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.