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Does dental fluorosis affect electric pulp test response and/or optimum probe placement site?
Paul I Idon1, Patricia N Nwamba2, Christopher I Udoye3
1Department of Dental Surgery, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Borno State, Maiduguri, Nigeria.
Summary
Electric pulp testing (EPT) reveals higher thresholds on fluorotic teeth at the incisal edge and incisal third. The incisal edge consistently yielded lower thresholds for both fluorotic and normal teeth.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Dental Diagnostics
- Endodontics
Background:
- The electric pulp tester (EPT) is crucial for assessing pulp vitality.
- Probe placement significantly influences EPT threshold values.
- Fluorosis can alter tooth sensitivity and EPT readings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine and compare EPT threshold levels.
- To identify optimal EPT probe placement sites on fluorotic versus normal teeth.
Main Methods:
- Assessed fluorotic and non-fluorotic maxillary central incisors in 40 subjects.
- Recorded mean EPT threshold readings from labial surfaces at incisal edge, incisal, middle, and cervical thirds.
- Employed Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman ANOVA with post hoc tests for statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher EPT thresholds were observed for fluorotic teeth at the incisal edge and incisal third.
- The incisal edge consistently showed the lowest thresholds for both fluorotic and non-fluorotic teeth.
- No significant differences in thresholds were found between genders or age groups at corresponding sites.
Conclusions:
- Tooth fluorosis impacts EPT threshold values, particularly at incisal aspects.
- The incisal edge appears to be a more sensitive site for EPT application.
- Findings aid in accurate pulp vitality assessment in teeth with fluorosis.
