Electric Pulp Test Scores Depending on Tooth and Restoration Type

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between electric pulp test (EPT) scores and the following variables: type of restoration (no restoration, amalgam, composite) and type of tooth (molar, premolar, anterior).

Methods: 50 healthy adult subjects were recruited.� Inclusion criteria included the presence of at least 8 natural maxillary teeth.� Exclusion criteria included presence of pacemaker.� EPT testing was conducted on each qualifying maxillary tooth.� Numerical EPT score was recorded when subject felt any sensation in the tested tooth.

Results: Statistical analysis (mixed-effects model) showed a significant difference in average EPT score depending on restoration type (p-value<.001). Tukey's test showed amalgam restoration had significantly higher average score (49.74) than no restoration (43.80) (p-value<.0001) and composite restoration had significantly higher average score (43.93) than no restoration (p-value=0.0099). No significant difference in average score was seen between amalgam and composite restoration (p-value=.4298).� Adjusted statistical analysis showed no significant difference between restoration type (p-value=0.2225). Statistical analysis (mixed-effects model) showed a significant difference in average EPT score depending tooth type (p-value<.0001).� Tukey's test showed molars had significantly higher average score (54.61) than premolars (45.26) (p-value= <.0001) and anteriors (38.89) (p-value<.0001). Premolars had significantly higher average score than anteriors (p-value<.0001).� Adjusted statistical analysis showed a significant difference in EPT score between tooth type (p-value<.0001).

Conclusions: Restoration type was found in mixed-effect model analysis to show a significant difference in EPT score, with amalgam and composite having higher average scores than no restoration. Adjusted analysis did not find a significant difference.� EPT score was significantly different when comparing tooth type, with molars having the highest average score.