Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: subluxation of a permanent incisor: 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: subluxation of a permanent incisor

Sample item

After a fall, a 9-year-old's upper central incisor is tender and slightly mobile, with bleeding from the gingival sulcus, but it is not displaced. What is this injury?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Subluxation

In subluxation the supporting tissues are injured so the tooth is loosened and the sulcus bleeds, but it has not been displaced. In concussion, the tooth is tender but neither loose nor displaced. In luxation injuries the tooth is displaced, either laterally or out of its socket.

Option by option

  • A. Concussion

    Concussion has tenderness without abnormal mobility or sulcular bleeding.

  • B. Lateral luxation

    Lateral luxation displaces the tooth sideways, often with a fixed position.

  • C. Extrusive luxation

    Extrusive luxation shows the tooth partly out of the socket and elongated.

  • D. Subluxation (correct)

    Correct. Increased mobility with sulcular bleeding and no displacement is subluxation.

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 D, Subluxation. In subluxation the supporting tissues are injured so the tooth is loosened and the sulcus bleeds, but it has not been displaced.

Why is "Concussion" not the answer?

Concussion has tenderness without abnormal mobility or sulcular bleeding.

Why is "Lateral luxation" not the answer?

Lateral luxation displaces the tooth sideways, often with a fixed position.

Why is "Extrusive luxation" not the answer?

Extrusive luxation shows the tooth partly out of the socket and elongated.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: subluxation of a permanent incisor in Dentistry. In concussion, the tooth is tender but neither loose nor displaced. In luxation injuries the tooth is displaced, either laterally or out of its socket.

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 Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: subluxation of a permanent incisor?

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.