Tolga YILMAZ, Saim YANIK
Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care - 2026;7(3):562-568
Aims: Thermal trauma during implant site preparation may adversely affect bone vitality and compromise osseointegration. Drilling parameters such as angulation and depth are considered important factors influencing heat generation in bone during implant surgery. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of different off-axis osteotomy angulations and depths on intraosseous temperature changes during implant site preparation. Methods: This in vitro experimental study was conducted using fresh bovine femur cortical bone specimens. Implant osteotomies were performed at three different off-axis osteotomy angulations (0 derece, 17 derece, and 30 derece) and four measurement depths (0, 9, 11, and 13 mm). Temperature changes were recorded using K-type thermocouple sensors positioned 1 mm from the drilling site. Drilling was performed for a standardized duration under constant irrigation. The maximum temperature reached at each depth and angle was recorded and statistically analyzed. Results: The mean intraosseous temperature increased from 35.69 dereceC, 35.68 dereceC, and 35.79 dereceC at baseline to 41.45 dereceC, 41.86 dereceC, and 42.37 dereceC at 13 mm for the 0 derece, 17 derece, and 30 derece groups, respectively. Temperature increased significantly with depth in all groups (p<0.05), except between 11 and 13 mm in the 17 derece (p=0.091) and 30 derece (p=0.138) groups. At 11 and 13 mm, temperatures were significantly higher in the 17 derece and 30 derece groups than in the 0 derece group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, increased drilling angulation and depth were found to significantly elevate intraosseous temperature during implant site preparation. These findings suggest that drilling geometry should be carefully considered during implant site preparation to help control temperature elevation.
