Referred pain is associated with greater odontogenic spontaneous pain and a heightened pain sensitivity in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis often results in heightened reactions to thermal stimuli such as pain evoked by a cold stimulus, and spontaneous odontogenic pain (unprovoked pain). OBJECTIVE: This study primarily compared the clinical manifestations of odontogenic spontaneous pain and pain provoked by cold stimulus specifically focusing on their sensory discriminative characteristics (intensity, duration and quality) between symptomatic irreversible pulpitis patients with and without referred pain. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with referred pain and 12 patients without referred pain were included in this cross-sectional study. The following outcomes were assessed: odontogenic spontaneous pain and its descriptors; pain evoked by cold stimulus and qualitative sensory testing before and after local anaesthesia; referred pain location; use of analgesic medication; complementary anaesthesia efficacy. T-test, chi-squared and McNemar tests were applied to the data (p < .50). RESULTS: Patients with referred pain presented a greater odontogenic pain intensity (p < .05) when considered the average of the last 24 h. These patients also showed higher pain rating and pain descriptors (p < .05). Intensity and duration of the pain evoked by cold stimulus in the non-affected contralateral tooth at baseline were higher for patients with referred pain (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis patients with referred pain present greater odontogenic spontaneous pain and a heightened pain sensitivity. Therefore, patients with referred pain seem more complex from a pain severity perspective, supporting the clinical utility of discriminating symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with and without referred pain.

Effect of orthodontic space closure on dental pulp sensitivity. Prospective clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is a biological process that can influence the function of the pulp, including its innervation. The excitability of the nerve fibres of the pulp may be altered by forces exerted on the nerve fibres or by reduced blood flow to the pulp. The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the sensitivity of the dental pulp during levelling and during the phase of space closure, to assess the role of certain controlled risk factors. METHODS: Twenty-two adolescent participants requiring orthodontic space closure in transcanine sector were enrolled in a prospective clinical study. Patients were observed before OTM, after levelling and 1 month during active space closure. The sensitivity threshold of the pulp was measured using the electric pulp test (EPT). Dental models were obtained using an intraoral scanner, allowing measurement of interdental distances and calculation of OTM speed. The teeth were categorized according to position and tooth type. RESULTS: The EPT values increased significantly during orthodontic treatment (one-way RM-ANOVA, P = .014). There was a significant difference in EPT values between the tooth categories. Teeth with a single root adjacent to the residual space had the highest EPT thresholds (two-way RM-ANOVA, P < .001; Holm-Sidak, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: OTM reduced pulpal sensitivity. Pulpal sensitivity during active space closure was similar to sensitivity during the levelling phase. The pulpal sensitivity of molars was less affected by OTM than that of single-rooted teeth, while teeth closer to the gap had a significantly higher pulpal sensitivity threshold during active OTM.

Epidermoid cyst in the right mandible: a case report and literature review / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To discuss the possible etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of epidermoid cysts of the jaw and to provide a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.@*Methods@#A case of an epidermoid cyst in the right mandible with retained deciduous teeth and succedaneous impacted teeth was reviewed and analyzed in combination with the relevant literature.@*Results@#A patient presented with a mass in the right mandible that had persisted for 1 month after being found at imaging examination. Tooth 83 was retained, and tooth 43 was unerupted. Swelling was characterized by no obvious tenderness, fluctuation, or table tennis sensation and was observed in the lingual alveoli of teeth 83, 44, and 45. Imaging revealed a low-density shadow in the apex of teeth 83, 44, 45, and 46, approximately 1.9 cm × 2.6 cm × 1.6 cm in size, which wrapped around the dental crown of tooth 43. Preliminary diagnoses were as follows: right mandibular mass thought to be a dentigerous cyst; impacted tooth 43; and retained primary tooth 83. The mass in the right mandible was removed, and teeth 43 and 83 were extracted under intravenous and inhalation anesthesia. During the operation, the mass was observed to have a thin cyst wall and contained bean-like residue. Histopathological examination indicated an epidermoid cyst in the right mandible. At the 1-week follow-up examination, the patient reported no discomfort, and the surgical area showed good recovery. According to the literature, epidermoid cysts are benign cysts originating from ectopic ectodermal tissue that can occur throughout the body but rarely in the oral cavity and are even extremely rarer in the jaw. Epidermoid cysts of the jaw, which have no specific clinical manifestations, can be confused with odontogenic cysts such as dentigerous cysts and odontogenic tumors. Dental pulp tests and other techniques can serve as a reference for clinicians. The diagnosis is confirmed via histopathology. Surgical removal is a common treatment, with a good prognosis and a low recurrence rate.@*Conclusion@#The principle of treatment for an epidermoid cyst of the jaw is similar to that for a jaw cyst. The prognosis is good when the cyst is removed completely.

The Effect of Restoration Polymerization and Residual Dentine Thickness on Thermal Changes of Pulp Chamber of Immature Permanent Teeth

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the pulpal temperature changes due to the polymerisation of resin and glass ionomer-based materials in dentine thicknesses in immature permanent teeth with open apices. Material and Methods: Forty extracted sound human third molar teeth with open apices were included. The width of the cavities prepared on the occlusal surface was 4×5 mm. The depth was 2 mm in the resin groups. 4 mm in the groups in which glass ionomer liner was applied before composite restoration. The coronal parts of the samples were then placed on an acrylic plate with three gaps for feeding-extraction needles and the thermocouple. The temperature changes were recorded. The data was analyzed by SPSS. Statistical significance was accepted as p<0.05. Results: The temperature increase in the group of 1 mm remaining dentin thickness revealed higher results than the values detected from the 2 mm group (1.01 °C) (p=0.00). The mean values (1.49 °C, 1mm) of temperature changes in only glass ionomer applied group were lower than the avarage values (2.210°C, 1mm) determined in the polymerization process of resin composites with light-emitting diode devices. Conclusion: In a remaining dentin thickness of 1 mm in teeth with open apices, using a glass ionomer liner might be a useful effort for protecting the pulp from the heat generated by polymerisation devices.

Evaluation of photobiomodulation for postoperative discomfort following laser-assisted vital pulp therapy in immature teeth: A preliminary retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive endodontics is recommended for young, immature teeth to preserve healthy pulp and dentin tissue. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to examine the cold sensitivity of immature teeth that received photobiomodulation (PBM) after vital pulp therapy (VPT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study followed the STROBE guidelines and included 123 healthy patients aged 8-13. The immature teeth (incisors, premolars and molars) that qualified for VPT received the bioceramic material - Biodentine. In this experiment, teeth were treated immediately and at 24 h post-VPT with a 635-nm diode laser using a power of 100 mW, a power density of 200 mW/cm2 and a total energy of 4 J (PBM group, n = 43), while those not treated were the control group (n = 43). The tooth sensitivity to cold was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) before and at 6 h, 1 day, 7, 30, and 90 days after treatment. The predictor variable was PBM skills regarding the ability to decrease cold sensitivity after VPT. The primary endpoint was the time to reverse hypersensitivity to cold, and the secondary endpoint was the occurrence of possible side effects. The Mann-Whitney U test, Friedman test along with Dunn's post hoc test, and the χ2 test were used to investigate tooth sensitivity. RESULTS: Eighty-six immature permanent teeth of 86 children were included in the study. It was shown that the difference was significant for sensitivity to a cold stimulus between the groups at 6 h, 24 h, 7 days, and 30 days, but no difference was found preoperatively and at 90 days (6 h, 24 h, 7 days, and 30 days, p < 0.001, and 90 days, p = 0.079). However, patients in both groups reported a decrease in discomfort provoked by cold stimuli throughout the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Photobiomodulation decreased postoperative sensitivity and was more acceptable for patients. Further randomized clinical studies with placebo-controlled groups are needed.

The effect of orthodontic tooth movement on the sensitivity of dental pulp: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is a process that's initiated by orthodontic forces. As a consequence, the forces could restrict pulpal blood supply, possibly affecting dental pulp. The study aimed to review the available evidence on the short and long-term effects of orthodontic tooth movement on dental pulp sensitivity and to identify clinically relevant risk factors. Sources: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for papers from 1990 to the end of December 2021. Study selection: The studies that evaluated dental pulp sensitivity of teeth undergoing OTM were included in the systematic review. Randomized, nonrandomized and case-controlled studies were included in the analysis. Risk of bias in each study was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. Data: The systematic search yielded an initial sample of 1110 studies, 17 were included in qualitative analysis. Most studies were classified as moderate risk of bias, however only limited long-term evidence with a higher risk of bias exists. Electric pulp test (EPT) sensitivity threshold during active OTM was increased by 4.25 SD (P < 0.001) and the relative risk (RR) of pulpal non-sensitivity was 13.27 (P < 0.001) higher compared to pre-orthodontic baseline status. Significant differences were between subgroups associated with the type of OTM. A positive relationship between pulpal non-sensitivity and mean patient age was discovered (P = 0.041). After OTM the risk of pulpal non-sensitivity remained 5.76 times higher (P < 0.001) in the long term. Conclusions: Evidence showed that OTM could affect dental pulp sensitivity. The type of OTM and patients' age were identified as clinically relevant risk factors. Clinical significance: Orthodontic tooth movement negatively impacts the sensitivity of dental pulp during active treatment and to a lesser degree in the long term. Pulpal sensitivity tests during active OTM should therefore be interpreted with caution. Data indicates younger patients have a lower risk of negative pulpal sensitivity during orthodontic treatment.

Effectiveness of diagnosing pulpitis: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of the status of the inflamed pulp is essential in clinical diagnosis and treatment provision. There are a limited number of well-designed and well-executed clinical trials on the diagnosis of the true status of the pulp. OBJECTIVES: Three PICO questions were formulated and agreed a priori by the European Society of Endodontology to evaluate the clinical tests for sensibility testing, determination of biomarkers and pulp bleeding with regard to their suitability to correctly diagnose the condition of the pulp tissue for the development of S3-Level guidelines. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Clarivate Analytics' Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to 21 January 2022. Additionally, a hand search was performed, and the contents of the major subject journals were also examined. Eligibility criteria followed the proposed PICO questions. Two independent reviewers were involved in study selection, data extraction and appraising the included studies; disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. The risk of bias was assessed by the QUADAS-2 tool for diagnostic accuracy studies, the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for noncomparative, nonrandomized studies and the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment scale adapted for cross-sectional studies. RESULTS: In total, 28 studies out of 29 publications were considered eligible and were included in the review. Twelve studies were identified to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the pulp vitality. Ten studies fulfilled the criteria to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the pulpal conditions, while 6 studies investigating the expression of biomarkers were eligible. Three studies addressing the prognostic factors and therapeutic interventions relating to pulpal status were included. DISCUSSION: The core problem in pulp diagnostics is that a reliable reference standard is lacking under clinical conditions. Based on limited evidence, the most promising current approach seems to define a combination of different clinical tests and symptoms, probably in future including molecular diagnosis ("diagnostic package") will be required to ascertain the best possible strategy to clinically diagnose true pulpal conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of diagnosing pulpitis is low due to limited scientific evidence regarding the accuracy and reproducibility of diagnostic tests. There is a lack of evidence to determine the true status of the pulp or to identify prognostic indicators allowing for a reliable pre-operative estimation of the outcome of vital pulp treatment. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO database (CRD42021265366).

Does radiotherapy treatment alter the pulp condition in patients with head and neck cancer? A systematic review

Abstract The main purpose of this study was to answer the question: "Can radiotherapy cause changes in the dental pulp condition of patients treated with irradiation in the head and neck region?" Clinical observational studies in adults with head and neck cancer undergoing treatment with ionizing radiation, longitudinal or cross-sectional follow-up to measure oxygen saturation (SpO2), and/or pulp sensitivity test to cold stimulation, were considered eligible. A systematic literature search was performed in six different databases, including the gray literature, and in article references. Two independent evaluators selected the studies, extracted the data, recorded the data on electronic spreadsheets, and then evaluated the methodological quality using the Checklist for Quasi-Experimental Studies tool devised by JBI. The data were assessed qualitatively using the Synthesis Without Metanalysis (SWiM) guidelines. After removing the duplicate articles, carefully analyzing the titles and abstracts, and reading the papers in full, seven studies were included. Four of the studies evaluated applied the cold sensitivity test, two associated pulse oximetry and cold sensitivity, and only one used just pulse oximetry. Evaluation using the cold sensitivity test and pulse oximetry in the initial periods before radiotherapy showed a decrease in the sensitive response and in SpO2 levels during a maximum period of 1 year. However, analyses thereafter indicated a normal response in both tests from 5 to 6 years after the end of radiotherapy treatment. Radiotherapy causes changes in pulp behavior patterns in the short term; however, recovery and return to average values occurs after long periods.

Can non-carious cervical lesions depth affect clinical response in pain intensity and remaining dentin thickness?

Abstract Non-carious Cervical Lesions (NCCL) are dental tissue defects, non-related to caries, frequently observed in the dental practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of NCCL on dentin depth and thickness and the response to dental pain by means of clinical diagnostic tests. 86 teeth from 14 patients with NCCL were assessed by: depth of NCCL, clinical tests (evaporative stimulus, to detect pain levels of dentin hypersensitivity, cold thermal test to classify pulp health, percussive stimuli to evaluate the periradicular tissues and cone beam computed tomography (tomography to evaluate remaining dentin thickness (RDT). In terms of depth, the sample was divided into two groups: G1- teeth with NCCLs ≤1.0mm and G2- teeth with NCCLs between 1.1-2.0 mm. Dental pain data were compared by Mann-Whitney test and RDT by Student's t-test and correlations by the Pearson test (p<0.05). The depth of NCCL does not influence dental pain response to evaporative stimulus (p=0.129), cold thermal test (p = 0.125), vertical (p = 0.317) and horizontal (p = 0.119) percussion clinical diagnostic tests. However, G1 showed more RDT (p<0.001), and the correlation test showed that deeper NCCL presents smaller remaining dentin thickness (p=0.011/r=-0.273). In conclusion, tooth with NCCL up to 2mm-depth presents similar levels of pain for dentin hypersensitivity, pulp and periradicular tissue independent to NCCL depth, however, lesions with ≤1.0mm-depth showed greater RDT in tomographic findings.

Resumo Lesões Cervicais Não Cariosas (LCNC) são defeitos do tecido dentário, não relacionados à cárie, frequentemente observados na prática odontológica. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da profundidade e espessura da dentina de LCNC na resposta à dor dentária por meio de testes de diagnóstico clínico. 86 dentes de 14 pacientes com LCNC foram avaliados por: profundidade da LCNC, testes clínicos (estímulo evaporativo, para detectar níveis de dor de hipersensibilidade dentinária, teste térmico frio para classificar a saúde pulpar, estímulos percussivos para avaliação do tecido perirradicular e tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC), para avaliação da espessura de dentina remanescente (EDR). Em termos de profundidade, a amostra foi dividida em dois grupos: G1- dentes com LCNCs ≤1,0mm e G2- dentes com LCNCs entre 1,1-2,0 mm. Os dados de dor dentária foram comparados pelo teste de Mann-Whitney e a EDR pelo teste t-Student e correlações pelo teste de Pearson (p <0,05). A profundidade da LCNC não influencia a resposta da dor dentária ao estímulo evaporativo (p = 0,129, teste térmico frio (p = 0,125), teste diagnóstico clínico de percussão vertical (p = 0,317) e horizontal (p = 0,119), porém o G1 apresentou maior EDR (p <0,001) e o teste de correlação mostrou que LCNC mais profunda apresenta menor EDR (p = 0,011 / r = -0,273). Conclusão: Dentes com LCNC de até 2mm de profundidade apresenta níveis semelhantes de dor para hipersensibilidade dentinária, pulpar e saúde perirradicular, independente da profundidade da LCNC. Entretanto, lesões com profundidade ≤1,0mmin apresentaram mais EDR nos achados tomográficos.

Effect of dental tissue thickness on the measurement of oxygen saturation by two different pulse oximeters

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different dental tissue thickness on the measurement of oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels in high (HP) and low (LP) blood perfusion by comparing the values obtained from two different pulse oximeters (POs) - BCI and Sense 10. Thirty freshly extracted human teeth had their crowns interposed between the POs and an optical simulator, which emulated the SpO2 and heart beats per minute (bpm) at HP (100% SpO2/75 bpm) and LP (86% SpO2/75 bpm) modes. Afterwards, the palatine/lingual surfaces of the dental crowns were worn with diamond drills. The reading of SpO2 was performed again using the POs alternately through the buccal surface of each dental crown. Data were analyzed by the Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney and Kendall Tau-b tests (α=5%). The results showed significant difference at the HP and LP modes in the SpO2 readouts through the different dental thicknesses with the use of BCI, and at the LP mode with the use of Sense 10, which had a significant linear correlation (p<0.0001) and lower SpO2 readout values in relation to the increase of the dental thickness. Irrespective of tooth thickness, Sense 10 had significantly higher readout values (p<0.0001) than BCI at both perfusion modes. The interposition of different thicknesses of enamel and dentin influenced the POs measurement of SpO2, specially at the low perfusion mode. The POs were more accurate in SpO2 measurement when simulated perfusion levels were higher.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a influência de diferentes espessuras de esmalte e dentina na medição dos níveis de saturação de oxigênio (SpO2) em alta (HP) e baixa (LP) perfusão sanguínea, comparando os valores obtidos em dois oxímetros de pulso (OPs) diferentes, BCI e Sense 10. Trinta dentes recém-extraídos de humanos tiveram suas coroas interpostas entre os OPs e um simulador óptico, que simulava a SpO2 e os batimentos cardíacos por minuto (bpm) nos modos de HP (100% SpO2 / 75 bpm) e LP (86% SpO2 / 75 bpm). Após, as superfícies palatinas / linguais dos dentes foram desgastadas com brocas de diamantadas. A leitura da SpO2 foi realizada novamente usando os dois OPs alternadamente através da face vestibular de cada coroa dental. Os dados foram analisados ​​pelos testes Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney e Kendall Tau-b (α = 5%). Os resultados mostraram diferença significativa nos modos HP e LP nas leituras de SpO2 através das diferentes espessuras dentárias com o uso do BCI, e no modo LP com o uso do Sense 10, que teve correlação linear significativa (p <0,0001) e menores valores de leitura de SpO2 em relação ao aumento da espessura dentária. Independentemente da espessura do dente, o Sense 10 apresentou valores de leitura significativamente maiores (p <0,0001) do que o BCI em ambos os modos de perfusão. A interposição de diferentes espessuras de esmalte e dentina influenciaram a mensuração da SpO2 pelos OPs, especialmente no modo de baixa perfusão. Os POs foram mais precisos na mensuração da SpO2 quando os níveis simulados de perfusão foram maiores.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Pulp Vitality Tests and Pulp Sensibility Tests for Assessing Pulpal Health in Permanent Teeth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The current systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to compare the diagnostic accuracy of pulp vitality and pulp sensibility tests in assessing pulpal health. PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Open Grey databases were searched and after assessing eligibility criteria the data were extracted. True-positive, false-positive, true-negative, false-negative, sensitivity and specificity values were extracted or calculated if not presented. Quality of studies was evaluated based on the QUADAS 2 tool. Meta-analysis was performed in MetaDTA (v2.0; Shinyapps, RStudio PBC, Boston, MA, USA) and Review Manager 5.3 (RevMan web; The Cochrane Collaboration, London, UK). Ten articles were included for qualitative synthesis and five for meta-analysis. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio for pulse oximeter (PO), electric pulp tester (EPT), cold test (CT) and heat test (HT) was 628.5, 10.75, 17.24 and 3.47, respectively. Pairwise comparison demonstrated a higher pooled mean sensitivity and specificity with PO compared with EPT. Comparison between PO and CT and between PO and HT also demonstrated a higher pooled mean sensitivity and specificity for PO. Summary points on receiver operating characteristic curves confirmed the ability of PO to correctly screen negatives in presenting patients as compared to EPT, CT and HT but no study was rated as good on quality assessment. PO can be considered as the most accurate diagnostic method as compared to EPT, CT and HT. This review provides information about the reliability and diagnostic accuracy of using pulp vitality and sensibility tests for assessing pulp status.

Association between Orthodontic Force and Dental Pulp Changes: A Systematic Review of Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Orthodontic force triggers a sequence of biological responses that can affect dental pulp. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the clinical and radiographic findings of orthodontic force application on dental pulp. METHODS: Two reviewers comprehensively and systematically searched 6 electronic databases (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences [LILACS], Embase, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) and the gray literature (Google Scholar, OpenGrey, and ProQuest) until April 2021. According to the PICOS criteria, randomized clinical trials and observational studies that evaluated clinical or radiographic findings compatible with dental pulp changes due to orthodontic force were included. Studies in open apex or traumatized teeth, case series or reports, and laboratory-based or animal studies were excluded. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool were used to determine the risk of bias assessment. The overall certainty level was evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations tool. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies were included. Among the clinical findings, orthodontic force promoted an increased pulp sensibility response and decreased pulp blood flow. Changes in pulp cavity volume and increased incidence of pulp stones were the radiographic findings observed. The studies presented a moderate risk of bias for most of the domains. The certainty of the evidence was considered very low. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontic force promoted changes in the dental pulp, generating clinical and radiographic findings. It is crucial to know these changes so that orthodontic mechanics can be safely performed. The clinician has effective noninvasive methods to assess the health and possible pulp changes during orthodontic treatment.

Pulp oxygen saturation measurement as a diagnostic tool for assessing pulp status in primary teeth: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the mean oxygen saturation values (SpO2) in primary teeth using pulse oximetry. Materials and Methods: This comprehensive literature search on pulse oximeter used for primary teeth in determining pulp vitality using MeSH terms in four electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and OvidSP, from January 1990 to January 2022. Studies reported the sample size and the mean SpO2 values (with standard deviations) for each tooth group were included. The quality assessment of all the included studies was done using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The meta-analysis included studies reporting means and standard deviations of SpO2 values. The I2 statistics were used to determine the degree of heterogeneity among the studies. Results: A total of 90 studies were identified, of which five met the eligibility criteria that were qualified for the systematic review, and among them, three were included in the meta-analysis. All five included studies were of low quality due to the high risk of bias related to the patient selection, index test, and uncertainties about outcome valuation. In the meta-analysis, the mean fixed-effect measure of oxygen saturation in the pulp of primary teeth was 88.45% (confidence interval: 83.97%-92.93%). Conclusion: Though most of the available studies were of poor quality, the SpO2 in the healthy pulp can be established (minimum saturation, 83.48%) in primary teeth. Reference values established might help clinicians to assess changes in pulp status.

Oximetría de pulso y su eficacia para diagnosticar vitalidad pulpar / Pulse oximetry and its use in diagnosing pulp vitality

Objetivo: Identificar y analizar en la literatura científica reciente el uso de la oximetría de pulso como método diagnóstico de vitalidad pulpar. Metodología: En este trabajo se llevó a cabo una revisión de la literatura en las plataformas de PubMed y Google Académico, en la cual se analizó el uso de la oximetría de pulso en el diagnóstico y monitoreo odontológico del estado pulpar. Resultados: Después de una exhaustiva revisión, y de acuerdo con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, se analizaron 21 artículos. La mayoría de los trabajos consideran la oximetría de pulso un método alternativo de diagnóstico indoloro, seguro y eficaz; sin embargo, la adaptación de un instrumento de uso exclusivo odontológico es necesaria para una medición exacta de la saturación de oxígeno en la pulpa dental. Los avances tecnológicos en el campo clínico de la odontología nos han llevado a la búsqueda de nuevas técnicas diagnósticas clínicas para mejorar la atención y los tratamientos de los pacientes que acuden día con día a recibir una consulta odontológica. Conclusiones: En los últimos años la oximetría de pulso ha demostrado ser una herramienta de diagnóstico eficaz para el diagnóstico de la vitalidad pulpar. El análisis de los artículos incluidos en esta revisión concluye que la oximetría de pulso es una técnica innovadora que puede ser utilizada como una herramienta diagnóstica adyuvante en el diagnóstico de la vitalidad pulpar (AU)

Objective: To identify and analyze in the recent scientific literature the use of pulse oximetry as a diagnostic method for pulp vitality. Methodology: In this work, a literature review was carried out on the PubMed and Google Scholar platforms in which the use of pulse oximetry in the dental diagnosis and monitoring of pulp status was analyzed. Results: After an exhaustive review and in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 articles were analyzed. Most of the studies consider pulse oximetry an alternative method of painless, safe and effective diagnosis, however, the adaptation of an instrument for exclusive dental use is necessary for an exact measurement of the oxygen saturation in the dental pulp. Technological advances in the clinical field of dentistry have led us to search for new clinical diagnostic techniques to improve the care and treatment of patients who come every day to receive a dental consultation. Conclusions: In recent years, pulse oximetry has proven to be an effective diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of pulp vitality. The analysis of the articles included in this review concludes that pulse oximetry is an innovative technique that can be used as an adjunct diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of pulp vitality (AU)

Accuracy of the dental pulp sensibility test using cold spray for the diagnosis of pulp diseases: an observational clinical study

The dental pulp sensibility test is one of the main auxiliary resources for the diagnosis of pulp pathologies, and its accuracy is still debatable. This cross-sectional observational study evaluated the accuracy of the pulp sensibility test (PST) using cold spray (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) for the diagnosis of pulp diseases and determined the effect of individual and clinical variables on the reliability of this test. The paper was designed following the STROBE statement. Sixty patients with indications for primary endodontic treatment were selected and examined from August 2017 to July 2018. Data collection was performed through interviews, clinical/radiographic examinations and the PST. The results of the cold test, along with data on sex, age, the tooth type regarding the root number, and the presence of restorations and caries, as well as the recent consumption of analgesics, were recorded. The presence of bleeding within the pulp chamber was used as the gold standard to compare with the clinical diagnosis and to identify the true-positive, false-positive, true-negative, and false-negative responses. The accuracy of PST achieved in subgroups of individual and clinical variables was compared using the chi-square test with a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). The PST with the use of cold spray showed a sensitivity of 0.88, a specificity of 1.00, a positive predictive value of 1.00, a negative predictive value of 0.86, and an accuracy of 0.93. The accuracy of the cold spray was not affected by individual or clinical variables. The PST with the use of cold spray is an accurate and reliable method for determining the diagnosis of pulp diseases, especially in cases of pulp vitality or irreversible pulpitis.

Changes in pulp sensitivity across the menstrual cycle in healthy women and women with temporomandibular disorders.

BACKGROUND: Menstrual cycle may contribute to experimental pain measures in healthy women and women with chronic pain. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to investigate variation in pulp sensitivity across the menstrual cycle in healthy women and women with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and to explore the effect of TMD pain and psychosocial variables on the pulp response. METHODS: This longitudinal study involved 47 regularly menstruating women aged 20-45, 24 healthy and 23 with diagnosed painful TMD. The electric and cold stimuli were performed by electric pulp tester and refrigerant spray, respectively, on mandibular lateral incisors, in five menstrual phases (menstrual, follicular, periovulatory, luteal and premenstrual). Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD were used to assess TMD, chronic pain, depression and somatisation. Regression analysis was performed to investigate the effect of the predictor variables on the pulp sensitivity. RESULTS: Significant phase-related differences were observed for pain intensity to cold stimuli. Higher pain sensitivity was reported in menstrual in comparison with luteal phase (P = .019) among healthy women, and in menstrual in comparison with follicular (P = .033), periovulatory (P = .003) and luteal (P = .007) phases in TMD women. No significant differences were recorded for electric stimuli. Regression analysis identified depression as the determinant of cold and electric response in menstrual phase, regardless of age and presence of TMD. CONCLUSION: Menstrual phase in healthy and TMD women with regular menstrual cycle is characterised with higher pulp sensitivity to cold stimuli. Depressive symptoms independently influence pulp response in this phase.

Reference values for pulp oxygen saturation as a diagnostic tool in endodontics: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to identify mean oxygen saturation values (SpO2) using pulse oximetry in permanent maxillary anterior teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MEDLINE, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and Literatura Latino Americana em Ciências da Saúde electronic databases were searched. Combinations and variations of "oximetry" AND "dental pulp test" were used as search terms. Studies reporting means and standard deviations of SpO2 values were included. Two reviewers independently extracted data following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 statistic, and all analyses were performed using R software. Study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RESULTS: Of the 251 studies identified, 19 met the eligibility criteria and were included (total sample, 4,541 teeth). In the meta-analysis, the mean SpO2 values were 84.94% (95% confidence interval [CI], 84.85%-85.04%) for the central incisors, 89.29% (95% CI, 89.22%-89.35%) for the lateral incisors, and 89.20% (95% CI, 89.05%-89.34%) for the canines. The studies were predominantly low-quality due to the high risk of bias associated with the index test, unclear risk regarding patient selection, and concerns about outcome assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Although most studies were low-quality, the oxygen saturation levels in normal pulp could be established (minimum saturation, 77.52%). Despite the risk of bias of the included studies, the reference values reported herein are clinically relevant for assessments of changes in pulp status. TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews Identifier: CRD42018085598.

Intraoral Somatosensory Alterations Impact Pulp Sensibility Testing in Patients with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis.

INTRODUCTION: This case-control study aimed to compare trigeminal somatosensory sensitivity between patients with a clinical diagnosis of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (n = 33) and healthy participants (n = 33) and to evaluate the impact of somatosensory stratification of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis on pulp sensibility testing. METHODS: A standardized battery of qualitative sensory assessment measured intra- and extraoral sensitivity to touch, cold, and pinprick stimuli. Dental pain intensity (0-100, numeric rating scale) and duration (seconds) evoked by cold stimuli (refrigerant spray) were applied to, respectively, the nonaffected and affected tooth (cases) and the upper right and left premolars (controls); z score transformation, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and chi-square tests were applied to the data (P = .050). RESULTS: Patients with irreversible pulpitis reported intraoral hypersensitivity more frequently than healthy participants (58% and 33%, respectively; P < .05). In addition, patients with irreversible pulpitis reported higher z scores of pain intensity (ANOVA main effects, F = 37.10, P < .05, partial η2 = 0.37) and duration (ANOVA main effects F = 23.3, P < .05, partial η2 = 0.27) after the pulp sensibility test compared with healthy participants. Nevertheless, subgroup analysis taking into account the presence of intraoral hypersensitivity indicated that the pain lingered most for patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis who also presented intraoral hypersensitivity (Tukey test, P < .05) but with no differences between patients with irreversible pulpitis without intraoral hypersensitivity and healthy participants (Tukey test, P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: QualST is able to detect intraoral alterations in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis that seem useful to stratify the patients into distinct subgroups. Therefore, somatosensory assessment of the adjacent tissues may provide diagnostic fine-tuning of dental pulp diseases.

Comparison of Pulp Sensibility Tests Responses in Type 2 Diabetes Patients and Healthy Individuals.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes is a common disease that may have some influence on sensory nerves. The aim of this study was to evaluate dental pulp responses to 2 pulp sensibility tests (ie, cold and electric) in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with healthy individuals. METHODS: Three hundred twenty-two premolar teeth in 51 patients who had type 2 diabetes and 347 premolar teeth in 53 individuals with no medical conditions were investigated. The patients with type 2 diabetes were unified and had fasting plasma glucose <300, hemoglobin A1C <10, less than a 10-year history of diabetes mellitus, and no history of hypertension. Electric and cold pulp sensibility tests were performed for all teeth. The cold test results were recorded by the Heft-Parker visual analog scale, and the electric pulp test results were recorded based on the pulp tester's grade that evoked a response. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between upper and lower premolar teeth in healthy individuals compared with the patients with diabetes in response to the cold and electric pulp tests (P > .05). In the patients with diabetes, the response of their upper premolars to the cold test was significantly reduced in diabetic patients >45 years of age (ß = -1.15, P = .013). However, there was no significant correlation between the cold test and age in the lower premolars of both diabetic and nondiabetic participants (P > .05). There was also no significant correlation between the need for a higher number of the electric pulp test current to evoke a response in maxillary and mandibular premolars of the patients with diabetes and nondiabetic participants with age (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant correlation between the reduction of maxillary premolar teeth responses to the cold test in diabetes patients >45 years of age.

Pulp sensibility to electric stimuli in the Caucasian population.

The aim of the study was to determine electric sensibility of the pulp in the Caucasian population depending on tooth morphotype, age and sex. Dental pulp sensibility was determined in 279 patients (2640 teeth). The study group consisted of 226 patients (1296 teeth), 110 men and 116 women aged 55-101. The control group consisted of 53 patients (1344 teeth), 23 men and 30 women aged 20-30. A statistically significant lower sensory threshold and increased pulp sensibility in the study group were noted. These affected the lower incisors, the second upper premolars and the first and second upper molar. The differences in the pulp sensibility were found in the region of maxillary central incisors, maxillary premolars, mandibular lateral incisors and mandibular premolars. The pulp sensibility threshold was lower for the aforementioned groups of teeth in the study group. The correlation between sensibility of the pulp and sex was not confirmed.