Recent Advancements in Pulp Testing Devices

Abstract

Pulp vitality test is very crucial in monitoring and regulating the state of health of a dental pulp, especially
after the case of traumatic injuries. The dental pulp is considered to be the innermost part of the tooth. It is
surrounded on all sides with dentine except near the apical foramina. This hard dentine casting around the
pulp protects it from infection by microbes present in the mouth. The traditional pulp testing methods involve
thermal and electric pulp testing methods. This conventional method basically depends on the innervation
and often yields or records either false positive or negative response. The newer pulp testing devices, some of
which are still under developmental stage, detect the blood supply of the pulp, enumerate pulpal vasculature,
check the vitality of the tooth etc. These newer technologies function by light absorption and reflection
methods in. They are considered to be more accurate and non-invasive methods. The review article attempts
to discuss the recent advancements in various pulp testing devices related to pulp vitality testing in clinical
endodontic practice. It also describes the principle on which these newer pulp testing devices are basically
based on its mode of working. The aim of this review paper is to highlight the difference between sensitivity
testing and vitality testing.