The Effect of Locally Applied Heat on Mandible Growth

Abstract

The mandibles of 14 rabbits were heated locally. Most of the animals received 54 - 60 hrs. of heating. The temperature of the heated mandible was amintained at an increase of 5[degree]F over the unheated side. In some mandibles, the heated sides showed an increase in the postero-inferior border of the ramus over the unheated sides and the unoperated controls. In some of the animals, ridges of bone formed about the periphery of the heated capsule. This inconsistency plus the consistently greater size of both sides of the experimental mandibiles over the unoperated controls suggest that factors other than heat may be responsible for the changes.