Abstract
Pulp sensitivity tests are commonly used for assessment of pulp vitality. However, indirect assessment of pulp vitality by evaluation of nerve response and subjective nature are the main limitations of these tests. Pulse oximetry is used for assessment of blood oxygen saturation in medicine, and its efficacy for assessment of pulp vitality needs to be evaluated.
Highlights
Pulp sensitivity tests are commonly used for assessment of pulp vitality
Pulse oximeter had the highest diagnostic accuracy with 95% sensitivity and 100% specificity
Pulse oximeter was the most accurate test followed by the cold test and electric pulp test (EPT)
Summary
Pulp sensitivity tests are commonly used for assessment of pulp vitality. indirect assessment of pulp vitality by evaluation of nerve response and subjective nature are the main limitations of these tests. Aim: This study aimed to assess and compare the efficacy of pulse oximeter with a modified probe, cold test, and electric pulp test for evaluation of pulp vitality in permanent immature teeth. The diagnostic accuracy of the electric pulp test was 76.2% and 92.5% in the incomplete and complete central incisors, respectively, and 76.2% and 83.7% in the incomplete and complete lateral incisors, respectively. The cold test had a diagnostic accuracy of 85% and 92.5% in the incomplete and complete central incisors, respectively, and 91.2% and 88.7% in the incomplete and complete lateral incisors, respectively. The main limitation of these tests is that they assess the neural response of dental pulp while the main indicator of pulp vitality is its blood supply.[3]. Efficacy of these tests depends on the presence of adequate number of mature neurons in the pulp tissue
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