Conclusions:

• Heat setting, plugger size, and dentin thickness are critical factors affecting root surface temperature.
• Clinicians should consider these variables to minimize thermal damage during warm vertical compaction.
• Further research may explore optimal parameter combinations for safety and efficacy.