Impact of the Enamel Cleaning Procedure during Debonding on Endodontium Temperature: In Vitro Tests

Abstract

Interference with live tooth tissue during dental treatment affects the temperature within the pulp. The pulp is sensitive to temperature changes, which can cause its inflammation. The aim of this study was to analyze the dynamics of pulp chamber temperature changes in response to the enamel cleaning procedure after orthodontic treatment. In the presented in vitro studies, by using a thermal imaging camera, the change in the temperature of the vestibular wall of the pulp chamber of the incisors and premolars was assessed as a function of time under the influence of polishing the enamel with the silicone rubber and aluminum oxides used during the debonding procedure after completion of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. The relationship between dentin density and enamel from changing the chamber temperature was evaluated by using Micro computed tomography, microtomography (micro-CT). The maximum achieved tooth surface temperature during polishing was 52.34 °C without water cooling and 43.15 °C using water cooling. The time after which a safe pulp temperature of 40 °C was obtained without water cooling was 29.4 s, while the time with water cooling was 34.6 s. The correlation between the maximum and average temperature achieved and the density of the teeth was analyzed based on micro-CT scans. No correlation between enamel or dentin density and rise in temperature was found.