A primary tooth (tooth E — lower right second primary molar) is luxated and shows minimal remaining root on radiograph. It appears nearly ready to exfoliate. What is the appropriate treatment?

Correct answer: B. Extract the tooth

• A. Incorrect. Pulpectomy and SSC is overtreatment for a tooth that is nearly exfoliating naturally.
• B. CORRECT. When a primary tooth is luxated and has minimal root remaining (near natural exfoliation), extraction is indicated. Maintaining a severely traumatized tooth with little root risks infection of the permanent successor and is not clinically justified. Early removal facilitates normal successor eruption.
• C. Incorrect. Splinting a primary tooth with minimal root is not indicated — it delays natural exfoliation and may traumatize the permanent bud.
• D. Incorrect. Monitoring alone is insufficient when the tooth is luxated and the root is nearly absent — intervention is needed.