Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: dental trauma: 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: dental trauma

Sample item

A 3-year-old has a primary incisor knocked out in a fall and brought to the clinic in milk. What is the correct management?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Do not replant, as it may damage the permanent tooth germ

Avulsed primary teeth are not replanted because replantation risks damaging the developing permanent tooth germ and causing ankylosis. Parents are counselled and the area is monitored.

Option by option

  • A. Replant within 1 hour

    Time does not alter this rule for primary teeth.

  • B. Do not replant, as it may damage the permanent tooth germ (correct)

    Correct. Replantation can harm the underlying permanent tooth germ.

  • C. Perform pulpectomy and replant

    Replantation is avoided regardless of pulp treatment.

  • D. Splint for 4 weeks

    Splinting is part of permanent tooth replantation.

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 B, Do not replant, as it may damage the permanent tooth germ. Avulsed primary teeth are not replanted because replantation risks damaging the developing permanent tooth germ and causing ankylosis.

Why is "Replant within 1 hour" not the answer?

Time does not alter this rule for primary teeth.

Why is "Perform pulpectomy and replant" not the answer?

Replantation is avoided regardless of pulp treatment.

Why is "Splint for 4 weeks" not the answer?

Splinting is part of permanent tooth replantation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: dental trauma in Dentistry. Parents are counselled and the area is monitored.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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: dental trauma?

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.