The effect of irrigation on osteotomy depth and bur diameter

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Dental Materials Science
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Maintaining optimal temperature during bone surgery is crucial to prevent thermal damage.
• Existing methods for measuring bur temperature during osteotomy have limitations.
• Understanding factors influencing bur temperature is essential for improving surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a device for measuring bur temperature during osteotomy using thermocouple technology.
• To investigate the influence of bone density, osteotomy depth, and irrigation on bur temperature.
• To assess the effect of pilot drilling and osteotomy width on heat generation.

Main Methods:

• A thermocouple-based device was engineered to measure bur temperature.
• Bovine bone blocks, validated via CT scan for human mandible similarity, were used.
• Osteotomies were prepared at various depths, with and without irrigation, and with different drill sequences and widths.

Main Results:

• Bur temperature during osteotomy preparation exceeded surrounding bone temperature.
• Effective irrigation significantly reduced bur temperature.
• Bone density was a more critical factor in temperature elevation than osteotomy depth.
• Pilot drilling decreased bur temperature, while widening osteotomies increased heat generation.

Conclusions:

• The developed thermocouple device accurately measures bur temperature during osteotomy.
• Bone density is a primary determinant of thermal effects during bone drilling.
• Surgical techniques like irrigation and pilot drilling are vital for managing heat and preventing bone damage.