Identification of Appropriate Probe Site in Maxillary Anterior Teeth for Electric Pulp Testing

Objectives:

 This study aimed to find the appropriate probe site for electric pulp testing (EPT) in maxillary anterior teeth.

Methods:

 Forty patients with available panoramic radiographs referred to the Endodontics Department were studied. In each patient, three intact teeth, including central incisor, lateral incisor, and canine, were selected from one quadrant of the maxillary arch. The incisal third, middle third, and cervical third of the buccal surface of the teeth were assessed. The respective teeth were isolated with rubber dam without a clamp. EPT was conducted starting with the lowest intensity, which gradually increased until the patient reported a sense of tingling, stinging, or heat. This process was repeated for all respective teeth at the three areas. Data were analyzed by the Friedman test (P<0.05), ANOVA (P<0.001), and Man-Whitney test (P>0.05).

Results :

The middle third of all three maxillary anterior teeth was an appropriate site for EPT. The lateral incisor had the lowest threshold response in all three areas compared with other teeth. No significant difference was observed between male and female patients (P>0.05).

Conclusion :

Within the limitations of this study, it may be concluded that the middle third of the buccal surface of maxillary anterior teeth is an optimal electrode placement site.