Estimates of sensitivity and specificity of electric pulp testing depend on pulp disease spectrum: a modelling study

• Aim To demonstrate how the spectrum of diseased pulps may influence sensitivity and specificity in diagnostic studies on pulp status. Methodology An original sample from a previous study consisting of 59 teeth scheduled for root canal treatment was used where the relationship between the response to electric pulp testing and the visual status of the pulp was evaluated. To alter the spectrum of diseased pulps, a hypothetical sample of asymptomatic teeth with deep caries lesions was added to the original sample. Sensitivity and specificity were then compared for the two samples. Results In the original sample of 59 teeth, sensitivity was 72% and specificity 90%. When the spectrum of diseased pulps was altered, sensitivity decreased to 67% and specificity increased to 97%. The change in disease spectrum also decreased the prevalence of necrotic pulps. Conclusions The spectrum of diseased pulps included in a diagnostic study on the accuracy of electric pulp testing, and indirectly also disease prevalence (here pulp necrosis), influences estimates of sensitivity and specificity. This implies that estimates of diagnostic accuracy from one study with a particular tooth population spectrum may not apply to another tooth population with a different disease spectrum.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Odontologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dentistry (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

diagnosis

diagnostic accuracy

endodontic treatment

endodontics

pulp necrosis

DIAGNOSTIC-TESTS

VITALITY

TEETH

BIAS

Dentistry

Oral Surgery & Medicine

diagnosis

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)