Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate thermal effects of ceramic and metal implant drills during implant site preparation using a standardised bovine model.Material and Methods: A total of 320 automated intermittent osteotomies of 10‐ and 16‐mm drilling depths were performed using zirconium dioxide‐based and stainless steel drills. Various drill diameters (2.0/ 2.2, 2.8, 3.5, 4.2 mm ∅) and different cooling methods (without/ with external saline irrigation) were investigated at room temperature (21 ± 1°C). Temperature changes were recorded in real time using two custom‐built multichannel thermoprobes in 1‐ and 2‐mm distance to the osteotomy site. For comparisons, a linear mixed model was estimated.Results: Comparing thermal effects, significantly lower temperatures could be detected with steel‐based drills in various drill diameters, regardless of drilling depth or irrigation method. Recorded temperatures for metal drills of all diameters and drilling depths using external irrigation were below the defined critical temperature threshold of 47°C, whereas ceramic drills of smaller diameters reached or exceeded the harmful temperature threshold at 16‐mm drilling depths, regardless of whether irrigation was applied or not. The results of this study suggest that the highest temperature changes were not found at the deepest point of the osteotomy site but were observed at subcortical and deeper layers of bone, depending on drill material, drill diameter, drilling depth and irrigation method.Conclusions: This standardised investigation revealed drill material and geometry to have a substantial impact on heat generation, as well as external irrigation, drilling depth and drill diameter.