Effect of Ceramic and Dentin Thicknesses and Type of Resin-Based Luting Agents on Intrapulpal Temperature Changes during Luting of Ceramic Inlays

The adhesive cementation of ceramic inlays may increase pulpal temperature (PT) and induce pulpal damage due to heat generated by the curing unit and the exothermic reaction of the luting agent (LA). The aim was to measure the PT rise during ceramic inlay cementation by testing different combinations of dentin and ceramic thicknesses and LAs. The PT changes were detected using a thermocouple sensor positioned in the pulp chamber of a mandibular molar. Gradual occlusal reduction obtained dentin thicknesses of 2.5, 2.0, 1.5, and 1.0 mm. Light-cured (LC) and dual-cured (DC) adhesive cements and preheated restorative resin-based composite (RBC) were applied to luting of 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 mm lithium disilicate ceramic blocks. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to compare the thermal conductivity of dentin and ceramic slices. Although ceramic reduced heat delivered by the curing unit, the exothermic reaction of the LAs significantly increased it in each investigated combination (5.4–7.9 °C). Temperature changes were predominantly influenced by dentin thickness followed by LA and ceramic thickness. Thermal conductivity of dentin was 24% lower than that of ceramic, and its thermal capacity was 86% higher. Regardless of the ceramic thickness, adhesive inlay cementation can significantly increase the PT, especially when the remaining dentin thickness is <2 mm.