Intraosseous Temperature Predictors During Osteotomy with Helix GM (Titanium) and Zi Compact Drill Systems (Zirconium): A Linear Regression Study

Background: Excessive heat during implant osteotomy adversely affects bone healing and osseointegration. It is essential to carefully study the effects of drill systems, motors, and irrigation methods on intraosseous temperature. We aim to analyze the predictors of intraosseous temperature variation during osteotomy in bovine bone blocks using the Helix GM (Titanium) and Zi Compact (Zirconium) drill systems in conjunction with three different surgical motors and irrigation conditions using a linear regression model. Materials and Methods: An in vitro experimental study was conducted at the Periodontology and Oral Implantology Laboratory of the Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal. A total of 120 bovine rib bone blocks (1.5 cm) were prepared using a standardized osteotomy protocol involving lance drills and ∅ 2 mm and ∅ 3 mm helical drills from the Zi and Helix GM compact kits (Neodent, Curitiba, Brazil). Irrigation was performed with chlorhexidine 0.12% + CPC 0.05% at ambient temperature (21 °C). Osteotomies were executed with two surgical motors (Coxo and Driller) at 1200 rpm and 35 Ncm torque. The intraosseous temperature was recorded in real time via a calibrated Fluke TiS55+ (Fluke, Everett, WA, USA) infrared thermographic camera and validated using a probe thermometer. Statistical analyses used Stata 17, applying descriptive measures, t-tests, and linear regression at 95% confidence for reliability. Results: Osteotomies without irrigation consistently resulted in slightly higher intraosseous temperatures. The Helix GM system, with the ∅ 3 mm drill and Driller motor, produced a final temperature of 29.3 °C ± 2.0. The Zi system with the lance drill and drill motor produced a maximum temperature of 32.7 °C ± 2.3. Irrigation was successful, and the elevated temperatures after irrigation were close to the surgical room temperature of 21–23 °C. Linear regression analysis showed that the drill motor produced a statistically significant decrease in temperature (−2.29 °C; 95% CI: −4.36 to −0.21; p = 0.031) while the lance drill with no additional irrigation produced a statistically significant increase in temperature (0.24 °C; 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.42; p = 0.009). Conclusions: The absence of irrigation during osteotomy significantly increased the intraosseous temperature, potentially compromising bone integrity. The use of irrigation, especially with the Driller motor, demonstrates a protective thermal effect.