NOLS Wilderness Medicine Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Practice Test

In the context of wilderness medicine, prioritizing swift re-implantation of an avulsed tooth is crucial because it significantly enhances the chances of saving the tooth. When a tooth is knocked out, the periodontal ligament cells that help anchor it can survive outside of the mouth for only a limited time, typically about 30 minutes to an hour. If the tooth is re-implanted promptly, these cells can still be viable, increasing the likelihood of successful reintegration into the gum tissue.

Immediate action is important, as each passing moment without proper handling reduces the odds of the tooth being saved. This reinforces the necessity of acting swiftly, as time is of the essence in such situations. While seeking immediate medical assistance is important and should occur in conjunction with stabilizing the situation, the immediate focus is on re-implantation to prevent further loss of the avulsed tooth.

Moreover, storing the tooth correctly is also vital; however, it should never be stored in ice or kept dry. Instead, the ideal method for tooth storage is to place it in a container with the person’s own saliva, milk, or a saline solution to keep it moist and promote the health of the periodontal ligaments while awaiting further medical attention.

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