An investigation of thermal stimulation in intact teeth

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the response of extracted intact teeth to thermal stimulation in terms of fluid movement, in relation to temperature change within tooth structure. Methods: Dentinal fluid movement was measured in response to thermal stimuli applied to enamel. Freshly extracted teeth with intact crowns were investigated for the effects of thermal stimulation; namely, hot water (80 °C), iced water (2 °C) and carbon dioxide dry ice (-72 °C) for 5 s application. Two capillary-based methods were used to measure fluid flow. To measure temperature changes at the dentino-enamel junction (DEJ) and pulpal wall in response to the same stimuli, fine J type thermocouples were used. Results: Th..