The Importance of Heat Control During Dental Implant Positioning: An In Vitro Thermal Analysis

The use of thermal analysis in dental implant procedures marks a significant advancement, allowing the study of temperature changes during implant placement. Research has demonstrated the value of thermal imaging in assessing tissue health, detecting early damage, and understanding biomechanical interactions during these procedures. The study involved testing the heat generated when screwing titanium dental implants (Diagram, Schutz-Dental GmbH, Rosbach, Germany) into resin D3 bone-like blocks that mimic bone′s mechanical properties. Various screwing protocols were evaluated, considering the presence or absence of lubricant, the type of instrument used (manual or micromotor), and the number of revolutions. Temperature changes on the surface of the implant were monitored with a microbolometric infrared camera, FLIR A40. In total, 24 implants were placed using different protocols. Results indicated that the highest temperature rises occurred during manual screwing without physiological solution, especially in undersized preparation sites where friction was increased. Adding lubrication significantly lowered the surface temperature, although water buildup affected measurement accuracy. Overall, the findings showed that screwing speed, lubrication, and preparation size influence thermal behavior during implant placement. The study concludes that thermal analysis is essential for understanding dental implant procedures, with thermocameras providing a noninvasive method for examining thermal dynamics during insertion. This can lead to improved implant designs and techniques that reduce thermal damage to surrounding tissues, thereby enhancing success rates and safety. The research emphasizes the need for further in vivo studies, the development of new materials for drills and implants, and personalized drilling protocols based on patient-specific factors. It also highlights the importance of education and training on thermal analysis for dental professionals and considers regulatory and ethical issues in advancing these technologies.