Oral Surgery · single question
An 8-year-old hits his face and presents with a 4 mm intrusion of an incisor. Correct management?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Allow it to re-erupt (observe)
- A. Correct. For an intruded tooth with an open apex (immature, young patient) and intrusion up to ~7 mm, the recommended approach (IADT) is to allow spontaneous re-eruption and monitor. Primary intruded teeth are also usually observed unless displaced toward the permanent germ.
- B. Incorrect. Extraction is not indicated for a re-positionable intrusion with viable pulp/periodontium; teeth should be conserved when possible.
- C. Incorrect. Active repositioning + splinting is reserved for closed-apex (mature) teeth or severe intrusions (>7 mm) where spontaneous re-eruption is unlikely.