Temperature Changes in Cortical Bone after Implant Site Preparation Using a Single Bur versus Multiple Drilling Steps: An In Vitro Investigation

Objectives The study aims to test the hypothesis of no differences in temperature variation by using a single bur for implant site preparation as compared with conventional drilling sequence using multiple burs with incremental diameter. Materials and Methods Synthetic blocks of bone (type I density) were used for drilling procedures. Three Groups Were Evaluated Group 1 and Group 2 – drilling with three consecutive burs for a 4.1 mm cylindrical implant and for a 4.3 mm conical implant, respectively; Group 3 – drilling with a single bur for a 4.2 mm conical implant. For each group, 20 drilling procedures were performed without irrigation and 20 with external irrigation. The temperature in the cortical bone during osteotomy for implant site preparation was measured through a thermocouple. Results The mean temperatures and standard deviations for the drilling without irrigation were: 25.5 ± 1.24°C for Group 1; 28.1 ± 1.76°C for Group 2; 26.5 ± 1.79°C for Group 3. Considering the drilling with irrigation, the mean values and standard deviations were: 20.4 ± 1.17°C for Group 1; 22.2 ± 1.38°C for Group 2; 20.2 ± 0.83°C for Group 3. Groups 1 and 3 yielded similar results, while Group 2 displayed significantly higher temperature increase than the other two groups. Conclusions The single bur drilling protocol did not produce greater bone heating than the conventional protocol and may be considered a safe procedure.