Pulse oximetry in evaluation of pulp vitality: critical analysis
Autor(es): Siqueira PC, Decurcio DA, Silva JA, Alencar AHG, Rossi-Fedele G, Estrela C
Palabras clave: Diagnóstico; Polpa dentária; Oximetria.
Dental pulp diagnosis is essential for the establishment of appropriate treatment and remains a challenge in current clinical practice. Thermal and electrical pulp tests are the most commonly used, but they have the inherent limitations of only evaluating the pulp sensitivity through the application of stimuli on the dental surface. The vitality of the dental pulp is related to its vascularization, and tests that evaluate pulp blood flow have been developed and studied. Pulse oximetry is widely used in medicine for determination of blood oxygen saturation levels and has been presented as a resource for pulp vitality determination. With use of adapters, the levels of oxygen saturation of the dental pulp have been determined in different clinical conditions, leading to a more accurate diagnosis. Promising results obtained in several studies reinforce the advantages of the pulse oximeter in comparison to the sensitivity tests, because it is a more accurate, objective, non-invasive method that does not cause pain and discomfort to the patient. In this perspective, scientific and technological advances have improved the use of innovative pulp diagnostic methods, and the pulse oximeter is a potential resource for application in the clinical routine of dentists.
