Which of the following diagnostic tests is not indicative of pulp vitality?

The determination of pulp vitality is essential in diagnosing the health of the dental pulp, and different tests provide various insights into pulp status. In this context, thermal testing, which involves exposure to hot or cold stimuli, is utilized to assess pulp vitality. A positive response to such stimuli indicates that the pulp is likely vital and responsive, whereas a lack of response might suggest necrosis.

Percussion tests assess the tenderness of the tooth and can indicate inflammation or other issues related to the surrounding periodontal tissues, rather than directly assessing pulp vitality. Similarly, the mobility of a tooth can correlate with periodontal conditions or bone loss, which does not necessarily provide information about the health of the pulp itself.

Thus, thermal tests are specifically designed to measure pulp vitality, while percussion and mobility do not directly indicate whether the pulp is alive or dead. This distinction is crucial for dental diagnosis.