Question

Which of the following responses to an electric pulp test on the mandibular first molar pictured in the radiograph is expected?

A. The stimulus elicits dull pain.
B. The stimulus elicits sharp pain.
C. The stimulus elicits no response.
D. The tooth tests at a lower level than the control tooth.
E. The tooth tests at a higher level than the control tooth.

Answer 1

In an electric pulp test on a mandibular first molar, a healthy tooth would respond similarly to the control tooth. A higher sensitivity might indicate inflammation, while no response could suggest necrosis or nerve function loss.

Step-by-step explanation:

The expected response to an electric pulp test on a mandibular first molar, when observed in a radiograph, might vary. If the tooth is healthy, then the stimulated response should be similar to the control tooth in terms of sensitivity. If a tooth tests at a higher level than the control tooth, it may indicate that the tooth is hyper-responsive, which could be a sign of inflammation or irritation within the tooth's pulp.

If the stimulus elicits no response, it could mean that the tooth's pulp is necrotic or that there has been some loss of nerve function in the area. Since the mandibular first molar's sensory nerve and blood vessels enter via the mandibular foramen, an understanding of these anatomic features is crucial when interpreting test results and for procedures like providing anesthesia. Performing an electric pulp test correctly requires knowledge of the tooth structure, demonstrated in discussions about enamel, dentin, and pulp relationships.