Pediatric Dentistry II Exam Practice

When a deciduous tooth is avulsed, the priority is to protect the developing permanent tooth germ. Replantation is generally not advised because placing a primary tooth back into the socket can injure the underlying permanent tooth bud, which can lead to eruption disturbances, resorption, or ankylosis of the primary tooth. The recommended management is to gently rinse the tooth to remove debris without scrubbing or touching the root, do not try to reinsert it, and if possible store the tooth in a suitable medium like milk or sterile saline to preserve the periodontal ligament cells. If those media aren’t available, keep the tooth in the mouth between the cheek and gums until urgent dental care is reached. Seek prompt evaluation to assess for any accompanying injuries and to monitor the developing permanent tooth. This approach prioritizes protecting the permanent successor while providing a plan for safe handling and timely care.