ELECTRIC PULP TESTER AND APEX LOCATOR BARRIER TECHNIQUE

Use of the electric pulp tester and the apex locator during assessment s of pulp vitality and root length determination involves bacterial cr oss-contamination of the metal surfaces of the probe tip and lip clip inserts which contact the oral hard and soft tissues. Reuse of these e ndodontic aids necessitates the sterilization or disinfection of the m etal insert or the acquisition of extra attachments. A barrier techniq ue that protects the electric pulp tester probe tip and the apex locat or lip clip from bacterial contamination and employs the principle of electric conductive bridging is presented.