Tooth Replantation and Avulsion Injuries

Tooth avulsion is a dental emergency that occurs when a tooth is completely displaced from its socket. The success of replantation, which involves placing the avulsed tooth back into its socket, is influenced by several factors, including the time elapsed since the avulsion and the condition of the periodontal ligament (PDL) tissue.

Key Factors Influencing Replantation Success

1. Time Elapsed Since Avulsion:

   • The length of time between the loss of the tooth and its replantation is critical. The sooner a tooth can be replanted, the better the prognosis for retention and vitality.
   • Prognosis Statistics:
     • Replantation within 30 minutes: Approximately 90% of replanted teeth show no evidence of root resorption after 2 or more years.
     • Replantation after 2 hours: About 95% of these teeth exhibit root resorption.

2. Condition of the Tooth:

   • The condition of the tooth at the time of replantation, particularly the health of the periodontal ligament tissue remaining on the root surface, significantly affects the outcome.
   • Immediate replacement of a permanent tooth can sometimes lead to vitality and indefinite retention, but this is not guaranteed.

3. Temporary Measure:

   • While replantation can be successful, it should generally be viewed as a temporary solution. Many replanted teeth may be retained for 5 to 10 years, with a few lasting a lifetime, but others may fail shortly after replantation.

Common Avulsion Injuries

• Most Commonly Avulsed Tooth: The maxillary central incisor is the tooth most frequently avulsed in both primary and permanent dentition.
• Demographics:
  • Avulsion injuries typically involve a single tooth and are three times more common in boys than in girls.
  • The highest incidence occurs in children aged 7 to 9 years, coinciding with the eruption of permanent incisors.
• Structural Factors: The loosely structured periodontal ligament surrounding erupting teeth may predispose them to complete avulsion.

Recommendations for Management of Avulsed Teeth

1. Immediate Action: If a tooth is avulsed, it should be replanted as soon as possible. If immediate replantation is not feasible, the tooth should be kept moist.

   • Storage Options: The tooth can be stored in:
     • Cold milk (preferably whole milk)
     • Saline solution
     • Patient's own saliva (by placing it in the buccal vestibule)
     • A sterile saline solution
   • Avoid: Storing the tooth in water, as this can damage the periodontal ligament cells.

2. Professional Care: Seek dental care immediately after an avulsion injury to ensure proper replantation and follow-up care.