Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: lateral luxation of an incisor: 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 and paediatric dentistry: lateral luxation of an incisor

Sample item

After a fall, a child's permanent maxillary central incisor appears displaced palatally, is firmly fixed and gives a high metallic sound on percussion. Which injury is this?

ALateral luxationBConcussionCSubluxationDExtrusive luxation

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Lateral luxation

In lateral luxation the tooth is displaced sideways, often with fracture of the socket wall, so it is locked in the bone and gives a metallic percussion sound. Treatment is repositioning under local anaesthesia and flexible splinting. Pulp necrosis and root resorption are possible later.

Option by option

A. Lateral luxation (correct)
Correct. A fixed, displaced tooth with a metallic note indicates lateral luxation.
B. Concussion
Concussion shows tenderness without displacement or mobility.
C. Subluxation
Subluxation shows mobility and bleeding from the sulcus without displacement.
D. Extrusive luxation
Extrusive luxation shows partial displacement out of the socket with mobility and a dull sound.

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.

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is A, Lateral luxation. In lateral luxation the tooth is displaced sideways, often with fracture of the socket wall, so it is locked in the bone and gives a metallic percussion sound.

Why is "Concussion" not the answer?

Concussion shows tenderness without displacement or mobility.

Why is "Subluxation" not the answer?

Subluxation shows mobility and bleeding from the sulcus without displacement.

Why is "Extrusive luxation" not the answer?

Extrusive luxation shows partial displacement out of the socket with mobility and a dull sound.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: lateral luxation of an incisor in Dentistry. Treatment is repositioning under local anaesthesia and flexible splinting. Pulp necrosis and root resorption are possible later.

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 and paediatric dentistry: lateral luxation of an incisor?

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.