Yousuf Ibrahim explores gaps in dental trauma first aid and how dentists can help parents, teachers and coaches act before an injured patient reaches the surgery.
When a patient arrives with an avulsed permanent tooth, we ask how long it has been out of the mouth, how it was handled and whether it was kept moist. Those answers help determine what treatment is possible. Yet the decisions were usually made by someone without dental training.
The International Association of Dental Traumatology recommends immediate replantation of an avulsed permanent tooth when this can be done safely. If it cannot, the tooth should be kept from drying out while urgent dental care is arranged. An avulsed primary tooth must not be replanted (Fouad et al, 2020).
We know these distinctions. The people beside the patient at the time of injury may have never heard them.
The guidance beyond the surgery
Sign in to continue reading
Free access to our premium content:
- Clinical content
- In-depth analysis
- Features, reports, videos and more
By joining, you’re helping to support independent, quality journalism that keeps dental professionals informed and empowered – and allowing us to keep delivering the insights you value most.
