The Effect of Ultrasonic Post Instrumentation on Root Surface Temperature

Temperature Changes During Ultrasonic Irrigation with Different Inserts and Modes of Activation

“…Regarding the experimental setup, similar to experiments focusing on temperature increases during post removal (20), we used water bath to provide a constant environment and to simulate the heat capacity of the tissues surrounding the tooth, including periodontal ligament perfusion. In contrast, Ahmad (21) used immersion in a water bath set at 20°C and Cameron (17) placed the tooth in an air space over a water bath heated to provide a stable temperature of the thermocouples at 37°C.…”

Influence of Water Cooling on Root Surface Temperature Generated During Post Space Preparation

“…Water cooling, which is used by dentists during various procedures, is mandatory during high-speed tooth preparation, ultrasonic scaling, or ultrasonic removal of posts (9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15). We propose that water cooling should be used during post space preparation, because it significantly decreases the temperature on the external surface of the root and enhances the safety of the procedure.…”

Analysis of Temperature Rise and the Use of Coolants in the Dissipation of Ultrasonic Heat Buildup During Post Removal

“…One such in vitro study of ultrasonic heat transfer reported that 75% of samples in ceramic and stainless steel post groups showed external root temperatures that exceeded the critical threshold within the first 5 minutes, while a water spray coolant was directed to the ultrasonic tip (5). Another investigation showed heat was conducted away from the exposed post by irrigation and suction at the coronal level, while the core of the metal post continued to deliver heat to the apical dentin, acting much like a heat sink (9). Accordingly, these authors and others have warned to maximize coolant and minimize ultrasonic application time.…”

“…To date, a small number of investigators and authors have cautioned that ultrasonic energy can be harmful because intense heat can be generated within a metallic object (5)(6)(7)(8)(9).…”

“…As evidence accumulates in the literature for the considerable heat buildup and transfer that occur during ultrasonic vibration in the removal of posts, a number of studies during the past few years have cautioned the practitioner regarding the need for adequate coolant to counter heat buildup (5)(6)(7)(8)(9)12). There is far less evidence for how to reliably accomplish this goal in light of the clinical reality that many practitioners will use ultrasonic vibratory energy for various periods of time without any coolant.…”