In vitro temperatures produced by a new heated injectable gutta-percha system

In vitro intracanal temperatures produced by the injection of high-temperature thermoplasticized gutta-percha were measured. Obturations of a standard root canal were performed using an Obtura II heated gutta-percha system at temperature settings of 160, 185, and 200 degrees C. There was an increase in the recorded temperatures in the root canal for all three temperature settings with the mean temperature range from 38.52 degrees C to 61.58 degrees C. The mean temperature of the empty heating chamber was also measured and was accurately indicated on the control unit. However, the mean temperature of the gutta-percha in the heating chamber was almost 20 degrees C cooler than expected at each of the three settings. Finally, there was more than a 100 degrees C decrease in the mean temperature of the extruded gutta-percha in relation to the temperature of the gutta-percha in the heating chamber. Several clinically relevant observations were noted. Each of these observations was related to the temperature setting of the Obtura II control unit.