Pulpar temperature changes during mechanical reduction of equine cheek teeth: comparison of different motorised dental instruments, duration of treatments and use of water cooling.
Abstract: Although equine motorised dental instruments are widely used, there is limited information on their thermal effect on teeth. The recently described variation in subocclusal secondary dentine depth overlying individual pulp horns may affect heat transmission to the underlying pulps. Objective: This study compared the effect of 3 different equine motorised dental instruments on the pulpar temperature of equine cheek teeth with and without the use of water cooling. It also evaluated the effect of subocclusal secondary dentine thickness on pulpar temperature changes. Methods: A thermocouple probe was inserted into the pulp horns of 188 transversely sectioned maxillary cheek teeth with its tip lying subocclusally. Pulpar temperature changes were recorded during and following the continuous use of 3 different equine motorised dental instruments (A, B and C) for sequential time periods, with and without the use of water cooling. Results: Using motorised dental instrument B compared with either A or C increased the likelihood that the critical temperature was reached in pulps by 8.6 times. Compared with rasping for 30 s, rasping for 45, 60 and 90 s increased the likelihood that the critical temperature would be reached in pulps by 7.3, 8.9 and 24.7 times, respectively. Thicker subocclusal secondary dentine (odds ratio [OR] = 0.75/mm) and water cooling (OR = 0.14) were both protective against the likelihood of the pulp reaching the critical temperature. Conclusions: Prolonged rasping with motorised dental instruments increased the likelihood that a pulp would be heated above the critical temperature. Increased dentinal thickness and water cooling had protective roles in reducing pulpar heating. Conclusions: Motorised dental instruments have the potential to seriously damage equine pulp if used inappropriately. Higher speed motorised dental instruments should be used for less time and teeth should be water cooled during or immediately after instrument use to reduce the risk of thermal pulpar damage.
© 2012 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2012-09-26 PubMed ID: 23009359DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00650.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Clinical Examination
- Clinical Findings
- Clinical Pathology
- Clinical Signs
- Clinical Study
- Dental Health
- Diagnosis
- Diagnostic Technique
- Disease Diagnosis
- Disease Etiology
- Disease Management
- Disease Prevention
- Disease Treatment
- Equine Health
- Equine Science
- Veterinary Care
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Practice
- Veterinary Procedure
- Veterinary Research
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
This research investigates the thermal impacts of three different motorised dental tools on horse teeth. The findings show differing chances of critical temperature being reached during treatment, with thickness of subocclusal dentine and water cooling presenting protective tendencies against too much heating in the pulp.
Study Layout and Methodology
- The study aims to study the thermal effects of various motorised dental tools on equine teeth, especially considering the variations in subocclusal secondary dentine depth overlying individual pulp horns.
- A thermocouple probe was inserted into the pulp horns of 188 sectioned maxillary cheek teeth in horses. This instrument would measure and record changes in temperature during and after the usage of three different dental tools, designated A, B, and C.
- These instruments were used continuously for varying lengths of time, and the use and outcome of water cooling was also assessed.
- The depth of the subocclusal secondary dentine was also factored into the study as it had potential to affect the outcomes.
Key Findings
- The reason for the study was the concern that these dental tools may be damaging the teeth of horses by heating the pulp above a certain temperature.
- The results indicated that different types of motorised dental instruments affect the temperature of the pulp to varying degrees. Using motorised dental instrument B was most likely to cause pulp to reach the critical temperature, 8.6 times more likely than either A or C.
- Also, the length of time using the instrument had an impact on the likelihood of reaching critical temperature, with longer durations increasingly likely to cause this.
- It was also found that thicker subocclusal secondary dentine reduced the chances of critical temperatures, as did the use of water cooling.
- Overall, the study concluded that incorrect use of these tools can negatively impact equine pulp due to overheating. Using the instrument for shorter periods and the use of water cooling can mitigate this risk.
Conclusions and Recommendations
- The study has shown the importance of understanding how these tools affect equine oral health, since its results demostrated that higher speed motorised dental instruments can potentially cause significant damage if used incorrectly.
- The researchers recommend using higher speed dental instruments for shorter periods of time, due to the risk of the pulp reaching critical temperature.
- The use of water cooling can also greatly mitigate this issue and help to prevent potential thermal pulpar damage.
Cite This Article
APA
O'Leary JM, Barnett TP, Parkin TD, Dixon PM, Barakzai SZ.
(2012).
Pulpar temperature changes during mechanical reduction of equine cheek teeth: comparison of different motorised dental instruments, duration of treatments and use of water cooling.
Equine Vet J, 45(3), 355-360.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00650.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Dental Instruments / veterinary
- Dental Pulp / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Hot Temperature
- Linear Models
- Molar / physiology
- Multivariate Analysis
- Pilot Projects
- Water
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Kley P, Frentzen M, Küpper K, Braun A, Kecsmar S, Jäger A, Wolf M. Thermotransduction and heat stress in dental structures during orthodontic debonding : Effectiveness of various cooling strategies. J Orofac Orthop 2016 May;77(3):185-93.
- Braun A, Kecsmar S, Krause F, Berthold M, Frentzen M, Frankenberger R, Schelle F. Effect of simulated pulpal fluid circulation on intrapulpal temperature following irradiation with an Nd:YVO4 laser. Lasers Med Sci 2015 May;30(4):1197-202.
- Haeussler S, Luepke M, Seifert H, Staszyk C. Intra-pulp temperature increase of equine cheek teeth during treatment with motorized grinding systems: influence of grinding head position and rotational speed. BMC Vet Res 2014 Feb 21;10:47.
- Clarysse M, Bertier P, Verpaele S, Madsen AM, Vlaminck L. Analysis of dental dust and aerosol emissions during odontoplasty: assessing potential respiratory health risks. Ann Work Expo Health 2025 Aug 1;69(7):752-764.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
