Heat Generation During Initial Osteotomy for Implant Site Preparation: An In Vitro Measurement Study

INTRODUCTION: Controlling temperature generation during implant site preparation is important to prevent implant early failure. AIM: The present in vitro study aimed at measuring temperature variation generated during the initial osteotomy using both rotatory and piezo-surgical inserts. METHODS: Nine groups were defined according to drill and insert type, cooling volume (mL/min) and cooling temperature. A total of 315 implant site preparations were performed in an artificial bone sample and the temperature was measured using an infrared camera. Drills’ wear was assessed using scanning electron microscopy at baseline and after 10 and 35 utilizations. RESULTS: Piezo-surgical insert groups determined a temperature increase that was significantly higher than the one generated by rotatory drills groups (p < 0.001). When considering rotatory drills groups a temperature ≥ 40 °C was never recorded. CONCLUSION: Lower saline temperature implied a significant temperature decrease (p < 0.001), while the increase in cooling volume did not imply a temperature decrease. The scanning electron microscopy analysis of the drills demonstrated that little drill wear occurred up to 35 utilization times.