Safety of electronic apex locators and pulp testers in patients with implanted cardiac pacemakers or cardioverter/defibrillators

Abstracts on this page have been chosen and edited by Dr Trevor Watts

Abstract

The diagnostic devices did not appear to interfere with cardiac devices.

Main

Wilson BL, Broberg C et al. J Endod 2006; 32: 847–852

Implanted cardiac devices may malfunction if electrical interference occurs. Pulp testers (PTs) and apex locators (ALs) are possible sources of such interference, but no effect has been reported in patients so far. In this study, after uneventful exposure of 5 cardiac device patients to PT and AL, a further 22 patients were examined with cardiology back-up available. Those who were pacemaker-dependent (intrinsic heart rate <40 beats/min) were excluded. Patients were monitored by electrocardiography (ECG) and through their cardiac devices.

During monitoring, no adverse events were detected. Taking into account all data collected, including decreased respiratory rate during PT and AL activity in the mouth, no effects could be attributed to the dental devices. The authors conclude that PTs and ALs are safe to use in such patients.