Vitality tests can help determine whether a tooth is what?

• A. Is vital
• B. Is non-vital
• C. Caries-free
• D. Stable

Answer: (A)

Vitality tests check whether the tooth’s pulp is alive and capable of sensation. They’re used to decide if the tooth has living nerves and blood supply (vital) or if the pulp inside has become dead or non-responsive (non-vital). By applying controlled stimuli—such as a cold test or an electric pulp test—you look for a sensory response. A tooth that responds is considered vital; a tooth that does not respond is typically considered non-vital. These tests are valuable for planning treatment, helping distinguish cases where the pulp still has vitality from those needing endodontic treatment due to non-vital pulp. They do not tell you whether a tooth is caries-free or whether it is mechanically or occlusally stable, which are assessed by other clinical signs and tests. Remember that results can be influenced by recent trauma, medications, or technique, so compare with a reference tooth and consider radiographs for a full picture.