Pulse Oximeter as a Diagnostic Tool for Assessing Pulpal Pathology: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACT Pulse oximetry offers a more objective approach than traditional pulp sensibility tests, which can produce unreliable results—particularly in inflamed or traumatised teeth. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of English‐language analytical cross‐sectional studies (2012–2024) assessing pulp oxygen saturation (%SpO 2 ) via pulse oximetry in mature permanent teeth with symptomatic pulpitis. Three reviewers independently screened and extracted data, and study quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. Meta‐analysis compared %SpO 2 levels between healthy pulp, reversible pulpitis (RP) and irreversible pulpitis (IP). All three included studies reported significantly lower %SpO 2 in inflamed pulp versus healthy controls: RP showed a mean difference (MD) of −7.37% (95% CI: −8.12 to −6.61), IP −11.29% (−11.99 to −10.58) and reversible versus IP differed by 3.92% (3.35–4.48; p < 0.00001). These findings suggest that pulse oximetry may enhance pulp vitality assessment when used alongside conventional methods. Trial Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42024572895).