Evaluation of Pulpal Temperature Changes in Response to Interproximal Reduction Using Oscillating System

Abstract

Background-  Non extraction treatment protocol has gained a lot of popularity over extraction for orthodontic treatment. Interproximal reduction of enamel is one such procedure that helps to do orthodontic treatment without extraction. This procedure which can be done by various techniques causes rise in temperature in the pulp chamber. Temperature change in pulp chamber during interproximal reduction has been exhibited by various studies. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the temperature changes in the pulp chamber of the various teeth during interproximal enamel reduction using IPR kit.

Aim- To determine the amount of heat produced by IPR kit (oscillating kit) during interproximal reduction and to evaluate and compare the heat generated during the IPR procedures in different teeth.

Materials- 36 extracted teeth (upper Central incisor, upper lateral incisor, upper canines, upper Ist premolar, upper 2ND premolar and lower incisor) were collected. The extracted teeth were divided into 6 groups. The teeth which are subjected to determine heat generation were isolated. A k type thermocouple wire was used to measure the temperature in the pulp chamber and the wire was inserted into the pulp chamber which was attached to a data logger. After recording the baseline temperature, interproximal enamel reduction was performed on both mesial and distal sides of the tooth during which the changes in pulp temperature were recorded in degree Celsius (°C). The temperature of all 36 teeth were recorded using the same methodology, and the temperature change was then compared and the average of temperature readings on the mesial and distal sides was calculated by adding the mesial and distal temperature readings and then dividing it by 2. The resultant reading was then subtracted from the baseline temperature in order to calculate the temperature rise.

Results- This study clearly indicates that highest temperature rise observed in the upper 2ND premolars   (group 5),  followed by upper 1ist premolar (group 4) and the least temperature rise in the upper central incisors (group 3).

Conclusion- IPR was found to be a safe adjunct procedure for orthodontic space gaining, with this study proving that the temperature rise due to the oscillating kits is safe on the dentition