The purpose of this study was to measure root surface temperatures while using the System B HeatSource at various temperature settings. A split-tooth model of a human maxillary central incisor was prepared with 10 thermocouples to record root surface temperatures at 1-mm increments from the root apex. A System B HeatSource model 1005 was used to warm and compact gutta-percha to within 3 mm of the working length using the Buchanan technique. Twenty obturations were recorded at each of the following temperature settings: 250 degrees, 300 degrees, 350 degrees, 400 degrees, 450 degrees, 500 degrees, 550 degrees, and 600 degrees C. Examination of the mean temperatures recorded for each position and at each temperature setting revealed that the thermocouple 5 mm from the apex (T5) detected the highest increases in root surface temperatures. Only this site exceeded the 10 degrees C rise in temperature for one full minute that could cause damage to the supporting structures. The range of instantaneous temperatures at this site was 8.85 to 12.06 degrees C, with a mean of 10.62 +/- 0.93 degrees C. The results of this in vitro study indicate that any temperature setting of the System B HeatSource at or above 250 degrees C has the potential to cause the root surface temperature to rise 10 degrees C. Whether this occurs in vivo or if it does is maintained long enough to cause any tissue damage remains to be determined.