A primary tooth with pulp necrosis following trauma is diagnosed. What is the appropriate treatment?

Correct answer: C. Pulpectomy and stainless steel crown (SSC)

• A. INCORRECT. Observation is not appropriate for a necrotic primary tooth. Without treatment, infection can spread to the alveolar bone, permanent tooth bud, or systemically.
• B. INCORRECT. Direct pulp capping requires a vital, minimally exposed pulp. In pulp necrosis, the pulp is completely non-vital and dead — pulp capping is not applicable.
• C. CORRECT. For a primary tooth with pulp necrosis, the treatment is pulpectomy (removal of all pulp tissue from the canal) followed by placement of a resorbable root canal filling material (e.g., ZOE paste), and restoration with a stainless steel crown (SSC) to restore function and prevent reinfection. This maintains the space for the permanent successor while eliminating infection.
• D. INCORRECT. Immediate extraction is considered only if the tooth is non-restorable, has severe pathological root resorption threatening the permanent tooth bud, or if the patient cannot cooperate with pulpectomy. For a restorable tooth, pulpectomy and SSC is preferred to maintain space and function.