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A child has a primary tooth that caused a severe throbbing toothache the previous night, what is the recommended treatment?
Extraction
Filling
Root canal treatment
Observation
The correct answer is: Extraction
Primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, eventually fall out on their own to make way for permanent teeth. Therefore, in the case of a severe throbbing toothache, the recommended treatment is extraction. This is because primary teeth are not as strong as permanent teeth, and attempting a filling or root canal treatment may not be effective. In addition, a child may have a difficult time sitting through a root canal procedure, and it is usually not necessary for a primary tooth. Observation is not recommended as a toothache usually indicates an underlying issue that requires treatment.