Journal of Endodontics
Volume 22, Issue 4 , Pages 182-184, April 1996

Use of an electronic apex locator on a cardiac pacemaker patient*

  • Curt W. Beach, DDS, LCDR/DC

      Affiliations

    • Dr. Beach is a former resident (and is now a staff endodontist at the Naval Dental Center, Great Lakes, IL) Endodontics Department, Naval Dental School, Bethesda, MD
    • ,
  • J. Douglas Bramwell, DDS, CAPT/DC

      Affiliations

    • Dr. Bramwell is a staff member, Endodontics Department, Naval Dental School, Bethesda, MD.
    • ,
  • Jeffrey W. Hutter, DMD, CAPT/DC

      Affiliations

    • Dr. Hutter is chairman, Endodontics Department, Naval Dental School, Bethesda, MD.
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress requests for reprints to Captain Jeffrey W. Hutter, DC, USN, Endodontics Department, Naval Dental School, National Naval Dental Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20889-5602.

Modern cardiac pacemakers are complex and heterogenous devices. The potential effect of electrically powered instruments on a patient's pacemaker function must be carefully evaluated before treatment. Interference with the pacemaker's function by the instrument depends on the specific type of pacemaker placed and the patient's dependence on it. A case is presented in which an electronic apex locator was used on a patient with a pacemaker, despite the manufacturer's written warning to the contrary. The patient's cardiologist was consulted before treatment.

No full text is available. To read the body of this article, please view the PDF online.

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 20.00 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

* The assertions contained herein are those of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the Department of the Navy. Department of Defense, or the United States Government.

PII: S0099-2399(96)80097-5

doi:10.1016/S0099-2399(96)80097-5

Journal of Endodontics
Volume 22, Issue 4 , Pages 182-184, April 1996

Article Tools