Step-by-Step Guide For Using Digitest 3
How do we assess whether a tooth is truly alive or non-vital—quickly, safely, and accurately? Vitality tests aimed at measuring the perfusion of the pulp (laser Doppler flowmetry, ultrasound Doppler flowmetry, pulse oximetry) would be ideal indicators of the actual state of pulpal health but they are rarely available in routine clinical practice.
Sensibility tests such as thermal and electric pulp testing are commonly used and considered the gold standard recommended by international and European associations such as the European Society of Endodontology in its recent Quality Guidelines and Position Statements including the position statement about revitalization procedures (Appendix 2) and the International Association of Dental Traumatology’s Guidelines for the Evaluation and Management of Traumatic Dental Injuries in the section concerning fractures and luxations.
In this blog, we’ll explore the step-by-step setup of the Digitest 3 pulp vitality tester to ensure accurate and reliable diagnostic results.
What Is Digitest 3 Pulp Vitality Tester?
Digitest 3 is Parkell’s trusted pulp vitality tester, known for reliability, comfort, and quick diagnostic feedback. It uses gentle electrical stimulation to evaluate nerve response in individual teeth, helping clinicians locate the source of pain with precision.
Moreover, Digitest 3 is designed to assist dental professionals in determining the vitality of the dental pulp. It automatically increases stimulus strength at one of three preset rates slow, medium, or fast. Using a unique waveform engineered to minimize discomfort while ensuring sensitivity in vital teeth. You can also watch this video to learn clinical tips for using Digitest 3.
This device is indicated for testing vital and non-vital adult human teeth. It conforms to international standards including IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, and IEC 60601-2-40. Further, we will shed light on the importance of Digitest 3 for accurate pulp vitality testing.
Why Digitest 3 Is Essential for Pulp Vitality Testing
Digitest 3 plays a vital role in diagnosing tooth vitality before endodontic or restorative procedures. It allows clinicians to evaluate the responsiveness of the pulp safely and consistently. By comparing readings between a suspect tooth and a control tooth, dental professionals can make informed decisions regarding pulp health and treatment planning.
How to Set Up Digitest 3: Complete Preparation Before Pulp Vitality Testing
Before testing, ensure that no local anesthesia or gas analgesia has been administered, as this may affect results. To read more about Digitest 3 and its instructions for use, you can read this document. Below is a detailed structure of how to use Digitest 3.
Patient and Tooth Preparation
- Explain the procedure to the patient using reassuring terms like “sensation” or “discomfort.”
- Follow infection control protocols—wear gloves and protective barriers.
- Clean and dry the tooth and adjacent teeth. Remove any debris, saliva, or plaque.
- Isolate the tooth with a clear mylar strip to prevent current transfer.
- Place a dry cotton roll in the buccal vestibule and use a plastic mirror to keep the tongue away from the tooth.
Installing and Replacing Digitest 3 Battery
Digitest 3 operates using a high-performance 9-volt alkaline battery. To ensure continuous and reliable operation, follow the steps outlined below.
- To install or replace the battery, remove the screw, lift off the plastic battery door, and disconnect the old battery.
- Attach a fresh battery and slide it back into place.
- You can use rechargeable batteries, but they need more frequent charging because of voltage demand.
Establishing the Ground Connection for Accurate Readings
A reliable ground connection is essential for Digitest 3 to deliver precise and consistent results. Proper grounding ensures the electrical stimulus completes its circuit through the patient. Allowing the device to accurately register nerve response. Use one of the two approved grounding methods:
Method 1: Over the Lip
Apply a small amount of toothpaste or gel on the patient’s lip for conductivity. Place the ground clip over the toothpaste-coated area and ensure good contact.
Method 2: Finger Hold
Apply toothpaste or gel on the ground clip, then have the patient securely hold it between their thumb and forefinger.
Insert the tooth probe into the power unit and apply a small amount of toothpaste to the metal tip to enhance electrical conductivity. If you want to learn how to make Digitest 3 works, please read this clinical report. Now let’s discuss pulp vitality testing with Digitest 3.
How to Perform Pulp Vitality Testing with Digitest 3
Digitest 3 a pulp vitality tester does not require manual calibration by the operator. Instead, it is designed with three preset stimulus rates—slow, medium, and fast—automatically controlled by the device. To ensure reliable and accurate test results, the following steps should be considered.
- Activate the unit by pressing and holding the start button for half a second.
a. One row of bars = slow rate
b. Two rows = medium rate
c. Three rows = fast rate
- Press the button again to change the rate, if needed. The device remembers the last setting even when it is powered off.
- Place the probe on the middle of the labial or lingual tooth surface, avoiding soft tissue and metallic restorations.
- Depress and hold the button. The display number will rise as the electrical stimulus increases.
- Once the patient feels a sensation, release the button. The display will freeze for 14 seconds, allowing you to record the reading.
- The maximum stimulus reading is 64. A non-responsive tooth at this level may still recover from trauma, so follow-up testing and alternative testing methods like cold tests, percussion, x-ray are recommended before concluding that it is non-vital.
- Always test a control tooth in the same arch (or the opposite arch if necessary) for comparison.
Recording and Interpreting Digitest 3 Readings
Sequential testing over time provides valuable diagnostic information. Comparing readings between the suspect and control of teeth helps monitor changes in pulp condition. This assists in determining whether a tooth requires endodontic treatment or continued observation.
Clinical Observations When Using Digitest 3 Pulp Vitality Tester
Each patient’s response to pulp vitality testing is unique, and no universal “normal” value exists. The readings obtained with Digitest 3 can differ significantly between teeth or individuals. Understanding these variations is key to interpreting results accurately and ensuring reliable diagnostic decisions. Responses may vary depending on:
- Tooth type and location
- Enamel and dentin thickness
- Patient age and sensitivity
- Pulp chamber size and trauma history
- Medications or systemic conditions
Posterior teeth often require greater stimulus than anterior teeth due to thicker enamel and dentin.Digitest 3 should always be used alongside other diagnostic tests such as radiographs, temperature tests, and percussion to confirm pulp vitality.
Conclusion
Digitest 3 pulp vitality tester is a powerful, non-invasive tool for tooth vitality testing. By following this step-by-step guide, dental professionals can ensure accurate results while maintaining patient comfort and safety. Also, it combines precision engineering, clinical reliability, and patient comfort in one powerful diagnostic tool. From its three preset stimulus rates to its unique waveform design, every feature ensures accurate and repeatable pulp vitality testing results.
Ready to improve your diagnostic precision? Order your Digitest 3 today and enhance your dental pulp testing procedures for reliable patient care. To know more about us, you can also visit our website.