Orthodontics: intrusion of primary teeth: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Orthodontics: intrusion of primary teeth

Sample item

A 2-year-old falls and the upper primary central incisors are pushed into the gum, with the crowns almost invisible. A radiograph shows the root apex displaced labially, away from the permanent tooth germ. What is the management?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Observe for spontaneous re-eruption over several weeks

In primary tooth intrusion where the apex is displaced labially, away from the germ, the tooth is left to re-eruption in 2 to 6 months. If the apex points toward the permanent germ, extraction is required to prevent damage.

Option by option

  • A. Orthodontic wire fixation

    Wire fixation is not required for intruded teeth.

  • B. Immediate replantation after extraction

    Replantation is for avulsion and is not done in primary teeth.

  • C. Immediate forced extrusion

    Forced extrusion is not recommended.

  • D. Observe for spontaneous re-eruption over several weeks (correct)

    Correct. Labially displaced apices usually re-erupt spontaneously.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is D, Observe for spontaneous re-eruption over several weeks. In primary tooth intrusion where the apex is displaced labially, away from the germ, the tooth is left to re-eruption in 2 to 6 months.

Why is "Orthodontic wire fixation" not the answer?

Wire fixation is not required for intruded teeth.

Why is "Immediate replantation after extraction" not the answer?

Replantation is for avulsion and is not done in primary teeth.

Why is "Immediate forced extrusion" not the answer?

Forced extrusion is not recommended.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics: intrusion of primary teeth in Dentistry. If the apex points toward the permanent germ, extraction is required to prevent damage.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Orthodontics: intrusion of primary teeth?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.