Pulp vitality tests attempt to examine the presence of pulp blood flow, as this is viewed as a better measure of true health than sensibility. Laser Doppler flowmetry and pulse oximetry are examples of vitality tests.

How is vitality of pulp determined?

One of the most well-established tools for the evaluation of pulp vitality is the electric pulp test or EPT. The EPT measures the vitality of the dental pulp indirectly, by sending a gradually increasing electrical current through the tooth to stimulate a sensory response.

When do you do pulp vitality test?

It is used both on patients experiencing no dental pain and for those who report feeling pain due to hot or cold stimuli in a specific area of their mouth. If a patient is in pain, the testing is performed first on the pain-free teeth, then on the part of the mouth that's causing problems.