In the world of dental research, advanced equipment is essential to ensure the quality and durability of materials used by dentists. One important tool at the Integrated Research Laboratory (LRT) of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), is Thermocycling, a device designed to test the resistance of dental materials to extreme temperature changes.
Ari Jimi, a laboratory technician at FKG UGM, explained that Thermocycling simulates conditions in the oral cavity, where temperatures can change rapidly and repeatedly, for instance, when a person consumes very hot food or drink, then switches to cold items. “This device is often used in dental material research to evaluate the stability and durability of dental filling materials or restorative materials against extreme temperature changes,” said Ari Jimi.
This device is crucial in testing various types of restorative materials, such as dentures and dental crowns. Through Thermocycling, researchers can observe physical and chemical changes in these materials, such as cracking, color change, or loss of mechanical strength due to extreme temperatures. This function is vital to ensure that the materials used in dental practice have sufficient durability before being clinically implemented on patients.
Ari Jimi mentioned that one of the standout features of Thermocycling is its ability to perform temperature cycles with high precision. This device can create temperatures ranging from 4°C to 50°C.
The Thermocycling device at the Integrated Research Laboratory of FKG UGM was designed and developed by laboratory technicians. The construction and development of this device were fully funded by the Faculty of Dentistry UGM. The prototype of the thermocycling device has now undergone its third development.
“We continuously refine the design of the robotic arm, temperature settings, and various other configurations to improve the data obtained in research and to achieve a stable and accurate device,” said Ari Jimi.
Thermocycling has expedited the research process at FKG UGM, particularly in material testing. This device is a vital part of ensuring that dental material research leads to innovations that are not only reliable but also ready for everyday clinical application.
With the existence of Thermocycling, FKG UGM further strengthens its position as a dental research center committed to producing high-quality and innovative research to improve dental health services in Indonesia.
Contributors: Ari Jimi | Editor: Fajar Budi H.
