Oxygen saturation values in various stages of the pulp inflammation and determining the diagnosis of the pulp pathology: Systematic literature review [Conference Winner Abstract]

Abstract

Introduction Dental pulp sensibility tests are commonly used diagnostic methods in dental practice. These tests include thermal or electric inducement which is intended to stimulate vital nerve fibres and evaluate neural transmission, however, it does not reveal the real pulp's vitality indicator- blood flow within the pulp [1]. Pulse oximetry has emerged as an alternative technique for evaluating vascular response in dental pulp [2]. Some of the recent research have evaluated oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) in healthy and inflamed pulp, however there are no specific values given for the various stages of the pulp inflammation [3]. Oxygen saturation obtained from vital teeth confirm the potential of pulse oximetry for diagnosing pulp pathology [4]. Currently, there is a lack of studies showing specific values of SpO2 in the various stages of pulp inflammation [5].