A model of temperature transients in dental implants.

Dental implants provide a continuous interface between the oral environment and the deep core structures of the jaws. Implants and trans-mucosal superstructures are primarily metal and heat conduction occurs readily. A hypothetical heat conduction model is investigated to determine the ranges of temperature gradients that might occur in implants. This model showed that a 60 degrees C heat source will cause a heat front of > or = 47 degrees C to advance > 3 mm down an implant within one second. Oral temperature transients may be a factor in implant pathology.