Pulse oximetry as a diagnostic tool of pulpal vitality

The technology of pulse oximetry has allowed significant advances in the medical field yet its use in dentistry has been virtually unexplored. This study investigates the potential of the pulse oximeter to detect vascular integrity within the human tooth. Forty-nine young adults were evaluated for the vitality of their maxillary central incisors utilizing thermal, electrical, and oximetric techniques. The pulse oximeter was found to indicate a pulse rate and oxygen saturation reading for the vital teeth and no readings for the teeth previously endodontically treated. The accuracy of this diagnostic method supports the need for additional study in the use of the pulse oximeter to interpret the pathological processes of the pulp.