INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

Treatment for intrusion in primary tooth is:

1. No treatment, may damage underlying tooth

2. Pulpotomy

3. Reposition, splint 1-2 weeks, endo treatment

4. Extraction

The correct answer is: No treatment, may damage underlying tooth

In the case of intrusion in a primary tooth, which is when the tooth is pushed further into the socket than its normal position, the recommended treatment is typically no treatment. This is because primary teeth are more prone to damage if attempted to reposition them due to the risk of harming the underlying permanent tooth developing beneath it. Therefore, it is generally safer to monitor the intruded primary tooth and allow for it to re-erupt naturally without intervention. Pulpotomy (choice B) involves the partial removal of the dental pulp and is typically performed in cases of deep cavities reaching the pulp chamber, not for intrusion. Repositioning the intruded tooth and splinting it for 1-2 weeks followed by endodontic treatment (choice C) is usually not preferred for primary teeth due to their resorption patterns and the potential damage it may cause to the underlying permanent tooth. Extraction (choice D) of a primary tooth is usually considered a last resort if the tooth cannot be saved or is causing severe issues, but it is not the primary choice for treating intrusion in a primary tooth.