Design-Dependent Electrophysiological Effects of Electrolysis Electrodes Used for Endodontic Disinfection

Electrochemical disinfection in dentistry using boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes bears the potential risk of disturbing vital functions. Applying different arrays of BDD electrodes and an electrotome as reference, it was the goal of this animal study to compare their effects on an electrocorticogram (ECoG) and electrocardiogram (ECG). Following the trepanation of teeth in rats, the electrodes and electrotome were applied in a randomized manner while recording ECoG and ECG. The recordings were classified according to an electrophysiological significance score based on involvement, extent of disruption and duration. The scores obtained were compared by means of ANOVA followed by Dunn’s multiple comparisons test (α = 0.05). Voltage type and electrode design had a significant influence on the detectable electrophysiological effects. The results seen with BDD electrodes ranged from no detectable electrophysiological effects to a pronounced effect. The application of the electrotome induced the most pronounced effects. Given that electrotomes are safe medical devices, despite evoking greater disturbance compared to BDD electrodes, regardless of their design, electrochemical disinfection may be considered a safe procedure.