Endodontics · single question
What is the BEST test to diagnose a healthy (vital) pulp?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Cold test (thermal pulp test)
✓ A) Cold test is correct.
Cold testing (ethyl chloride spray, CO₂ sticks, or Endo-Ice) is the most clinically reliable test for pulp vitality. A healthy pulp responds to cold with a brief, sharp sensation that subsides quickly after removal of the stimulus (normal response). Cold is better than electric pulp testing (EPT) for diagnosing pulp status — EPT tests electrical conductivity of pulp, not true vitality. Cold tests A-delta fiber response (sharp pain) and can detect early pulpitis. Neither test is 100% accurate, but cold testing is the gold standard first-line test.
Cold testing (ethyl chloride spray, CO₂ sticks, or Endo-Ice) is the most clinically reliable test for pulp vitality. A healthy pulp responds to cold with a brief, sharp sensation that subsides quickly after removal of the stimulus (normal response). Cold is better than electric pulp testing (EPT) for diagnosing pulp status — EPT tests electrical conductivity of pulp, not true vitality. Cold tests A-delta fiber response (sharp pain) and can detect early pulpitis. Neither test is 100% accurate, but cold testing is the gold standard first-line test.