Temperature changes in dental pulp associated with use of power grinding equipment on equine teeth.

The research article aims to investigate temperature variations in equine dental pulp resulting from the use of power grinding equipment during dental procedures. The key findings indicate that there are considerable differences in temperature changes, influenced by factors like the age of the horse, type of instrument used, duration of the grinding process, and whether water coolant is applied or not. The study suggests that to reduce the risk of thermal harm to the tooth, the choice of treatment time and the use of water for cooling is essential.

Research Methodology

The investigation adopted a matrix experimental design. Features of the methodology included:

• Evaluating independent variables such as the horse’s age (young or old), tooth type (premolar or molar), the grinding instrument (rotating disc or die grinder), the grinding time (15 or 20 seconds), and the presence or absence of a water coolant.
• Utilizing sound premolar and molar teeth from a 6-year-old horse and a 15-year-old horse, which had been removed postmortem. The teeth were cut parallel to the occlusal plane to facilitate placement of a mini thermocouple at the level of the dental pulp.
• Measuring the maximum temperature increase, the time to reach this maximum, and the cooling time, with 10 samples per study. The teeth were placed in a vise; the instrument was used on the tooth mimicking a clinical situation.

Findings

From the experimental outcomes, significant differences were identified based on:

• Horse age
• Type of grinding instrument used
• Duration of the grinding process
• Use or non-use of water coolant

However, there was no significant difference noticed concerning the type of tooth.

Conclusions

According to the conclusions drawn from the result, thermal injury to the dental pulp due to the use of power tools presents a notable risk to the tooth.

• This risk can be minimized or eliminated by making appropriate decisions on treatment time and by using water irrigation as a coolant during the procedure.
• The research also concluded that older horses, due to the increased thickness of their dentine, suffer less thermal damage from the frictional heat produced during grinding.