Interceptive Canine Management — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateOrthodonticsInterceptive Canine ManagementORE Part 1

A 10-year-old child has a radiographically confirmed, non-severely palatally displaced upper permanent canine. There is no arch crowding and the retained deciduous canine is healthy. According to current RCS guidance, what is the most appropriate initial management?

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Correct answer: D — Extract the deciduous canine and review radiographically in 12 months

Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · D = shown as B · B = shown as C · A = shown as D

A is correct. RCS guidance supports considering interceptive extraction of the adjacent primary canine for a carefully selected palatally ectopic permanent canine. The child is within the appropriate age range (about 10–13 years), the displacement is not severe, and absence of crowding favours this approach. The canine position should be reviewed radiographically after 12 months; if it has not improved, alternative management is considered. B is inappropriate because removal of a potentially salvageable permanent canine is reserved for selected circumstances. C is less appropriate because this child meets criteria for interceptive treatment. D may be relevant where space maintenance is required, but it does not replace extraction of the primary canine. E is used when interceptive extraction is unsuitable or unsuccessful.

Reference: Royal College of Surgeons of England Faculty of Dental Surgery. Management of the Palatally Ectopic Maxillary Canine, Treatment section: “Interceptive treatment by extraction of the primary canine”, 2022 (PDF revised 25 January 2023). https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/-/media/Files/RCS/FDS/Guidelines/Management-of-the-Palatally-Ectopic-Maxillary-Canine--revised-with-edits-25-Jan-2023.pdf