Heat Generation Changes With Electrically-Heated Pluggers After Multiple Autoclave Cycles at Different Operating Temperatures
Abstract
Electrically-heated pluggers are the most commonly used instruments duringwarm obturation techniques. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of sterilization andoperating temperature settings on the heat generation of pluggers of various taper sizes.Methods: Fifty pluggers were sterilized at 270 degrees Fahrenheit (F) for 25 minutes for a totalof 150 cycles. Group 1 consisted of 25 pluggers tested at an operating temperature setting of200C whereas group 2 consisted of 25 pluggers tested at 400C. The heat generation at theirtip surface was measured with T-type thermocouples at 0, 50, 100, and 150 autoclave cycles.Unpaired t-test was used to compare the time it took the pluggers to reach 60C and the meanmaximum temperature change. After 50 autoclave cycles, all of the 0.04 pluggers ingroup 1 failed to reach 60C. After 150 autoclave cycles, some of the 0.10 taper (5/15) and 0.12taper (1/15) pluggers in group 1 did not reach 60C. The mean increase in time to reach 60Cranged between 723 to 3925 milliseconds and 322 to 1520 milliseconds for groups 1 and 2,respectively. The mean maximum temperature change decreased between 12 and 30C and 25and 116C for groups 1 and 2, respectively. After multiple autoclave cycles andhigher operating temperature utilization, the electrically-heated pluggers transferred less heat tothe tip surface potentially making them less effective.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1127826
Entities
People
- James Mcpherson
- Joseph M. Dutner
- Matthew B. Phillips
- Mauro Jr Correa
- Stephanie J. Sidow