In vivo changes in dental implant temperatures during hot beverage intake: A pilot study

Purpose: The aim of this study was to measure the increase in temperature in dental implants during the intake of hot beverages in vivo. Materials and Methods: Eight successfully osseointegrated implants in 7 subjects were examined. Each subject was asked to drink the same volume of hot beverage. While drinking, temperature changes were recorded via 3 embedded thermocouples placed (i) in the implant's internal space, (ii) at the implant-abutment interface, and (iii) at the abutment. All thermocouples were linked to a computer and analyzed with appropriate software. Results: The maximum temperatures were 47.3°C at the abutment, 45.6°C at the implant's internal space, and 44.6°C at the implant-abutment interface. A linear correlation was found between the temperatures measured (i) at the implant abutment and in the implant's internal space, and (ii) at the abutment and at the abutment-implant interface. Conclusions: Further clinical studies are required to determine whether the habitual consumption of hot food and beverages may be considered a risk factor in the success of implant-supported prostheses.