Vitality Test (Pulp)

A vitality test (pulp) is a dental assessment used to determine the health of the soft tissue (pulp) inside a tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels. The test typically involves applying a controlled stimulus—such as a cold or warm sensation or a small electrical impulse—along with clinical examination and radiographs to evaluate whether the pulp is responding normally, inflamed, or non-vital.

Understanding the pulp status helps dentists decide on the appropriate course of action, which may range from monitoring and protective restorations to root canal treatment if the pulp is irreversibly damaged. The procedure is quick and may cause brief sensitivity, and its findings are interpreted together with symptoms and imaging to form a reliable diagnosis.