LASER-DOPPLER FLOWMETRY - A CLINICAL-TEST OF PULPAL VITALITY

Problem. A rapid, accurate, noninvasive method of determining pulpal b lood flow would be helpful in determining pulpal vitality. Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine if laser Doppler flowmetry can measure induced changes in pulpal blood flow. Study design. Two pe rcent lidocaine with epinephrine 1:100,000 was infiltrated into the la bial vestibule to anesthetize five anterior teeth in healthy human vol unteers. Sterts were placed on the teeth to stabilize the laser Dopple r probes. Measurements of pulpal blood flow were made along with elect rocardiograms to record the cardiac cycle. Results. Laser Doppler flow metry demonstrated pulpal blood flow and purse amplitude decreases und er test conditions. These decreases were most significant at 10 minute s after the injection of anesthetic with vasoconstrictor. Conclusions. Laser Doppler flowmetry was able to measure pulpal blood flow and rec ord changes in blood flow that occurred when epinephrine was used with infiltration anesthesia. The pulse width and the mean flow were drama tically affected as was synchronization with the cardiac cycle.