Intrapulpal temperature increases with temporary crown and bridge materials.
The exothermic setting reaction of provisional composites and acrylics that occurs during the intraoral fabrication of temporary crowns or bridges may cause a significant heat buildup. Intrapulpal temperature increases of 5.5 degrees C may elicit a marked intrapulpal response, both immediately and after prolonged intervals. This study compared the maximum intrapulpal temperature increase associated with the exothermic setting reaction of six temporary crown and bridge materials. The roots of a mandibular molar were prepared for a full crown and suspended in a water bath. A peristaltic pump perfused the pulp chamber with water (37.0 degrees C), simulating a blood flow of 40-50 mL/100 g of tissue/min. Maximum temperature increases among groups were compared using a one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD post hoc test (alpha = 0.05).