What is the recommended action for an avulsed (knocked-out) tooth?

The recommended action for an avulsed tooth is to re-implant it promptly. This approach is crucial because the chances of successfully saving the tooth diminish rapidly with time. Ideally, the tooth should be placed back into its socket as soon as possible, within a matter of minutes, which maximizes the potential for successful reattachment and healing.

If re-implantation is not immediately possible, it is important to keep the tooth moist to preserve the periodontal ligament cells, which are vital for the survival of the tooth once it is re-implanted. Storing the tooth in a container with the patient’s saliva, milk, or a saline solution can help maintain its viability. Keeping the tooth dry or using antiseptic can damage these critical cells and reduce the likelihood of a successful outcome. Disposing of the tooth is not a viable option, as it eliminates any possibility of saving the tooth through prompt re-implantation.