Electronic Diagnosis of Pulp Exposure Using Electronic Apical Locator

Abstract

Cavities were prepared in 100 fresh pig mandibular molars, then measurements were conducted using Endodontic Meter SII (EM) and Osada Apit 15 (OA) devices to examine the applicability of use of a commercially available electronic apex locator for determining pulp exposure. The results showed that the value for cavities shown by OA with a certain value shown by EM uniformly increased in association with an increase in the EM value. Additionally, we observed a significant difference in mean OA value for cavities as compared to the displayed pulp exposure value determined using the EM. The range of OA values equivalent to EM values was also determined, indicating pseudo-exposure of pulp. Furthermore, molar measurements obtained with concomitant use of EM and OA in clinical pulpectomy cases during the process of access cavity preparation revealed values similar to experimental measurements obtained with porcine mandibular teeth. These results suggest the applicability of an OA device for use in pulp exposure examinations.