HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Nonvital pulp refers to pulp tissue that is no longer alive or functional, meaning it does not respond to sensory stimuli. In healthy teeth, the pulp is vital and able to transmit sensations, such as temperature or pain. When the pulp becomes necrotic or is significantly damaged, it loses its vitality, resulting in a lack of response to these stimuli. This condition can occur due to various factors, including injury, decay, or infection, leading to the death of the pulp tissue. Understanding the state of the pulp is important in dental practice for determining the appropriate treatments, such as root canal therapy, to manage dental health effectively.