Evaluation of Real Time Psychophysiological Parameters (Galvanic Skin Response, Heart Rate Variability) During Root Canal Treatment of Teeth With Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis

Abstract

Background: Autonomic neuro-physiologic parameters have succeeded the objective recordings of parameters related to pain and tension, as well as predicting cardiovascular risks. They pose a promising future for monitoring in dentistry. The aim of the current study is to provide information about the patients’ experience during endodontic surgery session related to the autonomic neurophysiology. The subjective scoring of tension and discomfort by the patients have been involved. Materials and methods: Ten patients including 4 males and 9 females with the mean age of 34 ± 17 years with irreversible pulpitis underwent endodontic treatment while their autonomic neuro-physiological parameters were recorded before and after endodentic session. Parameters included skin conductance (SC), heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) as spectral measures (very low, low and high frequency- VLF, LF and HF). Results: VLF and HF parameters had a very significant relationship with the patients' experience during dental treatment session, in a way that there was a direct correlation between the parameters in the initial rest as well as during local anesthesia with the score of tension experienced by the patient. Also, the parameter of skin conductance showed a marginal correlation in this regard, and unlike all other neurophysiological parameters, showed significant changes during local anesthesia. Conclusion: Autonomic neuro-physiologic monitoring could be beneficent for observing emotional and cardiovascular tensions of endodontic session, as well as observing correlates of comfortability of dental treatment session. HRV and SC both have outstanding potentials for monitoring dental surgery sessions.