parkell DIGITEST 3 Mode D'emploi page 7

tested. Molars should be matched to molars,
premolars to premolars, cuspids to cuspids,
and incisors to incisors. If this is not possible
because teeth are absent, endodontically
treated, or have full coverage restorations,
a similar tooth in the opposite arch should
be used.
• Testing Tip: Do not combine the
"Over the Lip' and "Finger Hold"
methods for testing. For each
patient, whichever method is
chosen should remain consistent
for the entire testing process on that
patient. If the decision is made to
change methods mid-test, the entire
test will need to be repeated.
Clinical Observations
• It is not possible to prepare a "table of
normal values" for pulp tester readings,
because THERE IS NO "NORMAL" IN PULP
TESTING. Rather, the clinician should
perform sequential comparisons between
the subject tooth and the control tooth at
consecutive office visits, observing how the
readings are changing as time progresses.
By utilizing electric pulp testing, along with
all available diagnostic information, it is
often possible to predict where the tooth's
vitality is heading. This allows the clinician
to make informed decisions as to whether
endodontic therapy is appropriate, or
whether it is prudent to simply watch and
wait.
Troubleshooting
Display does not light when button is depressed.
• Battery weak or dead – needs replacement.
• Unit damaged – needs service.
Tooth Probe loose or rotating in Power Unit.
• Tooth Probe base too loose—adjust base with screwdriver (See Figure 1).
Vitality test showing no response at "64" reading, while control tooth is normal.
• Tooth is non-vital.
• Tooth Probe not adequately contacting tooth – apply toothpaste to probe and reapply to tooth.
• Ground Clip Lead Wire not connected to Power Unit.
• Patient not holding "Ground Clip" tightly, or without toothpaste on it.
• Consider applying small amount of toothpaste on "Ground Clip" to enhance conductivity
before placing it on the lip or holding it in hand.
Vitality test showing immediate response at very low reading.
• Tooth is hyperemic – recommend endodontic treatment.
• If problem persists with all teeth tested, unit needs service.
• There are general anatomic trends in pulp
vitality readings. Posterior teeth generally
require greater stimulus than anteriors,
probably because of the greater thickness
of enamel and dentin in posterior teeth.
Enamel requires a greater stimulus than
dentin or cementum, because of the higher
percentage of non-conductive mineral,
and the lower percentage of water. Similar
cross-arch teeth will have similar thresholds
to stimulus.
• The stimulus threshold may also be
affected by such factors as the age, gender,
previous pain history of the patient, pulp
chamber size, trauma, pathology and
use of prescription and non-prescription
medications, or illicit drug use.
• The Parkell Digitest 3 is to be used in
conjunction other diagnostic tests such as
x-rays, temperature tests, percussion, etc. in
order to confirm tooth pulp vitality.
Warranty and Terms of Use
For full Warranty and Terms of Use information,
please see www.parkell.com. Parkell's Quality
System is certified to ISO 13485. If you have any
questions, please email our Technical Support
Service at techsupport@parkell.com
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