Comparison of heat generation, primary stabilization, placement and removal torque values of two different burs used in dental implant placement in in vitro environment

This in vitro study aimed to compare the effects of two different drill materials (stainless steel and titanium) used in dental implant placement on temperature changes, insertion torque, removal torque, and primary stability. The study was conducted at Selçuk University Faculty of Dentistry using 21 fresh bovine rib cortical bone blocks. In each block, implant osteotomies were prepared using both drill sets, and implants of identical brand and dimensions (5,1 mm in diameter, 10 mm in length) were inserted. Bone and drill temperatures were recorded before and after each placement using a laser infrared thermometer. Insertion and removal torques were manually measured with a ratchet, while primary stability values were determined via resonance frequency analysis (RFA) using the Osstell device. Data were statistically analyzed using appropriate tests based on the distribution characteristics (independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis).According to the results, removal (reverse) torque values obtained with stainless steel drills were significantly higher than those of titanium drills (p<0,05). However, no statistically significant differences were found between the two drill sets in terms of insertion torque and primary stability (p>0,05). In the temperature analysis, although some differences were observed depending on specific drill numbers, critical temperature thresholds were not exceeded with either drill set. These findings indicate that stainless steel drills provide higher mechanical retention, while both drill types remain within safe thermal limits. In conclusion, the choice of drill material may influence certain mechanical parameters such as removal torque, but both materials can be considered safe for clinical use in implant surgery. Keywords: Dental implant, Heat generation, Osseointegration, Primary stability