Effect of the Combination of Low-Speed Drilling and Cooled Irrigation Fluid on Intraosseous Heat Generation During Guided Surgical Implant Site Preparation: An In Vitro Study

Purpose: Investigating the effect of the combination of low-speed drilling and cooled irrigation fluid on intraosseous temperature rise during guided and freehand implant surgery. Materials and Methods: Bovine ribs were used as bone specimens. Grouping determinants were as follows: drill diameter (2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 mm), irrigation fluid temperature (10 degrees C, 15 degrees C, and 20 degrees C), and surgical method (guided and freehand). Drilling speed was 800 rpm. Results were compared with previous ones using 1200 rpm. Temperature measurements were conducted using K-type thermocouples. Results: No mean temperature change exceeded 1.0 degrees C if irrigation fluid cooled to 10 degrees C was used, regardless of the drill diameter or the surgical method, with the highest elevation being 2.10 degrees C. No significant reduction was measured when comparing groups using 15 degrees C and 20 degrees C irrigation fluids, regardless of both drill diameter and surgical method. Conclusion: The use of irrigation fluid being cooled to 10 degrees C combined with low-speed drilling (800 rpm) seems to be a safe method for implant site preparation and drilling through a drilling guide in terms of temperature control.