Effectiveness of thermal and electric tests to register pulp status: in vivo study

Abstract

Objective: To verify the effectiveness of thermal and electric pulp test to register the pulp status. Material and Methods: We tested 30 teeth indicated for endodontic treatment and unknown pulp status. The results were compared with the direct pulp inspection to determine the positive real numbers, false positive, true negative and false negative. Results: From the found values were established sensitivity (0.94), specificity (electric, heat and cold = 0.58 = 0.75), negative predictive value (electric and heat = 0.77, cold = 0,85), positive predictive value electric and heat = 0.87, cold = 0.9) and accuracy (80% electric and heat, and cold 87%) of each test. Conclusion: The cold test showed superiority to other tests in most parameters assessed, and is considered the most effective in assessing the pulp status.