Pulp Sensibility Test
A diagnostic procedure that assesses the neural response of the pulp to thermal or electrical stimuli as an indirect indicator of pulp health, not a direct measure of pulp vascularity.
Full Definition
Pulp sensibility tests—including cold testing (e.g., with Endo Ice), heat testing, and electric pulp testing (EPT)—evaluate the integrity of sensory nerve fibres within the pulp rather than its blood supply (vitality). Because necrosis can occur in a tooth that still yields a sensory response (e.g., in calcified or partially necrotic pulps), the terminology distinction between 'sensibility' and 'vitality' is clinically and editorially critical. 'Pulp vitality testing' specifically refers to assessment of blood flow using laser Doppler or pulse oximetry. Many authors incorrectly use 'vitality test' when describing cold or EPT tests; editors should verify and correct usage. Sensibility tests provide presumptive, not definitive, diagnostic information.
Usage
Usage note: 'Sensibility test' measures neural response; 'vitality test' measures blood flow. These terms are NOT interchangeable and must be corrected if misused.
In Context
- "A pulp sensibility test using a cold stimulus yielded no response in the maxillary central incisor." — Diagnostic record
- "The author must replace 'vitality test' with 'sensibility test' when describing cold and EPT procedures throughout the manuscript." — Copy-editor's note