Electric pulp testing with examination gloves.

The electric pulp test (EPT) is a valuable diagnostic aid in assessing the vitality of the dental pulp; however, its use with the operator wearing examination gloves is controversial. In this study, 15 female and 15 male subjects had two different clinically sound teeth tested with an Analytic Technology digital electric pulp tester, both with and without latex examination gloves being worn by the operator. Statistically significant differences between EPT results for the same teeth with the operator's hands being gloved and ungloved were noted. However, the mean differences in EPT results were small and were thought to be diagnostically insignificant for clinical situations. As long as the patient "completes the circuit" by also holding the metallic handle of the electric pulp tester's probe, dentists can easily, reliably, and accurately use the EPT while wearing examination gloves.