Evaluation of Three Pulp Vitality Tests
Columbia University
Summary
The objectives of this study are to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of laser Doppler flowmetry in determining the vitality of teeth and comparing with those of electric pulp testing and cold testing.
Description
Prior to starting any endodontic treatment, it is essential to determine the vitality of the tooth in question. Vitality of a tooth is defined as the presence of blood flow into the tooth. The vitality status of a tooth will affect the success of endodontic treatment, and therefore plays an important role in treatment planning. Two established methods of determining vitality are electric pulp tests and cold tests. However, both these methods have drawbacks. Both methods use the presence of sensory feedback in the tooth as a predictor of tooth vitality. This can lead to errors because blood flo…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Criteria for inclusion in the study will be that the individual has teeth that require endodontic treatment and patient is willing to undergo two additional vitality tests which will take about 20 minutes of additional time. Exclusion Criteria: * No group of special subjects or vulnerable population is being targeted in this study.
Interventions
- DeviceLaser Doppler Flowmetry
Pulp vitality of teeth is tested with three pulp vitality testing including laser Doppler flowmetry, cold testing, and electric pulp testing.
Location
- Columbia University Irving Medical CenterNew York, New York