Accuracy of Digital Settings of Endodontic Heat Pluggers

Abstract

Confidence in the temperature of the electronic heat plugger is paramount to the provider to ensure proper heating of the gutta percha while minimizing risk for tissue damage. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of the digital setting on three electronic obturation units (System-B, Calamus Dual, and Elements) and secondarily, determine if the manufacturer, position from the tip, or the size and taper influence the heating of the electronic plugger. Methods: Three obturation units with corresponding pluggers were tested for accuracy of the display setting of 200 C. The temperatures were measured by a 4-Channel RDXL-SD Series portable thermometer (Omega Engineering Inc, Stamford, CT) with thermocouples in a custom 3-D printed jig. Measurements were recorded at four positions: the tip and 3.0mm, 5.0 mm, and 8.0 mm. Temperature measurements were acquired every second for 4or 5 seconds with the maximum temperature reached used for data analysis. One variable T-test was used to compare the actual temperatures to display temperature. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD for post hoc comparisons were used for secondary comparisons (p < 0.05). Results: A statistically significant difference between the plugger temperature and the display setting for all pluggers and units was found (p < 0.001). Statistical analysis revealed the Elements and System-B heated significantly higher at 0 and 3 mm compared to 5 and 8 mm (p < 0.05). Additionally, Calamus Dual data revealed no difference at the varying distances. Statistical analysis revealed the following relating to plugger size. The ML plugger was shown to have a statistically significant lower temperature than the other pluggers when tested in the System B unit. The XF plugger was shown to have a statistically significant lower temperature than the other pluggers when tested in the Elements unit.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 08, 2018
Accession Number
AD1128555

Entities

People

  • Kyle T. Nelson

Organizations

  • Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Alveolar Bone
  • Analysis Of Variance
  • Blood Flow
  • Bones
  • Cardiovascular Physiological Processes
  • Continuous Waves
  • Data Analysis
  • Data Science
  • Engineering
  • Experimental Design
  • Heat Energy
  • Information Science
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Plant Exudates
  • Root Canal
  • Social Sciences
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Surface Temperature
  • Teeth
  • Three Dimensional

Readers

  • Battery Technology and Engineering
  • Regression Analysis.
  • Thermal Physics or Thermal Science.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems