Temperature Variations on the External Root Surface During Warm Injectable Gutta-Percha Obturation at Different...

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Warm injectable gutta-percha techniques aim for superior root canal filling.
• Excessive heat transfer during obturation can compromise periodontal tissues, exceeding the 47°C threshold.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate external root-surface temperature changes during warm gutta-percha obturation using the Woodpecker FI-G/FI-P system.
• To compare manufacturer-preset temperatures with the actual thermal output of the obturation device.

Main Methods:

• Twenty human single-rooted teeth were prepared and obturated at 180°C or 230°C.
• Infrared thermography monitored root-surface temperatures; a separate experiment measured device thermal output.

Main Results:

• The 230°C setting significantly increased middle-third root surface temperatures compared to 180°C (41.84°C vs. 36.99°C).
• Three specimens at 230°C exceeded the 47°C threshold in the middle third; device output significantly differed from preset temperatures.
• A coronal-to-middle thermal gradient reversal occurred at 230°C.

Conclusions:

• The 180°C setting provided a more predictable thermal distribution.
• The 230°C setting posed an increased risk of localized overheating in the middle root third.
• In vitro data suggest cautious temperature selection for warm gutta-percha, especially in teeth with thin dentin or complex anatomy.