Heat Production and Drill Wear Following Osseous Resective Surgery: A Preliminary In Vitro SEM Study Comparing Piezosurgery and Conventional Drilling

The aim of this pilot in vitro study was to evaluate material wear and temperature variations after using conventional rotating bur and piezosurgical insert for osseous resective surgery in bovine bone blocks under physiologic irrigation. Wear evaluation was carried out by measuring cutting time, and wear mechanisms were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Time analysis showed greater material wear and higher heat production with the piezoelectric insert. However, temperatures remained below values of clinical concern even after a cutting time of 20 minutes. Conversely, bone surface appeared irregular in shape with bone debris and signs of thermal damage on the bur-drilled surface, probably due to the more traumatic action of the diamond-coated bur.