Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: root fracture: 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: root fracture

Sample item

A 10-year-old's maxillary central incisor, struck 2 days ago, is slightly mobile and displaced, and a radiograph shows a horizontal fracture of the middle third of the root. What is the initial treatment?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Reposition the coronal fragment and place a flexible splint

Root fractures heal best when the fragments are brought together and the tooth is splinted for several weeks. Pulp necrosis in the coronal part is treated only if it occurs.

Option by option

  • A. Reposition the coronal fragment and place a flexible splint (correct)

    Correct. Repositioning and splinting favour healing of the fracture.

  • B. Immediate extraction

    Extraction loses a tooth that can heal.

  • C. Root canal treatment of the whole root

    Root canal of the whole root is not routine and may be unnecessary.

  • D. Apicoectomy

    Apicoectomy is for periapical disease, not acute fractures.

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 A, Reposition the coronal fragment and place a flexible splint. Root fractures heal best when the fragments are brought together and the tooth is splinted for several weeks.

Why is "Immediate extraction" not the answer?

Extraction loses a tooth that can heal.

Why is "Root canal treatment of the whole root" not the answer?

Root canal of the whole root is not routine and may be unnecessary.

Why is "Apicoectomy" not the answer?

Apicoectomy is for periapical disease, not acute fractures.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: root fracture in Dentistry. Pulp necrosis in the coronal part is treated only if it occurs.

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: root fracture?

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.