Determining the temperature rise in the pulp and at the root surface during pin hole drilling and placing of dentine pins

The purpose of this study was to determine the temperature at specific sites in the pulp and periodontium during consecutive dentine pin placement. Twenty extracted human permanent lower first molar teeth were used, cut flat at a depth of 2 mm from the occlusal surface and Titanium pins of medium size placed 1 mm inside the dentinoenamel junction. The middle of the mesial root, mesial apex and the bifurcation were sites of evaluation of the temperature of the periodontium using a thermocouple. Measurements of the temperature change in the pulp chamber were also performed. Consecutive hole drilling and placing of four pins caused a statistically significant increase in temperature in the pulp chamber, but failed to show a significant temperature rise at the root surface. The maximum temperature rises were below those reported to threaten pulpal and periodontal health.