Effect of preheated bulk-fill composite temperature on intrapulpal temperature increase in vitro.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of study is measurement of in vitro intrapulpal temperature increase when placing room temperature or preheated (54 degrees C and 60 degrees C) bulk-fill composite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extracted human lower third molars were selected and class II (MOD) cavities in each tooth were prepared, resulting in a remaining dentin thickness of 1 mm. A K-type thermocouple was placed inside the pulp chamber. Teeth were placed in a 37 degrees C bath, which simulated human body temperature. Teeth were restored with a bulk-fill composite that was stored at room temperature and preheated at 54 degrees C and 60 degrees C. Data were subjected to two-factor mixed-design analysis of variance using a general linear model procedure for repeated measurements. RESULTS: Stage, composite temperature, and stage-composite temperature interaction significantly affected the intrapulpal temperature values (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Preheating does not represent significant problems in terms of intrapulpal temperature increase. Even Though the preheating process results in an increase in intrapulpal temperature, this temperature increase is not the critical factor that causes harm to the pulp. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Preheating can improve material features. Benefits of improved material features are desirable to practitioners. Temperature increase is not the critical factor that harms to the pulp even if the preheating process can result with an increase in intrapulpal temperature.