Primary Tooth Intrusion Management — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyPaediatric DentistryPrimary Tooth Intrusion ManagementORE Part 1

A 3-year-old child is assessed after an intrusion injury to an upper primary central incisor. The tooth is displaced into the alveolus. There is no occlusal interference, infection or associated alveolar fracture. What is the most appropriate initial management?

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Correct answer: C — Observe for spontaneous re-eruption and arrange review

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

A is correct. After assessment, an intruded primary incisor without a stated complication is usually managed conservatively, allowing spontaneous re-eruption with clinical and radiographic follow-up. Most intruded primary incisors re-erupt without active repositioning; review is important because pulpal infection, resorption or ankylosis may develop and trauma may affect the permanent successor. Immediate extraction is not routine and is reserved where complications or other specific indications arise. Surgical repositioning and splinting are not standard first-line treatment for this uncomplicated primary-tooth injury. Orthodontic extrusion is not indicated. Reassurance without review is unsafe because complications may become evident after the acute presentation. SDCEP also requires urgent assessment of displaced primary teeth, and NHS England recognises primary-tooth intrusion as trauma with possible consequences for the developing successor.

Reference: Gurunathan D, Murugan M, Somasundaram S. Management and Sequelae of Intruded Anterior Primary Teeth: A Systematic Review. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2016;9(3):240-250. https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/clinical-standard-oral-health-dental-care-children-young-people/