Pediatric Dentistry · single question
For the necrotic, discolored primary tooth with a draining sinus tract described above, where the radiograph shows essentially no remaining root structure, what is the most appropriate treatment?
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Correct answer: A. Extraction (since adequate root structure for pulp therapy is absent, and retaining a grossly infected tooth with no viable root structure offers no benefit while risking ongoing infection and damage to the developing permanent successor)
When a necrotic primary tooth has essentially no remaining root structure on radiograph (e.g., from severe internal/external resorption or advanced infection), pulp therapy (pulpotomy, pulpectomy) is not feasible, and extraction is the appropriate treatment — retaining a structurally compromised, infected tooth offers no benefit and risks further infection or damage to the underlying permanent tooth germ.
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