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Because of the danger of damaging the
underlying permanent teeth, no attempt should be made
to reinsert an avulsed
primary tooth. It is impossible to relocate the tooth
accurately, and there is danger of pushing it too
far into the soft alveolar bone.[1]
However, an avulsed permanent tooth
should be reinserted immediately or as soon as possible,
with appropriate splinting and follow-up by a dentist.[1]
Although this module deals with injuries to the primary
teeth and oral tissues, because children as young
as age 5 or 6 may have permanent teeth, and because
the steps taken immediately following an avulsion
injury are critical, guidance for the health professional
is provided here.
If a parent asks what to do about an
avulsed permanent tooth, the health professional should
provide the following instructions:
- Find the avulsed tooth.
- Hold it by the crown
(top part) only, not the root.
- Rinse it under cold water; do not scrub.
- Reinsert it into the socket quickly, making sure
that the front of the tooth is facing you. If this
is not possible, place the tooth in cold milk or
cold water and take the child and the tooth to a
dentist immediately.
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