Prepare for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Oral Boards. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

For a primary subluxation, which is the recommended initial treatment?

When a primary tooth is subluxated, the priority is to minimize further trauma and preserve the tooth to guide eruption of the permanent successor. The best initial approach is conservative: keep the tooth in place, promote good oral hygiene, and use a chlorhexidine regimen to reduce plaque and infection risk around the traumatized area, with close follow-up to monitor healing and mobility. Splinting is not routinely indicated in primary dentition because it can interfere with the developing permanent tooth germ, and antibiotics are not routinely required unless there are signs of infection. Extraction is reserved for teeth that are non-restorable or pose a clear risk to the eruption or health of the permanent tooth.

When a primary tooth is subluxated, the priority is to minimize further trauma and preserve the tooth to guide eruption of the permanent successor. The best initial approach is conservative: keep the tooth in place, promote good oral hygiene, and use a chlorhexidine regimen to reduce plaque and infection risk around the traumatized area, with close follow-up to monitor healing and mobility. Splinting is not routinely indicated in primary dentition because it can interfere with the developing permanent tooth germ, and antibiotics are not routinely required unless there are signs of infection. Extraction is reserved for teeth that are non-restorable or pose a clear risk to the eruption or health of the permanent tooth.