Final answer:
For a 12-year-old with traumatized maxillary anterior teeth, the dentist should restore the tooth with an acid-etch composite resin technique, test pulp vitality, and take a radiograph. Splinting may not be necessary, and premature endodontic therapy should be avoided without evidence of pulpal damage. Follow-up in 3 months is essential for evaluation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When dealing with a case of a 12-year-old boy who has suffered trauma to his maxillary anterior teeth, the dentist should take several steps to ensure appropriate care. The fractured tooth can be restored using an acid-etch composite resin technique if there is no pulp exposure. It is also critical to test the pulp vitality of both the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth using methods such as ice and an electric pulp tester. Taking a radiograph of the maxillary anterior teeth is essential to check for any further damage that might not be visible clinically. Unless there are signs of tooth mobility or displacement that could benefit from stabilization, splinting might not be necessary just due to the chip fracture. In cases where there is no pulp exposure or signs of neurovascular injury, beginning endodontic therapy may be premature without further evidence of pulpal damage. Placing the patient on a 3-month recall for evaluation is advisable to monitor the condition of the injured teeth and adjacent structures. Depending on the results of the examinations and radiographic findings, a treatment plan should be tailored to the specific needs of the patient, which might or might not include all the options listed a-f.