Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: Hall technique: 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 · Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: Hall technique

Sample item

A 5-year-old has an asymptomatic, cavitated multi-surface carious primary molar with no signs of irreversible pulp involvement, and the child will not tolerate anaesthesia. Which approach is recommended?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Preformed metal crown cemented without caries removal

In the Hall technique a preformed stainless steel crown is cemented over the carious primary molar with no local anaesthesia, caries removal or tooth preparation, and the sealed caries arrests. It is suited to asymptomatic teeth with caries but no signs of irreversible pulpitis. Pulp signs would call for pulp treatment or extraction.

Option by option

  • A. Complete caries removal followed by a pulpectomy

    Pulpectomy is for a tooth with irreversible pulpitis or necrosis, not an asymptomatic one.

  • B. Extraction followed by a band and loop space maintainer

    Extraction is not justified in a restorable asymptomatic tooth.

  • C. Preformed metal crown cemented without caries removal (correct)

    Correct. The sealed crown arrests the caries without anaesthesia or drilling.

  • D. Fluoride varnish applied to the cavity alone as treatment

    Varnish alone cannot seal or arrest a large cavity.

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.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is C, Preformed metal crown cemented without caries removal. In the Hall technique a preformed stainless steel crown is cemented over the carious primary molar with no local anaesthesia, caries removal or tooth preparation, and the sealed caries arrests.

Why is "Complete caries removal followed by a pulpectomy" not the answer?

Pulpectomy is for a tooth with irreversible pulpitis or necrosis, not an asymptomatic one.

Why is "Extraction followed by a band and loop space maintainer" not the answer?

Extraction is not justified in a restorable asymptomatic tooth.

Why is "Fluoride varnish applied to the cavity alone as treatment" not the answer?

Varnish alone cannot seal or arrest a large cavity.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: Hall technique in Dentistry. It is suited to asymptomatic teeth with caries but no signs of irreversible pulpitis. Pulp signs would call for pulp treatment or extraction.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: Hall technique?

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.