Selecting the appropriate electrode placement-site for electrical pulp testing of molar teeth

ABSTRACT

The objective of the present experimental study was to report an appropriate electrode placement site on first molar teeth. Fifty volunteers with sound mandibular and maxillary first molar teeth [without any lesion or restoration] were selected from the Dental OPD of Dept of Operative Dentistry LUMHS Jamshoro from July 2008 to June 2009. Seven sites on each tooth were tested two times. The Elements Diagnostic Unit EPT was used to record the lowest threshold response of each site. Data was analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and the tukey test. The central fossa/pit of both maxillary and mandibular first molar teeth was found to be an appropriate site for EPT testing. Whereas, the tip of mesiobuccal cusp was the second site where lowest thresh hold was found to elicit pulpal response. No significant difference was observed between male and female subjects and between mandibular and maxillary molars. The experiment showed that the central pit might be an optimum site for placement of EPT probe tip