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

In primary lateral luxation, what is the management when the crown is displaced labially?

In primary teeth, luxation injuries are managed conservatively to protect the developing permanent successors. When a crown is displaced labially in a lateral luxation, the best approach is watchful observation rather than forced repositioning. Forcing movement can risk damage to the permanent tooth germ and its eruption path, so allowing the tooth to stabilize and spontaneously realign as healing occurs is preferred. Provide routine comfort care, soft diet, and close follow-up with serial exams and radiographs to assess healing, pulp status, and eruption of the successor. If signs of complication develop—such as nonvital pulps, infection, or persistent malposition—extraction may be considered.

In primary teeth, luxation injuries are managed conservatively to protect the developing permanent successors. When a crown is displaced labially in a lateral luxation, the best approach is watchful observation rather than forced repositioning. Forcing movement can risk damage to the permanent tooth germ and its eruption path, so allowing the tooth to stabilize and spontaneously realign as healing occurs is preferred. Provide routine comfort care, soft diet, and close follow-up with serial exams and radiographs to assess healing, pulp status, and eruption of the successor. If signs of complication develop—such as nonvital pulps, infection, or persistent malposition—extraction may be considered.