Question

Which method is recommended to preserve an avulsed tooth that cannot be reimplanted until the athlete can see a dentist?

a.) wrap the tooth as is in moist gauze and take the tooth and athlete to the dentist
b.) place the tooth in a 10% hydrogen peroxide solution to preserve it and take the athlete to the dentist within the next 24 hours
c.) scrub the tooth vigorously, then place it in milk and take the athlete to the dentist within the next 3 days
d.) apply a topical dental anesthetic (such as Orajel) to the tooth and take the tooth and the athlete to the dentist
e.) place the tooth in a commercially prepared preservation solution and take the tooth and the athlete to the dentist

Answer 1

The best method to preserve an avulsed tooth is to place it in a commercially prepared preservation solution or milk, handling it gently, and quickly visiting a dentist, preferably within 30 minutes to 1 hour for the best chance of saving the tooth.

Step-by-step explanation:

The recommended method to preserve an avulsed tooth that cannot be immediately reimplanted is to place the tooth in milk and to seek immediate dental assistance. It is important not to scrub the tooth or attempt to sterilize it with substances like hydrogen peroxide as this can damage the delicate cells on the root surface. Instead, the tooth should be handled gently by the crown (the part that is visible in the mouth), and if possible, it should be placed in a solution that mimics the body's own fluids. The best option, if available, is to place the tooth in a commercially prepared preservation solution such as Save-a-Tooth. If this is not available, placing the tooth in milk is the next best alternative. The athlete and the preserved tooth should be taken to the dentist as quickly as possible, ideally within 30 minutes to 1 hour, as timely reimplantation is critical for the best prognosis of the avulsed tooth.