Use and Interpretation of EPT and AL Flashcards
T/F: The EPT (Electric Pulp Tester) is a
primary or routine clinical testing
instrument.
F; Is NOT
The _____ is an ADJUNCT to Thermal Pulp Sensitivity Testing
(If we don’t get a definitive result from the thermal testing)
we ADD the EPT to lead to a more conclusive DX. If you get
a good result with thermal testing, don’t bother with EPT.
EPT
The ___ is an electrical device designed to reveal a
response of nerve fibers in the pulp to the passage
of a current. (0-80 scale)
EPT
A response by the pulp to the electric current only
denotes that some _______ are
present in the pulp and capable of responding at
that time; NOTHING MORE.
functioning nerve fibers
If the EPT reaches 80 without any response by pt, what is the pulpal status?
necrotic
DRY the teeth and ISOLATE with
______
Cotton Rolls.
For EPT, Place a small dab of _______
(conductor) on facial of each tooth to
be tested.
Must develop BASE-LINE first 2-3 teeth
tooth paste
If a tooth tests negative to cold, should you use EPT?
yes to confirm (97% success)
If a tooth tests with lingering cold on sensibility test, should you use EPT?
No
Can you use EPT on restorations?
No
If a tooth tests - to cold and + to EPT, what is likely to be going on?
Calcifications
If a tooth tests + to EPT and + to cold, what could it be if it has a PARL?
PCOD
Use of the EPT: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ – You touched the gingiva – You failed to isolate and dry the area –Tooth paste slopped onto an adjacent tooth – Patient is not giving correct response for various reasons or is confused
False Positives
Use of the EPT: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ – You failed to achieve good contact at the tip – Patient failed to get good contact with their finger – The tooth has extreme calcification – Battery is low or dead – Machine is broken
False Negatives:
What two situations will alter the testing state to refelct an innaccurate test?
Immature teeth w open apices
Recent trauma
Barely Patent in the PDL = what on the apex locator?
1 red
line + solid tone
The canal is ______” when a #10 file goes slightly
beyond the canal exit (.5 mm.) = Long = into the
Periodontal Ligament
“PATENT
The _______ will help us locate
the canal exit clinically. EAL tells us if we are in the root
canal or the PDL
Apex Locator
What on the apex locator denotes patency?
SIngle red line
What 2 things does the apex locator tell us?
When we are in the canal
When we are out (in PDL)
The OBJECT of the EAL is first to make sure you are in
the canal If it shows us a red line BEFORE we should be
at apex, it MAY BE A ________!
PERFORATION
What % of battery do you want the battery to be on the apex locator at least?
70%
A/L will not work properly if the file touches
_____ or _______. Metal causes a dead
short (multiple RED LINES
amalgam or metal crown
