The cavity test is a dental procedure used to assess the vitality of a tooth's pulp. This test is typically conducted on a tooth suspected of being infected or having nerve damage. The procedure involves drilling a small hole, without anesthetic, through the enamel or existing restoration into the dentin of the tooth. This stimulates the pulp, and if the pulp is vital, it will cause a painful response.
The cavity test is one of several methods used to determine the vitality of a tooth's pulp, along with tests like cold, hot, and electric tests. The selection of which test to use depends on the specific circumstances and the dentist's clinical judgment.
