A 10-year-old patient presents with a fractured central incisor following trauma. What is the most appropriate radiograph to obtain initially?

A periapical radiograph is the first-line radiographic choice for a traumatized anterior tooth in a child. It provides detailed information about the root morphology, root development stage (open vs. closed apex), presence of root fracture, alveolar bone support, and relationship to the apex — all of which are critical for treatment planning. For a 10-year-old, the apex may be incompletely formed (immature), which significantly affects the treatment approach. CBCT may be considered for complex root fractures when standard radiographs are inconclusive, but it is not the initial choice due to radiation exposure. An OPG is useful for a general survey but lacks the detail needed for the injured tooth.