Introduction: Excessive heat generation at the implant bone interface may compromise osseointegration and cause implant failure. Dental implants are composed of metal, which is an excellent thermal conductor. Thus, ingestion of hot substances may cause a rise in temperature along the implant, which might damage its anchorage to the surrounding tissues. Objectives: The aim of this study was to measure the increase in temperature in dental implants during intake of hot beverages. Methods: Eight successfully osseointegrated implants of seven subjects were examined. Each subject was asked to drink the same volume of hot beverage. While drinking, temperature changes were recorded via three embedded thermocouples linked to a computer with data recording and analysis software. One was placed in the internal space of the implant, the second at the implant-abutment interface, and the third - attached to the abutment. Results: The highest temperature measured in the internal space was 45¢ªC; a temperature of above 42¢ªC was recorded in the internal space of three implants. A maximum temperature of 44.6¢ªC was recorded at the implant-abutment interface; in four implants the maximum temperature was above 42¢ªC. In all three thermocouples the temperature was maintained at above 40¢ªC for a longer interval in posterior implants than in anterior ones (p<0.05). A linear correlation was found between the temperature measured at the abutment and that of the implant internal space (correlation coefficient = 0.868). Conclusion: Our finding that the temperature in dental implants is elevated during intake of hot beverages, leads us to assume that for successful osseointegration, it would be prudent to abstain from hot liquids after implant insertion. Our observations merit further in vitro and in vivo investigation to validate this hypothesis.

Back to the Scientific Program Program
Back to the Joint Meeting of the Continental European, Israeli, and Scandinavian (NOF) Divisions of the IADR (August 25 -- 28, 2004)

Top Level Search