Which is true about a middle third root fracture?

• A. Requires immediate extraction
• B. The tooth fragment cannot be displaced
• C. Athlete can RTP as pain permits with a mouth guard and should be referred to a trauma-ready dentist or ER for management within 24 hours
• D. Replantation is not necessary unless symptoms worsen

Answer: (C)

A middle third root fracture is a horizontal break through the root around the middle portion, and the goal is to stabilize the tooth to allow healing while monitoring for pulp vitality and displacement. The true point is that an athlete can return to play if they are free of pain and can function with a protective mouth guard, but definitive management must be pursued soon after—ideally by a trauma-ready dentist or ER within 24 hours. On-field steps focus on gentle stabilization and pain control, with radiographs and vitality testing to guide whether splinting or further treatment is needed. Immediate extraction is not routinely required because many of these fractures heal with proper stabilization. The notion that the fracture fragment cannot be displaced isn’t accurate— some displacement may occur, which is why professional evaluation and possible splinting are important. Replantation is not the standard approach for a root fracture unless the tooth is avulsed; the emphasis here is urgent evaluation and appropriate stabilization, followed by care under a dental specialist.