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°C, 15°C, and 20°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°C if irrigation fluid cooled to 10°C was used, regardless of the drill diameter or the surgical method, with the highest elevation being 2.10°C. No significant reduction was measured when comparing groups using 15°C and 20°C irrigation fluids, regardless of both drill diameter and surgical method.
Conclusion: The use of irrigation fluid being cooled to 10°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.