Tooth replantation is an emergency surgical intervention aimed at reintegrating an entirely avulsed tooth.
During an injury, it is crucial to:
MANAGING AN AVULSED TOOTH BEFORE SEEING A DENTIST
When a traumatic tooth avulsion occurs, time is a decisive factor in saving the tooth. It is of utmost importance to act quickly, as this increases the chances of preserving the tooth.
If the tooth is still in the mouth, it should not be touched at all, especially if it is still attached to the gum and alveolar bone by ligaments. Periodontal ligaments are crucial for the reattachment process.
If the tooth has fallen to the ground, it should be located immediately. The tooth must be handled very carefully. It should only be held by the crown, never by the root.
If the tooth is dirty, it should be rinsed gently under cold water. Soap or other chemical substances should never be used. The tooth should not be scrubbed or dried during rinsing, as this can damage the periodontal fibers retained on the root.
The patient should never attempt to reinsert the tooth into its socket themselves, as this could cause infection and other complications.
Instead, the tooth should be placed under the tongue or submerged in milk or saline solution (preferably physiological solution). As a last resort, it can be wrapped in a damp cloth or other hydrophilic medium (cotton, gauze).
HOW IS TOOTH REPLANTATION PERFORMED?
Tooth replantation is an emergency surgical intervention performed with the goal of returning a completely avulsed tooth to its place (alveolus).
Then, immobilization is performed, typically using a composite splint, and less often wire or a splint. This method provides adequate conditions for faster healing of the periodontal ligaments.
After the intervention, the patient is instructed to apply gentle pressure with their tongue against the fixed tooth several times a day to avoid root ankylosis.
Any tooth that has been avulsed during a trauma (in children, this is most often the front teeth), provided it retains its integrity, can be reimplanted.
It is important to note that primary teeth should not be replanted.