Child with mixed dentition: tooth K (maxillary primary 2nd molar) has large caries. What is the appropriate treatment?

Correct answer: A. Stainless steel crown (SSC)

• A. Correct. A large carious lesion in a primary molar with significant structural loss is appropriately managed with a stainless steel crown, providing full coverage and durability until natural exfoliation.
• B. SDF alone is appropriate for small interproximal caries without significant structural compromise (as in teeth T and S in this case), not for a large carious lesion needing structural restoration.
• C. A simple composite restoration would be insufficient to restore a tooth with large/extensive caries and structural loss.
• D. Extraction is not warranted when the tooth can be restored and maintained until natural exfoliation.

Note: Teeth with small interproximal caries without pulp symptoms (teeth T and S in this case) → SDF is appropriate instead.