title: Evaluation of efficacy of a pulse oximeter to assess pulp vitality.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To evaluate the efficacy of pulse oximeter as a pulp vitality tester.
  
  
  METHODS
  The sample group consisted of 60 patients of age 15 to 30 years with normal maxillary anterior teeth. Thirty nonvital teeth with complete endodontic fillings were tested as control group. Systemic oxygen saturation values from the patient's fingers served as the control sample for comparison of pulp oxygen saturation values. Readings were recorded on index fingers first; teeth were then evaluated by placing sensor onto the tooth.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nonvital teeth recorded oxygen saturation values of 0%. The mean value for central incisor was 85.11 (SD ± 2.07), for lateral incisors 80.21 (SD ± 2.03) and for canines 89.55 (SD ± 1.09). Their control values (patient's index fingers) averaged 95.88% (SD ± 0.66). Pearson's correlation analysis showed a correlation of 0.11 for central incisors, 0.19 for lateral incisors and 0.12 for canines.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study confirms that pulse oximeter is effective equipment for pulp vitality testing. Pulse oximeter evidences the actual method of evaluating the pulp vitality compared to contemporary methods. How to cite the article: Sadique M, Ravi SV, Thomas K, Dhanapal P, Simon EP, Shaheen M. Evaluation of efficacy of a pulse oximeter to assess pulp vitality. J Int Oral Health 2014;6(3):70-2.
authors.affiliation: Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Kunhitharuvai Memorial Charitable Trust Dental College, Manassery, Calicut, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: Mohammed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sadique
authors.affiliation: Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Kunhitharuvai Memorial Charitable Trust Dental College, Manassery, Calicut, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: S V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Ravi
authors.affiliation: Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Kunhitharuvai Memorial Charitable Trust Dental College, Manassery, Calicut, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: Kunjamma
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.affiliation: Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Kunhitharuvai Memorial Charitable Trust Dental College, Manassery, Calicut, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: Prasanth
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dhanapal
authors.affiliation: Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Kunhitharuvai Memorial Charitable Trust Dental College, Manassery, Calicut, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: Elsy P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Simon
authors.affiliation: Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Kunhitharuvai Memorial Charitable Trust Dental College, Manassery, Calicut, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: Mohammed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shaheen
keywords: Oxygen saturation; pulse oximeter; vitality tests
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