Use and Interpretation of EPT and AL

Question 1

T/F: The EPT (Electric Pulp Tester) is a
primary or routine clinical testing
instrument.

Answer 1

F; Is NOT

Question 2

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.

Answer 2

EPT

Question 3

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)

Answer 3

EPT

Question 4

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.

Answer 4

functioning nerve fibers

Question 5

If the EPT reaches 80 without any response by pt, what is the pulpal status?

Answer 5

necrotic

Question 6

DRY the teeth and ISOLATE with

______

Answer 6

Cotton Rolls.

Question 7

For EPT, Place a small dab of _______
(conductor) on facial of each tooth to
be tested.
Must develop BASE-LINE first 2-3 teeth

Answer 7

tooth paste

Question 8

If a tooth tests negative to cold, should you use EPT?

Answer 8

yes to confirm (97% success)

Question 9

If a tooth tests with lingering cold on sensibility test, should you use EPT?

Answer 9

No

Question 10

Can you use EPT on restorations?

Answer 10

No

Question 11

If a tooth tests - to cold and + to EPT, what is likely to be going on?

Answer 11

Calcifications

Question 12

If a tooth tests + to EPT and + to cold, what could it be if it has a PARL?

Answer 12

PCOD

Question 13

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

Answer 13

False Positives

Question 14

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

Answer 14

False Negatives:

Question 15

What two situations will alter the testing state to refelct an innaccurate test?

Answer 15

Immature teeth w open apices

Recent trauma

Question 16

Barely Patent in the PDL = what on the apex locator?

Answer 16

1 red

line + solid tone

Question 17

The canal is ______” when a #10 file goes slightly
beyond the canal exit (.5 mm.) = Long = into the
Periodontal Ligament

Answer 17

“PATENT

Question 18

The _______ will help us locate
the canal exit clinically. EAL tells us if we are in the root
canal or the PDL

Answer 18

Apex Locator

Question 19

What on the apex locator denotes patency?

Answer 19

SIngle red line

Question 20

What 2 things does the apex locator tell us?

Answer 20

When we are in the canal

When we are out (in PDL)

Question 21

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 ________!

Answer 21

PERFORATION

Question 22

What % of battery do you want the battery to be on the apex locator at least?

Answer 22

70%

Question 23

A/L will not work properly if the file touches
_____ or _______. Metal causes a dead
short (multiple RED LINES

Answer 23

amalgam or metal crown