What is the correct treatment for an intruded primary tooth in an 8-year-old child?

Correct answer: C. Wait for spontaneous re-eruption and monitor

• A. Incorrect. Forced repositioning of an intruded primary tooth risks damage to the developing permanent tooth germ beneath it.
• B. Incorrect. Immediate extraction is not the first choice unless there is a risk to the permanent successor, signs of infection, or the tooth fails to re-erupt.
• C. Correct. For an INTRUDED PRIMARY TOOTH, the recommended management is to OBSERVE AND MONITOR for spontaneous re-eruption. The primary tooth typically re-erupts on its own within weeks to months. If signs of infection, necrosis, or harm to the permanent successor develop, extraction is then indicated.
• D. Incorrect. Root canal is not the immediate first step for an intruded vital primary tooth — monitoring for re-eruption takes priority.