Comparison of Electrical, Thermal, and Pulse Oximetry Methods for Assessing Pulp Vitality in Recently Traumatized Teeth
Abstract
Pulse oximeter is a well-established and noninvasive method for measuring vascular health by evaluating oxygen saturation. This study compared the efficacy of a custom-made pulse oximeter dental probe with the electric pulp testing and thermal testing for measuring pulp vitality status of recently traumatized permanent teeth. Readings for pulp vitality for 17 recently traumatized maxillary incisors were taken with custom-made pulse oximeter dental probe (group 1), electrical pulp tester (group 2), and thermal testing (group 3) over a 6-month period. The proportion of recently traumatized teeth showing a positive responsiveness in thermal/electric pulp tests increased from no teeth showing responsiveness on day 0 to 29.4% teeth on the 28th day, 82.35% of teeth at 2 months, and 94.11% teeth at 3 months. However, pulse oximeter gave positive vitality readings that remained constant over the study period from day 0 to 6 months in all patients.
Key Words: Pulp vitality, pulse oximeter, pulse oximeter dental sensor holder, traumatized permanent teeth
Supported by the scientific research grant given by university of Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, INDIA, vide grant no. MAHER/742/2006.All the authors have financial interest in the research and hold a patent application on the device (Pulse Oximeter Dental Sensor Holder).
PII: S0099-2399(07)00065-9
doi:10.1016/j.joen.2007.01.014
© 2007 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
