In vitro infrared thermographic assessment of root surface temperature rises during thermafil retreatment using system B.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to measure the temperature rise on the outer root surface during retreatment of Thermafil using the System B HeatSource. Twenty extracted human maxillary premolars were filled with Thermafil with plastic carriers and divided into two groups of 10 teeth each. In group 1, Thermafil obturators were retrieved using System B HeatSource fitted with a medium plugger at a temperature of 225 degrees C. The plugger was placed first on the buccal, then on the lingual of the plastic carrier for 5 s each. This melted the gutta-percha and softened the plastic carrier. In group 2, Thermafil obturators were retrieved in the same manner except that the heated plugger was placed for 8 s. The temperature changes on the outer root surfaces were recorded using a thermal imaging camera. Thermafil retreatment in vitro using a System B HeatSource causes temperature rises ranging from 26.7 degrees C to 46.0 degrees C. This finding could possibly have implications for creating injury of the periodontal tissues.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes