AVULSED TOOTH

Empty socket of an avulsed tooth

This refers to a tooth out of its socket usually following trauma which could result from an accident (by car/motor cycle) a fall, or domestic violence. It is a dental emergency necessitating immediate treatment. It is a common occurrence in children and usually due to a fall in this age group.

An avulsed tooth can be re implanted back into the socket if certain criteria are met.

Only the permanent teeth can be re implanted and not the deciduous teeth.

Parents, guardian and neighbors should note the safe keeping of these teeth as will be described.

How to keep an avulsed tooth

Pick tooth up by the crown

Do not touch the root

The teeth are best kept in a moist medium as a transport route to the dentist for re implantation. They are best re implanted within the first hour for optimum prognosis.

Transport media

Hanks balanced salt solution (HBSS), Saliva, Normal saline, Fresh whole milk.

HBSS is the best medium of transportation while others serve as substitutes.

It is important for a school establishment involved with children to make hanks balanced salt solution (HBSS) a component of their first aid kit because the school playground is a possible location of the accidents that result in avulsion of teeth.

Information for parents

Rinse the tooth with water without touching the root

If the tooth is devoid of dirt (in case of avulsion on a rug in the house) place it back in the socket and tell affected person to bite on a clean handkerchief, but in case it happens on the road/playground it is better to transport in the available medium to the dentist for evaluation and treatment.

Please do not keep the tooth in a handkerchief, tissue paper or other dry media

The cheek of the patient or parents of patients are better media in the absence of the media listed above. Water should be the last resort in case of absence of HBSS, saliva and Normal saline but note that it is associated with poor prognosis.

Consult only the dentist for the treatment of this condition as soon as possible

Prompt treatment is the best because the earlier the implantation the better the prognosis