Electric pulp test
Encyclopedia
In dentistry
, an electric pulp test ascertains the vitality
of a tooth
.
An electric pulp test consists of the following: An electric pulp tester is placed on the tooth to be tested along with a drop of conducting paste. The electric current is gradually increased until the patient signals a sensation, which consists of clicking or buzzing in the tooth. The test is repeated on neighboring teeth and often on the corresponding contralateral tooth. The lowest perceptible current is recorded for each tooth.
No response from a tooth generally indicates pulpal necrosis
or dental abscess, which suggests root canal therapy or dental extraction. A very quick response compared to the adjacent teeth generally indicates pulpitis
and presages pulp death. Similar response to neighboring teeth suggests a healthy tooth.
Dentistry
Dentistry is the branch of medicine that is involved in the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body. Dentistry is widely considered...
, an electric pulp test ascertains the vitality
Vitality
-Vitality:Etymology: From Latin vita , which means life.Outside of its own existence or source, life is only recognized through some form of expression or dynamic...
of a tooth
Tooth
Teeth are small, calcified, whitish structures found in the jaws of many vertebrates that are used to break down food. Some animals, particularly carnivores, also use teeth for hunting or for defensive purposes. The roots of teeth are embedded in the Mandible bone or the Maxillary bone and are...
.
An electric pulp test consists of the following: An electric pulp tester is placed on the tooth to be tested along with a drop of conducting paste. The electric current is gradually increased until the patient signals a sensation, which consists of clicking or buzzing in the tooth. The test is repeated on neighboring teeth and often on the corresponding contralateral tooth. The lowest perceptible current is recorded for each tooth.
No response from a tooth generally indicates pulpal necrosis
Necrotic pulp
Necrotic pulp is a finding in dentistry to describe dental pulp within a tooth which has become necrotic. It is a finding of interest to dentists as the process of pulp death may be painful causing a toothache....
or dental abscess, which suggests root canal therapy or dental extraction. A very quick response compared to the adjacent teeth generally indicates pulpitis
Pulpitis
- Symptoms :Increased sensitivity to stimuli, specifically hot and cold, is a common symptom of pulpitis. A prolonged throbbing pain may be associated with the disease...
and presages pulp death. Similar response to neighboring teeth suggests a healthy tooth.