After a trauma to a tooth, if there is no response to pulp tests the next day, what should be done?

In the case of a tooth that has experienced trauma and shows no response to pulp tests the following day, the prudent approach is to review the situation again later. This is because traumatic injuries to teeth can result in temporary pulp damage or a period of pulp necrosis that is not immediately evident.

Monitoring the tooth is important for several reasons. First, the condition of the pulp may change over time. In some instances, the pulp may recover after the initial trauma, although this is not guaranteed. Delaying immediate intervention allows practitioners to better assess the progression of symptoms and the tooth's vitality.

Starting endodontic treatment immediately may not be necessary if there is a possibility that the pulp could recover. This option could lead to unnecessary treatment if the tooth is still viable. Extraction should be considered only if the prognosis is poor and if there are no signs of the tooth being viable after further assessment. Administering antibiotics is generally reserved for cases where there is confirmed infection or significant inflammation, which may not be present in all instances of dental trauma.

In summary, reviewing the situation later allows for appropriate observation of the tooth’s condition and avoids premature invasive procedures while considering the potential for recovery.