Evaluating The Increase And Distribution Of Temperature During Dental Drilling Using A Thermal Imaging Camera

One of the many advantageous dental procedures for a patient with a damaged tooth and crown is the process of making a dowel core (post). In preparation for a post procedure, a drill or specific reamer on the dental drill is required. In some cases, the rotary speeds from these drills can cause dangerously high temperatures, which can permanently damage bone tissue as they increase the denaturation of hard tissue proteins. This can also lead to thermal damage to surrounding tissues such as the cementum, periodontium, and alveolar bone. This article discusses research on drilling techniques in a lab setting, with thermal measurements taken with a high-speed FLIR SC6000 thermal camera. Download the full paper for more on how infrared technology is used to study the optimal method for post space preparation of teeth.