The effect of dentin desensitizers on thermal changes in the pulp chamber during fabrication of provisional restorations.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of two dentin desensitizers on the pulp chamber temperature increase during fabrication of provisional restorations by a direct method. Sixty intact extracted mandibular third molars were prepared for a metal-ceramic complete crown. Then the teeth were randomly divided into three groups of 20 each. Group 1, no dentin desensitizer was used as the control group; group 2, a resin-based dentin desensitizer was selected; and group 3, the prepared teeth surfaces were coated with polyurethane cyanoacrylate adhesive. Each of the three groups was further divided into two polymerizing systems (autopolymerizing and a photopolymerizing) of 10 each. After insertion of the resin-filled matrix, the temperature change in the pulpal chamber was recorded with thermocouple connected to a data logger. anova indicated no significant differences for all combinations of desensitizing agents and curing methods (P > 0.05). When light cured composite or chemical curing acrylics were used to make temporary crowns, the presence of desensitizing agent did not reduce the temperature transmitted from the provisional material; the residual temperature rise transmitted was of such a magnitude as to cause concern regarding possible thermal injury to pulp.