Thermographic assessment of heat generated on the root surface during post space preparation

The mechanical preparation of a post space in a root filled tooth is commonly carried out using rotating instruments in a slow handpiece. This procedure creates frictional heat which may be transferred to the root surface. In this investigation, the temperature changes on the root surface of 12 root filled, extracted human premolar teeth during preparation of post spaces were analysed using an infrared thermal imaging camera. A rotational speed of 8000 r.p.m. was used and the teeth were prepared with size 2 and 3 Peeso reamers and a red Parapost drill to the optimal length. The results indicate that very large temperatures are generated on the root surface and that this is greatest during the Parapost preparation stage. The long-term clinical effects of post space preparation by engine driven drills would warrant further investigation.