Review of pulp sensibility tests. Part ΙΙ: electric pulp tests and test cavities

Abstract

The electric pulp test (EPT) is one type of pulp sensibility test that can be used as an aid in the diagnosis of the status of the dental pulp. However, like thermal pulp sensibility tests, it does not provide any direct information about the vitality (blood supply) of the pulp or whether the pulp is necrotic. The relevant literature on pulp sensibility tests in the context of endodontics up to January 2009 was reviewed using PubMed and MEDLINE database searches. This search identified articles published between November 1964 and January 2009 in all languages. The EPT is technique sensitive, and false responses may occur. Various factors can affect the test results, and therefore it is important that dental practitioners understand the nature of these tests and how to interpret them. Test cavities have been suggested as another method for assessing the pulp status; however, the use of this technique needs careful consideration because of its invasive and irreversible nature. In addition, it is unlikely to be useful in apprehensive patients and should not be required because it provides no further information beyond what thermal and electric pulp sensibility tests provide - that is, whether the pulp is able to respond to a stimulus. A review of the literature and a discussion of the important points regarding these two tests are presented.

Comparison of the Efficacy of a Custom-made Pulse Oximeter Probe with Digital Electric Pulp Tester, Cold Spray, and Rubber Cup for Assessing Pulp Vitality

“…Children and teenagers were excluded from the study because the patient response in this group may be unreliable (1,33). With elderly patients, a decrease in nervous elements, a decrease in pulp volume, and some changes in interstitial tissues may cause false responses (2,34). Extensive restorations and pulp calcification may be considered other limitations in the reliability of sensitivity tests in these patients (35).…”

“…Some other factors that may influence study results are the sex of the patients, the pathology of the teeth, the health status of the subjects (eg, infection, fever, and so on), the differential diagnosis of vital pulps and necrotic ones, the history of the teeth, and so on (1,2). An important part of this study was to make a specific dental probe for application of pulse oximetry in pulp diagnosis.…”

“…For this purpose, various methods have been proposed including sensitivity tests and vitality tests (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). Although these tests alone are not sufficient for a true diagnosis, they can prepare beneficial information in the procedure of diagnosis (6,7).…”

Pulp regeneration by transplantation of dental pulp stem cells in pulpitis: a pilot clinical study

“…The EPT can only be used to determine whether or not there is viable tissue in the root canal and cannot be used to determine the degree of pulp disease or vitality [16–18]. Furthermore, no studies have demonstrated any utility of the readings or numerical display [19]. On the other hand, pulp vitality tests to analyze the presence of pulp blood flow by laser Doppler flow or pulse oximetry are considered as better methods of gauging pulp health than sensibility tests [14, 20].…”

Comparison of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography and Periapical Radiography in Predicting Treatment Decision for Periapical Lesions: A Clinical Study

“…Current diagnostic methods help in fair assessment of accurate size and nature of a periapical lesion which determine the treatment and prognosis of the tooth in question [3–5]. Making the correct pulpal and periapical diagnosis is helpful for treatment and prognosis of the tooth [1].…”