HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What can be concluded if the vitality scanner indicates a tooth is vital?

1. The pulp is healthy

2. The tooth needs extraction

3. The tooth has a cavity

4. The jaw alignment is incorrect

The correct answer is: The pulp is healthy

When a vitality scanner indicates that a tooth is vital, it suggests that the tooth's pulp is still healthy and responsive. The vitality of a tooth means that the nerve and blood supply within the pulp chamber are intact, allowing for normal sensation and function. This indicates that the tooth is living and has not undergone necrosis or irreversible pulpitis, which can lead to further complications. While the other options relate to specific dental issues, they do not directly correlate with the information provided by a vitality scanner. For instance, a tooth needing extraction may be due to various reasons, such as severe decay, but this is not determined solely by vitality. A cavity may or may not affect the vitality, and jaw alignment issues are unrelated to the vitality status of an individual tooth. Therefore, the conclusion that the pulp is healthy is the most accurate interpretation of the data provided by the vitality scanner.