Evaluation of electric pulp test thresholds and correct probe tip placement site in developing incisors: a clinical study in 1200 teeth.

Purpose: Although electric pulp tests (EPT) may play a valuable diagnostic role in traumatized immature permanent teeth, the EPT threshold values which can be used as reference are not known. The aim of this study was to determine the average range of EPT threshold values in healthy permanent incisors according to their stage of root development.

Methods: A total of 1200 permanent incisors were examined in 273 children (142 girls, 131 boys) aged 6-12 years. Panoramic radiographs were used to group teeth according to the stage of root development. A digitest II pulp vitality tester (Parkell, Inc, Edgewood, NY) was used along with toothpaste as the conducting medium to determine sensibility on three different sites (incisal, middle and cervical third).

Results: In all teeth, mean EPT values showed a tendency to decrease along with advanced root development. Irrespective of the stage of root development, the lowest EPT values were obtained when measurements were made on the incisal third of the crown (p < 0.001). Mandibular incisors had lower mean response thresholds than their maxillary counterparts.

Conclusion: The present findings provide reference EPT threshold values according to stage of tooth development to monitor the post traumatic pulp status of permanent incisors.