Question: What does it mean if a tooth has been avulsed, and can it be saved?
Explanation: An avulsed tooth is one that has been knocked completely out of its socket, root and all. It is one of the few true dental emergencies where minutes genuinely matter. The periodontal ligament cells on the root surface begin dying within about 15 minutes of exposure to air. If the tooth is replanted within 30 minutes, survival rates are high. Handle the tooth by the crown only, never the root. Rinse gently with milk or saline if dirty, then either reinsert it or store it in milk. Adult teeth can be replanted. Baby teeth should not be.
Related Questions:
What is the best liquid to store a knocked-out tooth in?
Cold milk is the best widely available option because its osmolality and pH closely match the cells on the root surface. Saline or the patient’s own saliva are acceptable alternatives. Never use tap water. It is hypotonic and causes the ligament cells to burst within minutes.
Can a baby tooth be put back in after being knocked out?
No. Replanting an avulsed primary tooth risks damaging the permanent tooth bud developing directly above it. The socket will heal on its own. See a dentist to check for retained root fragments and discuss whether a space maintainer is needed.
How long can a tooth survive outside the mouth?
Realistically, around 60 minutes in a suitable storage medium, though the prognosis worsens with every passing minute. Beyond two hours dry, the ligament cells are considered non-viable. Replanting may still be attempted, but ankylosis and root resorption become likely.
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