Endodontics · single question
Which luxation injury has the WORST prognosis in the permanent dentition?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Intrusion luxation
Intrusion drives the tooth apex into the alveolar bone, crushing and severing the apical blood supply and PDL. It has the highest rates of: pulp necrosis (nearly 100% in fully developed teeth), external inflammatory root resorption, replacement resorption (ankylosis), and marginal bone loss. It is the most severe and has the worst prognosis of all luxation injuries.
- A. ❌ Subluxation has an excellent prognosis — minimal mobility with no displacement.
- B. ❌ Extrusion has a good prognosis if repositioned and splinted promptly.
- C. ✅ Intrusion — worst prognosis; highest rates of necrosis, resorption, and ankylosis.
- D. ❌ Lateral luxation has intermediate prognosis — better than intrusion.