Avulsed Tooth in Children
Emergency management of a completely knocked-out tooth in a child.
An avulsed (knocked-out) tooth requires different management depending on whether it's primary or permanent. Primary avulsed teeth should NOT be replanted as doing so risks damaging the permanent tooth bud underneath. Permanent avulsed teeth require immediate emergency action for the best outcome. For permanent teeth: find the tooth, handle by the crown only (never touch the root), gently rinse with milk or saline if dirty, attempt immediate replantation by pressing firmly into the socket, and have the child bite on a cloth to hold it. If replantation isn't possible, store the tooth in milk, saliva, or Hank's Balanced Salt Solution. Seek emergency dental care immediately. Time is critical — replantation within 30 minutes has a 90% success rate; after 60 minutes, prognosis drops significantly.