1. Discussion
 The two samples were evaluated individually to test
thermal conductivity on the system.
 As a comparison the data was also compared to the
analytical one-dimensional heat transfer equation5:
Equation 1
 The analytical equation differs from the actual
experiment. The equation is a 1D model while the
project is 3D. Room temperature could also be a
scenario in this equation that will show difference
amongst the work as well.
Interestingly, the properties changed with repeated
measurements, which suggest that repetitive exposure to
heat is detrimental to the mineral properties As time
increased, the thermo-speed in the tooth decreased.
References
(1) Lin, M.; Liu, Q. D.; Kim, T.; Xu, F.; Bai, B. F.; Lu, T. J.
A new method for characterization of thermal properties
of Infrared Physics and Technology 2010, 53, 457-463.
(2) Lin, M.; Xu, F.; Lu, T. J.; Bai, B. F. A review of heat
transfer in human tooth—Experimental characterization
and mathematical modeling. Dental Materials 2010, 26,
501-513.
(3) Reyes-Gasga, J.; Garcia-Garcia, R.; Arellano-Jimenez,
M.; Sanchez-Pastenes, E.; Tiznado-Orozco, G.; Gil-
Chavarria, I.; Gomez-Gasga, G. Structural and thermal
behaviour of human tooth and three synthetic
hydroxyapatites from 20 to 600 c. J. Phys. D 2008, 41.
(4) Sharawy, M.; Misch, C. E.; Weller, N.; Tehemar, S.
Heat generation during implant drilling: The significance
of motor speed. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
2002, 60, 1160-1169.
(5) Özisik, M. Necati. Heat Transfer: A Basic Approach.
McGraw-Hill: New York, 1985.
Acknowledgements
Funding from NSF REU 1062873 for the REU Site:
Interfaces Surfaces: Exploring and Experiencing Science
(I SEE SCIENCE)
Funding from NIH HL 092228
Center for Optical Materials Science and Engineering
Technologies (COMSET)
Introduction
With advances in modern dentistry, it is important to study
dental thermo-mechanical reactions and thermal
properties of teeth to help in the design of new treatment
techniques such as laser assisted procedures that have now
become more prevalent.2 Extreme heat conditions may
cause mechanical and thermal damage in which the tooth
healing and survival are limited.4
Goals/ Objectives
 The goal of our study is to characterize the thermal
conductivity of human dentin.
 Measure the rate at which HT (heat transfer)
increases or decreases in the tooth sample over
periods of time.
Methodology
 Sterilization
 Embedding in Caroplastic
 Sawing and Polishing
 Testing
• Dental samples were held in place by a non-obtrusive
adhesive to help aid the heat transfer and to eliminate
dead space.
• Samples were placed on top of the hotplate that was
held at 70ºCelsius until the temperature of the base
and surface was at a constant.
• The temperature was monitored with type K
thermocouples which measure temperature changes
during the heating sequence of each tooth. The wire was
specifically located on the surface and base of the tooth.
• Three different samples of teeth were tested.
• Figure 1 are examples of three tests and an average all
three tests graphically placed in order to get a graphical
view of the difference between the tests and the average
of the specimen tested.
Results
Figure 4
Graph A Graph B
Figure 4 Graph A represents the mean rise of channel and Graph B represents the mean rise of channel 2,
both are measured with the type K thermocouples. This exemplifies the mean minimum and maximum
temperatures that are based on the HT transfer instrument equivalent to 70 deg-C Statistical comparison
was performed with one outside resource
Figure 5
EXPLAIN FIGURE 5
h
q
et
t
LC
h
p
)1()(




Heating Curve of a Full Tooth at 70 °C
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
0 100 200 300 400 500 600
Time [s]
Temperature[°C]
Average Tooth
Data
Model with
Literature Values
Model with
Corrected Values
Analytical Model
Modeling and Experimental Measurement of Thermal Diffusion Across Human Teeth Due to
Drilling and other Restorative Procedures
O. D. Turner1, L. Datko2, M. S. Kennedy3, D. Dean2
1College of Science and Technology, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX
2Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
3School of Materials Science and Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
Figure 2. Autoclaved:
Pulp removed,
Sterilized. Without the
pulp, the tooth
temperature will only
affect the mineral
properties.
Figure 3. Dentin is one
of the four major
tissues which make up
the tooth. Dentin
compensates for
enamel and is
necessary as a support.
Figure 1. Testing Method.
Thermocouples, hotplate,
and tooth sample.