Pediatric Dentistry · single question
A 9-year-old male's tooth 9 is laterally luxated 1 hour after playing baseball. The neurologic exam shows no concerns. What is the best treatment option?
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Correct answer: A. Flexible splint for four weeks
For LATERAL LUXATION of a permanent tooth, the recommended treatment is: reposition the tooth (if displaced) and apply a FLEXIBLE splint for FOUR WEEKS. Flexible splinting allows PDL healing while preventing excessive mobility. Rigid splinting is reserved for alveolar fractures (4 weeks) and root fractures (4 months for cervical third). RCT is not immediately indicated (tooth may remain vital). Lateral luxation splinting protocol = FLEXIBLE for 4 WEEKS.
- A. CORRECT. Per IADT guidelines: LATERAL LUXATION → reposition + FLEXIBLE splint for FOUR WEEKS. The flexible splint allows physiologic PDL movement during healing while maintaining tooth position.
- B. INCORRECT. Root canal treatment is not immediately indicated for lateral luxation. The pulp may recover especially in young patients with open apices. Endodontic treatment is considered if pulp testing indicates necrosis during follow-up.
- C. INCORRECT. Orthodontic treatment is for long-term repositioning of teeth — not immediate management of acute traumatic lateral luxation.
- D. INCORRECT. Rigid splint is NOT recommended for lateral luxation — the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) guidelines specify a FLEXIBLE splint. Rigid splinting is for alveolar fractures and root fractures.
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