WO2005079668A1

WO2005079668A1 - Tooth pulp condition probe

Info

Publication number: WO2005079668A1
Application number: PCT/AU2005/000190
Authority: WO
Inventors: Craig Matthew Erskine-Smith
Original assignee: Erskine Products Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2004-02-19
Filing date: 2005-02-16
Publication date: 2005-09-01

Abstract

A tooth pulp condition probe (1) includes a stimulator (5) configured for abutting a tooth surface. The stimulator (5) includes a thermoelectric temperature element (6) in electrical communication with a power source (7) and an actuator (9) disposed electrically intermediate the thermoelectric element (6) and the power source (7), and configured to actuate the thermoelectric element (6) to provide a predetermined temperature at the stimulator (5). A temperature sensor (10) is disposed at or adjacent the stimulator (5) for sensing the temperature thereof and a display (11) is provided for displaying indicia indicative of the sensed temperature. A temperature controller (12) in electrical communication with the temperature sensor (10) and the power source (7) is also provided, the temperature controller (12) being configured to provide a predetermined temperature at or adjacent the stimulator (5).

Description

TOOTH PULP CONDITION PROBE Field of the Invention

The invention relates to dental diagnostic tools and, in particular, to a tooth pulp condition probe.

The invention has been developed primarily for use in determining the condition of tooth pulp and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Invention

A tooth having dying, diseased or otherwise decaying pulps (or nerves) is often sensitive to the application of relatively hot and cold sensations. This typically occurs when a person is eating or drinking. The temperature differential between a person's mouth and the food or beverages they consume can range from approximately +40° C or more such as when drinking coffee, to approximately -40° C or more such as when eating ice cream or other frozen foods.

The appearance of a response by a person's tooth to hot or cold temperature differentials is one of the common triggers for a person to visit a dentist. Conventionally, the dentist will prior immerse a swab or stick in liquid ethyl chloride or other refrigeration source or make a stick from 'dry ice' (carbon dioxide) and then apply this to a suspected tooth. When these conventional methods are used, an unnaturally large temperature differential is provided between the swab and a tooth which merely tests whether the pulp is dead or alive. That is, the test provides a binary result of the vitality of the tooth.

In other conventional diagnostic methods for testing the condition of tooth pulp, each suspected tooth is isolated with a rubber dam and clamped about adjacent teeth. Hot and/or cold water or other solution is then flushed over the exposed tooth providing a temperature differential. Notwithstanding the occasional need in these methods to apply a local anaesthetic about the rubber dam clamp area and the time-consuming nature of damning each tooth individually for isolation and testing, flushing fluid often contacts (or indirectly affects through the dam material) one or more teeth adjacent that being tested. This thereby minimises the ability to differentiate between teeth having healthy or unhealthy pulps.

As a high temperature differential between the flushing water or swab essentially provides a binary dead or alive indicator of the condition of the tooth pulp, it does not simulate a normal temperature differential that a person experiences during normal eating and drinking activities. In these known methods, the outcome is not accurately indicative of the problem causing the response to the hot or cold sensations, or the dying of the tooth. This is because it is difficult for the patient to localise the source of sensitivity. There is a wide area of referred or radiated pain caused by an unhealthy pulp. Because the pulps in these teeth have not become totally neurotic, there is often no periapical radiolucency to give an indication as to which tooth has the problem, nor does the tooth reliably reveal itself through percussion or biting pressure.

It is common for unhealthy pulps to refer or radiate pain in response to relatively mild hot or cold stimuli. In this situation a dentist cannot easily determine exactly which tooth is dying and its state of decay. The dentist is often required to make an educated guess as to which tooth is responsive to the environmental hot and cold stimuli. When the wrong tooth is selected and a root canal or other treatment is performed on a healthy tooth, not only does the unhealthy tooth remain untreated but unnecessary dental work is performed. This is highly undesirable in our litigious society.

Object of the Invention It is an object of the invention to provide a tooth pulp condition probe which will overcome or substantially ameliorate one or more of the problems of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a tooth pulp condition probe including: a stimulator configured for abutting a tooth surface, the stimulator including a thermoelectric temperature element in electrical communication with a power source; and an actuator disposed electrically intermediate the thermoelectric element and the power source, and configured to actuate the thermoelectric element to provide a predetermined temperature at the stimulator.

Preferably, the probe includes an elongated arm extending between a handle end and an applicator end wherein the stimulator is disposed at the applicator end. More preferably, the probe includes a temperature sensor disposed at or adjacent the stimulator for sensing the temperature thereof, and a display configured for displaying indicia indicative of the sensed temperature.

In preferred embodiments, the probe includes a temperature controller in electrical communication with the temperature sensor and the power source, the temperature controller being configured to provide a predetermined temperature at or adjacent the stimulator. More preferably, the temperature controller and power source are integrated into the probe arm at or adjacent the handle end.

Preferably, the probe includes a second elongated arm hingedly mounted to the first elongated arm and configured such that the applicator ends of the probe arms are opposed and resiliently biased together, the hinged elongated arms configured to dispose their respective stimulators onto buccal and lingual surfaces of a tooth.

In other preferred embodiments, the probe includes a second stimulator mounted to an application end of the second elongated arm and configured such that be applicator ends of the probe are opposed and configured to simultaneously abut the buccal and lingual surfaces of a tooth. More preferably, the stimulators are configured to clamp over the buccal and lingual surfaces of the tooth upon actuation.

Preferably, the stimulator is detachably mounted to the elongated arm and the arm is flexible.

In preferred embodiments, each stimulator is configured to receive one or more application pads, each pad configured to substantially abut a buccal or lingual tooth surface. More preferably, the application pad is adapted to conform to the tooth surface and be composed of a heat conductive rubber material. Preferably, the applicator end of the probe is detachable from the handle end of the probe, the probe ends being in electrical communication via one or more communication wires disposed therebetween.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a tooth pulp condition probe including: an elongated arm extending between a handle end and an applicator end; a stimulator disposed at the applicator end and configured for abutting a single tooth surface; a fluid circuit extending between a fluid pump and a heat exchanger disposed at or adjacent the stimulator; a fluid reservoir in communication with the fluid pump, the fluid reservoir including a heating and/or cooling source; and an actuator disposed intermediate the stimulator and the pump, the actuator configured to allow fluid to flow through the fluid path to provide heated or cooled fluid to the stimulator.

In preferred embodiments, the probe includes a temperature sensor disposed in the fluid path and upstream of the stimulator for sensing the fluid temperature; and a temperature display mounted to the probe arm at the handle end and configured for displaying indicia indicative of the sensed temperature.

Preferably, the probe includes a temperature controller in communication with the temperature sensor and fluid reservoir heater/cooler, the temperature controller being configured to provide a predetermined fluid temperature. More preferably, the fluid reservoir and heating/cooling source, and pump are integrated into the probe arm at the handle end.

In preferred embodiments, the probe includes a second probe arm hingedly mounted to the first probe arm and configured such that the applicator ends of the probe arms are opposed, the probe arms being resiliently biased toward each other at their applicator ends so as to dispose the stimulators simultaneously on to the buccal and lingual surfaces of the tooth, the second probe arm fluid path being in fluid communication with the first fluid path.

Preferably, the applicator end of a probe arm includes an application pad configured to mounting over the stimulator and to substantially abut a buccal or lingual tooth surface, or an occlusal tooth surface.

It can therefore be seen that there is provided a tooth pulp condition probe which will allow a dentist to more accurately diagnose the condition of dying tooth pulp.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a tooth pulp condition probe according to a first preferred embodiment; FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a condition probe according to a second preferred embodiment; FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a condition probe according to a third preferred embodiment; FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a condition probe according to a fourth preferred embodiment; FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a condition probe according to a fifth preferred embodiment; and FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a condition probe applicator end.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring to be FIGS, generally, like reference numerals are used to denote like parts. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, there is shown a tooth pulp condition probe 1 having an elongated arm 2 extending between a handle end 3 and an applicator end 4.

A stimulator 5 is disposed at the applicator end 4. The stimulator 5 is configured for abutting a single tooth surface (not illustrated). The stimulator 5 includes a thermoelectric temperature element 6 in electrical communication with a power source 7 via electrical wires 8 disposed intermediate. The power source 7 is a battery that can be charged/recharged inductively in combination with a base station (not illustrated). Alternatively, the power source 7 can be a regular battery or connectable to mains power via a cable (not illustrated).

The condition probe 1 further includes an actuator 9 in the form of a switch is disposed electrically intermediate the thermoelectric element 6 and the power source 7. The actuator 9 is configured to heat or cool thermoelectric element 6 to provide a predetermined elevated or depressed temperature at the stimulator 5.

In use, the stimulator 5 is disposed in a patient's mouth and configured to abut a tooth surface. Manual actuation of the actuator 9 cools or heats a tooth surface to the predetermined temperature by energising the thermoelectric element 6. It will be appreciated that any conventional actuator can be used.

The condition probe 1 includes a temperature sensor 10 disposed adjacent the stimulator 5. The temperature sensor 10 is in electrical communication with a display 11 disposed in the handle end 3 of the arm 2. The display 11 is configured for displaying indicia indicative of the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 10. the display 11 can also be configured to display battery status or other desired property.

A temperature controller 12 is disposed in electrical communication with the temperature sensor 10 and the power source 7. The temperature controller 12 is configured to provide a predetermined temperature at the stimulator 5 in response to the actuation of the switch actuator 9.

The temperature controller 12 is a solid-state electronic switching device that is powered by the power source 7, and is configured to heat or cooled the thermoelectric element 6 to a predetermined temperature of greater than +100° C to -20° C. It will be appreciated that any preferred temperature can be set by the temperature controller, however, when the probe is set to provide an extreme stimulator temperature of about +100° C or -20° C, the probe is simply used as a pulp vitality tester. That is, the probe can also be set to function as a pulp vitality tester providing a binary dead or alive indication of the tooth. The condition probe 1 further includes an application pad 13 disposed over the stimulator 5 at the applicator end 4. The pad is shaped to substantially abut a predetermined buccal or lingual tooth surface, however, it can also be shaped for an occlusal tooth surface (not illustrated). The applicator pad 13 is glued over the stimulator 5 at the applicator end 4. In some embodiments (not illustrated), the applicator pad 13 is releasably mounted over the stimulator 5. The pad 13 is composed of a heat conductive rubber or other material having predetermined electrical resistance and heat conductivity. For patient safety and hygiene, the applicator pad 13 is configured to sealingly cover the applicator end 4 and is smooth- surfaced. In use, the application pad 13 is selected to conform to a predetermined buccal/lingual or occlusal tooth surface.

It can therefore be seen that the tooth pulp condition probe 1 can accurately apply an elevated or depressed temperature to a tooth surface. The temperature controller 12 sets and controls the temperature at the stimulator 5 to be able to induce temperature differentials consistent with those experienced by a tooth when a person eats or drinks, or other desired differential such as that to simply test tooth pulp vitality.

It is noted that the temperature controller 12 is user selectable to provide a predetermined temperature within the range of -20°C to +100°C at the stimulator 5 upon actuation. However, controller 12 can be fixed (not illustrated) to provide only a single preferred pre-set temperature.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a second embodiment of the tooth pulp condition probe 1. In this embodiment, the probe 1 further includes a second probe arm 20 hingedly mounted to the first probe arm 2. The second probe arm 20 is substantially identical to the first probe arm 2, however, the second probe arm shares the actuator 9, power source 7, display 11, and temperature controller 12 with the first probe arm.

In other embodiments (not illustrated), the second probe on 20 arm is identical to the probe arm 2 and can be used as a tooth pulp condition probe in the absence of the first arm 2. Similarly, the second probe arm 20 can be configured without the stimulator 5 to provide a clamp arrangement for use against buccal and lingual surfaces of a tooth.

The second probe arm 20 is configured such that the applicator ends 4 of each arm 2 and 20 are opposed. A resilient bias 21 is disposed between the probe arms 2 and 20 to bias the stimulators 5 towards each other and into a clamping position.

In this embodiment, both the buccal and lingual surfaces of a tooth (not illustrated) can be substantially simultaneously stimulated upon actuation of the actuator 9 for a sufficient time to heat or cool the stimulator 5 and tooth surface. As noted above, the second probe arm 20 can be provided without stimulator 5 (not illustrated) so that the condition probe 1 can be clamped about a tooth and only one buccal or lingual surface of the tooth has a temperature differential applied to it by the stimulator 5 via applicator pad 13. Having a stimulator 5 in each probe arm 2 and 20, the actuator 9 is configured to simultaneously actuate or turn-off power to both stimulators 5. However, it will be appreciated that the actuator 9 can be configured to selectively actuate either stimulator 5.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown another preferred embodiment of the tooth pulp condition probe 1. Again it is noted that like reference numerals refer to like components.

The tooth pulp condition probe 1 of this embodiment includes a pair of elongated arms 2 and 20 each extending between a handle end 3 and an applicator end 4. A stimulator 5 is disposed at the applicator end 4 of each elongated arm 2 and 20. Each end 4 of the probe arms 2 and 20 includes an applicator pad 13 disposed over the probe arm ends. The application pads 13 are configured for abutting a single tooth surface and are as described above.

A fluid circuit 31 extends between heat exchangers 33 and 34 and stimulators 5, and is disposed in each probe arm 2 and 20. A fluid pump 30 is disposed in the fluid circuit 31 at the handle end 3 of the probe arm 2. The heat exchangers 33 and 34 are configured for removing heat from or providing heat to fluid circulating in the fluid circuit 31 under the power of the pump 30. The fluid path 31 is provided with fluid from a fluid reservoir 35. The heat exchanger 33 is disposed in thermal contact with the reservoir 35 for removing heat from the fluid. The heat exchanger 34 is also disposed in thermal contact with the reservoir 35 for adding heat to fluid in the reservoir. The condition probe 1 further includes an actuator 9 for actuating the pump 30 and forcing fluid flow through the fluid circuit 31.

Temperature sensors 10 are disposed in the fluid path 31 of each arm 2 and 20. Then sensors 10 are upstream of the fluid flow to sense the temperature of the fluid traveling through the stimulator 5. A temperature display 11 is mounted to the probe arm 2 and is configured for displaying indicia indicative of the temperature at the stimulator 5 sensed by the temperature sensor 10.

The tooth pulp condition probe 1 includes the temperature controller 12 fluϊdly disposed intermediate stimulator 5 and pump 30. The controller 12 is configured to control the addition of heat to the fluid from heat exchanger 34, or to remove heat from the fluid via heat exchanger 33 to provide circulating fluid at a predetermined elevated or depressed temperature at stimulator 5.

A valve 32 is provided to allow fluid to flow in the fluid path 31 of either probe arm 2 and/or probe arm 20. This allows a buccal or lingual tooth surface to be tested independently of the other. However, in other embodiments (not illustrated), the valve 32 acts to channel fluid having a depressed temperature via fluid path 31 only in probe arm 2, and fluid having an elevated temperature only through fluid path 31 of probe arm 20.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown another preferred embodiment of the tooth pulp condition probe 1. It is noted that like reference numerals again refer to like components. There is shown a tooth pulp condition probe 1 having a flexible elongated arm 2 extending between a handle end 3 and an applicator end 4.

The stimulator 5 is disposed at the applicator end 4. The stimulator 5 is configured for simultaneously abutting a buccal and a lingual tooth surface (not illustrated). The stimulator 5 includes one or more thermoelectric temperature elements (not illustrated) in electrical communication with a power source (not illustrated) disposed in the handle end 3.

The stimulator 5 is configured to clamp around the tooth upon actuation of an actuator 9. As with the above described embodiments, the power source 7 is an inductively charged or rechargeable battery, or in other embodiments (not illustrated) is mains powered.

The actuator 9 is disposed electrically intermediate the thermoelectric element (not illustrated) and the power source (not illustrated). The actuator 9 is configured to heat or cool the thermoelectric element to provide a predetermined elevated or depressed temperature at the stimulator 5. The heating actuator and clamping actuator 9 shown in FIG. 4 are integrated, however, they can be separate components requiring individual actuation (not illustrated).

In use, the stimulator 5 is disposed in a patient's mouth to abut the buccal and lingual tooth surfaces of a tooth being probed. Manual actuation of the actuator 9 clamps the stimulator about the buccal and lingual tooth surfaces and simultaneously cools or heats each tooth surface to a predetermined temperature by energising the thermoelectric element 6 for a predetermined period of time. It will be appreciated that any conventional actuator can be used.

The stimulator 5 is detachably and rotatably mounted to the elongated arm 2. In use, the stimulator 5 can be detached from the elongated arm 2 and can communicate via coiled electrical cables (not illustrated) housed within the arm 2 when the stimulator 5 is not detached therefrom.

Although not shown, the condition probe 1 of FIG. 4 includes a temperature sensor disposed adjacent the stimulator 5 for sensing the temperature at the stimulator 5. The temperature sensor is in electrical communication with a display in 11 disposed in the handle end 3 and configured for displaying indicia indicative of the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor. A temperature controller (not illustrated) is disposed in electrical communication with the temperature sensor and a power source. The temperature controller is configured to provide a predetermined temperature at the stimulator 5 in response to the actuation of the actuator 9. The temperature controller is a solid-state of electronic switching device that is powered by the power source. As noted in the embodiment above, the temperature controller can be user selectable or pre-set.

The condition probe 1 further includes one or more application pads 13 disposed over the stimulator 5 at the applicator end 4. The one or more pads 13 are shaped to substantially abut a predetermined buccal or lingual tooth surface. The one or more application pads 13 are releasably mounted over the stimulator 5. In use, the application pads 13 are selected to conform to a predetermined tooth surface. The application pads 13 are composed of a heat conductive rubber material having a sufficient thermal conductivity.

It can therefore be seen the condition probe 1 can apply a fixed or selectable temperature differential to one or two opposed surfaces of a tooth when applicator pads 13 are disposed over stimulators 5 and abut the tooth surfaces. The stimulator 5 can include a single or two separate thermoelectric elements over which the applicator pads 13 fit. The second and opposed applicator pad is not shown in the perspective of FIG. 4. The temperature controller sets and controls the temperature at the stimulator 5 to be able to induce temperature differential is consistent with those experienced by a tooth when a person eats or drinks, or other desired differential.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown another embodiment of the condition probe 1. It is noted that like numerals again refer to like components. In this embodiment, there is shown a tooth pulp condition probe 1 having a stimulator 5 configured for simultaneously abutting a buccal and a lingual tooth surface (not illustrated). The stimulator 5 includes one or more thermoelectric temperature elements (not illustrated) in electrical communication with a power source (also not illustrated).

The condition probe 1 further includes an actuator 9 disposed electrically intermediate the thermoelectric element and the power source. The actuator 9 is configured to heat or cool the thermoelectric element to provide a predetermined elevated or depressed temperature at the stimulator 5.

In use, the stimulator 5 is disposed in a patient's mouth and to abut the buccal and lingual tooth surfaces. The stimulator 5 is disposed remote to the actuator 9. Manual actuation of the actuator 9 clamps the thermoelectric elements to the buccal and lingual tooth surfaces and cools or heats a tooth surface to a predetermined temperature by energising the thermoelectric element. The condition probe 1 includes a temperature sensor (not illustrated) disposed adjacent of the stimulator 5 for sensing the temperature at the stimulator 5.

A temperature controller (not illustrated) is disposed in electrical communication with the temperature sensor and the power source. The temperature controller is configured to provide a predetermined temperature at the stimulator 5 in response to the actuation of the actuator 9. The temperature controller is a solid-state electronic switching device that is powered by the power source.

The condition probe 1 includes one or more application pads 13 disposed over the stirrtulator 5 at the applicator end 4. The one or more pads 13 are like those described above and are shaped to substantially abut a predetermined buccal and lingual tooth surface. The one or more application pads 13 are releasably mounted over the stimulator 5 and in use, the application pad 13 is selected to conform to a predetermined tooth surface.

FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a preferred condition probe applicator end. The elongate arm 2 includes a heat conductive rubber application pad 13 configured to abut the buccal or lingual surface of the toot shown adjacent. The rubber pad 13 forms a seal about a groove disposed in the applicator end and can be adhered thereon for permanency or can be interchangeable with applicator pads having a different shape.

An inside of the rubber pad 13 abuts the thermoelectric element 6 (of the stimulator 5). Although not illustrated, the element 6 and the rubber pad 13 can be adhered with a heat conductive glue. The temperature sensor 10 is disposed within the rubber pad 13, however, it can be disposed at any preferred location for sensing the temperature of the rubber pad 13.

It can therefore be seen that the condition probe 1 can apply temperature differential to one or two tooth surfaces where the temperature controller sets and controls the temperature at the stimulator 5 to be able to induce temperature differential that is consistent with those experienced by a tooth when a person eats or drinks, or other desired differential.

In cases where only a single stimulator element is employed, a peltier thermoelectric cooler having a hot side cold side can be used. In a preferred embodiment, the thermoelectric element draws 6VDC at 2A, however, any preferred thermoelectric element can be used. In such embodiments, hot or cold stimulation can be provided to a tooth surface. When the condition of the pulp of a tooth is checked by the probe 1, a relatively quick reaction will generally be provided by a patient so that the probe 1 does not require any heat sinks disposed adjacent the stimulator 5 or removing any excess heat build up

The foregoing describes only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A tooth pulp condition probe including: a stimulator configured for abutting a tooth surface, the stimulator including a thermoelectric temperature element in electrical communication with a power source; and an actuator disposed electrically intermediate the thermoelectric element and the power source, and configured to actuate the thermoelectric element to provide a predetermined temperature at the stimulator.

2. A tooth pulp condition probe according to claim 1 including an elongated arm extending between a handle end and an applicator end wherein the stimulator is disposed at the applicator end.

3. A tooth pulp condition probe according to claim 2 including a temperature sensor disposed at or adjacent the stimulator for sensing the temperature thereof, and a display configured for displaying indicia indicative of the sensed temperature.

4. A tooth pulp condition probe according to claim 3 including a temperature controller in electrical communication with the temperature sensor and the power source, the temperature controller being configured to provide a predetermined temperature at or adjacent the stimulator.

5. A tooth pulp condition probe according to claim 4 wherein the temperature controller and power source are integrated into the probe arm at or adjacent the handle end.

6. A tooth pulp condition probe according to claim 2 including a second elongated arm hingedly mounted to the first elongated arm and configured such that the applicator ends of the probe arms are opposed and resiliently biased together, the hinged elongated arms configured to dispose their respective stimulators onto buccal and lingual surfaces of a tooth.

7. A tooth pulp condition probe according to claim 2 including a second stimulator mounted to an applicator end of the second elongated arm and configured such that be applicator ends of the probe are opposed and configured to simultaneously abut the buccal and lingual surfaces of a tooth.

8. A tooth pulp condition probe according to claim 7 wherein the stimulators are configured to clamp over the buccal and lingual surfaces of the tooth upon actuation.

9. A tooth pulp condition probe according to claim 2 wherein the stimulator is detachably mounted to the elongated arm.

10. A tooth pulp condition probe according to claim 2 wherein the elongated arm is flexible.

11. A tooth pulp condition probe according to any one of the proceeding claims wherein each stimulator is configured to receive one or more application pads, each pad configured to substantially abut a buccal or lingual tooth surface.

12. A tooth pulp condition probe according to claim 11 wherein the application pad is adapted to conform to the tooth surface.

13. A tooth pulp condition probe according to claim 11 wherein the applicator pad is composed of a heat conductive rubber material.

14. A tooth pulp condition probe according to claim 2 wherein the applicator end of the probe is detachable from the handle end, the ends being in electrical communication via one or more communication wires disposed therebetween.

15. A tooth pulp condition probe including: an elongated arm extending between a handle end and an applicator end; a stimulator disposed at the applicator end and configured for abutting a single tooth surface; a fluid circuit extending between a fluid pump and a heat exchanger disposed at or adjacent the stimulator; a fluid reservoir in communication with the fluid pump, the fluid reservoir including a heating and/or cooling source; and an actuator disposed intermediate the stimulator and the pump, the actuator configured to allow fluid to flow through the fluid path to provide heated or cooled fluid to the stimulator.

16. A tooth pulp condition probe according to claim 15 including a temperature sensor disposed in the fluid path and upstream of the stimulator for sensing the fluid temperature; and a temperature display mounted to the probe arm at the handle end and configured for displaying indicia indicative of the sensed temperature.

17. A tooth pulp condition probe according to claim 16 including a temperature controller in communication with the temperature sensor and fluid reservoir heater/cooler, the temperature controller being configured to provide a predetermined fluid temperature.

18. A tooth pulp condition probe according to claim 15 wherein the fluid reservoir and heating/cooling source, and pump are integrated into the probe arm at the handle end.

19. The tooth pulp condition probe according to claim 15 including a second probe arm hingedly mounted to the first probe arm and configured such that the applicator ends of the probe arms are opposed, the probe arms being resiliently biased toward each other at their applicator ends so as to dispose the stimulators simultaneously on to the buccal and lingual surfaces of the tooth, the second probe arm fluid path being in fluid communication with the first fluid path.

20. A tooth pulp condition probe according to claim 15 wherein the applicator end of a probe arm includes an application pad configured to mounting over the stimulator and to substantially abut a buccal or lingual tooth surface, or an occlusal tooth surface.