A 29-year-old patient has a retained primary molar with no issues. What is the recommended treatment?

The recommended treatment for a retained primary molar with no issues is to take no action. When a primary tooth is retained and displays no complications such as caries, mobility, or infection, it is often advisable to monitor the situation rather than intervene unnecessarily. Retained primary teeth can sometimes remain in place until the appropriate time for exfoliation occurs, particularly if they are not causing any developmental or alignment issues in the adjacent permanent teeth.

Monitoring allows for observation of any changes that might occur over time, and if the primary tooth remains symptomless, extraction or other interventions may not be warranted. This approach also helps to avoid unnecessary procedures, keeping the treatment conservative and focused on maintaining the patient's current dental status. While other treatments like extraction, endodontic treatment, or additional interventional measures might be considered for problematic teeth, in cases where there is no issue, it is prudent to refrain from treatment.