The effect of different conductive substances on the response of electric pulp test

Abstract

Introduction: Effect of conductive material used in electrical pulp test and gender on the response of test is important in making the correct diagnosis. Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the influence of different water-based and gel-based materials as conductive materials and gender on the response of electric pulp test (EPT). Material and methods: In order to examine the effect of different conductive materials and gender on the response of pulp test, 40 healthy upper incisor teeth from volunteers were selected. Normal toothpaste, toothpaste with chemical content, fluoride gel, ultrasound gel, and chlorhexidine gel were applied on each tooth separately as a conductive material. Results: Compared with respect to pulpal sensory thresholds, fluoride gel was found significantly to be lower than normal toothpaste, toothpaste with reduced chemical content, and chlorhexidine gel (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between ultrasound and fluoride gels. Normal toothpaste showed a significantly lower threshold than toothpaste with reduced chemical content (p = 0.005), but significantly higher compared to ultrasound gel (p = 0.001). No significant difference was found between normal toothpaste and chlorhexidine gel. Threshold value of toothpaste with reduced chemical content was found to be significantly higher when compared with chlorhexidine and ultrasound gels (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between chlorhexidine and ultrasound gels (p = 0.013). Conclusions: It was observed that water-based gel groups produce a better conductivity than toothpastes, and gender has no significant effect on the threshold value of electric pulp test. Interface materials, which provide good current transmission will allow the most reliable EPT and possibly reduce false negative response.