Paediatric dentistry: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Paediatric dentistry

Sample item

Why are space maintainers used after premature primary molar loss?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Prevent drifting of adjacent teeth

Premature loss of a primary molar can allow adjacent teeth to drift into the space and compromise eruption of its permanent successor.

Option by option

  • A. Treat pulp infection directly

    They do not cure infection.

  • B. Prevent drifting of adjacent teeth (correct)

    Correct: maintainers preserve arch space.

  • C. Reduce salivary flow

    They do not alter salivary flow.

  • D. Whiten permanent incisors

    They are not whitening appliances.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Dentistry questions

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is B, Prevent drifting of adjacent teeth. Premature loss of a primary molar can allow adjacent teeth to drift into the space and compromise eruption of its permanent successor.

Why is "Treat pulp infection directly" not the answer?

They do not cure infection.

Why is "Reduce salivary flow" not the answer?

They do not alter salivary flow.

Why is "Whiten permanent incisors" not the answer?

They are not whitening appliances.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric dentistry in Dentistry. The correct option holds because: Correct: maintainers preserve arch space.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Paediatric dentistry?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.