HOSA Dental Terminology Test 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The function of a vitality scanner is to determine the vitality of a tooth. This tool is essential in endodontics as it helps in assessing whether a tooth is alive or necrotic (dead). Vitality scanning often involves the use of electric pulp testing or thermal testing to stimulate the tooth and observe its response. A vital tooth responds to stimuli, indicating that the nerve is healthy, while a non-vital tooth does not show any response, suggesting issues such as pulp necrosis or damage. Understanding the vitality of a tooth is crucial for diagnosing conditions that require further treatment, such as root canal therapy.

The other options do not align with the primary purpose of a vitality scanner. While measuring cavity size and assessing gum health are important aspects of dental examinations, they involve different instruments and techniques. Similarly, checking jaw alignment pertains to orthodontics and involves tools like cephalometric analysis or other imaging techniques.