Impact of Repeated Activation on Heat Output of Electric Pluggers
Abstract
Introduction: Multiple obturation techniques require reliable heat output by pluggers to thermoplasticize gutta percha to seal the root canal system. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of electrically heated plugger heat production after repeated activation cycles. Methods: The Elements Obturation Unit (Kerr Endodontics) and 15 Buchanan Heat Pluggers (Kerr Endodontics), five of each of the following sizes: XF (30/0.04), F (55/0.06), FM (55/0.08), were tested. A K-type thermocouple (Omega Engineering) connected to a 4-Channel RDXL-SD series portable thermometer/data logger (Omega Engineering) was used to record a single maximum temperature for each plugger every 25 activations, up to 1,000 activations. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Kruskal Wallis statistical test procedures were used to assess statistical significance and the Tuckey Post Hoc multiple comparison procedure was performed to compare the heat output between the three different plugger sizes. Results: 0.06 and 0.08 taper pluggers generated heat with no statistically significant changes up to 1,000 activations. 0.04 pluggers produced heat at a statistically-significant lower temperature compared to the 0.06 and 0.08 pluggers. Three of the five 0.04 taper pluggers stopped functioning before 1,000 activations (238, 313 and 421 activations, respectively). Conclusions: 0.06 and 0.08 Buchanan Heat Pluggers can reliably output heat at a level appropriate to thermoplasticize gutta percha for up to 1,000 activations. 0.04 taper pluggers produce lower temperature output and have a shorter lifespan than the 0.06 and 0.08 pluggers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1182999
Entities
People
- Anthony G Fioretti
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences