Evaluation of heat conduction in dental implants after exposure to hot beverages.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM It is unknown if the consumption of hot beverages after implant placement poses a danger of overheating at the bone-implant interface. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of simulated consumption of hot beverages on the heat transfer to different dental implant types, implant sizes, and the presence of an interim restoration. MATERIAL AND METHODS A model that consisted of 2 plastic containers was constructed to simulate the oral cavity and endosseous region of the jaw. One-piece and 2-piece implants with abutments were placed into a block of bovine mandibular bone without any healing tissue, surrounded by water maintained at 37°C in the lower compartment. The abutments, which extended into the upper container, were covered with water heated to 60°C to simulate consumption of a hot substance and then were cooled down spontaneously to 37°C during 100 to 600 seconds. Five thermocouple electrodes with an accuracy of ±0.1°C were attached to each test specimen and to a computer with data recording and analysis software to record temperature changes. Repeated measures ANOVA (α=.05)was performed to determine the effect of each major factor. RESULTS Heat conduction from the abutment exposed to hot liquid was significantly higher in the cervical as opposed to the apical areas of the implants. Implant type (1 piece), diameter (wider), and the absence of an interim coping had a significant effect on the maximum temperature measured and on the temperature change rate. CONCLUSIONS Abutment exposure to hot liquids resulted in heat conduction to the cervical region of the implant, which could be biologically harmful in healing tissues. Heat conduction was mitigated by implant design and diameter, and by the presence of an interim prosthesis. Results may differ in clinical models.