Comparison of Heat-testing Methodology

作者：Bierma Mark M; McClanahan Scott; Baisden Michael K; Bowles Walter R^*

来源：Journal of Endodontics, 2012, 38(8): 1106-1109.

DOI：10.1016/j.joen.2012.04.028

• Electronic probe
• gutta-percha
• injury
• thermocouple
• tooth

Introduction: Patients with irreversible pulpitis occasionally present with a chief complaint of sensitivity to heat. To appropriately diagnose the offending tooth, a variety of techniques have been developed to reproduce this chief complaint. Such techniques cause temperature increases that are potentially damaging to the pulp. Newer electronic instruments control the temperature of a heat-testing tip that is placed directly against a tooth. The aim of this study was to determine which method produced the most consistent and safe temperature increase within the pulp. This consistency facilitates the clinician's ability to differentiate between a normal pulp and irreversible pulpitis. Methods: Four operators applied the following methods to each of 4 extracted maxillary premolars (for a total of 16 trials per method): heated gutta-percha, heated ball burnisher, hot water, and a System B unit or Elements unit with a heat-testing tip. Each test was performed for 60 seconds, and the temperatures were recorded via a thermocouple in the pulp chamber. Analysis of the data was performed by using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: The least consistent warming was found with hot water. The heat-testing tip also demonstrated greater consistency between operators compared with the other methods. Hot water and the heated ball burnisher caused temperature increases high enough to damage pulp tissue. Conclusions: The Elements unit with a heat-testing tip provides the most consistent warming of the dental pulp. (J Endod 2012;38:1106-1109)

• 出版日期2012-8