Understanding Avulsion and How to React When a Tooth is Knocked Out

What is the immediate action to take when a tooth is avulsed?

a) Rinse the tooth with soap
b) Seek dental attention within 30 minutes to an hour
c) Leave the tooth on the ground

Answer:

When a tooth is avulsed, it is completely knocked out of its socket. Immediate action should be taken to increase the chances of saving the tooth. Time is of the essence to get dental attention within the first 30 minutes to an hour for the best results of reimplantation.

Explanation: When a tooth is avulsed, it means that the entire tooth has been knocked out of its socket, either partially or completely. This can happen due to trauma, such as a sports injury or accident. When a tooth is avulsed, immediate action is necessary to increase the chances of saving the tooth.

In the case of an avulsed tooth, it is important to handle the tooth carefully by the crown and avoid touching the root. Rinse the tooth gently with water, keeping in mind not to scrub or remove any tissue fragments. If possible, try to re-implant the tooth back into its socket and hold it in place. If re-implantation is not possible, the tooth should be placed in a suitable storage medium like milk or saline until you can see a dentist.

It's crucial to seek dental attention as soon as possible after an avulsion occurs. The success of reimplantation is highly dependent on the time between the injury and the oral examination, with the best results achieved within the first 30 minutes to an hour.